People Who Love Movies

As a screenwriter, it is very rare to be favored by a great director. However, if the identity of the director who favors him is too unimaginable, then for the screenwriter, this kind of thing will also feel a little too unbelievable.

This is the case for Zhuang Wenqiang — he didn't expect that he would suddenly receive a call from Sammo Hung, let alone that the person who wanted him to write the script was not Sammo Hung's company, nor a director from Hong Kong, but a director from Hollywood.

"We have some cooperation with Hollywood directors recently," Sammo Hung said in a very tough tone on the phone, not giving him any room to object, "They want us to write a gangster-themed movie for them, and director Nicholas Levi personally designated it. I want you to come up with some scripts, think about them yourself, and then come to Japan to meet me with a decent plan — this is an opportunity to cooperate with Hollywood, and the benefits cannot be missed, be prepared and don't embarrass me."

After finishing speaking, Sammo Hung hung up the phone and gave Zhuang Wenqiang no room to object. But after hanging up the phone, Zhuang Wenqiang felt this matter was quite unbelievable.

In his own capacity, it was incredible to be able to receive a call from Sammo Hung, and what he said on the phone was even more unimaginable. Director Nicholas Levi, looking for himself to write the script? It's October, not April Fool's Day!

Zhuang Wenqiang is not a person who lacks self-confidence. He is very confident in his talent for writing scripts and believes he will usher in success one day.

Hollywood is the most developed film industry in the world. As an insider, Zhuang Wenqiang is very aware of the gap between Hong Kong and Hollywood films. He has also heard of Levi's name and seen the movies written and directed by Levi.

In those movies, the transition between shots is smooth and natural, and there are many details that echo back and forth. While admiring him, who is also a screenwriter, he also knows the gap between himself and Hollywood.

No matter how you look at it, it seems a little strange that such a person asks himself to write the script.

Isn't he really kidding himself?

"If I tell you to write, you can write. What are you afraid of! Director Levi said that he wanted a movie about gangsters, and he didn't like movies written by Americans with this kind of theme. He likes gangster movies in Hong Kong, so let you write, our Hong Kong writes well in this area; what are you afraid of?"

He called Sammo Hung with anxiety, but all he got was a scolding. Although this proves things to be true. But Zhuang Wenqiang still couldn't be happy. Obviously, Sammo Hung really hopes to cooperate with people in Hollywood. In order to please foreign directors, he is also willing to squeeze Hong Kong screenwriters.

It's just that this script is so good? Zhuang Wenqiang smiled wryly at this.

Levi said that he doesn't like American gangster movies, and Zhuang Wenqiang believes it: it is very common for a big director to have a high vision, especially Levi's movies pay more attention to connotation, and he doesn't like to make his own movies purely commercial.

Gangster movies want to write story depth. That's not easy.

He came to Hong Kong people, it is because Hong Kong people dig more in this area! Compared with the fact that the United States can easily create a big gun battle scene, Hong Kong's financial and material resources are insufficient. So when shooting the film, they did dig deeper into other areas. But is Hong Kong stronger than the United States?

Zhuang Wenqiang did not dare to make any guarantees.

In the theme of gangster movies, the United States has a god-like figure like Martin Scorsese, and there is also The Godfather, the greatest movie in the history of film.

These movies are all box office and in-depth works. You can also know how high the level of Hollywood is. Now he has to write a script that satisfies Levi; how is it so easy?

But now, if Levi is not satisfied, Sammo Hung would not be happy. If Sammo Hung is not happy... With his status in Hong Kong, he will soon be in trouble.

What kind of script should he write to satisfy him?

Zhuang Wenqiang was thinking in distress when suddenly, a thought crossed his mind.

He doesn't have a good script, but his old friend Mak Siu-fai mentioned that he wants to shoot a two-hero gangster film. He has always trusted Mak Siu-fai's talent and ability; maybe Sammo Hung will be satisfied with his script?

But is it okay to rashly recommend Mak Siu-Fai? His recent two films have neither word of mouth nor box office. Now Mak Siu-Fai has also entered the trough of life. His idea seems to have been shown to several companies, but no one is willing to shoot it.

Would it be acceptable if he were to go to Sammo Hung and show this script? If Sammo Hung gets angry...

This is really a dilemma. Zhuang Wenqiang paced back and forth, thinking left and right, unable to make up his mind. This is a big deal for himself, Sammo Hung, and Mak Siu-Fai...

He suddenly remembered that Mak Siu-Fai had said he might leave the circle if this movie could not be made.

Thinking of this, Zhuang Wenqiang also made up his mind. He picked up the phone and dialed the number.

This is an opportunity for Mak Siu-Fai to turn around. Now that he is about to leave the film industry, how can he not help him? If Sammo Hung was offended, he could go to China to develop. If Mak Siu-Fai quit the film industry, it would be a loss to the film industry.

Since they are friends, they have to help to the end. Hope that Hollywood will like the script.

***

"I like this script very much."

Sitting opposite Levi, with a trace of nervousness and anxiety, Zhuang Wenqiang and Mak Siu-fai personally wait for Levi's sentencing. And when they heard Levi's words, both of them felt an inexplicable feeling in their hearts: First, it was relaxation, and they didn't have to worry about their future. Secondly, it is gratification and pride; their script was favored by Hollywood directors.

Mak Siu-fai's expression is especially like this. Although this movie called Infernal Affairs is still only a first draft, it can even be said that it is not a complete story, but it is his painstaking effort.

The main line and context of the story in the script. Logical concepts, even some plots, endings, and structures, have been laid out, and some details have even been drawn for the shots.

Such a script is very rare in Hong Kong movies.

Many Hong Kong-produced films have story structures and scenes that can change anytime. They need to be arranged according to the time and preferences of the actors. It is not often a movie script like this has been arranged well in advance.

Whether a script is good or bad can be seen a lot in the first step of preparation. This script has not been further processed and organized, and there are still many areas for improvement, but it is already very mature.

Such a script is worthy of Mak Siu-Fai's pride.

"It's fine if you like it. These two brats, not to mention writing a mature script, just get a draft and come out to meet people. Fortunately, Mr. Levi is generous. If you are not here, I will make them look good."

Is this the kind of movie you write in a week?

Sitting on the side, Sammo Hung responded with a smile, but his words made the two helplessly smile when they raised their heads.

"It doesn't matter if the script is immature. First, I can better see the creative ideas of the two of you. I can be more convinced that the script is excellent. Second, if I want to make a movie, I will have to change the script to an American version.

If the two of you have a completed script and many places need to be revised, it will be difficult for me to know which general frameworks cannot be moved.

I haven't asked for your permission yet. Can I make major revisions?"

Sammo Hung rushed to speak again, refusing to speak against their objections.

"If necessary, you can change it. Anyway, I sold the script to you, and it's yours." he nodded, but the expression was a little disappointed.

As a director, selling the script you want to shoot is terrible. And the other director is talking about revising their own scripts in front of himself, which is too distressing for a screenwriter.

If you don't want to sell the script, how long will you have to wait before you have the chance to be the director?

Levi seemed to see his expression and spoke again.

"Mr. Mai, you may have misunderstood. I bought the right to shoot the North American version of this script. If Hong Kong people want to shoot the Hong Kong version, I will not object.

You sold me only the right to adapt the North American version. If You want to shoot the Hong Kong version of the story yourself, and I really want to see how the movie in the hands of the original author will be different."

"I can still shoot it?" Levi's words gave him a very good feeling. He didn't intend to sell his movie abroad from the start. Wouldn't it mean he didn't sell anything if this is the case? This is really too much surprise, "Can I shoot it?"

"Of course, and I believe there will be investors in Hong Kong willing to invest in your film - I'm right, Mr. Hung?"

"Of course, a movie that Mr. Levi can value; can there be anything wrong?"

Levi's promise was only verbal, but now even Sammo Hung has promised, which makes Mak Siu-fai feel completely different: He knew very well how much Sammo Hung's help would do to him.

What Levi said was not perfunctory but really helping himself, wanting to let himself shoot this movie.

Could it be that he really turned over?

"Thank you very much, Mr. Levi..." Knowing it was Levi's credit, Mak Siu-Fai also quickly thanked Levi, but at this time, a question still lingered in his mind, "Excuse me, why are you helping me so much?"

"Because of this movie — this script, it deserves it." Levi paused, "And you are also worthy — helping someone who loves movies, why not do it?"

*****

Thanks and kudos for my patreons

Cherif Doghri

Scott DePaepe

MMMCMXCIX, or 3,999

Britanna

Mandy G

Adam LV

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