Chapter 69 Production Completed
"Kung Fu will marry China Film Group, will the cooperation between Columbia and Huayi end?"

However, the reporter learned from people in the industry that Columbia Pictures will end its cooperation with Huayi Company, buy back the distribution rights of "Kung Fu" to itself, and hand it over to China Film Group for distribution, but the name of Huayi as the producer will still be retained in the subtitles of the film.

As soon as the domestic news media reported the news, many media outlets on the Internet speculated that the private film and television company Huayi Company would part ways with Columbia Pictures.

The two companies started their collaboration on their first film, "Big Shot", and their achievements in film distribution are obvious to all.

"Huayi Films was dishonest, so Columbia Pictures took back the distribution rights and handed them over to China Film Group."

With subsequent media reports, the speculation was confirmed.

Several domestic blockbusters in the second half of the year, including "2046", "A World Without Thieves" and "Kung Fu" have gradually surfaced.

Among them, Zhou Xingchi’s new movie attracted the most attention, not only because of the change in distribution rights, but also because movie fans were full of expectations for this movie.

In terms of level, "A World Without Thieves" and "2046" are not as good as "Kung Fu".

The film has announced that it will be released simultaneously in Mainland China, Hong Kong Island, Singapore and Malaysia. The film is currently being screened at the Toronto and Tokyo Film Festivals.

...

During his time in the United States, Gu Wei was not idle. In addition to film editing, he also attended several movie receptions with Will Smith and others.

I got to know many celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson, who starred in the movie "Girl with a Pearl Earring" in 04, and Jessica Alba, who just finished filming "Entourage".

Comparing the two, Jessica Alba is more in line with Gu Wei's aesthetic. It should be said that Jessica, who was rated as one of the top 100 beauties in the world, is in line with most people's aesthetic.

"Hey kid, take it easy and don't be corrupted by the sugar-coated bullets over there."

Han Sanping called and joked.

Gu Wei was a little confused. What was going on?

It was not until that evening when Gu Wei browsed the online news that he discovered the reason.

"Golden Bear Award-winning director is obsessed with Scarlett Johansson."

"At the reception, the two embraced passionately."

Looking at the media reports, Gu Wei felt a little helpless. It was hard to explain. There were not only texts, but also photos of hugging.

A Hollywood actress and a big Hollywood director, this is the topic and the traffic.

No matter where you are, the entertainment industry’s attitude towards gossip is similar. No matter whether it is true or false, as long as it is published and can attract people’s attention, it’s fine.

At the following cocktail party, Gu Wei was much smarter. When he met the female stars, he only shook hands, for fear of being photographed.

...

Unlike other Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters, "The Pursuit of Happyness" has no special effects throughout the film, and the post-production and editing did not take too long.

This drama was filmed with live sound recording. Will Smith's lines were not bad, but there were some parts in the middle that needed post-dubbing. Gu Wei asked Will Smith to take time out to come twice, and the dubbing recording went smoothly.

By mid-October, after more than three months, the film was basically completed.

"Will, I think you need to come back again."

"Is the editing done?"

On the phone, Will Smith sounded a little excited.

"Yes, don't you want to see the effect of the finished film?"

Gu Wei is full of temptation.

"Of course, Gu, see you tomorrow."

Will Smith has high expectations for the film. This is his Oscar-winning work and he takes it very seriously.

The next afternoon, Will Smith arrived at Warner headquarters on time.

"Gu, there's basically no problem, let's just show it?"

Said a white man with brown hair, who is also the head of the editing department at Warner headquarters.

Gu Wei nodded. "Follow me, the staff is debugging the machine."

In the projection room, after the staff adjusted the machine, they made a gesture.

In addition to Gu Wei and Will Smith, there were also Ryder and several staff members at the scene.

Gu Wei is not afraid that the film will be leaked. He has signed a contract with Warner. If it is leaked, Warner will need to pay a considerable amount of compensation.

As the screen lit up, the movie slowly began.

Looking at the machine on the long table, Will Smith's eyes were full of anticipation.

The film is nearly two hours long, with well-connected shots, full background sound effects, and a tight rhythm.

Gu Wei turned his head and looked at Will Smith, only to see him nodding from time to time to show his approval.

"It's a great movie. This is the first time I've watched the finished film, and I have to say, it moved me."

After the film was over, the head of Warner's editing department looked at Gu Wei and praised him.

"Will, what do you think?"

"It's amazing, incredible, and the editing is perfect. I think it will become a classic in the hearts of the audience."

Will Smith praised the movie without hesitation. Although he already knew the general content of the movie during the filming process, the final effect still exceeded Will Smith's expectations.

"Gu, when will the movie be released?"

Will Smith asked.

"The promotion of the film has already started. I plan to release it in mid-November. In the next month, Warner and Universal will jointly promote it."

"As for the release of the film, the two companies will start it simultaneously, so don't worry."

"Gu, you have thought very carefully. No, I should say this is a perfect solution."

After hearing Gu Wei's arrangement, Will Smith responded.

In Hollywood, the cost of publicity and promotion for a hit movie will not be less than half of the investment in the movie itself.

Gu Wei's spending on "The Pursuit of Happyness" exceeded the cost. The simultaneous promotion by Warner and Universal would require at least 20 million yuan, plus the cost of opening theaters and public relations fees, it is a considerable expense.

However, with the box office share and video tape share from other films arriving, there is no problem with funds, and Gu Wei can handle it even with the investment in Taken 2.

"Will, we need your participation in the promotional reception for the movie during this period."

In the hotel restaurant, Gu Wei looked at Will Smith across from him and said.

"No problem, I can join anytime if needed."

Will Smith took a sip of red wine and spoke with a relaxed look.

As the absolute protagonist of the movie, Will Smith can distinguish the priorities in this regard.

...

The next day, the news that "The Pursuit of Happyness" was completed was reported by the media.

Afterwards, Gu Wei asked Reid to announce the movie's release date in the name of the company, and large-scale publicity officially began.

"This is a movie that everyone should watch, believe me, you won't regret it."

Will Smith made his remarks on the social platform as soon as possible, attracting the attention of many fans.

"The Golden Bear-winning director's third film in Hollywood is about to be released."

“The film is adapted from a true story. It is an inspirational movie that you cannot miss.”

When the news reached China, major portals reported on it. Thanks to Gu Wei's box office performance in movies, many netizens left messages expressing their expectations.

...

(End of this chapter)