Chapter 68

Jiang Heng has only filmed three movies so far, with genres of sci-fi, monster, and mythology respectively.

As for the fourth film's genre, his leaning is toward disaster or mecha, suitable films being *2012* and *Pacific Rim*.

The former was released in 2009, while the latter only came out in 2013.

From a timing perspective, it couldn't be more suitable.

But these two films share the same problem: the scenery involves multiple countries, and the cast is also very complicated.

Trying to gather a batch of actors to shoot at China Film Digital Soundstage is somewhat unrealistic.

Definitely need on-location shooting, and also need multinational actors.

Finding a Hollywood company is necessary, and if they are willing to relinquish control, that would be even better.

Pasikaer being eager for talent, Jiang Heng also does not refuse.

The two first discussed the cooperation model for half a day; Pasikaer's opinion was that the script must be agreed upon by both sides before the project can be greenlit.

Columbia Company can provide most of the investment, but it wants to obtain the distribution revenues from North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and other countries.

Jiang Heng laughed angrily, saying, "If that's the case, I can only get the box office revenue from East Asia and Southeast Asia?"

"No, Director Jiang, there's also Africa, and India is also a huge market!" Pasikaer said seriously.

"How about this: I take the main investment, your company only needs to provide a small amount of funds and assist with filming, and then we could get the box office distribution revenue from Africa and India—what do you think?"

Pasikaer gave a wry smile, shook his head, and sighed, "You really are a shrewd fellow!"

"Each to each, the premise of cooperation is trust and mutual benefit; if it's all about calculation, then I can only go back to making mythological stories!" Jiang Heng said bluntly.

"Alright, then let's go by investment ratio!"

"Is that all?"

"Give you the director's salary plus box office dividends—would that work?"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly, "That's about right, though as for investment, I'm not short of money either!"

Pasikaer was speechless, gave a helpless laugh, and after a while said, "Fine, Director Jiang, if you're not short of money, you can put in a bit more! Still, let's first talk about the script's subject—tell me what kind of film you plan to make."

Jiang Heng said, "My leaning is toward disaster, or monster movies!"

"Disaster, any concrete ideas?"

Jiang Heng shook his head; he hasn't yet written the script and registered it, so he definitely won't blurt out his ideas recklessly.

"What about monsters—are they like King Kong and Godzilla?"

Seeing Jiang Heng's thoughtful expression, Pasikaer said, "To be honest, I'm more inclined to make a monster movie—the monsters in *The Devil's Land* (the English title of *Shituo Ridge*) are more realistic and frightening than the dinosaurs in *Jurassic Park*, and both I and the company believe you can make a good monster film."

Jiang Heng nodded slightly, "Indeed possible—let's make a monster blockbuster!"

"Jiang, the protagonist this time should be our American military, right? Only they could defeat a monster like Godzilla!" Pasikaer said with a smile, a hint of pride on his face.

Jiang Heng thought to himself, "I'm preparing to design a mecha cooler and more spectacular than the original, and it should be China-led!"

However, before the script is written, he is not prepared to reveal anything at all.

He only said, "Let's see how it goes; for now it's just a concept, the specific details won't be known until the script is written!"

Pasikaer, seeing this, could only break off the talk. Fortunately, the distribution contract for *Shituo Ridge* has been signed, and Jiang Heng's side also has an English version source; Columbia Company just needs to handle promotion, pick a suitable slot, and prepare for release.

Unlike the mainland, which counts June to August as summer, North America's summer slot starts from the first weekend of May and ends on the Labor Day weekend in September, lasting about four months in total.

The North American summer of 2000 could be described as a gathering of blockbusters.

Released on May 5, DreamWorks' *Gladiator* grossed a total of 187 million USD domestically, ranking fourth for the year.

On May 24, Paramount's *Mission: Impossible 2* grossed 215 million USD domestically, ranking third for the year.

The June 30 release *The Perfect Storm* grossed 182 million USD, ranking sixth for the year.

Also, the July releases *X-Men*, *Scream*, and *What Lies Beneath* ranked eighth, ninth, and tenth respectively for the year.

And the *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* in which Jiang Heng invested, which originally ranked twelfth historically, likewise followed inertia by securing Sony Pictures for distribution, setting its release date for July 6,

So overall, looking at the 2000 North American summer slot, May was a duel of two titans, while July became a free-for-all among many contenders.

By comparison, the competition in June, August, and September is somewhat weaker.

However, regarding the schedule, naturally it follows Columbia Company's arrangements; Jiang Heng could only hint, feeling that there are quite a few big films slated for North American July this year.

Pasikaer also said he would go back and study the scheduling issue thoroughly.

In the following days, Jiang Heng returned to his Beverly Hills mansion and began to focus on revising the script.

During that period, Li An brought the male lead of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, Zhou Runfa, and the female lead, Zhang Ziyi, to visit; their coming to Los Angeles was naturally to cooperate with the film's promotion.

However, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*'s choice to be released in North America was not for high box office, but purely for going for awards.

Simply put, the film wanted to contend for the Golden Globes and Oscars, which required a North American release, hence they sought Sony Pictures for distribution.

Sony's side also didn't do large-scale promotion; the number of opening theaters was extremely low, but as word-of-mouth improved and they won the Golden Globe, they gradually expanded to over two thousand theaters.

Moreover, in this life, since Jiang Heng is involved in the investment and he is quite famous in North America, Li An thought of asking Jiang Heng to help with promotion.

"Of course no problem; I haven't checked in on how busy you've been all this time—helping with promotion is only natural!"

In the mansion's living room, several people sat around the coffee table chatting idly.

Zhou Runfa looked at Jiang Heng, his expression rather complex.

When he left Xianggang, he had never heard the name Jiang Heng; after struggling in Hollywood for these years, the twenty-year-old young man before him had already risen to fame thanks to three blockbusters, becoming a figure who could reap box office worldwide.

Although he had starred in a few films in Hollywood, he could only be considered a second- or third-tier actor, and life's turns are truly remarkable.

One had thought the Xianggang film scene was a stagnant pool, but unexpectedly a giant crocodile has emerged!

"Mr. Zhou, not used to this tea?"

"Oh, no, I just didn't expect that Xianggang could still produce such a young and talented director—truly the new generation is to be feared!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily, "It's just the new generation replacing the old!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Runfa's face looked somewhat unpleasant.

"What does this kid mean, saying I'm past my prime?"

(End of Chapter)