Chapter 796: The Developments of Several Works
“However, if Uber Clark returns, I suggest you take the role,” Lu Yanhe said. “I have already authorized them to develop the sequel. Developing sequels is a common practice for this type of movie, and they usually do well. The key is that you are the absolute lead in this movie. Green Valley will not change this point when developing the sequel, otherwise, the fans of the first movie will definitely not be satisfied.”
Jiang Yuqian nodded.
What if the script is terrible?
“The script is so bad that Uber Clark wouldn’t take it,” Lu Yanhe said. “I wouldn’t agree either. I won’t be the screenwriter for the sequel, but I will participate in the production of this film in another way.”
Jiang Yuqian breathed a sigh of relief: "That's fine then."
"By the way, regarding the sequel's salary, you can have your agent raise it a little above your market rate," Lu Yanhe said. "You're the lead actor, and although your salary in the sequel certainly won't be higher than Uber Clark's, the real core audience is there because of you in the first movie."
“Okay,” Jiang Yuqian said. “Let’s try to get $1.5 million in pay this time.”
“It can be even higher,” Lu Yanhe said. “Your salary was low in the first movie because you hadn’t been tested by the global theatrical market. It’s different now. As I said before, as long as it’s not an unreasonable exorbitant demand, for an actor like you who plays a key role at the core of the film’s appeal, Midoriya will accept a reasonable increase in your asking price. This is standard practice for actors in series.”
Jiang Yuqian nodded.
-
After talking with Jiang Yuqian, Lu Yanhe went to the costume fitting for "Cloud in the Sky" to try out the styling and other things. He also met with the director of "Cloud in the Sky" and had a chat.
Filming will begin soon. For a film series that has grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, Lu Yanhe's involvement is naturally aimed at achieving a "win-win" collaboration.
The film company originally wanted to sign a three-film contract with Lu Yanhe, but Lu Yanhe refused and only agreed to sign a one-film contract.
Having already made one film, "Godless," he didn't want to tie himself to another film series.
To Lu Yanhe's surprise, the director of "Cloud in the Sky" had actually seen "Burning Fire" and highly praised it.
"It gave me a lot of inspiration."
Lu Yanhe said with a smile, "I also really like this movie. There are many shots that surprised me and that I have never seen in other movies before, especially the choreography of some action scenes, which has a kind of freehand style that is particularly valued in Chinese culture."
The director of "Cloud in the Sky" didn't quite understand the meaning of the word "freehand".
Lu Yanhe said, "It's a spiritual feeling that's detached from reality. Do you know Chinese calligraphy? Brush calligraphy. When you see a true master calligrapher writing, their movements are fluid and graceful, with a kind of dance-like and philosophical beauty. It's a kind of freehand style."
The director of "In the Clouds" nodded as if he understood.
Lu Yanhe said with a smile, "Burning Fire 2 should also be released this year. When it is released in the United States, if I am in the United States, I will invite you to watch it together."
The director of "In the Clouds" said it was good.
The two then chatted about their shared favorite movies, which helped them get to know each other a little better.
Lu Yanhe thought that the two of them had a pleasant chat, but when he was about to leave, the director of "Cloud" suddenly sighed.
Lu Yanhe looked at him with some surprise.
"Sorry." The latter realized what had happened and said, "I've been a bit troubled by something lately, and I couldn't help myself just now."
"What's wrong?" Lu Yanhe asked.
He hesitated for a moment before asking that question.
Since it's the first time they've met, under normal circumstances, this seemingly unintentional sigh is most likely intentional.
The director said, "An actress has run into some problems, and we are currently considering whether to replace her. However, the film is about to start shooting, and replacing her would be quite troublesome."
Lu Yanhe asked, "Who is it? What's wrong?"
“An actress who appeared in the second film,” the director said. “This character will also appear in the third film, but when we signed her for the second film, we only signed a contract for one film. During the final revision of the script, there was a part that still required her character to appear. So, we approached her at the last minute to ask her to return for the third film, but her agent asked for a price that Paula was unwilling to agree to.”
Paula's is the production company behind the Cloud series and one of Hollywood's giants.
For them, an actor's salary is not just an individual's problem.
"If we can't agree on the salary, she can't come, and the movie can't be made?" Lu Yanhe asked.
The director nodded: "The current situation is that Paula wants to revise the script and replace her character with another character to fulfill the role in the script."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe immediately asked, "Change the role? Find a new actor?"
“Yes,” the director said. “But changing the role and finding a new actor can solve the problem, but it will feel very abrupt. In a story, when the story needs a character who has never appeared before to make a major breakthrough, it is actually a bad approach.”
Lu Yanhe understood what he meant.
"But if the actress knows this and still demands a salary that Paula is unwilling to pay, it's actually quite normal for Paula to maintain balance within the crew and prevent other actors from having objections."
"Yeah, that's why it has a big head," the director said.
-
What happened to the crew of "Cloud" is not uncommon.
Lu Yanhe didn't think this matter would cause much trouble for "Cloud".
In a blockbuster film with a star-studded cast, where so many big names manage to resolve their troubles, Lu Yanhe doesn't believe that a character with only two scenes will actually cause any major problems in the end.
At most, they'll just change the role or the actor to perform the function, which will slightly diminish the effect.
For a fantasy blockbuster like "In the Clouds," Lu Yanhe felt that the problem was actually not that big—it wasn't a serious issue.
On the contrary, Lu Yanhe also told Chen Ziyan the news.
If in the end we really have to change the role or the actor, Lu Yanhe thinks that it might be an opportunity for them to recommend actors.
Even a role with only two scenes in a blockbuster like this is worthwhile for actors who aren't A-list stars.
A three-minute role in a blockbuster film can generate global buzz for an actor.
This is the most unparalleled advantage of blockbuster movies.
Upon learning of this opportunity, Chen Ziyan immediately came to the United States.
She arranged to meet with the executives in charge of the "Cloud" series at Paula to secure the role for Wen Minglan.
Because of Friends, Wen Minglan has become a representative character worldwide.
However, in Hollywood, there is a deep barrier between sitcom actors and movies, especially A-list productions.
The hierarchy of contempt doesn't only exist in China.
Chen Ziyan didn't know if she could get the role of Wen Minglan this time.
However, we should seize any opportunity that arises.
Two days later, a tabloid reported that Wen Minglan was in talks for the film "Cloud".
Upon seeing the news, Chen Ziyan immediately told Lu Yanhe, "Oh no!"
"Um?"
“We suspect we’ve been used,” Chen Ziyan said. “The news that Wen Minglan is in contact with this film can only have been leaked by someone inside Paula’s. Minglan doesn’t have that kind of fame or attention in Europe and America.”
Lu Yanhe was taken aback.
"Moreover, look, this revelation clearly states that Wen Minglan's agent in China is your agent," Chen Ziyan said. "Baolage is putting pressure on the actress who was originally slated to play the role."
Lu Yanhe: "...Am I being used?"
“It’s possible,” Chen Ziyan said. “After all, you’ve recommended so many Chinese actors for roles in Hollywood movies, so the credibility of this news seems very high at first glance, and it is indeed very high. Indeed, I am trying to get this role for Minglan.”
"So, this movie hasn't actually given up on using the same actress as before." Lu Yanhe laughed, a little annoyed. "This is blatant exploitation."
“We haven’t said anything yet.” Chen Ziyan was also speechless, but she smiled. “It’s obvious that if that actress still doesn’t accept and insists on the salary standard she proposed, then Paula will most likely give the role to Minglan.”
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"A well-intentioned scheme."
“That’s right,” Chen Ziyan said. “Look at her wrist.”
Lu Yanhe: "We need to study hard."
“Yes,” Chen Ziyan said. “It’s alright, even if Minglan doesn’t get the role in the end, the exposure and discussion this news brings to Minglan is enough.”
"Besides the movie 'Source Code,' has Minglan taken on any other Hollywood films?"
“She didn’t get any Hollywood roles, but I got her a role in a French art film, where she plays one of the three female leads,” Chen Ziyan said. “Although it’s an art film, it’s a lighthearted comedy with a bourgeois vibe, about male-female relationships. With her in the lead role, domestic film companies will be interested, and it could be released in China. It’s a shame that someone with Minglan’s looks doesn’t act in art films.”
Lu Yanhe nodded.
"That's fine then."
Chen Ziyan suddenly remembered something and said, "Speaking of which, a French film also came to you, but I'm going to turn it down."
"Did you specifically tell me that there's something special about this French film?"
“Yes,” Chen Ziyan said. “The script is actually quite good. It made me cry. It tells the story of a French man with a terminal illness who enjoys life with a Chinese man working in France during the last days of his life. The script is excellent.”
"Then why did you say you wanted to refuse?" Lu Yanhe asked, puzzled.
Chen Ziyan said, "How should I put it... it's too mediocre. It's the kind of inspirational story you easily read in magazines. Although it's touching, the artistic quality is just so-so. It's also a French film, low-budget, not suitable for you to make at this stage."
Upon hearing this, Lu Yanhe thought for a moment and nodded.
"Why don't you let me take a look at the script?" Lu Yanhe said. "Although you said it's mediocre, the fact that it made you hesitate and even made you mention it to me means it must have something special about it. Let me see."
“That works too.” Chen Ziyan nodded.
Lu Yanhe said, "If it really doesn't suit me in the end, I can recommend someone else to play the role."
Chen Ziyan nodded again and said, "This director is quite famous in France. The reason I mentioned him to you is that I want you to call him or send him an email to show your respect."
Lu Yanhe understood.
"OK."
-
Three days later, news came from Paulrag.
The actress relented, decided not to ask for an exorbitant price, and signed a performance agreement with Paula.
Therefore, they regretfully told Chen Ziyan that Wen Minglan would not be needed this time.
Chen Ziyan didn't say much, only saying, "Then we'll work together again when there's a suitable opportunity. However, after 'Source Code,' in which Minglan stars, is released, my schedule might be a bit tight. If there's a suitable role, let's talk about it sooner rather than later."
Of course, they politely agreed.
Chen Ziyan then contacted a familiar media outlet to release another piece of news: Lu Yanhe's new screenplay, "Air Rescue," is reportedly seeking Wen Minglan to play the female lead.
In reality, "Non-Stop" was never even a possibility.
This was merely Chen Ziyan's way of diverting attention from Wen Minglan's previous unsuccessful attempts to contact the "Cloud" series.
However, this news still exposed Lu Yanhe's new screenplay—of course, this was something Chen Ziyan had already discussed with Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe has no problem with it.
"Red Eye" is still showing in theaters, and judging from the title, "Air Rescue" seems to be a story very similar to "Red Eye"—
Lu Yanhe did not expect that this time, Uber Clark would take the initiative to contact him and ask if there was a suitable role for him in the "Non-Stop" project.
In this type of film, there's no such thing as a suitable or unsuitable role.
They will all be modified according to the actor's characteristics.
Uber Clark directly asked Lu Yanhe, clearly indicating that he was very satisfied with the results of "Red Eye Flight".
Of course, Red Eye did indeed usher in a new peak in Uber Clark's career.
Before this, Uber Clark had not starred in this type of film for a long time.
He's been chasing awards for the past few years, which has caused many film companies to stop casting him in commercial films. The box office success of "Red Eye" has brought him back onto the shortlist of nominees for leading roles in various genre films.
Lu Yanhe thought for a moment.
It's not impossible for Uber Clark to continue starring in "Non-Stop".
With his acting skills, there's absolutely no need to worry about character portrayal or performance.
However, Lu Yanhe originally wanted to give this role to Teacher Jiang Jun.
Upon closer reflection, it seems rather unrealistic.
The male lead in "Non-Stop" is an air marshal. Is a Chinese person being made an air marshal on an American flight to serve as a propaganda figure for American individualism?
It seems a bit strange.
Lu Yanhe decided to include Uber Clark in the shortlist.
Working with him on "Red Eye" was a very pleasant experience.
Uber Clark is not a troublesome actor, and Lu Yanhe is very willing to continue working with him.
Just then, feedback came from Soren's side.
Instead of directly stating their opinion on the Men in Black movie, they inquired about Non-Stop through Darren Wilson.
Lu Yanhe: "..."
This attracted Sauron's attention and made him eye this lucrative prize.
Lu Yanhe told Darren Wilson directly, "This film will be produced directly by Linghe. The actors have already been chosen. If Soren can accept not interfering in the selection of the director, lead actors, etc., I can consider working with them on this project."
As soon as the message was delivered, Soren decisively chose to give up.
No production company would give up these.
Even when they work with directors like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg, they still interfere with the casting process.
Lu Yanhe smiled.
He then told Darren Wilson, "Go tell Soren that if they haven't decided whether to make Men in Black, I'm going to contact other film companies."
Darren Wilson reluctantly agreed.
He asked, "By the way, will you start production on 'The Notebook' and 'The Fault in Our Stars' this year? They're very interested in that."
Lu Yanhe said, "We are working on the budget now, and we will send it to them once it's ready."
Darren Wilson said, "I'm not asking on their behalf, I'm asking myself, I—"
He blinked and smiled.
“I have an actress under my management who I think is perfect for the lead role in ‘The Notebook,’ so I want to reserve her availability so that she doesn’t miss out on this opportunity.”
Lu Yanhe: "..."
Lu Yanhe said, "Let's try to start filming next year. Which actress do you have on your team? I... I actually already have actresses in mind for 'The Notebook'."
Darren Wilson was stunned.
"ah?"
He was greatly disappointed.
Lu Yanhe said, "If your actress is more suitable in the audition, I can consider using her, but she must be more suitable than my preferred candidate."
“Forget it, the person you’ve chosen is definitely a good fit,” Darren Wilson sighed. “She shouldn’t waste any more time.”
Seeing this, Lu Yanhe didn't say anything.
The actress he chose for the film "The Notebook" was Lily Williams, with whom he had previously worked.
This is a beautiful actress with good acting skills and a good character.
Lu Yanhe increasingly understands why many producers and directors prefer to work with actors they have previously collaborated with.
Because of familiarity, because of trust.
He also has a choice for the male lead, Arne Bogut, whom he also met on the set of "The Mist".
The two, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, perfectly fit the requirements of the characters in the script, and are also well-known young actors in North America.
They had great chemistry as a couple when they starred together in "The Notebook".
This sense of chemistry between the two was something Lu Yanhe had already experienced during the filming of "The Mist".
And The Fault in Our Stars—
Lu Yanhe had a risky idea for this film.
(End of this chapter)
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