Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 705 Sino-US Co-production

As October enters its second half, the film market remains bustling.

Although the General Administration has approved the proposal to ban artists with bad records, life still has to go on. After all, not everyone's ultimate goal is to be banned.

Most celebrities and artists don’t have big problems, and many of them are not bad people at all.

Online, this year's National Day period has been called the "most crowded" National Day period in history by the media, with a total of 2 domestic films being released, including "Wolf Warrior", "Dear", "Black and White", "The Golden Era", "McDull, Me and My Mom", etc., covering different genres such as feature films, comedies, biopics, action films, etc.

At the same time, as many as 9 domestic animated films were released at the same time, which not only far exceeded the National Day schedule in previous years, but was even larger than the 7 cartoons released simultaneously on June st this year.

It's just that some are happy and some are sad. While some films have become the focus of the schedule with absolute advantages, it is inevitable that some works will become cannon fodder.

The first half of the National Day holiday has ended, and "Wolf Warrior" will also face a competitive opponent.

There are many Hollywood blockbusters in late October, including "Guardians of the Galaxy", "Hercules", "Lucy", "Maze Runner" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" released one after another.

At the same time, the domestic industry was abuzz with discussion about a piece of news regarding the film funding agency.

"The Film Fund Office will soon launch an official Weibo account to accurately release real-time data on the film market and the next-day screening schedule across the country through technical means."

This means that national box office data will be further made public and transparent.

It can not only curb some film studios from exaggerating the box office on the opening day in order to create gimmicks, but also prevent box office theft. It is a very powerful measure for the time being.

The producers, distributors, and theaters praised it repeatedly, liked it, and forwarded it.

This also made the filmmakers in the circle in a good mood after the meeting of the General Administration. After all, only by ensuring that their interests are not harmed can everyone's fighting spirit be stimulated.

Gu Wei also gave a thumbs up after seeing the news. The General Administration is indeed purifying the domestic entertainment environment by taking one step at a time.

October isn't even over yet, but large-scale promotional activities have already begun for the movies that will be released in November.

In the first half of this month, a number of low-cost and high-quality domestic "love comedies" have begun to be promoted around the "11.11" Singles' Day, which is quite unique to China.

As for several blockbusters that will be released during the Lunar New Year holiday, the promotion has already begun.

.........

As the wedding date draws closer, Gu Wei has already started preparing invitations, reviewing the wedding process submitted by the planning department, and at the same time started to lose weight.

Seeing Miss Liu practicing martial arts every day to keep in shape, Gu Wei, who had eaten too much hamburgers and steaks, naturally couldn't sit still.

At the urging of the young lady, Gu Wei joined the team. Fortunately, the two teachers Liu Yifei hired not only knew martial arts, but also had experience in fitness.

In the villa, after a sweaty workout, Gu Wei got a moment of rest amidst the contempt from Miss Liu.

Even so, during the break, he was mocked by his opponent, "Tsk, who said you will never get tired?"

Hearing this, Gu Wei instantly wanted to execute the young lady on the spot, but seeing that there were outsiders around, he had to give up this idea temporarily.

After resting for ten minutes, Gu Wei finished the functional drink in his hand and was about to get up when the phone rang.

Then, under Miss Liu's contemptuous gaze, he picked up his mobile phone and walked silently to the balcony.

After taking a quick look, I guess Old Man Han is here to inquire about information for China Film.

"How is the cooperation negotiation going?" As expected, Han Sanping went straight to the point as soon as he opened his mouth, which was so direct that Gu Wei felt overwhelmed.

"Cooperation? What cooperation?" Gu Wei just played dumb.

"Still hiding it? If you don't want to discuss cooperation with Zhou Xingchi, then are you talking about feelings?"

"Well, I grew up watching his movies, and I want to get closer to my idol. Is that okay?"

"Stop talking nonsense. I heard that the agreement has been signed, right?" Han Sanping became impatient. If Gu Wei was in front of him, he would probably kick him.

"Mr. Han, I was watching Animal World last night and it said that a police dog's sense of smell is a million times stronger than that of humans. Do you think it's true?" Gu Wei teased.

"Fuck you, you're making fun of me. Hurry up and say it." Han Sanping put himself into the role of the police dog and his mood instantly turned bad.

Seeing this, Gu Wei didn't plan to hide it anymore. Anyway, the news would be leaked soon.

So, Han Sanping began.

"Is there really cooperation?"

"What the hell, Kung Fu 2?"

"Is this true? When will it start?"

Amid the exclamations of the three reviewers of Han's "One Hundred Thousand Whys", Gu Wei told the whole story from beginning to end.

"Hey, you know that."

Even through the phone, Gu Wei could imagine Han Sanping's expression when he said this, and he couldn't help but shudder.

"Mr. Han, the share is not a big problem, but China Film needs to make some efforts." After thinking about it, Gu Wei felt that China Film would definitely be indispensable. In this case, it would be better to let the other party make some efforts, so that he could save some money.

"Tell me about it first?" Han Sanping was not the chairman of the board. He only had the right to make suggestions on many matters but could not make the final decision.

"Do you know Zhang Miao? He joined Columbia Pictures in 2001 and is currently the senior director of film marketing and distribution in China.

He participated in and led the introduction, promotion and publicity of blockbuster series such as "Spider-Man", "Terminator 3", "Terminator 4", "Kung Fu", "Resident Evil" and "007".

I want China Film to send someone to talk to the other party, it should be no problem. "

"I know Zhang Miao. We've had dinner together several times before. What did we talk about?" Han Sanping continued to ask.

Just as Zhou Xingchi guessed, these big Hollywood companies have always asked for exorbitant prices when it comes to copyright issues. The other party offered tens of millions of US dollars for the copyright of "Kung Fu", with an investment share as an additional condition.

Gu Wei rejected the investment conditions. The other party asked for doubling the copyright fee. Originally, he planned to lower the price before agreeing.

Who knew that Han Sanping would come to my door on his own initiative? It would be a waste not to use it.

The mainland market is so good, and China Film holds the right to import films. As long as Columbia Pictures still wants to enter the mainland, China Film will have to speak up and the other party will probably be cautious.

As for whether it would work, Gu Wei was not sure, but he could give it a try. At worst, Gu Wei could ask Warner to buy it on his behalf. He would not be a sucker and let the other party rip him off. "Okay, I'll say hello to Mr. La, and then go talk to him about how much share he can give?" When it comes to business, Han Sanping is not confused.

"About 10%." Gu Wei spit out a number.

"? Forget it, just spend the money to buy it. This amount of money is not enough to bother you." Han Sanping was speechless.

"It's a lot. Zhou Xingchi takes 30%, and he has to leave some for other companies. So I only get 30% to 40% at most."

Unfortunately, Han Sanping refused to listen to the explanation and kept saying it was too low. He was too embarrassed to talk about this with La Peikang.

"An investment of 200 to 300 million yuan would cost 20 to 30 million yuan for 10% of the investment. Is that not enough?"

"20%?"

"The maximum I can give you is 12%, and even that has to be squeezed out from Xingchen Films' share."

"18%, it can't be any less."

"One price, 13%."

Read the error-free version at 69shuba! 6=9+shu_ba is the first to publish this novel.

The two argued back and forth for a long time and finally reached a verbal agreement on a 15% share, on the condition that China Film had to make an effort. Not to mention asking Columbia Pictures to sell it at a % discount, but at least they had to reduce the price by a few million US dollars. Otherwise, why give China Film such a large share?

"Okay, let's put it this way. I'll go find out the other party's background first, and then contact you when I have news."

"it is good."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Wei looked back at Miss Liu and saw that the other party had not stopped, so he called Song Ge.

"Poaching?" After hearing what Gu Wei said, Song Ge felt that the scope of his management in the company was a bit off.

"Well, go and dig Zhang Miao over. You have a good relationship with him, so let's talk first."

"Sure?"

"Sure, this person is a talent, and he can make up for the company's shortcomings in distribution and promotion." Gu Wei had already set his sights on the other party. After all, not everyone can successfully distribute so many Hollywood blockbusters in the country.

The two discussed for a while and decided to recruit Zhang Miao. Song Ge was still a little worried. After all, the other party was doing well in Columbia and was afraid that he would not change jobs easily.

But Gu Wei knew that this person joined "Yanjing Culture" in 2016 in another time and space. It was definitely not a spur-of-the-moment decision. He must have had the idea of ​​finding another way out for some time.

"Let's talk about it. If it goes through, Xingchen Film and Television Company will have one more general. Even if it doesn't, we won't suffer any loss!"

Song Ge shook his head helplessly and said, "Although we won't suffer any loss, we are afraid that other partners will worry about whether their employees will be poached."

Hearing this, Gu Wei laughed and said, "People go to higher places, and water flows to lower places. Since you are just working, you might as well choose a company with more prospects."

.........

the other side.

Zhang Yimou, who had just returned to China a few days ago, was chatting face to face with representatives from LeTV.

In the hotel private room, in addition to the representatives of LeTV, the Southeast Asia manager of Legendary Pictures was also present, and even a vice president of China Film Group.

The purpose of these people was simple: they wanted to invite Zhang Yimou to direct a Sino-US co-production.

"I'm sorry, there's still post-production work to do on Jurassic World, and I really can't spare the time." Zhang Yimou said with regret in his tone.

"Director Zhang, we can wait." The LeTV representative said with a smile.

"The Great Wall." Zhang Yimou was thinking about the project in his mind, with a blank expression on his face.

In the original time and space, "The Great Wall" was Zhang Yimou's first collaboration with a Hollywood creative team. The film had an investment of 800 million yuan, plus publicity and other expenses, the final cost was as high as 1 billion yuan, a standard Hollywood A-level production.

But now that Zhang Yimou has just won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and directed "Jurassic World", he doesn't have such a strong desire to direct a big production.

After the meal, Zhang Yimou still did not make any promise to the other party. The LeTV representatives and others were not in a hurry and decided to take their time.

After returning home, a dizzy Zhang Yimou called Gu Wei and told him about the project.

Gu Wei had just gone through a big battle and took on the movie while panting.

"The Great Wall?"

Liu Yifei, who was standing next to him, was sweating profusely. She muttered quietly, "It's Director Zhang."

"Yes." Gu Wei nodded and continued on the phone: "Brother, make your own decision. The company will not interfere. But I heard that Universal is also involved in this Sino-US co-production. You can call and ask."

"Global?" Zhang Yimou on the opposite side was stunned.

"Well, I heard it was, but I'm not sure about the details."

"Okay, I won't disturb you and Yifei anymore." After leaving these words, Zhang Yimou was the first to hang up the phone.

The other party's voice, which was neither too loud nor too soft, was naturally heard by Miss Liu, but Liu Yifei has become thick-skinned now and will not blush easily.

"Director Zhang has a new movie?" Liu Yifei asked while drawing circles on Gu Wei's chest with her fingers.

"Well, it's a Sino-US co-production. I heard the investment is not low." Gu Wei pinched the other person's face and said with a smile.

"Like in The Forbidden Kingdom?"

"Almost." Gu Wei nodded. He has always been pessimistic about Sino-US co-productions, even if the director is Chinese. Eastern and Western elements and cultures are not so easy to integrate. If you are not careful, the filming will be weird. Not to mention that the script of this movie was written by Westerners. Foreigners have always had problems understanding Chinese elements.

Just like the original "The Forbidden Kingdom", it was hyped up so much, but now there is no follow-up!
It can be seen that whether it is inviting superstars to join or asking international directors to direct, how to merge Eastern and Western cultures is the most difficult point.

Thinking of this, Gu Wei turned his head and kissed the young lady, then looked at Liu Yifei and asked, "Are you interested?"

"No, my goal now is to lose weight. Come." Shaking her head, Liu Yifei grabbed Gu Wei, and a new round of battle was about to begin.

At this moment, Gu Wei hated why the dawn came so late. The night was long and he really couldn't sleep! !
.........

(End of this chapter)