game trailblazer

Chapter 68
The friends are almost getting to know each other. Lucas, Zhang Lexing, and Spielberg found a few chairs and sat down, chatting while tasting the fine wine and snacks brought by the waiter.After talking for a while, Zhang Lexing noticed that Spielberg had a strange expression, as if he had something to say but was too embarrassed to speak.

"Steve, it's okay if you have something to say."

Before Spielberg could speak, Lucas got up first: "I'm sorry, a guest is coming, I'll go say hello, you guys talk first."

As soon as Lucas left, Spielberg finally spoke: "Zhang, are you interested in investing in movies?"

"There are so many, but it depends on what kind of film it is and who will make it. Steve, is it your film that needs investment?"

"Oh..." Spielberg sighed, and said, "That's true. I have a very good script and I always wanted to make it into a movie, but unfortunately I couldn't get support from Universal. I also looked for other movies. Company, but no one is not optimistic about the prospects of this film, so there has been no investment, and the filming plan of the film can only be postponed indefinitely. Some time ago, I heard George talking about you by chance, and he said that you are interested in investing and are planning The Star Wars prequel, I just want to try it."

It was only then that Zhang Lexing understood why Spielberg had that expression just now. It seemed that he had been rejected a lot, and he had no idea, "Steve, I don't know what story the script you mentioned is about. Can you tell me?" Do you listen?"

"Zhang, although I was born in the United States, I am a Jew. I believe you should have heard of the suffering of the Jews during World War II. In 82, my producer sent me a copy of Thomas Kone Schindler's List, a novel by Jares, is based on the real historical event that German entrepreneur Oskar Schindler protected 1200 Jews from suicide during World War II. When I saw it, I knew that one day I was going to do it on screen because it was something I had wanted for a long time."

"Steve, how much investment do you estimate the film will cost?"

"I recently calculated that it's about 2000-2500 million US dollars, don't you..." Spielberg's face was full of disbelief.

"That's right, I voted for your film, and I don't need any proceeds from the film."

"Zhang, I heard you right, what you said is simply unbelievable."

"Steve, I am Chinese. In that era, the Chinese suffered as much as the Jews. I believe that our two nations can understand each other the most. I don't want to take the proceeds of this film, It was because it was filmed to commemorate the great benefactor of the Jewish people and the sufferings of the past, and if I accept it, it will become 'blood money'."

Spielberg was deeply moved by Zhang Lexing's confession, and he said excitedly: "Zhang, I never thought I would be so lucky to meet someone like you who values ​​love over profit. If you need my help in the future, Just open your mouth."

"Steve, it's okay, I think it's normal for friends to help each other."

"Zhang, I can't let you suffer too much. I'm still preparing a sci-fi movie. The investment will be much larger, but the box office should be very good. Are you interested in participating?"

"Steve, what is this video you're talking about?"

"This year I saw a novel "Jurassic Park", which tells the story of scientists extracting the genetic genes of dinosaurs through the blood of dinosaurs in prehistoric mosquitoes, repairing them, breeding them, and turning the prehistoric animals that have been extinct for 6500 million years. The revival of the behemoth made the entire Nubra Island a paradise for dinosaurs, that is, "Jurassic Park". But not all dinosaurs are honest. When paleontologists Gelen and his friends visited the park , an accident happened..." Spielberg began to introduce his script.

"Jurassic Park" Zhang Lexing is aware of it. After the film was released, it achieved a box office of 3.57 million US dollars in North America and 9.15 million US dollars worldwide. Relying on such a good performance, it has always been in the top ten of the global box office. It is said that the filming cost is only more than 6000 million US dollars. , is clearly a cost-effective investment project.

"Steve, thank you very much. Just let me know how much you need to invest at that time."

"It's okay, we're already friends."

"Steve, it's not often that you have a good script but no support from investors."

"Yeah, this is the reality of Hollywood." Spielberg shook his head, looking helpless.

"Since others are unreliable, why don't we come by ourselves."

"what do you mean……"

"We can set up a film company by ourselves, so we can make the movies we want to make, and we don't need to ask people everywhere."

"That's a good idea." Spielberg's eyes lit up all of a sudden.

"And we can find more people to join, such as good directors, production staff, etc., and we can also find some potential rookies, such as Coppola's nephew. Of course, George doesn't have to think about it, he already has .”

"Yes, we can learn from George, not only in film and television, but also in animation, music, computer games, etc., to build our entertainment media empire..."

The two were talking in full swing, and Lucas came back again, bringing an old gentleman who looked to be in his 50s, wearing a black suit and a black tie around his neck.

Zhang Lexing looked up, the old gentleman in front of him looked so familiar, he couldn't help shouting: "Sean Connery! James Bond!"

Lucas smiled and said, "Zhang, it seems that I don't need to introduce you."

"Young man, I didn't expect you to know me." Zhang Lexing called him by his first name, which didn't make Sean Connery look unhappy. Maybe this kind of situation is already used to actors.

"Mr. Connery, I'm sorry, I was too excited just now."

"It's okay, it's rare that I can still remember the movies from so long ago, I'm actually very lucky."

It has been almost 007 years since Sean Connery starred in the 19 series for the last time. Although he is no longer young, he still maintains the heroic spirit of James Bond. An old British spy.

After saying hello, Sean Connery left. Lucas wanted to sit down, but another guest came, so he had to go to greet him again.Zhang Lexing continued to discuss with Spielberg about setting up a film company, but unexpectedly an unexpected person came over.

"Mr. Zhang, I'm sorry to bother you..."

Zhang Lexing looked up, and it turned out to be a guest introduced by Lucas before——James Cameron: "Mr. Cameron, what's the matter?"

James Cameron said straightforwardly: "I came here for the sequel of "Terminator". I heard Thomas from Helmdale Company say that the copyright is now yours."

Zhang Lexing nodded: "That's right, it's with me. I like this movie very much. I saw Helmdale's sale some time ago. I don't want this movie to fall into the hands of some people who don't know how to appreciate it. Bought it from Thomas."

"Mr. Zhang, which production company do you plan to hand over this film to?"

"Why should I find a production company?"

"Mr. Zhang, as far as I know, you don't have a film production company. If you don't find a professional company, you can't use your home camera to shoot."

"Mr. Cameron, are you planning to make a sequel to this film?"

"Yes, the script is almost ready, but now I don't know who to turn to."

"Mr. Cameron, in fact, you don't have to worry. Although I didn't have a film production company before, I was discussing with Steve just now about setting up a film company."

"Yes, we were talking very happily just now." Spielberg said next to him.

"Mr. Cameron, are you interested in joining? I heard that you were made things difficult by the film company on "Terminator". If we have a film company that integrates production and distribution, we don't need to Annoyed by this matter."

Zhang Lexing's words seemed to arouse James Cameron's thoughts. He murmured to himself, "That's right, those people have no sense at all. They treat me like a pile of shit."

"Mr. Cameron..."

Zhang Lexing was about to continue talking, but was interrupted by James Cameron: "Call me Jim, your proposal really touched my heart."

"Jim, the first Terminator movie you shot looks great, and I'm sure the sequel will be even better if it's handed over to you. Rest assured, whether you join us or not, the director of the Terminator sequel will None other than you."

James Cameron showed a surprised expression, and said: "Thank you, I have decided, and I will follow you from now on."

"Steve, you don't mind if I invite Jim."

"It's okay, a film company needs a lot of directors, and Jim is very devoted to his work. Last year's "Abyss" was shot very well."

"I don't know much about the film industry, and I don't know how to set up a film production company, so the two of you need to take care of this aspect."

Both Steve Spielberg and James Cameron nodded and readily agreed...

Soon after, the film production company DreamWorks, which entrusted the three people's expectations, was established, but the name was slightly different. The original DreamWorksSKG in history became the current DreamWorksSCZ, and the business scope was also limited to film and television production and distribution. These are also some changes that Zhang Lexing made after absorbing the reasons for the failure of the original DreamWorks.

With an investment of 8 million US dollars, Zhang Lexing obtained 62% of the equity of DreamWorks, and the rest was divided among Steve Spielberg, James Cameron and some important members who joined.After the establishment of DreamWorks, the first batch included in the shooting plan included Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" and Cameron's "Terminator 2". As for "Schindler's List", Spielberg intends to complete After Jurassic Park, because he needs to be fully prepared.

With a film and television production company, Zhang Lexing does not intend to be idle. According to him: "Although we are not screenwriters, we will definitely not be able to come up with a good script, but we have at least watched a lot of movies and TV, and at least we can tell the story. Come out, as for writing the script, we can find a few professional screenwriters and it will be done."

(End of this chapter)