Chapter 957 Entering the Fashion Industry

The "Avatar" project is still in its infancy, but that doesn't overshadow Cameron's great enthusiasm for the project.

He shot a 30-second 3D experimental short to show the effect. Twain was invited four times in a row to observe on the spot.

Tang En was helpless, and after parting ways with Nicole Kidman the next day, he went to the 3D laboratory of Universal Studios.

Cameron had been waiting for a long time, and said with a smile: "Twain, you should come! You will be a witness to the birth of 3D movies!"

Tang En said angrily: "I still have a lot of things to do over there! Hurry up and see what you took."

The 3D experimental hall is not a normal projection hall, but a huge monitor screen, which can imitate a variety of 3D screens, and there are several types of 3D glasses.

3D movies are in the initial stage, and everything is being explored.

After being seated, Cameron enthusiastically introduced to Tang En: "Only after the actual filming will you know that 3D is not only an advancement of visual technology, but can also be used as a new film language, just like pushing and pulling. Just like shifting, it adds more diverse expressions to the narrative of the film."

Tang En shook his head and said disapprovingly: "Scenes that are too realistic will numb the audience's thinking. After all, 3D is a tool for commercial movies."

Cameron pouted, and at this moment, the screen turned on.

This is a short film with no real meaning. Through a set of long shots, it follows the process of a male protagonist from entering the house, changing shoes, undressing, going to the kitchen to drink water, and then walking into the bathroom.

Mainly to test the 3D effect.

The previous 3D images were all static 3D because the camera was too bulky to move. Dynamic 3D is made through post-conversion. This short film is actually a dynamic 3D picture made by a movable 3D camera.

On the screen, the male protagonist is opening the door with a key, and a male face appears. The effect is very flat and lacks three-dimensionality. When he opened the door and the room inside appeared, the depth of the picture suddenly increased, and he could feel the hero, the door and the wall stand out at once, showing a 3D effect.

Then, the camera followed the actor into the room and captured his slippers and clothes from the side. The surrounding environment, shoe cabinets, walls, and chandeliers all have good 3D effects, but the actions that the hero is performing lack sufficient 3D effects.

The same goes for subsequent shots.

The visual effect of the large background is very good, but the local effect, especially the 3D presentation of the dynamic effect, is not outstanding.

After watching the short film, Tang En frowned and said, "The macro depth is there, but the micro effect is lacking. James, your 3D camera needs to be upgraded. You can't always rely on the depth of the background and the Kuleshov effect to highlight the 3D effect. It seemed clumsy."

Cameron laughed: "This is just the original version, I'll show you the restored version!"

Then, Cameron gestured to the staff behind him again, and the short film was played again.

Sure enough, the short side that was played this time showed a very strong 3D effect, and even the facial features of the male protagonist showed an excellent 3D effect.

Tang En has experienced the era when 3D movies were popular all over the world in the later generations, and he has seen many beautiful 3D images. The current set of short films can only be said to be so-so.

However, for this era, the emergence of such a picture is indeed gratifying.

The 3D effect of this group of dynamic 3D short films shot by Cameron is even better than those shot with a still 3D camera!

Tang En nodded, "You can't put the cart before the horse. Since it's a direct shot, it's necessary to improve the shooting effect as much as possible. Post-production restoration is equivalent to post-production conversion. It's easy to learn, but the upper limit is low."

Cameron smiled and said: "Don't worry, this is the first short film. Before the film officially starts, I plan to shoot 10 experimental short films first. If the best effect is not achieved, I will never start the film!"

"OK."

"By the way, there is one more thing I need to ask for your help."

Tang En looked at him amusedly, "Isn't this the main purpose of your looking for me today?"

Cameron didn't hide it either, he smiled, "I just came back from Tokyo."

"Tokyo?"

"I went to see a Japanese manga artist, Kishiro Yukito, and bought a set of manga copyrights from him. I plan to make it into a movie."

Tang En said angrily, "Can you come over to 'Avatar'?"

Cameron said: "I will only serve as a producer, the workload will be very small, and..."

"What manga?" Tang En suddenly thought of something.

""Gunmeng"." Cameron replied, and said quickly, "It's a science fiction comic. The story takes place in the 26th century. Mysterious adventure."

This should be the movie "Alita: Battle Angel", but Twain didn't think much of it, and refused: "Not good. The science fiction theme, at first glance, is a commercial production with an investment of over 100 million yuan, and the risk factor is too high for a girl to be the protagonist." That's too high. This year, Tang En Pictures' "Mecha Enemy", starring Will Smith and Nicole Kidman, has a box office of just over 400 million US dollars."

It seemed that Cameron still wanted to fight for it, so Twain blocked his words directly, "I'm not interested in going to Japan to make movies based on them. New Universal has its own comic company. You should know that Japanese-themed movies have already been lost in Hollywood." Market, you should concentrate on studying "Avatar"."

It is enough to use a "Mulan" to reflect his feminist tendencies. There's no need to make another Alita: Battle Angel.

...

In order to develop a DVD player, Dolby Laboratories will complete the acquisition of four small companies and complete the integration of technology, production lines and supply chain, which will cost about US$18 million in total.

Tang En didn't pay too much attention to such a small matter.

Apart from the movie business, he only cares about the company's big strategy and big projects!

For example, the acquisition of Prada.

On November 16, 2004, New Global announced that it would wholly acquire the Italian fashion brand Prada!

At the same time, Prada also officially announced that Ms. Miuccia Prada, the chairman, stepped down and only served as the art director; Pagio Bethel also officially stepped down as CEO. The new management will be arranged separately after the merger is completed.

Because neither party is a listed company, no specific acquisition offer has been given.

However, the commercial media still gave many authoritative conclusions.

The total funds involved in this M&A transaction will be as high as 3.8 billion euros!

The price is higher than the market expectation of 3.5 billion euros.

Among the 3.8 billion euros, New Global will assume Prada's 1.5 billion euros in debt, and will also pay 240 million US dollars in cash and provide 19.8 million shares of stock.

After the merger is completed, the Prada family will have a place on the board of directors in the new Universal.

The Prada family has also become the fourth largest shareholder of New Universal Group after Tang En, Jobs, Dolby and his son!

Since then, New Global has officially taken a step forward, marching into the fashion industry with a high profile!

Moreover, as soon as he made a move, it was a heavy fist of thunder!

"Bloomberg Businessweek" reported: "New Global's acquisition of Prada will have many benefits. It can use its own advantages in information dissemination channels to strengthen Prada's recognition in the hearts of users and greatly increase brand value. Prada, a century-old store Throwing into the embrace of the emerging force of New Global will maximize its radiance!"

The "New York Times" believes that: "New Global has won Prada, which can be regarded as a successful foothold in the fashion industry. Prada has a very strong foundation and appeal in the industry, and is the ace brand in Italy. This acquisition indicates that New Global will have more room for market expansion.”

The "Los Angeles Times" reported: "New Universal saved Prada's debt crisis. There is no doubt that this merger is a very promising merger. It is rumored that Universal Pictures has long been promoting a film called "The Queen Wears Prada". , based on Lauren Weisberg’s novel of the same name. Now, they have an even stronger reason.”

Compared with the peace and harmony in the United States, the Italian media is a little crying.

Milan, Italy is the capital of fashion.

Prada is the brightest pearl in the fashion capital!

It's good now, it was bought by an American company.

"Italy has lost its national treasure, and the government's policy mistakes have plunged Prada into a debt crisis and reduced it to a game of capital."

"Prada's transfer to New Universal will completely lose its luxurious and artistic temperament."

"New Universal opened the door of Italian fashion with brutal capital."

"Prada's death."

...

Tang En didn't care what the Italians thought of this merger.

Europe is the capital of luxury goods, but Europeans are not very enthusiastic about luxury goods. North America and Asia are the largest consumer markets for luxury goods.

Twain has only one idea now, and that is to quickly get the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" out!

Use movies to quickly increase Prada's popularity, and open up the entire industrial chain in the upper, middle and lower reaches.

Although Anne Hathaway has moved out of Villa No. 2, it is impossible for her to refuse Tang En's call.

She is only 22 years old this year, and her career is still on the rise.

It's impossible to accumulate enough background like Nicole Kidman, so she doesn't need to use her own hue to please Twain.

For a beautiful woman like Anne Hathaway who is in her prime, her body is still the biggest asset.

"Twain, I'm not happy!"

Anne Hathaway sat on the sofa with her mouth pouted, and she didn't flirt with Twain as usual.

"What's wrong?"

Tang En was not in a hurry, and poured two glasses of red wine with a smile.

Anne Hathaway stomped, "Last year I made a movie called "Pretty Blonde". It was the first time I did a nude scene. I just wanted to break the impression of being silly and sweet. There was a breakthrough in the Internet. As a result, I received news a few days ago that the film will be released directly on DVD and will not be released."

Tang En smiled and said, "Did you get cheated?"

Anne Hathaway said in a depressed mood: "No, the director of the film is Barbara Capo, and the screenwriter is Stephen Gaghan. The film company can't do it, and its strength is too weak."

Tang En said helplessly: "Didn't I tell you, don't take plays indiscriminately, especially foreign film companies, it's very unreliable. Don't just obediently take off your clothes on the big screen just because of some film artists' tricks .”

Anne Hathaway sighed, "Twain, what do you think should I do? After "The Princess Diaries 2" was released, everyone said that my acting skills hadn't improved, and it was no different from when I was filming "The Princess Diaries." The box office of "Pirate League 2: Dead Man's Chest" is very good, but the reputation in the industry... Hey, everyone is not very satisfied with my performance, saying that my English accent is fake and ugly."

Tang En walked over and sat down beside her, handed over the red wine, and comforted him: "Don't worry, haven't I made all the arrangements for you?"

"Arranged? "Brokeback Mountain"?"

"That's right, "Brokeback Mountain"! This movie will allow you to gain the approval of a group of film critics."

"Oh, if only."

Anne Hathaway shook her head, took a sip of her wine, and then began to undress, ready to get down to business.

Isn't that why she was called here today?

Tang En smiled and said: "Don't worry, let's finish the business first."

"Is there anything else going on?"

Anne Hathaway blinked her beautiful big eyes.

Tang En said: "'The Devil Wears Prada' has officially been approved. You are the lead actress, and you will play with Meryl Streep. She has already agreed."

Anne Hathaway immediately became excited, "Really? Great! Who is the director?"

Tang En said: "The director is a newcomer named David Frankel. He has filmed many TV dramas before. When he was filming "Band of Brothers", he was quite recognized by Tom Hanks and recommended it to us. Later, he filmed Starz TV series "Entourage", which was a success."

Anne Hathaway said in surprise: "Ah! "Entourage"! Didn't the first season just end last weekend? I'm a loyal viewer, and I watched every episode. It's very interesting. I also know , that TV series, you are the screenwriter."

screenwriter?

Well, Twain once "screenwritten" dozens of popular American dramas and reality shows in his previous life, all of which were registered with the Screenwriters Association and Producers Association.

It is not an exaggeration to say that he is the screenwriter of "Entourage".

"You have to treat this movie with your heart. Your role is an assistant. You'd better find an opportunity to intern for a period of time. Otherwise, you won't be able to compete with Meryl Streep."

"Ok, I know."

Anne Hathaway nodded, in a good mood, with a bright smile on her face, "Why don't I work as your secretary for half a month, and consider it an internship."

"I?"

Tang En raised his eyebrows.

"Can't you? My academic performance in school is very good, not worse than your family's Natalie. Moreover, I have been admitted to New York University, and I will go to study next year. My major is Personalized Studies." Anne Hathaway Lifting her white chin, she looked slightly satisfied.

Tang En was still pondering.

Anne Hathaway leaned forward and whispered, "When you're busy, I'll help you work, and when you're not busy, I'll help you... relax, okay?"

"Relax? How to relax?" Tang En looked at her with a half-smile.

Anne Hathaway pursed her lips for joy, got up and sat on his lap, then slowly slid down until she knelt in front of him, her voice was very enchanting and charming: "Is this okay?"

Tang En smiled, "Go and be Tosca's assistant for a period of time. You can't handle the work on my side. When I need you, I will naturally call you."

Anne Hathaway giggled, "That's fine too! Then... shall we start now?"

"let's start."

Tang En was holding a glass of red wine, and at a certain moment, his eyes narrowed, and then he drank a glass of wine, looking contentedly enjoying it.

The taste is very positive.

Good wine!