Chapter 659 Arrival in Los Angeles
Before Friends entered the formal rehearsal stage, Lu Yanhe went to the United States.
He and Chen Ziyan were together with the intention of meeting with the producer and director of the film "Destruction Day".
However, upon learning that he was coming to the United States, Lu Yanhe's agent in the United States, Darren Wilson, contacted him and wanted to invite him to attend a charity gala.
This event is part of the North American awards season.
It happens every year.
Darren Wilson has a client who is a strong contender for an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor this year, so Darren Wilson hopes that Lu Yanhe can help him get on his good side.
“I don’t need you to campaign for me, I just need you to support this movie and ask everyone to go see it,” Darren Wilson said. “Edward’s performance in this movie is outstanding. If I can get your help, some Asian Academy members in Hollywood will be influenced by you to go see the movie. Of course, I will repay this favor when you need it later.”
See, there is no such thing as absolute fairness.
Public relations is everywhere.
The Oscars season is all about cunning and calculated strategies.
Lu Yanhe said, "I need to see what the movie is about first. Darren, I can help, but I can't lie through my teeth. At least I need to have seen the movie first."
Darren Wilson asked, "How about I have him arrange a private screening?"
Lu Yanhe was somewhat surprised.
"Will you hold a screening just for me?"
"Yes, because the movie won't be officially released until the end of the year, so you can't see it in theaters right now."
Darren Wilson said, "He would definitely be happy to have your support."
Lu Yanhe thought for a moment and said, "Okay."
"By the way, Darren, the main reason I came to the United States this time is to meet with director Lune Reese. Is there anything you think I should remind me about beforehand?"
“He’s a rather eccentric guy,” Darren Wilson said immediately. “You’ve come to see him to discuss his film project, ‘Doomsday’? I heard that film has already cast another actor from China.”
“Yes,” Lu Yanhe said, “but it’s not that I want to act; I want to help someone else fight for it.”
“Who?” Darren Wilson said. “This film is a major project for Parameter, with a significant investment. The choice of the lead actor is not something that can be easily changed.”
"I know, but the actor I'm recommending is excellent in every way."
"who?"
“Jiang Jun, the male lead in ‘Squid Game’,” Lu Yanhe said.
Darren Wilson immediately realized what was happening.
“Oh, it’s him,” he said. “If it’s him, maybe there’s a chance, but would he be willing to come to America to make movies? I heard he doesn’t want to leave China to make movies in America.”
"This news is definitely false; he was willing to do it."
“That might be someone deliberately spreading such rumors here,” Darren Wilson said. “After all, after ‘The Squid Game’ made him known all over the world, he became the first choice for many Asian roles. Many Asian actors in Hollywood had their opportunities taken away, and they certainly didn’t want that.”
Lu Yanhe said, "Perhaps I've also been the target of such rumors?"
“Of course,” Darren Wilson said. “Your wisest decision was to find an agent like me who knows Hollywood very well, so when others spread such rumors, I immediately denied their authenticity and used my role in Hurricane 2 to shatter those rumors.”
Lu Yanhe smiled.
"Okay, then I really have to thank you."
“I hope you understand that hiring me is absolutely a wise decision,” Darren Wilson said. “Oh, by the way, since you’re here this time, I’ve also picked up two good scripts, both with roles that would be quite suitable for you.”
Lu Yanhe said, "Darren, you know, my schedule is basically full for next year, and I don't have time to take on any other roles."
Darren Wilson said, "You may not have time to act in them, but it's always good to meet with directors, producers, and screenwriters who are interested in you through these scripts and get to know them in person."
Lu Yanhe thought Darren Wilson's words made a lot of sense.
That's absolutely true.
If one project doesn't work out, there are always other projects to come.
The key is to let people know you, see you, and think of you when they are preparing for a new play.
Especially for Chinese actors like Lu Yanhe, whose main activities are not usually in Hollywood.
-
After Lu Yanhe and Chen Ziyan arrived in Los Angeles, Darren Wilson provided all sorts of services for him from the moment they landed.
These were the conditions promised by Williams Company when Lu Yanhe signed the contract.
Of course, this only includes very basic services. If you want more advanced services, you will have to pay extra.
Hua Ruzhen happened to be in Los Angeles, so upon learning that Lu Yanhe was coming, she began preparing to throw a party several days in advance.
She invited some Asian people in the Los Angeles entertainment industry.
For Lu Yanhe, a small portion of the Asian community in Hollywood sees him as a competitor vying for market share, but a much larger group likes and respects him. Putting aside his identity as a creator, his performance in "The Mist" made major film companies realize that the Asian market can contribute to outstanding box office results.
Therefore, after "The Mist," there has been a significant increase in Asian characters in scripts. For Asian actors in Hollywood, this means more acting opportunities, and for other Asian creators, it gives them a reason to create films for the Asian market and a reason to convince film company executives.
Lu Yanhe's existence has driven the international film and television market to pay more attention to Asian-themed subjects.
The popularity of several shows on streaming platforms, such as Friends, The Squid Game, and The 17th Floor, as well as the global box office success of The Mist, are all contributing to this trend.
Lu Yanhe has become one of the most representative Asian creators in Hollywood in the past two years.
Hua Ruzhen organized this party for two reasons. First, to solidify her position in the industry—after all, Lu Yanhe isn't a frequent visitor to Los Angeles, and not just anyone can invite him to their parties. Second, to showcase the network of connections she cultivated in Hollywood to Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe is undoubtedly a very promising creator, but he has no roots in Los Angeles. No matter how talented a person is, they will ultimately struggle to survive in an unfamiliar environment. Therefore, whether emotionally or pragmatically, Hua Ruzhen needs to demonstrate her "role" and "value" to Lu Yanhe.
Lu Yanhe is also very willing to attend such parties when he has free time.
Everyone is very busy. Normally, it would take a long time to get to know so many people one by one. This opportunity to meet so many people is fantastic.
Many of them were quite curious about the reason why Lu Yanhe came to Los Angeles this time.
The main question is whether Lu Yanhe is going to collaborate with Hollywood on another project.
Lu Yanhe's path in Hollywood went exceptionally smoothly.
The Mist was a huge hit, and he signed a "high-priced" contract for the sequel. He also appeared in the blockbuster Hurricane 2 for an unbelievable "cameo fee".
Many actors who have worked their way up in Hollywood for over a decade cannot get the same resources as Lu Yanhe.
To everyone present, the resources and projects that Lu Yanhe came into contact with were highly sought-after, and they all wanted a piece of the pie.
Lu Yanhe couldn't announce to the world at this time why he had come, so he made up an excuse and said that Darren Wilson had invited him to come and support Edward Hodgson's Olympic campaign this year.
This is indeed true.
Lu Yanhe is still an outsider to the Oscars.
Everyone was surprised when they heard about it.
Darren Wilson is a very famous agent.
He won't make a foolish move.
Even if he wasn't a professional awards public relations manager, the fact that he went to such lengths to invite Lu Yanhe shows that he definitely has influence and a role to play during the awards season.
As a result, many people discussed and speculated that Darren Wilson invited Lu Yanhe to support Edward Hodgson because of Lu Yanhe's legendary close relationship with the media and film critics.
"Actually, Lu Yanhe's 'Love Letter' this year is also a good movie."
"Of course, it's just a pity that this movie isn't the kind of style that Westerners like; it's more popular with Asians."
"It grossed over 20 million US dollars in Japan, setting a box office record for Chinese-language films in Japan in the past decade."
"Yes, but it only grossed over eight million dollars in the US, which is still a lot, but it's far less than the impact this film had in Asia."
"Love Letter's box office performance in Europe and America is actually quite good. Excluding its box office performance in Asia, it has reached more than 30 million US dollars in other parts of the world. Even many popular films during this year's awards season have not achieved such high box office results."
"After all, it was Lu Yanhe's first film as director, writer, and actor, and it even won a major award at the Jose Film Festival."
"I'm so envious," someone said. "I have to admit, Lu Yanhe has been incredibly lucky these past few years; not a single one of his works has failed."
"The momentum is on his side, and the longer this momentum continues, the harder it will be to break. Every one of his works, no matter what, will be highly anticipated and will receive the greatest attention and promotion."
“That’s really true. Look, when Love Letter was released in the US, many Hollywood celebrities recommended the movie on social media. If it weren’t for Lu Yanhe, we wouldn’t have such a buzz.”
"I heard that another Chinese film starring Lu Yanhe, a fantasy film, has reportedly had its North American distribution rights bought by a top Hollywood film company, and it will be shown in theaters on a large scale."
Is it the movie "Burning Fire"?
"You actually knew?"
"The special effects for this movie were done by a company owned by a friend of mine."
"Really? How was the movie?"
"The entire production is excellent and outstanding."
"Chinese films now have money and are not short of production costs. Their special effects can rival those of Hollywood blockbusters."
"They certainly don't lack money."
-
At the party, Lu Yanhe mingled with everyone, exchanging pleasantries and chatting. They exchanged contact information and made plans to collaborate in the future.
Around 11:30 p.m., Lu Yanhe felt it was about time to go back and said goodbye to Hua Ruzhen.
Hua Ruzhen nodded and personally escorted Lu Yanhe and Chen Ziyan to the door.
At that moment, a group of handsome young men and beautiful young women entered one after another through the door.
"Oh! You've arrived!" Hua Ruzhen hugged the man in the suit who was leading the group. "Everyone inside has been waiting for you for a long time."
Lu Yanhe looked at these young people with some surprise; each of them seemed...charming.
After they came out, Lu Yanhe asked Chen Ziyan.
"Were those people just now what I imagined?"
“Yes.” Chen Ziyan nodded. “In Hollywood, many parties are like this. In the first half, everyone gets to know each other and make friends. In the second half, those who are not interested leave first, and those who are interested can safely let loose at this time.”
Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.
“It’s similar in China,” Chen Ziyan said, “except it’s done more discreetly, so you basically can’t get in touch with it.”
Why do I have virtually no access to it?
"Are you kidding? You rarely even attend gatherings like this, how did you get in touch with her? Besides, everyone basically knows what's going on between you and Chen Siqi, so they're playing it safe with you right now and won't risk making you unhappy."
"So that's how it is." Lu Yanhe suddenly realized.
"Actually, to be fair, Star Entertainment has done a pretty good job in this respect."
"Um?"
“They never act as pimps. Clearly, agencies that manage idol artists and trainees are best suited for this kind of thing,” Chen Ziyan said. “Those people just now were basically kids who wanted to be stars and had dreams of becoming stars. They came here to get to know people who already have some influence and connections in Hollywood, and maybe they could get an opportunity.”
“Alright.” Lu Yanhe nodded. “It seems I’ll have to leave earlier from now on. If someone sees this, it’ll look like I was involved.”
"Don't worry, this kind of thing is very confidential and very safe," Chen Ziyan said. "It's practically an open secret in the industry, but no one will expose it. This has been going on for decades or even centuries. Have you seen any media reports about it?"
Lu Yanhe shook his head.
“So, you know.” Chen Ziyan shrugged. “I just didn’t expect Hua Ruzhen to arrange all this. I thought she wouldn’t come.”
(End of this chapter)
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