Chapter 140
In the photo, dozens of guys dressed in Imerton pose in different shapes. Behind them, there are more stiff mummies connected together as a foil.
At first glance, it looks like the end of the world is coming.
Even Zhang Dongchen himself had the illusion that he was dreaming. How could Imerton appear in reality? And still so much Imerton!
The title of the news is very interesting. "Mummy Takes Los Angeles!"
"In the past two months, the mummy has become a hot news in the United States. The reason is because of the prank incident at the Getty Center. Then, the box office explosion shocked the United States. The young Chinese director from England came to Hollywood, Smith Zhang .
After reading Smith Zhang's resume since he graduated from college, I couldn't believe my eyes!
Oh! God! The boy graduated from college last year. Once his graduation work, The Tuner, was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, it received great acclaim.
He also got the opportunity to shoot his first official movie. This movie, known as "Two Smoking Barrels", has become a hit all over the world, and the box office is booming. Smith Zhang thus became one of the top directors in England in one fell swoop.
But the young man's ambition was not satisfied. He brought his team to Hollywood. As the opening work in Hollywood, Smith's first film was a big production of 80 million US dollars.
I really can't imagine what Mr. Carl of Universal Pictures thought at that time! To make such an astonishing move. To choose a young man who has only made one film to direct such a big production.
But now I have to admit that Mr. Carl is right! Because, it turns out, Smith didn't let him down.
The photo above was taken a week after the movie was released! yes! You read that right. It only took a week. Oh, God! In just one week, everything changed. On Halloween yesterday, the mummy surpassed the images of vampires, werewolves, and zombies in one fell swoop, and became the most sought after character.
You can't believe it, in the Halloween parade line, looking around, all are the shadows of mummies, how terrible it would be!
Smith always said in interviews, "The Mummy" is just a popcorn movie, it can't become a phenomenon-level movie, but things are often unexpected, the whole of the United States is changing for his movie, this is the phenomenon class!
Smith Zhang took his mummy and completely conquered Hollywood! Conquered Los Angeles! Conquered America!
He, can he continue to conquer until he conquers the whole world?
Only time can give us the answer!
The morning of December 6, 1996!
Universal Pictures, in Carl's office.
"Smith! Congratulations, you have become one of the most profitable directors in Hollywood. I believe that you will get invitations from countless companies in the near future!" Carl specially invited Zhang Dongcheng to his office today. In addition to telling Zhang Dongcheng that the mummy In addition to the film's national box office, there is also the intention to win over this rookie Hollywood director.
After all, as one of the eight major Hollywood film companies, the desire of these capitalists to make money is always the first in their psychology.
Although they know how to make those art films, they will not be regarded as mainstream. No matter how good the art films are, apart from winning some awards, they will hardly get any compensation. Instead, they need to put money into them.
What these film companies really value is commercial films. Any commercial film director who can make money is the target of their wooing.
At this moment, Zhang Dongcheng obviously has the qualifications to be wooed!
"Mr. Carl, you are too polite!" Zhang Dongcheng's tone was still flat, maintaining his modesty. Raising the red wine glass in his hand, he raised his glass to Carl Yaoyao, and said: "If Mr. Carl hadn't chosen me against all odds, and he didn't give up even in the most difficult time, I think I would He left Hollywood in embarrassment a long time ago. He even quit the film industry!"
"Hahaha..." Carl laughed out loud. Shaking his head, he said, "Smith, you are wrong. Gold will shine everywhere. And you are a piece of jade. It was your unique show that moved me!"
After the two exchanged a few more pleasantries, Carl finally got to the point. "Smith, have you thought about what to do next? Do you just rest like this? That's not okay, you are still young, and it is time to work hard."
"Does Mr. Carl have any suggestions?" Zhang Dongcheng asked Carl with his eyes lowered, hiding his inner thoughts.
"I think you should continue to work hard now and prepare to shoot the second part of The Mummy next year. I believe that with the current success, The Mummy 2 will definitely be a big success. You can also stabilize your status as a phenomenon-level director. This is completely killing two birds with one stone. .Smith, what do you think?" Carl's eyes were filled with anticipation. He stared at Zhang Dongcheng closely, as if he wanted to see through his heart through his facial expression.
Jang Dong Sung shook his head, "No! I don't like to always make the same type of movie, because it will restrict my development. So I don't plan to shoot The Mummy 2 for the time being. Of course, if Mr. Carl finds other suitable directors , you can also directly shoot the second part."
"Well, since you like challenges and want to shoot different types of movies. I won't say anything more. But, Smith, is it convenient for Fang to tell me, what kind of movie do you plan to shoot??" See Zhang Dongcheng was unmoved, and Karl did not force it. Half-jokingly: "You won't tell me that you plan to shoot those literary films that please the film academy and the Oscars? Hahaha..."
"It all depends on chance, and I can't say that I will definitely shoot something!" Zhang Dongcheng shook his head. Silently thinking in his heart, it's time to start experimenting with his own shareholding film system plan. Unfortunately, this plan will almost offend the current film industry bosses, and it is completely challenging the existing rules of the game. Of course, Zhang Dongcheng would not say these words.
"I haven't figured out what I'm going to do next. For now, I think what I need most is to take a good rest. You know, I'm really exhausted during this time!"
"Yes. You are right, Smith, work is important, but the body is more important." Carl saw that Zhang Dongcheng's tone was not revealing, so he could only curse the little fox secretly. But he could only say helplessly: "Okay then. Smith, whenever you want to make a movie, you can contact me. I will still give you 100% trust and full support!."
"Thank you, Mr. Carl!" Zhang Dongcheng nodded with a noncommittal smile. But he didn't really take Karl's words to heart. Karl said that because the mummy he photographed brought him enough profits.
But the next thing I have to do is to dig up the foundations of these big companies with a hoe. It would be good if Carl didn't ask him to do his best, and he would help him there. Zhang Dongcheng knows his own affairs and doesn't report anything about it. extravagant hope.
Carl smiled faintly, drank the red wine in the glass, poured another glass, and took out a cigar to sniff, while saying: "About the box office share we discussed before, I will pay the money from the US box office as soon as possible." To your account. But the global box office is still a bit difficult. Because some places are still showing, so it is impossible to count the complete figures. I hope you can understand this point!"
"Of course!" Zhang Dongcheng suppressed the excitement in his heart, pretending to be calm.
"Okay then, let's finish talking about these serious things. It's time for us to talk about some lighter topics!" Carl smiled, cut off one end of the cigar in his hand with a cigar tongs, lit it slowly, and said, "It's time for us to start It's a party. Let's celebrate the success of our movie, which smashed the Halloween box office!"
"Of course there is no problem. I wonder what day you plan to arrange, Mr. Carl?" Zhang Dongcheng asked. For this kind of celebration, he has participated more than once. It is more appropriate to say that this is a celebration party, rather than a show off.
Show off to the whole world!
Carl thought for a while and said: "It depends on what you mean, I think we need to contact other members of the mummy crew. The success of the movie is inseparable from them! I think it's best for you to do this Already!"
"Okay!" Zhang Dongcheng nodded and immediately agreed. "Please rest assured, Mr. Carl, I will not let you down!"
After leaving Carl's office, Zhang Dongcheng thought about it. First took out the phone and started contacting John Andrew Burton Jr.
The reason why Zhang Dongcheng thought of him first is because before shooting the next movie, Zhang Dongcheng plans to start his own company first. As a company with the intention of breaking through the eight major film companies, he has the strongest ambition and will even be laughed at as a lunatic A film company naturally needs strong support in visual effects.
It's a pity that Zhang Dongcheng doesn't know anyone other than Burton, so he can only get his words out of his mouth.
The call was connected quickly. Burton's tone was obviously not very good, and his mood seemed very depressed. "Hey, Smith, it's you. I heard about the mummy, congratulations, big box office hit!"
"Thank you, Burton!" After Zhang Dongcheng said politely, he told Burton about the mummy crew's celebration.
Burton seemed a little hesitant when he heard the words. After a moment of silence, he said slowly, "I'm very sorry, Smith, I don't think I can go!"
"Why? Are you busy making special effects for someone's movie recently?" Zhang Dongcheng asked strangely.
In the process of chatting with Burton before, Zhang Dongcheng learned that the special effects company is completely of the type that usually does not open, and it takes three years to open. Here we go!