The Best Director-Chapter 514 - : A Heart That Beats for Movies Forever

Chapter 514: Chapter 514: A Heart That Beats for Movies Forever

The cool autumn breeze was refreshing, and the sky remained a clear blue. Amidst the media’s passionate attention, “Firefly 2,” which had been shooting for several months, wrapped up in mid-September, and the film entered the post-production stage, marking the end of a phase of the work, as Jessica returned to the tranquil life of a homemaker.

This year’s sixth Flame Film “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” hit the big screen on September 14th, earning a Rotten Tomatoes score of 84%/82%85%. Critics called it “delicately warm,” “remarkably tear-jerking,” “enjoyable for all families,” with comments like “even the most hard-hearted viewers will shed tears”…. Director Luc Jacquet was highly praised, and the commercial rhythm that Wang Yang and Flame Film paid special attention to yielded excellent results; the touching dog drama debuted with $19.86 million in its opening week to become the North American box office champion.

“Hachi” had a production budget of only $10 million, and it seemed recovering its costs was hardly a problem, especially with its expected performance in overseas markets, particularly in Asia. It was certain to be a complete success.

For other independent film companies, this was an achievement worth celebrating; however for Flame Film today, it was like a routine Monday meeting. In fact, in that meeting, the applause it received wasn’t very enthusiastic, not because the Flame executives weren’t happy, but because they had become too accustomed to excitement.

The previous results were too astonishing! Flame Film continued to play the role of the big winner during the 2007 summer season, with all four of its summer films becoming major box office hits!

“Iron Man” ultimately garnered $384 million in North American box office and $702 million globally, with over a hundred North American cinemas still picking up, increasing the tail number daily; summer movies often come and go like the wind, let alone a film directed by a Pokémon director. “I Am Legend,” which was released for 11 weeks, swept the global box office with $343 million in North America and $778 million globally. It was Wang Yang’s second highest-grossing work, between “Firefly” and “District 9,” and this achievement was made in direct collision with “Transformers” at $268 million/$617 million and “Harpolith and the Order of the Phoenix” at $253 million/$860 million.

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The gradually internationally released “The Assassin’s Creed 2” had already recorded $145 million in North American box office and $262 million globally, with a great chance to breach the $300 million mark; “Bridesmaids,” which exploded in laughs across North America for seven weeks, raked in $194 million in the North American box office. It had just started landing in overseas markets, and $400 million globally was still an optimistic figure, with a conservative estimate of $350 million. Anyway, they added a significant amount to FF’s performance this year.

Including “The Green Hornet,” which finally locked in at $205 million/$525 million, the media were astounded, exclaiming, “Good heavens! The five Flame Films of this year, with a total production cost of $580 million, have already grossed nearly $2.5 billion globally, maintaining a peak level.”

$411 million in 1999, $1.065 billion in 2000, $257 million in 2001, $2.188 billion in 2002, $1.208 billion in 2003, $2.471 billion in 2004, $3.715 billion in 2005, $3.994 billion in 2006, and nearing $2.5 billion in 2007…

Flame Film announced in advance that for the fourth consecutive year, their film box office totals had grossed over $2 billion globally (2004-2007), and for the sixth consecutive year, they broke the $1 billion mark (2002-2007), with not a single penny lost!

As of “Bridesmaids,” Flame Film, which has been established for nine years, has released 42 films that have garnered over $17.8 billion globally at the box office! On average, each film achieved a staggering success of $424 million, and these 42 films, as a basis, represented one goldmine after another in subsequent sales; and that’s without counting its sales in the film and television library, peripheral products… as well as the overall industry income of Flame Family Entertainment on the television screens—for instance, series like “Prison Break,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “Desperate Housewives” are all immensely popular worldwide.

The development trajectory of Flame is incomprehensible to mere mortals; in fact, even madmen can’t grasp the decisions, following a path of snake swallowing the elephant, mad expenditures, heedlessness, headlong rushes, miracles…. After such development, the rocket has launched, and there’s no doubt it has become the leading independent film company and a new giant in the film industry!

Look at its astonishingly robust financial health, despite not yet being public; look at its packed film release schedule for the next two years; look at the dazzling array of producers, directors, screenwriters, actors, with whom it has built close relationships, and it’s clear: Flame Film is not some super comet, it is a scorching star! It is not a toddling child, not a green and naive youth, but a mature and vigorous man.

And its powerful tentacles are stretching further and further, embracing internet entertainment, video games, a global film distribution system, cable television networks, music records…

Therefore, it’s not surprising that “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” received a cold reception, but the chairman of Flame repeatedly warned himself and other executives to “love your work, love your projector,” never forgetting that it was the success of one film after another that has led the company to this mad ascent.

There is such a renowned film entertainment company on the planet, obviously, because Wang Yang appeared. Flame Film is Wang Yang’s company; anyone else could be absent, but without him, it wouldn’t work.

Who doesn’t recognize this guy nowadays? In North America, you’d be hard-pressed to find many; from 80-year-old grandmothers to 8-year-old kids, everyone knows this icon among Asians, far surpassing Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Jerry Yang, Yao Ming… and so on. Bluntly speaking, nowadays, when someone makes a joke by calling an Asian man, they simply shout “Hey, Wang Yang,” and it’s been said in jest by the media that if Wang Yang were to run for president, he’d have a great chance of winning, becoming the second president from Hollywood to enter the White House.

Wang Yang transcends race and skin color, culture and region, a phenomenon-level figure in American and global culture, persisting for more than nine years, destined to be recorded in history as an epoch-making character, the most legendary director of the 2010s, with the best chance of becoming the greatest director of the 21st century.

12 directed films, all big sellers! Take a look at his latest profile:

1998 “Paranormal Activity” —— IMDb 6.6 —— Rotten Tomatoes 75%/95%/75% —— North American box office $163 million/international box office $160 million/global box office $323 million —— Production cost $10,000

1999 “High School Musical” _____ IMDB-6.4 Rotten Tomatoes Score 78%/87%/86% _____ North American Box Office $201 million/Overseas Box Office $210 million/Global Box Office $411 million _____ Production Cost $8 million

2000 “The Pursuit of Happyness” _____ IMDB-8.0 Rotten Tomatoes Score 82%/85%/88% _____ North American Box Office $203 million/Overseas Box Office $182 million/Global Box Office $385 million _____ Production Cost $32 million

2000 “Juno” _____ IMDB-8.2 Rotten Tomatoes Score 93%/100%/92% _____ North American Box Office $212 million/Overseas Box Office $163 million/Global Box Office $375 million _____ Production Cost $15 million

2002 “District 9” _____ IMDB-8.7 Rotten Tomatoes Score 92%/95%/85% _____ North American Box Office $330 million/Overseas Box Office $435 million/Global Box Office $765 million _____ Production Cost $100 million

2002 “The Hangover” _____ IMDB-8.1 Rotten Tomatoes Score 79%/80%/95% _____ North American Box Office $320 million/Overseas Box Office $297 million/Global Box Office $617 million _____ Production Cost $25 million

2003 “MIT-21-TEAM” _____ IMDB-8.1 Rotten Tomatoes Score 87%/90%/92% _____ North American Box Office $191 million/Overseas Box Office $176 million/Global Box Office $367 million _____ Production Cost $28 million

2003 “The Devil Wears Prada” _____ IMDB-7.3 Rotten Tomatoes Score 65%/55%/87% _____ North American Box Office $235 million/Overseas Box Office $323 million/Global Box Office $558 million _____ Production Cost $55 million

2005 “Firefly” _____ IMDB-9.3 Rotten Tomatoes Score 96%/98%/98% _____ North American Box Office $653 million/Overseas Box Office $1.167 billion/Global Box Office $1.820 billion _____ Production Cost $200 million

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2005 “500 Days of Summer” _____ IMDB-8.5 Rotten Tomatoes Score 92%/95%/92% _____ North American Box Office $236 million/Overseas Box Office $161 million/Global Box Office $397 million _____ Production Cost $15 million

2006 “The Deceased” _____ IMDB-8.6 Rotten Tomatoes Score 95%/100%/91% _____ North American Box Office $206 million/Overseas Box Office $264 million/Global Box Office $470 million _____ Production Cost $70 million

2007 “I Am Legend” _____ IMDB-8.7 Rotten Tomatoes Score 96%/97%/93% _____ North American Box Office $343 million/Overseas Box Office $435 million/Global Box Office $778 million _____ Production Cost $180 million

There are also two Oscars for Best Director, two Best Pictures, and a countless number of other awards… Whenever movie fans look over Wang Yang’s filmography, they can’t help but sigh at the magnificent view—this guy is truly crazy!

Only 27 years old—while others are just starting to pick up a director’s microphone at that age—he has raked in $7.266 billion in global box office receipts with 12 movies, averaging $605 million per movie, a record-breaking, astonishing figure! What’s next?

The whole world is interested in his new project plans, and there have been many rumors in the media recently. Insiders revealed he is preparing a 3D science fiction film, and there are reports that he has met with screenwriters Mark Protosevich and Ben Ripley for a brainstorming session. Other media indicate that he is likely to collaborate again with Natalie Portman because earlier this year at the Venice Film Festival, a reporter snapped a photo of him chatting at a café in the Water City with his daughter and Natalie. And some say…

At that time, the amazing Yang finally gave an official statement! Indeed, the iron man does not rest!

“Wang Yang announces multiple upcoming new project plans” — Yahoo Entertainment, America Online, FACEBOOK, Sina, NetEase…

Upon seeing her friends share this news on FACEBOOK, Evelyn couldn’t help but exclaim “Wow,” hurriedly opening it to watch and ready to comment and share—too great! Multiple plans? Clair’s eyes gleamed as she exclaimed “Wow,” now there was something to look forward to! “Haha, I love it!” Alice saw the 3D science fiction movie and immediately got excited, clenching her fists; she had a feeling that this could surpass “Firefly”! “Such a wonderful surprise!” “Wow, these plans sound interesting!” “Guess how much box office they’ll take?”…

The media industry has been shaken, the audience and fans are shaken, and Hollywood itself has been shaken as well! With the unfolding of the amazing Yang’s multiple new plans, film distributors and talent agencies had no choice but to make some responses and changes, while actors eagerly prepare for the next round of casting activities.

However, it made countless women envious and jealous—again, Natalie Portman! According to Wang Yang, he’s set to adapt and direct a script purchased years ago by a flame film company called “The Stand-In.” The story of the script unfolds in New York’s theatre world, where a Broadway actress discovers her dark psychological side through her role.

“This film is still far off, so I have plenty of time to think about it,” said the cast lead Natalie Portman to the media throng, indeed Wang Yang had said it would probably be released in 2010. For now, Natalie said she’s fully committed to performing well in “The Other Boleyn Girl,” the historical drama that just started filming in early September, adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name, with Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson in the lead roles.

As 2010 is far away, the current attention on “The Stand-In” is more from the expectant movie fans and film critics. It sounds like this will be Wang Yang’s first foray into dark art films, but considering “The Deceased” and “District 9,” it’s clear he isn’t likely to transform into a comedy king.

After looking at “The Stand-In” and hearing his general ideas, Natalie found it quite interesting. He went on to assert, “If you play this movie well, you have a 99% chance of getting the Oscar for Best Actress.” She asked, “Why not 100%?” He replied, “The 1% is for modesty.” He also said he planned to invite Keira Knightley to act with her, but Natalie doubted he could get her, handsome as he is.

“Hahaha!” On the set of “The Other Boleyn Girl,” the crew was busy with the set, and bursts of laughter rose from the actors’ resting area on the side. Natalie and Scarlett, both dressed in British court attire, looked stunningly beautiful and sexy. The topic of conversation turned to Wang Yang, and Natalie couldn’t stop laughing: “Who knows? Let me tell you, on the day of the “Juno” audition, he looked so stupid, fighting until his head was bleeding, no manners, like an idiot… a funny idiot.”

Because they shared similar cultural backgrounds and similar upbringings, the two were close friends. Scarlett clearly knew that Natalie had a thing for Wang Yang – who didn’t? She teased her further: “If you had turned down ‘Juno,’ what do you think would’ve happened?” What indeed? Natalie thought quietly for a moment, flipping through the script in her hand, then smiled and shrugged: “Natalie Portman would still be Natalie Portman, but definitely with less fun.”

“But I think his next film will definitely seek you out right away!” Scarlett jested, to which Natalie shook her head and laughed: “‘District 9′? Will I play a prawn creature?” Scarlett suddenly sighed, “I haven’t even worked with the amazing Yang yet.” Although she was invited to join “Iron Man 2,” it wasn’t directed by Wang Yang!

“There will be a chance,” Natalie responded on behalf of Wang Yang, as he surely would have said. Regardless, she was determined to act in “The Stand-In”; she wanted that 99% chance at the Oscars! She also hoped that the handsome Charlie’s film company would get involved in the production so she could learn more from all aspects. Wang Yang had agreed. And now… turning to a new page of the script, Natalie smiled and said, “Let’s look at the script! We have lines to rehearse.” Scarlett nodded her head.

Since it was a multi-project plan, of course, it wasn’t just “The Stand-In.” Among them was the sci-fi film “Real Steel,” much anticipated by Yang’s fans!

It seems that Wang Yang wasn’t satisfied with just sparring with “Transformers” this summer, or perhaps he wanted to show the world a robot movie that would “make Hollywood ashamed.” In addition to producing the CGI animated film “Robots” slated for a 2010 release, he was going to personally bring Richard Matheson’s short story “Steel,” published in 1956, to the big screen! However, this film’s release date was even further away, set for the summer of 2011.

“Very excited, very excited,” said Matheson, who had just made up for the disappointment of “I Am Legend,” appearing in the media once again to openly support Wang Yang. In fact, he had sold the adaptation rights for “Steel” to DreamWorks quite early on, and the film had been greenlit in 2003 but never materialized, even after DreamWorks was acquired by Paramount, because the story and scripts developed by several screenwriters were quite cliched and risky.

Then Flame Film, which had been involved in the acquisition of Paramount, bought this project at a high price. After “Iron Man” and “I Am Legend,” it was clear that another round with Paramount was unlikely, especially since Wang Yang indicated he wanted to rewrite the screenplay himself. Who knew if it would become another Oscar Best Picture nominee?

“Real Steel” is set in a future world of robot boxing and tells an inspirational story brimming with action, dreams, and father-son kinship.

Originally, DreamWorks produced and released it in 2011. Although it achieved respectable box office success, it only scored 60%/59%/74% on Rotten Tomatoes—a mediocre work.

Wang Yang indeed felt that the subject matter was excellent, possessing the potential of an Oscar Best Picture. As for DreamWorks’ version of “Real Steel,” he believed the problem with the script was not its clichés, but that it did not establish and explain the world view the story relied on. Moreover, it failed to outline dreams and kinship with suitable narratives.

He also did not understand how that team went about it, as in their misguided portrayal, they linked the evolution of Charlie’s relationship with his son and the changes in their attitudes to victory and money, rather than understanding and closeness, and missed capturing true dreams and meaning.

Wang Yang already had an idea for an adaptation. Firstly, in that world, human boxing wasn’t banned by the government but simply overshadowed by the more thrilling and dangerous robot boxing, to the point where human boxing was almost extinct with no spectators. The protagonist, Charlie, was once an outstanding championship-level boxer; with the rise of robots leading to the decline of human boxing, he became a despondent man, constantly brewing liquor, embittered and divorced from his wife, holding a deep aversion to robots.

Years later, after his ex-wife’s accidental death, Charlie was reunited with his estranged young son Max (still having sold the guardianship rights), but their relationship was full of barriers. Max harbored resentment and contempt for his father’s bluster and disdain; Charlie was impatient, slightly guilty, and indulgent toward his son.

Max was extremely fond of robots and even coerced Charlie to join him in attending boxing matches, as well as training the sparring robot “Adam,” insisting he agree since Charlie “owed it to him.” To complete the task of taking good care of the kid, Charlie reluctantly agreed. However, in the process of realizing their dream together, not only did Charlie rebuild his bond with Max, but he also discovered the allure of robot boxing, found himself again, and understood the true essence of fighting spirit and dreams.

Even if his body wasn’t up to it, even if human boxing was in decline with no one watching or paying attention, without the flashbulbs… what mattered most was that the fighting spirit could not be extinguished! That was the real steel, more unyielding than steel itself—the fighting heart.

In the end, the father and son resolved the custody issue, attained an unobstructed kinship, and led “Adam” to win the championship fight that captured the world’s attention, making Max’s dream come true, becoming the “Peoples-Champion” with “Adam.” Max continued to chase his dreams in the robot boxing ring, while Charlie returned to the human boxing ring, ready to fight for himself, even without a single spectator.

“Will Smith and son to star in ‘Real Steel'”—Yahoo Entertainment. In fact, this news was released by Wang Yang and Will Smith, and the son in question was Jaden Smith. After hearing Wang Yang’s pitch, Will Smith agreed almost without thinking, and how could Jaden not be thrilled?

With this news, the anticipation of the movie fans and followers surged. Despite the distance of 2011, they were eager to see “Real Steel” kick “Transformers'” ass, envisaging scenes of overwhelming praise, box office success, and multiple Oscar nominations and awards. However, perhaps what is more worth looking forward to at next year’s Oscars is the performance of “I Am Legend.”

In the mix of plans is a disaster movie called “2012,” based on the Maya prophecy of a world-ending event in 2012. Wang Yang revealed that he would be one of the planners for “2012,” with screenplay writers and directors yet to be assembled; Flame Film disclosed that “2012” would be released globally at the end of 2009.

“Magical Yang’s new work unveiled, 3D sci-fi film ‘Infinite Worlds’ set for summer ’09 release” — Yahoo Entertainment, America Online, FACEBOOK, Sina, NetEase…

Long before the filming of “Firefly,” Wang Yang had expressed a strong interest in 3D films. Over the years, on various occasions and in different interviews when discussing future plans, he had stated many times that he would make a 3D movie once the time was right. Now, the time had come for real! Wang Yang revealed, “Infinite Worlds will use the most advanced and the best 3D technology and motion capture technology to shoot and produce. For this, we’ve been preparing for years.”

Robert Zemeckis showed his support immediately, and all filmmakers who had produced, were producing, or were planning to produce 3D films felt both excited and under great pressure. Magical Yang was coming! Would the waters of the 3D movie lake ever be calm again?

Wang Yang and FF kept “Infinite Worlds” under SSS-level secrecy, with plans to gradually reveal a portion of the mystery during the future promotional phase. What the media and public know now is that “Infinite Worlds” has no relation to the 2001 United Kingdom TV movie series trilogy “The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells,” nor does it have any relation to the novel of the same name by “the father of modern science fiction” Herbert George Wells. Beyond that… it’s only certain that it has something to do with time-space and other sci-fi elements.

But there’s more news! According to disclosures, Wang Yang had indeed met with Mark Protosevich and Ben Ripley earlier on to refine his initial script draft; the substantial preparatory work of the film had been underway for over half a year, with casting about to begin and filming expected to commence in the first quarter of next year.

Mark Protosevich is the screenwriter of “The Cell” and one of the screenwriters of “I Am Legend,” while Ben Ripley, a relatively unknown name, is only known as the screenwriter for two direct-to-video movies, “Species III” and “Species IV.” In fact, he had a sci-fi script called “Source Code,” which Flame Film had bought this year. It centers on the concept of parallel universes, telling the story of a deceased soldier being sent into a parallel world to investigate a train explosion using a “brainwave source code” machine, and attempting to prevent a terror disaster from happening.

“The Cell” and “Source Code” contributed a lot of important textures to “Infinite Worlds.” Moreover, Wang Yang also drew inspiration from Japanese manga “Gantz” and “Dream Detective,” believing it would be a riveting, irresistible sci-fi thriller action movie.

The main story involves a team that enters the worlds within other people’s minds in the form of creating parallel worlds to execute missions. Because the invaded brains combine novels, movies, fantasies, and other information, the resulting parallel worlds are incredibly majestic and grand, yet filled with danger. This core premise would provide ample space for 3D effects, gorgeous special effects, and astounding spectacles. The “parallel universe” also provided many opportunities to explore human nature and the mysteries of the universe.

Wang Yang had long been interested in this topic, whether before getting hit by the car, after the accident, or regarding human consciousness and memory. These aspects continually attracted him.

Of course, “Infinite Worlds” wouldn’t be too complex; its entertainment value had to come first. Wang Yang was very clear that the film had to be understandable to the audience with just a little bit of thinking, so they would give a thumbs-up and exclaim, “Cool, unique, intricate, unbelievable…” Balancing all these issues was something he was determined to resolve. He had to do his best because the rival of “Infinite Worlds” was “Avatar,” not “Nasreddin.”

No matter what, even with just a movie title, the fans of Magical Yang were super anticipative and excited about his new project. Jenny K told friends, “I have a feeling that ‘Infinite Worlds’ will drive the whole world crazy! Even more than ‘Firefly’!” Theodore F agreed, saying, “Number one on my movie anticipation list! Wish I could take a time machine to 2009 just to watch it!” Phina E excitedly wrote, “The next movie storm! I must see it, Magical Yang, GO! GO! GO!”…

What the media and public don’t know is that apart from “Infinite Worlds,” “2012,” “The Stand-In,” and “Real Steel,” Wang Yang had a plethora of new projects lined up behind them.

They included his many years’ dream project “Ranger;” a historical drama about the tragic history of Chinese laborers in America. As the current national idol of the Chinese community, he felt a responsibility to speak for the Chinese diaspora, to push America to apologize for the historical Chinese Exclusion Act, and to affirm the contributions of the Chinese people. In fact, the reasons to make such a movie were quite straightforward— he was Chinese. And there were also long-considered ideas for kung fu action movies, spy action movies, lighthearted comedies, World War II war movies, and many science fiction concepts…

Practically every genre was covered, and he would turn them into compelling images on the big screen whenever the time was right. Of course, his ideas kept growing, one after the other.

At 27 years old, Wang Yang sometimes felt quite old, as if he had done so much; and other times, he felt too young, with ample time to continue pursuing his life goals. All of this was, crazy!

However, one thing Wang Yang was most clear about was that he would be a director for life, directing into middle age, directing as he slowly aged, at 80, at 90, directing until death!

Maybe one day, he would no longer be magical, no longer full of vigor, growing old with his speech not as sharp, his mind not as quick, and barely any hair left on his head… But his heart would forever beat for the movies. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)