Los Angeles, Burbank area hotel.
Director Ang Lee, producer Bill Kong, and music master Tan Dun checked into the hotel.
Ang Lee, needless to say, is arguably the most prominent Chinese film director in Hollywood.
Bill Kong also has a considerable reputation; he is a renowned film producer, one of the few who can bring Eastern films to America. He was even the primary promoter for the overseas distribution of Zhang Yimou's "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers."
Tan Dun is an even more famous music master in the Chinese community, having won countless awards both domestically and internationally. He also participated in the creation of the emblem logo music and award ceremony music for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
All three are highly celebrated Chinese figures!
"With American capital, our 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' can open up to the international market. Otherwise, relying solely on our own strength would be extremely difficult," producer Bill Kong said in a deep voice.
Tan Dun echoed, "While Page Films is a new film company, its development in recent years has been exceptionally rapid, and its recent overseas distribution results have been remarkable. If they participate, it would naturally be excellent. But the question now is, will they agree?"
Director Ang Lee's face was bitter.
Would Page Films agree?
He had no idea!
Why did he go back to the East to shoot the Chinese-language film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" instead of staying in Hollywood, America?
Because his previous Hollywood film had flopped!
In March 1998, Ang Lee was invited by Universal Pictures to direct the film "Ride with the Devil."
The film had a production budget of up to 35 million US dollars, starring Tobey Maguire.
Logically, "Ride with the Devil" was a film about the American Civil War, but Ang Lee, a director skilled in art-house films, had a mismatch in genre and turned it into an art-house film, leading to a severe box office failure.
No, to be precise, the film was never even released in North America!
After watching the finished cut of "Ride with the Devil," Universal Pictures immediately dismissed Ang Lee.
What was he doing?
Can an art-house film make money?!
With a production cost of 35 million US dollars, how could Universal Pictures not be angry?!
Therefore, this film, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," was almost Ang Lee's last stand to return to Hollywood.
"Oh, right. Bill, aren't you in contact with Sony Columbia executives? Are they not interested in 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'?" Tan Dun suddenly asked.
It was well-known that Bill Kong, as a famous Hong Kong filmmaker, had good relationships with many overseas film companies, especially with Sony Columbia.
"Don't even mention it."
Bill Kong's tone suddenly became agitated: "Those Japs are just Japs, always dragging their feet. I talked to them in February, and they were all set. They even declared that for a production cost under 20 million US dollars, they would absolutely agree unconditionally. But when I went to them again in early April, they reneged and denied everything."
"Oh?" Tan Dun frowned.
"A few days ago, I went to them again. They agreed to participate in the investment, but they only wanted to put in 5 million US dollars, and that was after much persuasion on my part," Bill Kong said furiously.
Hearing this, Tan Dun immediately glanced at Ang Lee, who was sitting silently on the sofa.
This is Hollywood!
Hollywood only chases success!
When one of your films succeeds, those film company bosses will grovel to you; when one of your films fails, sorry, they will abandon you without a shred of emotion.
Directors, actors, and producers are all the same.
"Ding ding ding~~~"
Just then, the hotel room phone rang.
"Hello, who is this?" Bill Kong picked up the phone with an unpleasant tone.
After all, he was currently simmering with unvented anger.
"What?"
"Are you really Page Films?"
"Yes, yes, we have time the day after tomorrow, oh no, tomorrow too. Please rest assured, we can be at the Page Films building first thing tomorrow morning."
Anger, doubt, surprise, ecstasy... a variety of emotions continuously appeared on Bill Kong's face.
Bill Kong's expression naturally caught the eyes of Ang Lee and Tan Dun.
After all, Bill Kong's facial changes were simply too rich.
"Guys, you guessed it."
Bill Kong laughed, "The person who just contacted me was Page Films. We've agreed to meet tomorrow morning at the Page Films building for a detailed discussion."
Tan Dun immediately said, "This is undoubtedly good news."
As a Chinese-American, Tan Dun was naturally aware of Page Films' recent development.
The two films, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "300," had recently brought Page Films a lot of attention.
"Ang Lee, state your position," Bill Kong said, pointing at Ang Lee.
Hearing this, Ang Lee, who was usually shy, uncharacteristically spoke a few more sentences.
Page Films is a new film company, a leader among Hollywood's second-tier film companies, particularly renowned in Hollywood for discovering new directors and actors.
Directors Zack Snyder, M. Night Shyamalan, and Christopher Nolan, weren't they all renowned directors discovered by Page Films?
Even Zack Snyder, a well-known figure in advertising and music videos, had his theatrical films fully supported by Kyle.
The number of new actors it had discovered was countless.
Scarlett Johansson, Joaquin Phoenix, Charlize Theron, James McAvoy... The next day.
Ang Lee, Bill Kong, and Tan Dun successfully arrived at the Page Films building.
Kevin Love, Head of Distribution at Page Films, and Kevin Feige, Vice President, personally received Ang Lee and his team, which made the three feel quite honored.
After all, Page Films is now one of the top few film companies below the Hollywood Big Six!
"Total production cost 15 million US dollars?"
"No problem!"
"We, Page Films, can invest fully!"
After reading the script and production plan for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," Kevin Feige immediately stated his position, which thrilled and greatly surprised Ang Lee and his team.
"Mr. Feige, are you not joking?" Bill Kong said, barely suppressing his excitement.
It was too unexpected!
To say they would fully invest directly, that was generous!
Kevin Feige said solemnly, "When I say full investment, I mean full investment. Page Films' reputation is trustworthy. After the contract is signed, the first payment of 5 million US dollars will be disbursed immediately."
Immediately, Ang Lee and his team nodded repeatedly.
All three of them made their living in America and naturally understood Page Films' reputation and credibility.
Page Films' payment for directors and actors was relatively low compared to the industry average. However, they had never delayed payments or profit shares. Not once.
Page Films' reputation was universally praised!
A few days later.
The contract for Page Films to invest 15 million US dollars in the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was officially signed!
After reading the contract, Kyle couldn't help but beam with joy.
"The production cost was 15 million US dollars, but its box office in North America exceeded 100 million US dollars, becoming the first foreign language film in American film history to surpass 100 million US dollars at the box office."
"The previous record was held by Roberto Benigni's 'Life Is Beautiful,' with a final box office of 57.6 million US dollars."
"Moreover, 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's global box office performance was as high as 205 million US dollars."
Kyle not only valued the box office revenue of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" but also the influence this film would bring in the future.
The film's cast included renowned Eastern actors such as Chow Yun-fat and Zhang Ziyi.
The more successful "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was, the greater Page Films' influence in Asia would be!
"This is simply a beautiful thing that brings both fame and fortune!" Kyle laughed.