novellhall Chapter 277 Hollywood Shared Boyfriend [5000 words]
Chapter 277 Hollywood Shared Boyfriend [5000 words]
Chapter 276 Hollywood Shared Boyfriend [5000 words]
Chazelle didn't dare to delay.
He immediately made an emergency meeting call to the production team.
The people in the video had dark circles under their eyes, clearly indicating they had been staying up all night revising the script.
The group was instantly jolted awake by the bombshell he dropped.
"Lionsgate will invest an additional 20 million, bringing the total budget to 50 million. They won't interfere with any creative process; they'll provide whatever you want: film, long takes, mixing studio!"
Chazelle slammed his hand on the table, his excitement barely concealed: "Our only task now is to determine the start-up date, the sooner the better!"
"Damian, are you insane?"
One of the producers rubbed his eyes, thinking he was still half asleep: "There are still a few details in the script that haven't been polished, and the actors' makeup, costumes, and locations haven't been finalized yet. We'll have to wait at least another month, right?"
"Wait my ass!"
Cha Zelei retorted directly: "Right now, the entire internet is speculating about Chen Xun and Emma's collaboration. The hype is at its peak. Announce the start of filming while the momentum is high, and you'll save a fortune on marketing costs!"
"Chen Xun has almost finished practicing the piano, and Emma has already memorized Mia's lines perfectly. If we speed things up, we can start filming in three months and finish before awards season—perfect!"
The group looked at each other, and finally nodded.
With a budget of 50 million, we have plenty of confidence and can be assertive in everything we do.
That afternoon, Chazelle finalized the start date.
Filming locations were prioritized in Los Angeles, with iconic locations such as Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach all included in the shooting schedule.
At 6 PM, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate jointly announced the start of filming for "La La Land," with the caption: "La La Land officially begins filming, starring Chen Xun and Emma Stone, directed by Damien Chazelle!"
The news caused an uproar in Hollywood and across the internet.
Chen Xun was having his last piano lesson with Eddie when Robert suddenly called.
"Bro! Look at Twitter! Eight out of ten trending topics are about you!"
"What's going on?"
Chen Xun was a little surprised.
He hasn't done anything out of line lately.
The popularity of beach concerts has also waned.
"The official start date for 'La La Land' has been announced! You and Emma Stone are starring, and the whole internet is shipping you two as a couple!"
Chen Xun: ? ? ?
Have netizens gone mad?
His photo scandal had just passed, and now Emma Stone has appeared.
He felt a headache coming on.
Chen Xun hung up the phone and opened Twitter.
"Emma Stone + Chen Xun, what an amazing combination!"
"Wait a minute, didn't Chen Xun just finish playing the role of Gu Yi? Why is he suddenly acting in a standalone movie?"
"They've downgraded their status; manga adaptations are considered higher-profile films than art films."
"It's probably due to the impact of the previous photo scandal!"
"You don't know anything! Is it wrong for them to want to compete in the Olympics?"
The online debate surrounding Chen Xun's starring role in an independent film continues, generating increasing buzz.
Ten minutes later.
#La La Land Official Announcement#
#ChenXunEmmaStone#
#ChenXunDowngradesHisStats#
Several trending keywords appeared on the trending list.
Fans and haters are arguing fiercely.
"Chen Xun can only take on independent films now; no commercial films are offering him any work. He deserves it!"
"He is an actor with aspirations, but he doesn't want to be tied down by commercial films."
"What's all the fuss about? Let's wait until the movie comes out before we talk."
"Exactly, it's not too late to argue if we fall."
-
"Can you ship them up for a minute? Chen Xun is acting seriously."
"You're making it sound like Chen Xun is here to build a harem."
"Hahahahahahaha, I'm dying of laughter."
Chen Xun: I'm here to act, you idiot.
Chen Xun's piano lessons have come to a complete end.
"Is my skill level still terrible?"
Chen asked Eddie.
He has been practicing continuously during this period.
But mastering the piano is not something that can be achieved overnight.
Even though he improved rapidly, he could only play the pieces fluently, and he would often make wrong notes.
But his piano performance level has reached the master level.
"rotten!"
Eddie was not polite at all.
But he looked at Chen Xun with considerable satisfaction: "Your piano performance skills are now extremely strong. If this were the first time I'd met you, I would really think you were a piano master!"
"The actor truly lives up to his reputation; his abilities in this area are truly impressive!"
Chen Xun was stunned for a moment.
Then I laughed!
This was precisely his purpose in learning the piano.
What La La Land needs is not a real jazz piano master, but an actor who can convince the audience that he is a jazz piano master.
When Chen Xun arrived at the hotel at 9:45 the next morning, the entrance was already crowded with people.
Reporters set up a row of cameras and microphones, and several broadcast vans were parked on the roadside with their satellite antennas propped up.
As soon as the elevator doors opened, Rob was already waiting.
Today is the start of filming for "La La Land".
The entire crew was present.
The doors to the press conference hall were open, and the hall was already full of people.
Chen Xun glanced inside and saw at least two hundred seats, with many people standing in the back.
Chazelle was standing on the side of the stage, talking to a man in a black suit.
He waved to Chen Xun.
Chen Xun walked through the crowd toward the side of the stage.
Reporters along the route had already started snapping photos, and the flashes were going off everywhere. Some people stretched out their microphones and tried to get closer, but were stopped by security guards maintaining order at the scene.
"Chen Xun, look this way!"
What are your expectations for working with Emma for the first time?
"Will Christine come today?"
Chen Xun didn't stop, he just raised his hand and waved casually as a greeting.
As he walked to the side of the stage, Chazelle came up to him and patted him on the shoulder.
Are you nervous?
"What's there to be nervous about?"
Chen Xun glanced at the sea of people below the stage: "It's not like we haven't held press conferences before."
Chazelle slapped his forehead; he had almost forgotten that Chen Xun was once a highly sought-after Chinese actor in Hollywood.
The combined box office revenue from their films has exceeded 50 billion US dollars!
Compared to him, he was like a complete novice.
"There are twice as many media outlets here today as expected, and half of them are here for you and Emma."
Chazelle, on the contrary, seemed a little nervous.
His face was flushed, and his eyes were filled with excitement.
At the entrance, a red-haired woman was walking inside.
Emma Stone wore a black suit jacket over a white T-shirt, jeans, and canvas shoes.
She was dressed casually, but the way she walked showed that she was confident.
The moment Chen Xun saw Emma Stone, memories of her began to surface in his mind.
At this point in time, Emma Stone had just broken up with Andrew Garfield.
The label of "Spider-Man Couple" has followed them for three years.
Rumors of their relationship began during the promotional period for "The Amazing Spider-Man," followed by photos of them holding hands while shopping, living together, and walking their dog, before finally announcing their separation last month.
The entire internet is expressing regret.
Social media is flooded with fan-made mashups, all set to sad love songs, and the comment sections are filled with people crying.
Some people say they no longer believe in love.
Some say that no couple in Hollywood can last five years, while others blame Andrew's career slump.
Since the production of "The Amazing Spider-Man" was halted, he hasn't had any decent works.
Emma's career is on the rise.
Having just finished filming "Birdman," and having been nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress this year, her value has increased several times over.
The two drifted further and further apart, and it seemed inevitable that they would separate sooner or later.
But the fans don't think so.
They channeled their disappointment into anticipation for Emma's next project.
La La Land was Emma's first film after her breakup.
This was also her first time working with Chen Xun.
Who is Chen Xun?
The most complex man on the entire internet.
Netizens gave him a nickname: "Hollywood's Shared Boyfriend".
This means that it seems that almost every actress with some fame in the industry has been associated with him.
"Emma just broke up with her boyfriend and needs a gentle person to help her through this difficult time."
"Chen Xun is quite suitable; he's not greasy."
"What should we do about Christine?"
"Didn't Christine break up with Chen Xun? They haven't interacted in a long time!"
"Anyway, I think Chen Xun is a perfect match for anyone. This guy's CP (couple pairing) ability is amazing!"
When Chen Xun saw these comments, he was completely stunned.
He asked Rob, "When did I become a shared boyfriend?"
Rob replied, "People have been calling for this ever since the last photo scandal, and now it's spreading even further."
Emma walked to the side of the stage, saw Chen Xun, and paused.
Then he laughed.
"Hi."
Her voice was a little lower than I expected, like she had just woken up and hadn't had a chance to drink water yet.
Hi, Emma.
Chen Xun nodded to her.
Chen Xun and Emma walked onto the stage one after the other.
The stage lights went off instantly.
Chen Xun narrowed his eyes and sat down in his seat under the host's guidance.
Emma sat to his left, Chazelle in the middle, producer Jordan to his right, and several investors' representatives next to them.
The host gave a few opening remarks, followed by Chazelle's introduction of the film, explaining his creative intentions and why he chose Chen Xun and Emma.
As Chen Xun listened, his eyes swept across the audience.
Several familiar faces sat in the front row of the press section; they were all veteran entertainment reporters, holding recorders and staring at the stage.
Next is the Q&A session.
The first question was standard, asking Chazelle about his box office expectations.
The second question then shifted to the actors.
"I'd like to ask Emma, this is your first film after your breakup, why did you choose 'La La Land'?"
Emma picked up the microphone, her expression unchanged.
"Because the script is good."
She paused for a moment: "The script made me cry because I haven't seen such a pure love story in a long time."
"Is it related to the breakup?"
The reporter pressed for further details.
Emma glanced at him.
"It's related."
There was a two-second silence in the audience.
"It is precisely because I have experienced the sadness of a breakup that I can better understand the character of Mia."
Emma smiled and said, "I understand the way she pursued her dreams, the way she loved someone, and the way she let go in the end."
Chen Xun listened from the side and mentally gave her a thumbs up.
His first impression of this woman was:
This woman is very smart!
And they are very good at communicating with the media!
The third question suddenly turned to Chen Xun.
"Chen Xun, you and Christine haven't been interacting much lately. There are rumors online that you've broken up. Is that true?"
Chen Xun picked up the microphone.
"Fake."
"Then why aren't they in the same frame?"
"I'm always filming, I don't have time."
"Jennifer Lawrence previously issued a statement supporting you, your relationship —"
"We're just friends."
Chen Xun interrupted him, "Next question."
The reporter wanted to ask more questions, but the host had already pointed to people in the back row.
"Chen Xun, some netizens are calling you 'Hollywood's Shared Boyfriend,' what do you think of this nickname?"
A burst of laughter erupted from the audience.
Chen Xun smiled too.
Who came up with this name?
"It's already trending on Twitter."
Chen Xun nodded and thought for three seconds.
"That's quite fitting."
The laughter from the audience grew even louder.
"If you think I have great chemistry with everyone, it means I acted well and brought the character to life."
Emma couldn't help but laugh out loud.
She glanced at Chen Xun, her eyes showing a mixture of surprise and admiration.
The reporters, of course, didn't miss this moment.
The flashbulbs were pointed at the two of them.
Chazelle tried to smooth things over: "Ladies and gentlemen, today is the press conference for the start of filming of 'La La Land,' so your relationship issues are pretty much settled—"
The press conference started to veer off course halfway through.
Chazelle managed to steer the conversation away from Chen Xun's love life and back to the film itself. The reporters finally quieted down for a few minutes and asked a few professional questions about the shooting plan and the music style.
Chen Xun leaned back in his chair, with an unopened bottle of mineral water beside him, listening to Chazelle explain how to use long takes to recreate the feel of old Hollywood.
It was well explained, but it was a bit long.
This is a common problem for directors like Chazelle who come from a screenwriting background!
He glanced at the reporters below the stage; several had already started looking down at their phones, presumably tweeting in real time.
Suddenly, someone in the back row raised their hand.
He was a young reporter who wore glasses.
Chazelle stopped and nodded at him.
"Well----"
The reporter stood up and cleared his throat: "I have a question for Chen Xun."
Cha Zelei was helpless. He had originally thought the reporter was interested in his script, but he didn't expect the reporter to ask Chen Xun the question instead.
Having no other choice, he could only gesture for Chen Xun to answer.
Chen Xun straightened up and picked up the microphone.
"There are recent rumors that Lionsgate's additional $20 million investment in 'La La Land' was actually aimed at you."
The reporter spoke quickly: "And it's said that Lionsgate CEO Jon personally called director Chazelle, saying he wouldn't interfere with the creative process, wouldn't ask for GG product placement, and was simply offering additional investment."
There was a two-second silence in the audience.
Then people started whispering among themselves.
Chen Xun was also somewhat surprised.
Unexpectedly, this reporter has quite a wide network of connections; judging from Chazelle's expression, the information clearly didn't come from their side.
The reporter continued, "I've also heard that Lionsgate had some conflicts with you before, including removing you from the China roadshow for 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' and a dispute over profit sharing."
"So I'd like to confirm, is Lionsgate's sudden show of goodwill really because they want to mend their relationship with you?"
The question was posed, and the entire room fell silent.
The flashes stopped, and all the cameras were pointed at the stage.
Chen Xun felt Emma's gaze fall on his face from the left, and Chazelle's posture on the right became noticeably stiff.
That's a very direct question!
"I did have an unpleasant experience working with Lionsgate."
The audience fell even quieter.
Emma tilted her head slightly to the side, a hint of worry in her eyes.
Cha Zelei tried to smooth things over, but Chen Xun stopped him by raising his hand.
"But you're wrong."
Chen Xun looked at the reporter: "Lionsgate's follow-up investment in 'La La Land' isn't aimed at me, it's aimed at the project itself."
"But----"
"Let me finish."
Chen Xun interrupted him: "I read the script for La La Land before I took the job. Director Chazelle wrote it for two years and I don't know how many drafts he revised, but I really like the script."
"I was thinking at the time, why didn't I come across this script sooner?"
"This kind of pure expression is rare in Hollywood nowadays, and you entertainment reporters know it better than I do."
Some people in the audience nodded in agreement.
"So Lionsgate invested in the project because they recognized the value of the script, the talent of director Chazelle, and Emma's acting skills."
Emma couldn't help but chuckle.
The reporter persisted: "But as far as I know, Lionsgate's investment in this project was only 30%, with Summit Entertainment taking the lion's share."
"Why did you suddenly increase it from 30% to 50%, especially after you signed the contract?!"
Chen Xun looked at him.
This reporter has done his homework!
"Then why do you think it is?"
Chen Xun did not answer, but instead asked him a question.
Some things are not suitable to come out of his mouth!
I think—
The reporter swallowed hard: "I think it's because Lionsgate realized they were wrong before and wants to take this opportunity to repair their relationship with you."
"They underestimated your market value, treating Chinese actors as marketing tools to be used and discarded. They thought that 12 billion yuan in box office revenue could shut everyone up, but reality slapped them in the face."
The audience erupted in uproar.
That's incredibly bold!
I don't want to go to work tomorrow?
Some people started taking pictures, some were typing furiously with their heads down, and others were raising their hands to try and get a word in edgewise.
Chen Xun remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he stood up.
The entire venue fell silent instantly, and the flashbulbs of cameras went off incessantly.
Chen Xun took the microphone, walked to the front of the stage, and looked down at the reporter.
The young man's face turned pale, but he didn't flinch; he just stood there straight.
"What's your name?"
"I—my name is Mike, Mike Thompson, an intern at The Hollywood Reporter."
"An intern reporter?"
"Yes, you'll be officially hired next week."
Chen Xun nodded.
Then he reached out his hand.
"After you're officially hired, remember to include what I just said in the script."
Mike paused for a moment, then instinctively reached out his hand.
The two shook hands.
Another burst of camera shutters clicked from the audience.
Chen Xun returned to his seat and picked up the microphone: "Whether Lionsgate is wrong or not is not my business to comment on."
"But the 20 million they invested today actually went into the La La Land project account, allowing director Chazelle to use the film he wanted and for us to shoot the footage he wanted at Griffith Observatory."
"That's enough!"
Chen Xun didn't say much else.
This time, he wasn't in charge of directing "La La Land".
Otherwise, Lionsgate's attempt to repair its relationship with him using these things is wishful thinking.
Disregarding Chinese actors and the Chinese market is the biggest mistake.
However, we can accept Lionsgate's overtures for now.
Whether it's doing charity work or making movies, the more money the better.
Chazelle finally found an opportunity to interject: "Chen Xun is right, our only goal now is to make a good movie."
"Lionsgate's investment is an endorsement of the project, not compensation for any individual. We hope everyone will focus more on the film itself."
Emma chimed in, "Right, stop focusing on Chen Xun's love life. His fingers are almost swollen from practicing the piano. You may not feel sorry for him, but I do."
The laughter from the audience grew even louder.
A panel appeared in front of Chen Xun's eyes:
Project Name: La La Land
[Current filming progress: Restaurant scene]
[Performance Rating: D—]
Director's satisfaction rating: C
Team Collaboration: E+
[Audience Expectations: E—]
Overall Rating: D—
[Reward: None]