Chapter 120 Starting Ceremony
As auditionees showed up at Gu Wei's company one after another, it attracted the attention of Hollywood reporters and the media began to report on it.
"Oh my god, Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning actress."
"Kate Winslet, the heroine of Titanic, will she partner with Leo again this time?"
"And this, the heroine of 'The Ring' and 'King Kong', so strong."
"The worst of those who auditioned were nominated for the Best Actress Oscar. Which actress in China can compare to them?"
"As expected of a great director, ordinary actresses don't even have the qualifications to audition."
"We still have Zhang Ziyi, forget it, let's not talk about it."
...
When the news of the audition for the heroine of "Interstellar" spread back to China, netizens began to discuss it excitedly.
Starting from the second half of this year, more and more Hollywood blockbusters have been released.
The global box office of "Despicable Me" has reached 5.5 million US dollars and has not grown much at present.
The movie "Superman Returns", which was released at the end of June, was hailed as the most expensive movie in film history. The production cost was as high as 2.7 million US dollars, which is equivalent to 21 billion in RNB. This cost also exceeded the investment of later blockbusters such as "Avatar".
Compared to the global box office of only 3.91 million, losses are inevitable, which also determines the failure of the Superman series reboot.
The movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest", which was released in North America in July, has not yet been released, but its global box office has already exceeded 2 million US dollars, which has secured this year's annual box office champion in advance.
...
On September 9, with the arrival of funds from domestic film companies and Warner, the filming of the movie is about to begin.
Gu Wei has asked Reid to rush to Alberta, Canada with staff and filming equipment in advance. The film will be shot on location in Alberta, Canada and Iceland, so advance preparation is necessary.
"Gu, has the heroine been confirmed?"
The next day, Leonardo called and asked, saying that he attached great importance to this movie and that this was also his first collaboration with Gu Wei.
After returning from South Africa, Leonardo has been staying at home these days, studying the script carefully.
"Sorry, Leon, I gave the female lead to Charlize Theron.
Of course, the actors you recommended are also very good, and I hope we can have a chance to work together next time."
Finally, Gu Wei decided on Charlize Theron, the actress who came for the audition. She gave Gu Wei the most special feeling and is also the most popular actress in Hollywood now, which will help the box office of the movie.
“I get it, Gu, in Hollywood, this is normal.
By the way, when is the filming scheduled to start?"
"number 20."
Gu Wei told a time.
...
The next day, Charlize Theron came to the company again and signed the contract.
Her salary for the movie "Monster" was 300 million US dollars, and her salary skyrocketed after winning the Oscar for Best Actress.
Gu Wei paid her 12 million US dollars, which is also one of the highest salaries for Hollywood actresses currently.
"Gu, thank you. It's a great honor to be in this movie."
In the conference room, after signing the contract, Charlize Theron said to Gu Wei with a smile on her face.
"You're welcome. Welcome to the Interstellar crew."
Gu Wei stood up and stretched out his hand.
Then the other party also stood up and shook hands with Gu Wei.
Gu Wei personally escorted Charlize Theron to the door and then returned to the office.
On the same day, the news that Charlize Theron would play the leading role in the sci-fi blockbuster "Interstellar" appeared in Hollywood news.
"It is reported that the male and female protagonists of director Gu Wei's film have been confirmed."
"Top star Leonardo DiCaprio and Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron."
"According to the latest news, the film's opening ceremony is scheduled for the 20th of this month."
...
With the actress for the leading female role confirmed, the other roles were also basically decided.
As for the auditions of domestic female stars, Gu Wei asked Wang Chen to shoot the audition videos, which have been sent over one after another.
Gu Wei looked through them and shook his head. There was no actor that met his taste.
That afternoon, Gu Wei replied to emails from other domestic actresses. The content of his replies was similar, all of which expressed hope for future collaborations.
.........
As the audition results for Gu Wei’s latest film were announced, the news spread back to China.
The media reacted quickly and the news immediately appeared on the Internet.
"It is reported that a number of domestic female stars failed in their audition for the movie 'Interstellar'."
"The male and female protagonists of the movie have been decided..."
"Zhang Ziyi, an international actress and a member of the Oscar jury, also failed in her audition."
...
"Leonardo and Charlize Theron are playing the leading roles, wow."
"All domestic female stars were wiped out. I had guessed this result a long time ago."
"Where's Liu Yifei? Didn't she say she was going for an audition?"
"I guess it's been decided internally. Anyway, there's no news released yet."
...
On September 9, the film role was confirmed and Gu Wei called Liu Yifei.
"There are no more domestic activities and announcements, so you can get ready now."
"really?"
Liu Yifei was staying at home at the moment. When she heard Gu Wei's words, her eyes lit up.
"Don't worry, the announcement has already been turned down."
"Well, send me a message before you come and I'll pick you up at the airport."
"Yeah, I'll go talk to mom and leave tomorrow."
Liu Yifei said quickly, her tone becoming a little lighter.
The two chatted for a while and then hung up the phone.
Liu Xiaoli was reading a book in the study at this time. There was a cup of steaming coffee on the table next to her.
When he saw his daughter coming over, he asked casually without even raising his eyelids, "What's wrong? Is there something wrong?"
"Mom, my senior just called me and asked me to go directly to Hollywood."
When Liu Xiaoli heard this, her expression changed and she put down the book in her hand.
"confirmed."
"Ah."
Liu Yifei nodded, like a chick pecking at rice.
"Okay, pack your things, I'll have someone book a flight now."
"Mom, can I get there by myself?"
Liu Yifei suddenly said.
"What are you thinking about all day? Go pack your bags."
Mother Liu looked serious and glared at her.
"Oh."
Liu Yifei stuck out her tongue and walked out of the study.
...
The next day, the media photographed Liu Yifei and Liu Xiaoli at the airport.
Both mother and daughter wore sunglasses that covered most of their faces.
Both of them wore the same white thin shirt on the upper body, a khaki windbreaker on the outside, and casual pants and white sneakers on the lower body.
With her long hair draped over her shoulders, she looks very cool.
Two female assistants followed behind him, each pulling two large suitcases.
"Yifei, are you going to Hollywood?"
The reporters who were waiting at the airport were dazzled when they saw the two people appear.
He walked quickly up to the group of people and asked, holding up the recording device in his hand.
"Yes."
Liu Yifei's answer was brief.
She then raised her scissors hand, smiled sweetly, and cooperated with the reporters on the scene to take photos.
"Liu Yifei and her mother Liu Xiaoli appeared at the Capital Airport, suspected to be flying to Hollywood..."
The news spread online and it became lively...
"Tiantian, don't watch it anymore. We will invest in our own movie in the future and let you be the heroine then."
In a villa in the capital, Lu Zheng looked at Jing Tian who was staring at the news in a daze and spoke.
"Okay, Uncle Lu."
When the girl heard this, she agreed casually, but she still looked a little absent-minded. ………
Just as Liu Yifei was on the plane rushing to Hollywood, Gu Wei was invited to attend the premiere reception of "The Departed".
This film produced by Warner Bros. has already been confirmed to be nominated for next year's Oscars and compete for awards.
At the same time, Warner will also invest a large amount of money in public relations.
Gu Wei was wearing casual clothes and was driven to the premiere by a driver.
The venue is scheduled to be held at the Broadway Theater in New York, and director Martin Scorsese will lead the leading actors Leonardo Dicaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson to attend.
There were many guests and the event was star-studded.
Leonardo DiCaprio looked handsome in a suit, exuding the charm of a mature man. Matt Damon attended the event with his wife.
That night, actress Mira Sorvino wore a low-cut halter dress, looking sexy and charming.
Vera Farmiga wears black, wears red lips, and has blonde hair and blue eyes.
Manuela Clichy wore a floor-length dress, showing off her beautiful back.
In addition, Lorraine Blanco, Dana Delany, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, lead singer Mick Jagger and others appeared on the red carpet. The scene was full of stars and the light was dazzling.
After Gu Wei arrived at the scene, he walked on the red carpet and was interviewed by reporters.
"Director Gu Wei, when will your new movie start filming?"
A New York Times reporter asked, holding up a microphone.
“It will start filming around the end of the month.”
After answering a few questions, Gu Wei went straight into the theater.
"Hello, Director Gu Wei."
"Gu, long time no see."
Inside the venue, people came forward to say hello one after another, many of whom Gu Wei did not know.
Gu Wei smiled throughout the whole process, waving and nodding from time to time.
“Leon, Director Gu is here, over there.”
Matt Damon noticed Gu Wei's figure at the first moment and said to Leonardo next to him.
"Sorry, let's talk later."
When Leonardo heard this, he apologized to the people around him, and then walked towards Gu Wei with Matt Damon.
"Gu, thank you for coming to support us."
Leonardo and Gu Wei hugged each other and then spoke.
“Haha, Leon, long time no see.”
"Matt, how are you doing?"
Gu Wei hugged Matt Damon next to him again and asked with a smile.
"Everything is fine, Gu, this is my wife Luciana."
"Hello, Director Gu Wei."
"Hello."
The two shook hands, and Gu Wei looked at her a few more times. This woman married Matt Damon last year. She had been married before and was much older than Matt Damon.
"Gu, let's go talk over there."
Several people followed Leonardo to the sofa area next to them and sat down.
“By the way, Gu, I haven’t congratulated you on your new movie yet.
You don't know, Leon has been bragging about this to me a lot recently."
Matt Damon complained about Leonardo.
"Matt, this is a blockbuster movie with an investment of 200 million US dollars. It's rare in Hollywood."
Leonardo was in high spirits tonight, and his tone was full of joy.
"Matt, come visit the crew when you have time. We will be filming in Canada and Iceland."
"Of course, I will go. I heard that the scenery in Iceland is beautiful."
The other party did not hesitate and agreed directly.
"Gu, I think we can let Matt play a cameo role in the movie then."
Leonardo suggested from the side.
After hearing this, Gu Wei's eyes lit up. This was a good idea. Then he asked:
"Matt, I don't know if you'd like to."
“No problem, Gu, I don’t think anyone would refuse an invitation from a big director, haha.”
Matt Damon leaned back on the sofa and answered. Luciana, who was sitting next to him, also smiled the whole time as she watched them chatting.
After Gu Wei chatted with the two of them for a while, Leonardo introduced Gu Wei to the director of the film, Martin Scorsese.
Gu Wei was very interested in this legendary director, and the two started chatting immediately.
...
After the cocktail party, it was time for press interviews.
When the reporter asked Leonardo about his experience working with the director.
Leonardo said directly:
"I like suits very much. This is the third time I have worked with Director Scorsese. He has a lot of experience in depicting the real world of gangsters. We had a great time working together."
“Leon, your next movie is going to be a collaboration with Director Gu Wei, what do you want to say?”
Hearing the reporter's question, Leon glanced at director Scorsese next to him, and seeing him nod, Leonardo immediately said:
"I am looking forward to the next collaboration with Director Gu Wei. I will work hard to make this movie well."
After saying that, he glanced at Gu Wei in the audience.
When Gu Wei saw the camera turned towards him, he smiled and gave him a thumbs up.
The movie "Infernal Affairs" is adapted from the Hong Kong movie "Infernal Affairs". The content is similar, but there are some minor changes.
The movie slowly began to play on the big screen.
Gu Wei watched Leonardo and Matt Damon's acting skills on the screen and nodded slightly from time to time.
After the screening, Gu Wei stayed in the hotel next door that night and vaguely heard someone knocking on the door at night.
Fortunately, he locked the door in advance, otherwise if he was photographed by paparazzi and reported, he wouldn’t know how to explain it to the young lady.
...
The next morning, Gu Wei did not go directly to the company, but asked the company to send two more cars to the airport to pick up Liu Yifei and her group.
10:00 AM at Los Angeles Airport.
Gu Wei, wearing sunglasses and followed by two bodyguards, came to the exit and waited.
Not long after, Liu Yifei and others were seen walking towards this side. They were carrying suitcases and looking for something everywhere.
"Sissi."
Gu Wei walked up quickly and spoke first.
"Senior."
Liu Yifei called out sweetly.
"Auntie, you've worked hard all the way. Let's go to the hotel first."
Afterwards, the group drove three cars directly to the hotel next to the company and settled down.
In the evening, Gu Wei finished dinner with a few people and went to bed early to recuperate.
The next morning, the opening ceremony of "Interstellar" was held in Beverly Hills, Hollywood.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlize Theron arrived at the scene early.
"Gu, is this my daughter in the movie?"
Leonardo made a joke after seeing Liu Yifei.
Gu Wei simply ignored him. Who was he taking advantage of?
"Hello, I'm Crystal Liu."
Liu Yifei introduced herself directly.
"Your English is really good. I'm Leonardo, nice to meet you."
"Hello, I'm Charlize Theron."
"Hello."
Everyone got to know each other and then the interview session began.
The opening ceremony was simple and only answered some questions from reporters present.
Then Gu Wei stood in the middle, next to Leonardo and Charlize Theron, and took a photo together.
On the same day, the opening ceremony was reported by domestic media, along with a large number of on-site photos.
At the same time, the careful reporter also found that Liu Yifei's name was added to the list of supporting actors in the movie.
"Sure enough, I guessed right. This role is reserved for Liu Yifei."
“If they don’t give it to their own artists, will they give it to outsiders?”
"I bet that something is definitely going on between Yifei and Director Gu, believe it or not."
"Come on, Yifei. We support you."
...
(End of this chapter)