Actor: Thank you.

"I know I know."

In a private room of a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, Zhang Yuan faced a group of big bosses with different expressions and clasped his hands.

“It’s a bold idea.”

A few days ago, Zhang Yuan and Liu Qianqian, who was tired from playing, boarded the return flight together.

"Eat something?"

"what!"

When the flight attendant was serving food on the way, Zhang Yuan quietly woke her up from her sleep.

I've had a lot of fun playing with cars these days.

But it's also very tiring.

She fell asleep as soon as she got on the plane.

"Orange juice, yogurt, and pasta, thank you." Xiaolongnu ordered some food.

"Steak, fried rice...any meat dishes." Zhang Yuan ordered one casually.

Airplane food is not very good, steaks are all pre-cooked.

But he has been very tired these days and needs to eat more to store up his energy.

Liu Xiaoli only ordered black tea and a small cake.

Stay in shape even into middle age.

"Do you still have time after returning home?" Liu Qianqian asked while licking the yogurt on the spoon and tilting her head.

"It should be very busy. There are many announcements to catch up with."

"There are a lot of things that need to be dealt with." Zhang Yuan frowned and thought about it. He really couldn't stop for a moment.

"Is that so..." Xiaolongnu pursed her lips and nodded with some disappointment.

"What are your recent plans?"

"Take a few days' rest first, and look at the new scripts to see if there are any you like."

"I also want to meet up with old classmates and have dinner."

"Go back to Wuhan again and watch a movie with grandma."

“It’s The Forbidden Kingdom.”

"This is my first time acting in a big-budget movie, and I got to share it with the elderly."

Zhang Yuan: Isn’t it embarrassing to let your family watch the play you acted in?
Liu Qianqian: …

You said I didn’t feel embarrassed before, but now I feel a little... Liu Qianqian wrinkled her nose at him.

"And then..." She cleared her throat, knowing that Zhang Yuan was teasing her on purpose: "I still have to prepare for a few interviews."

"Go meet some people from foreign brokerage companies."

Hearing this, Zhang Yuan put down the chopsticks in his hand.

"Have you thought it through?"

"Not yet." She held her chin with her hand, revealing a somewhat sad face.

She's still thinking about it.

First of all, we have to wait for the box office results of "The Forbidden Kingdom" to come out before it will be more convincing.

Foreign companies also have to see how much leverage this film can give them before setting the terms.

On the other hand, her mother has been discussing things with Boss Chen recently.

I take what Zhang Yuan said about the character issues of the two bosses of Huayi very seriously.

But whether from the perspective of Boss Chen’s interests or the career planning of the Liu family’s mother and daughter.

None of them wanted to live under Hua Yi.

I want to take a more independent path.

They are just discussing how to deal with the aftermath.

"Don't be in a hurry, take your time to think about it. Important things cannot be rushed." Zhang Yuan did not give any advice, but just asked her to take it easy.

"I don't have time later, how about we have dinner together tomorrow night?"

"You have time again?" Her brows suddenly relaxed.

"It's half official and half private. I have something to ask Boss Chen and I want his help."

Zhang Yuan went to see Boss Chen not to seek financing from him.

Some people said a few years ago,
Relying on their personal relationship, they can get some help.

But it is impossible to come up with such an astronomical figure of tens of millions of US dollars all at once.

Moreover, the cyclical and systemic financial crisis in the beacon country has quietly emerged, and he does not have the ability to do so now.

I came to see him because I had something else to do.

$2000 million!
This number was enough to scare a number of big Chinese film and television companies in 08.

The later film "Cloud Atlas" which makes people feel confused and puzzled.

This drama was also invested by China Film and Television Company.

He gave 1000 million US dollars but only got Zhou Xun a few shots.

And you have to act ugly.

The original domestic investor, Xin Yuanye, also wanted to make this drama into a co-production.

However, it did not pass the review from above and was ultimately released as a blockbuster film.

Co-productions can share profits according to the same ratio as ordinary domestic films, and they also receive subsidies.

The reason he didn't get the job wasn't because he didn't have the connections, but because he didn't meet the hard requirements.

According to the requirements of radio, film and television, there are three hard conditions for co-production.

Chinese actors play important roles.

Filmed in the country.

The investment ratio is nearly 3%.

Cloud Atlas achieves none of these.

Because of the company's US$1000 million, US$500 million was used to purchase the mainland distribution rights, and only US$500 million was considered an investment share.

Their total cost exceeded 1 million US dollars, and he only accounted for less than 20/ of it, which is a huge difference.

Moreover, this film was directed by the Wachowski brothers/sisters, who also directed "The Matrix".

Starring Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Wai-man, Hugh Grant…

With a great director and a bunch of top stars, the crew of "Fast and Furious" looks like a greenhorn in front of them.

So after spending so much money, Zhou Xun could only play a clown.

Actually, calling her a clown is a nice thing to say, and her character is somewhat insulting.

Because in the original version, there is a scene where she is played around with by an old white man like a doll.

As for Zhang Yuan, he has already played the main role.

The investment shares are not much different.

The only thing left is the filming location.

We need to discuss this with Universal and just shoot some domestic scenes.

"Cloud Atlas" was released in 11 and it's such a big name, so 1000 million US dollars is a huge sum of money.

This was still a few years early, and 2000 million US dollars all at once was naturally enough to make people drop their jaws.

Logically speaking, he only has 500 million US dollars. By this calculation, he is still short of a huge amount of 1500 million US dollars.

But in fact, what he lacks is 2000 million.

Since you can't afford it, then I won't pay a penny!

Today we men are going to show you how to get something for nothing.

Or as the world calls it, it is called financing.

A few days later, he arrived in Hong Kong.

"Zhang Yuan, you look very handsome today."

"It's been a long time since we last met, and you called us all here again. What's the matter?"

In the private room of the luxurious restaurant, Jiang Zhiqiang spoke first.

Although Tang Wei's case did not come to any conclusion, Boss Jiang remembered his favor since he was willing to help ask.

So we met today and were very enthusiastic.

"Come on, come on, sit down."

"I ordered two dried abalones, good stuff."

"That's great! I'll pack up a few and take them away." Zhang Yuan responded with a smile, also giving face.

Eat and chat.

Although I didn't drink white wine, I drank brandy, which was quite strong.

When everyone was a little tipsy, they started talking about business.

"Are you here today because of the movie 'Ip Man'?" Huang Baiming asked while cutting abalone.

"I'm not worried. With Brother Huang taking care of it, it will be great."

"I'll just wait and eat what's ready, just like today."

"Hehehe..." Everyone smiled when they saw how polite he was.

"But I came here today because I do have something important to say."

After that, he waved his hand, and the assistant came forward and handed him a document.

Seeing this action, all the bigwigs in Hong Kong put down their chopsticks and knives and forks.

Because everyone has seen him in this state.

The last time he did this, he took out a contract with Xavi.

So this time...

"I went to North America and brought some stuff back."

"Everyone take a look first."

Just like last time, everyone passed it around.

"Cooperation with Universal Pictures!" Jiang Zhiqiang flicked the paper after seeing it.

"Good thing!"

"Wow, young talent, I didn't expect you to negotiate another big deal."

"Yes, it seems that we are the ones treating you to abalone now, and I will have to drink soup with you in the future."

After hearing what Boss Jiang said, the others all started to praise him with a smile.

They thought that Zhang Yuan had attracted investment again.

"'Fast and Furious'... is a Universal movie, not ours?" After a careful check, Boss Jiang found something wrong.

"Yes, the content of this cooperation is the next film in the Fast and Furious series."

"I have already negotiated with Universal Pictures and will play an important role."

“If all goes well, it will become a permanent feature in subsequent works.”

"Congratulations! It's not easy to successfully star in a Hollywood movie!" Huang Baiming even toasted him with a smile.

It is also good for "Ip Man" that Zhang Yuan can gain a foothold in Hollywood, after all, he is the male lead.

"Congratulations." Zhang Yuan stood up and bowed.

"Things have been discussed very well, and Universal and I have reached a consensus."

“There are just some minor issues that need to be resolved.”

"Whatever problem you have, just tell me, Mr. Zhang." Huang Baiming patted his chest and said generously. "There is nothing we can't solve for those of us sitting here."

Zhang Yuan continued speaking based on his words.

The specific content and amount of cooperation were explained.

This is how the opening paragraph came about.

These Hong Kong bosses were all dumbfounded.

You call 2000 million US dollars a small problem?
"My idea is to put this cooperation under the name of Cross-Strait Film Industry."

"Including copyrights, distribution rights, etc., all of which will be regarded as assets of the joint company."

"This will not only help quickly build our reputation, but also increase the company's valuation."

Zhang Yuan said steadily.

But these Hong Kong bigwigs all look at each other.

Finally, it was Jiang Zhiqiang, who had a better relationship with him, who spoke up: "So, what is the price?"

"Let's invest together and do this."

Making money is a good thing, but spending money is another matter!
As soon as Zhang Yuan said this, all the big guys sobered up.

The average cost per person is over 2 million US dollars... They quickly calculated it in their minds.

The key is to spend money to support Zhang Yuan.

With the same amount of money, they can also promote their own people and make a low-budget Hong Kong film.

This makes sense.

Zhang Yuan has long seen through the problems of the film industry on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

The advantage is that there is strength in numbers and there are more resources.

But the disadvantage is that there are too many people!
When there are too many people, there will be disunity.

Everyone has their own ideas.

To reach a consensus, we must elect a leader.

From Zhang Yuan's perspective, this head must be his and only his.

The question is how to move towards this outcome.

It is not enough to be just a nominal major shareholder, but also the de facto leader.

There are methods, the simplest one is to make money together with everyone.

He was able to win "Ip Man" because most people saw the benefits.

But the situation with "Fast and Furious" is different.

The amount is too large!

And for them, the uncertainty is too great.

Therefore, what Zhang Yuan said just now about putting the contract under the company's name was just talk.

He knew it wouldn't work.

"This matter is of great importance and the amount of money involved is too high."

"I think we should be cautious." Yang Shouchen spoke quickly.

"Yes……"

Many people responded.

"I know what everyone is thinking." Zhang Yuan said slowly.

"First of all, I want to emphasize one thing, just like last time."

"That's my investment so far, I haven't lost money."

"I am optimistic about this project and believe it will bring long-term returns. I also hope to share this return with everyone."

"But 2000 million US dollars is not a small amount."

"Even if we work together, it will take a lot of time to get it together."

"Besides, it will also affect the funds for other projects."

The bosses started crying poor.

It would be stressful if one of them were to take 2000 million US dollars.

But if you share it, it’s actually not that bad.

But it is difficult to come up with money, especially to invest in projects with unknown risks.

Then, Zhang Yuan had to make this project a risk-controllable one for them.

"If everyone disagrees, I won't force it."

“Why not approach this project in a different way?”

“Copyright, IP development, etc. are not put under the company’s name.”

"How about just signing the distribution rights to the company?"

"That's OK!" The cunning Huang Baiming replied immediately.

Having Hollywood's distribution rights would be pure profit, so of course he agreed.

"I will bear the rest personally."

"Can you come up with 2000 million US dollars?" Jiang Zhiqiang asked doubtfully.

"Of course I don't have that ability. I've only been in the industry for a few years, and my worth is far from being comparable to that of you big brothers."

“If you don’t want to invest in the film, how about investing in me?”

"What do you mean?" Jiang Zhiqiang continued.

"I will raise funds from you in the form of loans."

“I will give you 15% interest until the film returns.”

"I'll take all the risks!"

The bosses looked at each other again.

"But if the film loses money, what can you say if you have no money?"

When they heard the interest rate of 15 points, several people became excited.

Investing involves risks, but as long as the loan sharks can be recovered, there is no risk and there is profit to be made.

"I used 10% of the shares of Cross-Strait Films as collateral."

"I also have a 10% share of the box office of the movie Painted Skin that I just finished filming."

"And some real estate in the imperial capital."

These Hong Kong guys were all shocked.

Are you so risky, kid?

Go all in!
"But are these worth 2000 million US dollars?" Yang Shouchen asked with narrowed eyes.

“It’s not worth 2000 million, but it’s still worth 1000 million U.S. dollars.”

"Because I only need 1000 million from you."

"What about the remaining 10 million?" Old Yang asked.

"Hehehe..." Zhang Yuan touched his pocket and took out a piece of chocolate.

Carefully peel off the tin foil and put it in your mouth.

When Zhao Xunxun saw him take out the chocolate, he got the signal.

I was given all the instructions and a lot of details before I came.

But the assistant was smart and simplified it.

That's probably what it means.

When Brother Zhang Yuan took out the chocolate, he was just trying to show off.

I have to send him something.

A large white envelope was handed to him.

The opening of the envelope is sealed with red wax, which is obviously a foreign style.

Zhang Yuan took it in his hand and shook it.

When Jiang Zhiqiang saw him today, he said that he was dressed very handsomely.

Because his dress is very much in line with the taste of Hong Kong people.

Shiny slicked back hair, black suit, black leather shoes, and white shirt.

He also wore a pure black bow tie.

In summary, just follow this Fa Ge...

He held the envelope and spoke with a smile.

"Here is a promissory note from the Swiss Bank, worth 500 million US dollars."

After saying that, he moved his fingers lightly and casually threw it into Jiang Zhiqiang's hand.

Boss Jiang opened the seal, carefully took out the promissory note and examined it carefully.

Then he raised his head again and looked towards the light.

After confirmation, it will be transferred to the next person.

These guys are all experienced and their initial judgment is that the promissory note is real.

"You can ask a professional to identify it." Zhang Yuan waved his hand generously.

"No need, we trust you just because of your name Zhang Yuan." Yang Shouchen echoed.

"In addition to you, I have found other investors."

"This 500 million is just the first payment."

"Another $500 million will be delivered later."

"In other words, this investor has given me 1000 million US dollars."

"There's 1000 million left. If you're interested, just give me some face and invest in me."

"If you're not interested, I'll find someone else."

"I believe that an interest rate of 15 points is still very attractive to many people."

When I heard him say that.

The bank draft was right in front of them, and these Hong Kong bosses changed their minds.

Someone voted.

He is so confident.

If we don’t invest, will we miss an opportunity to make money?

"May I ask who this investor is?" Boss Jiang asked.

"I'm sorry that I can't tell you the other party's name for now." Zhang Yuan responded with a smile.

"With such a large investment amount, there are too many people coveting it. I don't want to make any sudden changes and cause any more accidents."

"But I won't hide it from you all. I'll let you know once things are settled."

"I'm sorry, little brother."

Seeing that he was flawless and acted very seriously, everyone believed him even more.

After all, there is a promissory note of 500 million US dollars in front of him.

No words can be more real than money.

People can lie, but money can't!
Zhang Yuan saw them whispering to each other and was obviously very interested.

I thought, as long as the bait is big enough, no matter how fat the fish is, it can be caught! (End of this chapter)