Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 326: Fighting Hollywood

Gu Ming quickly went through George Lucas's works in his mind.

Throughout his life, Steve Jobs was mainly involved in the Star Wars series, and the Industrial Light & Magic he founded made lasting contributions to American special effects blockbusters.

Apart from this, most of the other films that Joe participated in were screenwriters rather than directors.

"In the '80s, it was all about the same old movies: Star Wars and what else? Indiana Jones?"

Gu Ming thought about this and met with George Lucas in the office.

When we met again, George Lucas was still the same guy with a big beard and glasses, and his face had a look that showed that he had never been bullied.

After all, in this era, only Americans bully others, and no one bullies Americans.

"Oh! It's much bigger than I thought."

George Lucas took a brief tour of the office, and Gu Ming also gave a brief introduction to some of the facilities inside the office.

George Lucas certainly didn't get it.

Gu Ming also couldn't understand the computer skills he knew.

After the tour, the two of them took their seats in the reception room.

"Tea, please."

"Of course, I've heard about the Japanese tea culture. It's very interesting."

From his expression, Gu Ming guessed that it was probably just a courtesy.

Gu Ming, also holding a teacup, casually explained, "Tea culture actually has a long history. As early as the seventh century, Japan sent many envoys to the Zhou and Tang dynasties, bringing back the earliest teas. By the tenth century, a new tea drink, Matcha, was discovered."

That’s right, it’s matcha.

This is not made up by Gu Ming. There are records of matcha in the Song Dynasty. After matcha was introduced to Japan, it was deeply loved by the Japanese, so much so that in modern times many people actually believe that matcha originated in Japan.

George Lucas held the teacup and felt that he had gained some knowledge.

"very funny."

He made a simple assessment.

He didn't mention the purpose of his visit, and Gu Ming didn't ask either. The two of them sat opposite each other, drinking tea and chatting about recent events and some things that happened before and after the Shadow Warrior.

"Speaking of which, I saw an interesting identity on your business card. Do you know something about scriptwriting?"

"I don't know. Actually, I just have some stories that were created by clients. The so-called screenwriter is just a figurehead. My real identity is an actor."

George Lucas smiled and said, "I have a story. I'll just tell it to you. You can also listen to it and tell me what you think."

"About a few decades ago... German Nazi got a clue about the Ark of the Covenant and hoped to gain eternal power through it."

After George Lucas spoke a few words, Gu Ming knew what he was going to say.

"Indiana Jones" was released in the United States in 1981.

George Lucas is the screenwriter.

The director is the famous Spielberg.

Well, another old man who is difficult to get along with.

There is also a well-known story about Spielberg. He and Tom Hanks teamed up to make a lot of money during the filming of "Saving Private Ryan" by using various means such as accounting, but at the same time caused investors to lose all their money and have nothing left.

Spielberg's directorial achievements are indeed known to the world, but that doesn't prevent him from also being a world-famous idiot.

Perhaps all the Thai people in the United States have this characteristic of harming others for their own benefit.

By this point, Gu Ming had a rough idea of what George Lucas meant.

"So they want me to be in Raiders of the Lost Ark? An actor is out of the question. This is a standard white man saving the world movie. It seems they want me to work behind the scenes."

Gu Ming thought about it and felt that it was very likely.

But George Lucas suddenly changed the subject: "This is a film production. I have been asked to provide the script for this film."

Gu Ming responded: "It sounds like a very exciting story."

There are just a lot of logical loopholes.

For example, the classic question: Even if the protagonist doesn't participate in anything, it won't affect the final outcome. Natsu will still find the Ark, open it, and be killed by its power.

Having said that, despite all its flaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark is still a fantastic commercial blockbuster.

George Lucas said, "I couldn't take part in the filming because I was busy with something else."

Gu Ming said yes.

George Lucas held up two fingers.

"That's Star Wars 2!"

Gu Ming was silent for a while, and suddenly a few question marks appeared on his forehead.

"So what does Mr. Lucas mean?"

"Yes, I've heard a little bit about Mr. Kurusawa and have admired some of his interesting work. You have excellent control over the scene, and your action design is also wonderful. So, I hope you can do me a favor. How about we settle the bill in US dollars?"

Gu Ming: ...?
That’s right!
He thought it was Indiana Jones, but it turned out to be Star Wars.

Star Wars 2 was originally scheduled to be released in 80, but it was filmed in 79. Logically, it should have been completed by now.

Gu Ming had to ask one more question: "I thought the filming of Star Wars 2 had been completed."

"Of course not. We were almost planning to start filming last year, but Industrial Light & Magic was asked to do the post-production special effects for another film of the same era, so we were too busy to do it, so we temporarily stopped filming Star Wars."

George Lucas didn't elaborate on the issue, but added, "If you find US dollars inconvenient, you can use Japanese yen. But I hope that my Star Wars can have scenes as truly magnificent as those in the swordplay films."

Gu Ming could only blink, his expression becoming more complicated.

The most outstanding action designer of this era came from Hong Kong, but the reason why George Lucas didn't look for people from Hong Kong was very simple.

Since the core of Star Wars itself is derived from Kurosawa Akira's film "Sengoku no Hiroyuki", it is not surprising that George Lucas would look for a Japanese action director.

Gu Ming was just surprised by this.

People go to Hollywood to be actors, directors and stars.

What does he do? Is he a martial arts director?

"Thank you for your appreciation. I am very grateful."

Gu Ming bowed slightly.

If you want to earn dollars to spend, then go for it!
After all, it's US dollars.

……

……

George Lucas left Japan after deciding to travel to the United States in the near future to participate in the action production of Star Wars 2.

George Lucas oversees a huge film production company, which is much larger than Gu Ming's action studio of more than 20 people. Naturally, he has to supervise the company most of the year.

Gu Ming is different.

Gu Ming just needs to go out and have fun, while the accountant has to do the accounts every month and has a lot to consider.

At the agency, we are taking the actors' makeup photos today.

Releasing the final makeup photos is of course also part of the promotion.

Although the script and the cover have not been designed yet, it does not prevent Toei from starting advertising.

The two people arranged by Toei were Kosuke Koyama, who had just starred in Spider-Man, and Ryudo Daigo, a newcomer whose name Gu Ming had never heard of.

The two played the roles of Flame Dragon Armor and Wind Eagle Armor respectively.

Today, we will take makeup photos for the actors who will play the five suits of armor, as well as several supporting actors on the main side.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Gu Ming raised his head slightly and saw Gao Shumiao trotting in while saying sorry, holding her knees and bowing deeply to the team waiting for the filming.

Gu Ming waved his hand casually: "Go change your clothes, and be more careful next time."

"Yes." Gao Shumiao secretly glanced at Gu Ming and did not see any expression of excessive displeasure. She breathed a sigh of relief, bowed again, and then hurried to change her clothes.

(End of this chapter)