Chapter 24: Stab Zhuang Xiao didn't call back immediately to ask Pei Yan, what are you doing in Los Angeles this time?
He couldn't ask.
Which scenes Mr.
Pei comes to audition for and which crew to contact are all Pei Yan’s own business.
Can anyone else take care of that?
I met with the producer and screenwriter in a hotel in the city, and chatted about some scenes and the main plot lines in a lukewarm manner.
Knights of a Distant Star, as a signature production of Fox Radio, has maintained strong ratings and popularity over the years.
The number of episodes is approaching the length of a footband, and the filming and production of the fifth season is about to begin.
The producer smiled brightly and said, Mr.
Zhuang, we have worked together for so many years.
As long as your character is still there and is still loved by the audience, and the screenwriter has not lost his mind and failed to write this character one day, we hope to be able to work with you.
Please continue to cooperate and please continue to perform.
It's not that simple to continue working together.
Producers and writers left.
The only thing left is to negotiate the contract details with professional agents from Hollywood companies.
Sitting on the sofa opposite Zhuang Xiao was the same Cao Billy from last time.
There are only a few acquaintances who come and go while doing matchmaking and brokering business for Chinese actors on the Los Angeles set, and today it's Mr.
Cao again.
Billy Cao wore a smart dress with a hidden checkered pattern on his trousers, taking the yuppie route.
Knowing that Zhuang Xiao was addicted to smoking, Cao Bili first offered Zhuang Xiao a cigar, then sat down opposite him with a smile and shook his legs.
"The outline of the script for the fifth season has been finalized, and the number of episodes is still ten in total.
We are familiar with it, and Mr.
Zhuang is also a cheerful person, so there is no need to say more.
But in terms of remuneration, I need to explain to you that the TV drama market is shrinking now. , the TV stations are all losing money, and it is difficult for the production company to do business.
We are determined to continue filming this drama, and cutting costs is inevitable," Cao Bili said leisurely.
Having experienced this routine a lot, Zhuang Xiao was already mentally prepared: "Tell me, how to compress it?"
Who am I compressed?
Cao Billy's smile trembled slightly and he said: "We are always cooperating.
I hope Mr.
Zhuang can help the production company to overcome this difficulty and let the series continue to be filmed.
Ten episodes, eight million US dollars, do you think this will work?"
Zhuang Xiao didn't even frown: "Ten episodes, a total of eight million."
Cao Bili nodded slightly: "Yes."
Zhuang Xiao stared at Cao Billy: "From the fourth to the fifth season, you cut my salary in half."
"Oh, Mr.
Zhuang, I'm not going to cut you half off.
I'm just here to handle the contract.
I don't have to pay for it."
Cao Billy switched his legs and smoked a cigar.
"Just half the salary," Zhuang Xiao sneered, "Can I go to the set with only half a person and just bring a pair of fists, and no need to bring my legs?"
Cao Billy waved his hand and smiled: "Oh Mr.
Zhuang" Zhuang Xiao said coldly: "I thought you were going to tell me that the salary for one episode was eight million."
Cao Billy said regretfully: "In the current market, this is really impossible.
This is indeed the amount the company can pay, please forgive me."
"How is it impossible?"
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Zhuang Xiao asked, "Is it right for me to be ranked third?
How much does it cost to star in one episode?
How much does Jason Banner get per episode?"
Cao Billy said: "I am the leading actor."
Zhuang Xiao said: "The roles are not much different.
They are all fixed lineups that appear every season and cannot be killed.
He took away 10 million per episode and you told me to reduce costs."
Cao Billy opened his eyes: "Jason Banner is really a big name in Hollywood.
He has production and box office share, but the money he gets is different.
Mr.
Zhuang, if you argue with me about this, then I can't give you any money."
Come on, I can’t hold your coffee position.”
Zhuang Xiao's eyelids burst into a faint red light: "Mr.
Cao, you mean, I am worth 8 million for these ten episodes.
The producer thinks this is appropriate from the bottom of his heart."
"Whether it's suitable or not, there's only so much money.
The economic situation is not good, so there's no money to share."
Cao Bili blinked his golden brown eyelids, "There are many Chinese actors in Hollywood now, and there's so much money.
The second and third tiers only pay this price. ” "There are many people who can act."
Zhuang Xiao raised his legs and said with a cold expression, "You can find someone else to act."
"Mr.
Zhuang, we still have something to talk about.
Don't do this."
Cao Bili's face froze.
"Otherwise, I really have to find the next backup company.
Why did everyone come here?"
"Go find it" Zhuang Xiao suddenly stood up and stared at Cao Bili opposite him.
Zhuang Xiao rarely got angry or argued with anyone over the word "money".
It's so boring, he doesn't like fighting about it.
A big drama has been filmed for four seasons, so why don't you come here to kill it?
If you don't do it, I'll cut off half of the money.
Over the past few years, prices have increased.
House prices, property taxes and consumption taxes have all increased.
Gasoline in California has increased from three dollars a gallon to four dollars.
Milk and eggs in supermarkets have doubled.
What you earn is hard-earned money.
I deserve the remuneration you and I used to lower the price in this shameless way.
Jason Banner is a very good friend of Zhuang Xiao, and they have filmed TV series together for several years, buddy.
He had no problem with how much money Jason got, but the producers were too bullying.
"Mr.
Zhuang, it's boring for you to be like this.
At least the screenwriter doesn't intend to cut your role.
You have always been one of the iron triangle on the poster.
The film company has treated you badly.
Now there are a few Chinese guys who can play the leading role here."
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Cao Billy said.
"I just acted.
Don't you like it?"
Zhuang Xiao stared at the person opposite.
"Just accept the market.
Why can Jason get 10 million per episode?
It's because those people in Hollywood have the final say.
The mainstream aesthetic of the audience is to recognize white protagonists.
Anyone who names them must watch yellow skin.
Can you give me some advice?"
How much benefit can investors earn back?
No matter how well we play, what can you do if the audience doesn't recognize you?
Be more realistic when talking about business."
Cao Billy spread his hands and gestured, speaking quickly and with excellent eloquence.
Is this wrong?
It's true.
It's so realistic.
Chinese martial arts actors are recruited into this circle and sign contracts with various brokerage companies, just to set off the signature bosses signed by each company and act as green leaves.
Everything is to make those white celebrities look more handsome and beautiful.
The fundamental purpose is not to let you Chinese people get ahead here and earn US dollars.
"You want to compete for a higher salary, Mr.
Zhuang, look at you.
You were not even willing to change your name at the beginning.
You have this surname and this name.
How can you compete with people whose surnames are Johnson, Jordan, and Gfied?
Look at Pei Yan.
That kid is so smart.
When he comes here, he first picks up an English name and does as the locals do.
He will have more opportunities for media coverage and exposure.
Mainstream society will recognize this."
Cao Bili has a shrewd vision and speaks clearly.
This was also the first time he blurted out the name "Pei Yan" today.
It was obvious that he had been contacted and the list of candidates had been lingering in his mind for a long time.
"Cao Jingyang, why didn't you change your last name as well?
Where do you open your door and where are your ancestors buried?"
Zhuang Xiao looked at him coldly, "Why haven't you changed your skin yet?"
"" Cao Billy was called by his real name.
Speaking of which, the two of them can be considered fellow villagers.
They both came from the same place, and it was not easy for them to survive in a foreign country.
Cao Billy still didn't know which sentence he said made Zhuang Xiao angry.
His face suddenly turned red: "Others get ten, but you bear the surname of Zhang Wang and Li Zhao and don't want to change it, so you can only get one.
How can I help you bargain for a seat?
It's fine if you don't want to act.
There are many people vying for it."
I want to come over and perform” Zhuang Xiao retorted: "Look for whoever you like to act."
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Billy Cao was a contract agent.
The producer originally had no intention of replacing one of the leading actors.
They just took the opportunity to lower the price to save money, citing the bleak market and lack of production funds.
When Cao Billy saw that this was not going well, the negotiation was about to collapse, he became anxious again, his face changed again, and he stood up from the sofa: "Mr.
Zhuang, Mr.
Zhuang, let's think about this calmly.
You have been acting for three seasons." , this is also a signature character image in your acting career."
Zhuang Xiao sneered and said, "I think Tony is enough.
If you let him go, he's still one-eighth Asian."
Tony Axus is one-eighth Asian, not Chinese, but Korean.
Cao Billy secretly gritted his teeth and muttered: "Yes, Korean actors are the most popular now, and the remuneration prices have also increased.
They are awesome.
At least the Koreans can still create a few famous clothing brands and cosmetics brands here. , What can the Chinese do in Chinatown?
You can only open restaurants in Chinatown with this image, and you also star in the movie.
The quality of the movie is gone."
There was no need to listen any more, Zhuang Xiao turned around and strode away: "You go find that one-eighth or whoever you love to act.
I won't act."
Negotiations really collapsed.
Billy Cao was also anxious and upset.
He was blind this time and could not explain to the film crew.
He thought wrongly and knew people poorly.
Zhuang Xiao usually has a really good temper, he never gets angry easily, he is calm and very graceful.
He thought that this person could manipulate and lower the price at will, and it would be as easy to convince Zhuang Xiao as it was to trick Pei Yan last time.
As a pure businessman and broker, he could also make a profit from the agency price difference, which would be a good thing.
He thought Zhuang Xiao wouldn't be angry.
What happened to him today?
Zhuang Xiao smoothly crushed the cigar between his fingers into dust and ashes without any regret.
Cao Billy slapped himself hard in the face behind Zhuang Xiao out of sight, and his eyes were red.
It's not easy for him either.
Is he willing to change his name?
If you don't change your name and crawl away, no one will give you a bite of food.
He himself was just serving dishes in a Chinese restaurant in Chattown.
Is he willing to change his name again?
Go back?
"Mr.
Zhuang, come back.
Let's talk again.
I'll help you ask the producer if they are willing to increase it by 10 more."
Cao Billy shouted.
Zhuang Xiao didn't look back.
When Cao Bili turned pale in anger, he threw his demeanor to the ground and cursed a series of words in a low voice: "Zhuang Xiao, I know why you can't go back to the mainland.
Who doesn't know that your own father owes a lot of debt, your family and Baiguixing, Jiahuang’s contract war is not over yet How dare you go back because of the lawsuit?
What Jiahuang is advocating right now is Pei Yan.
He is so hard at the backstage.
He will make you so angry every minute that you drink the northwest wind.
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If you don’t act in this drama, what else can you act in?
Now go back to China to find it.
It’s useless even for the big boss of Jiahuang to crawl on his bed.”
Before he finished speaking, a solid wood stool from the hotel cafe flew over.
At that time, Cao Bili let out an "ouch" and gave the number one a shout.
When he leaned back, he folded over the back of the sofa and fell to the floor.
His escaping posture was extremely embarrassing and ridiculous.
He was really afraid that Zhuang Xiao would be angry and could kill him with three punches and two kicks.
The stool was thrown against the wall, causing the bones to burst and shatter.
Zhuang Xiao's eyes were dark red, and there was blood under his eyes and on his lips.
The violence in his bones and blood has been endured for many years.
His temper has weakened and his temper has been tempered.
Today, it exploded in front of Cao.
It is a very dishonest and ungrateful thing to do against an idiot who has no strength to restrain himself.
It was impossible for Zhuang Xiao to really hit someone, so he turned and walked away.
The sticky stuff roaring in the blood was difficult to suppress.
He has suppressed many things for too long and never wants to reveal them.
The scars on the surface of his body, such as the centipede-like white scars on his right palm, are nothing.
The scars left on his heart are always the most profound.
Cao Billy ruined Zhuang Xiao's contract, and he had no choice but to go to the production company in disgrace to discuss a compromise.
If the film studio is not willing to offer Zhuang Xiao the original salary price, they can only find a cheap newcomer, at least cheaper than Zhuang Xiao and with a better temper.
Cao Biliguo was also desperate, patting his chest and assuring the production company: There are already replacement candidates, they have been contacted, and their team is very active, they will definitely be willing to take over, and the remuneration is easy to negotiate, and they will definitely be able to negotiate.
Pei Yan was on Master Liang's yacht when he received a call from his team.
Fortunately, we haven't entered the deep sea yet, and we haven't gone to the depths of the ocean where birds have no shit.
Liang Youhui is steering the boat playfully, and the yacht is circling in the bay.
Pei Yan lay lazily on the board of the boat, watching the seagulls and the fat seals basking on the rocks on the shore.
He answered the phone.
The signal in the bay was so bad that it was intermittent.
"What?"
Pei Yan half-opened his eyelids, "Who won't play anymore?
Zhuang Xiao won't play anymore?"
Johnny Wu's tone was a little excited, but also revealed a somewhat complicated mood: "Yes, yes, Lao Pei, you need to come over now.
This matter is urgent.
Come to the hotel now."
"Zhuang Xiao won't act anymore," Pei Yan asked again, "He won't act anymore.
What else should I watch in this drama?
Then I will give up watching it."
Johnny Wu: "" "Oh, now is not the time for you to be nostalgic and chasing stars here, kid."
Johnny Wu said, "Now their producers are looking for us urgently and asking you to audition.
They may not have reached an agreement with Zhuang Xiao.
Regarding the remuneration, we may really have to change people this time, so please come over quickly."
Pei Yan repeated again: "Who should I replace?
Replace Zhuang Xiao."
"Is their TV station stupid?
The lead actor can change the seawater in his head at will."
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Johnny Wu said: "Mr.
Cao is looking for you now.
He wants to recommend you to act and is willing to help you negotiate for this role.
Mr.
Cao said that he will help you negotiate this time."
"That Cao Billy," Pei Yan snorted, "Let me just say, it's really a stupid thing to replace Zhuang Xiao and still have the negotiation fall apart."
Pei Yan left Liang Youhui alone on the yacht and jumped onto the dock.
Liang Youhui was puzzled and asked, "Aren't you going fishing?"
Pei Yan said, "I'm busy.
I need to go back to the city to do something."
Liang Youhui asked: "What's going on?"
Pei Yan turned around and said to Liang Youhui: "It's about my brother Xiao."
He emphasized the word "I", and he never dared to say it in person, but in front of Liang Youhui, he wanted to get this situation back. mine Liang Youhui didn't know whether he heard something fishy, and asked eagerly: "Then, are you two going to go on the boat to eat grilled fish in the evening?
It's boring for me to go to sea alone."
Pei Yan replied dully: "I'm not sure who will be roasting tonight."
He was afraid that Zhuang Xiao would want to roast him.
In the hotel room, a group of people were sitting or standing, talking about this matter with their arms folded across their chests or akimbo.
Pei Yan was sitting on the round dining table in the room.
Several decision-makers in the team are thinking together.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Zhuang Xiao just resigned from the role of Lao Pei.
No matter what, let's try for it.
And it seems that this time they came to us eagerly to take the role, instead of us kneeling down.
I beg the film producers to give me a chance.
"Why did Zhuang Xiao resign?"
Pei Yan cracked his fingers and cracked the joints.
"I heard that there was a conflict in the pay, and the pay was not enough."
Zhang Huan said.
"They all dare to cut off Zhuang Xiao's salary.
How much can they give me?"
Pei Yan said.
"Let's talk about it again.
At least they are in a hurry to find someone to replace them.
Otherwise, the filming schedule will be affected.
This is our bargaining chip."
Zhang Huan said.
"Okay, negotiate the price directly with them.
I'll take it if it's 10 million per episode."
Pei Yan said, "U.S. dollars, not soft currency."
"Young master, you are so funny, even if you open your mouth, you don't want it so much."
Zhang Huan glanced at him sideways, really helpless with the naughty kid, "Didn't you just break the deal from the beginning?"
"Then let's talk about it and let them be blind again."
Pei Yan had a generous expression on his face, and his fingers were "cracking, banging, banging" as if he wanted to break someone.
Everyone could see that Pei Yan didn't want to take on this drama at all.
Several people exchanged looks and attitudes with each other.
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Johnny Wu said: "Lao Pei, I also understand your thoughts.
Mr.
Zhuang has such a good relationship with us, we have no intention of squeezing him out, and we definitely didn't think about it beforehand.
We arranged for you to audition to help you find opportunities for placement.
A piece of cake, I didn’t want to grab the piece of cake in the other person’s bowl.”
"I don't want to squeeze him out," Pei Yan crossed her legs and held her chin, "but if I take this role, do you think Zhuang Xiao will make me unruly, ungrateful, stabbing in the back and adding insult to injury?"
Zhang Huan said: "Lao Pei, our team has come all the way here.
Are you here to make friends or to make friends?"
Pei Yan almost blurted out, I'm just here to make friends, what do you think?
Pei Yan ignored the group and continued to discuss.
His men sent text messages and dialed numbers to Zhuang Xiao, but Zhuang Xiao did not answer his call.
He sent several messages to Zhuang Xiao without talking nonsense, just these few words: Would you like to go on the boat to eat grilled fish together in the evening?
I'll go back tomorrow and won't stay too long.
Can I still stay at your house tonight?
If you don’t take me in, I’ll sleep at Liang Youhui’s house.
Zhang Huan didn't persuade him any more and gave him a thumbs up silently: "You are really an iron triangle character in the drama "Knight of the Distant Stars".
You have the opportunity to star with the veteran star Jason Banner.
That's ok." , refused, we all respect your personal opinions and feelings.
The tense atmosphere relaxed, and a group of people began to have fun with Pei Yan.
Zhang Huan said with a smile: "Lao Pei, you don't really want to work in Hollywood.
We even bothered to look through the dictionary to help you come up with an English name.
We were blind."
Pei Yan just didn't care: "It's you who insist on giving me a foreign name, which is neither fish nor fowl."
Johnny Wu held his chin and thought: "Actually, as actors in the kung fu industry, if we give you a name with a dragon character, it will be easier for you to become popular.
American audiences will also follow this trick and have a nostalgia complex."
Pei Yan narrowed her eyes: "Why can I call you a dragon?"
Zhang Huan shrugged and said with a smile: "Look at whether Zhuang Xiao's name was vulgar enough when he first debuted."
When the movie Purple Blood came out, the young star's name was "Zhuang Xiaolong", and he specifically emphasized that he was the son of Zhuang Wenlong, a martial arts star in the 1970s.
Pei Yan was also happy and couldn't help laughing: "Damn, it's so tacky."
This extremely vulgar name was later changed by Zhuang Xiao himself.
Unable to bear it, he restored his real name.
Johnny Wu: "Yeah Pei Long Pei Xiao Long" Pei Yan: "They are all sick."
Assistant a: "Pei Yanlong" Assistant B: "Your surname cannot be matched with the character dragon.
It doesn't sound good."
Zhang Huan: "Otherwise Long Yan."
Pei Yan complained: "Longan is crazy, why don't I call it Guiyuan?"
The whole room was bent over and bursting into laughter, taunting him, saying that your head is like a longan and your temper is as stinky as a durian.
The debate about whether or not to accept the drama "Knights of a Distant Star" has been quietly settled.
Everyone knows that Pei Yan will never accept this drama. gd1806102: