Entering the Chinese entertainment industry is like entering a deep sea

Chapter 838: Mystery Surrounding the Producers of "The Demon Subduing Chapter"
The Hong Kong Film Awards have come to a close, and it wasn't just Li Chen and his wife who were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress but didn't attend; there was also Tang Wei.

Mainland filmmakers were extremely rare in attendance, and in Li Chen's view, the Best Actor and Best Actress awards were nothing more than a fig leaf for Hong Kong cinema and a personal show.

The Best Actor award went to a dance king who had never won one before, while the Best Actress award went to a completely unknown post-90s newcomer.

Without this gimmick, probably only a few media outlets outside of Hong Kong would have reported on it.

Sina Entertainment News

"The red carpet ceremony for the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards was held at 6 p.m. on April 3 outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui."

"Famous filmmakers such as Lau Ching Wan, Lau Ka Ling, Andy Lau, Cheung Suet Yu, Aaron Kwok, Cheung Ka Fai, Jia Zhangke, Zhao Tao, Si Qin Gaowa, Tsui Hark, Chan Ho-yan, and Leung Ka Fai walked the red carpet, showcasing the style of celebrities."

"Compared to previous years, this year's Hong Kong Film Awards red carpet was rather quiet. The number of media present was significantly reduced."

"Among the celebrities from outside Hong Kong, only a handful were present, including Wang Dalu (the male lead of 'Our Times'), Vivian Sung, Feng Shaofeng (a mainland actor), Si Qin Gaowa (who served as a special judge), and Jia Zhangke and Zhao Tao."

"Even Li Chen and Liu Yifei, the couple who were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress, as well as Tang Wei and others, did not appear."

The absence of several mainland Chinese actors and actresses nominated for the Hong Kong Film Awards, coupled with the fact that "La La Land" only received a Best Director award from Chen Kexin, sparked a barrage of criticism from mainland netizens.

The Venice Film Festival Best Actress and the Oscar Best Actress award winner lost to a post-90s actress! No wonder no mainland Chinese filmmakers are going.

A few days later, the Beijing International Film Festival opened, but Li Chen still did not appear. Tang Wei, who was nominated for Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards, did appear, making the Hong Kong Film Awards even more disgraced.

Thanks to the commotion caused by certain individuals a few days ago, no one is now saying that Li Chen's heart is elsewhere while he is in the Central Plains.

Rongchen Pictures just released a teaser trailer for "Yunnan Insect Valley", and Huang Xiaoming, one of the three main actors, immediately became a trending topic.

Southern Metropolis Entertainment Report
"Recently, a wealth management company endorsed by Huang Xiaoming has been embroiled in a repayment crisis, and the hashtag #Let'sSummonHuangXiaomingToRepayTheMoney# has even appeared on Weibo."

"Huang Xiaoming's studio quickly issued a clarification, stating that it had no investment or partnership relationship with the company, but the matter still caused a great uproar."

On the evening of the 9th, Xiang Tai posted a long article online to support Huang Xiaoming, praising his kindness and simplicity, and comforting him that "the innocent will be proven innocent." His words were sincere and showed that he cared a lot about his godson.

Seeing that things were getting out of hand, Huang Xiaoming immediately called Li Chen to apologize.

"I'm sorry, Director Li," Huang Xiaoming apologized as soon as he opened his mouth.

"What's the use of apologizing to me! Resolve this quickly, I don't want to see 'Yunnan Insect Valley' boycotted by the audience. Your clarification seems more like shirking responsibility to me. Even if you didn't invest or partner in it, you are still its spokesperson."

"Is your godmother still supporting you at a time like this because she thinks you're right? Or is she afraid that her precious son's 'League of Gods' will also be boycotted?"

Li Chen's two sentences were like knives, piercing Huang Xiaoming and making him break out in a cold sweat.

"I'll handle it right away, Director Li. I'm sorry again." After saying that, Huang Xiaoming quickly hung up the phone.

"Aren't you a little too nice to Brother Xiaoming?" Liu Yifei didn't know how to describe it, but her husband's phone call just now didn't give Huang Xiaoming any face at all.

"Wanting to take advantage without taking responsibility? There's no such thing as a free lunch!" Li Chen chuckled, not feeling that he had done anything wrong.

"Then what do you think Brother Xiaoming should do?"

“Simple: terminate the contract quickly and apologize immediately. He did just that. He will still be Hu Bayi in the next installment of ‘The Return of the South China Sea’.” Li Chen said as he got up to leave.

Liu Yifei was stunned. Looking at her husband's back, she knew he was definitely not joking.

After Li Chen's figure disappeared through the door, Liu Yifei picked up her phone and called Huang Xiaoming.

After hanging up with Li Chen, Huang Xiaoming discussed with his team how to handle the situation and quell the storm.

The phone rang, and Huang Xiaoming was about to hang up when he saw that it was Liu Yifei calling.

He quickly signaled to the rest of the team to be quiet.

"Yifei, I just finished talking to Director Li on the phone, and then you called," Huang Xiaoming said with a smile.

“I know, I was right next to Li Chen just now, Brother Xiaoming. You’d better respond to this matter quickly and make a ‘choice’. Do you understand what I mean?” Liu Yifei deliberately emphasized the word ‘choice’, hoping that a smart person like Huang Xiaoming would understand.

Huang Xiaoming was a shrewd person, so he naturally understood.

"Don't worry, Yifei, I'm handling it right now. I won't make things difficult for you or Director Li."

"That's good."

"I'll come see you once I've finished dealing with things these past two days."

"Okay, then you go ahead and get busy, Brother Xiaoming."

After hanging up with Liu Yifei, Huang Xiaoming had already made his decision: "Let's terminate the contract. I will no longer accept endorsements for financial products."

"Understood, boss, I'll take care of it right away."

As Huang Xiaoming's team members left the meeting room, they were all wondering why their boss had made the decision to terminate the contract so quickly after receiving a phone call from Liu Yifei.

"It's highly likely that Liu Yifei gave the boss some harsh words."

"Not necessarily, Liu Yifei doesn't seem like that kind of person."

"That means Liu Yifei was relaying a message from Director Li to the boss. I can't think of any other possibility besides these two."

Li Chen came to Zhizhen Painting Art after leaving his home.

Wu Bin was extremely excited as the post-production of "Ne Zha" was completed. After all, this was the first domestic classic IP animated film that he had personally started since the establishment of Zhizhen Art Studio.

Also present were La Peikang from China Film Group, several teachers from Beijing Film Academy who studied special effects and animation films, and Director Han Sanping.

Not only was Wu Bin excited, but Han Sanping, who watched the movie with him, held his pee the whole time and left the theater without saying a word as soon as the movie ended.

Wu Bin thought the director had stormed off, but a moment later, the director returned in a hurry, looking refreshed and all smiles.

"Ne Zha! What a great name! Well done, Xiao Wu." Han Sanping patted Wu Bin on the shoulder.

Wu Bin quickly replied modestly, "Thank you for the compliment, Director Han. To be honest, without Director Li's support, it would have been almost impossible for Demon Child to be born."

Han Sanping, La Peikang, and the others burst into laughter.

"That's true. Apart from this kid, no one else has the ability to do this."

Wu Bin has just introduced the cost of "Ne Zha" to everyone, including the production cycle of nearly three and a half years and the human cost of up to 1600 people involved.

The post-production phase is now complete, and the investment alone has exceeded 4.5 million yuan, not including marketing and promotion.

Even Wu Bin himself was under immense pressure, fearing that "Ne Zha" would fail to recoup its costs and ruin the company's reputation.

"Now let's see who still says Director Li's heart is abroad. Don't worry, Director Li, China Film Group's movie channels and resources will fully support 'Ne Zha'," La Peikang assured, patting his chest.

"Then I'd like to thank Chairman La in advance for his support," Li Chen said with a smile. The publicity and distribution of "Ne Zha" is a joint effort between Yixin Media and China Film Group. Li Chen will also bring Wu Bin and "Ne Zha" with him to Cannes this time, as the summer season is an excellent time for animated films.

In his previous life, Li Chen had seen "Ne Zha" and wondered why it had grossed over 50 billion yuan in China but only 500 million US dollars worldwide.

Now, "Ne Zha" has a higher investment cost and is more sophisticated in production. Li Chen has also made some further improvements to the film's theme of "My fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens."

Foreigners are unfamiliar with the complex relationships between figures in Chinese mythology, such as the Dragon King, the grudges between Heaven and the Heavenly Court, and the origin of the Demon Orb.

Let's strengthen the opening with a more intuitive and visual approach, explaining the core concepts of "Hun Yuan Pearl," "Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy," "Demon Orb and Spirit Orb," as well as the basic power relationships between the Heavenly Court, the Dragon Clan, and Chen Tang Pass.

Use cinematic language to make the storyline more concise and clear.

Some local jokes or subplots, such as the dialect references in the scenes set in government offices, are kept to a minimum.

After all, these elements don't significantly advance the main storyline and present considerable cultural barriers.

In addition, Li Chen has strengthened the expression of the character and emotions, as well as the outstanding portrayal of universal family relationships, on the original basis.

Scenes like Li Jing's "life-changing talisman" and Lady Yin playing shuttlecock with Nezha have been enhanced.

When Li Chen watched "The Lion King" back then, the scene that impressed him the most was when Mufasa fell off a cliff to save Simba.

Of course, a top-notch English voice-over cast is also essential.

The subtitled version is aimed at movie fans, while the dubbed version is aimed at audiences and the family market worldwide.

Therefore, Li Chen was willing to spend money to hire Hollywood stars with box office appeal and vocal performance skills for voice acting.

Finding suitable voice actors alone requires a significant investment.

"Director Han, Chairman La, and all the teachers, Director Li and I have discussed it and decided that this time when we go to Cannes, we will not position 'Ne Zha' as a 'Chinese mythology film'!"

Han Sanping and the others looked at each other in bewilderment. Wu Bin glanced at Li Chen, who nodded secretly. Wu Bin continued with a smile.

"Director Li's idea is that 'Ne Zha' should be a top-notch animated extravaganza about fate and resistance, set in the Eastern world. We're focusing on visual spectacle, emotional resonance, and universal themes."

"Let the whole world know that there is more than one Disney on Earth!"

"We hope that our 'Ne Zha' will become an animated masterpiece that is 'born in China and belongs to the world.'" "Great! Well said!" Han Sanping was the first to applaud, and everyone else in the screening room followed suit.

"On behalf of the bureau, I wish you a brilliant trip to Cannes!"

No one at the scene seemed to doubt whether "Parasite" would be selected for the Cannes Film Festival.

After leaving Zhizhen Painting Studio, Li Chen got into Han Sanping's car. Han Sanping clearly had something to say to Li Chen.

"You've gone a bit too far lately. Who do you think you are, blatantly targeting her on Douyin!"

Li Chen naturally knew who Han Sanping was referring to.

However, since it was his wife who did it, he had no choice but to accept it.

"Director Han, I'm not spreading rumors. Everything I've posted is true. Besides, others may be afraid of her, but I'm not. I'm telling you this: this isn't over. Don't let her connections fool you."

"Shut up!" Han Sanping suddenly interrupted Li Chen, not letting him continue. He was also impressed by how much Li Chen was growing and how much more he knew.

"Who do you think you are? Don't you know how to be careful with your words?"

"Alright, I won't say anymore. Director Han, please don't try to persuade me. I know what I'm doing. As long as I'm upright and don't make any mistakes, no one can do anything to me!"

Han Sanping fell silent.

Indeed, only the relevant departments probably know just how wealthy this kid is now.

In addition to wealth, influence and voice are also commensurate.

In the film and television industry, this kid's words carry about the same weight as his.

I had a falling out with Lao Ren and we stopped having any contact.

Only this kid could do something like this; who else would dare to challenge Old Ren, the head of Shanghai Film Studio?

Making a move against this kid would be a huge ripple effect, affecting the whole situation.

China Film Report
"On April 14, the Cannes Film Festival press conference was held at the UGC Cinema on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, announcing the films selected for the 2016 Cannes Official Selection."

"The main competition lineup was also announced on the same day, and amidst the uproar, there was the complete defeat of Chinese-language films."

"The only film representing 'Chinese power' to enter the main competition is the noir thriller 'Parasite,' directed by Li Chen and entirely in Korean."

"This is undoubtedly a highly ironic scene: the world's second-largest film market can only rely on a 'non-Chinese' film to save face at the most influential international film festival."

"Li Chen, the director who has already won the Palme d'Or and the Golden Lion, has once again become the focus of attention, but has also made Chinese filmmakers collectively reflect: How far are our films from the world?"

At the Cannes Film Festival, all Chinese-language films were rejected, with only Li Chen representing China, and even that was a foreign-language film.

If it weren't for that princess's antics a while ago, Li Chen might be in real trouble if things get heated again.

Even now, the voices online should not be underestimated.

"Leonardo DiCaprio's decision not to make Chinese-language films is a veiled protest against film censorship."

"They went to make foreign films just to win the Palme d'Or. All those surnamed Li are birds of a feather."

"South Korean films need the support of Chinese filmmakers to go global. Who is satirizing whom? Who is more ridiculous?"

As the online controversy grew, Jia Zhangke, Wang Xiaoshuai, Feng Xiaogang, and others joined in, fueling the flames.

It seems we're just waiting for Li Chen, the leader, to raise his voice and give the call.

Even Han Sanping called Li Chen, telling him not to join in the commotion.

"Director Han, I'm not stupid. When have I ever done anything that was pointless?" Li Chen said with amusement.

"I was afraid you'd get carried away. Alright, that's it!" Han Sanping slammed down the phone.

Faced with questions about 'why not film Chinese stories,' Li Chen did not remain silent but responded on Weibo.

"The essence of film is humanity, not language. What I focus on are common themes in the global process of modernization. Parasite takes place in Seoul, but it could happen in any major city in the world."

"As for the stories told domestically, I think I've told enough."

Once the Weibo post was published, people naturally came to endorse Li Chen. The numerous works produced by Rongchen Pictures since Li Chen's debut, which were shortlisted for the top three European films, immediately silenced the online noise.

In the past month or so, Li Chen's every move has frequently sparked controversy, which has also made his wife, Liu Yifei, sigh that her husband is no longer the college student he once was, but a big shot whose every move affects Chinese cinema.

Beijing Times reported
"The fourth season of 'Where Are We Going, Dad?', which has not yet been broadcast, has already attracted a total of 15 billion yuan in sponsorship."

They did a good thing, depriving these celebrities who make money off their kids of a considerable source of income.

Filming for "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back" has quietly begun in Wuzhen.

However, someone on Weibo revealed the cast and production details of "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back".

It's not surprising that Lu Han is Tang Sanzang, whom everyone already knew.

Surprisingly, Huayi Brothers was among the producers.

Beijing News reported

"Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back begins filming! Stephen Chow recreates the Journey to the West universe, with Lu Han in the lead role, and Huayi Brothers unexpectedly entering the fray."

"On April 21, 2016, the highly anticipated fantasy epic 'Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back' quietly began filming at the Journey to the West Film City in Wuzhen."

"The film is directed by Zhou Xingchi and stars the super popular idol Lu Han. This master-disciple pairing has sparked anticipation across the internet as soon as it was announced."

"What is even more noteworthy to the industry is that, in addition to the previously known producers such as Rongchen Pictures, Star Overseas and China Film Group, Huayi Brothers, which had previously sued Stephen Chow over the 'Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons' project, is surprisingly listed as a co-producer."

"The unexpected collaboration between former 'enemies' is one of the biggest highlights of the film. Industry analysts generally believe that this move is undoubtedly a signal of Huayi's 'self-rescue' strategy."

“Huayi General Manager Wang Zhonglei said in an interview: “I am very happy to work with Xingchi again. The past is the past, and filmmakers will ultimately let their works speak for themselves. ‘The Demons Strike Back’ is a top-level project in the Chinese film industry, and Huayi is honored to be a part of it.”

The addition of Huayi Brothers surprised many in the industry.

This also caused Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei great distress.

"Damn it, Zhou Xingchi is such a money-grubber, a bastard who'll do anything for money!" Wang Zhonglei felt not only pain in his flesh, but also in his liver.

They swindled Zhou Xingchi out of 80 million yuan back then, but now they've returned 100 million yuan, including interest, to reconcile.

Wang Zhonglei, a modern filmmaker, only hopes that "The Demons Strike Back" can at least rival "The Mermaid" in terms of quality, so that the 100 million yuan investment won't be wasted.

Huayi Brothers was the third largest producer of "The Demons Strike Back," after Star Overseas and Rong Chen, and received a 15% share, the same as China Film Group.

"Forget it, didn't Zhou Xingchi agree to give us a third of the shares of 'King of Comedy 2' and 'The Mermaid' TV series? I'm just wondering why Li Chen would agree to that!" Wang Zhongjun couldn't figure out the reason behind it.

"Hmph, what's so strange about that? As long as we can afford it, Zhou Xingchi, that money-grubbing bastard, can't possibly refuse. Even Li Chen can't make decisions for Zhou Xingchi."

“Recently, Zhou Xingchi has been getting very close to that Hong Kong listed company called New Culture. There are rumors that New Culture wants to acquire 40% of Zhou Xingchi’s company. Guess how much they’re offering, brother?” Wang Zhonglei said with a smile.

"How many?"

"13 million!"

"What! 13 billion for 40%!" Wang Zhongjun was greatly surprised.

-

Not to mention netizens and media who are puzzled by the mystery surrounding the production company of "The Demons Strike Back," even Liu Yifei, Li Chen's wife, doesn't understand how her husband could allow Huayi to get involved in "The Demons Strike Back"!
That night, after the couple went to bed, Liu Yifei finally asked the question that had been bothering her.

"Let me do the math for you. Wang Zhonglei gave Zhou Xingchi a settlement of 100 million yuan and also paid 15% of the investment for 'The Demon Subduing Chapter,' which is 60 million yuan."

"If Huayi Brothers wants to earn back the 1.6 million yuan from the 'Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back' project, then the box office of 'Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back' would have to reach at least 28 billion yuan for them to break even."

Liu Yifei understood: "You mean, is it difficult for 'The Demons Strike Back' to reach 28 billion?"

Li Chen shook his head slightly: "I don't know, we'll see. Zhou Xingchi is not Jiang Wen, it will be difficult for him to lose money."

Li Chen added in his mind, "That is, provided there is no settlement of 100 million."

Zhou Xingchi has become second only to Li Chen in the industry thanks to his role in "The Mermaid".

When people see profits of hundreds of millions of yuan, it's like a shark seeing its bloody prey.

Losing all reason, all they wanted was to tear apart and devour.

Since capital couldn't get its hands on Li Chen, it naturally flocked to Zhou Xingchi's side. This is probably why Zhou Xingchi's films had dozens of production companies in later generations.

If nothing unexpected happens, Zhou Xingchi might have already signed a performance-based agreement with New Culture by now.

(End of this chapter)