Chapter 172 3D Camera

Reid's contact with Cameron went smoothly. In recent years, Reid has become well-known in the Hollywood independent film circle. With Gu Wei and the company behind him, many film producers and directors know him.

Although "Avatar" was invested and produced by 20th Century Fox, it was affected by the recent financial crisis and is currently seriously short of follow-up funds.

Perhaps some senior executives at Fox were reluctant to continue investing as 3D filming costs too much money, especially since Cameron, in pursuit of perfection, specially customized a 3D camera.

Fox is also one of the traditional eight major Hollywood studios. Logically, even Cameron has to listen to the orders and commands of the company's top management.

But when he really reached his position, the screenwriter-producer-centered system was completely useless for him. It was just like in China, where the director was the center.

Even the top executives at Fox have limited influence on him. This is the privilege of being a big international director.

"Boss, Director Cameron wants to talk to you in person."

The next morning, Reid hurried to the company office and talked to Gu Wei about this in person.

To contact Cameron and seek the remake rights of "Titanic", it is definitely not possible to simply purchase it directly. Gu Wei has already thought of the reason.

Gu Wei had expected the other party to ask for a meeting for detailed discussion, which took place at Fox headquarters. He also wanted to see Cameron's "big baby", the 3D camera specially made for filming movies, and the related supporting systems.

"No problem, let's go meet this internationally renowned director."

Looking at the vehicles coming and going outside the window, Gu Wei spoke.

...

The next morning, Gu Wei and Reid drove together to Century City, located on the west side of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California, which is also the headquarters of Fox.

Founded in May 1935, 5th Century Fox Film Corporation was once one of the eight major film studios in Hollywood and a subsidiary of 8st Century Fox.

It was later formed by the merger of Fox Film Corporation and 20th Century Pictures, two major companies in the black-and-white film era.

Later in 19, Disney completed the acquisition of the film and television divisions of Twenty-First Century Fox for US$713 billion and obtained final regulatory approval.

In January 2020, 1th Century Fox Film Corporation was renamed th Century Fox.

A large signboard stands at the entrance of the company, a sign that can often be seen in movies.

"Director, are we really going to sell the remake rights to the movie?"

At Fox headquarters, the person in charge of film post-production discussed the matter with Cameron.

"I've had enough of those guys. They always find all kinds of excuses to delay investment funds. Maybe after this meeting we can get rid of the financial difficulties.

There’s nothing like post-production on Avatar right now.”

Cameron's face was three parts heavy, three parts angry, three parts desperate, and one part worried. He was also secretly looking forward to this meeting.

"Okay, I hope you think it over carefully."

The company's senior management said with a bit of helplessness that Cameron's position was very high and they could not change the decision he made.

Fox also has plans to remake "Titanic" in the near future, but there is a lot of resistance, and the huge investment is the biggest problem.

Some senior executives are no longer willing to spend money to re-make this previously released film. They believe that the return will not be proportional to the investment and the probability of losses is very high.

Now is Gu Wei’s best chance. Once Fox recovers from the box office revenue of "Avatar", everything will be unpredictable.

"Director, the other party has arrived."

While the two were discussing, an assistant came in and gave a report.

"Let's go and meet this young Oscar-winning director."

After saying that, he strode out of the office.

"Boss, we've been waiting for ten minutes."

In the company lobby, Reid complained to Gu Wei while drinking coffee.

"Don't be impatient. There's a saying in my hometown: you can't eat hot tofu in a hurry."

Gu Wei had a nonchalant expression on his face, taking a sip of the steaming coffee from time to time.

"Hello, Director Gu Wei, I'm Cameron."

Cameron, 54, was born in Ontario, Canada.

In 1981, he directed his first film, Piranha 2: The Spawning.

In 1984, he became famous for writing and directing the science fiction film "The Terminator".

In 1986, he wrote and directed the movie "Alien 2".

In 1991, he won the 2th Saturn Award for Best Director and Best Screenplay for the movie "Terminator 18".

In 1994, he directed the movie "True Lies".

In 1997, the movie "Titanic" directed by him achieved a box office of 18.4 billion US dollars, breaking the global box office record in film history.

The film won 70 awards including Best Picture at the 11th Academy Awards, and James Cameron won the Oscar for Best Director for the film.

Judging by age, Cameron is undoubtedly also a young celebrity, just a few years later than Gu Wei.

"Hello, Director Cameron."

Gu Wei glanced at the white man in front of him with semi-long hair. His hair was a little gray, but he seemed very energetic. Perhaps this was the unique temperament of a director.

This is the case with domestic director Zhang Yimou. He gave Gu Wei the feeling that he had endless energy.

"This is one of the company's top executives."

Cameron was making the introductions.

"Hello there!"

After the two sides shook hands, Gu Wei and Reid followed each other into the reception room.

The reception room is very large. There is a row of wine cabinets on the left side of the door and a large fish tank on the right side.

After entering, several people sat on the sofa one after another.

"Gu, what would you like to drink? Wine or coffee?"

"Coffee, thank you."

Not long after he finished speaking, a beautiful secretary brought coffee and placed it in front of them.

"Mr. Cameron, I think you already know the purpose of my visit this time."

In the reception room, it suddenly became quiet after the secretary left. After a while, Gu Wei spoke first and went straight to the point.

There is no need to hide anything from this shrewd director.

"Well, Gu, do you know what 3D movies are?"

"Good fellow, are you preparing to test yourself?"

Fortunately, Gu Wei was somewhat prepared and spent some time explaining the development of 3D movies.

"I think 3D movies will be the main direction of future development. It will change the landscape of the film industry..."

Cameron talked freely.

Hearing what the other party said, Gu Wei thought for a moment, and then said:

"The essence of film is to tell stories. From black and white to color, from silent to talking, the technological breakthroughs can only be called revolutions. I don't think it will fundamentally change the film."

“Unless you can create a new film mode, change the current way of filming, and tell the story in another way.”

After Gu Wei finished speaking, several people were a little shocked, including Reid beside him. He had never heard his boss say these things.

"He is worthy of being the young Oscar-winning director. He really has a unique understanding of film ideas."

Cameron thought secretly in his heart and put away his contempt for the director in front of him.

"Well, I think what you said is quite right, but why did you think of remaking the movie Titanic in 3D?"

"Maybe it's because of sentiment. I've watched this movie more than once, and I want to make it shine again in this way."

This is pure Gu Wei's deception. Although it is an American movie adapted from real events, he was moved at most, but he didn't feel any emotions.

"Tell me your conditions?"

The fact that Cameron could talk to Gu Wei face to face means that he has been attracted to her, and now all he needs to do is pay the price.

"Two ways to buy it: 15% of the box office dividend after the remake is released, or I will pay you a buyout fee."

"1000 million US dollars, paid in cash, what do you think of this number?"

At this point, Gu Wei was no longer in a hurry and slowly stated his conditions. ………

"Mom, please ask your assistant to pack these things quickly. We will be leaving for home tomorrow."

"Dress, shoes..."

In the villa, Liu Yifei was sitting on the sofa in the living room with a facial mask on her face, talking non-stop.

"Got it. Look at what you are capable of. Where is Gu Wei?"

Liu Xiaoli looked at Liu Yifei, who was acting like an old man in front of her, and asked with a roll of her eyes.

"The senior has something to do with Director Cameron. He will be back later. He told me so."

"Is there a new movie?"

Hearing her daughter say this, Liu Xiaoli couldn't wait to ask. After all, when two big directors meet, there is a high probability that there will be new cooperation.

"No, the senior is planning to buy the copyright of a movie. Let's ask him about the details when he comes back. I don't know much about it."

In China, almost no domestic films dared to be released during this year's National Day, except for one or two low-cost ones.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see the strength of "Interstellar," and China Film Group is backing it up, especially after news came back from the premiere in Hollywood.

"Director Han, the invitations have been sent to all companies, and everyone who received them said they would be there on time."

In the conference room of China Film Group, the secretary reported on the progress of the work at hand.

"Ah."

"Director Han, the premiere venue has been set up, and the media reporters who will be present have also been notified."

"Director Han, the group has already obtained the finished film in advance, and the number of copies is currently increasing at full capacity."

"Director Han..."

Han Sanping sat at the head of the conference table, listening to the reports from the staff below and nodding from time to time.

The movie "Interstellar", in terms of funding, is a Sino-US co-production, which is different from previous Hollywood blockbusters.

Although the box office of "Red Cliff" exceeded 300 million, the negative word-of-mouth also affected the China Film Group, which also wanted to drive the development of the domestic film industry with the movie "Interstellar".

"Everyone please work hard during this period. Director Gu Wei will be returning to China the day after tomorrow, and several leading actors from Hollywood will also be coming with him. Everyone, be prepared."

Han Sanping waved his hand and gave the order.

"Okay, Director Han."

Meanwhile, Wanda Pictures, Enlight Media, Huayi Film Group and Emperor Entertainment Group are all working hard to promote the film.

Especially Wanda Pictures, their cinema chains will reach a new high in screening rates for this movie.

"Brother, have you really decided to announce the amount of shares that Gu Wei has purchased in the company at the premiere?"

In Huayi Company, Wang Zhonglei asked with some confusion.

You should know that the news of Gu Wei buying shares of Huayi Company has spread in the circle, but the specific amount has not been announced in detail, and everyone is just guessing.

"Well, let's take this opportunity to announce it and add fuel to the listing plan next year."

Wang Zhongjun is very smart. At the premiere of "Assembly", Gu Wei announced the plan for the new movie. At the premiere of "Interstellar", he also planned to use the name to promote it. He will not do anything that will lose money.

"When the time comes, bring along all the artists the company can."

"understood."

...

Cameron was a little hesitant when he heard the conditions proposed by Gu Wei. Logically speaking, taking dividends would be a good choice.

However, the production of "Avatar" requires capital turnover. Besides, even though Gu Wei bought the rights to remake the film, it would take more than a year for the film to be released at the earliest. He really can't wait.

After thinking for a moment, Cameron made up his mind.

"Director Gu Wei, 10 million is too little, maybe 20 million."

"1200."

“It cannot be less than 1800 million.”

The two sides talked for more than an hour but still failed to reach a complete agreement.

If you make a slight concession, you will get millions of dollars in cash. No one is a fool.

"1500 million US dollars, Director Cameron. I don't think any company is willing to pay such a large sum of money right now, and it's in cash."

The bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers had a huge impact. Cash was king at this time, and the cash in the company under Gu Wei's name was his greatest confidence and reliance at this time.

"Pleasant to work with."

The two people sitting opposite each other on the sofa looked at each other and reached a tacit understanding.

By the time the matter was discussed, it was already afternoon and the specific contract would be signed by Reid on behalf of the company.

However, the other party also added a condition, that is, the remake of this film must be released on the 100th anniversary, otherwise the Knicks can choose to take back the copyright.

This is also one of Cameron's bottom lines.

After finishing his business, Cameron took Gu Wei to visit his "big baby".

Although Gu Wei talked about the essence of movies and some other things, he was still quite envious when he saw these advanced "filming machines".

"Say one thing and mean another" is the most true portrayal of him at this moment.

"Gu, I dare say these devices are the most advanced. Currently, no other company except Fox has a complete set."

Cameron boasted with great pride, his tone not disguising his pride at all.

"It looks great, but do you plan on selling it?"

Gu Wei is like a "nouveau riche" in the Middle East. When he sees good things, he wants to buy them.

"Sorry, I don't have any plans for this at the moment. These things took me a lot of effort to make."

Cameron paused when he heard Gu Wei's words, and then spoke directly.

"That's such a shame."

It is said that in his previous life, after seeing these advanced machines, Cheng Long immediately turned into a little fan of Cameron. Gu Wei doesn't know whether this is true or not.

But on second thought, since it can be produced, there must be sellers, and the price may just be a little higher.

"Ask Reid to find out when we get back."

Gu Wei stared at the machine, thinking silently in his heart.

Gu Wei spent money and got things done, so the trip was worthwhile.

After saying goodbye to Cameron, Gu Wei immediately left Fox headquarters and prepared to return to the villa.

...

"Boss, are those 3D machines really that important?"

In the car, Reid looked at Gu Wei who was obsessed with the equipment he had just seen and asked.

“That’s about right. For the copyright of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” that I asked you to buy earlier, I plan to rewrite the script and shoot it in 3D mode.

The script for 2012 also requires these devices, otherwise it would cost too much to rely on other companies.”

After listening to Gu Wei's words, Reid nodded, realizing that the company's subsequent development was inseparable from these advanced equipment.

"Don't worry, boss, I will do these things."

Reid patted his chest and said.

"Ah."

Gu Wei replied, he still had faith in Reid's ability to do things.

After the two of them finished talking, Gu Wei closed his eyes and thought carefully about what to do next.

The vehicle was driving slowly on the road, heading towards Beverly Hills.

...

(End of this chapter)