The King of Directors 2000

"Reversing word-of-mouth in one week, Li showed the true strength of a major international director."

"The preview trailer of "Joker" is very exciting. It is completely different from the past DC Universe movies. Lee has given the Joker new vitality."

"Sixty-three thousand movie fans have given real-name likes and recommendations. They are looking forward to the release of "Joker"."

“‘Joker’ is the fourth most anticipated movie in 7, after ‘Weeknight’, ‘Avengers 2’ and ‘Spectre’.”

"Martin Scorsese: Unlike superhero movies, I believe Lee gave the clown a new charm."

"Woody Allen: Maybe I'll go to the theater and watch a DC Universe movie."

"Ridley Scott: It feels great, different."

……

September has passed and October has arrived. The weather in New York is getting colder and cooler. As time goes by, the protesters who were agitated last month are now much quieter.

Although Beautiful Country is still bombing Xu Liya, in the final analysis, these Zhongdong immigrants have arrived in Lighthouse Country and their lives are much better. Naturally, they will not stop working for a long time because of Xu Liya who is far away.

The number of extreme clown fans outside the "Joker" set is also much smaller. There used to be dozens of people, but now there are only a dozen left, and half of them are actors hired by Warner.

Because the number of people was so small, sometimes there were more police officers than protesters.

In the afternoon of this day, there were a few clouds floating in the sky, the sun was dim, and the autumn wind was gentle. This kind of weather was actually quite suitable for exercise, neither cold nor hot.

In a high-end hotel next to the set of "Joker", Lee Sung-yao and Warren Egger sat across from each other.

After not seeing each other for several years, Warren Egger’s appearance has hardly changed.

He was also a producer hiding under his cousin, and things weren't getting any better for him at Disney Studios.

When outsiders talk about him, they usually say that he is the younger brother of the president of Disney.

However, Robert Iger resigned the year before last. Although he still has great energy at Disney, he has obviously less support for Warren Iger.

In this case, Warren's situation is even worse.

As a producer, he hasn't worked for two years.

Several proposals were made, but none were passed.

It can be said that he is now a dispensable idler, and no one thinks that he can make movies again.

After Lee Sung-Yao completed "The Hangover Part 1", it can be said that he has soared into the sky, not only producing high-grossing movies in China.

He has also produced several classic films, won the Palme d'Or twice, and won three Best Directors in Europe three times, completing an unprecedented feat.

He was named the most successful film director in the new century by "Sight and Sound" and "Cahiers du Cinema".

The life experiences of the two people are completely different.

At this time, Warren looked at Li Shengyao and was filled with emotion. He really envied Li Shengyao's talent. If he had Li Shengyao's ability, he would be able to face the doubts of the Hollywood media openly.

"Lee, you are really great. I had nothing to do at Disney, but because we are friends, they asked me to come and see you."

Warren sat idle at Disney for several years, with several film proposals failing.

He now feels like breaking a jar.

When facing Li Shengyao, he did not hide his purpose and stated it directly.

Li Shengyao nodded and said with a smile: "Since we are friends, you can chat with me anytime."

When Warren heard this, his eyes turned red. He smiled and turned around, looking at the yellow leaves flying under the hotel building. "Li, you are a good person. You don't know my situation. I have had a very bad life in the past few years. I want to Doing things for the company, but they wouldn’t give me a chance.”

Warren then spoke aggrievedly about his experiences in recent years, while Li Shengyao listened quietly.

After venting, Warren finally thought of his business this time.

"Li, the release of the preview trailer of "Joker" made many people aware of your strength, including Disney's senior executives. They asked me to come over and invite you to consider cooperating with Disney for your next movie."

When Lee Sung-yao started producing "Joker", many people in the United States doubted it.

Some people think that he cannot adapt to the changes in Hollywood, while others say that his movies are too literary and lack commercial attributes.

However, with the release of the one-minute preview trailer of "Joker", the reputation quickly changed.

Many extreme Joker fans who originally opposed the production of "Joker" are now supporting "Joker".

In the eyes of major Hollywood companies, Lee Sheng-yew gave the clown not only reputation, but also new vitality.

It is completely different from the past DC universe movies. It can be said that Li Shengyao is taking another path.

And this is exactly what Warner and Disney are striving for.

Hollywood academic directors, such as Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese, have always looked down on superhero movies.

These major Hollywood directors have publicly despised superhero movies many times, and actors like Leonardo DiCaprio are also not interested in superhero movies.

This can be said to be the biggest weakness of superhero movies.

But how much box office they get, they are just popcorn movies, is not worth scrutinizing.

"Joker" written by Lee Sung-Yao is completely different from traditional superhero movies. As soon as the preview trailer came out, people's eyes lit up, and Disney executives immediately took action.

After hearing what Warren said, Lee Sheng-yew did not express his position, "It's still early. I'm currently working on the production of "Joker" and don't want to think about the future. Warren, after "Joker" is released, you can contact me then."

Warren nodded, "You should, you have many choices now, there is no need to answer me now.

But where the job is, I still want to talk about Disney’s conditions. "

He paused and then said: "Just like the conditions Warner gave you, Disney can give you 30% of the copyright. You are fully responsible for the production of the film, and you have the final editing rights.

In addition, Disney is willing to give you 30 million in film salary. "

This condition is that the salary is 10 million more than Warner.

In fact, it is still not as good as the top directors, such as James Cameron. This guy makes movies and gets a share of the box office.

It can be regarded as the treatment of a first-line director.

For a director from Asia, this is unprecedented preferential treatment.

Not to mention first-round players like Brother Kaizi, even James Wan does not receive such treatment.

Li Shengyao nodded, "Okay, man, I understand."

Warren smiled and then raised his coffee cup, "Lee, I wish you more and more success and become the brightest star in Hollywood."

"Thank you, I will keep moving forward." ...

Warren Iger was not the only person who came to talk to Lee Sung-Yew about his next movie. Several other major Hollywood companies arranged for people to talk to Lee Sung-Yew and wanted to cooperate with him.

Emmerich also had a serious chat with Lee Sung-Yew, saying that although "Joker" has not yet been completed, Warner Pictures has great trust in Lee's ability and can sign a cooperation contract now. No matter what the requirements are, Warner Pictures can meet them. .

Like Warren Iger, Li Shengyao did not give a positive answer.

Not only was this attitude not countered, major film companies also continued to flatter him.

Even Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise expressed their desire to cooperate with Lee Sung-Yao.

Under such circumstances, "Joker" has a better reputation. In the past, only a few Hollywood stars came to visit the cast, but now celebrity directors come to visit the cast almost every day.

There were definitely more reporters outside the set than protestors.

On the set of "Joker", the actors and crew were also in high spirits, and many of them were very excited. When interviewed by reporters, they expressed that they were very happy and felt lucky to be able to participate in the filming of "Joker".

The guys are confident and want to make a great movie.

It can be said that the current "Joker" crew is more united, more active and more efficient than ever before.

This morning, Li Shengyao came to the set early, and then thought about the actors' movements and the placement of the cameras for today's filming.

About ten minutes later, Emmerich came over. He raised the newspaper in his hand and said with excitement, "Lee, the Hollywood Star, and the Los Angeles Evening News are all praising "Joker" today."

Emmerich looked happy, obviously very happy.

He continued: "The Ellen DeGeneres Show invited us over tonight."

Several talk shows in Beautiful Country have very good ratings.

Li Shengyao naturally would not refuse.

At this moment, the phone rang, and it was Phoenix's agent calling.

"Lee, I'm very sorry. Phoenix said he was not in good condition today and wanted to take two days off."

Emmerich stood next to Li Shengyao, and his face became darker after hearing what Phoenix's agent said.

"This damn guy is holding us back at this time. Doesn't he know that we have a good momentum now? His behavior may interrupt our upward momentum."

There is good news almost every day during this period. Emmerich is even more looking forward to the production of "Joker". He feels that as long as the current efficiency and rhythm are maintained, "Joker" will be a big hit in the future, and he can, as expected, Go one step further.

But he didn't expect that at such a critical moment, Phoenix would actually say that he was not in good condition and would ask for leave.

If this is revealed, it will definitely affect the current momentum of "Joker".

Hearing this, Li Shengyao frowned slightly, then patted Emmerich's hand, "Man, don't be nervous, Phoenix needs to find his condition, we will give him time, and we can adjust the shooting plan."

He then called the assistant director and asked him to tell the actors and crew to adjust the shooting plan.

Neither Li Shengyao nor Emmerich thought that this incident was not a single incident, but would happen repeatedly.

In the next week, Phoenix still couldn't find his form, so he arranged for his agent to call Lee Sheung-yew and tell him that he wanted to take a leave of absence.

In order to cope with such special circumstances, the crew had to continuously adjust the shooting plan.

Everything was going well in the past, but now Phoenix has been unable to find his form, so naturally he can't hide it from the rest of the crew.

Some crew members and actors were dissatisfied with Phoenix's attitude.

In order to appease these people, Lee Sheng-yew personally endorsed Phoenix. He hoped that these people would not tell outside reporters about the crew.

In addition, he will apply to Warner to give them more rewards.

With the monetary reward, the dissatisfaction of the set workers and actors was suppressed.

Warner naturally doesn't feel bad about the small amount of money now, but Emmerich is very angry.

"He is too arrogant and has no contract spirit at all. Li, now the entire beautiful country supports us. We don't need to be afraid of him. If we are tougher, he will never dare to mess around. He will definitely come and work obediently."

Li Shengyao shook his head, "Man, Phoenix is ​​not that kind of person."

In Lee Sung-yew's previous life, Phoenix had many things to do while filming "Joker", but there is no need to doubt his professional attitude and spirit of excellence.

Phoenix is ​​not trying to take advantage of Warner and want better treatment.

People are really looking for status.

Although Lee Sing-yew hopes to complete the filming work before the year, he is willing to give Phoenix time if he wants to find a better condition.

Time is not an issue, the most important thing is quality.

"Li, that guy definitely has no good intentions. He just sees that everything is going very smoothly for us and wants to raise the price and get us to give him more benefits.

We have to show our attitude, otherwise he will do more shit in the future, and we can't back down. "

Emmerich is confused when he cares. He attaches too much importance to "Joker" and no longer has the calmness of the past.

Li Shengyao smiled and shook his head, "Man, Phoenix is ​​not that kind of person. Think carefully about his past. He often did this before. I know his style very well. I have been prepared for it, so you don't have to worry.

Even if there is a slight delay now, as long as Phoenix comes back and he can show his strength, we can maintain the quality of "Joker". "

Anyway, Lee Sheng Yew did not participate in the investment of this film and delayed the work on the set a little. Warner paid hundreds of millions more, and Lee Sheng Yew did not feel bad.

Hearing this, Emmerich thought for a moment and said, "Lee, this is the last time. If he does this again, I will definitely make him stinky and make it impossible for him to gain a foothold in Hollywood after "Joker" is released."

Li Shengyao waved his hand, "Just wait, you will be glad for your choice today. "Joker" performed by Phoenix will be a huge asset to Warner Pictures."

……

When the crew of "Joker" adjusted the shooting plan because Phoenix took leave, and the crew's executives were comforting the actors and workers, Phoenix was lying on the big bed in the hotel in a daze.

His agent sat aside with a grimace and said, "Man, the momentum of "Joker" is very good now. Why can't you work hard and successfully complete the filming of the movie?"

Hearing this, Phoenix said calmly: "I am responsible for my beauty. I am not lazy. I want to find the best state."

The agent nodded, "Many people on the crew are dissatisfied with you, only Li supports you."

Phoenix nodded and suddenly smiled nervously, "Li is a capable person, he understands my intentions, and I will not let him down.

The clown I play will definitely be outstanding. "

(End of this chapter)