Chapter 37: I Want to Direct It Myself—and Pitch It to Warner Bros.

Chapter 37: I Want to Direct It Myself, Pitching to Warner Bros.

"This..."

Qin Feng was in a difficult position. He desperately wanted to direct the film himself. He knew that for a production of this scale, the cycle would be long and the filming process extensive. If he served as an assistant director again, it would mean losing several more months of his time.

Seeing his silence, Kennedy spoke up. "Qin Feng, I know this is difficult for you, and I know you are eager, but there is nothing I can do. These are the company's rules, and I cannot change them. I hope you can understand."

"I see. I will have to think about it..."

Qin Feng retrieved the script from the desk and stood up. "Manager Kennedy, please go back to your work. I will take my leave now."

"Wait? Qin Feng, this script..."

Qin Feng walked out without looking back. Kennedy stared at his retreating figure in astonishment, sighing inwardly.

...

Walking out of the company, Qin Feng furrowed his brows. He hadn't expected Universal to still refuse to let him direct and to impose a cap on production costs. He walked with his head down, deep in thought.

Wait!

If Universal wouldn't agree, there were still seven other major film studios.

And wait—I remember when I submitted the *Jurassic Park* script, I kept the contact information for a project manager at Warner Bros. Perhaps I should reach out to them and see what they think.

With that thought, he pulled out his phone. Scrolling through his contacts, he found the name "Warner - Asaf." After a moment of consideration, he dialed the number.

A moment later, the call was connected. Asaf, a man in his fifties, had a deep, resonant voice.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Hello, are you the project manager at Warner Bros.?"

"Yes, and you are..."

"Oh, hello, sorry to bother you. I am Qin Feng, the screenwriter of *Jurassic Park*. I previously submitted that script to your studio."

"Oh!" Asaf was taken aback, his voice filled with pleasant surprise. "I was wondering who it was! It’s Mr. Qin Feng. Tell me, what can I do for you?"

"I have another script here, and I would like to discuss it with you."

"A script? That’s wonderful! Should we meet somewhere, or would you like to come to our office?"

"Let's meet outside. This evening. I will send you the address shortly."

"Very well, see you tonight!"

"See you tonight."

...

Asaf hung up the phone, a look of delight on his face. Although his title was project manager, he was effectively a producer. Having spent half his life in the film industry, he had a sharp eye for talent. He had invested in many box-office hits and held a significant position at Warner Bros.

He certainly remembered Qin Feng. Recently, two sci-fi films had hit the theaters, both directed by Qin Feng. These two films were currently the talk of the town, and their box office numbers were staggering. There was no doubt: Qin Feng was a directorial genius.

He instinctively felt that something must have gone wrong at Universal. With that in mind, he set down his pen and walked over to find director Tim Burton.

A minute later.

"Asaf, what brings you here?" Tim Burton picked up a scarf from the rack. He and his assistant, Parson, were just about to leave for the day.

"Hold on a moment." Asaf looked at them. "You both know Qin Feng, the assistant director and screenwriter of *Jurassic Park*, right?"

"Yes..." Tim Burton put down his scarf. "What about him?"

Asaf sat down on the sofa. "He just called me. He wants to meet."

"What?!" they both asked. "He wants to meet you? Did he say what it was about?"

"He has a script on hand and wants to talk to me about it."

"Oh, but..." Tim Burton asked curiously, "Why wouldn't he pitch it to Universal? Isn't he Spielberg's assistant director?"

"I don't know, he didn't say." Asaf shook his head slightly. "But we'll know the answer tonight." He looked at his colleague. "How about it, Tim? Why don't you come along?"

Parson was startled. "Manager, is that appropriate? You are both veterans of the film industry. Meeting with a young director together—that seems quite unusual!"

"So what if we are veterans?" Asaf gave him a stern look. "Mr. Spielberg is more senior than both of us, and he still treats Qin Feng very well, doesn't he?" He turned back. "Tim, what do you think?"

Tim Burton adjusted his messy hair and nodded. "You're right. We should also take the opportunity to get to know such a talented young man."

Asaf smiled and clapped his hands. "That’s the spirit! My eccentric director!"

...

7:40 PM.

A Western restaurant not far from Warner Bros. headquarters.

The environment was quiet, with a dozen metal pillars reaching to the ceiling, white chairs, black lacquered tables, and warm lighting that made the space feel incredibly comfortable.

Qin Feng chose this place because he didn't want to make them travel too far. He looked at the menu and ordered a bottle of red wine.

Shortly after, the restaurant door opened. Two men in their fifties walked in.

Qin Feng looked up. One was a large man, easily over two hundred pounds, with a completely bald head. He had a ruddy complexion and a handlebar mustache with upturned ends. The other was well-built, wearing a black suit, a long scarf, and a pair of blue square-framed sunglasses. His hair stuck out in all directions, as if growing in different ways.

Qin Feng quickly stood up.

He recognized the man with the wild hair and square sunglasses! *My god! Isn't that director Tim Burton? Why is he here too?* And the other one must be Asaf.

He stepped forward a few paces and greeted them. "Good evening, gentlemen. I am Qin Feng."

Both men sized him up. Seeing that he was young, handsome, and of Eastern descent, they nodded to themselves in approval.

Asaf smiled. "I didn't expect you to be so young, Qin Feng."

Qin Feng replied, "Not at all. Please, gentlemen, have a seat."

The three sat down and ordered their meals.

Asaf began, "Since this is our first time meeting, let me introduce..."

Qin Feng waved his hand slightly. "No need, Manager Asaf. This must be director Tim Burton, right?"

Tim Burton was stunned. "You recognize me, Qin Feng?"

"You are a master in the film industry, and I’ve seen your photos online."

"Oh..."

Asaf laughed heartily. "Qin Feng, your two films are currently in theaters. I’ve heard they are doing very well at the box office. You’re going to be a huge star!"

Qin Feng replied, "I wouldn't go that far. As a young director, I still have much to learn. Besides, *Jurassic Park* is entirely Mr. Spielberg's work; I was just there to help with the scheduling."

Tim Burton nodded to himself. Even after achieving such great success, Qin Feng remained humble—a truly rare quality.

By then, the food had been served. Qin Feng toasted the two men.

Asaf asked, "Qin Feng, you mentioned on the phone that you had a script to pitch?"

"Yes, Manager Asaf." He opened his bag, took out a script, and handed it over. "Here is the script. It is not quite finished yet, but it is a sci-fi action film."

"It's called *The Matrix*."