Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 599 Huayi Brothers Wants to Reconcile
"You've returned to China?"

Zhang Chen received a call from Han Sanping.

"How did you know?"

"The news of your visit to Jiang Wen on set has already been on Weibo~"

Since the advent of Weibo, the speed of news dissemination has increased significantly. In the past, Han Sanping would have had to see the entertainment news before he would know about something, but now Weibo updates almost in real time.

"Haha, it wasn't a set visit, I just had a cameo role!"

"How's it going over there?"

The Sun Also Rises lost money, so Han Sanping was actually a little worried about Let the Bullets Fly. He wasn't worried about the investment, since China Film Group only invested 7% in the film, but he was worried that Jiang Wen still couldn't see the situation clearly.

The film market doesn't care whether you're from a privileged background or not.

As the driving force behind China's film industry, Han Sanping does not want any talented filmmaker to be overlooked.

When Jiang Wen was filming "The Sun Also Rises," he was telling the story in his heart and went to the awards competition full of confidence. However, Zhang Yimou did not choose him but chose Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution."

"The Sun" was a flop at the awards and also failed at the box office.

There was too much personal interpretation, and viewers said they didn't understand it.

Then, when it came to "Let the Bullets Fly," the film investment didn't go so smoothly.

Although some people still recognize him, many others have chosen to withdraw, including Yu Dong.

"It's not bad. In 'Let the Bullets Fly,' Jiang Wen wasn't as arrogant. You can tell he considered the commercial viability of the film this time..."

"That's good."

Hearing Zhang Chen say this, Han Sanping finally felt relieved.

He knew Jiang Wen all too well.

Despite the difficulties in securing funding for "Let the Bullets Fly," once the money was in hand, he didn't hesitate to spend it lavishly.

He's an artist at heart, always wanting to do something different.

However, the fact that they considered commercial considerations means there's still hope.

Moreover, Zhang Chen said that "Let the Bullets Fly" should be able to make money, so it can't be bad. Zhang Chen is recognized as the most profitable director in China.

"By the way, Starry Sky Entertainment has taken on the publicity and distribution for this movie."

"You guys took on the PR campaign? Haha, Jiang Wen finally did something reliable this time!"

Han Sanping and Zhang Chen had talked about Jiang Wen in private. Zhang Chen made it clear that Jiang Wen was a good friend, but Zhang Chen would definitely not invest in his movies.

Zhang Chen's willingness to take over the film's publicity and distribution suggests that he truly believes in the potential of "Let the Bullets Fly."

As for Jiang Wen not hiring China Film Group to handle the publicity and distribution of "Let the Bullets Fly", Han Sanping didn't mind at all.

Jiang Wen's films are all too unconventional; they are neither purely art films nor purely commercial films. China Film Group is used to doing publicity and distribution in a conventional way, so it's not certain that they can do a good job with this type of film.

"Did Third Master want to see me about something?"

"Well, it's nothing, I just wanted to talk to you about Inception. How's the preparation going?"

"It didn't go very smoothly. I wanted to invite Leonardo DiCaprio to play the male lead, but he only wanted to star in award-winning films, so he declined."

"Oh, what should we do then? Do you need me to exert some force?"

"No need, if he doesn't want to act, we'll find someone else. It's not like we absolutely have to have him."

"Well done!"

Han Sanping liked Zhang Chen's domineering aura; he never heard Zhang Chen fawn over or fear Hollywood.

Unlike those people in China, who either cry "wolf!" or rush to become traitors as soon as they hear about Hollywood.

"Sure, just let me know if you need my cooperation. China Film Group's influence still carries weight with the Hollywood Big Six."

After ending the call with Han Sanping, Zhang Chen suddenly remembered the conversation he had with Jiang Wen the previous night.

Jiang Wen: "I think the current film market is wrong. Everything is judged solely by box office revenue. Does a high box office necessarily mean a good movie?"

Zhang Chen: "High box office revenue does not necessarily mean a good movie, but it at least shows that the movie is successful in the commercial field."

"But movies aren't just commodities; they're also works of art."

"That depends on how you position it. Ferrari is certainly more upscale than Volkswagen, but Ferrari definitely doesn't earn as much as Volkswagen. One is a mass-market consumer product, and the other is a luxury item. You can't expect it to be both upscale and profitable at the same time."

In Zhang Chen's view, Jiang Wen is like a Ferrari.

He has a typical artist's mindset; his films are always full of metaphors, and he always fantasizes about using films to change something.

Like Korean movies, his ultimate dream is probably to have a film that can even influence the law.

But this is impossible for Chinese films.

In China, film can only be a recorder.

History has taken a major turn, and film can record and recreate it.

But you think you can use movies to influence the authorities and change history? You're dreaming!
Why are you?
Do you know how our country positions the film industry?
Zhang Chen expressed his opinion, but whether Jiang Wen accepted it is unknown.

It's highly likely they won't accept it.

Great people are usually quite stubborn, have their own unique understanding of things, and are not easily influenced by others; otherwise, they couldn't become great.
……

When Zhang Chen returned to the company in Beijing, Ning Hao was working on the script for "Ghost Blows Out the Light." The scriptwriting team was naturally drawn from the scriptwriting group of Xingchen Entertainment, which also included the original author of the novel, Tianxia Bachang.

This was also Zhang Chen's first time meeting Tianxia Bachang.

"I heard you come from a family that worked for a geological team?"

"Yes."

"Could you reveal whether you actually have any relatives or friends who are involved in tomb raiding?"

Zhang Chen had always felt that the things in this guy's book didn't seem to be made up when he was reading it before.

The author, Tianxia Bachang, scratched his head sheepishly and said, "This... I can't say."

"Oh, I understand, I won't ask anymore, I won't ask anymore~"

Since saying it wasn't an answer, everyone tacitly changed the subject. Ning Hao then asked, "So, what you described in your book, is it true?"

"Of course not, I made them up based on some legends and folk tales~"

Everyone present gave a thumbs up. Some authors just have this ability to make something fake sound like the truth.

This is true of both Tianxia Bachang and Mengrushenji.

Many of the sources they reference are certainly real, but they have a knack for fabricating things based on those real sources, making it impossible for you to distinguish between truth and falsehood.

In "The Legend of the Dragon and the Snake," phrases like "beating people like hanging paintings" certainly come from traditional martial arts literature. However, Meng Ru Shenji also invented many other realms and techniques, yet book fans can read them without feeling disconnected from the story—that's true skill!
Unfortunately, the things described in "The Legend of the Dragon and the Snake" are too abstract, and those realms and such are difficult to visualize. Otherwise, Zhang Chen would have adapted it into a film or television series long ago.

How's the movie preparation going?

"Yes, everything else is almost settled. The actors are all practicing, and once things settle down with 'Train to Busan' in August, we'll prepare to start filming."

The filming of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is scheduled to begin in two months. The main cast was decided entirely based on the results of the evening's vote. Liu Ye will play Hu Bayi, and Jiang Tao will play Wang Pangzi. Only the role of Shirley Yang will be replaced by Li Meiqi because the most popular actor, Fan Xiaopang, could not participate.

Li Meiqi is Maggie Q, a stunning beauty!
I gladly accepted the invitation.

Despite her role in "Mission: Impossible III," she didn't have good resources. Her agent told her that participating in this movie would give her a chance to connect with Zhang Chen, and she immediately agreed.

The three are currently undergoing physical training, as "Ghost Blows Out the Light" has a lot of action scenes, which they need to familiarize themselves with in advance.

"By the way, who is the martial arts instructor?"

"Chin Ka-lok, do you know?"

"You know Big Head from the 'Young and Dangerous' movies, right?"

"This guy is amazing, the best stuntman in Hong Kong. There's a saying in the Hong Kong film industry: if Chin Ka-lok can't even do a single move, then there's no point in designing it."

These words were actually spoken to him by Jing Tian. It was Jing Tian who recommended Chin Ka-lok to him because Chin Ka-lok designed the action sequences for "The Witch," which Jing Tian found excellent.

"Director Zhang~"

"Senior brother~" Hearing that Zhang Chen had returned, many people came over to greet him, with Lu Yang and Guo Fan being the first to do so.

"So, have you decided what your next movie is going to be?" Zhang Chen asked Lu Yang first.

"We've got it figured out. We still owe Director Chen a film, so let's make 'The Equalizer'!"

Lu Yang has essentially paid off Zhang Chen's debt.

When Zhang Chen first conceived of the spy universe, his first idea was actually "The Equalizer," which he had already discussed with director Chen. It was only later that it became "Taken."

After "Taken", Zhang Jin's popularity led to the filming of "Extraction", while "The Equalizer" was shelved.

Now, Old Chen's solo movie is finally about to start.

"Did you talk to Teacher Chen?"

“I told him, and he agreed.”

Action movies are very tiring. He only had a cameo role in "Taken". Now that he's going to make a solo series of movies, Zhang Chen is worried that he won't be able to handle it.

But clearly, Chen himself wanted to give it a try.

"Alright, go for it! I'll let you know as soon as there's any news from Mission: Impossible."

Lu Yang knew that Paramount intended for Zhang Chen to direct Mission: Impossible 4, and that Zhang Chen also wanted Mission: Impossible to interact with Taken.

He was very interested in the idea.

Of course, directing is out of the question; I don't have the qualifications.

But Zhang Chen had also promised him that if a cooperation could be reached in the end, he would let him participate.

Lu Yang was worried that his filming of "The Equalizer" would clash with the schedule of "Mission: Impossible 4," preventing him from participating.

That's why Zhang Chen gave him some reassurance.

"How have you been lately? Next week is the premiere of 'Gravity,' and you'll officially step into the spotlight!"

This time, Zhang Chen was questioning Guo Fan.

The latter, still smiling, scratched his head and said, "To be honest, I'm a little nervous. I'm afraid I won't know how to speak."

"Haha, if you can't speak well, let your senior host for you!"

Lu Yang, who was standing next to him, joked that the same thing happened when he first attended a premiere, and Zhang Chen helped him out that time.

Guo Fan didn't speak, he just smiled.
Zhang Chen patted him on the shoulder: "It's okay, everyone experiences this the first time, you'll get used to it~"

Guo Fan, the author of this article, is not a man of few words; he has attended countless premieres.

Industrial Daji has such a mouth, she can really talk a mile a minute!
Dong Jianqiang arrived shortly after hearing the news: "You're back? Are you done with things at 'Let the Bullets Fly'?"

"Yeah, I just had a cameo role, it was only for a few minutes."

"Oh, right, I have something to tell you~"

"I also have something to tell you~"

The two seemed to be on the same wavelength.

"Then let's go to my office~"

Dong Jianqiang followed Zhang Chen to his office and then said, "You go first."

"Why don't you go first?"

Zhang Chen didn't mince words: "What I want to say is that I've already promised Jiang Wen that we'll take over the distribution of 'Let the Bullets Fly'."

Dong Jianqiang was taken aback: "The quality is very good?"

Zhang Chen nodded: "Yes, 'Let the Bullets Fly' should break Jiang Wen's personal box office record."

"Such high praise!"

Zhang Chen smiled but didn't say anything: "And you, what do you want to say to me?"

This time, Dong Jianqiang straightened his expression and said, "I want to talk to you about Huayi Brothers. They're preparing a new project, 'Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame,' and they want our company, Tiangong Yicai, to do the special effects."

"Oh?"

Zhang Chen looked curious. Of course he knew about the movie "Detective Dee," it was Tsui Hark's comeback film, but why would he ask his company to do the special effects?

"What happened? Have they changed their ways?"

Huayi Brothers and Star Entertainment have always been at odds, and they don't even invite each other to premieres. What's going on this time?
"It seems the Wang brothers want to ease tensions with us."

Dong Jianqiang offered his speculation: "I've heard that it was Xu Ke who made this request, but the Wang brothers probably had similar thoughts, otherwise they wouldn't have agreed."

Zhang Chen nodded, stroking his chin in thought.

It's normal for Xu Ke to have this idea.

Nansun Shi is Chen Xi's deputy and the second most powerful person in Jiahe. As her husband, Xu Ke, Nansun Shi naturally hopes that Xu Ke can maintain a good relationship with Zhang Chen.

However, Star Entertainment hardly uses any Hong Kong actors and directors, while Golden Harvest under Zhang Chen's company uses a large number of Hong Kong actors and directors. Shi Nansheng once found work for Xu Ke at Golden Harvest.

Xu Ke has had a really bad run of luck these past two years. "Triangle", "Missing", and "All About Women" are all terrible movies.

At this time, Huayi Brothers suddenly approached him, hoping that he would direct "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame". Xu Ke certainly would not refuse, nor could he refuse.

Directors need to make a living too; they can't be supported by women forever. Xu Ke isn't Ang Lee.

Everyone knows that Huayi Brothers and Star Entertainment are at odds, so would taking on a Huayi Brothers production displease Zhang Chen?

Logically speaking, Zhang Chen shouldn't be so stingy, but Shi Nansheng works for Zhang Chen.

It's one thing for others, but you're working for me, and your husband is helping my competitor make movies. What are you thinking?

After much discussion, the couple came up with a compromise: the special effects would be handled by Tiangong Yicai.

Everyone knows that Tiangong Yicai is also Zhang Chen's business, and he is promoting it vigorously. Xu Ke is doing this to get orders for Tiangong Yicai, and also to resolve the conflict between the two parties.

After Xu Ke shared his idea, the Wang brothers immediately agreed.

They had always wanted to resolve their conflict with Zhang Chen.

The previous hostility stemmed from self-interest.

The movie market is only so big; if you get more, others get less. So of course you have to compete, fight, and scheme.
But now Zhang Chen's power is established, and Xingchen Entertainment's scale is far beyond what Huayi Brothers can match.

Moreover, Zhang Chen's personal influence was growing, so the Wang brothers wanted to repair their relationship.

It was purely for commercial reasons.

To put it simply, when Huayi Brothers films are released, if Zhang Chen just posts a negative comment on Weibo, the impact on box office revenue is immeasurable.

The Wang brothers' idea was simple: even if they couldn't cooperate, they should try their best not to be enemies.

Xu Ke himself is also quite miserable; what he really wants to make is a science fiction film.

Ever since watching Zhang Chen's "Pacific Rim" and "2012", he has wanted to make science fiction films.

After reading "The Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Sci-Fi Movies," I wanted to watch it even more.

But no one looked for him.

It's already pretty good that Huayi Brothers approached him to film a martial arts suspense movie.

"What do you think?"

"I think we can accept this to a certain extent. Star Entertainment and Huayi Brothers are no longer in the same league. Our goal is the stars and the sea."

Moreover, Huayi Brothers is the second largest film company in China. It's not good for the development of our film industry if the top two companies are always undermining each other.

Dong Jianqiang clearly favors reconciliation.

Zhang Chen pondered for a moment: "Okay, we'll do it your way."

Although he looked down on the Wang brothers, as Dong Jianqiang said, their goal was the stars and the sea.

Zhang Chen's focus had long since shifted from the domestic market to overseas markets.
(End of this chapter)