Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 680: I will arrange the wrap-up party

Hollywood.

In late June, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" will be completed.

After Warner Bros. discussed with Gu Wei, they added more than 300 post-production technicians to the film.

The reason is simple. The two big-budget special effects films released by Warner Bros. did not achieve the expected box office results.

2014年版《哥斯拉》5月16日在北美上映后，首日票房为3850万美元，并以9320万美元的首周末票房创下了上半年北美地区首映周末第二高票房纪录。

However, the film's reputation was severely damaged, and the subsequent box office dropped sharply. In the end, the film had been released in North America for more than a month, and the cumulative box office had not yet exceeded 200 million US dollars.

But the film cost as much as 1.63 million U.S. dollars. Although the global box office of "Godzilla" in the original time and space finally reached 5.47 million U.S. dollars, the film's reputation was not good and was complained by many viewers.

Another film, "Edge of Tomorrow," cost as much as 1.73 million U.S. dollars and performed even worse after its release in North America on June 6. Some professional organizations predicted that the film's box office in North America would not exceed 6 million U.S. dollars.

In the original time and space, the global box office of "Edge of Tomorrow" was only 3.7 million US dollars.

To put it another way, the total investment of "Godzilla" and "Edge of Tomorrow" is as high as 3.36 million US dollars, which is 22.3 billion RMB according to the current exchange rate.
This investment cost is equivalent to two "The Wandering Earths", but the global box office revenue of the two films combined is less than 1 billion US dollars, which is still more than 200 million US dollars short of "The Wandering Earth".

The total global box office of "The Wandering Earth" directed by Gu Wei has exceeded 12 billion US dollars, and some Nordic countries are also gradually introducing it.

I don't know whether Warner was shocked or not, but other big Hollywood companies were smiling. Last year's annual box office champion released two blockbusters in a row in May and June this year, but they did not achieve the expected box office results.

Yes, these two movies will definitely not lose money, and "Godzilla" will even make a lot of money, but after spending a huge amount of money and spending two or three years to only get this much profit, the president of Warner has become a subject of ridicule in the Hollywood circle.

Universal President Adam Ferguson even announced that "Jurassic World" would hit the $1 billion mark, and privately teased Warner Bros. at a cocktail party.

It is precisely because of all these reasons that Gu Wei's "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" has become the current focus of Warner Bros.

After learning that there were not enough post-production staff and the release might need to be postponed, Warner Bros. immediately transferred a large number of personnel over, including some special effects engineers from "The Martian."

Even if Nolan has objections to this, there is nothing he can do. "The Martian" is not in a hurry and can be filmed and post-produced slowly, but "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" cannot be delayed.

If the box office of this movie still fails to meet the ideal expectations, or if it loses to Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games 3" in the box office battle, then Warner will become a real joke this year.

The competition in Hollywood is too fierce, and various means are emerging one after another. It can be said that Gu Wei is now Warner's only hope for a turnaround. We can't just rely on the dozens of other movies shot by Warner with average investments.

After all, in the film industry, Americans have always believed in high investment and high returns. As for the occasional success of a low-budget movie, in their eyes it is purely luck and the probability is too small.

Therefore, "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" also set a new record, that is, thousands of special effects engineers were involved in the post-production of a movie.

Coupled with Warner's publicity, it can be said that this has become the most anticipated special effects blockbuster for audiences in North America and even the world in the second half of the year.

When the consultation from across the ocean was transmitted back to China, there was an instant uproar.

Many netizens just think that this record is very cool and has the air of scientific research.

"Awesome, just want to ask when will "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" be released in the country?"

"Forget about it this year. I heard that the quota for Hollywood blockbusters is full. The earliest it will be available is early next year."

"The big fight will be in October, and it will be in Hollywood. Just think about how exciting it is."

“I don’t know if the film will be edited or not when it’s brought into China. I want to watch it in its original form.”

"It shouldn't be cut, maybe they can even add a lot of domestic scenes. After all, a movie like "X-Men" can earn 300 million yuan in the domestic box office just because Fan Binbin showed up a few times. Wow!"

Star artists in the industry feel that Gu Wei’s influence in Hollywood is too great, as he can unconditionally use 90% of the power of Warner Bros., one of the six major Hollywood studios, to tackle a movie.

"It's hard to imagine that Director Gu is not a shareholder of Warner Bros." Some people think this is the most reasonable explanation.

"Maybe Warner has already become a major shareholder of Tomorrow's Star Pictures. There have been reports about it before!" Some people also became suspicious.

The producers and directors in the industry are the ones who are most shocked. Thousands of special effects engineers, what does that mean?
Most domestic film and television companies do not have so many employees, including cleaners and security guards. Even Xingchen Film and Television, which has been in development for ten years, currently has no more than 500 special effects engineers, less than half of the other party.

"Alas, the only domestic director who can be called an internationally renowned director is Gu Wei." Many people sighed.

.........

25 number.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" was announced to be completed, and Warner held a grand cocktail party for it. Jason Statham and Scarlett Johansson, who had already completed the filming, also rushed to the scene, and even the president showed up.

In the hotel lobby, hundreds of people were chatting and laughing, drinking champagne.

Nolan, Matt Damon, Tom Cruise and others came to the scene to promote "Rise of the Planet of the Apes". At the same time, dozens of media and hundreds of reporters participated in the reception to interview and report on the film.

"Gu, congratulations on completing another "great" work." The president of Warner said with a smile. Although he had not seen the finished film, he had heard from many people about the wonderful aspects of the film.

"Haha, thank you, but time is still tight. I will try my best to complete the post-production before October." Gu Wei has a scruffy beard. After coming here from China, he has only slept three or four hours a day in the past month. He has devoted all his attention to the filming in order to rush the deadline.

"I have another good news for you. There was an accident with Lionsgate's The Hunger Games 3. It will most likely be released in late November, haha."

"Oh?" Gu Wei turned a deaf ear to what was happening outside and didn't pay any attention to the media reports.

"It happened in the past two days. An accident occurred on the set of 'The Hunger Games 3', and it is said that Jennifer Lawrence had a conflict with Lionsgate." The president of Warner explained with a smile.

"Pay?" This was the first thing that came to Gu Wei's mind. After all, most conflicts between actors and producers were over roles and pay, and "The Hunger Games" series could be said to be a typical movie with a strong female lead, so there shouldn't be a reason for a reduction in roles, so the only reason could be pay.

"Well, the contract signed by both parties is to shoot three films in a row, but Lionsgate didn't expect the other party's salary to increase so quickly, so... hehe!"

Although the other party did not say it explicitly, Gu Wei already understood. Suddenly, Gu Wei seemed to have thought of something. Maybe next year when Jennifer's version of "porn photos" is exposed, Lionsgate will be behind it.

After all, in Hollywood, when actors have conflicts with capital and act like big shots, the consequences are much more serious than in China.

However, when he heard that the release date of "The Hunger Games 3" was delayed, Gu Wei felt a lot more relieved. At least he would have one more month to do the post-production well.

At the same time, Gu Wei is also thinking about releasing "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" in early November. It is crucial for the two masters to compete and seize the first wave of popularity and audience.

"Hey, how did they announce the release date?" Gu Wei asked curiously. "They used the excuse of not having enough time for post-production, and then said that more time for editing would make the movie more exciting..."

"He said a lot of nonsense, but he never mentioned that they were scared. They still agreed to the bet with you..."

At the end, the president of Warner Bros. just laughed out loud. After all, it was people from Lionsgate who mocked Warner Bros. some time ago.

Gu Wei knew at a glance that the president of Warner had been talking nonsense a lot in the past two days. He probably got the upper hand and was in a good mood.

"Are you sure?" Kevin Tsujihara suddenly asked while laughing. This Japanese-American president just took office as the president of Warner last year. His actions in the first half of the year have already made the board members dissatisfied. Now "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" is the biggest bargaining chip in his hand, and there can't be any problems.

"Didn't you just say that this is a "great" work?" Gu Wei said with a smile.

"Haha, the Chinese market is in your hands. Warner will take care of Japan, South Korea, South America, and Europe."

Hearing this, Gu Wei nodded. There was nothing wrong with everyone doing their job. In terms of global influence, Warner was top-notch.

Kevin Tsujihara seemed to have thought of something and continued to ask, "By the way, what about your company's horror film? Do you have any ideas? Do you need Warner's help in distributing it?"

"I can't ask for it."

"No problem, this time Warner will charge the most basic fee." In Kevin Tsujihara's opinion, a horror film with an investment of only a few million dollars would only cost a total of more than one million dollars.

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After all, not all of Gu Wei’s movies can be like “The Wandering Earth”, where the publicity and promotion costs alone can make Warner earn tens of millions of US dollars.

While the two were talking, no one within three meters dared to come forward. It was not until President Warner left that many people came over to chat with Gu Wei.

Just as Tom Cruise was about to step forward, Nolan and Matt Damon had already taken the lead. Seeing this, he could only continue chatting with the actress next to him.

"How's the progress of 'The Martian'?" Gu Wei asked with a smile before the other party could speak. A few days ago, Warner transferred special effects engineers from 'The Martian' to 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes', and Nolan even called Gu Wei to complain.

"What do you think?" Nolan couldn't help but retort, and Matt Damon next to him laughed out loud.

"Sorry, I will tell Mike to return the engineers of "The Martian" by the end of August at the latest." Gu Wei said cheerfully.

"?" Nolan was a little confused.

"Lionsgate chose to postpone the release of that movie, so you know!"

"Forget it. Kevin Tsujihara has already promised me that he will fully cooperate with Mars once your film is completed." Nolan waved his hand. He obviously understood where the company's current focus was.

After Nolan finished speaking, Gu Wei and Matt started chatting, and each other's words were full of hints.

"Oh, you don't know, that guy Leon has already shown off his little golden man in front of me, damn it." Matt Damon drank the champagne in one gulp, then waved his hand, and the waiter immediately brought a new glass.

"Haha, do you know what he told me?" Gu Wei remembered what Leonardo said to him.

"?"

"He said: Gu, why don't we continue to work together and win him seven or eight Oscars.

My God, does this guy think Oscar is a cabbage on the street?" Gu Wei complained.

"Damn you, fat guy, Gu, you should know what I mean." Matt cursed Leonardo, then stared straight at Gu Wei, making him involuntarily tighten certain parts of his body.

"Matt, I have the script, but you should know my next plan."

"Getting married, and the next movie will be a Chinese-language film." Matt Damon said one by one, "But it doesn't matter. After "The Martian", I will have plenty of time. I can devote myself to preparation and wait for your arrangements at any time..."

Matt Damon pleaded in a humbly voice, while Nolan next to him was somewhat envious of Gu Wei. After all, this was a top director who had both commercial and award-winning abilities.

After thinking for a while, Gu Wei put forward two conditions, "I will arrange the time, and I can give you the script in advance.

The filming location must be in the country, and all personnel involved in the filming must obey unconditionally. "

"OK, OK, as long as I can participate in the Oscars, it's no problem even if I follow Leon's example and go to South Africa for half a year." Matt Damon was as happy as a child after receiving the promise.

...

The next day, a piece of gossip spread throughout Hollywood.

"It is reported that Oscar-winning director Gu Wei will start his third art film next year. Matt Damon is suspected to be the male lead, and Tom Cruise will play the male second."

"This award-winning film will most likely be shot in China, and it is not ruled out that Chinese stars will participate..."

One stone caused a thousand waves!

After the news came out, Leonardo called Gu Wei and asked him why he didn't consider himself.

The situation in China was already in an uproar, especially Han Sanping's pot, which exploded instantly.

"Do you think this is appropriate? It's time for Chinese films to take their turn..." Han Sanping started babble early in the morning.

"Stop it. If anyone says the word 'round' again, I'll get mad at them." Gu Wei gets a headache when he hears the word "round" now, and he already has a psychological trauma.

Damn it, it seems that you all have a tacit understanding now. You come first and then I come, and everyone takes turns fairly, justly and openly.

The more he thought about it, the more Gu Wei felt that he was already moving in the direction of "comfort", which was really painful.

"I don't care. Don't force me to go to Hollywood to find you." Han Sanping still refused to give in.

"Then come on." Gu Wei almost said this, but couldn't hold it back in time.

"Got it." He left these three words and hung up the phone decisively.

On the other side, Han Sanping listened to the beeping sound and couldn't help but sigh: "The older the child gets, the harder it is to manage."

.........

(End of this chapter)