During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 872 The Bandit and Bully's Itch Relief Tutorial
"The crime thriller 'The Witness,' co-produced by Nuclear Power Pictures and Mi Xing Entertainment, directed by newcomer Sun Hao, and starring Yang Mi, Lu Han, and Zhu Yawen, has grossed 1.62 million yuan in its first three days of release!"

"During its first three days of release, Disney's animated feature film 'Zootopia' raked in a whopping 1.54 million yuan at the box office, living up to expectations!"

"The sci-fi romantic comedy film 'The Mermaid,' released during the Spring Festival, has successfully completed its theatrical run, accumulating a box office of 31.03 billion yuan, with only 1500 million yuan remaining per day. Its one-month extension period has officially begun."

"The suspense comedy film 'Detective Chinatown,' which was released during the Spring Festival, has officially ended its theatrical run, with a cumulative box office of 22.86 billion yuan. With daily box office revenue of less than 8 million yuan, the extended release key is now in effect!"

"Filmed over two months, it was co-produced by Huayi Films, Dongyang Meila and Yaolai Pictures, directed by Feng Xiaogang and written by Liu Zhenyun; "
The realistic film "I Am Not Madame Bovary," starring Li Bingbing, Guo Tao, Dong Chengpeng, Yu Hewei, Zhang Jiayi, and others, officially wrapped filming this morning.

At the wrap party, director Feng Xiaogang told reporters that the film will complete post-production within a month and will be submitted for competition at this year's international film festivals. It is expected to be released at the end of the year.

In addition, Director Feng also revealed that his new film project is already on the agenda, and pre-production work will begin soon.

"."

Another weekend has come to an end, and the entertainment news this morning is incredibly diverse and overwhelming.

The most eye-catching topic was the completion of filming for "I Am Not Madame Bovary"; to put it more bluntly, it was Feng Xiaogang's new film plan.

Regardless of his reputation in the industry, his status as a renowned director is undeniable, and his new film is enough to capture the attention of most celebrities in the entertainment industry.

"I remember Feng Dapao is almost 60, right? This efficiency is really high, one film after another, without even taking a breath, tsk tsk tsk."

In the chairman's office of Shanhe Media, Wei Jin was browsing news online with some emotion when Chen Zhiming, who was sitting next to him, immediately picked up the conversation.

"President Wei, he's carrying a bet of over 10 billion yuan, shouldn't we be careful?"

"That's true. Money isn't easy to earn at Huayi Brothers, but with that kind of pressure, the quality can't be guaranteed."

At this point, Wei Jin looked at the other person in the office and joked, "President Liu, with 'Pan Jinlian' scheduled for release at the end of the year, doesn't Chairman Wang have any instructions?"

The person in front of him was Liu Xiaobing, the new head of Wanda Pictures. Wei Jin had already contacted him by phone when he was in North America, so they weren't strangers.

This person joined Wanda Group in the year 2000 and was responsible for Wanda's commercial affairs, eventually rising to the position of Group Chief Financial Officer.

Liu Xiaobing took over as CEO of Wanda Cinemas and also served as general manager of Wanda Pictures after Ye Ning resigned.

In terms of power, compared to his previous roles as a director of Wanda Group, vice president of Wanda Culture Group, and president of Wanda Cinemas...
Ye Ning, who holds multiple positions including General Manager of Wanda Pictures, Chairman of the Distribution Company, and Director of AMC Theatres, now wields far less power than Liu Xiaobing.

But this is not because Liu Xiaobing is not trusted. After all, to become the group's financial director, he must be a confidant of Lao Wang.

The main reason was Ye Ning's departure, which caused turmoil in Wanda's senior management. Seven or eight senior executives were replaced before they could take over all of Ye Ning's work.

Clearly, once bitten, twice shy, Wang is using this decentralized model to prevent a second "Ye Ning" from emerging within Wanda!
"Mr. Wei, Wanda and Shanhe Media have been partners and allies for many years. Chairman Wang also instructed me to consult you on film business."

Since you asked me, I can't hide it. Chairman Wang is very angry about this incident. From now on, any project involving Huayi will be given special consideration by Wanda Cinemas.

Liu Xiaobing spoke cryptically, but Wei Jin and Chen Zhiming both understood.

This is an attempt to restrict Huayi Brothers' film scheduling, which is a perfectly normal business practice, and there's nothing wrong with it from any perspective.

Of course, Wanda's retaliation will certainly not be limited to this, but as an ally, there is no need for her to get too involved.

"dong dong dong~~"

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. The secretary opened the door, followed by Chairman Deng of Xiying Film Studio and his secretary, Xiao Zuo.

"Sorry, Brother Wei, I had a last-minute conference call and I'm late."

"Mr. Deng, you're too kind. The timing is perfect; we're just too early."

Wei Jin responded with a smile, then introduced Liu Xiaobing to Deng Yong. After shaking hands, the two took their seats.

After the secretary served tea, she left the meeting room and closed the door, leaving only Wei Jin and the others.

Only then did Deng Yong realize what was happening, and he looked at Wei Jin tentatively, "Brother, China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group?"

"Chairman Deng, there are only three Chinese investors this time, and Xi'an Film Studio is the only state-owned enterprise among them!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaobing was slightly surprised, but remained calm on the surface. After all, it was a project organized by Shanhe Media, so it was acceptable to bring anyone along.

Moreover, this was his first collaboration since taking over the position. Before he came, Chairman Wang instructed him to listen more, observe more, express fewer opinions, and just follow along!
But Deng Yong of Xi'an Film Studio had a very interesting expression on his face at that moment. There was only one state-owned enterprise in the Sino-US co-production. What did that mean for Xi'an Film Studio?!

This means that after so many years, he and Xiying have finally gained the recognition of Wei Jin and become core allies, with a bright future ahead.

Taking a deep breath, Deng Yong looked intently at Wei Jin, his tone solemn.

"Brother, I won't say anything more. We'll have a long time to meet, just you wait and see."

"Brother, you flatter me."

Wei Jin smiled and waved his hand, then said, "Now that everyone is here, let's begin."

As soon as he finished speaking, the assistant presented detailed information about "The Meg," and Liu Xiaobing and Deng Yong became serious.

"I'm not in charge of this project; it's led by Warner, with Summit Entertainment also involved. I've already told you both about the budget: $1.3 million."

The detailed budget and script are here; you two can take a look. As for the share, the three Chinese companies will share a total of 40%.

After giving a brief introduction, Wei Jin looked at Chairman Deng of Xiying Film Studio and asked, "Brother, what have you thought about what we discussed before?"

“Brother, I came here aiming for 10%, as you know the situation at Xi’an Film Studio. But since Xi’an Film Studio is the only state-owned enterprise among the Chinese production companies, 10% isn’t enough. Let’s go with 15%.”

In recent years, China Film Group and Shanhe Media have co-produced films with each other. Apart from the initial "Inception", China Film Group has held a 15% share in the subsequent "Pacific Rim" bipart and "Killing Cycle".

Now that Xi'an Film Studio has replaced China Film Group, Deng Yong doesn't want people to see all of them, especially the two studios, China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group.

Even if Xi'an Film Studio could no longer take control of other projects or even make external investments after participating in "The Meg", he would still spare no expense!
Deng Yong's bold and decisive performance greatly impressed Wei Jin.

Keep in mind that a 15% share, converted to RMB, is nearly 1.3 million, which would have practically emptied out this long-established film studio.

"Alright, in that case, Mr. Liu, how about 10% for Wanda?" "No problem, Mr. Wei, whatever you say. Also, please believe me, Wanda will do its utmost in global distribution and scheduling!"

Liu Xiaobing smiled broadly. Although this share was 5% less than that of "Pacific Rim 2", it was their first collaboration, and both sides were still getting used to each other, which he could understand.

Moreover, with Xi'an Film Studio already holding a 15% stake, it's impossible for them to demand that Wanda, as a participant, have a larger share than the initiator, Shanhe Media.

"Okay, let's sign the contract today. As for the reporting process, Xi'an Film Studio can handle it."

Although the question "Wei Jin" was phrased as a question, the assistant had already handed over the documents.

"No problem, Xi'an Film Studio will take it!"

Without saying a word, and even somewhat excitedly, Chairman Deng took the documents and handed them to his secretary behind him.

"Alright, after we finish our business, don't rush off. I've already made arrangements for lunch. Let's have a good get-together and have a few drinks."

Liu Xiaobing and Deng Yong exchanged a glance and nodded in unison.

"No problem, I'll follow your instructions!"

Wei Jin had Xi'an Film Studio submit the report for two reasons: firstly, Shanhe Media was too big a target, and secondly, it was to deal with China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group later.

More importantly, the reporting process for co-productions differs from that for domestic films. Co-productions require going through multiple departments within the Film Bureau and undergoing a unique reporting and approval process.

The information to be reported includes: detailed information on the Chinese and foreign production companies involved in the co-production, the ratio of Chinese and foreign investment, the approximate proportion of Chinese personnel in the project, domestic filming locations, the film script, etc.

In short, the approval process for co-productions is very strict and takes longer than that for domestically produced films.

However, Xi'an Film Studio, as one of the eight major film studios, definitely has an advantage in this regard.

It should be noted that before the era of film studios ended, Director Tong had worked as the deputy director of Xi'an Film Studio after leaving the film screening and distribution company.
After the turn of the millennium, Director Tong joined China Film Group as general manager, and subsequently rose step by step to become the second-in-command of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

Furthermore, the number of former leaders in the entire Film Bureau and even the State Administration of Radio and Television who were connected with Xi'an Film Studio or were themselves from Xi'an Film Studio is countless.

In short, Xi'an Film Studio is the most senior, most established, and most well-connected entity in the film industry.

If it weren't for its geographical location, it would never have fallen to this state!
However, precisely because of this, Xi'an Film Studio was so poor that all it had left was its seniority. As the saying goes, those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose, and they were not afraid of anything when faced with trouble.

This is also the source of Lao Deng's confidence to confront the reviewers directly, slam his fist on the table, and mock La Peikang!
Deng Xiaoping was also a decisive person. After having lunch with Wei Jin and others, he personally took the materials to the Film Bureau.

"Mr. Deng, two months really isn't enough. This is a co-production, not just a simple script review. The script alone takes more than a month, not to mention the long queue."

Seeing Chairman Deng's flushed face, clearly indicating he had drunk quite a bit, the staff felt somewhat awkward.

"Stop nagging me. Xi'an Film Studio has never submitted a filing for co-productions. Is it too much to ask me to go through the procedures on my first visit?"

Why haven't I seen the filings from China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group taken that long? Are they bullying honest people?
"Should I go to Director Zhang's or Director Tong's office and have them come down and say hello to you? I'll talk to you."

After a friendly discussion, Xi'an Film Studio received promises of being able to skip the queue and have their screening schedule shortened. Chairman Deng walked happily toward Director Tong's office.

Since I was already here, I should still greet my former boss. But after taking a couple of steps, he turned back and specifically reminded me:
"Don't try anything funny with me. I'll personally oversee the progress. If it's not done in a month, I'll definitely come after you!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Deng, it won't happen. I've been urging them every day."

The staff of the co-production film approval department were almost in tears when they encountered such a "bandit and bully," and they respectfully saw "Uncle Deng" off.

He didn't notice that there was another person standing not far behind him in the corridor—looking at Chairman Deng's back with a thoughtful expression.

"A co-production, Xi'an Film Studio?"

After leaving the company, Wei Jin instructed Lao Zhu to drive to No. 2 Jinwu.

In the afternoon, he received a call from Song Yi, inviting him to spend the night together.

Considering that he hadn't seen this exceptionally beautiful woman since last year's Bazaar, Wei Jin gladly accepted the invitation.

Upon arriving at the destination, Wei Jin had just opened the door when he saw Song Yi, dressed in a cheongsam, walking gracefully toward him with alluring eyes.

"Boss, why are you so late?"

Wow, Song Yi really knows her stuff when it comes to playing a prostitute, especially when she wears a cheongsam with a slit up to her thigh; the allure is absolutely off the charts.

With his hands outstretched, he supported Song Yi's shapely buttocks and exerted a little force, causing the beauty to bump into Wei Jin's arms.

"What? Are you in such a hurry?"

Breathing in close proximity, Wei Jin smelled Song Yi's perfume, which seemed to have a refreshing effect, and his hands unconsciously began to move.

To be honest, her full, rounded buttocks, paired with the silky smooth cheongsam, felt really amazing to the touch.

"Mmm, I miss you~~"

Song Yi licked her lips, her slender waist twisting and turning in Wei Jin's arms, her little hands becoming restless.

Heaven help me, Song Yi, born in 89, is already 25 years old this year.

The primal needs of the body are simply impossible to suppress.
Unfortunately, this man had too many women around him, and she couldn't even rank among them. She could only stay alone in her empty room, falling asleep in loneliness every night.

However, Song Yi never considered going solo. Putting aside the pleasure Wei Jin brought her, she was unwilling to leave simply because of his extravagant spending.

Before the benefits of "The Disguiser" had even been fully realized, this man had already provided another film opportunity—"Suddenly Seventeen".

Although it's a low-budget production and the director hasn't proven himself yet, it's still a rare resource for her.

So today, taking advantage of the upcoming start of filming, she met up with Wei Jin to repay his kindness and treat herself.

~~~
(End of this chapter)