Chapter 48: Taken

After about an hour, Gu Wei heard the sound of coffee hitting the saucer and his attention was drawn back from the computer screen.

I saw Will Smith had finished reading the script and started drinking his coffee.

"Would you like a hot cup?"

"OK, thanks."

Gu Wei called the staff and asked them to give him a new cup of hot coffee.

"It's a very good script. Is it based on a true story?"

"Yes, the prototype of the male protagonist now works on Wall Street."

"Of course, he is a very wealthy man now."

"When are you going to start filming and how long will it take?"

"I am currently filming I, Robot, which is expected to be finished in October."

Will Smith added.

Hearing this, Gu Wei started to think. Will Smith did not interrupt him and drank the new coffee.

"There is still enough time. I plan to start in February next year and expect to complete the filming in four to five months."

After hearing what Gu Wei said, Will Smith picked up the script again and took another look at it.

He is very interested in this script, and his personal visit today also represents his attitude.

"Gu, I've accepted this movie."

"Then I wish us happy cooperation."

Gu Wei smiled and said.

"Pleasant to work with."

Will Smith also said something.

The next step is to discuss the remuneration.

In the original time and space, the investment cost of the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness" was 5500 million US dollars, and Will Smith's salary was 1700 million US dollars.

Considering that filming is now done three years in advance, the cost and pay will be reduced a lot.

In the end, Gu Wei paid Will Smith 1200 million yuan in salary. The film is expected to cost around 4200 million yuan. The specific investment amount will require the company's finance department to make further detailed budget reports.

The next day, Will Smith came to the company again, asked a professional lawyer to read the contract, and signed it directly.

"Can I take the script with me?"

Will Smith suddenly made a request and looked at Gu Wei.

Gu Wei nodded, "Of course no problem."

At noon, Gu Wei and Will Smith left the Tomorrow Star Films Company.

We are going to have lunch together at a restaurant near the company.

.........

The restaurant is open-air and you can see the beach not far away by looking up. The restaurant environment is good.

"Gu, I'll treat you today to celebrate our cooperation."

Will Smith raised his glass and clinked it with Gu Wei. Ryder and Will Smith's assistant, who were accompanying him, also raised their red wine glasses and clinked their glasses.

The lunch was simple, just steak, red wine, and some other side dishes.

"Well, then I'm not welcome."

After saying this, Gu Wei pointed his knife and fork at the steak on the table. It tasted good and the meat was very tender.

In Hollywood, entertainment reporters are much better than those in China, and their equipment is more advanced.

In the afternoon, the news that Gu Wei and Will Smith were having dinner was reported.

A big director plus a top Hollywood male star, this combination is big news even in a place like Hollywood.

Lunch was over and everyone left.

...

The next day, news of Gu Wei and Will Smith's dinner together spread back to China.

For a time, there were all kinds of speculations on the Internet, and most people believed that the two were preparing to cooperate and start shooting a new movie.

When people in the circle learned the news, there was confusion again, and they didn't know whether they would have the chance to participate.

Even Liu Yifei sent a private text message to Gu Wei to ask about this matter.

Gu Wei did not hide it and admitted that she did have plans for a new movie, but there was no suitable role for her this time.

After hearing this, Liu Yifei felt a sense of loss in her heart. When she was filming with the Legend of Sword and Fairy crew that day, she was very worried. She failed to pass a shot after shooting it several times and was scolded by the director.

.........

The post-production of "Taken" has been completed and the film is scheduled to be released at the end of June.

After the release date was confirmed, Universal Studios began its publicity and promotion. As an investor and screenwriter, Gu Wei also attended many cocktail parties during this period. After all, the box office share of this movie is related to the investment plan for the next movie.

The next day, Hollywood media reported the news of the release of "Taken" on a large scale.

The situation in China is similar. Not only is there media coverage, but a large number of netizens are also leaving comments, looking forward to his new movie.

Unknowingly, Gu Wei's movies have become a guarantee of box office success, with the dual guarantee of both word-of-mouth and box office success.

...

After a day of promotional reception, Reid sent Gu Wei directly back to his hotel room.

"call."

After applying the hot towel on his face, Gu Wei suddenly became much more awake.

At this moment, the cell phone on the table rang.

Gu Wei took it and saw that it was Han Sanping's call, so he answered it directly.

"Hello, Mr. Han."

"I heard that the movie Taken, which you invested in, has been scheduled for release."

Han Sanping speaks very directly and gets straight to the point.

"Yes, it will be released in North America at the end of the month."

“Have you ever considered entering the country?”

"Is this suitable? I heard that the number of imported films introduced into the country is limited and the review is very strict."

"Haha, if it were someone else, it would probably be a little risky, but if your film is not introduced, how will others view China Film?" "Don't worry, just apply directly, and I will take care of the review."

"By the way, when will you return home? You've been away for another half a year."

Han Sanping asked.

"I'll go back after the movie is out. I've been a bit busy lately. The release of Taken and the editing of The Day After Tomorrow, a lot of things."

Gu Wei did not give a definite time, but decided to wait until the movie was released before considering the time to return home.

"I heard that you are planning to start a new movie. If you have any problems with funding, China Film can provide help."

After hearing this, Gu Wei instantly understood what Han Sanping meant. Love was waiting for him here.

"Director Han, the investment cost of a new movie is not high. I plan to do it myself. I have also rejected Warner's offer."

When Han Sanping heard Gu Wei say this, he didn't force it and said, "Okay, let's talk about it when you come back."

Gu Wei hung up the phone, washed up and went to rest. There was less than a week left before the release of "Taken", so he would be busy these few days.

...

In the next few days, apart from focusing on the promotion of the movie, Gu Wei spent the rest of his time preparing for the new movie.

As for the editing of "The Day After Tomorrow", it is handled by Warner special effects engineers, so Gu Wei does not need to worry too much.

For the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness", Gu Wei does not plan to cooperate with other companies.

Firstly, the investment in the film is not large, and relying on the box office share of "A True Mob Story" and "Taken", there is no problem with funding.

Secondly, since the establishment of Tomorrow's Star Film and Television Company, it has never shot a movie independently. Taking this opportunity, Gu Wei wants to shoot independently to reserve talents for future film plans.

Third, he collaborated with other companies’ films because he had just entered Hollywood and had no connections in either film production or distribution.

After "Taken" was released and achieved box office success, Gu Wei no longer had to worry about the film's distribution. The box office was the best guarantee. In Hollywood, no company could resist money, so he had no worries about finding partners.

In the early morning of June 6th, Los Angeles time, "Taken" officially landed in major theaters in North America.

These days, Gu Wei has been staying in the company, waiting for the box office in the first three days of the opening.

Gu Wei has high expectations for this movie, but is also full of pressure.

...

On July 7, Gu Wei received a call from Universal Studios, announcing that the box office statistics for the first three days of the film's opening had been completed.

"Gu, we succeeded, haha."

Gu Wei listened to the answer on the phone and the global head spoke excitedly, and he felt relieved.

"Gu, you are a genius. I have to praise you again."

"Haha."

On the phone, Gu Wei vaguely heard other people cheering loudly.

Driven by 3183 theaters, Taken grossed $2463 million in three days, with an average single-theater value of $7736. In terms of reviews, more than 8.0 viewers on IMDB gave it an score.

After talking to the head of Global.

Gu Wei turned on his computer and read the audience's comments:
“It makes my heart beat faster and my blood boil. I haven’t seen such a gripping action movie in a long time.”

"Liam Neeson creates an iconic father figure on screen."

“I waited so long to see it in the cinema, and it didn’t disappoint me at all!”

"Taken" was chosen for global release. This movie not only earned a good reputation among the audience, but according to the forecast of Universal Studios' business department, the box office of the movie is likely to exceed 2 million US dollars.

.........

"He made money again. The box office took in more than 20 million US dollars in three days, which is more than 200 million RMB."

In Huayi’s office, Wang Zhongjun looked at the online media reports and spoke with a sour tone.

"I can't envy him because he has that ability. By the way, how is Xiaogang's new movie going?"

Wang Zhonglei asked while sitting on the sofa.

"Brother, Director Xiaogang has finished preparing and the filming will start in the next few days."

"Well, keep a close eye on this matter. If there is any support needed over there, you will be responsible for it."

...

"Mr. Wang, the company's new project is ready and needs your approval."

In the office of Guangxian Company, Wang Changtian's secretary is reporting on his work.

"Ok".

Wang Changtian nodded nonchalantly. Seeing this, the assistant didn't dare to disturb him and left the office directly.

"The box office has exceeded 2400 million in three days. This is incredible. It is another movie that will make a lot of money."

"Fortunately, Guangxian participated in the investment of the movie "The Day After Tomorrow," " Thinking of this, Wang Changtian felt much better when reading the media reports.

"Making movies is still the way to make money, and Guangguang needs to speed up the pace of film production," Wang Changtian thought to himself.

...

"Boss Han, the box office for the first edition of Taken is out."

"How many?"

"The box office exceeded 2400 million US dollars in the first three days."

"Well, the film introduction matters need to be settled as soon as possible. If there are any problems, report them directly to me."

"Okay, Director Han."

After listening to his assistant's report, Han Sanping was full of confidence in the movie "The Day After Tomorrow" which will be released at the end of the year.

This year's summer vacation is scheduled for July 7th.

On the campus of Beijing Film Academy, students are all talking about the box office performance of "Taken".

"Director Gu is worthy of being a director, awesome."

"Two consecutive movies have box office revenues of over 100 million yuan. Director Gu is really amazing."

"I don't know when this movie will be released in China. I will definitely go to the cinema to support Director Gu when the time comes."

"Go together."

"+1."

.........

(End of this chapter)