Actor: Thank you.

"what?"

"Should I apologize to him?"

In the conference room of Universal Pictures, the setting sun of Los Angeles streamed into the room through the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Production manager Mike was in the middle, half his face was sunny and the other half was gloomy.

Zhang Yuan was facing the blazing sun, and he looked very sunny.

Of course, in the eyes of producers Neil and Vin Diesel, who were sitting with their backs to the sun, he was indeed a "son of the sun" from China.

When Mike suggested that Old Fan apologize to Zhang Yuan, the two men, whose faces were already shrouded in shadow, became even more somber.

Vin Diesel slammed his hand on the table and stood up, uttering a soul-searching question.

"Why should I apologize to him?"

“Van, watch your words and actions. This is Universal Pictures, not your home,” production manager Mike warned.

"Perhaps Fan just has hearing problems and didn't hear clearly."

"Why don't we have him go to the hospital for a check-up later?" Zhang Yuan added.

Neil clenched his fingers when he heard him say that.

I had just told the other person that he had violent tendencies and that he should see a doctor, and this is what I'm doing back to him.

That kid got his revenge pretty fast!

This is what we call the speed of China.

"why?"

"WHY!"

Vin Diesel is still making a racket.

"Fan, I think you should show respect to the film's investors."

"We live in a civilized society, and we should know the most basic etiquette."

"Your behavior is very rude and I am very disappointed."

Seeing his attitude, Mike's expression gradually became serious.

"So, apologize to me now and ask for Zhang's forgiveness."

"No!" Fan angrily slammed his fist on the table, indicating his refusal.

Upon seeing this, Mike paused for a moment, then adjusted his relaxed posture and straightened his back.

"What did you say?"

What did you do to my table?

"Who are you?"

Three direct questions to the soul.

"Neil, is this what you said, that you believe he can save the whole series?"

Mike then turned his attention to the producer.

"Fan, calm down."

Unlike the heroes of the family who rely on physical strength, producers rely on their brains.

Neil glanced at Mike, sensing his attitude, then looked at Zhang Yuan, noticing his expression remained completely unchanged.

He knew what was going on just by the slightest movement of his eyes.

"This kid must have made some kind of deal with Mike and gotten his support!"

This person is an expert; their guess was correct.

Zhang Yuan arrived early so he could talk to the people from Universal first.

They thought Universal was their home turf.

That's not the case. Just as Yang Ziqiong and Zhang Yuan said, white people are very pragmatic. They will help whoever can bring them benefits.

What Zhang Yuan brought up beforehand was the issue of profit.

For Universal Pictures, the Chinese market is indeed large and booming, but it is difficult to bring short-term profits.

The Chinese film market is different from other parts of the world; our system is very unique.

First and foremost, the revenue share for foreign films is very low, with most of it going to China Film Group and Huaxia Film Distribution Corporation.

Moreover, even if Zhang Yuan manages to make it a co-production, how much box office revenue can the mainland provide?

Tens of millions, or a hundred million?

The equivalent in US dollars is only a few million to tens of millions, which is incomparable to the domestic market.

The high entry barriers are one thing, but the returns are also a big problem.

It's not that you can't make money in the Chinese market, it's that you can only make quick money.

Because in mainland China, movies are basically a one-off business, and their survival depends on the box office performance of that one month.

Very few can sell their copyrights overseas; they still have to rely on celebrities to keep them afloat.

Without Li Lianjie, Chen Long, Gong Li, and Zhang Yimou, who would want your overseas copyrights?

Furthermore, in China, the film screening cycle is determined by the Film Bureau, because they issue the screening keys.

One key is enough to broadcast for one month; if you want an extension, you have to apply for another one.

The box office success of "Ne Zha 2" has broken records, and we still have to keep going to the Film Bureau to apply for a key extension.

If there's even the slightest problem with the process, or if someone tries to sabotage you, then the extension document will never be issued.

Why did Thai Red Bull seek a joint venture with Reignwood Group to establish a company in the country?
The Xu family has been trying for years, but they just can't get the approval!

You think you can do business without giving the local bullies some benefits?

However, it's not like that overseas. Whether in Hollywood or island nations, it's common for a movie to be released for six months or even a year.

The Conan movies are shown for twenty or thirty weeks at a time.

Because cinema chains in capitalist countries are not controlled by top authorities and are purely private enterprises.

Production companies can negotiate broadcast time with theaters independently, and there are no fixed standards for revenue.

For top-tier blockbusters like "Avengers: Infinity War," the production company receives 80% of the revenue in the opening week at North American theaters, decreasing in the following week. That's how it works.

in the country, the approach is always the same: one-size-fits-all.

Furthermore, the overseas market for CD-ROMs and streaming services is quite profitable.

Waterworld, the famous Universal "disaster film"... specifically refers to the disaster it brought to Universal Pictures.

The initial budget was $1.2 million, but due to the Hawaiian hurricane, the filming locations were completely destroyed, requiring reconstruction and causing significant delays.

The final cost was a whopping $2.5 million, which was $90 million in the 2.5s.

However, the global box office was only $2.5 million, which directly caused Universal to suffer a huge loss, and its stock price plummeted.

It was a famous money-losing deal in Hollywood film history.

But this film actually made a profit in 2020!

After nearly twenty years of DVD rights and streaming distribution, this film has recouped its costs.

Hollywood's mature long-term revenue model allows such a box office flop to be "resurrected," which is almost impossible in China.

In China, people hesitate for ages before even getting a video platform membership, but they can buy milk tea for the same price without batting an eye. Do you really expect everyone to pay for copyrighted content?

Therefore, people like Shi Yuzhu are the masters who have figured out the consumption psychology of Chinese people. They lure you in with free services and then charge for them.

Compared to watching movies on demand, ordinary people are more willing to spend money on buying in-game skins.

Therefore, when making movies in China, we need to change our mindset and not treat it as a simple cultural industry.

Zhang Yuan wasn't the only one who thought this way; others had distorted views as well.

Take Pang Hong, the producer of "Painted Skin," for example. He's one of the people in China who pioneered the "financialization of film."

They invest in movies through angel rounds, Series A, Series B rounds, and then package and sell the projects layer by layer.

For example, if a film has a total cost of 50 million, he invests 5000 million, and then packages 5000% of the box office revenue into a financial product and sells it to the next buyer for 5000 million.

This way, he can recoup his investment on the spot and earn 50% of the box office revenue.

Then the next buyer will break down the 5000 million into smaller units and sell them for 1 million.

After going through multiple rounds of financing, the film's budget increased from the initial 5000 million to 5 million.

If they keep doing this, production costs will keep getting lower and lower, and these investors will make more and more money. How can they still make good films?

They're basically playing the same game of musical chairs that played during the subprime crisis.

Ultimately, the retail investors who invested thousands or tens of thousands of yuan found that the box office revenue was not even higher than the cost, and they lost all their money.

Actually, you didn't lose any money at all; all your money went to subsidize those capital firms with billions of dollars.

Zhang Yuan didn't intend to play this game, nor could he play it with foreigners, because this game was invented by them.

Those people in China are supposed to be "in line with international standards," but they only accept the bad things, not the good ones.

Just like PetroChina and Sinopec, they only follow the rise in international oil prices, not the fall.

The conditions he offered were even simpler and more direct.

“Mike, I just invested in an F1 team.”

"I think I can contribute to the promotion of Fast & Furious 4."

Britain, Australia, China, Germany, Singapore, Italy, island nations... these are all important box office markets for Hollywood movies.

It is also a place that the F1 Tour passes through.

His contract with Brown GP stipulated the need for three advertising spaces, one large and two small, as well as a contract for five events per year.

F1 doesn't have a huge influence in China, but it's quite powerful in the European and American markets.

Zhang Yuan promised to paste the title "Fast & Furious" in the local language on the rear wing of the Brawn GP race car wherever they went.

Furthermore, the team will participate in team activities and media interactions during the race week at the UK Grand Prix.

He arranged all of this, without requiring Universal to spend any money.

Upon hearing this good news, Mike was as excited as if his wife were pregnant.

This is a great achievement, and I can report it to my superiors and claim it as my own. I'll say that I negotiated with the Chinese to obtain these benefits.

And this isn't just a joke. F1 is top-level racing, and our film is also about racing. The target audience is the same, so it's effective publicity.

It would be great if the film could increase its global recognition!
"Zhang, how...did you get into the F1 market?" Mike asked, both curious and surprised.

"I have my own methods." Zhang Yuan maintained his mysterious image.

It's not easy to deal with Americans when you're Chinese.

But with the European powers involved and shared interests, it becomes much easier to resolve.

Having a strong third party in everything will save you a lot of trouble.

This is called learning from the barbarians' superior techniques to control them.

After a period of discussion, Zhang Yuan reached an agreement with the senior management of Global.

He offered the film's promotional opportunities, and in return, the other party was expected to fully support his leading role in the film.

He also demanded that the film's lead actors and crew attend the F1 Shanghai Grand Prix event, which was a way of promoting himself.

The reason he chose to confront the producer at Universal is because of this.

Why should I bother with you, you bald guy? As long as I have the support of the higher-ups, I can just launch a devastating attack.

After forming a united front on the issue of interests, Mike firmly demanded that Fan apologize.

How things turned out is unimportant, and I don't care.

All I want is for you to obey me.

It would also be an opportunity to put pressure on the rising star producer Neil.

Zhang Yuan observed from the relationship between Cameron and Fox that major Hollywood studios and producers often clash, vying for control over their productions.

Now, Neil grabbed Vin Diesel's arm tightly, gave him a wink, and shook his head slightly.

"Apologise."

Old Fan was so angry he was practically bulging his veins. Finally, he let out a long sigh, changed his expression, and suddenly became kind and gentle.

"Zhang, I am sorry for everything I have done. Please forgive my words and actions."

As expected of an actor, his face changes so quickly.

Moreover, the big boss behind the scenes gave the instructions, so there's no way to argue with them.

But I was still angry inside, yet I didn't dare to show it.

Zhang Yuan found his conflicted state amusing.

His face looked like his left and right brains were fighting each other, and his eyes were fixed.

At this point, his situation was basically that An Lushan had entered Chang'an and the Tang Dynasty was finished.

"Okay, very good, I accept your apology."

"I hope you, like a rat's tail, will reflect on your actions."

"On the set of 'Fast & Furious,' harmony should be valued, and infighting should be avoided."

"GOOD!" Mike clapped his hands and stood up.

"It seems we've made progress."

"Zhang is a very respectable gentleman and deserves to be treated with respect."

"And as an investor, he can make minor changes to the scenes if needed."

“That’s his right.” Mike walked to Zhang Yuan’s side, refuting Neil’s earlier accusations.

"As for the film's cost, I think Zhang has already brought us a lot."

"If that's not enough, we need to consider whether some people are being paid too much."

The man's words were directed at Vin Diesel.

Old Fan lowered his head.

"And then there's what you all said about his relationship with actresses."

"COME ON!"

“We’re all men, we all know what’s going on.”

"Women have XX, isn't it just for men to XXXXX?"

Although he was speaking up for himself, Zhang Yuan still felt that the remarks were a bit outrageous.

It was jarring, but it was in line with the typical behavior of those white lords.

Mike continued talking, getting more and more excited as he went on.

The gist is that as long as Zhang Yuan spends enough money, he can have anything, not just Gal Gadot, but Vin Diesel too. You'd better put on a good show so that Mr. Zhang doesn't have to go through all that trouble.

Zhang Yuan: …

I don't have that kind of taste!

If Gadot were to have 1000 men, 999 of them would be interested. But you, a family-oriented guy... you might not even be popular in Chengdu.

"Moreover, Zhang also provided us with a great publicity opportunity."

Only then did Mike reveal their deal.

Neil covered his mouth with his fist, but he couldn't hide his surprise.

In the Western world, anyone who owns shares in an NBA team or a European football team is an absolute big shot, respected in any social setting and able to attend most banquets.

It's worth noting that before Russia was completely sanctioned by Europe, Abramovich, the Russian oligarch, and his family were frequent guests of high society in Europe, thanks to their status as Chelsea owners and investment fund tycoons.

Zhang Yuan is certainly not as strong as Abu, still far behind, but he has taken a small step forward.

"I think Mike is right, Zhang deserves our respect."

Not long after, he returned to the same conclusion.

Respect for white people exists only in gold and blood.

“Then we’ve reached an agreement.” Mike was quite satisfied.

Dealing with Vin Diesel, that troublemaker, also made Neil, that old scoundrel, much more compliant.

He beckoned, and his assistant brought over a champagne barrel.

boom!
The older brother popped the cork and poured drinks for the four of them.

"Now that the problem is solved, let's have a drink together."

"I wish the film great success."

Zhang Yuan also raised his glass of champagne.

"Yes, together we will make Fast & Furious great again!"

"Make "Fast & Furious" Great Again!"

After only a few drinks, Neil led Old Fan away in a sorry state.

Zhang Yuan then chatted with Mike about the details of the upcoming publicity campaign, and also discussed the need to coordinate with the team.

When I called Brown, he sounded extremely happy.

Because the data from the team simulator is very accurate, they are the fastest!

Zhang Yuan's funds were also transferred from Barclays Bank, allowing the team to prepare more spare parts for the upcoming new season.

While preparing for these things, he also spent several days doing reshoots at Universal Studios' studio.

Meanwhile, rumors about his withdrawal from the sequel to "Painted Skin" have spread and become increasingly prevalent online.

Some say he's gotten arrogant.

Rumor has it that he demanded an exorbitant salary, asking the production team for ten million yuan, which scared them away.

It can only be said that the imagination of ordinary viewers is not rich or bold enough; ten million is already the limit.

Of course, there were also quite a few instances of cursing and swearing.

"I won't watch it without Zhang Yuan!"

"The male lead has been changed, so what's the point of filming?"

"With Wang Sheng gone, who will the Painted Skin chase after?"

"If they're changing the cast, I'd rather just rewatch the first one."

This was bound to happen.

However, many people are also discussing who will replace him as Wang Sheng.

There are quite a few popular candidates.

Many of them are old rivals.

The list goes on and on, starting with Nie Yuan, Huang Xiaoming, and continuing to Hu Jun.

Let Brother Jun do it; one set of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms will subdue that painted skin.

Once the mask is removed, the person with the painted skin must run away.

I've seen Wang Sheng fight ghosts, but I've never seen Wang Sheng practice his magic.

Zhang Yuan thought about it for a moment but didn't pay much attention until a phone call came in.

"Brother Kun, you've got some free time, why don't you invite me to dinner?"

"I won't be going back to China for a few more days."

Liang Kun called him.

"Let's put food aside for now, there's something I want to tell you."

Chen Kun's words carried a hint of inner conflict.

"what's wrong?"

"Um, this... Pang Hong called me yesterday."

"They asked me if I was interested in starring in the sequel to 'Painted Skin'..." (End of Chapter)