Entering the Chinese entertainment industry is like entering a deep sea

Chapter 733 Breaking All Records

After leaving Sina, Li Chen went straight home.

When I opened the door, I saw my mother-in-law, wife and children sitting in the living room.

The mother-in-law was coaxing her son who seemed to be asleep. Miss Liu sat on the sofa with her legs bent and made a gesture to keep quiet.

"Keep your voice down, or you'll wake up Xiao Wuxia and you can come and comfort him. I just saw you jumping and dancing during the live broadcast, but now you've finally calmed down."

Li Chen smiled and nodded, then took off his suit jacket quietly.

The mother-in-law was very tactful. When she saw her son-in-law coming back, she carried her grandson upstairs.

Li Chen sat next to his wife and glanced at what she was holding: "What are you looking at?"

The iPad in Liu Yifei's hand still has the hot search video of him saying "Let's set a small goal first: 20 billion".

"Look at our CEO Li's small goal? How about you set another small goal and sleep in the study tonight?"

Li Chen loosened his tie and raised his eyebrows, "I don't think this is necessary. You were nominated for the top ten most beautiful faces in the world twice, but I didn't let you sleep in the guest room."

Liu Yifei chuckled and suddenly raised her phone. The screen showed Taobao's top search item, 'Li Chen's same style small target suit', priced at 1999 yuan, with sales exceeding 10 pieces.

"Well, I have good taste, don't I? You still need to change one!"

Li Chen widened his eyes, speechless and surprised.

What’s speechless is that his outfit is worth more than 1999 yuan. What’s surprising is that it seems that every move of the couple now can generate various commercial values.

"What a shame. If I had known this, you could have created your own brand and I would have been your spokesperson."

Liu Yifei blinked and smiled, "It's worth considering. Do you know what pictures netizens photoshopped for you?"

Liu Yifei scrolled the screen and couldn't help laughing again: "This one is the best! You are wearing a dragon robe and sitting on the dragon throne, with the caption: My dear ministers, my small goal is not too much, right?"

Li Chen took a closer look and felt the scent of jasmine in her hair. He reached out and pulled her into his arms along with her iPad.

"Then I'll set a smaller goal." Li Chen took the iPad from her hand and blew softly into her ear.

Liu Yifei suddenly felt her body go limp, and she couldn't speak clearly: "What small goal?"

"For example, Xiao Wuxia should have a brother or sister."

Liu Yifei's heart warmed up, and she forgot about La La Land. She stammered, "Don't do it here."

Li Chen thought to himself, even if you dare, I don’t, my mother-in-law is still upstairs
-

Following Zhou Xun’s marriage, there seems to be a marriage boom in the domestic entertainment industry. Tang Wei became a South Korean daughter-in-law, and Mei Ting married a photographer.

Of course, in addition to major life events, there are also many female stars who are focused on changing their identities.

Following Hairun's listing, Sun Li became a shareholder of the listed company, completing the transformation from an actor to capital.

Another "Hengdian-based" film and television company is hitting the A-share market: Huanrui Century.

The most exaggerated thing is not that the IPO failed but the company successfully went public through a backdoor listing.

Instead, the company has 61 major shareholders, 40 of which are natural person shareholders.

Several leading actors of “Gu Jian Qi Tan” were among them, and former Rongchen artists Yang Mi and Tang Yan also bought 20 shares.

Zhong Junyan's invitation was sent to Rongchen Pictures early on.

But it was thrown into the trash can by Li Chen.

Zhong Junyan had previously tried to get Liu Yifei to invest through Yang Mi and Tang Yan.

Huanrui has 5% of the shares, plus if Liu Yifei can inject the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" IP, she can get another 8% of the shares.

Miss Liu knows exactly what Huanrui is planning, not to mention Li Chen.

To put it bluntly, there is only one film and television company in China that has the ability to industrialize films, and that is Rongchen Pictures owned by the couple.

Huanrui’s shortcoming is that it has a lot of IPs but lacks the ability to convert them into movies.

Just for the movie "Grave Robbers' Chronicles", Liu Yifei is confident that apart from their Rongchen Pictures, no other domestic production company can turn it into a visual effects blockbuster comparable to "The Lost Tomb".

As for big productions like "The Island of Vientiane" that have reaped global box office success, no one can do it in the whole country, let alone in the whole of Southeast Asia.

The reason is that this is the only one in Southeast Asia that offers such exquisite painting skills.

Today, the average price-to-earnings ratio of A-share film and television companies is 82 times, and the profit margin of "Vientiane Island" from the North American box office alone is 1.7 times theirs.

Which film and television stock doesn’t want to cling to the thighs of the Fairy Sister and get on the luxury cruise ship of Rongchen Pictures.

However, Rongchen Pictures is a family business.

Li Chen and his wife have no intention of changing this at any time.

Both Penguin and Ali, the two strong teams, returned empty-handed, not to mention a small Huanrui.

Going public? That's a game for companies that are short of money.

In addition, taking advantage of the popularity of "Vientiane Island", Great Wall Film and Television acquired strong film and television companies through the shell companies of Jiangsu Hongbao and Daobo Shares.

Film and television companies are rushing into the A-share market one after another.

The next day, Li Chen updated a Weibo post: No matter how beautiful the beast in the cage is, it is not as free as the mountains and seas.

-

On the top floor of Park Hyatt Hotel in Beijing, Zhong Junyan's red wine glass in front of the floor-to-ceiling window reflected the blue light of the LED screen of China World Trade Center Phase III opposite.

Behind him are Huanrui’s contracted artists, Jia Nailiang, Li Yifeng, Liu Ying and former Rongchen artists Yang Mi and Tang Yan.

The good news that "The Island" grossed $1.3 million in North America in its first week and broke $10 billion at the domestic box office was scrolling on the LED screen opposite.

The next second, Zhong Junyan suddenly smashed the red wine glass to pieces: "No matter how beautiful a caged beast is, it is not as good as the freedom of the mountains and seas."

The three artists from Huanrui were shocked. They had never seen this plain-looking female boss get so angry.

Yang Mi and Tang Yan were quite embarrassed.

She and Tang Yan had already advised this person that it would be quite difficult to get Liu Yifei to invest.

Both Jack Ma, the CEO of Penguin and Mr. Ma of Alibaba are very capable people.

Although you have changed your approach and no longer expect to invest in Rongchen, but only want to bring Liu Yifei into the partnership, it is obvious that the couple does not need your shares.

"Mr. Zhong, do you remember what Xixi said to me before?"

Yang Mi imitated Liu Yifei's cold tone and said, "Li Chen said that being chased by money is too tiring, it's better to take a walk holding the money."

Tang Yan added: "Xixi also said that A shares, no appointment, asked me not to mention it again in the future."

Zhong Junyan's nails dug into her flesh: "13% of Huanrui shares in exchange for the IP of Ghost Blows Out the Light, how is this deal not worthwhile? Some people will think it's too much money."

Yang Mi was scrolling through her Moments when she suddenly paused: "Mr. Ma from Alibaba liked my Weibo post and even commented. I heard that in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Taotie eats gold? Can you take me to visit the vault someday?"

Zhong Junyan's face suddenly became frighteningly gloomy. Coincidentally, a financial commentary suddenly popped up on the LCD TV in the room.

"It is worth noting that Rongchen has not yet accepted any Internet capital investment, but the sales of derivative products of "Vientiane Island" on Taobao have exceeded 50 million."

Zhong Junyan was stunned: "He, he is treating Alibaba as a free distribution channel!" Jia Nailiang suddenly interrupted: "Mi Mi, your senior is really amazing. We are begging for help for the IPO roadshow, but they treat Mr. Ma as a salesperson!"

Yang Mi was too lazy to pay attention to Jia Nailiang. As a member of the Teddy Sisters, she felt that Jia Nailiang was not worthy of Li Xiaolu.

"Okay, let's all go. We'll be busy tomorrow." Zhong Junyan said.

After everyone went out, Zhong Junyan made another call.

"Spread the news about Grave Robbers' Chronicles."

"Understood, Mr. Zhong."

After hanging up the phone, Zhong Junyan muttered to herself: "Since you don't give me face, there's no need for me to treat you as a guest of honor! Just wait and see!"

-

Huanrui’s launch will have little impact on Yu Rongchen, but will have a significant impact on Huayi.

Compared with when Huayi went public and celebrities held shares, Huanrui is obviously more high-profile.

It is rumored in the circle that Wang Zhonglei has made a harsh statement that Huanrui will disappear within three years.

"If a tiger doesn't show its might, then Huayi is just a sick cat."

"I can't deal with Li Chen for now, and Zhong Junyan is not even close!"

"Go! Release the news about the Spring Festival Gala to me first. I want to see how the ungrateful Jia Nailiang and artists like Huanrui will react!" Wang Zhonglei gave the order and Xu Li hurried to do it.

As a result, on the same day, the news that "Vientiane Island" had broken 10 billion in four days and the news that Feng Xiaogang would take over from Li Chen to direct the Spring Festival Gala in the Year of the Sheep became a hot topic.

Sina Entertainment News

"Li Chen declined the invitation to direct the Spring Festival Gala in the Year of the Goat, and Feng Xiaogang took over, which aroused great expectations."

"The preparations for the selection of directors for the 2015 CCTV Spring Festival Gala are underway, and the list is being reviewed internally; according to an insider, this year's Spring Festival Gala director will continue to be hired from outside."

"Li Chen, who was previously very popular, did not appear on the list. Instead, Feng Xiaogang, who is known as the Little Steel Cannon, appeared on the list."

Beijing Daily News

"Today, an insider revealed that Li Chen, the famous director who directed the Spring Festival Gala in the Year of the Horse and set a nearly 2015-year ratings record, has declined the invitation to direct the Spring Festival Gala in the Year of the Goat in due to schedule reasons."

"CCTV finally decided that well-known director Feng Xiaogang would take over, and this change sparked heated discussions among viewers."

Beijing News
"After Li Yifeng was selected as Wu Xie in the seasonal drama "Grave Robbers' Chronicles", the candidate for the role of Zhang Qiling has been a hot topic online recently. Yang Yang, a post-90s actor who played Da Baoyu in "A Dream of Red Mansions", is highly favored."

"The Beijing News has exclusively learned that Yang Yang has fallen out with his former employer Rong Xingda and is currently suing to terminate his contract. The chances of him joining The Lost Tomb to play the role of the younger brother are very high, and he is very likely to become Li Yifeng's junior fellow apprentice."

Fortunately, Yang Mi terminated her contract and joined Rongchen Pictures, and now Yang Yang terminated his contract and wants to join Huanrui.

Liu Yifei can be considered as a witness to the company's rise and fall.

When Zhou Xun and Yang Mi joined his company one after another, her husband said to his artists: Rongchen Pictures is not afraid of betrayal, but the prerequisite is that you think it through carefully.

In recent years, the artists in Rongchen's line have indeed been very sober. Only some of them set up their own studios when their contracts expired, and none of them terminated their contracts and joined other companies.

The horrific box office of "Vientiane Island" made Zhou Xingchi unable to sit still, and he called Li Chen frequently, and the casting of "The Mermaid" could begin.

Li Chen then arranged for Yang Siwei to release a concept poster of "The Mermaid".

There are only three sentences and a picture of Stephen Chow: Do you want to star in a classic blockbuster? Do you want to get personal guidance from Stephen Chow? Do you want to seize the opportunity to become a star worth hundreds of millions of yuan? Sign up now, Stephen Chow is waiting for you at the Mermaid.

Yang Mi’s dream was shattered. After all the crazy hype, they still had to hold auditions.

Yang Mi sent a dejected WeChat message to Li Chen: "Senior, if I leave the company, will I have no hope for the play you promised me?"

Li Chen didn't reply to her, but not long after, Liu Yifei called.

Yang Mi quickly answered the call and heard Liu Yifei laughing.

"Your senior said that he will not go back on his word about what he promised you. Whether it is an art film or a commercial blockbuster, there must be a role suitable for you. Don't be impatient. This is not only responsible for you, but also for the brand of Rongchen Pictures."

"The senior is becoming more and more arrogant. He even asked your Madam Li to come forward." Yang Mi made a joke and felt much better.

Liu Yifei said, "There's nothing I can do. Mr. Li is too busy. He's been pestered by someone during the Spring Festival Gala."

Li Chen was indeed annoyed by the Spring Festival Gala program team.

However, it is simply impossible for the Spring Festival Gala to use the pressure from netizens and public opinion to force itself to make concessions.

When directing the Spring Festival Gala, it would be too easy to just do it in a perfunctory manner like Feng Xiaogang in his previous life.

But Li Chen doesn't want to ruin his own brand.

The box office of "Vientiane Island" was unstoppable, setting a new record in the second week and seven days. It broke the box office record held by "The Richest Tomato" with a box office of 17.8 billion in nine days.

It became the box office champion of Chinese films and raked in 5.9 million U.S. dollars at the global box office, far exceeding its peers.

It broke all the box office records for Chinese-language films in one fell swoop.

China Film Report
"The Island of Vientiane has taken in 17.8 billion and topped the Chinese box office! It has broken the record with 5.9 million US dollars worldwide, and a new era for Chinese films has begun!"

"Yesterday, the most shocking moment in the history of Chinese cinema arrived! Directed by top international director Li Chen, and starring Hollywood superstar Leonardo Dicaprio and national goddess Liu Yifei, the oriental fantasy epic "Vientiane Island"!"

"It has grossed an astonishing 17.8 billion RMB in just two weeks, surpassing The Richest Tomato and becoming the box office champion in Chinese film history!"

"This blockbuster film, which cost 1.6 million US dollars to make and is based on the Chinese classical mythology "Classic of Mountains and Seas", has not only set off an unprecedented viewing craze in China."

"It has been unstoppable in the global market, grossing 5.9 million US dollars, breaking the overseas box office record for Chinese-language films and becoming the first Chinese commercial blockbuster to truly conquer the world cinema!"

"Industry experts praised: "Vientiane Island is not only a movie, but also a milestone in the industrialization of Chinese-language films. Li Chen has proved with his strength that Chinese directors are fully capable of creating world-class commercial blockbusters!"

"The Island of Vientiane is still in theaters, and industry insiders predict that the box office of The Island of Vientiane will exceed 3 billion yuan without any suspense, and 4 billion yuan is also possible."

The box office of "Vientiane Island" shocked people both at home and abroad. Beijing Film Academy, as Li Chen's alma mater, immediately put up a banner to celebrate the success of "Vientiane Island".

The Internet was in an uproar, and it felt like the Chinese national football team had lifted the World Cup.

"Li Chen's life is amazing! He graduated from Beijing Film Academy, won many international awards, married Liu Yifei, and now he has broken records with "Vientiane Island"... He is simply the hero of a cool novel!"

"In the past, Chinese-language films going overseas were 'going out', but Li Chen's move is 'going out in force'! US$5.9 million? Hollywood should be getting nervous!"

"Liu Yifei made a lot of money from this film plus the dividends. Her husband is the female lead himself, and she is paired with Leonardo DiCaprio. This is the ceiling of domestic entertainment resources!"

"After watching "The Island of Vientiane", other monster movies suddenly don't appeal to me anymore! This is the oppressive feeling that Chinese mythology should have!"

The four producers plus a mountain eagle who was already sitting high in the clouds all requested that this celebration banquet be held in a grand manner.

"Do it, we must do it!" At Han Sanping's home, the six people, including Li Chen and his wife, Chen Sicheng and his wife, and Han Sanping's father and daughter, were bustling with activity.

Han Saping sat in the main seat with his arms and legs spread wide, looking high-spirited and like a leader.

Li Chen was sitting next to him and it was obvious that he had drunk a lot as well.

Liu Yifei, Tong Liya and Han Jianu all drank the beverage.

Chen Sicheng's face turned bitter, and he thought to himself that he had to practice his alcohol tolerance. Mr. Li and Director Han were both heavy drinkers!

(End of this chapter)