Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 115 Box Office
“Gu, congratulations again on your success, another profitable movie.

The company's business unit predicts that the movie will gross more than $500 million. This is a successful animated film and I think it will become a classic."

"Thank you, Mike."

"The company's top management has decided to invest in the script for Interstellar, but we still need to discuss the specific details."

"No problem, once I've confirmed the other investors, we can meet together."

"There won't be any problem. Warner Bros. can accept a higher investment ratio."

"Don't worry, Mike, it's no problem, I can take care of it."

"Okay, I look forward to your good news."

Mike's tone sounded a little regretful. The company attached great importance to this new movie and was thinking of increasing its investment ratio.

The cocktail party lasted until very late, and Gu Wei did not disturb them. He left early and returned to the hotel to rest.

.........

It is the end of May, and Despicable Me has been released for more than half a month, with the box office exceeding 200 million US dollars, and has been the box office champion for three consecutive weeks.

The global box office has been soaring, and other countries and regions have begun to introduce this film. The domestic release date is set for July.

When the news came out, there was a cry of grief among domestic films released in July. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that this was a dimensionality reduction attack.

"China Film Group suppressed the development of domestic films and introduced many Hollywood blockbusters."

"Where is the conscience in maliciously suppressing domestic films?"

Some directors from Hong Kong Island spoke out online to protest against China Film Corporation's actions.

Most of the movies released in China in July were directed by Hong Kong directors, including "Dragon Tiger Gate", starring Zhen Zidan, Nicholas Tse and Yu Wenle.

The domestic distribution of "Despicable Me" is handled by China Film Corporation. As for Hong Kong Island, China Film Corporation directly handed it over to Emperor Entertainment Group. Gu Wei did not ask about it, as long as it could be released.

...

The rapid development of YouTube has attracted the attention of companies in the Internet field, and several large companies have begun to contact YouTube's founders and investment companies.

Reid participated in the investment on behalf of the company and was also frequently contacted according to the information he received.

Gu Wei estimated that YouTube would soon be acquired, at which time he would be able to cash out a large sum of cash to shoot the next movie and also expand the company's scale.

After resolving matters in the United States, Gu Wei prepared to return to China.

On the one hand, Liu Yifei urged him to go back every day, and on the other hand, there were also matters concerning the investment of the film.

On June 6, the company driver drove Gu Wei to Los Angeles Airport and boarded a flight to the domestic country.

After a flight of more than ten hours, it was already morning when we arrived in the capital.

Someone was already waiting to pick us up at the airport.

Gu Wei has learned his lesson now. He is fully armed with a mask, sunglasses and a hat. He walks out of the exit and heads straight for the parking lot.

"Changed cars?"

As soon as he arrived at the parking lot, Gu Wei saw a large G-Class parked in front of him. Liu Yifei and Su Chang, also wearing masks and sunglasses, were standing next to the car.

"Yeah, last time I saw you were a little uncomfortable in a sports car, so I bought you a car with more space."

"This is specially bought for someone. Aren't you touched?"

Su Chang suddenly interrupted.

"Shut up."

Liu Yifei glared at her.

Gu Wei was indeed a little touched. The little girl was quite caring.

"I'll drive it."

Gu Wei walked directly to the driver's seat, opened the door, and got in the car.

Seeing this, Liu Yifei quickly walked to the other side and sat in the passenger seat.

"Forget friends when you see beauty."

"What are you mumbling about? Why don't you get in the car?"

Liu Yifei saw Su Chang standing there in a daze and shouted loudly.

"coming."

...

In the car, Gu Wei was driving while listening to Liu Yifei and Su Chang talking about gossip in the circle.

For example, some time ago, Qin Hailu, as one of the judges of the Hong Kong Film Awards, posted a post on his blog titled "You have the final say on the Film Awards", allowing the audience to vote on their own. This sparked discussion among netizens, who questioned the fairness of the Film Awards.

"It feels like Tangren is using Hu as a tool, constantly arranging crews and activities for him."

Liu Yifei complained that he and Brother Hu had a good relationship when they were filming The Legend of Sword and Fairy, and they kept in touch often.

"Senior, Huayi sent me an invitation letter, inviting me to attend the premiere of The Banquet in September."

This was the first time that Liu Yifei was invited by Huayi Company. Unlike the previous situation, after she signed with Gu Wei's company, the suppression against her in the circle no longer existed.

"Go and have a look when you have time."

Gu Wei held the steering wheel with both hands, turned his head slightly and glanced at her.

"Uh-huh."

Huayi Company will release two movies, "The Banquet" and "The Baby Project" at the same time during the National Day holiday. The invitation letters have been sent to the company a long time ago, and Wang Chen has told him about this.

In the first half of the year, domestic films have been beaten by imported blockbusters. Except for "Huo Yuanjia" which broke the 100 million yuan box office, most other films have flopped, and there has been a lot of complaints in the industry.

In May, three consecutive blockbusters, "Mission Impossible 5", "First Alert" and "The Da Vinci Code", were released, which made people feel breathless.

"Stone" is scheduled to be released at the end of June and the film editing has been completed.

Currently, Ning Hao is taking the main creative staff of the crew to appear on shows and interviews to promote the movie.

...

Gu Wei drove directly to Liu Yifei's house, planning to have lunch there before returning to the company.

"Is Auntie home?"

"My mother went to my grandmother's house. Changchang has been with me these days."

Gu Wei nodded. It was not only for some reason, but also because after he confirmed his relationship with Liu Yifei, he felt a little nervous every time he saw Liu's mother.

At noon, several people ordered private dishes and had them delivered directly to their home. Liu Yifei couldn't cook, and Su Chang couldn't be relied on.

"Director Ning Hao sent me a message asking me to attend the premiere of Stone at the end of the month."

At the dinner table, Liu Yifei took a sip of soup and then said.

"Call me too. We'll go together and bring Qin Hao with us."

Qin Hao has been rehearsing a drama at the Central Academy of Drama during this period. In his words, his acting skills must be able to keep up with the level of the great director Gu and not embarrass him.

"I want to go too, but I'm afraid I won't have enough time."

Su Chang said beside him.

"Want to join the group?"

Gu Wei picked up a piece of food, put it in his mouth, and then asked.

"Changchang will be filming The Deer and the Cauldron at the end of the month, partnering with Brother Xiaoming."

Liu Yifei spoke out first.

"You, you insisted on going to the Foreign Languages ​​College, and now you have to come out to film frequently, and you don't find it troublesome."

"I didn't think too much about it. I just wanted to experience college life."

Su Chang was also a little depressed, with a sullen face standing beside him.

"Okay, do it yourself. Don't waste your acting skills."

At this stage, Su Chang is considered to be one of the best actors born after 85. In addition, she is beautiful and has not had any surgery. Her popularity is no less than that of other actresses of the same age.

"Senior, what about me? How is my acting?"

When Liu Yifei heard Gu Wei mention acting, she asked impatiently, with some anticipation in her eyes.

"Yeah, very strong too."

Su Chang noticed that Gu Wei was a little perfunctory, and he laughed secretly beside him, and glanced at Liu Yifei while laughing.

"Still smiling, eat your meal."

Liu Yifei rolled her eyes at her and spoke unhappily.

"When you go to the crew, just act well and don't overlap with other roles. No director likes an actor who overlaps with other roles frequently."

Gu Wei reminded with a serious expression that some things should be said more than once, as forgetfulness is a common problem.

"Director Gu, I understand."

Su Chang nodded vigorously and answered loudly.

...

"Despicable Me" lived up to expectations and grossed over 300 million US dollars in less than a month after its release. The news spread to other surrounding countries and regions through Hollywood media.

"The latest news about Despicable Me is that the North American box office has exceeded 300 million, and Hollywood media are reporting on it." When the news was passed back to China, it directly made the headlines of major media and the popularity remained high.

"Congratulations to Director Gu. The movie is a big hit at the box office."

"Haha, that's good. I hope it keeps up."

At the beginning of June, many people called Director Gu, and all they opened their mouths to congratulate him.

...

Liu Yifei's graduation defense went very smoothly. After The Condor Heroes became a huge hit, she had works and popularity. After the graduation defense, she was definitely an outstanding graduate.

On the day of the defense, Gu Wei was also called over by Liu Yifei to act as a photo-taking tool. The two took many photos together at school.

The next day, the news that the two appeared together at the Beijing Film Academy made headlines.

"Little Dragon Girl's graduation defense went smoothly, Director Gu showed up at Beijing Film Academy, and the two took a photo together on campus."

...

"Director Gu, are you free tonight? Let's get together."

On the 15th, Gu Wei drove Liu Yifei to school to submit her defense paper, and then received a call from Ning Hao.

Ning Hao has been busy promoting his movie recently and has been working non-stop all day long.

As soon as he had some free time, he called Gu Wei.

"Okay, you all come to the company later, I'll treat you to dinner in the evening."

Gu Wei sat in the driver's seat and spoke to the other end of the phone.

The box office data sent from Hollywood has put him in a good mood recently, and his tone has become a little lighter.

"That's great, Director Gu, see you later."

Ning Hao was not polite either. Compared with himself, Gu Wei was definitely from a wealthy family.

At around five o'clock in the afternoon, Ning Hao and Xing Aina arrived at Xingchen Film and Television, accompanied by Huang Bo.

This guy has been on TV shows with the crew recently. Although the movie hasn't been released yet, he has gained some popularity. At least he is not as unknown as before.

"Is this Director Gu's company? This is my first time here.

It’s a bit small, not quite in line with Director Gu’s status.”

When they arrived at the company gate, Huang Bo looked around, looked at the small company, and said.

“We plan to move to a new place in the second half of the year.”

Gu Wei just walked out of the office when he heard Huang Bo's words and said casually.

"Director Gu."

Ning Hao and others saw Gu Wei and greeted him quickly.

"You all came quite early. It's not even time for dinner yet."

Looking at the few people, Gu Wei joked.

"Director Gu is treating us, so of course we have to come early. This is a rare opportunity."

Xing Aina said this at the right time, with a smile on her face.

"Don't stand there, go sit in the office. Yifei and Qin Hao are both inside."

Hearing this, Xing Aina didn't hesitate and went straight to the office. Ning Hao and Huang Bo followed behind her.

"Director Ning, here we are."

In the office, seeing Ning Hao and others come in, Liu Yifei and Qin Hao stood up to greet them.

Qin Hao had met Ning Hao before, but it was the first time he met Huang Bo. The two looked at each other and then nodded, indicating that they knew each other.

"Yifei."

Xing Aina came to Liu Yifei and sat down.

"Then sister, come and try some fruit."

After saying that, he pushed the fruit plate in front of the few people.

Since they were all acquaintances, no one was polite and they sat down on the sofa and started eating.

After a while, Gu Wei came to the office and saw several people chatting enthusiastically.

“How is the film promotion going?”

Gu Wei took the watermelon handed to him by Liu Yifei and started eating it in big mouthfuls.

Others just pretended not to see it, and their relationship was almost made public.

Huang Bo was a little confused by the two people's actions, but he had a high emotional intelligence and his facial expression did not change from beginning to end.

"The publicity effect is OK. After all, it is just a low-budget movie. It certainly can't be compared with other big directors' movies."

Gu Wei understood what Ning Hao meant. After thinking for a moment, he picked up his phone and dialed the number.

"Hello, Mr. Wang, are you busy?"

In the office of Guangxian Company, Wang Changtian looked at the caller ID and answered the call immediately.

"Not busy, Director Gu, you say."

"The film Stone, directed by Ning Hao, is currently in the promotion stage. We would like to use the platform of Mr. Wang's company to help promote it."

"Hey, I thought it was a big deal. This will definitely be no problem. Leave it to me."

Wang Changtian said without hesitation.

Afterwards, the two chatted on the phone for more than ten minutes before ending.

After the call ended, Wang Changtian immediately called his assistant and gave him instructions.

Wang Changtian attached great importance to being able to help Gu Wei. This is how relationships work in the circle. If you help me, I help you, and I can get a favor in return, so why not do it?

Gu Wei and Wang Changtian's conversation did not avoid other people. Ning Hao looked at the attitude of the Guangxian CEO towards Gu Wei, and it would be a lie to say that he was not envious.

"Director Gu, I have to trouble you again."

“The film was invested by the company, so there was no trouble.

Don't worry about the premiere, Yifei, Qin Hao and I will all be there, you can arrange the venue and make it bigger."

Gu Wei waved his hand.

"Director Gu, is it appropriate to hold a grand ceremony?"

Ning Hao was a little hesitant. The cost of the film was there, and the scale was too large. If the box office flopped, he would become a laughing stock in the circle.

"Do as I say. Send the invitations directly to all the major film companies in the industry and add my name."

"Okay, I'll listen to you, Director Gu."

Ning Hao suddenly became excited. With Gu Wei backing him up, he was not afraid of anything.

...

At half past six, Gu Wei brought a group of people, drove three cars, and went directly to Jia Private Kitchen. The place was arranged in advance by Wang Chen.

The restaurant specializes in Shandong cuisine, especially the scallion-fried sea cucumber, which is famous far and wide.

The meal was a great pleasure for both hosts and guests and lasted almost three hours.

After it was over, everyone else dispersed, and Gu Wei and Liu Yifei came to the vicinity of the villa and took a stroll.

"It's so supportive."

Liu Yifei touched her stomach and said with a bitter expression.

At the dinner table, Liu Yifei originally ordered a vegetable salad in order to maintain her figure. However, as soon as the dishes were served, she couldn't help but start eating right away, and she ate too much.

"Haha, you seem to be eating very delicious food."

"Still laughing at me. It's all your fault for ordering so many dishes."

Liu Yifei glared at Gu Wei and spoke fiercely.

As expected, women are so unreasonable at any age. Gu Wei touched his nose and said nothing.

After strolling for more than half an hour and digesting their food, the two of them walked to the door of the villa.

"Come in, Auntie is waiting at home."

"I don't want to go home so early."

Liu Yifei looked at Gu Wei, then reached out and hugged him. The two of them hugged each other for a while before separating.

Gu Wei had drunk some wine and was unable to drive, so Liu Yifei arranged for a driver to take him home.

.........

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(End of this chapter)