"Oh my goodness! They look so enthusiastic. I thought no one would recognize us."
In the car, Gadot said in surprise.
Eric chuckled, "The hardcore fans are probably only those first dozen or so people. Everyone else is just watching the excitement."
"It's the same all over the world. When people see something exciting, they want to join in. When they see a celebrity, they want an autograph and a photo."
"Even if they aren't fans, spending a few minutes can give them something to brag about. Why not?"
Gadot rolled her eyes, "I'm enjoying the joy of becoming a big star. My dear, don't burst my bubble."
Hearing her affectionate address, Susan in the passenger seat couldn't help but look back.
But thinking about the big boss of a film company and a female star, it seemed quite normal.
She had been Xia Li Cooper's secretary for so many years, and at first, she also harbored the "great ambition" of becoming a mistress and then working her way up after succeeding.
Unfortunately, after trying to tempt him a few times, that guy didn't take the bait. She didn't become a mistress, but her abilities only grew stronger.
Later, seeing that this path was a dead end, she finally made up her mind and chose to get married.
"You old man, why don't you learn from your son? Look at this young man in the back; he is so outstanding."
"He's ostensibly here to promote a movie, but in reality, he's taking his young girlfriend on a lavish vacation."
"If you were as sensible as him, I would probably have moved into Beverly Hills long ago, and Eric would be calling me 'Mom' by now."
A series of fantasies flashed through her mind, and Susan's face unconsciously showed an auntie-like smile.
"What's wrong, Susan?"
Noticing her strange expression, Eric asked.
Susan quickly composed herself, "Nothing, Boss. Do you plan to rest first or work first?"
"It's not even noon yet, no need to rest. We won't be staying here for too long. Let's go with whatever you've arranged."
"Alright, then let's go check out the factory first."
The car drove for over half an hour along the highway and finally stopped in front of a factory.
Entering the factory area, a huge stone lion, painted yellow, was placed at the entrance, exactly like the MGM logo.
Eric couldn't help but laugh, "Why put something like this here?"
Susan began to explain, "Boss, the designer requested it. They said it's called 'doing as the Romans do.' MGM's symbol is a lion, which perfectly fits China's landscape layout."
"Actually, the designer originally wanted to place lions on both sides of the entrance, like those at the gates of traditional Chinese buildings, but I felt that those lions weren't the same breed as American lions and looked very awkward."
"So I had them design it according to our opening title. They say placing lions can ward off evil spirits and help business thrive."
Gadot laughed heartily, "So how's business? Is it really good?"
"It's been very effective, you could say. Come on, let's go inside and take a look."
The car continued forward, and soon they saw several trucks queuing up to load goods. Workers were busy loading the first one.
"Boss, according to your instructions, we prioritized building one workshop. Currently, there are two production lines operating inside."
"You see those being built in the distance? Those are workshops 2, 3, and 4. Workshop 2 is expected to be completed by late this month."
"I have already communicated with the relevant departments. Once completed, they will immediately come for inspection, and after passing, production can start right away."
As they spoke, the group got out of the car and walked. Seeing a few foreigners, the workers glanced at them a few times and then paid no more attention.
Some time ago, Eric transferred a team of sixty people from Dual Star Entertainment to provide technical training here in China.
Over the past month, they had seen all sorts of foreigners and had long lost any sense of novelty. Only the striking appearances of Eric and Gadot could attract a few extra glances.
They toured the production line, where everyone was busy working, producing one transformers merchandise item after another.
Looking at the familiar faces before him, Eric felt a pang of emotion. Although he was profiting from cheap labor, he was also providing them with employment.
Compared to working at a construction site, at least the safety here was higher and the benefits were better. He considered it a contribution to his hometown.
"Susan, how do their wages and benefits compare to other factories?"
"The basic wage is 15% higher than the average wage, and then it's piece-rate."
"What about other aspects?"
"Accommodation conditions are still relatively basic. The dormitory building is under construction and will take at least two more months to complete. After completion, it will also require special treatment to remove harmful gases."
"So, workers will have to wait at least three months to move in."
"However, I'm compensating everyone in other ways. Our food benefits are better, and the prices are lower than in other factories."
"Additionally, every evening, we organize movie or TV show screenings, including American and Chinese dramas, to help everyone relax."
"It's still open-air screening now, but I'm considering building a gymnasium in the future for everyone to exercise and watch movies."
Gadot couldn't help but exclaim, "Susan, you don't act like an American capitalist at all."
Susan looked at Eric, thinking that it was her boss who asked to treat the workers leniently. She really didn't understand why he had such strong feelings for China.
Eric nodded in satisfaction, "Well done. Also, it's crucial to pay attention to safety and absolutely prevent any accidents."
"Ensure all systems are in place, such as fire safety: fire extinguishers must be readily available, fire hydrants must have water, and regular inspections must be carried out."
After a tour, Gadot took a photo with the big lion, and the group departed.
At half past twelve in the afternoon, they arrived at Fengze Garden Hotel, the same old spot as last time.
Several unique and delicious dishes were prepared for Gadot, allowing her to taste authentic Chinese cuisine.
After eating, they returned to their rooms to rest. To avoid suspicion, they booked two rooms, but they would definitely stay in one.
"Honey, I have to go to the company this afternoon to discuss business. Do you want to come along or explore Yanjing City?"
"Of course I want to explore. I can't listen to you discuss business, and if secrets were leaked, it would fall on me." Gadot answered without thinking.
Smack!
A crisp sound echoed as a hand slapped her bottom, causing a ripple. Young skin was truly good; it would bounce back when pressed.
"I see your courage is growing. Are you letting loose now that you're out? You love to tease me so much."
"Hehe, I'm just treating this promotion trip as a vacation to relax. You haven't taken me shopping in ages."
Pinching her cheek, Eric comforted her, "Alright, alright, don't be upset, darling. After the event tomorrow, I'll take you to climb the Great Wall."
"This afternoon, I'll arrange a tour guide for you. Go see the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City. I guarantee you'll be amazed by the charm of this civilization."
In the afternoon, the car drove into Tech Port, where Oriental MGM occupied a building.
As a joint venture, it didn't charge any rent, which was one of its benefits.
The secretary led Eric and Susan to the sixth floor. Pushing open the door, they saw Han Sanping, Zhou Xiaopeng, and an unfamiliar middle-aged man sitting inside, puffing on cigarettes.
Seeing Eric, Han Sanping immediately showed delight, extinguished his cigarette, and quickly stood up and walked over.
"Eric Cooper, we've been waiting and waiting, and finally, you're here!"
With that, he opened his arms, and Eric was enveloped in a hug.
"Old Han, what's wrong? You're even more excited than those female stars."
Han Sanping patted his back, "I missed you, I thought of you day and night. If it weren't for so many things to do and complicated procedures for going abroad, I would have flown to America to find you."
"Female stars? I dare say I missed you more than all the female stars combined!"
Old Han was truly anxious. The Gregorian New Year was approaching, and the Spring Festival wasn't far off either.
But Oriental MGM had been open for several months, and its stove was still cold.
Forget about cooking, the firewood hadn't even been lit.
He was just waiting for Eric to bring the rice to the pot. Once the rice was cooking, he could pursue progress.
Eric naturally understood what he wanted and pointed to the briefcase in Susan's hand, "I came this time to solve your problems. The answer is right in there."
Hearing this, Han Sanping looked excitedly at the briefcase, "You've already written the script?"
"Mmm, we'll sit down and discuss its feasibility in a bit."
"Good, good, good. With you, the youngest Best Screenwriter in history, taking the lead, there's definitely no problem."
Beside them, Zhou Xiaopeng smiled at Han Sanping, "I say, Old Han, don't get too excited yet. Everyone, please sit. Let me introduce Eric first."
"This is Director Chen Ou, Deputy Director of our State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. All foreign films, TV series, variety shows, and other programs that want to enter fall under his jurisdiction."
"If he blocks the review process, even the most brilliant work will be rejected."
Eric shook hands with him, "Director Chen, although this is our first meeting, I must thank you for transformers being released smoothly without any cuts."
Chen Ou smiled, "There weren't any excessive scenes to begin with. A bunch of robots fighting is not as bloody or violent as 'Warming Wine and Slaying Hua Xiong' in Romance of the Three Kingdoms."
"Besides that, there's nothing much to review. Old Han even specifically came to greet me, which was unnecessary."
Eric thought that was true. After all, it was 2003, and the atmosphere for cultural creation was still relatively relaxed.
Political dramas, officialdom dramas, and ghost horror dramas were all allowed, and censorship for violence, pornography, and language was not very strict.
In a few years, the situation would be very different.
The group sat down, and Zhou Xiaopeng said, "Susan told me you visited the factory. You didn't even notify me in advance; I would have gone with you."
"It was a last-minute decision. Susan told me everything. You helped a lot with the paperwork during this time."
"You also helped us connect with distributors to find sales channels. Now, trucks are lining up every day to pick up goods, all thanks to you. I'll toast you properly tonight."
Zhou Xiaopeng waved his hand, "You're being too polite. It's all as it should be. After all, I brought the project here, and of course, Old Han also gets some credit."
"I'll definitely be attentive to the matters that follow. Putting everything else aside, the employment of several thousand people is no small matter."
"There's also tax revenue. In short, if you all do well, I do well. If I do well, the leaders do well. If the leaders do well, everyone does well."
Hahahahaha
They were all familiar acquaintances, speaking behind closed doors, and the atmosphere was very relaxed.
Han Sanping wanted to advance, and Zhou Xiaopeng naturally wanted to advance. Everyone's intentions were the same.
Besides, his help in connecting with distributors wasn't without benefits. To gain benefits and help his career, such a good deal was rare.
Susan took out meg script, and the group began to study it.
Old Han frowned as he read, and his frown deepened after finishing. He sighed and looked at Eric.
"What do you mean by looking at me like that? If there's a problem, say it. It's meant to be a discussion."
Old Han nodded, "Eric, then I'll just say what I think. Don't mind if my words are harsh."
"Did I rush you too much, and you didn't have time to polish the script? This meg seems a bit too rough."
"Both the dialogue and the plot seem old-fashioned. Only one shark-themed movie, jaws, is famous. Can this one work?"
"It is indeed a bit old-fashioned." Chen Ou agreed with this.
"Lao Zhou, what do you say?" Eric looked at Zhou Xiaopeng.
"My opinion is different. A shark theme isn't impossible. To be precise, unlike typical shark movies, this should be called a monster theme, right?"
"Look at the setting: a giant shark dozens of meters long, biting a boat in half. Is this a shark? This is a deep-sea monster wearing a shark's skin, just to make it easier for the audience to understand."
"This type of movie is universally appealing. As long as the plot is exciting enough, everyone is a potential audience."
Eric took a sip of tea, "When I was writing the script, I followed Lao Zhou's line of thinking."
"What you call vulgar and old-fashioned are common problems for commercial films. The model of commercial cinema is already fixed; the key is whose 'skin' is better and more innovative."
"We need to clarify one point first: Is Oriental MGM's first film for making money or winning awards?"
Han Sanping and Chen Ou said in unison, "Make money first!"
"Then there you have it. It's not an art film. Who cares if it's old-fashioned? I guarantee this movie will make money. MGM wouldn't just throw its money away, would it?"
Chen Ou hummed, "Chinese art films still have some influence in Europe. Focusing on commercial films is better. We are more interested in whether more Chinese cultural elements can be integrated into them."
Eric considered for a moment, "We can change some plot points, for example, add a romantic subplot where the male and female leads explore a certain city in China together."
"This way, we can take the opportunity to showcase some beautiful scenery and local customs. In short, the details can be modified."
"I understand your eagerness to export culture, but directly exporting values is not a good approach, because educating the audience is always the most incorrect method."
"Hollywood only influences audiences through the plot, rather than directly telling you what you should or shouldn't do."
"In my experience, truly globally successful films always export universal values like maternal love and the triumph of justice."
The group discussed for over an hour, finally settling on the script outline. Other aspects could be discussed and refined later.
As for the choice of the female lead, once the word got out, many actresses would undoubtedly go crazy vying for it.
Unfortunately, Eric would no longer be in China at that time; otherwise, who knows how many people would be scrambling to get into his bed. He could literally sleep with anyone he wanted.
After discussing the script, they talked about helping China establish overseas distribution channels.
Some time ago, China Film Group had already established a company in the United States, and with the help of MGM, they first set up operations in Chinese communities in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
They had already distributed director He Ping's warriors of heaven and earth, and regardless of its performance, it had at least opened for business.
After all, the time was too short, and achieving some results was enough to satisfy the leaders.
Having helped them so much, it was time for MGM to ask for some returns.
"Director Chen, Old Han, I want to establish a stable channel to introduce American films and TV series into China. What do you think?"