Chapter 23: Global Release

When filming The Matrix, those on set who could speak English used the original English audio; those who couldn't spoke Cantonese or Mandarin, and later everything was redubbed uniformly.

So when the film was released, there were Mandarin, English, and Cantonese versions.

As for French, German, Russian and other language versions, each country's distributors handled their own dubbing.

Moreover, Columbia Pictures' distribution channels weren't limited to North America; they also had their own distribution companies or strategic partners in South America.

Jiang Heng's negotiation this time sold not only the North American distribution rights but also bundled the South American rights together.

When signing the contract, he hired a law firm, spending several days before the deal was finally completed.

Afterwards, he successively signed profit-sharing distribution agreements with Britain, France, Germany and other European countries.

By then, the matters he needed to worry about were basically settled, and he could finally take a few days off.

In reality, however, figures from the entertainment circles of Xianggang and Neidi kept calling him.

Either they wanted to congratulate him on his box‑office success, or to celebrate his achievement, or else to inquire about his next film's shooting plans to see if there was any chance of cooperation.

For these banquets, Jiang Heng usually refused.

But for those he had a good relationship with, he really couldn't get out of it.

One day, Hung Jinbao called, inviting Jiang Heng to have a meal together.

Thinking back to the celebration dinner he had just attended, he wanted to decline.

Hung Jinbao said: "Ah Wei will also come; he previously had a muddled head and said some unpleasant things, and he's felt guilty about it all along. This time we'll all go out for drinks, clear the air, and remain good friends—what do you think?"

Jiang Heng naturally wouldn't become friends with Eric Tsang, but he wanted to see his apologetic expression, after all the arrogant look he'd shown that day left a deep impression.

"Alright, you pick a place, I'll be there on time!"

After hanging up, Jiang Heng rested at home for a while; when the time was about right, he went downstairs and drove to the restaurant Hung Jinbao had reserved.

Inside the private room there were quite a few people; unexpectedly, Cheng Long was there, smiling warmly as he stepped forward and patted Jiang Heng's shoulder, saying: "You kid, you're really amazing—you actually beat me and Stephen Chow!"

Jiang Heng hurriedly laughed: "Luck, luck, the audience just likes something fresh!"

Cheng Long deliberately put on a stern face: "Are you saying my stuff is outdated?"

Jiang Heng thought to himself: "Indeed, it is a bit!"

Cheng Long's action films in the eighties and nineties were truly one‑of‑a‑kind; not only did many of his movies sell big at the box office, his global influence also steadily topped the list of Chinese male stars.

But after the year 2000, the films he produced just kept getting worse.

Not to mention the action scenes weren't as good as before, the plots were still very clichéd.

Of course, at this moment one couldn't say that.

"Big brother's action style is one‑of‑a‑kind, something you can watch a hundred times and never tire of!" Jiang Heng flattered.

Cheng Long laughed heartily, warmly putting his arm around Jiang Heng's shoulder with the expression of a younger brother I'll protect you, saying: "Haha, I love hearing that!"

Hung Jinbao stepped forward, greeted Jiang Heng and the others to be seated, and he himself remained in the chief seat.

Actually, at this moment Hung Jinbao's status in the Xianggang film circle was rather awkward.

He had previously run a company, served as a producer and director, and had made several box‑office hits.

However, after directing The Blade Skewers the City in 1993, which lost all of Lou Wei's savings, he has had no market in Xianggang ever since.

To be precise, since then basically no one has come to him to make films.

Moreover, there is a line in The Blade Skewers the City that went viral in the short‑video era: Yuan Shikai said, "Amidst the mundane torrent, finding a foothold has already been countless hardships… In this era where ambitions are thwarted and everything is difficult, wanting to stand out is probably harder than climbing to heaven."

Yet Hung Jinbao was unwilling to accept this; in 1995 he teamed up with Yuen Biao, brought in his two sons and members of the Hung Family Class, and filmed Modern Comedy Detective, which earned only a little over five million at the box office—naturally a loss.

By 1996, Hung Jinbao could only work as a director; he couldn't even get a job as an action choreographer.

Seeing his senior brother down on his luck, Cheng Long asked him to direct A Good Person, and even shared the idea from Who Am I? with him.

The result was that Hung Jinbao turned around and collaborated with Xu Ke and Li Lianjie to film Wong Fei‑hung: The Lion of the Western Regions.

If it weren't for the fact that the master‑brother relationship was truly very good, Cheng Long would definitely have turned against him.

However, the Xianggang film market continued to slump; although The Lion of the Western Regions earned over thirty million at the box office, the credit mainly went to Li Lianjie.

Still, no capital was willing to hire Hung Jinbao as a director, or even as an action choreographer.

Seeing The Matrix released worldwide, Hung Jinbao grew envious and also wanted to cooperate more with Jiang Heng.

Directing work can't be snatched away, but being an action choreographer is still doable!

With cooperation comes a certain say; at least I can bring along my sons!

After eating for a while, Hung Jinbao said to Eric Tsang: "Ah Wei, you spouted nonsense after a few drinks last time—you ought to make some amends!"

Eric Tsang stood up, hehe‑laughing: "Director Jiang, last time I was drunk and talked nonsense. Please don't mind, don't mind! I've downed it, you can do as you like, as you like, ahaha!"

Eric Tsang's signature laugh echoed through the private room; he then downed three glasses in a row, still holding the cup upside down to show his generosity.

Actually, given his standing in the Xianggang entertainment circle, even if he didn't apologize, Jiang Heng couldn't do anything to him.

But this time, with Hung Jinbao stepping in to mediate, Eric Tsang naturally had to give him face.

Moreover, this person has never harmed real interests for empty fame; seeing that Jiang Heng has become the hottest director in the Xianggang film circle, with investors waving cash to seek cooperation, he naturally wanted to settle this grudge.

Otherwise, if he were to take revenge later, it wouldn't be worth it.

Seeing Eric Tsang down three glasses, Jiang Heng felt it would be awkward to embarrass him, so he raised his cup and said with a smile: "Ah, drunken words are never taken to heart!"

Eric Tsang, however, said: "I've actually been remembering it all along; back then I really didn't think our Xianggang could produce a good sci‑fi film. When it finally premiered and I took a look, my goodness, this was filmed too well—Cameron, Spielberg, none of them are a match!"

Eric Tsang's expression was exaggerated, his tone fawning, causing everyone in the private room to burst out laughing.

Jiang Heng also couldn't help laughing, secretly thinking: "I still want to see your arrogant, unruly self!"

After drinking for a while, Hung Jinbao asked about plans for the new film, whether they were preparing to shoot The Matrix Part 2.

Jiang Heng said: "For now there's no plan; it should be a new film!"

Cheng Long said: "It's a pity our styles don't match; otherwise we could cooperate once!"

Jiang Heng laughed: "There are some points, but if a suitable role comes up in the future, would Big Brother be willing to come for a cameo?"

Cheng Long boldly replied: "If you give the word, I'll definitely go!"

He took a sip of wine and said to everyone: "Those who have time, go support the show!"

Everyone naturally agreed, and Zeng Zhiwei laughed, saying: "I can work for a low fee; as long as I get to show my face before a global audience, that's enough!"

Jiang Heng thought, "Just forget it!"

On one hand, it's impossible to accept this person; on the other hand, we have already reached a preliminary intention with Beiying Factory to co-produce a film.

Please collect and recommend!

(End of chapter)