Chapter 75. Thoughts about entering the Western market (Part 1)

"Stephen Chow!" Eric was a bit surprised.

"Yes, his partners sometimes call him by his Chinese name, which sounds similar to your pronunciation. Wait, Eric, have you been studying Chinese?"

"Just a bit of self-study during the holidays, nothing major. So it's definitely Stephen Chow?"

"Yes, I wouldn't make a mistake in English. He's trying to pitch his script titled Kung Fu Hustle and is hoping to secure investment. We met earlier today."

"Though the script contains a lot of slang that I don't fully understand, the marketing department believes it has potential. Stephen Chow is a very famous comedic actor in China, often referred to as the Eastern Jim Carrey."

"I checked, his previous film, Shaolin Soccer, was funded by Columbia and brought Sony tens of millions of dollars."

"I see. How much is he asking for this time?"

"Thirty million dollars. It's quite a substantial amount, so I wanted to consult with you first. If you think it's not worth it, I'll just decline over the phone."

Eric pondered for a moment. "Keep him interested, I'm wrapping up the shoot soon and plan to return to Los Angeles."

"Got it!"

After hanging up, Eric couldn't help but smile. Judy had once again proven to be a real lucky charm.

Kung Fu Hustle is considered the pinnacle of Stephen Chow's work. Some might argue that Journey to the West is his greatest, while others believe that many of his films are masterpieces. But to Eric, Kung Fu Hustle is the ultimate representation of Stephen Chow's style in terms of plot, acting, content, and comedic effect. From a directorial standpoint, it's undoubtedly a quality product.

If Eric remembered correctly, this film was indeed funded by Sony Columbia, with a budget of around $20 million, and it grossed over $100 million worldwide. Many Chinese media outlets widely reported this success, and it stuck with Eric.

However, looking only at box office returns, after accounting for theater costs, marketing, and director's fees, Columbia probably earned only around $20 million. But if you factor in the DVD market, that figure would multiply several times over.

It wasn't that Stephen Chow had immense popularity in the North American DVD market; rather, the film itself was incredibly strong. But this success was unique to Kung Fu Hustle—his other works didn't achieve the same level of success.

In fact, only two Chinese actors have consistently succeeded on the global stage: Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Chow Yun-fat also tried to conquer Hollywood but ultimately failed. He lacked the uniqueness and irreplaceability needed to stand out. Hollywood has plenty of good-looking actors—why would they need a Chinese one when they have their own?

Kung fu was the key to the global success of Chinese actors. Bruce Lee opened that door, and Jackie Chan and Jet Li continued his legacy. Unfortunately, no one else has managed to replicate their success.

Before coming here, Eric and his friends often debated who had greater success in Hollywood—Jackie Chan or Jet Li. They even conducted research, analyzing various data points.

In the end, Jackie Chan was the clear winner. His films didn't always top the box office, but the DVD market consistently brought in huge profits.

Since 1994, starting with Drunken Master II, Jackie Chan's DVD sales exceeded $1.2 billion—and that's the most conservative estimate. Jet Li, due to health issues, acted less frequently, but even so, his DVD sales surpassed $700 million.

This is why, despite not always having high box office returns, Jackie Chan and Jet Li never lacked investors—because these films almost always turned a profit.

Though Jackie Chan's films later in his career were an exception, as he could no longer perform his iconic stunts, so he mainly appeared in his own projects.

…

The next day, filming for Transformers at the military base in Nevada wrapped up. John Adams gave his men an hour's break.

The base came to life as soldiers rushed to their barracks to grab their phones, eager to take pictures with the set decorations.

The film crew watched nervously, afraid that the soldiers might damage the expensive props.

Eric grabbed a megaphone and announced, "Thank you for your cooperation! The movie will be released in November. If you want to see yourselves on the big screen, bring your families to the theater!"

After the soldiers finished taking their photos, Eric thanked Colonel Adams and handed him a check for $500,000.

In the last few days, Eric had gotten along well with Colonel Freeman, who, despite his military service, had an artistic soul.

Though his rank prevented him from acting in the film, he served as a military advisor and thoroughly enjoyed it.

From him, Eric learned that John Adams managed to become a general before the age of forty due to very influential connections—he belonged to the Adams family.

Yes, the very same Adams family that helped draft the Declaration of Independence, one of the oldest and most influential families in America, with connections in the military, politics, and business.

The truth is, the world works the same way everywhere. Connections and influence matter in show business, and it's no different in the military.

Lieutenant Colonel Freeman explained that the probability of a U.S. Army colonel being promoted to general is only about 3%. If you don't have exceptional talent and incredible luck, you won't rise above the rank of colonel.

Since the founding of the country, the game of thrones has always been in the hands of these great families. The only difference is who holds power today and who will hold it tomorrow.

Realizing these connections, Eric felt a bit ashamed. Those $200,000 from that night might have seemed like an insult. So, before leaving, he added another $500,000. Who knows, maybe in the future, when filming the Transformers sequels or other movies, this man's help will be needed again.

Under the sunset, the MGM convoy slowly left the military base in Nevada, heading south on Highway 5.

Around nine in the evening, the convoy entered Sonoma County, California, and by ten, they arrived in the city of Santa Rosa.

The administrative divisions of the United States are quite unique: there are states, counties, cities, and towns. But these four levels of government operate independently rather than hierarchically.

The state doesn't govern the county, the county doesn't control the city, and the city doesn't interfere with the affairs of towns and villages. Governors, mayors, county heads—they're all elected and only answer to their constituents.

Santa Rosa is home to one well-known school—Santa Rosa High School, where many Hollywood films have been shot.

MGM had already contacted the school principal, showed him the script, and received approval since the film was rated PG-13.

The convoy stopped in the hotel parking lot, and Eric got out of the car and pulled Patty Jenkins aside.

"I'm heading back to Los Angeles on business. The filming here is now in your hands. Stick to the script, as always, okay?"

Patty Jenkins nodded, "As always, you're the boss, so you decide."

Everyone went to their rooms. Eric looked out the window and saw James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Ryan Reynolds, and Chris Evans sneaking out.

James McAvoy was still alright, but the others had spent a month training on the military base and another week filming—their hormone levels were through the roof. They needed to blow off some steam.

…

"Eric, what are you looking at?" Gal Gadot's voice sounded behind him.

"Nothing, just some mice stealing cheese."

"What?"

"They seem to have gotten a bit bigger."

An hour later, the Lincoln pulled up to the hotel. Chen Xing called, and the car drove off a moment later.

...

"Eric, it's time to get up."

Hearing a familiar voice, Eric opened his eyes and saw his beloved mother, Emily Cooper.

"Dear, it's already ten in the morning, time to go to work."

Eric shook his head, trying to shake off the sleepiness.

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