Chapter 30

"Really, you said that?" In a small bar, Vin Diesel was surprised, his mouth wide open.

Even Tom Hanks, standing nearby, couldn't help but shake his head. "I've never met a young man as confident as you. Do you really think DreamWorks will agree?"

Chen Tian smiled and took a sip of his drink. "After all this talk, I feel they should agree now that I've proposed this contract."

"What?"

Vin Diesel shouted, "Impossible! Such absurd contract terms can't be found anywhere else in Hollywood."

Chen Tian shook his head. "Why not? From any perspective, DreamWorks has nothing to lose."

The numbers he proposed were carefully chosen. The box office split never exceeded the 30% threshold, and the DVD and other merchandise splits were cautiously increased, avoiding the impression of an exorbitant demand.

The profit-sharing ratio for a major Hollywood film often gives the distributor only 30%, and sometimes even 10% to secure the distribution rights. His film was produced by DreamWorks, and he was contributing his script, direction, and acting as part of the deal, but it wasn't a major production. While some directors in Hollywood, like Spielberg, earn more than the film's profit, 30% is still a limit; you can't earn more than the investment company. Most importantly, he didn't want to sour his relationship with DreamWorks before the film even started, so he suppressed his desire to demand a high price.

Money talks, and if the amount were smaller, it would be easier to negotiate. He was very clear about the potential of this film. When the time comes, no one would want the money that should be in their pocket to flow into someone else's.

30% is the bottom line; anything above that would be hard to get through.

Tom Hanks said, "You're overlooking the possibility of the film failing. If it fails, you'll have nothing and your reputation will be ruined, and you'll be out of Hollywood for good."

Chen Tian confidently replied, "The possibility of that is almost zero. I will succeed."

Tom Hanks shook his head and said nothing more.

Vin Diesel put his arm around Chen Tian's shoulder and shook him a few times. "Bro, I really... admire you this time."

"What are you admiring? That I'm better looking than you?" Chen Tian laughed.

Vin Diesel, unusually serious, said with a hint of envy, "I admire that you have three million for your first film. When I shot 'The Island,' I sold my car and struggled for months, only to earn back the money for the car." He shook his head and looked embarrassed.

"That just proves I'm better looking, ha ha."

"Damn!"

That day, Vin Diesel, playing the burly and kind-hearted Caparzo, was shot while saving a little girl, and his part was finished.

The entire film was now nearing its final stages.

On the night of Vin Diesel's farewell, Chen Tian took him to a bar and drank until he was sick. The next day, he saw him off at the airport, and the burly man hugged him. "Talk to you when I get back to Los Angeles. If you need any help, just call me."

"I'll buy you a drink when you get back." Chen Tian punched him in the chest.

...

Captain Miller's men were almost all dead. After nearly four months of filming, the film was three-quarters complete.

This was a perfect work, and every man could find a bit of himself in it.

Of course, everyone would want to be Captain Miller, well-trained, principled, and full of love. Most enviable of all, he had a peaceful and calm expression when he died, like a god.

Sergeant Horvath was also great, battle-hardened, caring for his men, and speaking few but weighty words, a perfect support and spiritual pillar for the soldiers. Even in death, he didn't forget to crack a joke: "I just let out the air in my belly."

The sniper Jackson was particularly endearing. Kissing the cross, praising God, and pulling the trigger, he was the most accurate and ruthless of the eight, yet he slept the soundest. Though "those who live by the sword die by the sword," he believed, "The Lord is in my heart, and no one can do anything about it."

Or Vin Diesel's burly and kind-hearted Caparzo, the stubborn Jew Mellish, the disobedient Rabin... even Ryan, a model soldier, dedicated to his duty, and with a happy ending.

Of course, apart from the translator Upham, he was the most real.

Knowing a little foreign language, he was a fraud, weak and nervous, and his idealism was naive and laughable. Among the elites, he seemed to have nothing to offer, being soft on the enemy and even wetting his pants at a critical moment, directly leading to Mellish being brutally stabbed to death by the SS.

But Upham's weakness, his compassion, was his greatest feature, insignificant yet warm and genuine, the most reliable.

Men who want to be heroes should watch 'Saving Private Ryan.' Heroes aren't for everyone. Women who admire heroes should also watch this film, as heroes should make you want to stay away from war.

This was Chen Tian's first film crew, but it would influence his entire future.

A few days after Vin Diesel left, the news finally came.

It was approved; DreamWorks really approved his almost childish contract.

He roared in his room a few times, then immediately picked up the phone to report the good news to Kate, but he held back, deciding to surprise her.

Chen Tian called Donny, his lawyer, and after verifying the legal terms, he signed his name without hesitation. Matt Damon was on the scene, his mouth hanging open in surprise.

So, Chen Tian's work on the 'Saving Private Ryan' crew was almost over.

Before the day's shooting ended, he sought out Spielberg. The Jew saw him coming and gave his trademark warm smile. "Christmas, are you here to say goodbye?"

Chen Tian took a deep breath. "Yes, it's time for me to go and form my own crew."

Spielberg didn't say much, warmly embracing him. "Go and do your best. Thank you for your contributions to the crew. The crew won't forget you."

He then grabbed the megaphone, gathered everyone, and explained that Chen Tian was leaving the crew.

"Christmas, you're leaving? Why? We've been working together so well." Toby Maguire was surprised, having no idea what was happening.

Bonnie was also surprised. "Are you going back to China, or are you facing some difficulties? Tell us, and we'll help you."

Tom Hanks didn't say anything, just watching with folded arms.

Matt Damon probably guessed the reason, his eyes filled with curiosity. This young man had recommended him for the role of Ryan, and they had a good relationship, but not as close as with Vin. He was a bit dazed, thinking, "What did he do? He always drinks with everyone else."

Chen Tian was very low-key about receiving the investment from DreamWorks, and not many in the crew knew about it, leading to much speculation.

Spielberg handed him the megaphone, asking him to say a few words.

Chen Tian took the megaphone, his emotions a bit stirred, and loudly said, "Idol, Matt, Toby, Bonnie... thank you all for your help over the past few months. I will miss the days working with you all. But now, I have to leave early because I need to pursue my dream. I'm going to be a director and form my own crew!"

Everyone was immediately surprised and a bit shocked.

Especially the other directors and assistant directors, who were still unclear about the situation.

Chen Tian was a bit excited and a bit sad. "I am very grateful for my decision to join this crew. The entire filming process has been like experiencing a new world. Looking back, it's like a cycle, from the solemn Arlington National Cemetery to the hell of Omaha Beach, through the pain and suffering, to the picturesque Normandy town and fields, and finally to the ruins of Ramelle, where the soul is elevated and then returns to the beginning..."

Everyone gradually fell silent, listening to his reminiscence.

"The story of Saving Private Ryan is not yet finished, and the war is not over, but I have to leave early. I feel a sense of relief but also a hint of melancholy. I will definitely miss it, but the legend of 'One and Eight' lives in my heart. I am very honored to have been part of this crew and to have worked with all of you. I can confidently say that under Director Spielberg's guidance and the dedicated performances of the actors, this film will surely become a timeless classic. Perhaps in the future, the world of cinema will say, 'No one but Spielberg dares to make a World War II film again!'"

"Clap, clap, clap" the set erupted in applause.

Spielberg looked at him in surprise; he was even more confident than himself.

He hugged everyone one by one, saying goodbye.

That night, the bar near the hotel was packed, and Chen Tian drank to his heart's content, no longer worrying about waking up for work the next day.

Chen Tian left, and the news of his receiving a $30 million investment from DreamWorks to shoot a new film gradually spread, becoming a legend in the crew.

There was admiration, jealousy, slander, and curses.

"Thirty million dollars for a newcomer to make a film, DreamWorks is really blind this time." Adam Goodman was so jealous that his eyes were almost on fire, cursing Chen Tian to fail. "Damn Chinese, wait for your film to flop."

He, a man of such talent, could only be Spielberg's assistant, while Chen Tian, a Chinese, had no right to rise so quickly!

In his frustration, he went to a bar and drank several glasses. The more he thought about it, the more upset he became, and he dialed a number in a fit of anger.

"This is the News Report. How can I assist you?"

"I have news about Spielberg's new film to expose..."