Chapter 107: Two‑Part Back‑to‑Back Shoot

"That really is a good thing!" Pascal exclaimed.

As one of the major Haolaiwu giants, Columbia Company naturally hopes the Neidi film market will flourish, for only then can they earn more money.

Of course, they'd be even happier if the revenue‑share ratio could be raised a bit.

At the banquet, the two didn't linger in the restroom; after a few words they left.

Then they asked about the in‑preparation "Matrix 2," asking Jiang Heng what help he needed.

Though Columbia Cinema can't invest, they can still handle agency work!

If ten percent seems too pricey, eight or six percent is also negotiable.

Jiang Heng naturally wouldn't close the door; agency matters can be discussed after the film wraps.

Of course, the old partner Columbia Company is naturally given priority.

In terms of preparation, male lead Wu Yanzu, female lead Li Meiqi, Gao Xiong as Morpheus, and Oracle's Zheng Peipei have all joined the cast.

The Oracle's bodyguard originally played by Zou Zhaolong remains cast with Zou Zhaolong.

As for the "Frenchman" Mei Luo Wenjia in the film, they hired a third‑tier Haolaiwu actor; the twin‑like "Quantum Ghost" has even less clout.

However, Mei Luo Wenjia's wife Persephone, portrayed in the original by Italian actress Monica Bellucci, impressed Jiang Heng immensely, though he hasn't reached her yet.

"Hmm, speaking of help, there is a small favor: I greatly admire Monica Bellucci from 'The Beautiful Story of Sicily', but haven't contacted her yet; can President Amy help me find her?"

Amy‑Pascal smiled, "No problem, I'll have someone contact her tonight. I must say, Director Jiang really has good taste; Monica is famously a great beauty!"

Jiang Heng forced a smile, "I'm just normally looking for actors; why does it sound like there's something else when you bring it up!"

A few days later, Amy replied that Monica Bellucci is very willing to appear in "Matrix 2".

After all, the first film was a global bestseller with rave reviews.

And last year's theatrical release "Pacific Rim" topped the Beimei box office and ranked second worldwide; it's clear that "Matrix 2", barring major flaws, will be a box‑office smash with solid word‑of‑mouth.

That is, Jiang Heng hasn't publicly recruited in Haolaiwu; otherwise who knows how many beautiful stars would lower their price to join!

Monica Bellucci also doesn't know how much Jiang Heng admires her, fearing a high price might cause the opportunity to slip away.

After consulting with her agency, they finally quoted a fee at seventy percent of her current net worth, as a sign of sincerity.

Jiang Heng, upon hearing, was overjoyed and dispatched staff to Haolaiwu to sign Monica Bellucci.

In early April, "Matrix 2" kicked off in Beijing; domestic media gave it a brief splash of publicity before falling silent, and Jiang Heng resumed his hectic filming schedule.

Compared with the first film five years ago, "Matrix 2" boasts a fully upgraded cast, action set‑pieces, and storyline.

Considering the difficulty of preparation and the tight narrative link between parts 2 and 3, Jiang Heng conceived shooting both together.

Moreover, historically the two sequels were filmed together, so Jiang Heng's approach is fairly standard.

Since it's solely produced by Faction: Outstanding Rising Film Company, Jiang Heng needs no consultation; once he decides, his subordinates execute immediately.

All it entails is swapping contracts and extending the actors' schedules.

Complaints do exist—some wonder why Jiang Heng didn't raise it earlier—but none dare protest or strike.

Some even rejoice, saying filming parts 2 and 3 together means shooting two effects blockbusters at once!

Then, on that day, the president of Samsung (China) somehow got Jiang Heng's number and called directly.

Of course, it was Jiang Heng's corporate line, answered by his assistant.

The caller said they wanted to visit the crew and discuss important business with Jiang Heng.

After reporting upward, Jiang Heng thought briefly and realized what it was—product placement!

The original "Matrix 2" featured a Samsung SPH‑N270 phone, and after the film's release the model exploded in popularity.

At this point Samsung, though unsure of the ad impact, anticipates "Matrix 2" will have a huge box‑office, so product placement is worth pursuing.

On the appointed day, Samsung (China) president Wei Guoyou arrived with his team at the set.

"Director Jiang, hello; I've long admired your reputation!"

"Hello, hello, President Wei, your illustrious presence graces us, making me shine!"

After some courteous business flattery, Wei Guoyou got straight to the point and stated his purpose.

"Director Jiang, I'm here to ask a small favor: have the actors use Samsung phones in the film!"

"That shouldn't be a problem; may I ask what President Wei's budget is?"

Wei Guoyou raised a finger, and Jiang Heng replied, "Ten million?"

"Ahem!"

Wei Guoyou coughed twice, his face reddening, and said, "One million!"

"US dollars?"

"Director Jiang, you're joking; no one quotes that high!"

Wei Guoyou's tone was somewhat displeased as he said that.

Samsung is currently one of the world's largest mobile phone manufacturers, with extremely high international recognition.

Placing ads in Jiang Heng's film is merely adding a flourish.

As for the fee, he thinks a token amount suffices; ten million is truly a lion's huge demand.

It's less than a minute of screen time; why should I pay ten million?

Little does Wei know, Jiang Heng has his own calculations, comparing it to the famed product‑placement guru Feng Xiaogang.

The 2003 film "Cell Phone" was sponsored by Motorola for seven million.

The issue is that Feng Xiaogang's "Cell Phone" regarding potential box‑office and audience cannot be compared to "Matrix 2"; ten million is already a discounted price.

"President Wei, you should know how many film fans worldwide will see this movie; ten million is merely a friendly price, and of course I won't accept such a low offer!"

Wei Guoyou's face flushed, "Director Zhang, it's really too expensive!"

Jiang Heng smiled, "No problem; I think Motorola, Nokia, Sony Ericsson and the like would be interested in advertising in this film!"

Wei Guoyou's expression grew even more sour as he heard that.

If this damn competitor's sales therefore surge, then I'm actually at fault this time.

The problem is that Samsung Company has always been arrogant toward the Chinese market, and they don't approve much advertising budget either—he really doesn't have that much authority!

"Director Jiang, is there really no room for negotiation?"

Jiang Heng smiled and said, "Having Wei Zong make a trip for nothing, but I also don't have the right to just throw money away, right? Besides, I'm currently filming the second and third sequels simultaneously, with the release interval expected within a year, and I still think ten million is expensive, isn't it?"

Wei Guoyou heard this, froze, his face grew uglier, said his farewells, and left in a hurry.

(End of chapter)