novellhall Chapter 219 I get it, you're going to slap me in the face! [5000]
Chapter 219 I get it, you're going to slap me in the face! [5000]
Chapter 219 I get it, you're going to slap me in the face! [5000]
Chen Xun didn't have to wait long.
The fourth day after meeting with Marvel.
Rob called, his voice brimming with excitement: "It's on! Marvel has officially offered you Star-Lord!"
Immediately afterwards, an official email arrived.
The attached document contains a preliminary draft contract and project timeline.
The start date is set for two months from now. We need to allocate time beforehand for physical training, motion design discussions, and 80...
A crash course in popular culture from that era.
The next major event is negotiating the actor's salary.
Rob met with Chen Xun with the draft in hand, his brow furrowing: "Marvel's initial offer was $10 million, which is much lower than 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,' but it fits their positioning of this experimental project. They emphasized that the bulk of the budget must be reserved for special effects, alien set construction, and post-production, and the total amount of actor salaries is strictly controlled."
Chen Xun looked at the budget breakdown and understood the situation.
Movies like Guardians of the Galaxy are all about cosmic wonders and a bunch of weird aliens, which all rely on expensive special effects to achieve.
An excessively high percentage of actor salaries can indeed affect the quality of the final product.
What do you think?
Rob asked, "We can negotiate for around 1000 million out of the 1200 million figure. That's the upper limit I can estimate in their mind."
"Any higher and it might affect their confidence in the project, making them feel that we don't understand the project's unique characteristics and their budget structure."
Chen Xun tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
If the pre-tax amount is 10 million, after deducting various taxes, the net amount might only be a little over 6 million.
Compared to his previous film salary of 1500 million yuan, the difference is real.
But he wasn't thinking about the numbers in front of him.
Chen Xun spoke calmly, "What if we don't want such a high base salary, and instead try a different approach?"
"In what way?"
"I can lower my base salary to 800 million!"
"What?"
Rob was jumping up and down in a panic on the other end of the phone: "8 million? Chen, do you know who you are now? The box office failure of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' won't affect your market value! 8 million, that's simply—"
"Let me finish!"
Chen Xun interrupted him: "The base salary has been reduced to 800 million, but I demand to participate in the net profit sharing of the box office, at a rate of 20%."
Robert was stunned, his mind racing with calculations.
Net profit dividends are a clause that only top Hollywood stars dare to ask for, and they are usually only realized after a film becomes a box office hit.
Chen Xun's previous profit-sharing conditions were basically tiered.
Moreover, the subsequent box office requirements are only required to significantly exceed expectations to achieve a 10% ratio.
Moreover, the net profit on the books of many movies may be almost gone after Hollywood's complicated accounting calculations. This is what is known as Hollywood accounting, which means that many actors who participate in profit sharing end up not receiving much money.
Although Chen Xun had successfully obtained a good share of the box office revenue in the previous few times, it was because the box office was simply too ideal.
Just like the box office performance of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," Lionsgate has not mentioned a word about profit sharing.
Did Lionsgate really lose money?
How is that possible!
It just means I earned a little less.
But actors can forget about squeezing profits out of capitalists.
Marvel seems a little different.
Marvel Studios, in particular, under Kevin Feige's leadership, is relatively transparent in its profit distribution, even though it belongs to the Disney Group.
"You're gambling!"
Rob slowly sat down, staring at Chen Xun: "I'm betting this movie will be a huge hit, and I'm betting Marvel's share of the profits will far exceed my fixed salary."
"Yes, I'm betting!"
Chen Xun admitted, "But I don't gamble recklessly!"
"I studied the script carefully, met with Gunn and Feige, and I could feel their passion for the project and the quality of the script."
"This character and team have the potential to be a hit. If it succeeds, the subsequent value it brings will far exceed the basic salary of a few million!"
Even if it fails!
Chen Xun paused for a moment, then said, "Even if I take 800 million, it won't really benefit my career; it'll just mean more money in my account."
"But I think it's worth it to exchange a lower fixed salary for an opportunity to participate in the huge possibilities of the future."
"And Marvel will love this decision. It will make them feel that I, like them, genuinely believe in this project and am willing to share the risks, rather than just trying to make a quick buck."
Rob remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "Sometimes I feel like you're more of a manager than I am. Okay, I agree with this negotiation approach. I'll go talk to them."
The negotiations went more smoothly than expected.
When Rob, representing Chen Xun, proposed a plan to significantly reduce his base salary in exchange for meaningful net profit sharing, Marvel, especially Kevin Feige, was clearly surprised and delighted.
This not only means they can save a large amount of valuable cash for production.
It also sends a strong signal.
Chen Xun, an actor currently enjoying great success in Hollywood, genuinely believes in and is willing to bet on the unconventional project "Guardians of the Galaxy".
This trust from the core lead actor is a huge encouragement to the creative team.
After two rounds of negotiations, the final terms were agreed upon.
Chen Xun's base salary was set at $800 million, and he would also receive 20% of the film's global box office net profit as a bonus.
The contract clearly defines the method for calculating net profit and includes auditing clauses to minimize the pitfalls of Hollywood accountants.
"This is the best profit-sharing deal I can get for you!"
Rob said on the phone, "Fitch privately assured me that they would calculate the profits fairly. Of course, it's best not to take that too seriously, but having a contract and an audit is always a guarantee. The key is that they felt your sincerity and vision."
At this time, news of Warner's production starting was still circulating online.
Warner Bros. even bought hype to make the news of Nolan's new movie spread online even faster.
They even arranged numerous interviews for the lead actor, Matthew McConaughey, making this Oscar-winning actor, who mainly starred in independent films and small productions, widely accepted by the public.
"The dust has settled! The Nolan + McConaughey powerhouse duo has officially launched! Some of those trying to piggyback on this can take a break! #TrueArtIsNotAboutSkinColor#"
"I've said it before: Hollywood's core creative circle has its own standards and thresholds. Temporary hype and hype will never amount to anything. Interstellar is the real contender for next year's Oscars."
"Previously, some of Chen Xun's fans were fantasizing that Warner Bros. would beg him to come back? Aren't they ashamed now? The main star is off to film, while this discarded actor can only wait for the Fast & Furious series to carry him!"
"Insider information: Why did they cast him in 'Fast & Furious 6'? Director Justin Lin is of Chinese descent! It's like they're helping each other out, pulling strings to get him in. Otherwise, with his qualifications and that face, how could he possibly get into the inner circle of a top-tier Universal production? Does he really think it's because of his own abilities?"
"The box office failure of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' speaks volumes. Without a big IP and superstar partners, it simply can't carry the box office!"
"Now that Warner Bros.' path is blocked, Lionsgate probably regrets hiring such a troublemaker. They're just waiting for Fast & Furious 6 to flop and expose his true colors."
"Fans, stop struggling. The idol is washed up. Just unfollow him. Hollywood has tons of these fleeting stars every year. Do you really think he can stay popular?"
These comments are starting to appear more frequently on Twitter, movie forums, and even in the comment sections of some entertainment news reports.
It is organized and has a large scale.
Some of these accounts are clearly people who have been involved in racial topics for years and harbor deep-seated hostility towards Asian, especially Chinese, actors entering mainstream productions.
They were happy to see Chen Xun suffer a setback and viewed the start of filming "Interstellar" as a victory of correcting past mistakes.
Chen Xun's own fan club and many casual fans are, of course, vehemently refuting his claims.
List his works and achievements.
Refuting the baseless accusation of opening a back door.
However, online arguments often have no winners; instead, they only make these negative voices seem more lively.
Rob sent Chen Xun screenshots of some selected comments, adding: "Standard procedure, don't worry about it. Warner might be happy to see it happen, and it's even possible that someone from their side gave it a little push behind the scenes."
"Does director Justin Lin need to clarify something?"
Chen Xun was practicing a set of moves that combined street fighting and a bit of dance elements in front of a punching bag at the gym.
These are some of the initial fighting designs he created for Star-Lord.
He needs to be good at fighting, but also have that kind of roguish charm that he thinks is cool.
He stopped, wiped his sweat, and picked up his phone to check it.
"Need not!"
He replied to Rob: "Director Lin hired me because I can fight, I can act, and I can cooperate with the crew. This is a fact that everyone on the Fast & Furious crew knows. Clarifying it would only make us look guilty. As for the rest—"
He paused, then continued typing: "Waiting for the release of 'Fast & Furious 6' or for news of my appearance in 'Guardians of the Galaxy' will be more effective than anything else. Let them argue now."
Chen Xun was indeed not greatly affected by the noise.
Hollywood is a results-oriented place; the same people who praise you today and criticize you tomorrow may be the same people who praise you today and criticize you tomorrow.
He has more specific things to do now.
After the contract with Marvel was officially signed, a detailed preliminary preparation plan was sent to him.
In addition to regular physical training, there are several special tasks.
A must-read list of 80s pop culture!
A long list of movies, TV series, and music albums.
From Star Wars to Ghostbusters, from Michael Jackson's Thriller to Duran Duran —
He was required not only to see and hear, but also to understand the cultural symbols and unique optimism within them.
In the words of director Gunn, "Peter Quill's humor and worldview are marinated in these old relics; you have to soak in them."
Marvel also arranged for a special effects team to work with him to design Star-Lord's unique fighting style.
The requirements are that it be unconventional, have a personal touch, and ideally incorporate elements of street fighting he might have encountered during his childhood on Earth, as well as the random, unorthodox techniques he learned on another planet.
Chen Xun has a wealth of practical filming experience in his mind, as well as the skills and experience he previously absorbed from Jackie Chan, which he can use to his advantage.
Then there's the collaboration with other actors.
Marvel has begun arranging small workshops on improvisation and team chemistry, allowing confirmed actors to meet in advance and try to create some chemistry.
Chen Xun spent most of his time on these things.
He specially got an old-fashioned Walkman.
It's filled with classic songs from the 80s, which I listen to while running or working out.
Watching those old movies with rough picture quality but unrestrained imagination, he sometimes smiles knowingly. The overlap between his past life memories and his learning in this life gives him a more three-dimensional understanding of the culture of that era.
In terms of action design, he and the stunt coordinator worked together very smoothly.
Some of his ideas included using the interstellar environment to perform comical yet practical dodge maneuvers.
Alternatively, the elemental gun could be used not only as a shooting weapon but also occasionally as a blunt weapon or a grappling hook, both of which were adopted.
The stunt coordinator was amazed by his sensitivity and creativity in action design.
[Action Creativity Fusion +7]
[Retro Culture Perception +5]
[Character Trait Internalization +9]
Attribute orbs kept falling!
Chen Xun's current "reputation spreads far and wide" progress has reached 85%.
He even felt that his "character influence" was about to be upgraded!
It's possible that his panel will be upgraded before Guardians of the Galaxy even starts filming!
There are increasingly more negative comments about Chen Xun online.
Moreover, it is becoming increasingly organized.
Besides the usual clichés about it being a flash in the pan, relying on connections, and not being able to boost box office, some more specific descriptions have begun to emerge.
An anonymous source revealed that he was difficult to work with and arrogant on the set of "Fast & Furious 6".
Although no crew members came forward to corroborate the story, the vivid descriptions were still enough to fool some uninformed passersby.
Some people have also dug up old news about his early days as a background character on the set of "Twilight" and his relationship with Kristen Stewart, implying that he is scheming and ambitious.
These comments clearly went beyond the scope of ordinary netizens' complaints, carrying the flavor of personal attacks.
Robert monitored public opinion daily, and his expression grew increasingly grim.
"Warner probably didn't directly intervene, but someone was definitely happy to see this situation and handed over a knife along the way."
Chen Xun's fans are furious on his Weibo account in China.
"Are these bastards ever going to stop? Did Brother Xun eat your rice?"
"So what if he rejected Warner? Is it really necessary to smear him like this?"
"They're obviously paid trolls; their scripts are exactly the same!"
"I'm so angry! It's impossible to reason with these people; they're just plain evil!"
But getting angry domestically is useless; the source and spread of the negative information mainly occurred on foreign websites such as Twitter, movie forums, and comment sections.
Some core members of the fan club were anxious and discussed countermeasures in the group chat.
"We can't just keep criticizing domestically; we need to go abroad and speak out!"
"Yes! Go to Twitter, go to Instagram, go to their headquarters and say it!"
"Use English! Present the facts and reason! Post all of Xun Ge's works, achievements, and reviews from directors and actors he's worked with!"
-
"There are many of us, so let's organize ourselves, work in shifts, and clarify any negative posts we encounter, and promote our product to strangers!"
"Let's get this hashtag #WeSupportChenXun trending! Let them see our power!"
Just do it!
Several fan group leaders who were good at English quickly developed a simple guide for launching operations at sea.
This includes commonly used clarification templates, a list of Chen Xun's works and achievements, rules and precautions for external online platforms, and more.
They deployed personnel in shifts to avoid fatigue, and emphasized rationality, politeness, and speaking with facts, refusing to engage in insults or verbal battles to avoid giving others a handle against them.
A unique and quirky force has gradually emerged on Twitter.
Whenever a tweet deliberately targeting Chen Xun gets a certain number of retweets, several detailed English replies quickly appear below, along with screenshots of Green Lantern's box office figures, ratings reports for 2 Broke Girls, and links to interviews with Justin Lin and Vin Diesel publicly praising Chen Xun.
These replies are usually accompanied by the hashtag #WeSupportChenXun#.
At first, the trolls didn't take it seriously and even mocked the arrival of bots and paid online trolls.
But as these replies became more and more frequent, covering all hours of the day, and clearly indicating that they were being operated by real people, they began to panic.
This is quite different from the image of Chinese fans who usually keep their fandom to themselves.
Some trolls, enraged, used profanity, which was immediately screenshotted and reported by fans, resulting in their accounts being restricted.
Fans strictly adhere to the principle of not engaging in flame wars, only presenting facts, and occasionally ending with a "have a nice day" to leave the other party feeling suffocated.
This organized and disciplined force of public clarification from the East has begun to attract the attention of some neutral netizens and entertainment bloggers.
"These Chinese fans are something else."
"They seem genuinely serious about protecting their idol, and in a very civilized way!"
"After looking at the data they posted, Chen Xun doesn't seem as bad as some people say?"
A safe zone for public opinion is being built little by little.
While it's impossible to completely eliminate malice, it at least makes it much more difficult to spread misinformation and engage in one-sided smear campaigns.
-
While fans were battling it out online, Chen Xun received a call from director Justin Lin from Universal Studios.
"Chen, you've seen what's going on online, haven't you?"
Justin Lin's voice came through the phone, tinged with concern, but also reflecting his professional consideration for the project's risks as a director: "It's starting to get a bit out of hand. Although I know most of it is nonsense, Fast & Furious 6 is in a critical stage of post-production and will be released soon."
"As you know, major studios are quite sensitive to risk control. They are worried that if this negative publicity continues to ferment, it will affect the box office base when the film is released, especially in markets outside North America, and it may be taken advantage of by competitors."
Justin Lin's meaning is clear:
Universal does not want to see any destabilizing factors that could affect box office performance.
If necessary, they may use resources to control public opinion or intervene in public relations, and even make some adjustments to their publicity strategies to mitigate risks.
"Director Lin, I understand!"
Chen Xun remained calm: "Everyone knows where these comments come from, but I think that rushing to suppress them now would only make us look guilty and give them more material to hype up."
"So what are your thoughts?"
Lin Yibin asked.
"Let the projects speak for themselves; they're more effective than any clarification."
"Oh? You have some new developments?"
Lin Yibin became interested.
He knew that Chen Xun had been looking at scripts ever since he got involved with Warner and Lionsgate, but he didn't know the specific progress.
"Yeah, I just signed a contract for Marvel Studios' new film, Guardians of the Galaxy. I'm playing Star-Lord, Peter Quill."
Chen Xun did not hide it from Lin Yibin.
There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Lin Yibin's noticeably louder voice, laced with laughter: "Marvel? Good lad! That's a huge windfall! Although that team isn't top-tier in the comics, Marvel is riding high right now, and Kevin Feige has a sharp eye. Any project they dare to launch must be promising!"
He paused for a moment, then laughed even more heartily: "I get it! You're really planning to slap someone in the face! And you're doing it using a Marvel movie!"
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Warner Bros. just started filming a few days ago, and you've already pulled out a Marvel protagonist! And one with such a unique style!"
"Once the news is released, let's see where those guys jumping up and down online will put their faces! This is much better than our Universal Music Group trying to control the comments!"
>