032 Investment and Layout
In late April, after a long tour of Europe, Chen Mo finally returned to Los Angeles with the crew.
As it happened to be the weekend, Chen Mo generously gave the crew a two-day break.
The situation in the US, under normal circumstances, doesn't involve the concept of overtime. The inherent freedom and laid-back nature of this country are fully displayed.
So, don't expect to talk to them about diligence; they don't understand it.
Work is directly proportional to compensation. Arguing with them based on this is the most realistic approach.
Chen Mo respected their culture, so even though he felt no sense of agreement internally, he didn't mind letting everyone relax appropriately.
Moreover, he figured that Zhao Qian at this moment must be going crazy with frustration...
As expected, the moment Zhao Qian saw Chen Mo, an irrepressible excitement flowed out of him.
Chen Mo, holding a cup of tea, sat smiling in the room, watching this guy chatter non-stop for half an hour without any sign of stopping, yet he had no intention of interrupting.
It's not a bad thing. Anyone could become like this.
There's nothing strange about it.
Once he's vented, he'll naturally calm down.
Besides, this kind of thing can only be gotten used to slowly. After experiencing more, Zhao Qian will understand it himself.
From this perspective alone, it's an experience that shouldn't be missed in life.
So, after a while, Zhao Qian, feeling a bit dry-mouthed, finally finished his outpouring.
First, he took the cup Chen Mo handed him and gulped it down.
Then, he looked at Chen Mo, "Why do you seem less excited than I imagined?"
Chen Mo still smiled with his usual calm demeanor, "It's not that I'm not excited, but I'm not to your level. It's just over a billion. If you're satisfied with this, then I've judged you wrongly."
Zhao Qian tilted his head and plopped down next to Chen Mo.
Then he sighed deeply, "Alright, I have to admit I couldn't control my emotions a bit. As you said, my state of mind still needs tempering... So I've decided that the great undertaking of tempering my mind in the mortal world must continue to grow and strengthen."
Chen Mo looked at him with disdain, "Don't talk about being a playboy in such a refined and elegant way. You're not worthy, okay? If you're a scumbag, you're a scumbag. Don't deny it if you've done it. This is also tempering your mind."
Zhao Qian chuckled, "That's true. I'll give you face then.This 'master' doesn't care."
Then he changed the subject, "So what's the next step?"
This was clearly the main point.
Chen Mo smiled, "Of course, it's investment. This wave of indiscriminate sweeping has gone through several rounds. Although many have 'perished and cooled their bodies,' there are still quite a few struggling on the brink of death, aren't there?
So, if necessary, we should lend a helping hand in times of need. Of course, there are a few targets, and you need to secure them for me as much as possible."
His ambition wasn't grand; he just wanted to secure a few he remembered.
For example, Andy Rubin's Android system, or John Elias's and Rooney Westman's multi-touch technology, or... ARM.
The first two are easy to handle now because they are still insignificant for the moment, and there is plenty of time to secure them.
As for ARM, if you miss this village, there won't be such a shop.
Keep in mind that this company was still a technology company with a market value of over a billion US dollars just a few months ago.
But after a stock market crash, the entire industry collapsed. ARM, whose stock price was more than 300 times its actual earnings, was inevitably hit hard.
This fact wouldn't change, not because of its healthy finances or its realized profits.
Because the entire technology and semiconductor industries couldn't change the fact that the overall stock market price fell by 89-90%.
Therefore, taking this opportunity to acquire this future industry giant in the micro-processor field would be most appropriate.
If you really wait for it to grow slowly, forget about acquiring it; even if you just want to be a small shareholder and have some say, it will likely be very difficult...
Zhao Qian didn't dare to disobey Chen Mo's words in the slightest. He certainly wouldn't dare to discount them.
After all, who knew if this would be the next company to ride the wave of fortune?
So, when the boss gave the order, even if it meant death, he had to execute it perfectly...
Then Chen Mo continued, "Also, this market crash will take two to three years to recover. If you want to play, it's fine to leave some funds to practice, but you still need to withdraw what should be withdrawn. I have a few small projects waiting for funding."
Zhao Qian patted his chest, "These are minor matters. I guarantee they'll be done without anyone noticing."
Chen Mo chuckled.
The reason he needed funds wasn't because Future Tribe Studio needed to expand.
This had already been resolved by Wei Lai earlier.
With the advance payment from 20th Century Fox, there was no shortage of talent either.
The stock market crash in the US had unimaginable consequences. They had plenty of time to cast a wide net and then carefully select.
It would be great if they could accept working in Hong Kong.
If not, it wouldn't matter.
Wei Lai could also establish a branch studio in Hollywood, directly under Dream Film Industry.
Chen Mo didn't need to worry about this; Wei Lai could handle it herself.
Chen Mo mentioned projects needing startup capital, partly because of the R&D center he had promised Nan Guanghong during the Spring Festival, and partly because he needed a modern, super-large film studio.
This is an indispensable element for the development of the film industry. Without it, you can't handle many types of films.
For example, science fiction, fantasy, mythology, disaster films, etc.
It's not that other avenues can't be sought, like renting studios, but for Chen Mo, that would still involve being subject to others.
After all, he didn't want to give advanced technologies such as motion and facial capture, 3D technology, real-time synthesis of live-action actor scenes and virtual space scenes, deep learning's image recognition technology, CG artificial intelligence imaging technology, etc., freely to the major Hollywood studios.
Each of these, if taken out, could lead the trend in the film industry.
Therefore, he would rather build several modern studios himself than pave the way for others.
Pure martial arts films, comedies, romance films, etc., cannot change the current state of the domestic film industry.
Chen Mo had to forge a path outward by himself before more people could see more prospects and hope.
This is called leading by example and being a role model for the industry.
However, on the other hand.
A modern, large film studio cannot be built just because you have a piece of land.
The main building is not a problem, but advanced hardware facilities and supporting software systems are an insurmountable hurdle.
Professional high-definition cameras, perfect sound, light, and electricity supporting equipment systems, and even LED screens with XR virtual shooting that might replace green screens in the future...
These all depend on the technical support of various industries and technology companies.
The amount of investment is not the key; the crucial part is whether you can purchase these advanced equipment and facilities.
Therefore, this still requires Chen Mo to break through obstacles at various joints and realize it step by step.
But no matter what, it must be built. If it can be realized one day earlier, then lay the foundation one step ahead as much as possible.
...
The third day, the crew set off again for the East Coast.
There weren't many scenes left to shoot there.
After finishing, they could move into Columbia Pictures' studios to complete the set construction and indoor shooting.
If all goes smoothly, they might even make it in time for the Cannes Film Festival awards ceremony.
It wasn't for the awards, but simply to experience the atmosphere of Cannes. It was rumored to be a holy place where stars gathered and socialites frequented.
The five-kilometer-long, exquisitely elegant, and charming beach was said to be a beautiful and spectacular sight every day.
Before, he didn't have the opportunity.
Now that the opportunity has presented itself, wouldn't it be foolish not to go and take a good look?
Of course, according to Chen Mo's original plan, the reason for choosing to participate in this international film festival was not only about awards, but also to use the Cannes platform to sell the overseas distribution rights of 'Infernal Affairs' for a good price.
However, this was no longer necessary.
Rothman, in order to acquire the second 3D animated feature film from Future Tribe Animation Studio, had agreed to the overseas distribution of 'Infernal Affairs' and had offered very favorable terms.
Wei Lai naturally had no reason to refuse.
It saved a lot of trouble, which could be considered an unexpected surprise.
033 Wei Lai, the Head Steward
A few days later, Chen Mo finally met Wei Lai again.
They had only been apart for a little over a month, but this time, it felt longer than any previous separation.
Young people, having tasted the sweetness, are more emotional, so having this illusion is quite normal.
So, after work that day, they "reviewed their lessons" fiercely, and even had dinner delivered to the room.
The intensity of their "study" was evident...
While eating.
Wei Lai also mentioned Cannes, "Cannes has announced the nominated list for the main competition section. How is your progress? Will you be able to make it by the opening of the film festival?"
Chen Mo shook his head.
He didn't forget to pick up food and feed it to Wei Lai while talking, "There's no need to expect the opening day, but we definitely have to show up at the closing ceremony. As for whether we can wrap up by then, it's really hard to say right now."
The closing ceremony is the final awards ceremony.
He recalled that Chinese films would shine brightly at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Now, with 'Infernal Affairs' crashing the party, he wondered whose game it would disrupt.
However, whether it's internal competition or external competition, it's necessary to show up.
Once you enter this circle, you have to abide by its rules.
Of course, these rules don't refer to those messy, colored "unspoken rules," but the most basic rules of conduct within the industry.
In simple terms, it's about real connections or resources.
Once you integrate, you naturally become a member of this circle, it's that simple.
So, if Chen Mo doesn't even show his face, what's there to talk about?
There's no need to be so high and mighty.
Wei Lai naturally understood this.
But she suddenly smiled meaningfully at him, "There are many strong contenders this time. Wong Kar-wai, Jiang Wen, Edward Yang, they represent the highest level from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the mainland. Are you feeling a bit nervous?"
Chen Mo, while shoveling rice into his mouth, glanced at her askance, "Do you or do you not know if I'm nervous? If you don't know, that's fine. We have the second half later, which will surely make you face reality."
Wei Lai smiled charmingly but didn't respond to his words.
Instead, she changed the subject, "Since the overseas distribution of 'Infernal Affairs' has been handed over to 20th Century Fox, should we let Pascal know about this when we meet her this time?"
Her visit this time was not just to see Chen Mo, but also to discuss 'Ice Age 2' with Columbia Pictures.
Chen Mo wiped his mouth.
He said casually, "You decide. Anyway, whether it's playing both sides between Pascal and Rothman, or leveraging their influence, we are the ones in control right now.
So, as long as it's not too excessive, they can only watch helplessly. It's all about profit, after all. Things are quite realistic here in the US."
Wei Lai smiled.
How could she not understand this logic?
But seeing Chen Mo deflect the question again, she didn't press further, "Then I won't stand on ceremony. After all, Columbia Pictures has won big this time. Good things don't happen every year."
Chen Mo chuckled, "Don't focus too much on profit. The key is to exchange for resources as much as possible. That's what's most important for us right now."
He wasn't the same Chen Mo as two months ago, so he didn't have much interest in 'money' anymore.
Wei Lai's eyes darted, and she seemed to understand something, "Are you really full all of a sudden?"
Chen Mo chuckled, "I wouldn't say 'full,' but I probably won't be hungry for a while... I've withdrawn 200 million from it. Well, it will take some time to transfer it back, so we can't rush this."
He didn't specify the unit, as Wei Lai knew it clearly without him saying.
So, she breathed a sigh of relief, feeling content, "Then I'm much more at ease. I was still worried about the money allocated to your graduation project before."
Chen Mo gently hugged her from behind, "This is the only time. In the future, such a situation is unlikely to happen again."
Then he immediately asked, "How is the situation over there? Is it going smoothly?"
Wei Lai suddenly smiled, "I heard that your professor almost jumped up and down scolding you as a spendthrift, saying that even for a graduation project, you're so extravagant, just throwing money around like it's nothing."
Chen Mo's face darkened.
He thought, damn it, I wanted to use virtual shooting too, but the conditions didn't allow it.
Besides, a graduation project is also a film. We have to complete it with quality and quantity, right?
This is a matter of principle.
Compared to that, spending a little money is nothing. Whenever it's lacking, just let Zhao Qian fleece the Americans a bit more, what's the big deal?
Is it difficult?
Zhao Qian: I'm a professional at this. Anyway, they won't be fleeced bald. The Americans are quite resilient and generous in this regard.
Chen Mo watched with a smile, as long as it's done secretly, what can they do about it...
Wei Lai was still talking, "And you didn't even let them see the script, but you designed such a detailed and large set and spent millions to build it directly, which made them very uneasy."
Chen Mo gave a wry smile, "Wasn't that to save time? I had to build the set in advance. As for the script, it's not a critical matter on my end."
Wei Lai rolled her eyes at him.
This wasn't Chen Mo bragging. A movie like 'Infernal Affairs' and 'The Bourne Identity' were enough for Wei Lai to witness her man's screenwriting ability.
However, while she knew it clearly, it didn't mean others could see it.
So, in the current domestic film market, millions were already considered a significant investment, yet Chen Mo didn't hesitate to spend it on set construction and props.
In the eyes of many, this was not just lavish spending but reckless action.
As for where the money came from, no one cared.
In short, a student who hadn't even graduated, making a graduation film, wasn't this just pointless effort?
Do they really think they are a national director, Jiang Wen, or a poetry expert?
They don't have the qualifications, okay?
Of course, Wei Lai didn't take these things too seriously, even though she heard some of them.
Chen Mo, far away overseas, was even more unaware of them.
Therefore, the two of them didn't dwell on this topic. It wouldn't be too late to talk about it after they returned to China upon finishing their work here.
Wei Lai then proactively changed the subject, "Oh, by the way, the studio received a job. Around 500 special effect shots. Claire said she could handle it easily, so she took it directly."
Claire is the supervisor of Future Tribe Special Effects Studio, a future big shot, and a current rising star.
Chen Mo didn't pay much attention and casually asked, "Oh, whose movie is it?"
Wei Lai replied, "Stephen Chow's, called 'Shaolin Soccer.'"
"Huh?" Chen Mo was slightly stunned, thinking, how could this happen?
He couldn't help but glance at Wei Lai, "How did he find our studio?"
Wei Lai asked, confused, "What's wrong? Have you heard of this project? Do you think something is amiss?"
Chen Mo shook his head, "Not at all, it's just that I didn't expect Stephen Chow to approach our obscure studio."
Wei Lai gently patted his arm, "What do you mean obscure? 'Ice Age' grossed over 31 million Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong. Future Tribe is already famous now, you know."
Chen Mo stammered and scratched his scalp awkwardly.
He chuckled sheepishly, "I did forget about that."
Wei Lai pouted.
She let him off for now and continued, "To be precise, Stephen Chow didn't approach us personally. It was Yeung Kwok-fai who introduced me through Old Lin, and then we got to know each other.
Of course, aside from special effects, I think their main purpose in approaching us was to seek investment."
Yeung Kwok-fai is the one who founded Singfai with Stephen Chow. Of course, he's just a small shareholder; Stephen Chow is the boss.
Chen Mo smiled, "Did you invest?"
Wei Lai shrugged indifferently, "Why not? I think the subject matter is good, so I used special effects production plus cash to convert it into a 40% stake... It shouldn't lose money."
Losing money was impossible, but whether they would get entangled in trouble was another matter.
Chen Mo thought about it but didn't take it to heart.
He casually waved his hand, "Your judgment is not bad. The hype around soccer can indeed make a splash."
Wei Lai turned to look at him, "Didn't you swear you'd never watch soccer again? You're still thinking about it."
Chen Mo grinned at her, "Not watching doesn't mean I don't understand... soccer, right? Rules like a game having a first and second half are also known, so after the halftime break, shouldn't we enter the second half?"
Wei Lai looked horrified, "Are you a beast... Mmph!"
034 Cannes Film Festival
May in Cannes is the most beautiful season of the year.