Chapter 182: Hong Kong–Style Kung Fu Films
Hong Kong, The Peninsula Hotel.
Golden Harvest had arranged a grand banquet in Aaron Anderson's honor, inviting many heavyweight figures from the Hong Kong film industry.
Jackie Chan, who had rushed back from a film set, was pulled aside by Raymond Chow and Leonard Ho, who spoke to him in low voices.
"That's Aaron Anderson," Chow said.
"The owner of Dawnlight Pictures in Hollywood."
"He's also considered the youngest film mogul in Hollywood."
"The Oscar Best Picture The Silence of the Lambs and the year's box-office champion Ghost were both released by his company."
"This year's hits Indecent Proposal and Sleepless in Seattle were also invested in and distributed by Dawnlight."
"Ever since Aaron Anderson entered the industry, every project he's touched has turned into a hit."
Jackie Chan glanced in that direction.
Indeed, the man was surprisingly young—a foreigner with a confident presence, accompanied by a charming and sensual young Asian woman.
"Was he the one," Jackie asked,
"who helped sell Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at a high price back when he was still an agent?"
Leonard Ho nodded.
"Yes. In just three years, he's built a fortune worth several hundred million dollars."
"He went from a talent agent to one of Hollywood's most influential studio heads."
"We've already recommended you to him. Dawnlight Pictures is willing to collaborate with Golden Harvest on a film."
"It would be shot in Hollywood. The director, lead actor, and core crew would be assembled by us."
"He'll personally give feedback on the script. The goal is to make a Hollywood-style action comedy."
---
On the other side of the hall, Aaron was chatting with Hsu Feng, the principal figure behind Tomson Films, and the investor of Farewell My Concubine.
"I've already watched the rough cut of Farewell My Concubine," Aaron said.
"It's excellent. I believe it will make a big splash at Cannes next year."
He was well aware of how art-house films were marketed—festival premieres, critical buzz, and awards were all groundwork for a wider theatrical release.
"Yes," Hsu Feng replied.
"It's scheduled to be released in Hong Kong on January 1 next year."
"As for whether it can be shown in mainland China—that will depend on how influential it becomes."
At present, films from mainland China entering international festivals typically followed the Hong Kong route.
Directors like Zhang Yimou, with works such as Ju Dou and Raise the Red Lantern, had all been submitted under Hong Kong representation.
In this era, Hong Kong remained the bridge between Chinese cinema and the world.
Aaron's interest in Farewell My Concubine was actually quite limited.
After all, it was a low-budget Chinese-language art film.
He didn't pay much attention even to European arthouse cinema—let alone Asian films.
The only reason he asked about it at all was because it happened to be a Chinese-language production.
Tomson Films was a subsidiary of the Tomson Real Estate Group.
Aaron was familiar with the company mainly because of what it would later develop in Shanghai—Tomson Riviera.
Soon after, Raymond Chow brought Jackie Chan over to meet Aaron, formally introducing him.
At the same time, Aaron also met several well-known female stars from Hong Kong.
---
In the lounge area, Raymond Chow suddenly asked with a smile:
"Is this beautiful Japanese lady also an actress?"
Aaron chuckled lightly.
"Norika Fujiwara is this year's Miss Japan. She's just getting started. She has some contractual ties with Japan's Daiei."
Raymond Chow immediately understood.
"Miss Fujiwara could consider coming to Hong Kong to make films—gain some experience."
"She's beautiful, has an excellent figure, and is well-suited for the entertainment industry."
Sitting beside Aaron, Norika Fujiwara felt her heart stir slightly.
She definitely wanted to enter the industry—she just lacked opportunities.
"We'll see," Aaron said casually. He wasn't inclined to fuss over small matters.
---
"By the way," Aaron added,
"Dawnlight Pictures plans to acquire several of Jackie Chan's films for U.S. distribution."
Since he had already decided to develop Rumble in the Bronx down the line, it made sense for Dawnlight to first acquire a few of Jackie Chan's kung fu films for American release.
Once Jackie Chan built name recognition, even some of his older action films would find an audience in North America.
"That won't be a problem," Raymond Chow replied readily.
"Dawn can acquire a few titles and test the waters."
He was fully supportive. It would promote Jackie Chan and generate revenue.
After all, pushing Chinese-language films into the U.S. market was still extremely difficult.
John Woo's The Killer and Hard Boiled had only seen very limited releases in Hollywood.
With no recognizable names, distributors simply weren't interested.
But films like Police Story 3: Super Cop and Operation Condor?
Those would definitely make money.
---
"Good," Aaron said.
"You can start preparations as soon as possible. I'll have someone adjust the scripts to better suit American tastes."
"Highlight Jackie Chan's kung fu comedy style and high-risk stunt action. Hollywood is still curious about martial arts films."
Raymond Chow nodded firmly.
"Don't worry—we'll move quickly. The team will head to the U.S. when ready."
He knew Aaron Anderson's judgment and vision carried weight.
Aaron nodded, then lightly patted Norika Fujiwara beside him.
"I'm going to the restroom."
---
This private Golden Harvest banquet had drawn many actresses, naturally attracting numerous wealthy Hong Kong businessmen as well.
After leaving the restroom, Aaron noticed a woman standing in the corridor—tall, elegant, coolly glamorous, with a cigarette between her fingers.
"Miss," Aaron said, lighting a cigarette of his own,
"may I borrow a light?"
"Oh—sure," the woman replied, handing him a lighter.
Aaron took a drag.
"I'm Aaron Anderson. American."
"I know who you are, Mr. Anderson," she said calmly.
"Our agents told us—you're the youngest film mogul in Hollywood."
"I'm Joey Wong, from Taipei."
Aaron nodded, studying her briefly.
"I actually know you. Do you remember the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Spain?"
Joey Wong had won Best Actress there for A Chinese Ghost Story III: Tao Tao Tao.
"Oh?" she said in surprise.
"You were there too, Mr. Anderson?"
"Yes," Aaron replied.
"I saw the film. Your portrayal was haunting—tragic, ethereal, unforgettable."
"You're tall, stunningly beautiful, and your unique temperament combined with classical costume design leaves a lasting impression."
"Thank you," Joey Wong smiled softly.
"I've done many period films—not all fantasy roles."
Aaron stubbed out his cigarette.
"Perhaps you should consider Hollywood."
"I'm about to collaborate with Golden Harvest on a kung fu comedy. I think you'd be a good fit."
"Hollywood?"
Joey Wong's heartbeat instantly quickened.
Aaron shrugged lightly.
"At the very least, it's worth trying."