Chapter 36: Writing The Matrix! Eight Million US Dollars Received

The film officially began. Watching their own performances on the big screen felt entirely different from being on set. There was a familiar sense of strangeness to it, which felt quite novel. As the story unfolded, the discussion surrounding the protagonist John’s identity kept escalating. The plot and the underlying themes were captivating. Everyone wasn't just watching the movie; they were also keenly observing the reactions of the other audience members. Finding satisfaction in the viewers' experience—and, of course, spotting areas for improvement in their own performances—was part of the process.

An hour and a half later, the film concluded. The audience was very satisfied, and no one had walked out midway. As they left, they were buzzing with discussion, praising it as a truly unique film. Afterward, Qin Feng treated everyone to a late-night snack. They reminisced about funny moments from the set and discussed their respective performances. He suddenly realized that while these actors were not big names, they were incredibly dedicated to their craft and took their work with extreme seriousness. Every single one of them had a spark. David Smith and Qin Feng drank quite a bit. That night, everyone was happy.

...

The next morning, Qin Feng was still asleep when the phone rang. It was Scarlett.

"Hello? Scarlett."

"Qin Feng, I watched our movie with some friends yesterday, and they all said it was great!"

"The reviews online are excellent too; the netizens are really supporting our film."

"Oh, you went to see it? I thought you wouldn't have the time at the studio... We were all there last night, we just missed you."

"I know, I'm truly sorry."

"It's okay," he yawned. "When are you coming back?"

"That's still a long way off! Wait, are you still asleep?"

"Don't get me started. Smith and I drank a bit too much, and my head is still spinning."

"Qin Feng, take care of yourself. Get some rest, bye!"

"Bye."

...

"Jurassic Park" had been in theaters for three weeks. According to the contract between Universal Pictures and the theater chains, it was time for the first box office settlement. Currently, with global releases rolling out, the total box office had reached 700 million dollars. Theater chains and various taxes accounted for about 55%, while the production side took about 45%. With a total budget of 100 million, the net profit was 210 million. After deducting various personal income taxes, Qin Feng’s share amounted to over 8 million dollars, with more revenue expected to follow. Of course, contracts vary between companies and theater chains, and each film is different.

This was the first time Qin Feng had received such a massive sum of money. He was happy, but it was a measured joy; he knew that as he continued to produce and release more films, his wealth would only accumulate further. So, he wasn't overly excited. He made a special trip to the bank and spent half the day settling the payments for David Smith and the rest of the cast. After that, he still had over 7 million dollars in his account.

Walking out of the bank, he strolled along the street, his expression full of confidence. Wealth had given him a firm sense of inner security. Pedestrians hurried past him. "Everything is just about ready... It's time to consider the next film."

He found a bench and sat down, closing his eyes slightly. In his mind, it was pitch black. Suddenly, a green letter appeared. Then another, and in an instant, countless letters emerged. They moved and converged, forming neat rows of code. They scrolled rapidly from top to bottom, resembling a tunnel through time and space.

*Whoosh!*

Qin Feng opened his eyes. He knew exactly what he wanted to film next: "The Matrix."

In his previous life, it was released in 1999—a classic science fiction and action film originally directed by the Wachowskis. It started as a trilogy, with a fourth installment added later. The first film tells the story of Neo, a young computer hacker who discovers that the seemingly normal reality is actually controlled by a computer artificial intelligence system known as "The Matrix." Neo begins investigating this on the web. Guided by a mysterious woman named Trinity, he meets Morpheus, the leader of a hacker organization. Morpheus has been searching the Matrix for the legendary "One." Under Morpheus's guidance, Neo returns to the true reality and embarks on a journey to fight against the Matrix.

With his decision made, Qin Feng drove home. Back at his apartment, he brewed a cup of tea he had bought from a Chinese supermarket. He opened his computer and document, and began typing. He typed rapidly, almost without hesitation, much like a musician playing a familiar piano piece. Hours later, the script was finished. Qin Feng rubbed his eyes and stretched for a moment before checking and revising it one last time. It was finally done!

He leaned back, lost in thought. "The Matrix" was not a low-budget film. It would require corporate operation and massive investment—perhaps similar to the total cost of "Jurassic Park." If that were the case, he would have to pitch it to Universal. But regardless, he had to be the director this time! Otherwise, he would really have to look for another company.

With that in mind, he called Kathleen Kennedy.

"Hello, Ms. Kennedy."

"Hello, Qin Feng. What can I do for you?"

"Are you free this afternoon? I'd like to come by and discuss something with you."

"This afternoon? Sure, come by at 4:00."

"Okay, see you at 4:00."

...

In the afternoon, at Universal Pictures headquarters:

"Good to see you again, Ms. Kennedy."

Kennedy smiled. "Qin Feng, you always bring me surprises when you visit. What is it? Did you receive the payment for your writing?"

"I did, but I'm here for something else."

"Don't tell me you've conjured up another movie in just these few days?"

"Well... not exactly, but I have brought a script."

"Oh?" Kennedy exclaimed. "You really are full of surprises! You write scripts almost faster than novels are updated."

"Did you write another one?"

"Yes." Qin Feng took a stack of manuscript pages from his bag and handed them over. "This is only half."

Kennedy took it. "'The Matrix.' Qin Feng, is this another sci-fi film?"

"Yes, it is."

Kennedy flipped through it briefly. "Not bad! It’s a very novel worldview. I can tell this is another big production."

Qin Feng leaned in slightly. "Ms. Kennedy, for this one, could you let me be the lead director? Do you think that’s possible?"

Kennedy rubbed her temples, looking troubled. "Qin Feng, the company has regulations. There are specific standards and conditions for the appointment of a director. Let me be honest with you: for a new director, we won't put up a production budget of more than 20 to 30 million. That's why there are so few sci-fi films on the market; unless it's a big-name director, we really don't dare to invest that kind of money."

"Looking at your script, 30 million definitely won't be enough!"

Qin Feng frowned. "Can't we find a compromise?"

"There is only one way."

"Oh? What way?"

Kennedy looked at him and said sincerely, "Unless you serve as an assistant director one more time, gain more experience, and achieve success at the box office, I will definitely find a way to let you direct a major blockbuster in the future! Are you willing?"