Chapter 683 Final decision
A straight suit, a tall figure, a tough face, a determined look, wise eyes...
This was Chai Jing's first impression after seeing Duke. Although the other party cooperated with the cameraman to take a promotional photo, she knew very well that this was definitely not an easy interviewee to deal with. She wanted to dig out some exclusive interviews from him. As expected, it should be very difficult.
Most importantly, she didn't have enough confidence in herself.
It is true that she is one of the best reporters on the TV station, but she is about to face one of the best directors in the film industry in the world, and in terms of business performance, he is the best one.
And from numerous reports, Chai Jing also knows that the other party can not only speak fluent Chinese, but also has a unique knowledge of China among Hollywood star directors.
These will naturally give her some good feelings, but they will not help the interview much.
Sitting on one of the two facing single sofas, Chai Jing retracted her gaze, thinking more about the interview that was about to begin. The audience attached great importance to this interview. The interview is very important for the program Face to Face, and all the interview questions are carefully selected by her and the stage.
The problems are mainly divided into three categories, one is Transformers, which the other party asked to focus on, the second is some more personal issues, and the third is Hollywood and Chinese movies.
After taking a few photos, Duke slightly tidied up his suit and strode over. As before, he politely extended his hand, Hello, Miss Chai.
Hello, Director Rosenberg. Chai Jing quickly stood up and shook it in his hand.
Please sit down.
Duke gestured to the single sofa opposite, waited for the other party to sit down first, then sat down and said directly. let us start.
This is not a live broadcast. After the show is recorded, it will be broadcast on weekends, just in time when the popularity of Transformers begins to subside.
To agree to this interview, Duke also has this consideration.
Since she was able to come here for an interview, Chai Jing knew a little about Duke's work habits. No more talking, he opened the notebook, took out a gel pen, and began to ask questions.
Looking down at the notebook, after the director made a start gesture, Chai Jing asked the first question, Mr. Rosenberg. As a film director, how do you choose between yourself, Hasbro and Transformers fans? What do these three parties think about Transformers?
I make my own movies and no one can tell me.
It's also true that even Warner Bros. won't interfere with Duke's production right now. During the prep, I always thought that if I made the Transformers very realistic, the effect must be very different from similar movies before. Since then. I have completely become the most addicted to deformation in the world. King Kong fans, and I'm committed to making this film accessible to people who aren't fans of Transformers.
Chai Jing interjected at the right time. You want a wider audience for your movie?
Duke tilted his head. Yes, I want to give the movie more maturity. I know there will be questions like this in the future - why make a toy movie so complicated? Can a child understand it?
The problem is that it's not just kids who watch this movie. Some Transformers fans are over forty...
Having said that, Duke waved his hand, Forget it, I said I'm off topic...
It's ok……
Chai Jing smiled, but the pen in her hand was quickly swiping behind Duke's name on the notebook - extremely confident, quick-witted, and lively speaking, it was easy to raise a sense of intimacy.
With limited time, she hurriedly asked the next question, I always hear the actors in Transformers praise you as a 'very, very great director who knows what acting is', we rarely heard this kind of mention before. Law. Did you do something different this time?
Duke shook his head. No. Listen to me, those are rumors, and news from the media is sometimes bizarre.
The spotlight was a bit harsh, he frowned slightly and raised the volume, I'm no different from other directors, I went to the set when James Cameron was filming Titanic, our director's method is very similar, we almost never When I leave the studio, I like to work with the actors on filming, I like the freedom to play with the actors, and I also enjoy the fun of improving and growing with them.”
However, many producers don't want to see actors like this. Duke shrugged slightly. They always say, 'It's not like this in the script! What the hell is he doing?
The gaffer made a slight adjustment to the spotlight, but it didn't affect Chai Jing. She interjected, Will you compromise? If not, how would you deal with it?
No, but I also don't yell at the producers like some directors do.
After thinking about it for a while, Duke said, My style is this, I would say to them, 'Trust me, there may be surprises in doing this.' Because the overall tone of the movie is already set, and occasionally it goes off the mark. It would be too outrageous. However, when it comes to action scenes, I am the devil's coach, and I must not go wrong in the slightest, because if it is close, the desired effect may disappear.
Chai Jing laughed, but did not forget her responsibilities and asked, Do you think the movie Transformers is very different from your previous works?
In interviews in North America, people always say to me, 'After you've done The Dark Knight, do you want to go back and make a movie with a bland subject matter?
Duke made a contemplative gesture, and then said, I thought about this very seriously, and felt that if I handled it in a cool way and had a good idea, I could direct a great action blockbuster and an excellent summer entertainment. Movies. I like to try things that no one has done before, and then my team worked hard for a few months to get the visual effects that gradually become real people from thin air. It is very challenging, like the audience sees a bumblebee, Immediately you realize that there is a living soul inside this machine.
There's a saying in Hollywood that you and your films drive the internationalization of the Hollywood film industry.
Unconsciously, Chai Jing turned the topic to Duke himself, Do you agree with this statement?
Duke gave only one sentence, The movie industry has never had a savior.
Chai Jing's question was like a barrage of cannons, So which do you think is more important for the movie, the special effects action scenes or the storyline?
Although the other party's problem is a little more acute. But Duke is not difficult to deal with. There is no way to compare, both are important, and neither is indispensable.
Do you know that some fans are dissatisfied with the special effects of Transformers? Chai Jing's speech speed is getting faster, There are many people on the Internet accusing you of being rude and making Optimus Prime grow his lips.
Yeah. This is indeed my idea. Duke replied unhurriedly, We have done a lot of facial expression research, if there is no movement coordination, it is really difficult to see the emotions of the characters. The lip robot expresses emotion, but it just doesn't feel right.
Chai Jing suddenly changed the subject, Have you ever thought about making a small production movie in the future, the kind that mainly relies on the actors to drive the plot?
No. Duke did not deny it. I don't have any interest in that kind of film, and my team and I never thought about flying to the south of France to make a film.
As a producer and director, you have the final say on the movie, but this also has side effects. Chai Jing began to focus on some situations in the Hollywood industry, How do you balance the relationship?
It's probably like you've got a stick behind your back for protection. But you hope you'll never need it.
In today’s Hollywood, the veil of mystery is gradually fading. Duke only mentioned some common situations. “Many people get angry when they hear that the director has the final decision. They think it is an insult to themselves; I'm exhausted, but I'm never going to hand over the final word. That's ridiculous.
Chai Jing looked at Duke and asked, Can you give some examples?
I was once advised, 'It's better not to talk too much about robots in Transformers 1.' Duke looked disapproving, so you really need to say something. Look at the audience and the producers. What do you think, then you know what to do next, and it's ultimately up to me to make a decision. But I'll also respect the filmmakers, like I think the Transformers movie would be better if you gave me another two weeks, but the filmmakers No way, no way, time will never run out.
Duke said seriously, Many people will ask what is a perfect movie? For a director, a perfect movie is that you have to keep every shot you like at all costs. If you want to make it bigger, you must have Final decision.
To participate in this kind of interview, the topic will inevitably involve the Chinese market and Chinese films. Duke has also stated in advance that he does not want to discuss these things too much, but Duke understands that it is impossible not to talk about this aspect.
However, the issues in this regard have been communicated in advance, and they are only very generalized things.
Chai Jing raised a few questions in this regard, China's status in the international market is becoming more and more important. Does this allow you to spend more time in the Chinese market?
It does, because the Chinese market is growing, and it's very important. Of course, the North American and European markets are also important, and the Latin American market is growing.
Duke mentioned all the answers prepared by Warner's PR staff in advance, but the changes in the Chinese market in the past few years have been very surprising and very gratifying. A few years ago, the annual revenue of the Chinese market was about tens of millions of dollars, but this Rising to hundreds of millions of dollars in both years, a market growth of this magnitude will make China one of the largest movie markets in the world.”
What do you think of Chinese movies now? Chai Jing asked again.
China is ramping up film production and selling its films to a global audience. Duke certainly praised, These are exciting times, and there is a good market for Chinese films, not only because people are willing to go to the movies. , but also because they are a great audience, they have great ideas, their tastes are very diverse. So for filmmakers, it's a very good audience, making a movie that can find an audience in China, which makes People are very excited. (To be continued^)