Chapter 44: Disney Executives Shaken, Sci-Fi Films Are About to Change Forever

Chapter 44: Disney Executives Shaken, Sci-Fi Films Are About to Change

Universal Pictures Headquarters.

Kathleen Kennedy pushed open Steven Spielberg's office door.

"Director Spielberg, have you heard? Qin Feng has gone to Warner Bros."

Spielberg put down the schedule in his hand, looked up at her, and smiled: "Kennedy, what is it? Making such a fuss over nothing."

"A fuss over nothing? Qin Feng has run off to Warner Bros., and you still don't know?"

"I know."

"Huh? You knew? This... how could he go to Warner? He has a partnership with us."

"If he didn't go to Warner, he would have gone to one of the other film studios anyway."

Kennedy sat down.

"I don't understand. Whether it's his share of the screenwriting royalties or that low-budget movie of his, he has already achieved financial freedom. He has made money that other people couldn't earn in several lifetimes. Why does he still keep tossing and turning everywhere?"

Spielberg said softly: "I understand Qin Feng. He has always wanted to direct major special-effects movies himself, and to direct them personally—that is his dream. For the sake of his dream, he will keep making films."

"Kennedy, since you didn't agree to let him direct personally, of course he had to leave."

Kennedy frowned. "But... at the time, I just wanted him to gain a bit more experience with one more film, I didn't say I would never let him direct."

"No matter what," Spielberg picked up the schedule again, "he has already left. If we want him back, we can only wait until his next film and let him direct it, while offering him a higher stake."

"By the way, what is his new script called?"

Kennedy thought for a moment: "The Matrix."

"Wow~~ Cool~~"

Kennedy stood up and left, her voice drifting back: "What's so cool about it? It's really giving me a headache. Did I do something wrong?"

Spielberg merely smiled.

Qin Feng, keep it up!

...

Walt Disney Studios Headquarters.

As one of the Big Eight Hollywood film studios, Disney possessed immense financial strength.

It started out with Mickey Mouse in the last century and later expanded into live-action filmmaking.

In this world, it had successively acquired Miramax, the giant of independent cinema, and Pixar, the hegemon of 3D animation, thereby consolidating its position.

CEO Iger was currently reviewing the financial reports.

Iger took over as Disney's president in 2005. With his unique vision, he led the company in aggressively attacking the live-action film market and making corporate acquisitions, achieving remarkable results.

At this moment, veteran producer Jerry Bruckheimer knocked on the door and entered.

Iger glanced at him. "Bruckheimer, you don't seem very happy today."

Bruckheimer wore a serious expression. "General Manager, don't you know? The recent film market has been experiencing huge waves."

"Oh?" Iger smiled. "Huge waves... Are you talking about Mr. Spielberg's Jurassic Park?"

"Yes! Not only Jurassic Park, but also another low-budget sci-fi drama. They were released almost simultaneously, both came from Universal Pictures, and both achieved box office success."

Iger twirled his fountain pen. "I know all of this. Is that why you came to see me?"

"Also, General Manager, I've managed to find out through internal sources..."

"Behind both of these films, the exact same person was active. He's an Asian man named Qin Feng."

"He is Spielberg's assistant director, the lead screenwriter for both films, and he is extremely young!"

"It's obvious that this Qin Feng excels at writing sci-fi scripts, and every film he releases becomes a hit."

Iger nodded. "Indeed! This man is certainly a talent. It's just a pity that we at Disney don't have such a young writer-director..."

"It looks like the sci-fi genre is truly about to change, and audience tastes are shifting as well... This information is crucial."

"For many years, we've been pushing hard into live-action films, but we've dabbled far too little in heavy special-effects movies. If we could recruit this young man, it would be wonderful."

"Bruckheimer, I still remember that pirate movie you've been planning for years—you haven't found the most suitable director yet."

A look of disappointment appeared in Bruckheimer's eyes. "Yes, General Manager. It's called Pirates of the Caribbean. Not only have we not found a suitable director, but even the script is only a first draft, and I'm not entirely satisfied with it."

Iger smiled. "So you came to me because you want this young Asian director?"

"Yes. But he just went to Warner Bros., and I heard he's already greenlit another high-budget sci-fi film. Whew—this guy is truly formidable, and he moves so fast!"

"You have to realize, his current movie hasn't even left theaters yet, and he's already started a new one."

Iger pondered for a moment. "If even Warner is willing to invest that kind of money in him for a major production, then this person is a genuine talent."

"Here is what we'll do, Bruckheimer. Isn't he busy with his new movie right now? Find some time to make contact with him first, and keep an eye on things."

"If his new film also achieves box office success, then this man is a genius! We must absolutely not miss out on a genius. Whatever the cost, we must recruit him."

"On the road ahead, we won't just have one Pirates of the Caribbean!"

A glint of light appeared in Bruckheimer's eyes. "Haha... I was thinking the exact same thing."

...

11:00 PM.

Qin Feng dialed Scarlett's number.

"Hi, Scarlett!"

"Hi, Qin! You're still not asleep?"

"Not yet. Did you shoot any scenes today?"

"Only for half a day. I spent the whole morning waiting around on set, so boring!"

"Heh... An actor's pay includes the waiting time too, doesn't it?"

"I suppose so. Qin, I see our movie is doing really well at the box office!"

"Yes, Scarlett. I haven't transferred your money to you yet. By the way, how much should I pay you?"

"It doesn't matter, Qin. I know you want to make a lot of movies and start your own business. How can you do that without money? I'm not short on cash myself."

"Miss Scarlett, why are you being so good to me? Then let me buy you a car!"

"No need, you don't even know what I like... How about this, wait until I've figured out the exact model I want, and then you can buy it for me."

"Alright then."

"It's getting late, Qin, get some rest early! Remember to miss me."

"I am missing you. Missing you so much my brain hurts."

Just as he hung up the phone, another call came in.

Checking the caller ID, it was his father.

"Hello, Dad."

"Little Feng, you're not asleep yet, are you?"

"Not yet. What's up?"

"Today I went to the bank to check, oh my god! There really are five million in there!!!"

"Dad, see? I didn't lie to you, did I?"

"Phew—I really didn't expect this, Little Feng. Not only can you lose money making movies, but it turns out you can actually make quite a bundle too."

"Dad, what kind of talk is that? But if things go well, it really is a high-profit industry. I'm busy here and can't come back, so you and Mom should figure out how to buy a house."

"This is 2009, and I reckon property values will rise steadily for the next ten years without any problem."

"Yes, yes, yes, we definitely need to look into it carefully. Anyway, you go ahead with your busy work, I'm hanging up now."

After hanging up, Qin Feng gave a yawn.

Dad forgot that it was already the middle of the night on my end.

What busy work? Time to go straight to sleep!