Director in Hollywood

After discussing with Kane Wexman, Gilbert responded to Tian Congming the next day, confirming the decision to move the filming location to China.

"Our requirements are high. First, we need a large plot of land to build a scenic Hobbiton village.

"Additionally, I want to recreate the White City from the novel, survey various landscapes, and construct two large modern film studios for shooting.

"So, I hope your side can coordinate with us and provide the necessary support," Gilbert stated.

After their conversation the previous day, Tian Congming had returned to his hotel and bought a few copies of The Lord of the Rings novels.

His English wasn't great, but with a translator accompanying him, he asked for some assistance in reading.

Although the translation wasn't entirely professional, it helped him get through a few chapters and experience the novel's charm.

Such a great book not being officially published in China was a real shame.

Tian Congming decided to take the books back and recommend them to a publishing house for a Chinese edition.

The next day, Gilbert approached him and confirmed his decision.

Overjoyed, Tian Congming immediately promised, "As soon as I return, I'll coordinate with the relevant departments and push this through with full effort."

"I'll leave it in your hands, Mr. Tian…" Gilbert said solemnly.

If things went smoothly on Tian Congming's side, Gilbert and Kane Wexman would need to travel to China to conduct on-site inspections.

After a few more days, the Young Directors' Study Tour concluded its visit.

Apart from realizing the vast gap between them and Hollywood, the visiting directors gained little else. One of them even complained, "This was pointless. Their system is completely beyond our reach.

"We might never be able to make a film like Jurassic Park in our lifetime."

Others disagreed. "Times are changing. Just because we can't do it now doesn't mean we won't in the future. I believe we'll get there one day."

The two sides argued, unwilling to concede, until Tian Congming intervened. "Alright, that's enough. Whether we succeed depends on our efforts. If we don't try, how will we ever know?

"No more pessimistic talk—it's not a good look."

The group fell silent. Some still felt reluctant to leave after experiencing Hollywood's dazzling world; returning home wasn't appealing.

After bidding farewell to Gilbert, Tian Congming led the study tour back to China.

As part of their program, these young directors were required to submit a report of at least 10,000 words summarizing their insights—something that left them grumbling.

But Tian Congming didn't need to write any reports. Instead, he immediately visited his former superior to discuss Gilbert's plan to shoot in China.

"Director Gilbert originally intended to film in New Zealand. But when I heard about their project requirements, I realized China was a perfect fit, so I worked hard to secure this opportunity."

Tian Congming emphasized his efforts, making it clear how difficult this had been and highlighting his contribution.

"How much investment did you say?" the senior official asked.

"Director Gilbert said the production budget won't be less than $300 million. If we provide the necessary support, he'll relocate the shoot here."

A $300 million project was no small matter—even decades later, this would still be a significant investment.

How much economic benefit could this amount generate? The senior official was already contemplating the possibilities.

Moreover, Gilbert understood his fellow countrymen well, given his past life. Before Tian Congming left, Gilbert had discreetly advised him to emphasize the additional benefits of the film project.

So, Tian Congming explained further, "According to Director Gilbert's plans, he'll need to travel across China's most stunning natural landscapes.

"This is a great international showcase. If the film succeeds abroad, it will attract a wave of international tourists, boosting our global influence."

The senior official's eyes lit up. "Xiao Tian, you've done an excellent job with this.

"Don't worry, I'll fully support this project. Whatever land or personnel you need, you'll have it. There won't be any obstacles."

With backing from both Tian Congming and his superior, the relevant departments quickly convened a meeting. The decision was simple—unanimous approval for Gilbert's production in China.

A special fast-track process was put in place. No unnecessary hurdles.

Once the approvals were secured, Tian Congming immediately informed Gilbert, officially inviting him to China for a location scouting visit.

Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Gilbert was still monitoring the situation in New Zealand. Unfortunately, these matters couldn't be resolved overnight.

The New Zealand authorities remained unmoved. Just as Tian Congming's update arrived, Gilbert made up his mind—he would go to China and stop negotiating with New Zealand.

For now, the pre-production of The Matrix would be left to Charles Roven, with Anne Burton and James Gunn as assistant directors. Gilbert and Kane Wexman needed to visit China for location scouting.

Since that incident—since witnessing that scene that night—Jennifer Connelly and Charlize Theron had become close friends.

The two had even been photographed together by the media. Their street-style photos were splashed across major magazines, earning them the nickname "Hollywood's Sister Duo."

With some free time, Jennifer Connelly decided to visit The Matrix set.

When Charlize Theron finished training, Jennifer handed her a water bottle and said in admiration, "Wow, Sally, your training routine is intense!"

Wiping off her sweat, Charlize replied, "No choice—Gilbert insisted. I have to go through martial arts training to meet the filming requirements."

She pointed at Keanu Reeves, who was training hard nearby. "I have it easy compared to Keanu. He has way more action scenes."

"Looks like you're all working really hard." Jennifer glanced around but didn't see the familiar figure she was looking for.

Charlize noticed her searching and smiled. "Jenny, who are you looking for?"

Of course, Charlize knew exactly who Jennifer was searching for. She just wanted to tease her and draw out her true thoughts.

Jennifer was too good at hiding her feelings. She clearly wanted something but refused to admit it.

If she truly didn't care, then why, after that night, did she remain close to Charlize and even become part of Hollywood's "Sister Duo"?

Jennifer took the bait. "I was just checking if Director Gilbert was around to say hello."

"Or maybe… you miss him?" Charlize whispered playfully in Jennifer's ear.

"Don't say such things! Sally, you're his girlfriend—how can you talk like that?" Jennifer quickly covered Charlize's mouth.

Charlize swatted her hand away and reasoned, "Look at those Hollywood power figures—their personal lives are a complete mess, some even twisted.

"Compared to them, our situation is already quite healthy.

"Jenny, rather than forcing yourself to deal with those old men, why not stick with us? At least Gilbert is young and handsome.

"Besides…"

Charlize leaned in and whispered, "He's got incredible stamina. The rest of us could barely keep up—you're the only one left."

Jennifer shot to her feet. Even though no one was watching them, she was still flustered. "Uh, I have something to do—I'll be going now."

She wasn't ignorant of such matters, but Charlize was too bold, discussing them so openly. What if someone overheard?

That said, Charlize's words did spark something in her. She couldn't help but let her imagination wander.

Charlize called after her with a grin, "Gilbert went to China. I'll tell you more when he gets back."

Noticing that others had started looking their way, Jennifer hurried off even faster.

Charlize burst into laughter. At this rate, it was only a matter of time before Jennifer fell.

While Charlize was busy fishing in her own way, Gilbert and Kane Wexman had arrived in Beijing, China.

"So this is my courtyard home?" Gilbert nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. Was it built as a seven-section compound?"

Tian Congming, who was accompanying him, replied, "It's only a three-section courtyard. A seven-section compound is at least on the scale of the Forbidden City."

"Three sections are good enough—still spacious." Gilbert was pleased. He turned to Kane. "Let's stay here instead of a hotel."

After touring the courtyard, Kane was also impressed. "It's quite refined. The landscaping is great. I'm thinking about buying one too."

"Haha, sounds good. We can be neighbors," Gilbert laughed.

But they weren't here just to admire the courtyard. They had work to do.

Phone lines and fax machines had already been set up, and the place was regularly maintained. Gilbert and Kane moved in immediately with their luggage.

Though it wasn't a seven-section compound, a three-section one near the city center was more than enough.

Once settled in, Gilbert gathered his team—assistants, lawyers, set designers, art director Selena Heifei, negotiators, and others—for a meeting.

He listed all their requirements one by one, then assigned Kane to lead negotiations with the local officials alongside the legal team.

Even though Tian Congming had assured them of full support with no bureaucratic obstacles, it was still best to have everything formally documented.

After a day of rest, Gilbert and his team began discussions with the local authorities. The initial talks went well, and the officials agreed to almost all of Gilbert's requests.

This included land allocation, infrastructure development to support the film, and the construction of two large modern studios.

When Gilbert handed over the blueprints for the White City and mentioned that he needed a site to build a full-scale city model, one of the leading officials waved his hand and said, "Why build a model? Let's just construct the whole city."

Kane, upon hearing the translation, was taken aback. He quickly responded, "Uh, sir, I don't think you realize—this is a massive project.

"It will require an enormous amount of manpower and resources. It'll also take a very long time."

The official replied, "Manpower isn't an issue. Construction here is relatively cheap, and we can even help cover part of the cost.

"After hearing about Director Gilbert's vision, we decided to develop one or two permanent large-scale attractions. This would be a great opportunity for us."

Since the local authorities were insistent, Kane didn't argue further.

He gave Gilbert a questioning look as if to ask, Are all Chinese officials this ambitious?

Gilbert simply shrugged. This wasn't surprising at all.

After all, for the film The Emperor and the Assassin, Director Chen Kaige had literally built an entire Qin palace.

...

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[T/N:I'm just giving you a heads-up.

As you guys already know, Lord of the Rings is going to be filmed in China, and there may be things you guys might not like in this arc.]