Huayu: As a child star, I just want to be famous

Chapter 519: Returning to China could be a problem?

At the end of August, a celebration party for "Inception" was held at the Four Seasons Hotel near Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.

Although there are countless banquets and parties in Hollywood every day, this banquet is somewhat different.

Of the three most successful movies in this summer's season, only Inception has yet to hold a celebration party.

Another special thing is that director Chen rarely appears in similar occasions, which means that every time he is sure to appear, there will always be celebrity artists who will be interested in coming.

Moreover, I heard that senior executives from Disney and Warner will be present, and even President Robert Iger will be present, which makes the banquet seem even more high-end.

On the 26th, the area near the Four Seasons Hotel was filled with luxury cars, including Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, parked casually on the roadside.

The banquet hall in the hotel was bustling with people coming and going.

Celebrities, filmmakers, music stars, etc. are everywhere.

Everyone looked in one direction, holding up champagne and celebrating in unison.

On the stage, Robert Egger put his arm around Chen Linfeng's shoulders and praised him with a smile on his face:

"We first met in a bar a few years ago, and I said at the time that Chen would definitely have a great career in Hollywood, so I signed a five-film contract with him.

I have been proud of this for several years, but now I regret it a little bit.”

He paused and said with great regret, "I signed too few contracts. I was optimistic about Chen, but I didn't expect that he would grow to where he is today in just two or three years."

Warner President Barry Mayer couldn't help but curse inwardly, saying that they had already taken up 5 films and it was still not enough.

Robert on the stage continued, "In the past summer season, Chen directed Inception, which created a miraculous result, and was ranked in the top five in film history. He almost single-handedly caught up with the work of the entire Marvel company in several years. This is Chen, the best talent in Hollywood."

There was cheering and applause from the audience.

Chen Linfeng greeted everyone with a smile.

Then he also said some polite words.

The speech wasn't too passionate, but every two sentences there would be applause from the audience.

From time to time, there were sounds of "aye, aye" of recognition and approval, as if he was saying some wise words.

Chen Linfeng was a little confused on the stage. Was the speech Xiao Chang found for him outstanding? Why were there so many people agreeing with him?

The main celebration process is over and it is time for free communication.

Chen Linfeng immediately realized the changes that had occurred after joining the $10 billion club.

Compared to before, the number of people who come up to you to get close to you is much smaller, but relatively speaking, their quality is much higher.

Those who take the initiative to introduce themselves are almost all top stars.

He knew most of them directly, or they had appeared in classic movies and TV series in the past.

The others seemed unqualified and could only watch from afar with envy, appearing very self-conscious.

One after another, from Jennifer Lawrence, to Christian Bale, to Robert Downey Jr.

After these main players of the summer season have taken their turns, the next ones to appear are Andrew Garfield, the new Spider-Man, Robert Pattinson, the Twilight man, as well as Henry Cavill (Superman) and Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern).

For a moment, Chen Linfeng felt like he was destined to be a superhero.

There are many female celebrities, but relatively speaking, he doesn't know many of them.

In addition, Fang Long was also present.

"Taken 2" has just finished filming, and he needs to participate in more public events in Hollywood to release the news and warm up the film.

Since the "Taken" series, Van Loon has entered the second spring of his career and his status in Hollywood has been further improved.

He was once invited to star in "The Expendables 2", a movie featuring almost all action superstars, and was willing to give him a role that was almost the same as that of the lead actor Sylvester Stallone.

In the end, Fang Long did not accept the offer because the style gap was too big.

He doesn't have that tough guy style.

Although Fang Long's expression remained unchanged when he faced Chen Linfeng again, his heart was filled with complicated feelings.

Back then I said I wanted to catch up with him, now it’s a bit of an exaggeration to say I’ve surpassed him, but at least I’ve surpassed him by a lot.

When people talk about Chinese celebrities today, the first person that comes to mind is probably the one in front of us.

Fang Long didn't have a clear memory of meeting Xiao Chen on the Yuan Biao crew. He almost completely forgot what they said at the time.

Therefore, in his impression, the statement described by the media, "surpassing Van Long", may seem more true.

Now that we have truly been surpassed, how can we not feel emotional?

Chen Linfeng was quite happy. In Hollywood, he met strangers every day and had a compatriot with whom he had a good relationship, which really made him feel close.

"Sissi isn't with you today?"

"She has been quite busy recently, and she may have to wait until I return to China before she can relax."

The topics of their discussion were basically about domestic affairs.

Such as the situation of this year's domestic summer movie season and domestic filmmakers' recent thoughts on Hollywood blockbusters.

Also, there is the shocking impact that Chen Linfeng's "Inception" caused in the country.

"Before I came here, some friends in Hong Kong Island were talking to me and said that you were a little scary this time."

Fang Long also had some emotion, "Back then we heard news reports about Hollywood blockbusters making hundreds of millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office, but we felt that was too far away and beyond our imagination.

Later, Titanic took in $17 billion, and I felt the gap even more. Now you have pushed the box office up to $10 billion, which is really encouraging.”

"Xiao Chen, I have to thank you," Fang Long said solemnly, "Without you, we would not even dare to think that we can surpass the Hollywood blockbusters we have seen."

"Hey, as the level of domestic filmmakers improves, there will always be such a day, if not me, then someone else."

"No, no, no, the first and the second are still different."

Fang Long shook his head. "It's always harder to explore new things. Just like if there was no Bruce Lee, we wouldn't have thought of breaking into Hollywood."

"So am I not also following the path of my predecessors to come here?" Chen Linfeng said.

The two looked at each other and smiled, saying nothing.

"Xiao Chen, you have already established yourself in Hollywood. You have both fame and fortune, and even a career. Judging from the attitudes of those stars towards you, they don't seem to be exclusive..."

Fang Long hesitated for a moment, but still asked, "Will you return to China to develop in the future?"

In fact, this is also what people in China want to ask, and many people are beginning to worry about this issue.

Even above, there were some sounds.

This time he came here, he even intended to ask on behalf of someone else.

"Of course I have to go back to China," Chen Linfeng answered without any hesitation.

He looked at Fang Long strangely and said, "My home is there, how can I not go back?"

"What about here?"

"I still have some things to do. I'll go back after I finish them."

"I mean later."

"Oh, that's what you mean," Chen Linfeng understood.

He suddenly asked, "Is there anyone in China who is concerned about this issue?"

"..."

Fang Long didn't say anything.

"I won't be in Hollywood for long, maybe 14 at most, and then I will start to shift my focus back to China. After that, I will only come here to shoot sequels."

Speaking of this, Chen Linfeng felt a bit of a headache.

"I have started too many projects. I have several series on hand now. Just making sequels is very time-consuming."

Fang Long looked strange, "Normal people don't have the same worries as you. Big IPs are popular now, and you have all the big IPs."

He couldn't help but feel relieved, just go back home.

It's still Xiao Chen. If it happened to someone else, this problem wouldn't matter at all, but it's different for him.

As if he had completed his mission, Fang Long chatted for a few more words and then said goodbye and left.

He came to the banquet to make friends and reminisce with them. He couldn't just stand there and chat with Xiao Chen. Besides, he was blocking other people's way and would offend people over time.

Chen Linfeng stood there, thinking about the conversation just now, feeling a little weird.

It turns out that some people in the country have even begun to worry whether he will return to China.
It's really unnecessary. He is not a fool. How could he join the Japanese in 45 and the National Army in 49?

"Hello, Director Chen, congratulations on the box office success, I'm Woody Harrelson."

Just as he was thinking about it, he heard a voice behind him. Chen Linfeng turned around and saw that it was someone who looked familiar.

"Just call me Chen, Mr. Harrison. I recognize you. You performed very well in The Hunger Games."

As time goes by, there are fewer people in Hollywood who call him by his first name. Now they often add "Director" before his last name to show respect, just like the changes in the name in China.

Chen Linfeng doesn't care too much about this. Generally, when he meets someone he knows or has a good relationship with, he will go out of his way to correct them.

With achievements as a foundation, he does not need to specifically show his status through titles.

In fact, if he really did this, the other party would be flattered and look very happy.

Just like Woody Harrison in front of us, he looks very excited.

"Thanks, um, I mean, I just did what I had to do in The Hunger Games."

“Being able to fulfill the director’s requirements and make a difference so that people will remember it is already a very good performance.”

Chen Linfeng's usual compliments made the other party very happy.

Woody touched his bald head and laughed, "It's my honor to have you remember me, Director."

Chen Linfeng chatted with him for a few more words but did not directly extend an invitation.

In his previous life, this person was the hypnotist in "Now You See Me".

What I really remember most about Chen Linfeng is his performance in this film.

Woody is a typical middle-aged actor. He was average when he was young, but after middle age, his appearance became more distinctive and easy to remember.

Chen Linfeng was still chatting when someone came over with a glass of wine.

"Chen, I haven't congratulated you yet. Inception is so great. I'm sorry it wasn't made by Warner."

"Mr. Mayer?"

Chen Linfeng had a strange look on his face. In the previous life, "Inception" was indeed produced by Warner, but now it has been changed to Disney.

Seeing that the boss had something to say, Woody greeted him tactfully and left.

"Chen, I heard that the five-film contract you signed with Iger is about to expire. Are you interested in continuing to cooperate with Warner at that time?" Chen Linfeng smiled, "Aren't we cooperating on "Joker" now?"

"You're right, but..." Mayer thought about it and didn't say it.

He always felt that the movie "Joker" might not necessarily have a good return.

However, considering that this is the movie Chen wanted to make, I provided as much support as possible.

Chen Linfeng narrowed his eyes slightly and said nothing.

Mayer then asked him what his plans were.

Chen Linfeng told the truth, "Next, it's a pure commercial film, a magic theme, with some chivalrous elements."

Mayer's eyes lit up. Isn't this a perfect opportunity for them to work together?

"So, Chen, can we..."

Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted. "Mayer, Now You See Me is a film that we are going to cooperate with Disney. You can't take away someone's favorite."

Mayer turned her head away in annoyance and said, "Iger, it's just cooperation. It doesn't matter who you cooperate with."

Disney and Warner Bros. have been having a bit of a row this year.

Warner Bros. poached a novel and a movie from Chen Linfeng.

Disney poached Warner's chief operating officer to become chairman of Disney Studios.

With such grudges, the relationship between the two presidents, Barry Mayer and Robert Iger, is naturally not very good.

Iger chuckled, "But Chen has already agreed with us that Now You See Me is Disney's."

"Is that so?" Mayer's smile disappeared and he looked at Chen Linfeng.

“Yes, this was decided long before the filming of Joker.”

Facing the scrutinizing gaze of Warner's president, Chen Linfeng did not feel worried at all.

He has made it this far. As long as he doesn't make any big mistakes, like Mel Gibson did back then, the Big Six in Hollywood can't do anything to him.

As the classic saying goes, "If you don't do it, there are plenty of people who will."

It’s the same with Chen Linfeng. There are companies willing to distribute for me. If you don’t want to do it, I will find other companies.

Mayer also understood this principle, and his expression did not change at all. "So that's how it is. I guess Now You See Me is the last film in the five-film contract with Disney."

"Yes," Chen Linfeng nodded, highlighting his honesty.

“I knew it,” Mayer said with a smile. “Iger, it seems our competition is still to come.”

This time it was Iger's turn to show his smile disappearing technique. He stared at the other person and said, "The friendship between Disney and Chen has lasted for many years and will surely continue."

"Don't worry, Warner is very good at making new friends." Mayer was not to be outdone.

Chen Linfeng watched the confrontation between the two big men with great interest.

Most people are afraid of being hurt by the aftermath of the big guy, but he doesn't have to worry now because he has a lot of blood. He is in a position to watch the show, which feels pretty good.

After all, it was Disney's celebration party, and Mayer was playing away, so he didn't say much.

After the confrontation, Mayer ignored Iger and chatted with Chen Linfeng for a few more words.

The same goes for Iger, who only talks to Chen.

High-end business wars are so simple and unpretentious.

After chatting with the two big guys, Chen Linfeng was indeed relieved. These two were like sulking children and it was really difficult for him to cope with them.

The people in the field have a hard time, but it doesn’t look that way to outsiders.

The fact that the two presidents of Warner and Disney served Chen Linfeng alone really shocked everyone.

Although some invited reporters were unable to get close, they were all guessing what these three big guys were talking about.

"Maybe they are discussing subsequent cooperation?" ABC reporter Daven chatted with NBC's Ross.

Although the two companies are competitors, as ordinary workers, there is no need to be so particular.

The competition is at the boss' level, and they can still communicate with each other from time to time.

Ross said, "I guess they might be arguing. I heard that the relationship between Disney and Warner is not good this year."

Dave rolled his eyes at him. "Do you think the CEO is just like us ordinary people? Even if he's unhappy, he won't let you see it on the surface. I think their conversation must be full of intrigue and various calculations of interests."

"You're right," Rose nodded, which was more in line with the general imagination.

"It's a pity that we can't interview Chen. He's really popular recently. It's really strange that a Chinese person is valued by so many people in our country."

Devin shook his head, then thought about his ex.

Just because of his outstanding performance in the Times Square incident and his quick speed in editing videos and organizing interviews, he has now been promoted to be the head of the documentary department.

Even if he is the head of an unpopular department, he is still a leader.

Daven felt envious when he thought about it. He was really lucky.

He also wanted Chen to make some big news again, so that he could take pictures of it and get a promotion and a raise.

Ross thought about it and agreed with Devin. "Chen is indeed special. In the recent list of "The 100 Most Powerful People in Hollywood" released by The Hollywood Reporter, Chen was ranked in the top , even ahead of Spielberg. It is only natural for such a big shot to receive attention."

Speaking of this, Daveen became interested. "I wonder if Spielberg feels unhappy. Before, he was praising Chen as a senior, but now he ranks behind Chen."

"The top 20 are basically all presidents and bosses of major companies. Chen was able to squeeze in because of his status as the boss of Summit Entertainment and other identities. What is there for Spielberg to be unhappy about? It's his fault that he lost DreamWorks."

In fact, this is a very obvious truth.

But after the news got back to China, things were a little different.

Many media outlets ignored those presidents and bosses who are not well known to the public, and singled out Chen Linfeng and Spielberg for their reports.

"In the new Hollywood power list, Chen Linfeng has successfully surpassed his predecessors and ranked ahead of Spielberg."

"Chen Linfeng surpassed Spielberg and became the new and popular director in Hollywood."

When netizens who didn't know the truth heard this, they were like, what? Chen Linfeng has surpassed Spielberg?

It further increased the already high popularity.

In fact, ever since "Inception" grossed over 12 billion U.S. dollars worldwide, ranking fifth in film history, the domestic Internet and media have become somewhat excited.

The reports never stopped.

There is popular science about the significance of reaching this position, as well as the difficulty;

There are special reprints of foreign network reports to illustrate Chen Linfeng's influence and status overseas.

There is also a summary of his achievements and accomplishments over the years.

It seemed as if he wanted to make the final conclusion and further elevate Chen Linfeng's position.

This Hollywood power list is just adding fuel to the fire.

It is of great significance that Chinese people have a place in the history of world cinema.

Mixed with the national sentiments of the people, this glory is even more dazzling.

To some extent, it is no less than the national enthusiasm created by Zhang Yimou's opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

The most important thing is that many older generations also have deep memories of Chen Linfeng.

No matter how good the work is, for middle-aged and elderly people who rarely watch movies and TV series, it is not as useful as bringing glory to the country.

From this point of view, based on the popularity of the whole nation and the support of the older generation, Chen Linfeng officially broke the barriers of time and surpassed Zhang Yimou.

But in the eyes of professionals, it is far beyond that.

If Zhang Yimou didn't have an Oscar and three major gold medals, there would be no need to compare him at all.

The blessing that "Inception" brought to Chen Linfeng almost exceeded all his previous works.

This is a somewhat exaggerated statement, but it is also the fact in some people's minds.

At this time, what everyone is most looking forward to is when Chen Linfeng will return to China.

Other Chinese creators in the film, such as Shi Xiaolong and Liu Qianqian, have already returned to China. Only the director Chen Linfeng has been filming abroad.

This makes the anticipation even stronger.

Almost everyone was waiting for him to show up in public and say something.

It seems that only in this way can it be truly perfect.

It's just a movie being filmed abroad. This has happened before, but never like now, when people are so concerned about when he will return.

"Director Chen has been filming for a long time, why hasn't he returned yet?"

"Not that long, I think. I went abroad to promote my new book. The two things happened at the same time."

"I mean, it feels like I haven't seen him for a long time."

"I feel like for a few years, since he started making movies, he has appeared less and less in public."

"Well, come to think of it, it was better in the past. We could see it often, and the Wind God would come out every year to do business. Now he's become awesome and lazy."

"..."

Netizens are just talking about it, but the media are really taking action.

Starting from mid-to-late August, reporters began calling to inquire about flight information.

Some people also called Qilin Company directly to ask when the boss would be back.

This level of attention is unprecedented.

In early September, Chen Linfeng finally finished shooting all the shots for "Joker".

When he announced the completion of the filming, the whole audience cheered.

He himself felt that this time it seemed like it took a little longer, as he had been out for nearly half a year.

We can't do this again.

Chen Linfeng thought about the next few films and felt that it was time to promote related domestic industries.

We're setting up a studio anyway, so it doesn't matter where we shoot.

"Director Chen, I was thinking about celebrating together."

"Oh, here we come."

On September 2012, 9, Chen Linfeng returned to China.

(End of this chapter)