Chapter 92

Jiang Heng could not fail to see the doubtful look in Han Sanping's eyes, he gave a bitter smile and said: "So-called do good deeds without asking about the future! I have earned a lot of money in Neidi, always thinking about how to give back, just haven't decided on the method; since we're talking about this, let me donate a bit first!"

Han Sanping grew even more shocked; after all, though his status and rank were high, in terms of wealth, compared to Jiang Heng he was merely a hair on nine oxen.

One hundred million yuan, casually speaking, is a large sum for an individual, and for China Film it is also no small amount!

For example, he now wants to invest one hundred million yuan to make a film; it's not something decided on a whim, you can't just slap your thigh and decide.

Jiang Heng, though, what started as a joke, he went straight to the substantive point—this is really impressive!

"If you really do that, you'll be doing a great deed!" Han Sanping's expression moved, and he patted Jiang Heng's shoulder.

At the same time he silently thought: "From now on, who knows how many people will regard you as a benevolent child of wealth, wanting to beg alms from you!"

As for the media reporters——

Han Sanping had spoken halfway when Jiang Heng interrupted: "As for the media, there's no need to report it; even if reported, it wouldn't be a good thing—keep a low profile, keep a low profile!"

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping was momentarily at a loss for words; he silently extended his right thumb and gave a thumbs-up.

After thinking, he added: "Don't worry, even if the media don't report it, the leaders will notice; it will definitely be good for you in the future!"

Jiang Heng hurriedly waved his hand: "I really haven't thought that much; I just want to spend some money to build nice houses for the children in the southwestern mountains. Well, let's not talk about that now; I'll prepare later, get the project approved, and transfer the funds."

Han Sanping felt a bit odd, but since Jiang Heng said that, it was naturally inappropriate to continue discussing this topic.

After thinking, he suddenly said: "By the way, have you decided on your next film? Are you going to make a sequel to The Matrix?"

Jiang Heng said: "For the next one, I'm preparing to make a film about Yang Jian splitting the mountain to save his mother; the Matrix sequel can be put off for now."

"Yang Jian splitting the mountain to save his mother doesn't have as much fame as Chenxiang!"

Han Sanping frowned slightly, paced a few steps, then said: "If we film Chenxiang splitting the mountain to save his mother, the opponent is Erlang Shen, full of oppressive pressure, plus Sun Wukong as the master appearing, which would also be more interesting."

Actually, the original Lotus Lantern story has nothing to do with Sun Wukong; Han Sanping is referring to the plot of the 1999 Shanghai Animation Film Studio's animated film Lotus Lantern.

Speaking of this animated film, it's truly well-made, and its voice cast is even legendary.

Jiang Wen's voicing of Erlang Shen and Chen Peisi's voicing of Sun Wukong left a deep impression on the audience.

Jiang Heng, however, said: "I don't really like the character Chenxiang!"

Han Sanping was dumbfounded, speechless for a while; this reason is truly damn strong!

"Alright, you're the director; whatever film you shoot, you must follow your wishes—just let China Film participate in the investment!"

Jiang Heng laughed: "That's a given!"

The two chatted a bit more, when a secretary delivered a report on the situation of Pacific Rim's release in other regions.

In Xianggang, it was naturally a hot release, box office surged, viewers came in waves.

After all, in the eyes of most Xianggang audiences, the film's director is a Xianggang person, many scenes were also shot in Xianggang, and the most exciting fight scene in the film is still the "Hong Kong Battle"—they definitely have to support it!

Coincidentally, Zhou Xingxing's Shaolin Soccer was also released around the same time, scheduled for July 12, one day before Pacific Rim.

Both films relied on visual effects as their selling point, clashing in the same release window, like Mars colliding with Earth, instantly igniting Xianggang's summer box office.

It made many Xianggang film people have the illusion of a Hong Kong film revival, flocking to cinemas to watch big movies, hoping to find something to learn from.

The genius director Wang Jing was one of them; he first went to see Zhou Xingxing's Shaolin Soccer, feeling the film was good, but hadn't yet come up with a good idea on how to follow the trend.

The next day, he went to see Pacific Rim again, and was shocked by the film's visual effects scenes to an extent beyond words.

Truly unexpected, Jiang Heng's effects-heavy blockbuster has already become strong enough to surpass Haolaiwu's level.

By contrast, many Chinese-language films are still using five-cent special effects.

"Hmm, five-cent special effects?"

Wang Jing instantly got inspired, and muttered the film's title again: "Pacific Rim, Atlantic Rim—I can completely use five-cent special effects plus similar ideas to knock off another one!"

Wang Jing was so excited he almost shouted out.

After hastily finishing the film and rushing home, he spent the whole night working out a script for Atlantic Rim.

The next day he called Lin Xiaoming, boss of Hanyu Entertainment: "Boss Lin, I have a good idea; how about we collaborate?"

Lin Xiaoming was indeed the investor of Shaolin Soccer; because that film and Pacific Rim were released in the same window, he had been feeling depressed.

"What is it? Don't tell me you want to spoof Shaolin Soccer, or I'll turn against you!"

Wang Jing chuckled: "Definitely not!"

"Then what are you?"

"Atlantic Rim—interested?"

Lin Xiaoming had been lying on the sofa; hearing this, he sat up straight: "Atlantic Rim? Is the script ready?"

"If I'm calling you about this, the script must be ready!"

"Come over right away; I'm waiting for you in my office!"

After hanging up, Lin Xiaoming could hardly contain his excitement.

Although Shaolin Soccer had decent reputation and box office, it was still overshadowed by Pacific Rim, leaving him very unhappy.

After all, Shaolin Soccer couldn't be released in Neidi, so its box office was naturally much lower.

Even in Xianggang it ran into a super-strong opponent, making him extremely vexed.

Therefore, whoever wanted to spoof Pacific Rim, he would lend a hand!

Not long after, the portly Wang Jing appeared in Lin Xiaoming's office, pulling a script from his bag.

"Boss Lin hasn't seen Pacific Rim; let me first give you a rundown of the plot?"

The smoking Lin Xiaoming's face darkened, and he suddenly said: "I've seen it!"

"Ah?"

Wang Jing stared, truly not expecting Boss Lin to have gone to watch the rival's film.

Lin Xiaoming didn't hide it either: "I originally thought that Jiang Heng, being young, had just had a fluke success; maybe this film would flop, worse than The Legend of Shu Mountain. I never expected that the filming would be as good as Haolaiwu itself!"

"Had I known it was this level, I would have insisted on delaying Shaolin Soccer's release by a week no matter what!"

Wang Jing laughed heartily: "Although both films rely on visual effects as their selling point, they are ultimately different genres; Ah Xing has so many fans that the box office performance isn't bad either!"

Lin Xiaoming gave a wry smile and shook his head, then immediately took the script from Wang Jing's hands.

After looking it over once, he felt it had some promise.

""As for the cast, what do you think?""

Wang Jing chuckled: "Wu Yanzu definitely can't be invited; that would really offend people. On the other hand, Xie Tingfeng, who had less than five minutes of screen time in Pacific Rim, could easily be cast as the male lead in Atlantic Rim. As for actresses, there are plenty to choose from!"

Lin Xiaoming nodded slightly, thought the idea was not bad, glanced at the script, then decisively said: "I'm investing in this film!"

(End of chapter)