Chapter 234: Lip-to-Lip Battle

"60th Anniversary of the Zhenzhugang Attack!"

"The event that changed the fate of the world—the Zhenzhugang attack!"

"Do not forget the pain of history!"

Wu Yuchen looked at the headlines in the newspaper and couldn't help but smile. Since the previous period, almost every day he could see similar news, although not front-page headlines, but continuous.

The Zhenzhugang attack happened in 1941, and this year is indeed the 60th anniversary. However, in fact, the Zhenzhugang incident happened on December 7th. It is not even May yet, and there are still more than half a year before the anniversary. Throwing out these news so early is naturally Disney's handwriting, because this is part of the publicity of *Zhenzhugang*!

Since the Oscars ended in March and entered April, Disney had already started the publicity work for *Zhenzhugang*. Promoting the Zhenzhugang incident continuously like this is to arouse people's interest in the *Zhenzhugang* film!

Thinking of this, Wu Yuchen also called Spielberg:

"Hey, Steven, I have already seen *Zhenzhugang* start large-scale publicity, what about our *Pirates of the Caribbean*?"

"Wu, of course we have also started, subway station advertisements, shopping mall posters, are all in progress, it's just that you stay in the crew filming every day, so you can't see it at all." Spielberg explained.

"Steven, this can't blame me. And I can see news about *Zhenzhugang* in the crew every day, but rarely see *Pirates of the Caribbean*."

"Oh, Wu. You can't let us compete with Disney for being rich and powerful, right? Do you know how much publicity fee Disney approved for *Zhenzhugang* this time?"

"How much?" Wu Yuchen asked.

"We have made arrangements, but isn't your *A Beautiful Mind* still filming?"

"He hopes we can cut the 40-minute bombing scene."

100 million US dollars, almost catching up with the production cost, you know the production cost of *Zhenzhugang* is only 140 million! This is enough to witness Disney's ambition for *Zhenzhugang*!

But this is because the publicity fee of over 100 million US dollars was not counted. If the publicity fee is counted, it is a cost of 250 million, which immediately reverses the profit and loss.

Fortunately, Eisner has a deep foundation in Disney, and these voices were blocked by him hard. However, he also made a promise at the shareholders' meeting that Disney would make achievements to prove to the shareholders next.

Miles said: "The chairman of the Japanese American Citizens League, Mr. Tateishi, has protested against our *Zhenzhugang*. He thinks the film is too ugly to the Japanese, and it is a stereotype of the Japanese. He hopes..."

"Tentatively 50 million, if the box office is good, we will add publicity fees." Spielberg said.

On the one hand, it happens to catch up with the 60th anniversary of Zhenzhugang, which is a good gimmick; on the other hand, *Titanic* is a big ship plus a disaster romance story that can scrape so much box office, then *Zhenzhugang* films aerial romance, plus natural war scenes with many big scenes, it is also disaster plus romance, then the box office is not easy to get?

Thinking of this, Eisner called Miles: "How is the situation of the *Zhenzhugang* preview?"

Wu Yuchen nodded, understanding this logic, but after thinking for a moment, he said: "Steven, what about the 'touch-porcelain' (hype-baiting) plan we formulated earlier?"

Wu Yuchen said upon hearing this: "At most one week, *A Beautiful Mind* will be finished!"

Then Eisner thought of something and asked again: "By the way, what about *Pirates of the Caribbean* that claimed to be our opponent last year? What is the situation now?"

"*Pirates of the Caribbean* and us are scheduled on the same day, which is May 25th, the Memorial Day weekend."

In order to film *Zhenzhugang*, Disney invited strong support from the American military. Disney's fantasy is very beautiful. Even if it doesn't reach the results of *Titanic*, just getting half of its box office, that is, reaching 1 billion US dollars, is a big profit!

And this time Eisner has high hopes for *Zhenzhugang*, not only expecting it to be a big box office hit, but also wanting to see it sweep the Oscars next year, just like *Titanic* a few years ago. In this way, this *Zhenzhugang* will be a masterpiece that boosts his Eisner's prestige!

Miles organized his language and said: "The preview effect is very good..."

Since the publicity fee can't compare, naturally we have to get involved with *Zhenzhugang*. We fought a war of words with the other side when it started filming, and now we can continue to bump into it, making people think of *Pirates of the Caribbean* when they mention *Zhenzhugang*, turning the other side's publicity into their own use.

"Hehe, what an arrogant guy, they really dare to do this!"

"Fuck! He is thinking about fart!" Eisner couldn't help but curse upon hearing this.

This *A Beautiful Mind* has been filmed from February to now. In order to maintain the continuity of the actors' emotions and improve the film's authenticity and emotional infection, this time it is filmed in chronological order, so it took more than two months. If the jump shooting method was used, it would definitely be finished now.

*Zhenzhugang* invited Michael Bay to be the director, isn't it because of his skill in filming explosion scenes? If the bombing scene is cut, what else can the audience watch?

Eisner cursed a few words, and then began to ponder. Although Japan is their American younger brother, they still have to consider the opinions of the Japanese. This is because the Japanese film market is now a big ticket warehouse for Hollywood. Take *Titanic* as an example, Japan contributed 250 million US dollars in box office, more than any country outside North America, which makes people have to pay attention.

Michael Eisner nodded with satisfaction, but the next moment he heard Miles say: "It's just that there are some different voices, I think I need to report to you."

"What?"

Then he said to Miles: "Don't move the bombing scene, let Michael Bay make some cuts in other bridges to appease the emotions of the Japanese."

The preview of *Zhenzhugang* was a viewing meeting specially organized by people from all walks of life, just to test the market feedback preliminarily.

And this time, Wu Yuchen wanted to see, after *Zhenzhugang* met his *Pirates of the Caribbean*, how many results it could have!

"Okay, Mr. Eisner!"

Wu Yuchen also couldn't help but gasp after hearing this number. Although in later generations, it is not rare for Hollywood big production publicity fees to exceed 100 million, but in this day and age, 100 million US dollars in publicity fees is still very explosive.

Spielberg smiled upon hearing this: "That's good, when it enters May, I will arrange publicity schedules for you and the leads of *Pirates of the Caribbean*. I was worried about whether there would be conflicts."

"100 million! Just North America is 100 million! Really crazy!"

After hanging up the phone, Wu Yuchen looked at the Zhenzhugang in the newspaper and thought of the film *Zhenzhugang* in his past life.

This film *Zhenzhugang* is a key project that Disney has focused on preparing for two years. When *Titanic* was a great success, Disney aimed at *Zhenzhugang*.

In his past life, Hollywood listed *Zhenzhugang* as a failed project, which many domestic fans didn't understand. Because looking at the box office alone, *Zhenzhugang*'s global box office of 440 million US dollars compared to its 140 million cost, not to mention big profit, at least it shouldn't lose much, if the discs are counted, it must be profitable.

And as Disney's main project this year, it is also the film with the highest investment in its history. As a result, it not only failed at the box office, but also suffered a lot of criticism from the critical community in terms of reputation. It is equal to losing both box office and reputation, so it naturally became a failed project.

Eisner immediately frowned and asked with concern: "What's the situation?"

Then Spielberg said: "Wu, 50 million is not low, enough to ensure that the publicity of *Pirates of the Caribbean* is not weaker than any big production in the past."

The next moment, Wu Yuchen asked: "Steven, what about us? How much is the publicity budget?"

Good guy, this is only half of the other side, no wonder he sees news of *Zhenzhugang* attacking every day in the crew, but rarely sees *Pirates of the Caribbean*, this innate money ability is half weaker.

Michael Eisner is a bit troubled recently. At the shareholders' meeting held more than a month ago, quite a few people expressed dissatisfaction with Disney's falling stock price over the past year.

However, Wu Yuchen smiled, but in his past life, because *Zhenzhugang* was so powerful, no big production dared to be in the same period, which is equivalent to it occupying a period, and finally achieved a box office of 180 million in North America.

There is also that old guy Roy Disney. He usually finds trouble for him in the company, and he also took the lead in picking faults at the shareholders' meeting, accusing him of being incompetent in all aspects. If he didn't represent the Disney family, Eisner would have kicked him out long ago.

"Don't worry, Steven, it won't delay the arrangements and plans of *Pirates of the Caribbean*."

Eisner couldn't help but show a trace of contemptuous smile, and then said: "Then start, just use them to attract everyone's attention!"

"Okay, Mr. Eisner!"

"Cut!"

After Wu Yuchen watched it several times, he stood up and shouted to the crew: "*A Beautiful Mind*, finished!"

With this sentence spoken, the crew breathed a sigh of relief.

At the wrap party that night, Wu Yuchen said to Russell Crowe:

"Russell, I really want to wish you to win another Oscar Best Actor with this film, but I think you also know that this hope is not big..."

Russell Crowe just won Best Actor with *Gladiator* this year, so the probability of him winning Best Actor again next year is very small, even if he performs very well in the film.

Winning the Oscar Best Actor consecutively is very difficult. Only two actors in history have done it. One is the Oscars in the early days, 1937 and 1938, Spencer Tracy won two consecutive Oscar Best Actors, becoming the first consecutive Best Actor in Hollywood history.

And the other one, it is Tang Mu Hanks, known as Big Tang Mu, who won the Best Actor consecutively in 1993 and 1994. And the reason why he could win consecutively is also because the film *Forrest Gump* is too correct, all-round correct. If you don't award him, it is a crime!

Wu Yuchen knows very well that *A Beautiful Mind* cannot compare with *Forrest Gump*, so even if Russell Crowe performs well in this film, it is difficult to win the Best Actor consecutively.

Russell Crowe also knew this in his heart, laughing and saying: "Director Wu, being able to participate in such an excellent film is already my honor!"

Wu Yuchen patted his shoulder, and then smiled and said: "Although the Oscar Best Actor is a bit difficult, I guarantee that after the film is released, you will become a member of the 20 million club!"

Russell Crowe's eyes lit up: "Thank you, then this will be the best gift for me!"

Nowadays, he has already won the Oscar Best Actor, and his biggest goal is naturally to improve his salary and status. Now he has a salary of 15 million, not yet reaching the top level in Hollywood, and entering the 20 million club means becoming a top star in Hollywood.

The next day, Wu Yuchen got up and looked at Jennifer Connelly on the bed and smiled. Although she played the male lead's wife in the film, she climbed into his bed as a director every night. After finishing this time, she has to rush to other work and will be separated from him for a while, naturally having a crazy night.

Although *A Beautiful Mind* was finished, he couldn't be idle for a while. The publicity of *Pirates of the Caribbean*, the production of *Spider-Man*, and the post-production of *A Beautiful Mind* all had to be carried out.

When Wu Yuchen walked to the entrance of DreamWorks, he was caught by several reporters waiting here, and immediately stepped forward to interview him: "Wu, what do you think of *Zhenzhugang*?"

Wu Yuchen thought this was arranged by DreamWorks, so he smiled and said: "The 60th anniversary of the Zhenzhugang incident is a very memorable thing, but this does not mean that the film *Zhenzhugang* will be very good..."

However, before he finished speaking, another reporter next to him shouted and asked: "Wu, do you know? Just this morning, the chairman of Disney Film Studio, Peter Schneider, said you are far worse than Michael Bay!"

Hmm? Wu Yuchen narrowed his eyes upon hearing this. It seems it is different from what he thought. It turns out that Disney also started to step on *Pirates of the Caribbean*? This is just right!

Wu Yuchen smiled: "Peter Schneider? I know him, just Eisner's mouthpiece. I dealt with him during *The Sixth Sense* the year before last, and he doesn't understand film at all. Except for my *The Sixth Sense*, Disney's film performance in recent years has no improvement, which is the proof!"

Hearing Wu Yuchen's spray, several reporters were extremely excited, hurriedly recorded it. And also asked:

"Wu, do you think *Zhenzhugang* is not as good as your *Pirates of the Caribbean*?"

If an ordinary person answers, they will be humble, because they haven't seen the other party's film. But this time Wu Yuchen wants to provoke disputes and fight with *Zhenzhugang*.

"Of course, *Zhenzhugang* will definitely be defeated by *Pirates of the Caribbean*, and I am not optimistic about the box office of *Zhenzhugang*."

"Wow! Wu, do you think *Zhenzhugang* will fail? You say so, is it because you think Michael Bay's ability is not good?" The reporter also watched the excitement and didn't think it was a big deal, trying hard to provoke.

Wu Yuchen shrugged and said: "Michael Bay, his explosion is not bad, but compared to Cameron, I think there is still a not small gap."

Wu Yuchen's implication is that *Zhenzhugang* has been comparing itself to *Titanic*, but in fact, it is not as good at all.

"Wu, how do you think Michael Bay compares to you?"

"Wu, where do you think *Zhenzhugang* will fail?"

Although the reporter was still asking, Wu Yuchen didn't answer anymore. These today are almost enough. You can't finish it all at once. Only by coming a little bit can you push the atmosphere to a climax.

DreamWorks, after Spielberg heard Wu Yuchen say this, he was also slightly helpless: "Wu, I originally wanted to remind you, but since you have already started, then continue. However, pay attention to the scale, pay attention to some aspects, and don't cross the line in terms of words!"

Wu Yuchen nodded with a smile: "Don't worry, Steven, I haven't been mixing in Hollywood for nothing these years, I know what can be said and what cannot be said."

Spielberg then nodded.

Wu Yuchen's interview was reported out quickly, and soon the response from *Zhenzhugang* came.

The person who made the response this time was the director Michael Bay himself:

"Wu is a pretty good director. He has some talent in storytelling, but I think he is too arrogant. Yes, it is arrogant. No director dares to brag before seeing other people's works, labeling his own works as stronger than others.

And, the works he directed in the past are all small scenes and small productions. Everyone knows one thing, small production and big production are different concepts. Suddenly from tens of millions to 140 million, this is not so easy to control. I really doubt whether he can use so much money well.

His past achievements are good, but this time he will pay tuition for his arrogance~"

Michael Bay had a relaxed tone, and it seemed like a senior teaching a junior.

On this side, Wu Yuchen looked at the content in the newspaper and smiled. And beside him, Spielberg said: "Wu, I have already greeted Michael Bay. After this matter, no matter what the result is, I will host a dinner and invite you two to have dinner at my house together."

Spielberg and Michael Bay are both Jews, so this time he contacted Michael Bay, saying that this is just a publicity strategy for both sides, hoping that he and Wu Yuchen will not really have conflicts because of this.

Wu Yuchen naturally understood this meaning, and said with a smile:

"Of course no problem, Steven, don't worry, I won't show an overbearing attitude to the loser~"

Spielberg was already used to Wu Yuchen's confident attitude, and then he heard the other party ask: "Steven, how is the effect of our two remote calls this time?"

Spielberg laughed: "Very good, many media have spontaneously reported on your two things, and even put you together for comparison, the number of times *Pirates of the Caribbean* is mentioned has increased significantly."

Wu Yuchen nodded with satisfaction, and then said: "It's not enough to be limited to the two of us directors. The biggest exposure in the crew is the several leads. Next, let Depp and Hugh prepare, it's time to start the next round of scolding!"

*Zhenzhugang* crew.

"Must this speech be removed?" Michael Bay asked.

"No way, in order to deal with those troublesome little days, their market is an important ticket warehouse." Producer Bruckheimer replied.

In order to appease the protesting little days, this time they deleted a speech by Ben Affleck at the end of the film.

Michael Bay shrugged: "Okay, actually I think it doesn't matter whether this paragraph is removed or not, no matter what, it can't change the fact that the Japanese are villains in the film."

Bruckheimer didn't want to discuss more, changed the topic and asked: "Michael, I heard Spielberg called you?"

Michael Bay nodded: "Hehe, Steven wants to mediate."

"Did you agree?"

"Why not? Steven's face still needs to be given, and I am very much looking forward to seeing what expression that guy will have after he fails!" Michael Bay said with a smile.

What he released to the outside world is the truth. Although he admits that Wu Yuchen's past few works proved his ability, it is very obvious that they are all small productions. Big productions are not so easy to play!

And he, Michael Bay, started by filming big scenes. A *The Rock* cost 75 million, and an *Armageddon* cost 140 million. The big scenes of this *Zhenzhugang* are not a problem for him at all, but it may not be for others!

Just then, the assistant ran to the two people and handed over a newspaper.

Michael Bay and Bruckheimer immediately looked: "Wu Yuchen accuses *Zhenzhugang* of failing to cast!"

"Josh Hartnett is an idol actor, he is a typical cream boy, and has no military temperament... In contrast, our *Pirates of the Caribbean* are all strength actors..."

Michael Bay and Bruckheimer frowned after reading it, and then said: "This Wu, really wants to let *Pirates of the Caribbean* and us go to war completely!"

Bruckheimer shook his head: "I thought it was just ordinary hype, I didn't expect it to be so hard-working. It seems that this time it is going to be a real fire!"

Josh Hartnett wouldn't mind Wu Yuchen's evaluation, that's strange.

"Let Josh Hartnett respond tomorrow."

The next day, Josh Hartnett responded to Wu Yuchen's remarks:

"I know that coming from American dramas and youth films may have made many people always have stereotypes about me, but in the past few years, I have been constantly improving my acting skills through my personal efforts. Being selected into *Zhenzhugang* this time is a very good affirmation for me. As for saying that I am not suitable for playing a soldier, I think let the audience evaluate it when the time comes. By the way, I have to say one more thing, in the new film *Black Hawk Down* by Director Ridley Scott, I play a soldier."

Josh Hartnett is an idol, facing a big director with influence like Wu Yuchen, he still dare not scold back directly, only dare to defend himself.

He dare not say, but someone dare to say, such as the chairman of the Disney Film Studio who called out before, Peter Schneider:

"Josh Hartnett is definitely the best candidate for *Zhenzhugang*. We spent months examining him!"

"And what I want to say is, Wu's eyes must be blind to choose Johnny Depp, this weirdo, as the male lead for a 140 million big production!" ===== CHAPTER 235 =====