China Entertainment’s rescue plan is hard to come by

Chapter 985 Taking a Step Back to Be Shameless

Regarding this year's Lunar New Year film season, Sun Yi had his assistant compile the latest list of films scheduled for release so far before he came, which looked like a battleground filled with the smoke of war.

In early November, before the official start of the Lunar New Year film season, a number of imported blockbusters paved the way for the season.

Number 1 is Sony Pictures Animation's "Hotel Transylvania," in which the beautiful vampire Mavis left a deep impression even on someone like Sun Yi who doesn't pay much attention to animated films.

On the 8th is Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World," which needs no introduction—a classic superhero series. On the 15th and 21st are the sequels to "The Hunger Games" and "Red," respectively, both of which are the first blockbuster films in their respective series.

These major productions are concentrated in the month before the Lunar New Year film season begins, and even Sun Yi has to consider whether to participate.

By the end of November, after the Lunar New Year film season officially began, the first to kick things off was director Chen Musheng's crime epic "The White Storm," with Bona Film Group's Yu Zheng even proclaiming in the media that "300 million is just the beginning."

Sun Yi has never been this arrogant under normal circumstances.

Then in December, Ning Hao's "No Man's Land," which had been shelved for many years and had whetted the appetites of movie fans, was released. Three years ago, Xu Zeng and Huang Bo were not as famous, but "Lost in Thailand" at the beginning of the year made them household names. Now that "No Man's Land" has been released, it can be said that the situation is even better than before.

Just three days later, on the 6th, Chen Jiashang's "The Four 2" was released, a joint effort between Enlight Pictures and Hong Kong Island International Films.

Following that, on the 12th, there will be the 3D crime thriller "Firestorm" starring Andy Lau.

If these can only be considered prelude, then in Sun Yi's view, the real main event will take place in the second half of December.

Feng Xiaogang's new Lunar New Year comedy, "Personal Tailor," co-starring Huayi Brothers, is scheduled for release on the 19th, and the media is already reporting extensively that it is a "redemption" work for Feng's humor.

Besides that, there's also Jackie Chan's "Police Story 2013," scheduled for release on Christmas Eve, the 24th. In an online moviegoer survey, its anticipation level is second only to Sun Yi's "Man of Steel," for which the specific release date has not yet been announced.

It's safe to say that this year's Lunar New Year film season is incredibly popular.

Now, we'll add Superman to the mix.
“Chairman Han, I understand the situation.” Sun Yi gave a wry smile. “Personal Tailor and Police Story 2013 are both domestic blockbusters with the potential to reach the billion-yuan box office mark.”

"The films released in November, such as 'No Man's Land,' 'The White Storm,' and 'The Storm,' are all formidable opponents. But that doesn't mean I'm afraid of them; rather..."

At this point, Sun Yi paused, his tone becoming extremely candid:

"Mr. Han, my concern is on another front. Although I'm the director of this 'Superman' film, it's still a joint production between Starry Sky and Warner Bros., so it's not exactly a 'pure' domestic film in terms of its origins. Will squeezing it into the hottest December holiday season be a good idea?"

"Does this make our Starry Sky seem a bit 'domineering'? Won't it squeeze out the box office space of other domestic films and bring unnecessary criticism to Chairman Han?"

Sun Yi said carefully, this was an idea he had thought about before coming.

Starry Sky Pictures' success today is inseparable from the support of China Film Group and Chairman Han, as well as the nurturing of the domestic market.

Moreover, after he established the production alliance, Starry Sky had already established its position as the industry leader. While enjoying equal privileges and the respect of its peers, it could not go too far in its actions, otherwise it would easily be labeled as "competing with domestic peers for profits".

Especially when this film incorporates a large amount of foreign capital, it is easy for some people to misunderstand and create a wave of controversy surrounding it. If that happens, the pressure that Starry Night will face in terms of public opinion is unimaginable.

If this had happened before, Sun Yi wouldn't have given it much thought. He would have just released it during the Lunar New Year season. So what? Who hasn't done co-productions before?

But that's not possible now. He's gone ashore, so we still need to be mindful of the impact.

Han Sanping listened quietly, his face expressionless, only slowly sipping his tea. Only after Sun Yi finished speaking did he put down his teacup, nodding and smiling with satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad, very comprehensive and mature consideration. That puts my mind at ease."

rest assured??
Why did you say "don't worry"?
Sun Yi was a little confused and didn't understand what Han Dong meant by suddenly saying "Don't worry," especially since he was so serious and didn't seem to be joking.

Before he could even ask, Chairman Han suddenly waved his hand, displaying that familiar decisiveness of someone long accustomed to being in a position of power, and said to Sun Yi, "Superman, release it during the Lunar New Year season. I can handle that!"

Han Sanping's voice wasn't loud, but it was firm. "Sun Yi, you're overthinking it. First of all, it's not like imported blockbusters haven't been shown during the Lunar New Year film season in previous years. For example, last year's Lunar New Year season started with Li An's *Life of Pi*. If the film is good and the audience likes it, it should be shown. Market principles are there." He paused, then continued, "Secondly, and most importantly..."

"Your 'Superman' isn't some purely imported blockbuster. It's a Sino-US co-production! It's a project that you, director Sun Yi, deeply participated in and even led in creating, bringing with you a Chinese technical team and creative wisdom! The investment, impact, technical exchanges, and ultimately the market experience it brought are all valuable assets to our Chinese film industry. Can this be compared to directly importing a Hollywood blockbuster and making money?"

This!
It has to be Chairman Han!

Sun Yi's heart skipped a beat. Chairman Han's perspective on the issue was indeed superior to his own and more in line with policy guidance.

"Chairman Han, if that's how you put it, then I'll swallow my pride and accept it today."

"Hmph, you little brat." Han Sanping chuckled. "You're still shameless today? What, are you usually so thin-skinned? If you were usually so thin-skinned, would you have been able to shamelessly win over Xiao Liu? Huh?"

"Hey! Chairman Han, no, Third Master, that's not right. How am I being shameless? If you don't believe me, I'll call you right now to prove it with my genuine personal charm."

As Sun Yi spoke, he was about to take out his phone to ask Miss Liu to clear his name.

Han Sanping laughed heartily, completely ignoring Sun Yi. If he still couldn't see that Sun Yi was just putting on an act, then he would have wasted all these years.

After laughing, his tone softened, and he personally poured tea for Sun Yi, saying, "This is my last time supporting you before I leave."

Before leaving, for the last time!!!
Sun Yi was stunned. After calculating the days, he suddenly realized what was going on. Looking at Han Sanping's slightly tired but still bright eyes, he asked in disbelief, "Third Master... you're almost there?"

"Yes, almost there, we're about to arrive at the station."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping showed no surprise, his tone remaining calm, though a complex meaning lingered in his smile. He stroked the teacup on the table, glanced around the large office, remained silent for a moment, and before Sun Yi could ask further, he spoke up.

"It'll be early next year. The exact date hasn't been set yet, but it'll be in the next few months. Basically, starting from the end of this year, some work will begin to be handed over."

Hearing Han Sanping admit it himself, Sun Yi felt a pang of unease. It wasn't that he was attached to Han Sanping's position as chairman of China Film Group; he and Xingkong no longer needed it at all.

Rather, over the years, from the very beginning of his rise to prominence, he was recognized and strongly supported by Chairman Han. Whether it was the development of Starry Sky or the transformation of the film industry he led, Han Sanping's influence was always behind it.

It's a bit like a good teacher and helpful friend. Hearing that Chairman Han is going to step down, I really felt a little uneasy.

Sun Yi's emotions were written all over his face, all traces of his usual composure gone. Han Sanping chuckled and nodded, "Little Yi, I didn't misjudge you. You're a man of feeling and loyalty."

"But don't make that face. It's just retirement, not a complete departure from the film industry."

Han Sanping picked up the teacup and took a comfortable sip.

“The organization has talked to me. After I retire, I will temporarily return to the front line of creation as a director, which can be considered as fulfilling a wish of mine. In the future, I will probably participate in some industry consulting and award judging as a film expert. I can’t live without the art of film in my life.”

Upon hearing this, Sun Yi's eyes lit up. He leaned forward, rubbed his hands together, and tentatively asked, "

Third Master, what you said has reminded me. How about... after you've rested, I'd like to trouble you to come to our Starry Sky and serve as an advisor?

“Hey! Third Master, don’t be so quick to refuse. After all, you’re not staying on as a film expert at China Film Group. It’s the same with Starry Sky. Whether we’re herding one sheep or two, we’re still herding them. Starry Sky needs experienced experts like you who are familiar with policy directions.”

Han Sanping was so angry he laughed. He never expected that Sun Yi would take the initiative to invite him at this time.

Is this a case of striking while the iron is hot, or is it like squeezing oil out of a toad, determined to extract every last drop of value from it?

"You little rascal, really!"

(End of this chapter)