Rebirth: I'm filming extra scenes on the set

Chapter 245: Invested in a movie: "Du Lala's Promotion"

Chen Cheng was one of the interviewers for the Beijing Film Academy's art exam.

at the beginning.

As an interviewer, Chen Cheng felt quite fresh.

But after one interview after another, Chen Cheng realized how tiring this job was.

It's like an actor auditioning.

It started out fine.

When you try hundreds or thousands of them, you will start to have a headache.

Fortunately.

In 2010, there were several promising talents who came to audition from Beijing Film Academy.

The first to appear was Yang Zi.

It’s Xia Xue from “Home with Kids”.

There is also Zhang Yishan, who played Liu Xing in "A Family With Children".

Both of them can be said to have debuted as child stars.

Many students at Beijing Film Academy are not as famous as these two.

of course.

Among the students.

There were also some students who became famous in later generations.

Such as Dilraba Dilmurat and Yuan Bingyan.

But Chen Cheng seemed to remember.

Neither of them was a student of Beijing Film Academy, but later went to Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Chen Cheng thought it was normal.

most of the time.

It is impossible for a group of students to apply to only one school.

Most students will choose several schools to apply to.

The ones with potential are naturally Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, Shanghai Theatre Academy... after applying for all of them.

I'll go to whichever school I'm accepted to.

If they are all accepted, that would be even better, you can choose any one you want.

Chen Cheng's appearance attracted the attention of many students.

In previous years, the number of applicants to the Central Academy of Drama, Beijing Film Academy, and Shanghai Theatre Academy was about the same.

but.

Because Chen Cheng is the interviewer this year.

This time, the number of students applying for Beijing Film Academy increased by one third.

This also caused some headaches for other art examination teachers who were interviewing.

A group of interview teachers suggested.

Don’t ask Chen Cheng to come for the interview next time. This will only increase the workload.

Chen Cheng smiled bitterly and did not explain.

You think I want to come?

Sitting here for so many days like this, interviewing one person after another, Chen Cheng is also having a headache.

Fortunately, the art examination of Beijing Film Academy ended after one week.

Chen Cheng looked at the list of qualified people.

Yang Zi, Zhang Yishan, Di Lie, Yuan Bingyan, Qin Junhuo... are all there.

But whether they will choose Nortel in the future is their business.

……

The filming of "Buried Alive" was completed very quickly.

Chen Cheng does not want this film to be released in China.

and so.

After post-production editing and translation, Chen Cheng prepared to release the film in North America.

If you want to release it in North America, you must find an overseas film agency.

Just like if a domestic movie is to be released, he must find a distribution company.

Chen Cheng has never dealt with North America.

but.

He knew a director at Paramount.

This director is Mark.

He is also the director of Kung Fu Panda.

As one of the most important contributors to Kung Fu Panda.

Mark seemed very happy when he received Chen Cheng's call. He said, "Chen, our Kung Fu Panda 2 is about to start. Do you have any ideas? Yes, I will go to China now. I know you must have a lot of creative ideas to share with me."

But Chen Cheng shook his head: "Sorry, Mark, I don't have much idea about Kung Fu Panda 2. I've been busy with other things recently."

Although there are 4 Kung Fu Panda movies in total.

But let's be honest.

Chen Cheng only remembers the first part.

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4... Chen Cheng can't remember them all.

"That's such a pity."

"Mark, I have a movie that I want to show in North America. Can you help me?"

"Oh, of course."

Mark nodded: "My friend, Paramount where I work, has international film agency business. You can hand the film over to Paramount."

"OK."

Chen Cheng nodded: "However, Mark, my investment in this film is a bit small. But I think it is very interesting, and I believe the box office will be good."

"Don't worry, you helped me a lot before."

Mark waved his hand and didn't care how much the film cost.

Although, he subconsciously asked: "How much is the investment?"

"300."

“Three million dollars is not a lot, but it’s not bad.”

"No, it's 300 million RMB."

"What?"

Mark was stunned: "Tell me, what is the current exchange rate between the US dollar and the RMB?"

"The exchange rate is 1:7. 300 million RMB is roughly equivalent to more than 40 US dollars."

"More than 40... Oh my God."

“Mark, can’t it be shown?”

"Not really. It's just that the investment is too small, so there may not be many screenings. Of course, Chen, my good friend, I will definitely recommend you more to the company."

"Thank you."

……

It was recommended by Mark, the great director of Paramount.

Chen Cheng's latest focus is on "Chenying" Film Production Co., Ltd., which has signed an agency contract with Paramount International Film Affairs Department.

and.

In order to repay Chen Cheng, Mark personally went to the office of "Barry", the head of Paramount's international film affairs.

"Hey Mark, is your Kung Fu Panda 2 ready?"

"Not yet, Barry. Not so soon. The earliest will be next year."

"Next year is very close. Your Kung Fu Panda is really amazing. I have to promote you around the world."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. After all, you made a lot of money for the company. Also, because of your Kung Fu Panda, our benefits were much better that year."

"Haha."

Mark and Barry are colleagues and good friends.

"I have a movie here, can you recommend it to me?"

"Oh, you've prepared another film?"

"I don't have time, this is a friend of mine from China."

"A Chinese film?"

Barry seemed surprised. "I'm sorry, the movies imported from China don't do very well at the box office. Unless they are directed by Li An or Wu... something, they are okay. But Wu is no good either. He made several movies that made us lose a lot of money."

Yes.

Many of the films Wu Yusen made in Hollywood were in collaboration with Paramount, such as Mission: Impossible 2.

This Barry knows Wu Yusen very well.

"There are exceptions to everything, right? I believe you also know that the original character image and script of our Kung Fu Panda all came from my friend."

"You mean the talented artist?"

"Correct."

"His name is Chen Cheng. He recently signed an agency contract with the company. His film is called Buried Alive. In addition, he is also a famous director in China."

"Buried Alive, let me check the files. Oh, yes, it's a contract that was signed not long ago. I haven't seen the film yet. But it seems that the investment in this film is only $40."

"Yes."

“Is this personally made?”

"That's not important... I think this is a very creative film. Let's take a look first."

"Okay."

"Barry" gave "Mark" face and found the source of "Buried" in the archives.

After signing the work schedule and confidentiality agreement.

This is to ensure that the source is not lost.

The two began to watch the movie.

Two hours later.

Barry's eyes lit up and he stood up with a smile: "This is the most creative movie I have ever seen. One person actually acted out the entire movie. Moreover, I enjoyed watching it very much."

"Yes, me too."

"Okay, Mark. Leave the rest to me. I can assure you. This movie will definitely be worth it."

"Barry, if you just didn't lose money, then you've failed at your job."

"Hahaha, just kidding. I think this movie should be able to make at least $400 million. I don't know if it will be higher."

……

"Chen Cheng, where is he?"

"At Nortel."

"Why do you stay at Beijing Film Academy? Are you planning to study hard?"

"Not really... I don't have anywhere to go. It's great here at Beijing Film Academy. I have a place to live and an office."

"You should have bought a house a long time ago."

“I think it’s nice here.”

Chen Cheng didn't think too much about buying a house.

He thought Beijing Film Academy was pretty good. Not only was the accommodation free.

Even the office is free.

Plus, working here at Norfilm is more polite and generous.

When a group of friends come to such a grand place, they have to be a little polite.

"An old friend wants to see you."

"Who?"

"Xu Jinglei."

"As for her, just ask her to come directly to Beijing Film Academy."

"Row."

2 pm.

Chen Cheng met Xu Jinglei in the Beijing Film Academy’s office.

As soon as he saw Xu Jinglei, Chen Cheng said, "Jinglei, we have known each other for such a long time. You still asked for Director Han's relationship. Just call me directly."

As he spoke, Chen Cheng made tea for Xu Jinglei.

"I heard you made a movie? You directed and acted in it yourself. You are such a talented woman."

Chen Cheng gave a thumbs up.

Xu Jinglei said embarrassedly: "It's a low-budget production, the investment is only 2000 million, and the actual investment is only 1500 million."

"It's okay, everyone made their money this way. My film Those Years also had an investment of 1500 million."

"I came here today to learn from you."

"I don't deserve to be the one to learn from you."

Chen Cheng said: "I have only been in the film industry for a few years. In fact, I am still your junior."

"Director Chen, you are so modest."

talking.

Xu Jinglei handed the script to Chen Cheng.

"Director Chen, this is our script. Please give us some advice."

Take the script.

Chen Cheng glanced.

There were a few big words written on it: Du Lala’s Promotion Story.

"Not bad."

Chen Cheng watched and commented from time to time.

"Congratulations, Jinglei, your movie is going to be a big hit."

Talk about it.

"Du Lala's Promotion" is an online work.

First he became popular on the Internet.

Subsequently.

Only then did Xu Jinglei adapt the work into a movie of the same name.

Later there was a TV series.

At the same time, this work has also achieved quite good results in its previous life.

And broke the 1 million box office.

Xu Jinglei also became the first female director in mainland China to have a box office of over 100 million yuan.

Thanks to this work, Xu Jinglei was once called a talented woman.

In fact.

Xu Jinglei has not only filmed this one drama.

She started directing in 03.

But it's a pity.

The films he directed before performed averagely.

But fortunately the investment was not large and there was not much loss.

"I don't expect big sales. I think I'll be satisfied if I can break even or make a small loss."

Same as Yu Feihong.

There is no shortage of actors in this world who want to be directors.

For female actors, their ambitions are equally big.

But few succeed.

It can be said that Yu Feihong's "Love Has Next Life" has become a negative example in the circle.

This is also very stressful for Xu Jinglei.

"Director Chen, your name is a well-known brand in the industry. I came here this time just to ask for your help. Can I put my name on the list?"

"Jinglei, I think your film is very good. It doesn't matter whether you put your name on it or not."

"Director Chen, I know that this request of mine is difficult for you. However, I really have no other choice. This film has cost me all my savings over the years. If the box office doesn't improve, I probably won't dare to direct again in my lifetime."

"Director Han..."

Chen Cheng looked at Xu Jinglei.

Han Sanping called himself, but it was obviously not just a call.

Chen Cheng may not give face to Xu Jinglei, but he still has to consider Han Sanping's face.

"China Film Group has a guaranteed business, Jinglei, have you communicated with Director Han?"

"Director Han's evaluation only gave us a box office guarantee of 2000 million."

"Low."

Chen Cheng finished speaking.

He even took out a calculator and did some calculations: "Based on the 2000 million box office, your share will only be around 600 million, and you will lose about 1000 million."

"Yes."

“What are your expectations?”

"4000."

"If the box office is 4000 million, you will still lose money."

Of the 4000 million box office revenue, only 1300 million went to Xu Jinglei.

of course.

If that's the case, a loss of only 200 million is a good outcome.

"I can't help it. Making movies is not that easy. I regret it now."

"The film has already been shot, there's no point in regretting it."

After thinking for a while, Chen Cheng said, "Jinglei, forget about just being a figurehead. If you really have no idea, how about this, I'll sign a minimum guarantee agreement with you."

"Director Chen, are you also involved in the distribution business?"

"I won't do it. But seeing how worried you are, I don't know how to respond to Director Han. How about this, we sign a 4000 million guarantee as you said. If there's any loss, it's my responsibility. If the box office exceeds 4000 million, we'll split it -."

"Director Chen, you won't lie to me, will you?"

"What are you lying to?"

Chen Cheng smiled and said, "That's right. Don't let me make money and then you'll regret it."

"No, no, no, I don't regret it. I can't thank you enough."

Xu Jinglei breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he did not get Chen Cheng's name, he got a better choice.

……

Talked to Xu Jinglei.

A few days later.

Chen Cheng Studio signed a minimum guarantee agreement with Xu Jinglei.

It's called an agreement.

In fact, this film was sold to Chen Cheng.

If calculated based on the box office of 1 million in the previous life.

Chen Cheng can make a fortune from this wave of transactions.

Chen Cheng did the math, if the box office is 1 million.

Chen Cheng could probably earn around 1000 million.

Let’s do the math.

Chen Cheng also wanted to start a publishing company.

But just think about it.

Distribution is another kind of business, which is far from being as simple as imagined.

Besides, movies are unpredictable.

Even if the box office is as high as it is in the future, it is not certain whether there will be a deviation in this life.

If Xu Jinglei hadn't come to him, he wouldn't have wanted to make this money.

……

A few days later.

"Du Lala's Promotion" directed by Xu Jinglei was officially released.

Because it’s not a blockbuster movie.

Therefore, the schedule of "Du Lala's Promotion" is not very good.

It is neither a summer vacation nor a holiday season.

But it is a very calm period in March.

Only some ordinary movies will be released during this period.

As for why they didn’t choose a popular time slot.

They can indeed choose.

But if you come across some top movies during the popular period, you won’t have time to cry.

Although unpopular schedules are unpopular, they are not without advantages.

At least.

He won't come across any great movies.

If your film is slightly okay.

Not to mention big profits.

At least it can be guaranteed to succeed, and you can also make a small profit.

of course.

Chen Cheng is quite confident about "Du Lala's Promotion".

On the one hand, this has been proven in previous lives.

on the other hand.

As an online novel, "Du Lala's Promotion" is inherently down-to-earth.

This is also very consistent with the current domestic film market.

Although Chen Cheng had never written online articles before, he had written countless short plays.

In fact, short plays are also a type of online literature.

Such a down-to-earth and refreshing film will naturally attract the attention of the public.

(End of this chapter)