Chinese Entertainment

Chapter 743: A Big Business of Million US Dollars (Two in One)

In the company.

The vice presidents of Legendary and Universal watched it very carefully, especially when they heard that "Swallowed Star 2" which was currently in production would be released in North America, they paid special attention to this animated film.

After seeing the machines, equipment, and numerous special effects engineers, the vice president of Universal could not help but sigh: "This is a company that is as capable of special effects as the Big Six in Hollywood."

Song Ge, who was standing next to him, couldn't hide his joy when he heard the translation.

For a long time, many people in China did not understand why Gu Wei had been recruiting people to send to Hollywood for training and purchasing various advanced equipment. Some people even privately joked that the people in Xingchen Film and Television Company were stupid and had a lot of money.

But now after hearing these words, Song Ge felt that it was all worth it.

"Presidents, our company now has 22 senior special effects engineers, 158 mid-level engineers, 832 junior engineers, hundreds of equipment of various sizes, and thousands of computers for special effects production..."

The person in charge of the special effects talked eloquently, while the translator translated the relevant data to the group of people bit by bit.

"Oh my god, is this the latest filming system that Warner just developed last year?"

Everyone came to a set of machines and someone exclaimed in a low voice.

"President Jon, this system was just introduced to the company this year. Together with the auxiliary equipment, there are more than 20 machines, worth tens of millions of US dollars..."

"Learn from the barbarians in order to defeat them" was the slogan our ancestors shouted more than a hundred years ago.

Star Pictures can proudly say that it has done it. Today, the company is not only as good as Hollywood in terms of talent and equipment, but can even surpass it in some aspects.

When they came to a monitor, the person in charge pointed at it and said, "Everyone, please look, this equipment system was developed by the company itself to assist in intelligent shooting..."

As the explanation went on, the two vice presidents looked at each other and couldn't help but nod.

"GOOD, Xingchen Films is worthy of being the number one film and television special effects company in China. At least it has met our requirements in terms of hardware." The vice president of Universal praised.

“Well, there is no problem with the machinery and equipment, but the number of engineers is not too many. I heard that Gu’s new movie is also a special effects film. I’m afraid that there will not be enough engineers to produce the special effects, which will easily delay the progress…” The legendary vice president still refused to give in easily. After all, producing special effects is a big business with lucrative profits.

"Sean, Xingchen Films meets the requirements. I think we should talk about the price."

"Here, let's take another look."

On the other side, Gu Wei, Zhang Yimou, and more than 20 screenwriters were discussing how to adapt the script.

"Boss, Director Zhang, the specific theme outline remains the same. I think we should add two or three short stories to make the characters and plots more complex and easier to attract the audience's attention..."

"I object. A movie can be as short as an hour or more, or as long as two hours. If the story is complicated, it will easily deviate from the theme..."

"I took a rough look at the script and initially thought that the background content of the story should be added." A screenwriter expressed his opinion, and then looked at Zhang Yimou and asked: "Director Zhang, does this movie need to leave a foreshadowing? I mean, will there be a sequel?"

Zhang Yimou was stunned at this point. He really couldn't give a direct answer now. "What if there is a sequel? What if there is no sequel?"

"Ahem." The young screenwriter cleared his throat. "If there is, then leave some foreshadowing in the middle of the story and at the end. If not, then make the ending more tragic, so that it will be easier to arouse the audience's empathy."

The discussion did not last long. After more than half an hour, the assistant came to Gu Wei and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Brother, this is the general idea for now. If you have any questions, you can discuss it in the group." After thinking for a while, Gu Wei continued, "Everyone can adapt it bit by bit. When you finish a version, post it in the group for discussion. Finally, let Director Zhang make the final decision."

Then, Gu Wei turned his head and looked at Zhang Yimou, "Brother, what do you think?"

"Good, very good." Zhang Yimou nodded in agreement.

After leaving the screenwriting department, Zhang Yimou said with emotion: "Today I realized that Xingchen Film and Television Company's ability to produce so many excellent films is not just luck, this group of people is very capable."

"Haha, they are all carefully selected by me, and their salaries are much higher than their counterparts outside."

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou nodded and said, "Of course, the most important thing is your vision. It's you who gave them the opportunity."

Gu Wei waved his hand and said, "It's just a win-win cooperation."

After saying that, the two looked at each other and laughed.

On the way out, Gu Wei was also somewhat impressed by the imagination of his group of screenwriters. The company now has a lot of good scripts. I heard that several people are tinkering with a script that seems to be related to 749.

...

In the conference room, assistants replaced the coffee with hot water and brought various snacks.

When Gu Wei and the others came over, the group was already half full.

It was already four o'clock in the afternoon. Zhang Yimou and his group had come here at two o'clock and had been here for two hours without realizing it.

At the entrance of the conference room, Song Ge was instructing his assistant, "Book a hotel and arrange a dinner."

"Okay, Mr. Song, when will it end?" the assistant asked.

"Well, no rush. We'll probably have to talk for a while. Also call the financial manager and the special effects budgeter over."

"Okay, I'll do it right away."

After giving these instructions, Song Ge pushed open the door and strode in.

Gu Wei winked at Song Ge after seeing him, and the latter immediately understood and said, "How was your visit, do you have any questions?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou glanced at the two vice presidents, meaning to ask for their opinions.

"Not bad, let's talk about the price."

"No problem." Gu Wei nodded. Just at this time, the finance and budget analysts also came to the meeting room.

"Listen to Director Zhang's request and make a rough quotation first."

"Okay, boss." Among the financial staff, there is Gu Wei's cousin. He graduated with a finance major and has been in the company for several years. He is always calm and steady in his work.

To be honest, after Gu Wei became rich, some relatives came to visit him, such as his cousins, aunts, etc. They all said, "You are a big director now, can I also be a star?" I heard that it is easy to be a star now, you don't have to memorize lines, and there are all kinds of stand-ins...

One of my cousins ​​even joked that he was in great shape and could definitely be the assistant director of casting, and that if there was a good girl, he would definitely let Gu Wei go first...

Gu Wei's attitude towards these people has always been that you can go back to where you came from. If you want to be a star, then learn and hone your acting skills first.

It's okay if you want to be a director, but at least you need to have some professional knowledge. You can't just use the money the company invests in a movie for you to have affairs with female stars.

Seeing that everything was ready, Zhang Yimou began, "We hope that the special effects of the movie can reach the 3DMAX version, including..."

The other party was talking while the budgeters were writing and drawing. When it comes to such a big business, even the slightest mistake can have an impact of hundreds of millions.

Ten minutes later, Zhang Yimou stopped and the vice president of Legend spoke up, "We can give you 60% of the special effects. The price we offer is million US dollars."

Hearing this, Song Ge, who didn't know much about the business, remained expressionless, but several budget analysts were stunned. This price was not high at all.

Gu Wei took the cost price handed over by the estimator, calculated it silently in his mind, and then combined it with the special effects market price in Hollywood, he had a rough idea in his mind.

The price is not high, and even if Star Film and Television Company takes it, the profit will not be much. The same amount of work in Europe and the United States will start at at least 50 million, and it may be higher.

Zhang Yimou didn’t quite understand this, but as soon as he saw the expressions of the finance people, he knew that Legend’s offer was too low.

"Mr. Sean, the price is too low. Our bottom line is 50 million US dollars." Gu Wei, who had been silent for a long time, spoke up and stated a new price.

"Gu, 50 million is too high. Our bottom line is 40 million."

"I'll give you another sliver. Forty-eight million."

"Forty-two million, it can't be any higher than this price."

The two sides haggled back and forth, but still failed to reach an agreement after more than half an hour.

"Mr. Sean, as far as I know..." Song Ge spoke again when he saw this.

“No, no, no, the price is not calculated like this…” The other party still insisted on this role.

After a while, Gu Wei tapped the table with his fingers, and everyone's attention was instantly attracted to him.

"Director Zhang, two CEOs, 80 million, Xingchen Films will be responsible for all special effects, how do you think?"

"This?" The legendary vice president hesitated. After all, according to their calculations, to achieve the same effect in Hollywood, it would cost nearly 100 million US dollars.

"Eighty million, a good price." The vice president of Universal's eyes lit up and he wanted to agree to it immediately, but the main investor was Legend and he couldn't make the decision on his own.

"Eighty million US dollars?" Song Ge was shocked. According to the current exchange rate, it is indeed a big business, but if he is responsible for all the special effects, is there still any profit?

In fact, the price proposed by Gu Wei is indeed not high, and the profit from making a movie is very limited.

However, this is what Gu Wei wants. Once he gets the special effects of "The Great Wall", Xingchen Film and Television Company may receive Hollywood business one after another.

These domestic film and television companies are too stingy. For example, they will spend a lot of money on post-production for the publicity of a special effects blockbuster, but in reality they can't even give half of it.

Although Xingchen Film and Television Company has taken on a lot of business in recent years, the profits are really not that great.

Seeing everyone lost in thought, Gu Wei glanced at the time and said, "We've been talking for too long today. Some things really can't be decided quickly. Why don't we go back and think about it again?"

Song Ge immediately responded, "Haha, it's getting late. I've asked someone to arrange a place for us to eat and chat."

Zhang Yimou also felt that Legendary and Universal could not make up their minds for the time being, so he took over the conversation, "Okay, since Mr. Song has made the arrangements, we can't fail to give him face."

"Haha, then the guest should follow the host's wishes." Jon replied with a smile.

.........

outside world.

The reporters were stunned. As soon as the people from "The Great Wall" left Xingchen Film and Television Company, they went straight to the hotel. It was obvious that they were going to have dinner after discussing the cooperation.

"Shit, Xingchen Films is not going to take over the special effects production of The Great Wall, right?" A reporter cursed and expressed his guess.

"I think the probability is high. There is no possibility of new cooperation anyway." Someone directly agreed.

On the way to the hotel, Zhang Yimou and Gu Wei were in a car. They exchanged opinions and Zhang Yimou was a little worried.

"Don't worry, brother. Although 80 million is not a small amount, it is very cost-effective from the market perspective." Gu Wei is very confident at this moment. What wouldn't be good if he could save 10 or 20 million US dollars? He believes that Chuanqi can calculate the account clearly this time.

In a car behind, the vice president of China Film Group was calling La Peikang.

"Boss La, we didn't reach an agreement today. Both sides are talking about the price..."

"Eighty million US dollars for everything?" La Peikang confirmed after hearing it.

"Yes, Director Gu said so himself."

"I understand. It is not convenient for me to come forward. You should represent China Film Group and make every effort to make this happen. After all, China Film Group has made a lot of money from Xingchen Film and Television Company over the years." La Peikang said in a deep voice.

"I understand, Mr. La, I will keep it confidential." "Okay." La Peikang was very satisfied with the vice president's attitude. This matter really could not be carried out openly, after all, China Film was the investor of "The Great Wall".

At the dinner table, the deputy director of China Film Corporation first praised the special effects of Xingchen Film and Television, and then emphasized the current box office of "The Wandering Earth". The meaning is self-evident.

In addition, Universal was somewhat inclined towards Gu Wei, so LeTV naturally did not dare to raise any objections. When the second, third, and youngest child in a family of four all agreed on something, even the eldest child had to consider it carefully.

...

The next day, when the "Great Wall" project team came to Xingchen Film and Television Company again, the two parties reached a preliminary agreement and signed a draft agreement.

At the same time, the vice president of Warner and others came to China again, and they went straight to Star Film and Television Company.

The circle suddenly became lively.

In the company, Song Ge was holding a brand new contract, clicking his tongue non-stop.

"This is the first time we have received such a large business since the company was founded."

"This is just the beginning, but if we get off to a good start, all kinds of business will continue to come in." Gu Wei had just finished meeting with Warner's people and was now half lying on the sofa.

"Hahaha, I can already imagine a scenario in the future where the company will produce many Hollywood special effects blockbusters." Song Ge put down the contract and said with a smile.

"You are in charge of this project. Follow the schedule and start before the end of the month. First, produce the preliminary design and then start working on the special effects."

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements."

"Also, please notify everyone that those who are willing to work overtime during the Spring Festival will receive triple pay, and there will be an extra bonus after the movie is over." Gu Wei has never been stingy with money towards his employees. He believes that as long as the money is in place, the progress will definitely be accelerated while ensuring quality.

After all, when Chinese people work overtime, their efficiency is incredible.

While the two were chatting, Chen Guofu knocked on the door and came in.

"Boss, the filming of 'Young Class' has been completed, and Director Xiao Yang said that post-production will begin before the New Year."

"Oh, okay, go and arrange it."

The company has released many new films this year. This "Juvenile Class" was arranged by Wang Jinghua and funded by the company.

Artists like Zhou Dongyu and Dong Zijian in the movie are both artists of the company, and Chen Guofu is responsible for the production.

Chen Guofu saw that there was nothing to do and was about to leave when Gu Wei suddenly asked, "Sister Hua said that Zhou Dongyu is going to leave after her contract expires?"

Hearing this, Chen Guofu was stunned. He was not very clear about these things, so Song Ge replied, "Yes, the other party has this intention."

"Okay, no need to keep me."

As for this person and Ni Ni and others, these were the conditions added by Gu Wei in order to win over Zhang Yimou. Although these people had no shortage of roles to play after joining the company, they had never played the leading role.

Gu Wei estimated that after the new year, several people would leave one after another, but this was also good, as they could part ways in peace.

After Chen Guofu left, Gu Wei looked at the time, stood up and said, "I'm leaving first. I'll come back for tomorrow's press conference."

Song Ge looked at his watch and saw that it was not yet noon. He smiled and teased, "Boss, you are not even married yet, but you are so homesick?"

"Hey, I'm busy preparing for the wedding. If it was Director Zhang, I probably wouldn't even come to the company."

"Haha, I understand, I understand." Song Ge smiled a smile that all men understand.

"Haha, you old know-it-all, you know everything?" Gu Wei thought secretly in his heart.

.........

The news that Xingchen Films had won the special effects production for "The Great Wall" spread in the circle.

"Fuck, 80 million, in US dollars?" Someone was shocked.

"Awesome, the money spent on special effects alone is enough to make a blockbuster movie." Someone gave a thumbs up.

"Legendary and Universal actually handed over the special effects to Star Pictures? Is Star Pictures really that powerful?" some people also wondered.

There are all kinds of comments and speculations, but more are congratulations.

Just like Wang Changtian and Ye Ning called at the first moment, their words were full of envy.

"Director Gu, how much profit can we make from this business?" Lao Wang is indeed a businessman, and his focus is completely different from that of others.

"Would you believe me if I said I was doing this at a loss?" Gu Wei joked.

"I believe that even good wine needs no bush, so just treat it as publicity." Wang Changtian is well aware of this truth, and he estimates that few people in the circle have such a long-term vision as him.

"Haha, don't forget the press conference tomorrow." Gu Wei replied with a smile, not wanting to explain too much.

"Don't worry, even if you forget to eat and sleep, you can't forget about this."

The news of Gu Wei’s new movie press conference has been announced, and it will be held at Xingchen Film and Television Company.

This also means that the time for this sci-fi blockbuster to be released in mainland China is getting closer.

Major companies and filmmakers in the film and television industry have already received invitations, and a large number of first- and second-tier actors, stars, and entertainers are eagerly awaiting that day.

Because this is a symbol of status, and the number of Chinese and foreign media that day was absolutely huge.

In this situation, the press conference and the cocktail party that follows are the battlefields that all artists pay special attention to and value, and are the places that stars must fight for!

……

In the villa.

When Gu Wei got home, he saw Liu Yifei leaning lazily on the sofa, with her barefoot pair of long white legs in hot pants resting on the pillow, which was extremely eye-catching.

"I saw on the news that Warner's people are coming?"

"Yeah, I just arrived this morning." Gu Wei answered while taking off his coat. The weather outside was cold, but the air conditioner was on in the house and the temperature was not low. He felt a little hot after coming in for a while.

"What time is the press conference?" Seeing Gu Wei sitting down, Miss Liu glanced at him and asked.

"Well, it's ten o'clock in the morning, which is about two hours. There is also a cocktail party at noon." Gu Wei picked up the fruit and started eating directly. The room was a bit dry.

"Hehe, then wake me up tomorrow."

Miss Liu lightly kicked her fat feet and "ordered" with a smile.

"Row."

"Haha... don't scratch, it's so itchy, haha..."

Gu Wei grabbed the white and tender little feet in his arms and started playing. Life was full of fighting and playing.

But Liu Yifei practiced martial arts, and the muscles on her calves were much more obvious than those of the delicate actresses. She broke free from Gu Wei's restraints in no time.

"Hmph, let's see if you dare to be naughty again?"

Gu Wei glared at Miss Liu provocatively, obviously having forgotten the outcome of last night.

The two of them laughed and coquettishly for a while, and then Miss Liu's cell phone rang.

"Inviting you to eat, drink and have fun again?" Gu Wei glanced at the incoming call and joked after seeing that it was Su Chang.

Just as he finished speaking, Su Chang's voice came from the external speaker of the phone:
"Xixi, are you free tonight? Is Director Gu here?"

"He's next to me. What's the matter with you, sister?" Liu Yifei joked in a controlled manner.

"Tsk, you're only three months older than me and you want me to call you sister? No way."

Su Chang is a typical stubborn person. He has called her "sister" countless times in private, but he refuses to admit it in front of Gu Wei.

"Haha, you don't want to call me, right? I don't have time then." Miss Liu had easy control over Su Chang. She could break the other party's defense with just one sentence.

"You, oh, you're so annoying."

"Call me sister or brother-in-law, otherwise I won't go, hehe."

Gu Wei, who was standing nearby, saw Miss Liu's expression and the corners of his mouth slightly curled up.

"Hey, sister, I'll invite you and your brother-in-law to dinner tonight. Chen Xiao and I will be there, don't forget." On the other side of the phone, Chen Xiao hugged Su Chang and watched his little sweetheart being controlled by the other party but he was helpless.

"Hahaha." Miss Liu laughed exaggeratedly, looking victorious.

"Changchang, find a place first, and then send the location to us. We will go there later." Gu Wei couldn't stand Miss Liu's smug look and spoke directly into the phone.

"Okay, brother-in-law, see you later." Su Chang agreed immediately, and then continued: "Oh, brother-in-law is still the best."

"What did you say?" Miss Liu's voice rang out, and Su Chang immediately hung up the phone.

"Beep, beep, beep." After hearing the sound, Miss Liu immediately glared at Gu Wei and gave him two sanitary balls.

Around six o'clock in the evening, when the two had played enough, they quickly went to change their clothes. After all, they couldn't go out to eat in their home clothes.

...

In just one meal, photos of several people appeared online, along with other things.

"In the evening, Director Gu Wei, Liu Yifei, Chen Xiao, Su Chang and others went out for dinner. The four of them talked and laughed and had a great time."

"It is reported that Xingchen Films Company has won the special effects production business for the Sino-US co-production "The Great Wall"..."

"Warner's Vice President Mike arrived in the capital today. He is suspected to have reached a new cooperation with Xingchen Films..."

However, no matter how lively the news media reports were, they were not as good as the bickering between Liu Yifei and Su Chang in the private room.

The two of them talked to each other and sang in unison, which was the source of happiness for Gu Wei and Chen Xiao.

"Director Gu, thank you for your recommendation." Chen Xiao stood up to toast. Su Chang next to him stopped making noise and just watched quietly.

"Sit, sit, sit. Don't stand up." Gu Wei truly treated Su Chang as his sister, and naturally treated Chen Xiao differently from other people.

"Yes, from now on you can call me brother-in-law..." When Liu Yifei said this, she glared at Su Chang. On the surface, she looked smug, but in fact she wanted to bring everyone closer.

Sure enough, when Su Chang heard this, he immediately called him brother-in-law, and Chen Xiao also called him brother-in-law after hesitating for a while.

"Haha, my brother-in-law will protect you from now on."

.........

(End of this chapter)