Chapter 813 Chapter 810

Chapter 813 810.

"How's it going, Xu, is it great?"

Jodi came over, put his arm on Xu Xin's shoulders and asked.

At the same time, I didn’t forget to add:

"I don't have that much cash with me, but I will report this fee into the additional expenses for props, and I will pay you back tomorrow."

"..."

Xu Xin's mouth twitched...

To be honest, as a director, he is quite sensitive to this kind of "clever creation of names".

But he understood what Jody meant.

He didn't intend to shirk it, but took this opportunity to ask:

"Will there be any trouble?"

"Of course not. Look~"

He pointed at a few small props wrapped in plastic film that Court was holding over there.

I can't see clearly what it is, and I don't know what it is used for.

"There will always be something about these props that the director is dissatisfied with and needs to be changed. I only need to pay an extra $500 for a scrap. It's definitely not enough to do it often, but it's okay once in a while."

"……All right."

Xu Xin said nothing more, but asked:

"Can we take a tour?"

"Visit? Haha, Xu, have you forgotten what I do? These props and designs are definitely confidential to other people in the crew, especially... Of course, I don't mean to offend. But for the actors' personal team, they must be confidential . But these are all made by us. When I am here, it is not called a visit, but called home."

As he spoke, he walked forward, twisting and opening his arms as he walked:

"Welcome home, Xu."

"……Ha ha."

Xu Xin couldn't help laughing.

Follow him and walk inside.

The first thing we came to was this area that looked like steel ruins.

"Dong dong dong..."

He raised his eyebrows in surprise:

"Really steel?"

Unconsciously, he looked up.

Jody nodded:

"That's right, steel."

"This... how did you do it? This kind of steel column needs to be poured in one piece to ensure that it does not tilt, right? The steel column of this kind of structure can be used as a load-bearing. This... how did you install it? Does this require disturbing the foundation?”

"Only one floor, my friend."

Jody also tapped this wide and solid steel column with his hand:

"Did you see it? It's just one layer, and the top part is made of PVC material. We first build a frame with steel, and the parts on top are all PVC material props. After the two sides are overlapped, they are painted with paint, and the surface will not be visible. If it were pure steel, it would be a big project. But there is no need... It is the same from here to the launch silo. These structures are not actually strong, so when filming, we need to use CG technology to move the actors Put it in a very high position..."

Seeing that Xu Xin seemed really interested in these, he took the trouble to start introducing them.

"For example, here, both sides are green screens when filming starts... Guess what model this is? It's a mecha! The actors will walk in through this door. This is the elevator passage leading to the mecha... "

"Xu, come here and take a look... This is a miniature model used to simulate the physical impact of mechas. Ha, it's very realistic, right?"

Just as he was talking, the sound of an engine sounded.

The two of them turned around and saw a forklift coming in with a large box in it.

Jodi knew what was inside at a glance and quickly pointed in one direction.

"Xu, let's go."

Xu Xin quickly followed.

Finally, we followed him to a place...

how to say.

It looks like some kind of research laboratory, but it is very dilapidated. It is full of rust, pipelines, and areas that are not adjacent to the spotless laboratory with bright windows and shiny tiles that people have in mind.

The box, under Jody's direction, was placed on a platform.

"Court, man, you have to help me open it and hoist it down."

Hearing this, the testator, who was paid to do things, nodded:

"No problem. Do you want to dismantle it now?"

"Tear it down."

So, several workers dismantled the wooden box, revealing the true figure inside.

An... aquarium.

There is also a... huge, ugly monster floating in the aquarium-like thing.

"Xu, how is it? Is it beautiful?"

"..."

Xu Xinxin said, buddy, if you have normal aesthetics, you would not ask such inhuman words.

He watched silently as Court's gang used a forklift and straps to place the monster prop on the base. After the other party left to continue moving things, he came to the water tank, took a closer look and asked:

"What is this for?"

"Monster specimen. The director needs a specimen of a deformed baby born by a monster caesarean section. A masterpiece, right?"

"..."

Xu Xin still ignored him.

He really couldn't boast about this disgusting thing.

But he still asked:

"What material is this made of?"

"The fish tank is made of resin, and what's inside is the texture of formalin solution mixed with water and fluorescent pigments. As for this monster, the foam is wrapped with a layer of silica gel. Believe me, the feel of silica gel is the best!"

"..."

No, bro.

Why did your style of painting suddenly become strange?

he asked:

"The cost of this thing..."

"Well... not counting the design cost, the materials alone are at least two thousand US dollars."

"..."

…

In the midst of this nonsense, Court's side finished unloading a whole truckload of goods.

It was a pleasure to work with.

And Xu Xin also learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes work of "Pacific Rim" from Jodi.

According to Jodi, more than 110 staff members in their company have joined the crew. The total cost of all the props, models, designs, etc. in Pacific Rim exceeded 25 million. Of course, this is what he guessed through these props.

If you add employee wages, design fees, and the boss's profit.

The cost of the props alone ranges from approximately 3,000 to 35,000,000.

Note that this is just a prop.

Jodi didn't mention it, but Xu Xin knew it himself.

The construction company, venue, scheduling, and the food and drink of other crew members also cost money.

He made a rough estimate based on the standards of the Celestial Empire.

I think...not counting the actors' remuneration, the shooting cost of the entire crew should be between US$70 million and US$80 million. I just don’t know if these supporting characters are very famous. If they are very famous...then add another 10 to 20 million...the total budget is about 100 million.

100 million for shooting, 80 million to 100 million for post-production.

Not counting the announcement.

If the publicity and distribution principle of 50% of the investment is followed, then... the final investment may be around 280 to 300 million...

Comparing the investment and return in North America, it would take at least 900 million to recover the capital.

Global box office of $900 million...

Thinking of this, Xu Xin's heart pounded for no reason.

This pressure...

Not small.

Although he didn't know how Guillermo Toro...or these directors who were active in Hollywood would react psychologically when facing this kind of investment pressure...but for him, an outsider, he asked himself, if He became the director of a movie with an investment of over one billion, and before filming started, he knew... If he wanted the movie he made to not lose money, then he had to reach a box office of 7 billion...

His heart felt a little blocked.

I was thinking about one thing unconsciously...

Do they really make money when they make such a big-investment movie?

Although he also knows that Hollywood has always been about big investments and big returns... but as a practitioner, he has a natural intuition. Today's seemingly prosperous Hollywood is...a little too...blooming.

The flowers were so blooming that it gave him an unreal sense of déjà vu.

After all, this kind of "blooming flowers" itself should also be a kind of involution, right?

So……

Suddenly, Xu Xin had an idea in his mind:

"Can I think that the Hollywood model is also a huge crisis?"

As soon as this idea was born, it was immediately replaced by a wave of absurdity.

Please.

This is Hollywood.

A huge crisis?

How can it be……

But...what if it's possible?

Isn't this just like an arms race?

Endlessly raise the budget, and then pass on the profit points to consumers.

The latter are consumers, and it is up to them to ultimately recoup their investment, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. But the problem is...if the many considerations in terms of market factors are added to the Hollywood model of large investment and large income...once it becomes a "common phenomenon", then...

What are the consequences of resorting to militarism?

Need to ask?

Implosion.

Maybe before consumers pay the bill, the industry itself will explode.

And isn't this ending... the decline of Hollywood?

After this idea was born, his heart was immediately replaced by even more absurd speechlessness.

The current Chinese film industry system can only be said to be in its infancy. Why is he worried about Hollywood?

No matter how weak people are, at least they were once brilliant. But Chinese-language films don’t even have the glory of the industrial system. Isn’t this just a matter of taking carrots and not worrying about them?

But……

He thought for a while, then took out his cell phone and wrote a line on the memo:

[On the possibility and future judgment of Hollywood’s “implosion” due to huge investment]

After he finished writing the topic, he looked at the two lines above what he had noted as "thesis topic."

1. [From the increase in actors and actresses, we can judge the future development and changes of the industry market and its possibilities]

2. [Discussing market development and the possibility of "standardization" prospects based on low-cost movies such as "33 Days After Love" and "The Hangover"]

Counting this thesis topic, he now has a total of 3 thesis topics in hand.

This year is the second year of his graduate career.

To say the least, I feel sorry for Teacher Yu.

He hasn't been to school much in the past two years.

Even some ideas for the paper were mostly communicated by Teacher Yu on the phone, and he sent the other party the outline of his topic for review...

He can be considered an expert in skipping classes.

But it's not that he has been fishing in the past two years.

In fact, in the study room at home, the materials related to the first two papers have already filled two rows on the bookshelves.

He has already sorted out the required thesis title, outline, and even literature sources.

It’s just that I haven’t put pen to paper.

After the graduate school term started this year, Teacher Yu made a special call to him.

Ask him if he wants to apply for a direct PhD.

If he wanted to get a direct Ph.D., then Teacher Yu would go to the school to apply for a spot, and he would get almost 100% of the time.

But this time Xu Xin didn't agree as happily as Bao Yan did.

Instead, he asked the teacher his doubts:

"If these two papers of mine are written, can they be used to take the Ph.D. exam?"

Teacher Yu’s answer is also very simple:

"able."

After hearing this answer, Xu Xin rejected the direct blog proposal.

No need.

Although the title "Doctor" is an honor for him. But it was different from the situation when he applied for postgraduate study. The reason for applying for postgraduate study was that he actually had more utilitarian ideas than "study" at that time.

After all, he doesn't even know what a recommendation is when he's grown up.

I often see news about some eleven or twelve-year-old kid who skipped a grade to Peking University, or some prodigy who was directly invited by Tsinghua University.

He didn't know what it felt like.

But... if I can also "give it a try", whether it's personal desires or the family... can be satisfied.

But as time has changed in the past few years, his experience has also increased little by little.

Especially after the first Silk Road Film Festival achieved complete success, he understood a truth.

Since you have the ability, you must assume more responsibilities.

Sometimes it's actually quite unfair in the film industry. People like you not because of who you are as a graduate student or doctor, or how many authoritative articles you have published, or how famous you are in academia...

If you want to be famous, you either have to be a famous director or a star.

Nothing more than these two ways.

But for him, fame is big enough now.

He even doesn't care much about his fame now.

No way, I'm used to it.

In addition to coming to Hollywood and discovering that he is still the same NOBODY, he has been able to get enough respect no matter where he is in these years.

Since you are respected by others, you must always get something that matches you.

Otherwise, we can't be called "flashy" or "unworthy of morality", right?

Therefore, he has no interest in direct blogging.

Taking the Ph.D. exam is quite interesting.

And now...

He looked at his three questions...

I feel like it’s time for me to move.

These three topics are based on actors, works, and... tentatively defined as "insight into the world's strongest Achilles heel". All three topics are in line with his "contribution to the future of the industry." Give some thinking and guidance to the best of your ability."

Although he is soft-spoken, his level is average.

But...it's better than a puddle of stagnant water, right?

Thinking of this, he sent a message to Su Meng:

"Mengmeng, arrange for someone to transport the two rows of information on the bookshelf in my study in China to Toronto. Also, let the company's people start checking. I want to collect all the companies in Hollywood that have invested over 100 million yuan from the beginning of the millennium to this year. Movie information. From the number, name, to the investment company behind it, box office revenue data."

Su Meng’s reply was quick:

"Okay, Brother Xu, I'll arrange for someone to get it. Get those materials first. The materials from Hollywood may be slower."

"Well, you go make arrangements."

"OK."

After talking to Su Meng, he took back his phone.

Continue to look at these props in front of me in a daze.

Until Jodi called him:

"Xu, take a look at the gadgets I designed..."

He was holding a brainwave instrument in his hand... somewhat similar to the brainwave device Professor "X" wore on his head, and shouted at Xu Xin.

"coming."

Xu Xin responded and walked over quickly.

…

The busy day is completely over.

Xu Xin leaned on the car, his nose filled with the fragrance of his wife's hair.

Although saying this can easily make people feel that the interaction between an old couple is boring, offensive, and disgusting, and they want to skip it quickly...

But he still wanted to say it.

no way.

My wife went out in the morning and her hair was still growing.

When I came back in the afternoon, my hair was gone.

It turned into a rustling short hair.

He doesn't adapt, and neither does Yang Mi.

But Guillermo Toro likes it.

like very much.

I'll take her to take makeup photos tomorrow.

Like it or don’t want it...

At this moment, Yang Mi was facing the mirror in the car and fiddling with her hair.

That's how the fragrance comes from.

Isn't this Niwai? The shampoo she uses is fragrant, so people can't help but comment on it, right?

After fiddling with it for a while, Yang Mi asked the question repeated for the seventeenth time:

"Does it really look good?"

Xu Xin said with the instinct of his toes:

"You look good! You really look good! No matter what hairstyle you have, you look good!"

"..."

The corners of Yang Mi's mouth twitched.

Said speechlessly:

"The sincerity in your words is just like the quality of your body."

"What do you mean?"

"It's getting more and more perfunctory."

"puff……"

Su Meng, who was sitting in the back row, couldn't hold it back and laughed out loud.

Xu Xin turned around and glared at Su Meng with a σ expression. While thinking about which 500th deduction he should make this month, he said:

"Okay, we've been in trouble recently, so stop saying such sarcastic words! People will look at you in disgust."

"Virtue~"

Yang Mi rolled her eyes and leaned back on her seat a little irritably:

"It's so annoying~ I've never had short hair in my life, why do I feel like I don't feel safe at all..."

"..."

Seeing that Xu Xin didn't answer her question, she continued to "look for trouble":

"Why don't you speak?...Say! Which little girl are you missing?"

"I'm going to start writing a paper."

"Well……"

Yang Mi was stunned and asked:

"Are you stimulated? I saw that you spent the whole afternoon wandering around with a foreigner. Is it because of those props and scenery?"

"So be it."

After recounting everything I experienced today, including my thoughts...

Yang Mi felt confused after hearing this.

The first feeling was that my husband had really lost his temper.

The second feeling, although I don’t understand it, is up to you.

It's not that she has low consciousness, but it's useless for her to think about these things.

Incapable of doing anything else.

If her husband wants to do it, all she needs to do is support him with all her hands and feet.

So he asked:

"What about the movie?"

"There's still more than half a year left, so what's the rush?"

After hearing this, she thought for a while and asked:

"In other words, you have been mine alone these past few months?"

"I've already told you, stop saying such boring words..."

"Hehehe, I don't care!"

A huge smile appeared on her face.

"Ever since we started falling in love, you haven't seriously stayed with me all the time!"

"...We were all eaten up by you during those days when we were together?"

"Hehehehe, no matter! Just don't care! I just like you~~~~I love you, I love you~Come on, kiss me~..."

"Oh, you are such a jerk..."

"Hehehehe~"

"Don't smile like that. After you cut your hair short, you smile like that, like a man holding his throat..."

"Xu, you finally told the truth, didn't you! Go to hell! Take a punch from me! I'm so happy!!!!"

Front row.

Cheng Hu, who was driving, looked at the day and said to Sun Ting, who was sitting in the passenger seat:

"It seems like it's going to snow today."

"It looks like...the weather forecast didn't say anything. Brother Tiger, why don't you put on the snow chains?"

"Yeah, I think it's okay. I'll add it later to avoid being blinded tomorrow..."

"Um……"

The two of them simply ignored the commotion behind them.

In front of the car and behind the car, two worlds.

On the contrary, it was Su Meng.

Listening to the conversation between Sister Tingting and Brother Hu, her eyes were full of envy.

I muttered in my heart:

"Why don't we buy a dumpster? Let Brother Xu and Sister go to the back to cause trouble, and I'll squeeze in with you in the front..."

…

When Xu Xin got home that night, he began to look up some information by himself.

Various paid English versions were also sent to Ai Qing, asking her to translate them for her.

No. 18.

"Pacific Rim", codenamed "Sea of ​​Silence", has officially begun filming at Pinewood Studios.

Xu Xin also received a five-hundred-dollar bill from Jodi.

He wasn't pretentious. After accepting the offer, he made an appointment with everyone to go out for dinner in Toronto together on the weekend.

And there was no problem with Yang Mi.

Except on the first day of filming, she was a little unfamiliar with the various props wrapped in green screens. As the state entered, He Kuai became more at ease.

But on the contrary, it was the male protagonist...

Yang Mi's acting skills are often blown away.

But... that's just a few shots. This drama mainly features mechas and monsters, leaving very limited space for other people to show off their acting skills.

And Xu Xin had no intention of showing off on the set.

Regardless of whether the script is good or bad, the couple has only one opinion.

That is "tight-lipped".

Neither good nor bad.

I will act however you want the director to act. Absolutely nothing else.

Because one thing less is worse than one thing more.

But...Xu Xin also gradually figured out the routines of Hollywood.

For example, they never work overtime.

For example, their movie shooting progress is actually based on the plan, and the work is done after the filming is completed.

etc.

On November 24, Xu Xin finally received the information directly mailed from a domestic plane.

So, he became more like an assistant.

When Yang Mi needed to go to work, he would follow her out of the RV to see her.

When Yang Mi rested, he went back to the RV and started writing his thesis.

During this period, he and Yu Zhen had more cross-country phone calls.

Fortunately, the time difference between Toronto and China is a serious 12 hours. Communicating is effortless…

But Xu Xin's diligence made Yu Zhen a little uncomfortable.

After all, in the past two years, I, the best student, have been "fishing". As soon as I suddenly became diligent, my most intuitive feeling was that of the more than thirty graduate students in the class.

Yes, you are not mistaken.

More than thirty.

Ever since they learned that boarding Professor Yu's ship would allow them to establish a relationship with Director Xu...

Yu Zhen has become the most popular tutor in the film and television directing profession in the past two years.

The hot kind.

In the past, these thirty or so students only had to compete with their classmates.

As a result, I now know that... this senior, Director Xu, is about to start taking the Ph.D. exam. If they want to find Teacher Yu, they have to queue up.

Eight in the morning, no.

That was the appointment made by Director Xu.

Not even at night, when Director Xu gets up in the morning and sends the paragraphs of the paper he finished last night to Teacher Yu for review.

Suddenly, even Teacher Yu felt a bit like a dragon that had seen the beginning but not the end.

One last blink.

The 35-day filming cycle of "Pacific Rim" has ended.

no way.

It's the 21st.

It's getting colder and colder.

Christmas is here.

On the 21st, the crew of "Pacific Rim" had a day off.

A family of six flew back from cold Toronto to relatively warm Los Angeles.

number 22.

Cheng Hu, Sun Ting, and Su Meng each held a big red envelope and packed their bags.

In Yang Mi’s words:

"Festivals in foreign countries are also festivals. Happy New Year, go back and rest~"

The couple gave their employees a day off.

Then they began to prepare for their festival.

TODAY~

IS LANGLANG~DAY~

GIGIGGIGIGI~~~~~

This is for today.

I found that after the second Yang, my work and rest became normal for a while. I woke up at 7 o'clock and sat down in front of the computer after dinner at 8 o'clock. Although I was tired and lacked energy... at least my schedule was much more normal.

But I'm still very tired. I wrote this chapter for six hours... I was so exhausted that I exploded.

At night...I'll try my best. No need to wait, just write if you have the energy. If you don’t, there’s nothing I can do about it.

After I finished writing the chapter yesterday, I lay down and slept until around 8pm or almost 9pm. I was supposed to be writing something, but I ended up with back pain while sitting in front of the computer. I went back before 10 o'clock and planned to lie down for a while, but I woke up at 3 o'clock in the morning. Then I continued to sleep... I must have been poisoned by the fact that I feel sleepy without sleeping.

Try to write as much as possible at night.

Ah, I seem to be a little incoherent.