Chapter 508: Invitation from Universal Company
Speaking of the "Jurassic Park" series of movies, I believe most people are familiar with it.
To some extent, the "Jurassic Park" series has a greater impact on Chinese people.
After all, many domestic movie fans' impression of Hollywood movies started with movies such as "Home Alone", "Jurassic Park" and the later "Jumanji".
If domestic netizens were asked to select the number one IP in film history, I believe many people would choose the "Jurassic" series without hesitation.
The impact of this film on the domestic film industry at that time was unparalleled in terms of shock and subversion, even surpassing the later "Titanic".
You know, the first "Jurassic Park" movie won the highest box office in the world at that time.
When it was released in 93, the global box office exceeded $10 billion, and this record was not broken until Cameron's "Titanic" appeared.
However, facing the invitation from Universal President Adam Ferguson, Gu Wei was still a little confused.
Speaking of which, the two parties started their collaboration on "Taken", and now so many years have passed.
"Taken" was also filmed to the fourth part, but apart from that, the two sides have not continued to cooperate on new projects. The only contact between the two sides was on the distribution of "Interstellar", "2012" and "The Wandering Earth".
After thinking for a long time, Gu Wei felt that if there was anything to discuss, it would be better to meet in person to discuss it. He was just guessing here and had no clue at all.
.........
Warner Bros. headquarters in Los Angeles.
Looking at Fan Binbin who flew over overnight, Gu Wei was shocked by his behavior.
From the original "Interstellar", to "2012", to today's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", Fan Binbin is like an indestructible cockroach. Even if there is only a little chance, he will not choose to give up.
"Gu, I think we should give her a chance." After learning about the other party's actions, Mike was very appreciative. Perhaps he was appreciating the other party's face, perhaps he was appreciating the other party's figure, or perhaps he was appreciating the other party's persistence.
"You've really given me a difficult problem. You know, the script of this movie has been finalized, and there are no Asian roles at all." Gu Wei shook his head and said helplessly.
"Director Gu, I sincerely hope that you can give me a chance. I will work hard to prove myself." Fan Binbin said in a somewhat anxious tone.
"Gu, adding an Asian character is not a difficult task for you, but it is indeed a rare opportunity for this beautiful lady." Mike continued.
Gu Wei finally rejected Fan Binbin, even though the latter said that even if she came to play a female gorilla, as long as she could participate in the movie directed by Director Gu, she would be satisfied.
But once you get involved, the other studio will definitely hype it up with this gimmick.
"Be a person with a clear conscience, and the same applies to doing things. Don't be too obsessed with money. I think you have heard some rumors about some things, so take care of yourself."
Before parting, Gu Wei couldn't help but say something to Fan Binbin, giving her some friendly reminders. As for whether the other party could grasp it, it depended on her own thoughts.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Fan Binbin's expression became a little unnatural. "I understand, Director Gu, thank you for your reminder."
...
The next day, Gu Wei brought his assistant directly to the headquarters of Universal Pictures.
Adam Ferguson and Spielberg have been waiting here for a long time.
"Gu, nice to see you again"
Adam Ferguson and Gu Wei shook hands. The two had met several times before, but all of them were at movie premiere cocktail parties. This was the first time they met privately.
"Hi, Gu, I heard that you are working with Leonardo on a new movie. I hope to see you at the Oscars next year." Spielberg hugged Gu Wei and said directly.
"Of course, whether it's the Oscars or the three major European awards, it's not a problem for this movie." Gu Wei's confident look made Adam Ferguson's eyes light up. Isn't this exactly the director that Universal Studios needs?
Gu Wei naturally didn't know that he was pretending, which made Adam Ferguson more determined to invite him.
Because at this moment Spielberg took out a script and handed it to Gu Wei.
"This is?"
"Gu, this is the script for Universal's next movie. I hope you can help take a look at it and give some professional advice." Spielberg said with a smile.
"Fuck, just call me over here for this." Gu Wei really wanted to complain about the other party, but thinking about the cooperation between the two parties, he held back for the time being.
After taking the script, Gu Wei started reading it by himself.
But the more I look at it, the more something seems wrong. Isn’t this something from the “Jurassic” series?
"Invite me to direct this movie? Or cooperate with me and develop it together?" Gu Wei's mind was full of random thoughts, but his hands did not stop moving, and he continued to flip through the pages.
"Gu, what do you think of the script?" After about ten minutes, Spielberg saw that the other party had stopped moving and asked.
"Excuse me, how much does Universal Studios plan to invest in this film?"
"1.5 million US dollars." Adam Ferguson said.
Well, it is worthy of being one of the six major Hollywood studios, with a lot of money to burn. Instead of investing 1.5 million to shoot this script, they might as well change the subject.
At least Gu Wei felt that writing a script on the spot was better than this.
"Gu, your script has been recognized by many professionals in Hollywood. Can you give me some professional advice?" "With a cost of 1.5 million US dollars, to be honest, it would be better to continue investing in two Fast and Furious movies. At least it can be guaranteed not to lose money. In my opinion, this script is simply terrible."
When it comes to these big Hollywood companies, what makes Gu Wei most envious is not their strong capital and advanced equipment, but the various big IPs under their names.
With so many big IPs, as long as they are not stupid, in Gu Wei's opinion, they are just lying on a mountain of gold and counting money.
"Haha, these damn screenwriters always use these crappy stuff to fool us. Gu, you are right, this script is not worth such a high investment." Adam Ferguson was amused by Gu Wei's words.
"So what is the purpose of your inviting me here?"
"We want you to direct the next Jurassic movie?" Spielberg got straight to the point.
Gu Wei also knew something about "Jurassic Park IV". Spielberg had planned to start this story as early as 2001.
After that, due to various reasons, the film has been delayed.
Until now, there has been no news that Universal Studios has restarted this big IP.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but my schedule is very busy and I probably won't be able to direct another movie for two to three years."
Gu Wei told the truth that he was interested in this kind of big IP, but the other party might not be able to wait that long.
"Gu, if you really don't consider it, we can accept a postponement of one to one and a half years before starting, but three years is still a bit too long." Before leaving, Adam Ferguson persuaded again.
"I'm sorry, I don't think I will have extra time to consider this movie for at least a year and a half." Gu Wei still chose to refuse.
This made Adam Ferguson very depressed. He finally found a suitable candidate, but the other party didn't have time.
"Gu, I think this is fine. In the next year and a half, we will continue to look for a suitable director. But if you are free in the middle, you can contact Universal at any time. We welcome working with you again."
Spielberg's remarks did not completely confirm the situation, leaving some room for improvement.
After thinking for a moment, Gu Wei nodded and said, "Okay, if there is a chance, I think I won't refuse it."
.........
The news that Gu Wei appeared at Universal Studios did not cause a sensation in Hollywood.
Because the two parties had collaborated before, no news of a new movie came out after this meeting. Many people thought that the two parties only had follow-up communication for the opening of "The Wandering Earth" in theaters.
At this time, news came out in Hollywood that Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. were planning to collaborate on the movie "Superman vs. Batman".
You know, there is the successful case of "Avengers" right before us. Obviously DC also intends to learn from Marvel and build a DC alliance.
In China, the news that Fan Binbin flew to Hollywood to have a personal meeting with Gu Wei shocked many actors in the circle.
Although he did not succeed in getting the role in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes", this attitude was noticed by many filmmakers and directors.
Regardless of whether Gu Wei’s reminder was useful or not, after returning from Hollywood, Fan Binbin’s studio directly announced two other pieces of latest news.
"Mainland actor Fan Binbin has confirmed that he will join "X-Men: Days of Future Past" and will work with actor Hugh Jackman and others."
"In addition to this "X-Men", this year Fan Binbin will also star in the Hollywood fantasy blockbuster "The Mermaid", which is worth looking forward to."
I have to say that Fan Binbin’s studio’s ability to write drafts is unparalleled.
But no matter what netizens say, Fan Binbin’s popularity is at its highest at this moment.
Li Binbin starred in two Hollywood blockbusters, "X-Men" and "The Mermaid", and took great pains to star in "Resident Evil", but in the blink of an eye, he was suppressed by Fan Binbin.
...
Capital, the crew of "Parasite".
At this moment, Liu Yifei pouted after seeing the report on the Internet.
I was thinking silently in my heart that when Gu Wei came back, he would definitely punish him severely.
Although Gu Wei still rejected the other party in the end, Fan Binbin personally felt that Hollywood and Gu Wei's meeting made the young lady feel very uncomfortable.
Just when everyone was immersed in the popularity brought by Fan Binbin, a piece of gossip came out in the country.
"Director Gu Wei is suspected to be working with Universal Studios to direct the "Jurassic Park" series of films."
"The two parties met at Universal Studios and are suspected to have signed a cooperation agreement. It is reported that the investment in the film is as high as 1.5 million US dollars."
"Director Spielberg said frankly that Gu is currently the most suitable director to direct this film."
As soon as the news came out, other big stars in the circle instantly felt that their chance had come.
Especially Li Binbin, after learning that Gu Wei would return to China in the near future, he kept a close eye on his itinerary at all times.
.........
(End of this chapter)