[Chapter 228: Michelle Reis and Vivian Chow]
Inviting popular female stars from the company for drinks was a common practice in the Hong Kong entertainment scene. But Linton never expected the chairman of Golden Harvest to do this to him.
Even more, when arranging the seating, he deliberately placed Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis on his left and right, clearly trying to charm him.
It seemed Linton's proposal to buy North American rights for the other party's film had struck a chord, because before any formal negotiation, they didn't hesitate to show up personally, bringing two of their most stunning female stars -- and even used the beauty trap.
One thing about Hong Kong was remarkable at the time: everyone prided themselves on learning English and spoke it fluently, so communication went smoothly without translators.
...
After three rounds of drinks, everyone loosened up, and Raymond Chow asked the question on his mind:
"Mr. Anderson, Hollywood doesn't churn out many blockbusters like Jurassic Park and Speed, right?"
"Not too many, but not too few. I know the projects approved for next year are The Lion King, True Lies, and The Rock."
"Luckily only three major films a year, so it won't hit the market too hard?"
"What's the matter? You concerned?"
"Of course. This year, Jurassic Park and Speed swept Asia, and our Hong Kong films' box office took a big hit."
"Then you should pay attention. With Jurassic Park and Speed's success, Hollywood investments will only increase, and special effects will grow more spectacular and realistic. That's the trend. The ratio will likely rise."
"Any good advice for Hong Kong's film industry development?" Raymond Chow asked anxiously.
But Linton was indifferent. Even if he told them, they'd be powerless. "There's a way: introduce computer technology, modernize the industry, upgrade beyond the traditional small workshop style to big-budget productions to compete."
Raymond remained silent. This method would not work at all. It was not that the film company did not want to do this, but that Hong Kong simply did not have the conditions for this.
Hong Kong's computer industry lagged far behind -- even behind Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, the other Asian Tigers. The Hong Kong government hadn't implemented supporting policies, so the gap would only widen.
"Do you think Hong Kong films can be released in North America?" Raymond finally asked the most concerned question.
"It's difficult. It's true that North America is the world's largest film market, but the audience is very exclusive and not used to watching subtitles. Many overseas films are released in North America every year, but they account for less than 5% of the box office, and most of them come from English films in other countries. The box office of films in other languages is even lower."
"So what do you mean by film copyright cooperation?" Raymond asked puzzledly.
"Hong Kong films still have a lot of advantages in the field of action films. The last time I went overseas to promote my album, I saw the movie Police Story 3: Super Cop starring Jackie Chan playing on TV in Korea.
It reminded me of Bruce Lee, and I think American audiences might be interested. Later, I asked someone to find out about your situation and found out that the fighting scenes in the movie starring the two of your actors are very good."
"Which two guys?"
"Jackie Chan and Jet Li."
"Yes, they're Hong Kong's best action stars."
"One goal of me coming here is to get North American rights for their action films and push them into the video market. Maybe they'll catch on."
"Video market?" This was surprising for Raymond Chow. Piracy was rife in Hong Kong and Asia; films just off theaters often had worthless videotape rights.
Even older films sat gathering dust. Unexpectedly, someone was willing to pay for North American rights. With strict copyright laws there, he felt reassured.
It was a pleasant surprise, but he'd need to discuss pricing carefully. Excited, Raymond Chow thought of their library: over 30 Jackie Chan films, more than 10 movies in which he participated, and 5 movies starring Jet Li. If all sold, huge money could be made.
"Yes, the video market. And there's another benefit to doing this?"
"We need to build audience familiarity and recognition. If video promotion goes well, they'll gradually become well-known in North America. Later, we can try to release their action films in theaters and maybe really break into the North American film market and global scene."
"Really? That's great. I'll call Jackie Chan to have a drink with you." Raymond couldn't sit still after Linton's big promise.
"It's too late today. We have tomorrow to talk." Linton stopped Raymond. With two beauties sitting nearby, why waste time calling a grown man for drinks? That wasn't his style.
"Yes, tomorrow. I was too eager. You said this is one goal, but is there another? Need my help?"
"Actually, yes. I want a Hong Kong team to be action coordinators for my next film."
"Oh, great! Who do you like?"
"Yuen Woo-ping's team is the first choice, but Sammo Hung is also okay."
"No problem. I'll arrange for you to meet Yuen Woo-ping at my company tomorrow. You can discuss the details yourself."
"Thank you." Linton toasted with Raymond Chow following local custom.
"Michelle, Vivian, please toast Mr. Anderson." The matter has been discussed roughly, and it's time for the beauties to take the stage.
Michelle Reis and Vivian Chow had been itching to listen to what was said, wondering if they too might have a chance to enter the American market, but they did not dare to interrupt their boss's conversation. Upon hearing this, they raised their glasses and toasted Linton.
"Dear Linton," Michelle Reis laid against Linton's body, picked up his wine glass, and brought it to his lips.
"Alright, let's drink." Linton felt her supple arm, scented fragrance, and drank generously.
"Dear Linton, here's mine too." Vivian Chow leaned on Linton's left arm as if boneless.
"Okay, cheers." Linton wouldn't refuse a beauty's toast.
"Honey, do you think I could make it to Hollywood?"
"It's tough."
"Honey, please help me."
*****
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