During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 708 Rejection of the Guaranteed Studio Alliance Plan

Another weekend has passed, and the film market is still dominated by imported blockbusters.

In ten days, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes 2" earned a box office of 5.13 million yuan, with daily revenue showing no sign of decline and remaining at over million yuan.

Some media predict that the box office of this movie may exceed 800 million, becoming another Hollywood series film that performs well in mainland China!

Another Hollywood blockbuster, "The Expendables 3," performed equally well.

Relying on the appeal of Arnold, Stallone, Lee Lian-chen and others, in just one week, the box office of "The Expendables 3" approached the 2.89 million mark, closing at million, directly breaking the best record of this series!
Under the tremendous pressure of these two dramas, "No One 2" was completely unable to continue.

At the end of the new week, the box office revenue was only over 5.78 million, and the total box office closed at million.

There is still more than 6 million away from the million mark. Based on the current daily income of million, it may be possible to achieve it.

As for the few movies that were released on Friday, as expected, they basically became cannon fodder.

Only the film "One Life, One World" barely survived, earning more than 70 million yuan in box office in three days.

But even so, the industry is not optimistic about the subsequent development of this drama.

Because it has only been three days and the reputation has collapsed. The score on Impression.com is less than 5.5 points, and the follow-up potential is almost zero.

At the same time, the 71st Venice International Film Festival concluded successfully.

Compared to last year's triple surprise of Wei Jin winning all the awards, Tian Zhuangzhuang winning the Special Jury Award, and Chen Daoming winning the Best Actor award, the Chinese-speaking army was lackluster at this year's Venice Film Festival.

Whether it was "The Intruder" directed by Wang Xiaoshuai, which was shortlisted for the main competition unit, or "The Golden Age" directed by Xu Anhua in the screening unit, they all returned empty-handed and gained nothing!
Of course, it’s not without gain. At least those stars who go to the film festival to walk the red carpet and issue press releases definitely return with a lot of gains.

Even though they are still relatively inexperienced compared to their senior big names, they all show the attitude of the younger generation pushing the older generation forward.

And I firmly believe that surpassing my predecessors is just around the corner.

In addition, many film and television companies and crews that went to Venice to sell film copyrights continued to maintain the fine tradition after returning.

They refused to talk about how much the film sold for, but the copyright sold well.

If a reporter asks about it, I will tell you that it is a commercial secret and I cannot tell you!

The only exceptions were Zhong Lifang and Ning Hao. Facing the camera of the reporter, they did not hide anything and even told him everything they knew.

So much so that while the group was still on their way back to the company, all major portals were filled with news about the hot sales of "Operation Mekong" and "Lost in Thailand" at the Venice Copyright Trade Fair.

"Jointly produced by Shanhe Media, China Film Group, Golden Shield, Shanghai Film Group, Xi'an Film Group, Wanda Film Group, and Fiber Optic, and directed by Wei Jin, the film Operation Mekong sold well at the Venice Film Festival!"

"US$1860 million, Operation Mekong sets a new record for mainstream film copyright transactions!"

"Jointly produced by Shanhe Media and Bad Monkey Pictures, directed by Ning Hao and produced by Wei Jin, the copyright transaction amount of the movie "Lost in Thailand" reached 2280 million, breaking Ning Hao's personal record!"

"According to Director Ning Hao, nearly half of the film producers in this copyright transaction came for Director Wei Jin's nominal 'producer'!"

"The investment cost of "Lost in Thailand" is 50 million yuan, and the copyright transaction alone has achieved a large profit. This film will be the most box office-appealing film during the Spring Festival next year!"

"."

As the news spread, countless production companies in the industry felt it was unreal.

You know, "Operation Mekong" is a main theme movie that showcases China's national strength, but it can sell nearly 20 million US dollars overseas, which is incredible.

But on second thought, the industry can more or less understand the ideas of these overseas film producers.

After all, Wei Jin is the fourth Grand Slam director in history and the only living one. Isn't it an insult to art if the copyright transaction price is too low?

Just thinking about the fact that the movie has already recovered more than 100 million yuan in costs before it even hits the theaters, colleagues feel nothing but bitterness and envy!

Wei Jin certainly didn't know what people in the industry were thinking. At the moment, he was looking at Ning Hao, who looked like a gangster, and was having a headache.

"Brother, you are putting me on the spot. If my friends in the industry ask me to be the producer, should I agree?"

Ning Hao sat on the chair carelessly, and said, "This is easy. If you invest 50% of the shares, you can be named as the producer. I wonder how many companies can accept this?"

"Good fellow, only you can do this, right?"

Wei Jin responded bluntly: A 50% share is not a favor, but a bayonet!

But he had also made up his mind that even if it was really out of personal relationships, he would have to be cautious about putting his name on the project, at least he would never take over a bad movie.

At this time, Zhong Lifang interrupted and said, "Boss Wei, Director Ning and I just received calls from several distribution companies on our way back, hoping to distribute "Lost in Thailand" with a guaranteed buyout."

"Oh? It's starting now?"

Wei Jin was a little surprised at the sensitivity of the industry, but then he was relieved.

Because "Lost in Thailand" meets all the basic conditions for a guaranteed release.

The producers, directors, producers, screenwriters, core actors, and even the production team are all top-notch, and the copyright price is so high.

"What's the price?"

Zhong Lifang looked at Ning Hao, who had a smug look on his face.

"The price is not low. Fiber Optic is willing to guarantee a minimum of 8 million, Bona is willing to guarantee 9 million, Huayi and Wanda both offer a minimum of 10 billion, and this is because of the production cost and the road theme."

Hearing this, Wei Jin was not surprised. After all, "Nobody" had grossed more than 12 billion yuan at the box office.

Even if I did not participate in the screenwriting of "Lost in Thailand", it is definitely worth the guaranteed 10 billion.

"So what do you think, brother?"

Although Shanhe Media accounts for 50% of this drama, the main controller is Ning Hao's Bad Monkey, and Wei Jin is willing to respect Ning Hao's choice.

What's more, the guaranteed price of 10 billion is not low. The worst loss for the company is just a small amount of box office revenue and distribution fees.

"hey-hey."

Ning Hao laughed strangely, and then said: "To be honest, I am a little tempted. After all, once we agree, we can directly get the corresponding share in the next few days, and all subsequent risks will be transferred to the issuer."

After hearing Ning Hao's long and rambling introduction, Wei Jin knew there would definitely be a twist.

Sure enough, the next moment, I heard him change the subject.

“But, I think once I choose the guaranteed minimum, it means I have no confidence in the film, and my ambition will be much lower in the future.

Besides, if the final result is less than 10 billion, I might be glad. But if it exceeds, I am afraid I will regret it for a long time."

Wei Jin had to admit that within such a short period of time, Ning Hao had actually analyzed the pros and cons of guaranteed issuance very clearly.

"so what?"

Ning Hao spread his hands and said, "So after thinking about it, I decided to just release the movie normally. At least it won't mess with my mentality. How much I make depends on fate."

"Brother, this is a wise choice! There is a high probability that you will make further progress this time!"

"Okay, then I'll borrow your good words, hahaha."

The copyright sold well, which was a happy event in any case. Although the company did not arrange a celebration banquet, Ning Hao still invited a few good friends to celebrate together.

Among them are the leading actor Huang Bo, as well as Lei Datou and Wang Kai who came to make guest appearances. However, Xu Guangtou has already gone to Hong Kong to film "Lost in Hong Kong".

Wei Jin heard that this guy also invited Stephen Chow to make a guest appearance, but was decisively rejected.

A group of grown men get together and just drink, chat and talk about women.

I don't know who brought up the topic, but as we were chatting, we ended up talking about the recently popular Hollywood "Yanzhao Gate".

The hacker obviously had a plan. He released a small wave of photos every day, attracting the attention of male compatriots around the world.

In just one week, many heavyweight female stars appeared in the leaked photos and videos.

Even the four young actresses in Hollywood, Emma Watson from the Harry Potter series, was among them, which directly shattered the filters of countless viewers.

But when it comes to fancy things, it has to be the big cousin. Not only is there a large number, the quality is also good, and all kinds of knowledge are taught before you learn them, which is simply dazzling.

In the past few days, the relevant resources have been sold on the Internet at a clearly marked price, with the minimum price for a full set being only US$350, which is considered the conscience of the industry.

Moreover, faced with condemnation from a large number of brokerage companies, the CR website took a tough stance and refused to remove the photos.

However, here in China, due to the heavy-handed crackdown by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Internet is relatively clean and these things are basically not seen in the open.

"Hey, Lao Wei, I think you should have some resources, right? How about sharing them?"

Huang Bai tried to ask a question, and Ning Hao looked at Wei Jin with some expectation in his eyes.

Even the two good men, Wang Kai and Lei Datou, looked eager to try.

"Come on, if you really want to see it, go buy it yourself. How can it be leaked from me? You want me to be arrested like the CEO of Qvod. Are you an undercover sent by the enemy?"

"Look at what you said. I'm just asking."

Huang Bai picked up a skewer of pork belly, took a big bite, vaguely changed the subject, and then brought up something.

"Old Wei, Old Zhang contacted me a few days ago. Are we going to plan for an IPO?"

Wei Jin happened to be eating, and before he could respond, Ning Hao next to him looked Huang Bai up and down and spoke with disdain as if he had heard something strange.

"No way, you are such a bad-mouthed person, and you want to go public? Do you think you are Fan Bingbing? What's wrong with that?"

"Cough cough."

Wei Jin choked, and Wang Kai quickly handed him a glass of water, while Huang Bai was furious.

"Damn it, Haozi, we have a good relationship, but don't blame me for reporting you to Xiaona for making personal attacks like this."

While Huang Bai was nagging back, Wei Jin had already drunk a glass of water, took a long breath, and then explained: "Brother, can you please not listen to half of what I say? This operation is not aimed at Huang Bai alone."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Okay, I'll give you a brief overview."

Wei Jin explained while glancing at Wang Kai.

Because the studio has a higher priority, the latter has not received the notice yet.

However, although Ning Hao’s words just now were a bit hurtful, they are indeed true. Not everyone is valuable in the eyes of capital.

According to Zhang Xu's investigation, among the company's artists, only Yang Mi and Bai Bin currently have greater commercial value and are favored by the market.

Both of their studios have been approached by investors, hoping to replicate the success of Meitao Entertainment.

But for the rest, they are relatively unpopular. Unless the company provides resource support at all costs, even if they go public through a backdoor listing, their stock prices will probably fall below the bottom line.

But when the contract was signed, the company had already confirmed that it would provide resource support to first-line artists with a term of more than five years.

Now that it is not feasible for a single studio to go public, Zhang Xu proposed a plan for a studio alliance.

According to this plan, the company will set up a separate shell company, and all first-line artists will join in and occupy corresponding shares based on their own commercial value.

After the shell company is listed as a whole, they can still enjoy the benefits of shareholders.

There are many specific terms and contents, but the core is actually similar to the operation of Miss Sugar Man Cai, both of which rely on company resources and artist fame to carry out commercial bundling and attract capital.

"So Hiroko is really going to become a capital? Isn't his luck too good?"

After listening to this, Ning Hao still looked a little bit incredulous.

In his opinion, despite Huang Bai's great fame, its commercial value is not high due to its image.

Relying on the title of the company's first signed artist, he became close friends with Zhang Xu of Star Culture and set up a studio early on.

But now, he is actually taking advantage of the favorable conditions to get on the fast track. This is so depressing.

"What are you talking about, Haozi? You are just jealous and narrow-minded."

Wei Jin ignored Huang Bo's complaints and added: "Not so fast. According to the plan, it would be good if it can be completed within two or three years."

"That's not bad. I'll rely on Mr. Huang to take care of me from now on."

Ning Hao quickly adjusted his mindset, picked up his glass and joked that after all, compared to capital, he, a big director, was not inferior at all.

"Hey, what do you mean by always or not? Director Ning, just call me Xiao Huang."

"Hahaha"

Everyone laughed at Huang Bo's funny appearance of being arrogant at first and respectful later. He is worthy of being the Golden Horse Award winner. There is no trace of acting at all.

After laughing, Huang Bo asked again: "Haozi, when will your new play start filming? Do you need any help from me?"

"No need to help. The style this time doesn't suit you. The role has been decided. I plan to take a break for two or three days before the filming starts. Let's do it on the 10th."

Hearing this, Wei Jin raised his eyebrows: "Oh? Senior Brother, this is unfortunate. I won't be in the capital by then."

Then, without waiting for Ning Hao to ask, he added: "The audition finals for "The Mermaid" are about to begin. I have to go to Pengcheng."

It’s not that Zhou Xingxing has that much face, Wei Jin mainly went there to support Nazar.

In addition, La Peikang from China Film Group Corporation and Ren Zhonglun from Shanghai Film Group both called to say that they had some things to discuss during this trip.

"That's okay. Mr. Zhong has already made arrangements. Just relax."

Ning Hao waved his hand and added, "According to the plan, it will probably be done in more than a month this time."

Wei Jin nodded to show his understanding. After all, the scene was small enough and it really wasn't a big deal.

Then he looked at the time, picked up his glass and suggested.

"Okay, then I'll use this glass of wine to wish you all the best for your new film."

"Okay, cheers!"

Everyone shouted, "Cheers!"

(End of this chapter)