novellhall Chapter 210 Causing trouble on my film set? No way! [5000]
Chapter 210 Causing trouble on my film set? No way! [5000]
Chapter 210 Causing trouble on my film set? No way! [5000]
The vice president of Warner made a very tactful statement.
Chen Xun turned off the TV.
He knew Nolan couldn't handle this matter.
My phone vibrated.
Chen Xun picked up his phone.
It's Anne.
"I just saw the news, how could they do this?"
That's how capital works.
"Director Nolan was very angry; he smashed a cup in the conference room."
Chen Xun shrugged.
Whether it was just for show or they genuinely wanted Chen Xun to stay on set, Chen Xun remembered this gesture.
"Thank him for me."
"How are you?"
Annie sounded a little aggrieved.
She felt that all these events were caused by her inviting Chen Xun to explain the script.
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
Annie wanted to make it up to Chen Xun.
"You'd better not do anything right now and don't get involved!"
Chen Xun gave Annie some instructions.
Annie is currently in a transitional phase and doesn't have much energy left. She can only offer a few words of support online, which won't change the outcome of the situation.
"I'm not afraid!"
Anne's tone was firm.
"I'm scared!"
Chen Xun's voice softened: "If you still want to make it in Hollywood, don't offend Warner Bros. because of me."
Anne paused for a few seconds: "That's not fair."
"Hollywood is not a place that values fairness."
After hanging up the phone, Chen Xun opened the control panel:
[Highly praised by 65%]
It's gone up again!
Chen Xun felt that if the fermentation continued for a while, he could level up directly even without going to the film set to film.
Just then, a golden attribute orb fell from his body:
[Adversity Resilience +18]
After absorbing the energy, Chen Xun felt that the knot in his heart had been lightened considerably.
I never expected that attribute balls would have this effect.
In the afternoon, a commentary from The New York Times suddenly appeared on social media:
Warner Bros.' business decisions and Hollywood's racial glass ceiling
The article listed several statistics: "In A-list Hollywood productions, Asian actors make up less than 3% of the cast!"
"Over the past decade, 17 Asian actors have been replaced at the last minute, 12 of whom were due to public pressure."
"When Warner Bros. suspended a Chinese actor's scenes for commercial reasons, they were actually saying that in this industry, the skin color of some people is a commercial risk. This is not only a setback for Chen Xun personally, but also an issue that the entire industry needs to reflect on."
This article was widely shared, and many people in the industry began to speak out.
A Black director tweeted: "Last year, I wanted to cast an Asian lead in my film, but the producers said the market wouldn't accept it. Now Warner Bros. is doing the same thing, so what's the problem?"
"Hollywood's diversity is always just talk; when it really comes down to it, it's still the older white men who call the shots."
A Latino screenwriter also complained on Twitter.
Chen Xun's incident acted as a catalyst, prompting more professionals who had suffered injustice to speak out.
Even several white actors stood up and said, "I feel sorry for Chen Xun. Casting should be based on ability, not skin color."
"If Warner Bros. can replace Chen Xun today because of his skin color, they can replace anyone tomorrow because of their gender, sexual orientation, or religion."
These voices were quickly drowned out by the counterattacks of racist supporters who had just won their victory.
"You just can't stand to see white people doing well!"
"Hollywood is supposed to be white!"
"How much money did Chen Xun give you?"
The conflict started with Chen Xun and spread to racial issues throughout Hollywood.
Warner probably didn't expect things to develop this way.
At 4 PM, Warner's stock, which had just been rising, began to fall.
It went from a slight increase of 0.3% to a decrease of 0.5%, and then to a decrease of 1.2%.
Although the magnitude is small, the trend is obvious.
Investors aren't stupid!
If this incident truly escalates into a racial discrimination scandal, it will affect not only Nolan's film, but the entire Chinese-speaking world—
Na's brand image.
Rob called excitedly: "See the stock price? Warner is starting to panic!"
It seems this guy didn't buy Warner stock.
"and then?"
Chen Xun countered with a question.
"They might reconsider."
Rob's tone was full of anticipation: "But they won't change their minds right away, that would be too embarrassing. I guess they'll drag it out for a while, until the hype dies down, and then quietly bring you back."
"What if I don't want to?"
"What?"
"If they asked me to make this movie again, I might not be willing."
Chen Xun adjusted his posture to make himself more comfortable on the sofa: "The release date for 'Fast & Furious' has been set. Director Justin Lin has been very good to me, and I can't let him down."
"But Interstellar is a Nolan film, so this is a rare opportunity."
Opportunities are mutual.
Chen Xun's tone showed no regret for missing out on Nolan's film: "When they didn't want me, I found other opportunities. Now, if they want me back, it depends on whether I have the time."
Robert paused for a moment.
The two chatted for a few more minutes about the filming of "Fast & Furious 6" before hanging up.
Even after hanging up the phone, Robert couldn't shake off Chen Xun's words.
He's always been involved in the Hollywood scene.
They had long heard of Nolan's reputation, and in their eyes, being able to act in a Nolan film was an opportunity they absolutely could not miss.
Chen Xun, on the contrary, didn't have such a strong bias towards Nolan.
He's just a director, yet he's easily manipulated by capital.
Chen Xun packed his luggage and took a plane on time the next day to the set of "Fast & Furious 6" in London with Rob.
He thought it was just a normal check-in process, signing in and meeting the director.
-
Then arrange the action sequences and rehearsals.
After all, the Fast & Furious series has a lot of action scenes, so preparations have to be made in advance.
As soon as I got off the bus, I was sprayed in the face with confetti.
"welcome!!!"
Twenty or thirty people gathered at the entrance to the film set, with director Justin Lin standing at the front, holding an empty confetti canister.
Chen Xun wiped his face; the ribbon was golden and shimmered in the morning sunlight.
"Director Lin, this is—"
"Welcome to the party!"
Lin Yibin patted him on the shoulder with a smile: "I heard you haven't been having a good time lately, come here to change your mood."
Vin Diesel walked over, didn't say anything, and gave Chen Xun a tight hug.
Very hard!
Chen Xun felt his ribs cracking.
"Welcome back to the family."
Fan Song drove him away; his bald head reflected the sunlight.
"Thanks."
Chen Xun was a little confused.
Although it's a welcoming ceremony, this is a bit too much!
Paul walked over, his smile gentle: "Director Lin said he's not working today, he's throwing you a welcome party as a surprise!"
"This is too expensive!"
"It won't cost you anything!"
Justin Lin put his arm around him and walked into the film set: "It's just a get-together for everyone, to eat, drink, and chat. Our crew doesn't have that many rules; we're all family."
A temporary rest area was set up on set, with a long table full of food.
Pizza, burgers, fried chicken, salad, and a whole bunch of drinks.
Chen Xun noticed that there was no wine on the table.
He felt a warmth in his heart.
Since he decided to quit drinking last time, he has hardly touched alcohol, and I didn't expect everyone to still remember.
Lin Yibin followed his gaze and explained, "Considering you might not want to drink alcohol lately, I've switched to juice and soda. But if you want some, I have some in my office."
"No need, juice will do."
"Then let's have juice!"
Everyone took their seats one after another.
Chen Xun was placed between Justin Lin and Vin Diesel, a position that was clearly the main seat.
"Come on, everyone, let's raise a glass!"
Justin Lin stood up, holding a glass of orange juice: "Welcome Chen Xun back to the Fast & Furious family! No matter what you've been through outside, here you are one of us. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Twenty or thirty cups clinked together, making a crisp sound.
Chen Xun took a sip of orange juice.
Very sweet.
Paul Walker asked across the table, "You've been training for a long time on Nolan's new film. I heard it was tough?"
"It's so cold!"
Chen Xun couldn't help but shudder at the thought of Iceland's environment.
"How cold is it?"
Paul noticed Chen Xun's physical reaction and couldn't help but feel curious.
"It's minus twenty degrees Celsius, and you still have to walk around in a 40-kilogram spacesuit."
Wow~
A gasp of surprise rippled across the table.
Gale exclaimed, "That must be even more tiring than filming car scenes!"
"It's not quite the same!"
Chen Xun explained with a smile, "Driving is more like an adrenaline rush, while Nolan's movies are more like a slow, deliberate process, leaning more towards dialogue."
"It's all for the sake of making good movies."
Lin Yibin sighed.
It would be a lie to say I'm not envious of the treatment Nolan receives.
However, his Fast & Furious series is becoming increasingly popular, and it's hard to say who will have the highest box office in the future.
For the next hour, everyone ate and chatted.
We talked about movies, cars, and our own interesting stories.
Vin Diesel said that the Toyota Supra he drove while filming "Fast & Furious" was actually his own car; the production budget was insufficient, so he simply drove it.
Paul revealed that Vin Diesel was terrified of spiders on set. Once, the props department put a fake spider on his seat, and he jumped three meters high.
As Chen Xun listened to these words, he suddenly felt a little dazed.
This was completely different from his experience on the set of Interstellar.
Nolan's crew is very meticulous, with everyone operating on their own track, like a precise machine.
It's like a family gathering here, noisy and warm.
Moreover, compared to when we were filming Fast & Furious 5, everyone was more relaxed, and it really felt like family.
"Hey, what are you thinking about?"
Justin Lin nudged him.
"It's nothing, I just feel so good to have you guys!"
"Because we've all been there."
Justin Lin took a sip of juice: "I've been in Hollywood for so many years, I know how tough it is for Asian directors, and it's the same for you. Actors have it even tougher, so I'll help if I can and take care of you if I can."
Chen Xun nodded.
Filming has officially begun.
Streets in central London have been closed off, with police tape erected on both sides.
Chen Xun's first scene in "Fast & Furious 6" was filmed here.
A car chase scene in the street.
When Chen arrived, the site was already filled with machines, and staff were running around.
He had just gotten off the trailer and hadn't even reached the director's monitor when a group of reporters surrounded him.
"Chen Xun! Look this way!"
"Can I say a few words?"
"How do you feel about being suspended from your role by Warner Bros. and now joining 'Fast & Furious 6'?"
Chen Xun stopped in his tracks.
He hadn't expected the reporters to follow him so closely.
"I'm in a great mood and honored to continue joining this series."
Chen Xun did not show any frustration.
This seemed to disappoint the journalists somewhat.
"Warner Bros. said your project was suspended due to public pressure. Do you think the Fast & Furious crew might be facing the same pressure?"
The person who asked the question was a male reporter wearing glasses, and the logo on the microphone was that of the Daily Mail.
Chen Xun glanced at him: "Director Lin and the crew welcomed me very much, and I didn't feel any pressure."
"But some people online are saying you shouldn't be playing the lead role in an American blockbuster —"
"Fast & Furious is a Universal Pictures film, and my character is an Interpol agent, who is supposed to be Asian."
""
Chen Xun interrupted him: "I think you should ask the screenwriter about this."
Another reporter squeezed in: "There are rumors that Warner Music might permanently replace you. Would you consider returning to China to develop your career?"
"My current focus is on making 'Fast & Furious 6' well; I'll think about the rest later."
Chen Xun wanted to leave, but the reporter wouldn't let him pass.
Just then, a commotion arose nearby.
Another group of people arrived outside the cordon.
More than twenty people were holding up banners with white backgrounds and black lettering, just like the ones that had appeared in front of Warner's office building before.
The words on the banner have changed, but the meaning remains the same: "Asians, get out of Hollywood!"
"Fast & Furious doesn't need Chinese people!"
"Chen Xun is not fit to play an action hero!"
Everyone present looked over.
The reporters got excited and all turned their cameras to look.
Chen Xun stood still, looking at the group of people.
They chased them all the way from America to Britain, just to hold up a few banners and shout a few slogans.
Fake!
Chen Xun cursed.
They've given these people too much face; we'll hunt them down and kill them!
This means we have to send him back to China.
They seem quite dedicated; I wonder how much they'll earn.
One protester picked up a megaphone and began shouting, "Chen Xun! Go back to China! Hollywood doesn't welcome you!"
The sound was very loud; the entire film set could hear it.
-
The staff started making noise and all looked at Chen Xun, who was standing in the crowd.
Lin Yibin stood up, picked up the walkie-talkie, and said something.
Then Chen Xun saw Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Gal Gadot, and Jordana Brewster —
The entire cast and crew emerged from their respective trailers or rest areas.
They ignored the group of protesters and walked straight to Chen Xun.
Vin Diesel was the first to speak, his voice not loud, but everyone could hear him: "Here, nobody can bully family."
After he finished speaking, he stood to Chen Xun's left.
Paul stood on the right: "Chen Xun is one of us, it's that simple."
Gail continued, "Anyone who wants to get rid of him should ask us if we agree first."
Jordana Brewster, Tyrese —
One by one.
The entire cast surrounded Chen Xun in the middle.
Reporters took photos like crazy.
The protesters outside the police line were still shouting, but their voices were drowned out by the sound of camera shutters.
Director Justin Lin then walked over, holding the director's microphone.
This thing is connected to all the loudspeakers on site.
He spoke into the microphone: "Listen, I don't know who hired you, and I don't care, but causing trouble on my film set is unacceptable!"
He paused, then said firmly, "What is 'Fast & Furious' about? It's about family. No matter what happens, your family will always be on your side. Chen Xun is now a member of our family. You want to kick him out? Fine, kick all of us out first."
The scene was quiet for a few seconds.
The staff began to applaud.
The applause grew louder and louder.
"This scene is worthy of making the front page!"
Reporters were snapping photos non-stop, all eager to capture this rare scene in the entertainment industry.
The protesters were about to shout something when the person with the megaphone tried to do so, but the security personnel hired by Universal Pictures had already moved on.
The security in the UK is far more robust than that at Warner.
Start clearing the area immediately.
"You can't do this! This is a public area!"
"Gatherings are prohibited in public areas; you did not apply for a permit."
The security chief remained calm: "Leave now, or we'll call the police."
The protesters were still struggling, but were asked to leave one by one.
Throughout the entire process, Chen Xun stood in the middle of the main cast.
After the protesters were cleared away, reporters tried to surround them again, but Justin Lin waved his hand and said, "We're starting filming now, no more interviews. Media friends, please go to the designated area."
The reporter was guided by staff to the outside of the filming area.
The main cast then dispersed.
Vin Diesel patted Chen Xun on the shoulder: "Are you alright?"
"fine!"
Chen Xun was somewhat moved.
It's truly fortunate to have such a group of people around you in a foreign land.
"There are idiots like that everywhere, just ignore them!"
Paul put his arm around Chen Xun's shoulder: "Let's film our own!"
Gail leaned closer: "You looked so cool just now!"
Everyone laughed.
Justin Lin called Chen Xun to the monitor: "In the first scene, you drive out from that street corner, then brake suddenly, get out of the car, and be quick and clean. You're playing a detective, not a street thug."
"clear!"
"That scene will definitely go viral online. Be prepared, it might trend on social media again."
Lin Yibin gave Chen Xun some instructions.
Chen Xun nodded.
He's used to it!
The first scene went very smoothly.
Chen Xun honed his driving skills in Fast & Furious 5.
A beautiful drift and a sudden stop brought the car to a smooth halt at the marked point.
He got out of the car and closed the door in one smooth motion.
"Cut!"
"You did a great job!"
Lin Yibin was very satisfied.
After filming the first take, Chen Xun returned to the rest area.
Rob came over with his phone: "Twitter is exploding."
"What's wrong now?"
"Someone posted the video from earlier, and the entire 'Fast & Furious' family is showing their support for Chen Xun. It's already been shared over 100,000 times!"
Chen Xun took the phone and looked at it.
The video was shot from a reporter's perspective.
Protesters chanted slogans, the main cast came out, Vin Diesel talked about his family, and Justin Lin grabbed a microphone and confronted them.
"That's what a team is all about!"
"Warner Music, look at this! Now you know what vision is!"
"Vin Diesel is so handsome!"
"Why does Chen Xun deserve this kind of treatment?"
"Is it enough that he's Chen Xun?"
"Those protesters look like clowns—"
"Following me from America to England, that's true love."
Chen Xun scrolled down and saw an interesting comment: "Did Chen Xun get a spell on the production crew? Why is everyone protecting him?"
Someone replied: "Maybe it's because he's really capable and doesn't cause trouble; people like that are rare in Hollywood."
-
Just then, Annie sent me a message: "I saw the video! Your crew is so sweet, I'm so envious!"
Chen Xun replied, "Come on, let's play!"
The afternoon's scene was an ensemble piece, with all the main actors present.
The film is of a planning meeting.
Everyone gathered around a map, discussing how to deal with the villain.
This scene has a lot of dialogue, but the atmosphere is light.
Halfway through filming, Tyrese suddenly burst out laughing: "Sorry, sorry, I saw Chen Xun looking very serious and saying that we need three cars to break in at the same time, which reminded me of how he was surrounded by reporters earlier."
The people around burst into laughter.
Tyrese said to Chen Xun, "Hey, Officer Chen, what would you do if someone rushed in right now with a banner?"
"I will arrest them according to the law, on charges of disturbing public order."
Chen Xun shrugged.
"What if they can't make the arrest?"
"Then let's memorize their faces and settle accounts after filming is finished."
The audience burst into laughter again.