Chapter 139: Independent Production Plan

"Transition? Oh, no, no. Shi Tailong doesn't need to transition, nor does he need to prove himself again. I just want to try something new!"

Shi Tailong shook his finger at the host and continued:

"The script for *Frequency* attracted me. Family and affection are what we should care about most, and our director, a very talented young man, has blended science fiction, action, and the father-son bond together perfectly."

Hearing Shi Tailong say this, the host took the opportunity to pass the topic to Wu Wu Yuchen:

"Wu, looking at your resume, you won Best Director at Berlin at 20 and have directed three works, one of which grossed tens of millions. This is undoubtedly proof of your talent. This is your first time stepping into Hollywood; do you think Hollywood is any different?"

Facing this question, Wu Wu Yuchen said with a straight face:

"Without a doubt, Hollywood is currently the center of the global film industry. It is full of opportunities, and dreamlike things happen every day. You can become famous overnight, but the competition here is also the most intense in the world. However, I have great confidence in *Frequency*. We have the most interesting story, the most moving emotions, and, best of all, the best actor, Shi Tailong!"

Wu Wu Yuchen knew how to answer this kind of question even without prior warning. Naturally, he had to switch to "praise mode" to satisfy the vanity of the American audience. It's not just Chinese people who like to hear foreigners flatter them; in fact, people from any country or region like outsiders to boast about their local area. This is also one of the best ways to integrate into the local scene.

Upon hearing this, Shi Tailong revealed a brilliant smile and gave Wu Wu Yuchen a look that said, *You're a smart kid. *

Actually, it wasn't really boasting. Wu Wu Yuchen felt a bit bored recording this program because 90% of the focus was on Shi Tailong, and only occasionally were questions and camera time shared with others, but he had to maintain a serious posture throughout.

In fact, the promotion for *Frequency* had already begun long ago. Hollywood has a complete and perfect publicity system. When Shi Tailong joined the crew to film *Frequency*, relevant news had already been released, and the trailer was released two months ago to attract audiences.

Now, two weeks before the release, large-scale promotion officially began, with a combination of posters, newspapers, television programs, and radio. Of course, there was no need to guess the core figure of this promotion: it was Shi Tailong!

Then, targeting the upcoming Thanksgiving, the focus was on promoting the film's elements of father-son bonding, science fiction, and action.

Don't look at *Frequency*'s total production cost of only 30 million; Sony Columbia directly approved 20 million for publicity, meaning promotion costs accounted for 40% of the total investment. This is not strange in Hollywood; the more mature the commercial market, the more it values promotion. Of course, this also shows the company's confidence in the quality of *Frequency*, otherwise, it wouldn't have received this treatment.

After the program recording ended, Wu Wu Yuchen joked:

"I think it wouldn't matter if I waited until the movie was released; having you, Shi Tailong, is enough~"

"That's not impossible."

Shi Tailong laughed, then added:

"If you insist, Sony won't do anything to you. However, in Hollywood, you must learn to package yourself, even if you are a director behind the scenes."

Wu Wu Yuchen nodded; he understood this principle. Looking at the performances of Hugh Jackman and Gretchen, who were on the show together, one could see that even though the focus was entirely on Shi Tailong, the two of them were already very happy to be able to show their faces on the program.

But Wu Wu Yuchen was clearer about one thing: all these means of exposure and packaging must be built on one foundation—box office success. Otherwise, it's all nonsense. If the box office explodes, everyone will come running to find you without you even having to leave the house.

On the way back, Wu Wu Yuchen and producer Jeff were in a car, and he asked, "Jeff, won't you reconsider?"

Jeff said, "Wu, independent production is full of risks; it's not as glamorous as it looks from the outside. And shouldn't our focus be on *Frequency* right now?"

He then patiently advised, "I know you might feel that filming *Frequency* has many constraints, but after the movie succeeds, you will become different. You will gain greater say in your next film, perhaps even total control on set. Why be in such a hurry?"

This time when Wu Wu Yuchen came to America, Jeff had personally driven to the airport to pick him up and even brought him home for warm hospitality. During the meal, Wu Wu Yuchen extended an invitation to him—he wanted to prepare a second film, funding was not an issue, and he asked if Jeff was willing to be the producer.

This sudden invitation caught Jeff off guard, and after thinking about it, he politely declined Wu Wu Yuchen.

Since the 1980s, Hollywood had entered the golden age of independent production. A group of independent filmmakers represented by Harvey Weinstein emerged, earning huge profits and causing many others to start trying the path of independent production.

But in reality, the risks involved are huge. Having spent many years in Hollywood, Jeff naturally understood the logic. Actually, production and filming are not the problems; under Hollywood's complete industrial chain, with various unions and service-oriented talent agencies, a crew can be assembled at any time. The key issue lies in promotion and distribution. On this point, small companies are no match for the Big Eight.

Therefore, compared to going outside to labor over independent production, Jeff preferred to play within the Big Eight, leveraging their power, as the probability of a film's success is far higher than with a small company.

Wu Wu Yuchen smiled and shook his head gently: "Alright, Jeff, just pretend I never asked that question."

The filming process of *Frequency* indeed made him deeply feel that when cooperating with the Big Eight in Hollywood, a director is subject to too many constraints. Even if this one succeeds and he has more say in the next film, he would still be under control—for instance, you can't even touch the final cut.

Therefore, for his second film, he wanted to try the path of independent production, and the first thing to do was to find a reliable producer to cooperate with; otherwise, it would be impossible for him to prepare the crew alone.

Wu Wu Yuchen asked because he had a pleasant cooperation with Jeff previously and felt his ability was quite good. But now it seemed that compared to independent production, Jeff still preferred the comfort of the Big Eight's system. That was fine; there were plenty of independent producers in Hollywood.

As for why he was in such a hurry to prepare now, it was because he currently had a plan in mind. If it could succeed, even if the second film was an independent production without the Big Eight's complete promotional means, it would definitely not lack exposure.

After Wu Wu Yuchen returned to the hotel, his agent, Carl Murphy, who had been waiting for him, came to his room.

"Wu, regarding your personal film company, the lawyers say it will be ready very soon."

Wu Wu Yuchen nodded upon hearing this. Such shell film companies are established and liquidated in Hollywood every day.

After Carl Murphy finished speaking, he took out a dozen detailed documents: "These are the materials for suitable independent producers I have selected."

Wu Wu Yuchen smiled and said: "Then I'll trouble you to introduce them to me one by one."

This is also a benefit of Hollywood talent agencies; the service the agent provides is absolutely top-notch. As long as you have a need, the agent will satisfy it as much as possible, provided, of course, that you can bring them enough benefits.

Listening to Carl's introduction, he asked in detail about each person's characteristics and what works they had produced, and the materials of one producer caught Wu Wu Yuchen's attention.

"This James Jacks, are you saying he has worked with John Woo?"

John Woo is Wu Wu Baige. Nowadays, Wu Wu Baige is no longer a small figure in Hollywood; with the success of *Face/Off*, he has also become highly sought after.

"Yes, John Woo's first work after entering Hollywood, *Hard Target*, was produced by James."

Wu Wu Yuchen asked further: "What is his reputation?"

"James is a long-renowned producer in Hollywood, experienced and with a precise eye for films. Moreover, in his early years, he supported many newcomers and provided them with significant help, such as the Coen brothers, Richard Linklater, and Sam Raimi when they were just starting out."

Wu Wu Yuchen narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. Having worked with a Chinese director, liking to cultivate newcomers, and being experienced—this was a very good candidate.

"Help me contact this James Jacks; I want to meet him as soon as possible."

"No problem, Wu. Is there anything else?"

Wu Wu Yuchen shook his head, but then suddenly remembered: "Right, have Hugh come over."

"Okay." Carl Murphy smiled and turned to leave.

A moment later, Wu Wu Yuchen saw Hugh Jackman arrive, greeted him with a smile, and asked: "Hugh, do you have any plans for the next two months?"

Hugh Jackman understood the implication; he had also heard from his agent Carl that Wu Wu Yuchen was planning to prepare a new project, so he immediately said: "Wu Dao, I am at your command at any time."

Wu Wu Yuchen smiled, then took out a script and handed it to Hugh Jackman:

"Hugh, this is the new script I am about to prepare, an absolute male-lead film. Take a look first to see if you are interested. However, I must make one thing clear: you are very high on my list, but you are not the only choice."

Hugh Jackman was delighted: "Wu Dao, thank you very much for your appreciation; I will definitely prepare well!"

Although Wu Wu Yuchen said he wasn't the only choice, he was already far ahead of others. Now that *Frequency* hadn't been released yet, he didn't have many good opportunities in his hands. Regardless, Wu Wu Yuchen's willingness to give him a chance made him feel grateful.

Hugh Jackman looked at the script title: *Phone Booth*.

Wu Wu Yuchen watched Hugh Jackman's departing back and revealed a satisfied smile.

Early last year, he registered three scripts in Hollywood. Among them, *Frequency* had already been filmed, and *Phone Booth* was the project he chose for independent production.

First of all, this is a successful case of winning big with a small investment. In his past life, the cost was 10 million, and the final box office was 98 million—almost ten times the box office.

As far as the present is concerned, a cost of around 10 million is nothing to Wu Wu Yuchen; he can fully afford it, and even if something unexpected happens, it won't hurt his foundation.

Secondly, this movie is simple to film; over 80% of the scenes are concentrated in one phone booth. In his past life, the total filming time for this film only took 12 days!

Whether for film preparation or filming, the workload will be reduced a lot. It is an extremely suitable choice for his first independent production in Hollywood.

*Phone Booth* is an absolute male-lead film, with 90% of the shots concentrated on the male lead; therefore, the choice of the male lead is very important for the film.

Actually, Hugh Jackman is very suitable in terms of age and image, his acting is also good, and after *Frequency* is broadcast this time, Wu Wu Yuchen also believes he will become popular. But in Wu Wu Yuchen's mind, he can still only be ranked second.

Because there is an excellent candidate for this male lead in his heart. If he doesn't agree, Wu Wu Yuchen will then use Hugh Jackman as a backup.

But Wu Wu Yuchen doesn't intend to invite him yet. After *Frequency* is released, he, as the director, will have successful influence, which will make it easier to move others. It's just that the crew must be prepared first; it must be filmed in December, otherwise, if the timing is missed, this person will be hard to invite.

The next day, in the hotel cafe, Wu Wu Yuchen and producer James Jacks sat opposite each other.

After James put down the script, he said with surprise: "Wu, this script of yours is fantastic!"

"Thank you for the compliment!" Wu Wu Yuchen said with a faint smile.

In his past life, the *Phone Booth* script was created by veteran Hollywood screenwriter Larry Cohen in 1999. It had attracted many big names: Jim Carrey had hoped to play the male lead; Michael Bay had planned to direct the film; Will Smith had taken the initiative to discuss the project, but it didn't happen for one reason or another. From this, one can see the charm of this script.

Actually, more than one Hollywood company has tried to find Wu Wu Yuchen to buy the script, but he has never sold it; he wants to use it himself.

James asked: "Wu, are you sure you want to produce it independently? How much is the funding? Is it stable?"

Wu Wu Yuchen said very confidently: "You don't need to worry about the funding. It is temporarily set at 10 million US dollars, and it can be increased by a few million. It is fully guaranteed that the funding will not break."

Of course he can guarantee it; after all, it's his own money. But he didn't intend to sell US stocks. Now Yahoo and other internet stocks have started an upward trend; selling stocks is not cost-effective. He will pledge a portion of the stocks he holds and borrow more than 10 million from the bank for filming. This way, he won't miss the stock rise, and he will have money for filming; all he pays is the loan interest.

James nodded upon hearing this, then said: "Then I have no problem. As long as you give me the producer's fee, I am very willing to bring such an excellent script to the screen."

For an independent producer like him, as long as the project is suitable and you pay enough, whether it's the Big Eight or a shell company, he is willing to do it. Working for anyone is still working, right?

Then Wu Wu Yuchen asked: "James, can you introduce me to the issue of promotion and distribution for independent films in Hollywood?"

James had no objections and took a sip of coffee, saying:

"In North America, actually, whether it's promotion or distribution, as long as you are willing to spend money, it can be done.

The Big Eight's distribution channels are open to the outside world, doing distribution agency business. Generally, distribution agents will charge you a 10%-20% distribution commission on the North American box office. How many points depends on the film's bargaining power. If you have stars or big names, you can naturally fight for a lower distribution fee; conversely, small films have to pay higher. And trash films, distributors don't want to take them at all unless you pay cash."

Wu Wu Yuchen nodded to show understanding. In this regard, actually, the later Chinese film industry is the same; for example, Enlight Media and Bona Film Group both act as distribution agents for others.

Then James continued:

"And promotion is a difficult problem. Because those popular TV programs and media channels generally only establish cooperative channels with big companies like the Big Eight. If you are willing to pay the Big Eight to help you with promotion, of course, there is no problem, but I can clearly tell you that they will add all sorts of miscellaneous money to your promotion fee. The 1 million promotion fee you pay will have at most 500,000 actually spent on promotion; the rest will be swallowed by them openly.

Unless our project itself has big stars and explosive points, it can attract media to pay attention actively, but this is very difficult for independent production. So, general independent productions go to various film festivals to brush up on awards and build fame first, and then go to theaters for release..."

Listening to James's explanation, Wu Wu Yuchen also had a rough idea in his heart, which was not much different from what he understood. The distribution commission within 20% must definitely be paid; it just depends on how much the price can be negotiated later. As for the promotion problem, it still depends on whether he can invite that male lead.

Wu Wu Yuchen smiled at James and said: "James, then I'll trouble you. We can sign the contract tomorrow, and then start the project preparation work."

Filming might only take 12 days, but crew preparation might take 1 month. Anyway, the focus of *Frequency*'s promotion is all on Shi Tailong; he just needs to check in when the director is needed.

Time quickly arrived at the Friday before Thanksgiving, which was the release time of *Frequency*.