Chapter 39: Qin Feng's Six Suggestions and the Invitation to Zou Zhaolong-Foi para o exterior ser diretor e superou a bilheteria de Hollywood(Sorriso Celestial)

Chapter 39: Qin Feng's Six Proposals and the Invitation to Collin Chou

"Very well." Qin Feng glanced around at everyone. "First, regarding the tone of this film, I intend to go with a cyberpunk aesthetic—a blend of reality and a virtual network. The cinematography will incorporate elements of violence."

"Secondly, the number of visual effects shots in this film will be no less than those in *Jurassic Park*."

"For the VFX, my suggestion is that our internal team collaborates with Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to handle post-production. ILM is top-tier in the industry, and this partnership will help us compress our production schedule."

"That shouldn't be a problem," Asaf nodded. "We have worked with them before."

Qin Feng continued, "Third, regarding the budget—costs in the United States are indeed quite high. I suggest we film all exterior shots in Sydney, Australia, while using the studio back home for green-screen sequences."

The group exchanged glances, finding no objections. The labor and material costs in the U.S. were notoriously high, and industry professionals were prone to strikes. Just recently, a screenwriters' strike had brought Warner Bros. to a standstill for an entire month.

"Fourth," Qin Feng paused, "based on my past experience, the art department needs to begin work as soon as possible, drafting concept art, storyboards, and pre-visualizations to facilitate the subsequent filming and VFX production."

The art director, Toom, a man with long hair, spoke up: "Understood. We can begin the design process at any time."

"Thank you," Qin Feng acknowledged with a nod.

"Fifth, this film features a large number of fight scenes. As you all know, Chinese kung fu is the most renowned in the world. I would like to ask if there are any martial arts directors we have worked with previously?"

"Hmm..." Asaf recalled, "We have worked with Mr. Yuen from Hong Kong before, but he is rarely in the U.S., so he is difficult to book." The Mr. Yuen that Asaf referred to was the legendary Master Yuen Woo-ping.

Qin Feng said, "I have someone in mind. He can serve as both a martial arts director and an actor, and his English is excellent. His name is Collin Chou, a kung fu actor from Hong Kong."

Asaf’s eyes lit up. "That would be perfect!"

"We have always wanted to work with Chinese kung fu actors, such as Jackie Chan or Jet Li." In the U.S., aside from the late legend Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li were currently the most famous.

One of the executives present pumped his fist. "Yes! I love Jackie Chan!"

Qin Feng smiled. "They are massive stars; they are cast as leading men and wouldn't be available to serve as martial arts directors." Everyone laughed.

"Now, for the sixth point," Qin Feng continued, "the film will feature four main characters: three protagonists and one antagonist."

"I have some suitable actors in mind from when I was writing the script, and I would like to mention them here."

"Of course, the final casting will depend on your discretion, as well as the actors' willingness and availability."

Asaf took out his pen. "Go ahead."

"For the protagonist, Neo, I suggest Keanu Reeves."

"For the female lead, Trinity, I suggest Carrie-Anne Moss."

"For the resistance leader, Morpheus, I suggest Laurence Fishburne."

"For the antagonist, Agent Smith, I suggest Hugo Weaving."

After noting these down, Asaf turned to a woman beside him. "Gloria, you are the assistant casting director; please contact these four actors."

"Understood," Gloria said, having finished her notes.

"Finally," Qin Feng said, "once the martial arts director and the four leads are in place, I require one month of intensive training for the main cast to ensure they can execute the film's martial arts sequences in top form."

"That is all."

After hearing him, the group felt a surge of admiration. Though Director Qin Feng appeared young, he had anticipated every potential issue during production in advance. Previously, there had been some skepticism about him taking on the director's chair, but now, everyone was fully convinced; Qin Feng was more than capable of directing this film.

Asaf smiled. "Excellent, Qin Feng. You’ve made a great start, and I am feeling increasingly confident about this project."

"Everyone, let’s split up and get to work. Let’s aim to start production as soon as possible!"

"Understood!"

"Qin Feng, please stay behind. The rest of you may go."

As the others filed out, Asaf took a sip of iced water. "Qin Feng, regarding your director's fee—since you are both the director and the screenwriter, we will go with a model of an advance payment plus a percentage of the profits."

Qin Feng listened intently.

"The advance is $200,000 USD, and you will receive 8% of the company's net profits. Is that acceptable to you?"

For a package deal covering both directing and writing, the fee didn't seem much higher than his work on *Jurassic Park*. However, since he was finally getting to direct, it didn't really matter.

"That's fine. I have no problem with that."

Asaf smiled. "Good. Go sign the contract later, and prepare yourself tomorrow; come in to work the day after."

"Understood." A weight lifted from Qin Feng's heart, and his spirits soared. He was finally going to direct a major sci-fi blockbuster on his own!

"Pleasure doing business with you, Manager Asaf!"

"Likewise!"

The two shook hands firmly.

...

After signing the contract and receiving the deposit, Qin Feng returned home. He first called Spielberg to explain the situation.

Spielberg laughed and said, "Qin, it's fine. Where you choose to film is your freedom; you didn't sign a long-term contract with Universal."

"I'm just sorry I won't be filming with you."

"I am sorry as well, sir."

"I know Kennedy; she is quite stubborn and prioritizes the company's interests above all else. Don't take it to heart. Perhaps you will return to collaborate with us in the future."

"Thank you, sir. I’m not offended."

"Good, that's for the best. Qin, I am truly looking forward to your new film."

"And I wish for your sci-fi project to start production soon as well."

"Thank you, sir."

After the call, he remembered one more thing—he had to call Collin Chou. He found his phone number.

"Hello, is this Mr. Chou?"

"Yes, it is. Ah, Mr. Qin, long time no see."

"Hello, Mr. Chou. Do you remember the film I mentioned before? It is in the pre-production stage, and I need you to come over. Are you in the U.S. currently?"

"Really? Starting so soon? I'm not in the U.S."

"Would it be convenient for you to come over? This is a major sci-fi action production. I would like to invite you to be the martial arts director, and I also need you to play a heroic role."

"...Very well. When do you need me there?"

"Great. Make your preparations; three or four days should suffice. I will send you the address later; just come find me directly when you arrive."

"Understood. Thank you, Mr. Qin."

"You're welcome. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Qin Feng tapped the screen lightly. Everything was going smoothly.