Chapter 49: News from North America

Time came to June, and Summit Entertainment released news that the upcoming film *Lurking* was written and directed by Berlin Silver Bear Director Wei Jin, who also participated in 20% of the investment with the script.

After the news spread, it caused a huge stir in North America. For a time, the media and passersby were all curious about what kind of creativity could make Summit Entertainment willing to give up 20% of the investment share; one must know that there was almost no precedent for this in Hollywood.

In this atmosphere full of curiosity and anticipation, *Lurking* was officially released on June 3rd. It opened with over 1,800 screens, grossed 6.77 million on its opening day, and reached 18.81 million in its first three-day weekend. The executives at Summit Entertainment were overjoyed and immediately began to continue lobbying theaters to increase the number of screens.

In the second week, the number of screens reached 2,500, and the second-week box office was as high as 36 million. Ten days after the film's release, the cumulative box office was 54.81 million, already approaching his previous work, *Buried*.

However, *Mr. & Mrs. Smith* and *War of the Worlds* were about to be released, so it remained to be seen how much box office *Lurking* could bite off.

When Friedman called Wei Jin, he couldn't hide his surprise at all. He had thought that a box office of 30 to 50 million would be enough to make a big profit, but he didn't expect that, looking at this momentum, it would be heading toward breaking 100 million. One must know that the film's production cost was less than 2 million USD.

"Wei, your decision was correct. The film's box office is such a pleasant surprise, and it has also brought huge exposure to Summit Entertainment. For the next step, we are planning to release the film globally. What do you think?"

"Your decision is very wise. You know, films of this genre know no borders. I estimate that the overseas market can have at least 30 million or more in box office."

Wei Jin certainly supported a global release; this was something that would increase his international influence, and besides, when it comes to making money, of course, one should earn it all over the world.

"Wei, it's a pity you can't come to promote the film in person this time. You don't know, the North American media is going crazy wanting to interview you."

Friedman felt a bit regretful; if Wei Jin were in North America, the box office might be even higher right now.

"There's no way around it, I've been busy filming lately. Next time, when *Dead Silence* is released, I will definitely come over to assist with the promotion, and I will also bring a new project."

Wei Jin was also stretched thin, but for this type of film, without big-name stars involved, it really could only promote him, the Silver Bear Director.

Hanging up the phone, Ceng Li, who was by his side, looked at Wei Jin with blurred eyes. The achievements this man had attained were simply beyond the imagination of the great beauty. An excellent man is a fatal poison to any woman.

Before long, moving singing sounds rang out in the room.

When the news from North America reached back home, it also caused an uproar. Whether it was the media or companies in the industry, no one had expected that this young director had quietly made his way to North America. For a time, major film and television companies all set their sights on Wei Jin. At the China Film Group headquarters, Han Sanping looked at the reported news with a smile on his face.

"Have someone write some articles, and take this opportunity to raise the heat on *Painted Skin*."

General Manager Deng of the Western Film Group gave direct instructions: once the crew moves to Ningxia, support the project's advancement with full force, at any cost.

Wang Changtian of Enlight Media and Yu Dong of Bona were also very fortunate. Initially, they hadn't been very optimistic about this collaborative project; they had just thought about building a good relationship with this young commercial blockbuster director.

Who knew that Wei Jin would give them such a big surprise? A 20% investment share—this represented that Wei Jin had already knocked open the door to Hollywood, meaning there was one more Big Boat crossing the ocean.

Many domestic projects could use Wei Jin's channels to head toward Hollywood, and many Hollywood projects could also allow domestic artists to participate through Wei Jin's connections. This was huge, great news for major film and television production companies and star artists.

"It's a good thing Enlight got on the boat early. I guess other companies are racking their brains right now, hahaha."

At the Huayi building, inside an office, the Wang Brothers were also discussing this matter.

"Brother, are you saying this kid just quietly broke into Hollywood like that? Is this thing reliable?"

Wang Zhonglei's words revealed a trace of doubt; he really couldn't believe it, as the speed at which this young man had risen was too fast.

"Whether we believe it or not is not important; the key is that he really can participate in Hollywood projects. It's a pity our two companies have never had any dealings."

Wang Zhongjun felt a bit regretful; they hadn't built a relationship during Wei Jin's starting phase, and now it would be even harder.

"A hero has a hard time passing the beauty's trial. I don't believe there's anyone who can't be lobbied."

Wang Zhonglei began to ponder which artists in the company could come forward to win over Wei Jin. If the fact that Wei Jin participated in investing in Hollywood films only caused a sensation among major film and television companies and actors, then the news that followed was enough to shake the entire Chinese music scene.

On June 5th, a song titled "Unstoppable" in North America landed on the Billboard Hot 100. After two weeks of fermentation and singing, the song's popularity did not diminish at all. On June 21st, it officially broke into the top ten of the Billboard chart.

The Billboard Hot 100 is a singles chart produced by the North American music magazine *Billboard*, and this chart is also considered the most authoritative singles chart in North America.

The ranking on the chart is determined by the sum of record sales within North America and the number of times the single is broadcast on the radio.

Therefore, for a song to break into the top ten of the chart so quickly, one can imagine the level of popularity this song had in North America. Scarlett Yue Han Xun, who sang this song, became famous overnight and was called the "Goddess of Victory."

"This song is full of power and passion, with a metallic-sounding voice, like a war song. The hot-blooded, explosive rhythm pushes people forward, forward, forward... Scarlett Yue Han Xun uses this song to tell us that no matter what kind of situation we reach, do not give up lightly. No matter how great the difficulties we encounter, as long as we have courage and strength, we can overcome everything."

This was the evaluation from an authoritative North American music magazine after an exclusive interview with Scarlett.

"I met him at a banquet at Summit Entertainment. He is humorous, witty, handsome, and talented; he is simply a perfect man. We spent many wonderful nights together. This song was a parting gift he gave me. By the way, he is a director, and the film *Lurking* that he shot is currently a big hit."

In a television interview, Scarlett revealed the information about the song's creator with a smile on her face. One can only say that North American women are truly open and bold.

When they learned the origin of the song, the media collectively reached a climax. A romantic encounter between an Eastern director and a North American star—major gossip tabloids had already self-imagined tens of thousands of words of content.

"A love token from an Eastern director, popular all over North America."

"The Goddess of Victory has a heart that belongs to someone; the magical Eastern director captures her heart."

"The story that must be told between Scarlett and the Eastern director."

"..."

The sensation Wei Jin caused in North American film and music circles was transmitted back home from time to time, causing a carnival of public opinion.

Compared to the major film and television production companies and actors chasing after Wei Jin's identity as a director, major record companies and music artists were even more eager to pursue Wei Jin's identity as a Gold Medal Producer. Major media outlets also dug up Wei Jin's information all over again.

For a time, throughout the entire month of June, Wei Jin basically never left the entertainment headlines.

However, what was hilarious was the discussion online; netizens' attention was placed more on the scandal between Scarlett and Wei Jin.

"Wei Jin is truly awesome; even a North American star can be subdued."

"This belongs to winning glory for the country; riding a white horse indeed."

"Not envious of mandarin ducks, not envious of immortals; I envy Director Wei every day."

"Am I the only one who thinks Scarlett's figure is really explosive?"

Wei Jin no longer had time to pay attention to various news. His phone had been blown up these past two days, and reporters had broken into the filming set several times, seriously disrupting the filming progress. With no other choice, Wei Jin could only hold a press conference. After answering quite a few questions, he finally managed to deal with the reporters.

However, the questions from Li Jie were not so easy to deal with. Wei Jin had no choice but to take physical action and "beat" Li Jie severely a few times, which finally calmed things down. So, what to do when a woman is throwing a tantrum? Just "beat" her a few more times and it will be fine.

A newbie author writing a book for the first time, kneeling and begging for collections, follows, reading, and recommendations. Thank you everyone. A newbie author writing a book for the first time, kneeling and begging for collections, follows, reading, and recommendations. Thank you everyone.

(End of this chapter)