Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 102 Filming Trip to the United States

The day after the casting of the female lead in "Inception" was finalized, there was a knock on Fu Yibai's office door.

Liu Yan pushed the door open and came in, her expression somewhat subtle.

"Mr. Fu, Zhang Ziyi's agent called and said she would like to invite you to dinner to thank you for giving her the opportunity to audition."

Fu Yibai looked up, his pen pausing for a moment.

"grateful?"

"Um."

Liu Yan nodded.

She said that although she wasn't selected, she was already honored to have participated in the audition and wanted to express her gratitude in person.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair and tapped the table lightly with his fingers.

He wasn't quite sure what the woman was thinking, but whatever it was, he didn't have the time for it.

Because he was about to go to North America to film, news came from Warner Bros. and the franchise that the preliminary preparations were basically completed.

Fu Yibai has been handing over the company's tasks for the past few days before heading abroad again.

Tell her you're too busy lately and we'll talk about it when you get back from the US.

Liu Yan breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, and left.

The Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival was held in Yinchuan on September 16.

Fu Yibai and Fan Binbin were unable to participate because they were already preparing to go to the United States to film "Inception".

Capital International Airport.

Fu Yibai, along with Fan Binbin and the team, boarded a plane bound for Los Angeles.

Although the filming crew was provided by Franchise Films, it was a rare opportunity to learn, so Fu Yibai naturally brought his domestic team along to learn the filming techniques of Hollywood special effects blockbusters.

In mid-September, the sun was blazing in Los Angeles.

Fu Yibai led the group out of the airport.

He could clearly sense the tension in the woman beside him.

"Nervous?" Fu Yibai turned his head to look at her.

"A little."

Fan Binbin frankly admitted it.

"My first time filming in Hollywood, and I'm working with Leonardo DiCaprio..."

I wouldn't even dare to dream of doing that.

"Then perform well."

Fan Binbin nodded and took a deep breath.

Margaret picked me up from the airport; she drove herself in a spacious and comfortable black Cadillac Escalade.

Two minivans followed behind.

"Payment is due; the hotel has been arranged."

Leonardo has confirmed that he'll be joining the production the day after tomorrow to film his scenes in Los Angeles.

Fu Yibai nodded.

"What about the photo studio?"

"The Warner Bros. studio is ready, and the B-team director has arrived. Would you like to meet him?"

"Tomorrow morning, please."

The car left the airport and drove along the highway towards the hotel.

Fan Binbin leaned against the car window, gazing at the unfamiliar street scene outside, his eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of nervousness.

It was already 5 p.m. when we arrived at the hotel.

After checking in, Fu Yibai escorted Fan Binbin to her room.

"Get some rest, get yourself ready tomorrow, and officially join the crew the day after tomorrow."

Fan Binbin stood at the door of the room, looking at him, hesitant to speak.

"What's wrong?"

"Yi Bai..."

She lowered her voice.

"I'm a little scared."

Fu Yibai looked at her; her face was still radiant under the hotel lights, but the tension in her eyes was impossible to hide.

He reached out and ruffled her hair.

"What are you afraid of?"

You've memorized the script, practiced your English for over a month, and even finished the action scenes.

What do you have to be afraid of?

"But……"

"No buts."

Fu Yibai interrupted her.

"You are Fan Binbin."

Fan Binbin paused for a moment, then smiled with his eyes crinkling.

"Yes, I'm Fan Binbin."

The door closed, and Fu Yibai turned and walked towards his room.

The next morning, Fu Yibai held a brief project meeting in the hotel conference room.

Margaret, B-unit director James Foley, cinematographer Wally Pfister, and others were present.

Valery Pfister is Nolan's go-to cinematographer, and it took Fu Yibai a lot of effort to recruit him to Charters Pictures.

After the meeting, Fu Yibai and James Frey had a private conversation.

That evening, Leonardo, who was supposed to arrive the next day, unexpectedly arrived early.

At this point, Leonardo DiCaprio had not yet indulged himself and become a greasy middle-aged man, but the width of his face had already increased significantly.

The moment he saw Fu Yibai, he gave him a warm hug.

"Oh, pay."

I'm so glad to finally see you.

"Uh, Leo, you're too enthusiastic."

Fu Yibai patted the other person, feeling a bit awkward.

"Haha, sorry, sorry, I got a little excited."

Leonardo released Fu Yibai and then continued, "Fu, your 'No Country for Old Men' was excellent."

I admire talented directors like you the most.

Do you have any plans for your next award-contending film?

Are you short of actors? What about me?

"…"

Leo, I'm sorry, I don't have any plans to shoot an award-winning film at the moment.

As you know, I just won the Golden Bear this year, so I need to take some time to reflect.

Of course, I see your enthusiasm, and once I'm ready, I'll definitely give you priority consideration.

Leonardo DiCaprio looked disappointed when he heard Fu Yibai's answer, but he quickly smiled again.

"Settling?"

Fu, you're only twenty-four, what are you agonizing over?

But it's okay, I'll wait.

I've decided to be your friend.

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall.

Then he lowered his voice and said, "How about I throw a party tonight? I'll invite some 'friends' over."

You've definitely never tried Hollywood specialties before!

Looking at Leonardo's mischievous eyes, Fu Yibai felt a wave of embarrassment.

"Well, we're filming tomorrow."

Get a good rest tonight.

There's no rush about the party.

"Let's celebrate properly after filming wraps up."

Fu Yibai wasn't exactly a gentleman either; he'd never actually tasted anything from Hollywood in his life.

But the timing isn't ideal right now, so we need to prioritize the filming.

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you. I'm definitely going to be your friend!"

Okay, let's celebrate properly after filming wraps up.

Leonardo was very happy to have made a friend who shared his tastes.