At 9 p.m. on October 20, 2007, a cold wind was blowing from the west in Los Angeles.

There is very little foot traffic on the streets, and most areas even have street lights turned off.

Only the city center, as well as some wealthy areas, are still lit by street lights.

A villa in Beverly Hills, where a party is going on at this time.

There are a lot of pretty girls, whites, blacks, yellows, and South Americans.

Despite the cold weather, they wore very little and even played in the pool of the villa.

There are more girls than men.

If you often pay attention to beauty and entertainment, you can find that many of them are actors from beautiful countries.

The owner of this villa is none other than Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr., who threw a party tonight to celebrate the completion of the filming of "Iron Man".

"Yikes!"

The door opened, and two young, pretty, hot white girls left the room while sorting their clothes.

Located on the top floor of the villa, this room is brightly lit and has a glass wall that offers a night view of Los Angeles outside.

Donnie was forty-two years old at this time, and he looked older than his actual age, his face was full of tiredness, and his cheeks were a little thin, as if he had been sucked by a vixen.

The door was not closed, a bald man walked into the room with a handbag, he smelled a smell of the sea, wrinkled his nose, then took out a pack of cigarettes, lit a cigarette, took a hard puff, a hot feeling of a cigarette rushed into his lungs, he felt better, and then handed the cigarette to Donnie.

The bald man is in his forties, he is Donnie's agent, named Hinderson, the two have known each other for more than 20 years, and they are real friends.

"You take it easy, two girls, aren't you afraid to go to the hospital?"

Downey took the cigarette, then took out the lighter and lit a cigarette.

"You know what, I'm pushing the limits."

Hinderson smiled, then turned around and took two copies of the manuscript from his handbag, "Look, these are two new invitations, I think you might be interested." ”

Downey has some bad history in Hollywood, but his resources have always been good.

A large company like Disney, which attaches great importance to the image of artists, handed over the company's important IP "Iron Man" to him to play.

Downey glanced at the manuscript and instead of reaching for it, he stood up, smoked his cigarette and went to the window, his eyes looking down, lingering on the pretty girls.

Hinderson was a little dissatisfied, and frowned, "Man, you're in your forties, and you rarely exercise, so be modest, I don't want to see you in the hospital." ”

Donnie shook his head, "Don't worry, I've been very peaceful during the shoot, I've been a vegetarian for almost half a year, now let me indulge, God will approve of my idea." ”

Hinderson shook his head speechlessly.

Downey finished a cigarette, then turned around and took out a box of cigars from the drawer, took out one and lit it again, "Smoke this, it's good for your body." ”

He then tossed the cigar to Hinderson.

Then he turned around and continued to look at the young girl below.

"Do you know the women in "Gossip Girl", those young and beautiful, and whether there are any rumors about them in Hollywood."

Hinderson shook his head, "No, those people are not random women, there is no benefit, they will not mess around." ”

Donnie nodded with some regret and didn't answer, his gaze locked on a dark-skinned woman who resembled Kardashian.

Hinderson frowned when he saw this.

He put Donnie's cigar away, tossed it into a drawer, and then closed the drawer, "I read these two scripts, one from Warner and one from DreamWorks. ”

"I'll tell you about these two scripts, and you can listen to them."

He was sure that Downey had been in the dark for a few months, and for the next period of time, he was afraid that he would not be able to read the scripts well, so he planned to talk about the two scripts himself.

Downey took a deep drag on his cigar, "Say it." ”

"The first script was provided by DreamWorks, and it was kind of an action comedy. Stiller, Jack. Blake, the total investment is about 100 million. ”

"This action comedy is about a story about the Annan War, and the encounters of several soldiers from beautiful countries in Annan should go to Southeast Asian countries to film, maybe Philippine, maybe Tyrande."

When Donnie heard this, he immediately continued: "I like these two places, where the girls are very welcoming and petite, I like them. ”

Donnie is not tall, he likes petite girls.

Hinderson nodded, and continued, "The second movie was sent by Warner, and they wanted to invite you and Zach to do a road comedy together. ”

"Zach?"

The name sounded familiar, but he couldn't remember where he'd heard it.

"It's the cheap brother-in-law in "The Hangover"."

"Oh, it's him, I see."

Downey has watched "The Hangover", after all, this movie has been so popular recently, you haven't seen it, and you don't have a topic with anyone else.

He felt okay.

To be honest, for an old man like him, his favorite comedy is still the old-school comedy movies he watched when he was young.

is like "Brother Dragon and Mouse", "Journey to a Beautiful Country", "Laughing Through the Iron Curtain".

At this time, comedy movies were more popular with the combination of two male protagonists, and interesting stories that occurred after the friction of different personalities.

He found the little humor of old-school comedy movies funny.

And a movie like "The Hangover" is too noisy for him, there are too many transitions, and he can't even sort out the relationship in it.

Of course, when facing the reporter's interview, he still seriously praised the hangover.

In fact, many people in Hollywood are like this, because "The Hangover" is too popular among young people, so that it doesn't seem that you are out of touch with the times.

Hinderson continued: "It's a road comedy, it's a bit similar to The Hangover, and there's a very cheap character, it's like that brother-in-law, it's very noisy, and there are a lot of adventures. ”

"The investment in this film is much less, it should be about 60 million."

Donnie nodded, still staring at the black sister below.

He has followed the NBA and knows that basketball stars like it, and he hasn't tried it before and wants to try it.

That's it.

I've been crazy for the last few days, and I don't know if my body can continue to play.

Hinderson got up to himself, opened the drawer, took out a box of chocolates, peeled off the wrapper, and ate it.

"What do you think?"

Donnie's mind is now all about that black sister, where will there be any ideas.

He paused slightly, came back to his senses after a while, and then shook his head, "I don't know, whatever, you can choose one for me." ”

Hinderson rolled his eyes.

"Of course not, you have to choose, I don't want to do those thankless things, you have to choose."

"Okay, then tell me about these two movies."

Hearing this, Hinderson put down the chocolate, was silent for a moment, and then said slowly: "The action comedy in DreamWorks, with big actors, and a larger investment, is more in line with your current status, and this movie has anti-war thinking, so it should attract more attention." ”

"Oh, are you more optimistic about this movie?"

When Donnie heard this, he immediately asked.

"No, Warner's movie is not bad, they have already named it, it is called "Due Date", it is said that it was influenced by "The Hangover", Toby watched "The Hangover", and specially organized Warner's screenwriters to hold a seminar to let them learn the funny way of "The Hangover" seriously."

Hinderson smiled, "Toby is a guy who can do big things, and he's always ahead of everyone else. ”

"Everybody's talking about The Hangover right now, not just the audience fans, but a lot of directors, screenwriters, and comedians in the industry."

"Many people think that the aesthetics of the beautiful country are changing, and the current audience is too tired, so everyone likes to watch noisy and heartless movies like "The Hangover", which makes the audience more relaxed and easier to devote themselves to."

He continued: "And in the DreamWorks movie, you are not the protagonist, but you are the starring role in "Due Date", if "Due Date" explodes, then it can better reflect your appeal." ”

When Donnie heard this, he finally didn't continue to look at beauties.

He put down his cigar, then stretched and sat down on the bed, "Do you think that movie will be higher at the box office?"

Hinderson shook his head, "I'm not sure. ”

Hearing this, Donnie fell backwards and lay down.

"I need to prove myself at the box office now."

In Hollywood, the box office is everything, and only when the box office is high can you ask for a higher salary from the producer.

His salary for playing "Iron Man" is only 500,000 US dollars.

This is something he has been thinking about for a long time.

Hinderson nodded, "If that's the case, let's choose "Due Date", now that "The Hangover" is on fire, Warner's idea extracted from "The Hangover" should not be bad at the box office." ”

"How much does "The Hangover" have grossed in the beautiful country?"

"It's 260 million, and when I paint, it should be 270 million."

This data can be filmed in the top five of the annual box office list of the beautiful country this year.

Hinderson continued: "The box office statistics in European countries are not more than 200 million, and in the end, there should be 210 million, which means that the total box office is about 480 million." ”

"So high."

Donnie's eyes widened, full of incredulity.

He naturally knows that the popularity of "The Hangover" is not only in the beautiful country, but also in Europe, but he still thinks it is too powerful to get 480 million.

Hinderson nodded, "Yes, it's really too high, the news has come out in the past two days, and I don't know how many Hollywood executives have been suppressed." ”

"Li's movie earned more than 100 million US dollars."

When Donnie heard this, he was envious.

He filmed "Iron Man", Disney only gave 500,000 US dollars, if he didn't have a lot of savings, I'm afraid that the electricity bill of this villa would not be able to be paid.

It's really not a joke, the Los Angeles area has high taxes, plus he has to give the agent a share, 500,000, and he will get more than 200,000.

"Let's make 'Due Date', this movie has a future."

He hopes that "Due Date" can replicate the success of "The Hangover", so he doesn't expect 480 million, a 5% discount is enough.

……

When Robert Downey Jr. was in the villa, Cheng Long was also drinking at his Los Angeles villa.

However, compared to the hot scene on Robert Downey Jr.'s side, the atmosphere here is a little gloomy.

At this time, more than a dozen martial artists in the family class sat together and drank, and some of them had no glass, bragging while drinking.

And Cheng Long sat on the other side, drinking quietly.

Yuan Biao sat opposite Cheng Long, and he looked at Cheng Long with a smile.

Yuan Biao had just finished his domestic affairs and came to the beautiful country for a vacation at this time.

He has not worked much on Hong Kong Island in recent years, mainly in the mainland, films, TV dramas, and martial arts instructors.

Regarding the mainland film market, Yuan Biao thinks he knows more than Cheng Long.

"I feel that the mainland film market is developing rapidly, and maybe in a few years, it will surpass the island country and become the No. 1 film market in Asia."

"But Hong Kong Island can't play in the mainland."

When Cheng Long heard this, he looked up.

Yuan Biao continued: "Zeng Zhiwei and Huang Baiyan actually made a lot of comedies, all of which were family-like comedies on Hong Kong Island in the past, but the response was not good. ”

Hong Kong Island used to be very popular to get together a bunch of celebrities and make some messy comedies.

Except for a few films with Zhou Xingxing, which are quite funny, the others are really not good.

Huang later planned to replicate such a comedy model, but it was obviously unsuitable in the mainland.

"However, kung fu films like "The Fuse" have a very good reputation in the mainland, and "The Fuse" was not released in the mainland, but this movie has a high number of views on Director Li's video website, with tens of millions of plays, a lot of messages, and hundreds of thousands of messages."

"I feel that Zhen Bullet is going to be popular, and he is now lacking a big movie."

Cheng Long nodded, "He's in his forties, and if he doesn't get up again, he won't be able to do it in this life." ”

Yuan Biao smiled, "What about you, what movie do you plan to make next?"

Cheng Long was silent for a moment, and then said: "It should be Director Li's "Hurricane Rescue 2". ”

He spoke a little quieter, and didn't seem very excited.

Yuan Biao was stunned, "What's wrong with you?"

When Cheng Long heard this, he picked up the wine glass and took a big sip, "It's okay, it's just that I'm not in a good mood." ”

Recently, "The Hangover" has become a big hit in Europe and the United States, and when this movie is drawn, it should have a global box office of 480 million US dollars.

This number is higher than all the movies Cheng Long has acted in in the past, including "Rush Hour 2".

When Cheng Long just heard the news, he was dumbfounded.

It's really awesome.

What followed was a deep loss.

He is known as the number one superstar in China today, but he has not yet achieved a single box office of more than 400 million US dollars.

He, the number one superstar in the Chinese circle, is a little vain.

Then he thought of the next movie, and he was even more worried.

In the past, Cheng Long's movies, he was the No. 1 signboard, and there is no doubt that the most important person in the movie.

Since the fire of "Serpentine Trickster", except for "Hurricane Rescue" with Li Shengyao, other movies have been listened to by directors.

And cooperating with Director Li Dadao, he listened to the director.

He doesn't dare to read the newspaper now, for fear of seeing a news that says that he is an actor who rubs off on Li Shengyao.

What kung fu comedy doesn't work, what he doesn't have uniqueness, what he doesn't have appeal.

He is actually used to it, after all, the media of the beautiful country often say this.

But as the number one supergiant in China, he has his dignity and pride.

He is really worried that some people will say that he is the one who rubbed Li Dadao, saying that he has left Li Dadao now, so the scenery will not be there.

If he sees such news, he would rather not cooperate with Li Shengyao, he would rather not make this money.

Yuan Biao has been Cheng Long's good brother for decades, and after a little thought, he naturally knows the reason why Cheng Long is like this.

He sighed, and then said: "Now there are no nine out of nine actors in China who want to cooperate with Director Li, but also nine out of nine, whether it is Wanwan, Hong Kong Island, or the mainland, they are all praise for him." ”

"The Hangover" is not high at the box office on Hong Kong Island, but people in the entertainment industry still praise that if they can play Director Li's play, let them post it upside down, and they are willing to do it without money."

"You're different, you're a big star, let you play Director Li's play, you feel embarrassed."

Cheng Long heard his friend's ridicule and rolled his eyes, "I don't feel embarrassed, I'm just afraid that others will say that I am the one who can survive by relying on Director Li." ”

Yuan Biao pursed his lips, "That's not for fear of losing face." ”

"You have to be strong all your life, you have to earn the first place in everything, you have to be beautiful, don't you feel tired?"

"If it's me, as long as there is money to be made, I don't bother to pay attention to what other people say."

He then persuaded: "Why doesn't Director Li find someone else, just find you, the most expensive Chinese actor, to play "Hurricane Rescue", isn't it just that you are qualified?" What else are you worried about? ”

Cheng Long was stunned when he heard this, and after thinking about it carefully, Yuan Biao's words also made sense.

Yuan Biao continued: "480 million US dollars, if you ask me to act in such a movie, let alone whether the starring role or not, I am willing to make a cameo." ”

At this moment, the group of martial artists who were drinking next to them became more and more enjoyable and began to draw fists.

Cheng Long came back to his senses slightly, glanced at the martial artists, and suddenly figured out something.

In fact, many media ridiculed the martial artists of the Chengjia class, saying that they were moths who followed Cheng Long.

But the martial artists didn't feel ashamed, after all, they could have a good meal, so why care about face.

Following Director Li Da's play, not only does he earn money, but also the martial artists in the family class.

With such a good treatment, what does it matter?

And at the age of twenty-seven, he got a global box office of 480 million US dollars, and maybe it will be even higher in the future, and it is possible to become the world's No. 1 commercial film director.

There is no shame in filming with such a director.

……

At 8 p.m. on October 21, 2007, Disney held a celebration banquet for "The Hangover" at the Huaxia Theater in Los Angeles.

Lee Shengyao attended with a lively dress.

He and Lively are both good-looking and well-built people, and as soon as they appeared, they became the most watched people in the audience.

The two men then dispersed.

Warren came to Li Shengyao with a happy face, "Li, it's really a pity that you don't want to be an actor." ”

He was in a very good mood, "The Hangover" was a big hit, and the higher the box office, the more Disney released the commission.

In addition, he can also produce and release discs in the later stage, and he has helped Disney make a lot of money this time.

If you count the dividends of investing 5 million, he even helped Disney earn 40 million US dollars this time.

Disney invests in a lot of movies a year, but there are only a handful of movies with a profit of more than 40 million US dollars.

He has been in Disney for so many years, but this time is the most beautiful.

Li Shengyao smiled and politely greeted Warren.

"Li, you told me last time that you would make "Hurricane Rescue 23" next, and you were going to shoot two at the same time?"

Li Shengyao nodded, "Yes, I plan to spend a year to shoot these two movies in one go." ”

Warren nodded, and then said: "Not bad idea, as long as the quality of the first part can be maintained, there is absolutely no problem at the box office, on behalf of Disney, I would like to express our sincerity to you, whether it is publicity, distribution, actors, or funding." ”

"We can provide you with anything you want, and the only request is for us to work more closely together."

When Li Shengyao heard this, he smiled and nodded, "I will think about it seriously." ”

"The Hangover" is a big hit, needless to say that Director Li has become the God of Wealth of a major Hollywood company.

As long as he starts a play, whether it is a sequel to "Hurricane Rescue" and "The Hangover", or a new play, I am afraid that Hollywood companies will have to get involved.

Occupy so many dividends like before, and have full copyright, I'm afraid it's impossible.

He hadn't fully thought about it yet, and he was going to put it off for a while.

Warren smiled and nodded, "I'm waiting for your news." ”

Warren then left, and less than three minutes later, Toby. Emmerich came to Lee with a wine glass.

He represents Warner, and his expression is similar to Warren's.

In the end, Toby also said: "Lee, I arranged for a group of screenwriters to study "The Hangover", and we plan to shoot a road comedy, this comedy is called "Due Date", and I will invite Zach when the time comes, what do you think?" ”

In Li Shengyao's previous life, the global box office of "Due Date" was 200 million, which is a good road comedy.

"I haven't seen the script, so I'm not sure."

Toby nodded, then looked over expectantly, "Help me read the script, I'll give you some investment shares." ”

Li Shengyao shook his head, "I can read the script, but I don't want to invest in shares." ”

Warner is a master of accounting, with the cost and box office of "Due Date", it must be profitable, but who knows what they will calculate in the end?

Lee didn't want to take any chances.

He said directly: "I have built a video website in Huaxia, and your Warner movies will be sold to me for exclusive network rights in the mainland." ”

Toby hesitated slightly, then nodded, "Okay, no problem." ”

Toby then left, Li Shengyao held a glass and drank water, and there were still actors, directors, and producers who came to congratulate him.

Amanda also came over and hinted that he could have a special event tonight.

However, Director Li had already made an appointment with Lively to learn English from Lively tonight.

He communicated with Anne Hathaway in Toronto that day, which was actually very cool, but Anne was still too cautious and left in a hurry the next morning.

This made Director Li a little regretful, and he planned to prepare a one-piece leather suit for Anne Hathaway when he had the opportunity in the future.

The celebration lasted about an hour.

The host loudly invited Li Dadao to speak on stage.

In the warm applause, Li Shengyao stepped forward with a smile, and then said some words of thanks to the actors and partners.

He looked very calm, but the bright lights fell, shining on the faces of the Hollywood actors, directors, and producers in front of him.

The smell of red wine wafts through the air.

He seemed to see numbers in these people.

More and more zeros eventually converge into 480 million US dollars.

With so much money, plus the income from later discs, TV copyrights, and streaming media rights, Li Shengyao should be able to share 120 million US dollars for this movie.

That's a billion people, he can buy a building in Yanjing and use it as the headquarters building of Fenghua.

There is no need to go public to harvest the money of shareholders like Huayi, he can buy a building directly with a movie.

When he thought of this, his face was as usual, but his heart flew, and an emotion called pleasure filled every cell in his body.

I'll post it again in the early hours of the morning.

(End of chapter)