Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 190 Jiang Beichun's Regret
Lu Kuan did have this idea in mind, but it was also because there was a shortage of female artists in the industry.

The auditions for "Love Is Not Blind" lasted for over a week, but they still couldn't find a suitable female lead.

I'm talking about someone who meets all the requirements and can be signed back to develop further.

Su Chang has good conditions and is a promising talent.

Concubine Liu Yi was thoughtful: "Oh, so that's it."

She decided to talk to her best friend first and expose Lu Kuan's shameless face.

Actually, I was overthinking it. It was you two who listened to the sex scene on the set of "Gold Powder"...

"As for 'The Return of the Condor Heroes', go talk to Zhang Jizhong. The pay is 15 per episode."

Yang Siwei was surprised: "15? Is that possible?"

"Just talk about it and go after tonight."

Yang Siwei was quick-witted and understood his former leader's intentions instantly.

What a joke! The salary for 40 episodes of The Return of the Condor Heroes was million, which is quite a lot of money!

On the evening of September 2003, 9, many stars gathered at the Beijing New Dong'an Cinema.

Almost all the celebrity guests who attended the Q&A press conference at the beginning of the month are here.

In addition to a large number of media at the scene, there were also lucky audience members drawn from Internet media such as Blog.com, most of whom were fans of Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing and others.

It was already the end of May that "Shoplifters" won the Jury Prize and Best Director at Cannes.

At that time, in order to avoid the declining film market after the boiling point and to avoid overlapping with the same company's "Stone", Lu Kuan thought about it and set the release date on the National Day holiday.

Han Shanping and Gao Chengsheng had both kindly advised him to avoid "Heroes of Heaven and Earth", a blockbuster film heavily invested by Columbia and Huayi, which was released at the same time.

But Boss Lu refused it with his courage to be the first.

Are you kidding me? How am I going to capture the market if I don’t ride on this flopped movie?

Lu Kuan led the crew to welcome the guests, and then he went into the VIP room backstage, where Han Shanping, Zhang Yimou and others were drinking tea.

Those who came today are all big names in the film industry, including Han Shanping, Jiang Zhiqiang, Zhang Weiping, Dong Shuangqiang, and Zhang Yimou. Any one of them is a figure who can shake the mainland film world.

It was the first time Zhang Weiping met Lu Kuan, and he walked up to him and shook hands with him.

"Heroes emerge from youth! Director Lu, nice to meet you!"

"Hello, Mr. Zhang. I've heard a lot about you."

Don't hit a smiling person. Even if you have a bad impression of him, it's okay as long as he doesn't offend you.

Han Shanping laughed and said, "Xiaolu, you look a bit out of place sitting among a group of old men like us."

"I think you can start growing a beard. It will make you look more mature, haha!"

Dong Shuangqiang pretended to be displeased: "Boss Han, I'm only about forty years old, please don't try to lure me in too."

Zhang Weiping, believing he knew Dong Shuangqiang well, patted him on the shoulder jokingly, "Old Dong, you're incredibly lucky this time, to be able to cling to Mr. Han's thick legs."

This was about the Travel Satellite TV, but Lu Kuan saw that Dong Shuangqiang's expression was unnatural, and he probably didn't like to hear him talking to him like that.

It's harmless to talk like this among friends, but Zhang Weiping is showing low EQ by using others to criticize him just to curry favor with Han Shanping.

I wonder what he will feel when he remembers today when he can't help but scold Old Han Zuoshandiao.

Zhang Yimou is still more concerned about the situation of the film.

"Xiaolu, why is it so late in the theaters? It's been over four months since Cannes."

"Oh no! You can't say that. It will offend people if you say it!"

Jiang Zhiqiang knew he was going to joke again: "Are you afraid of offending people? Everyone thinks you are Monkey King!"

路老板谦虚地摆摆手：“7月《黑客帝国二》、8月《终结者三》、9月底到10月《天地英雄》，11月《黑客帝国三》。”

"Leaders and bosses, tell me, if I asked you to pick the softest person to pinch, who would you pinch?"

Everyone laughed, and Old Han pointed at Lu Kuan helplessly.

The softest one is Huayi's "Heroes of Heaven and Earth". How can it be compared with Hollywood blockbusters?

Han Shanping knew about the conflict between him and Hua Yi, but he still gave him a friendly reminder.

"'Heaven and Earth' will have its world premiere at the Forbidden City's Duanmen Gate on September 9rd. This time, we're aiming for a grand premiere like 'Hero'. It's coming with great momentum."

China Film Group was not directly involved in the "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" project, but it was impossible for Han Shanping not to care about it.

This movie started shooting almost at the same time as Zhang Yimou's "Hero", but its release was delayed for more than ten months.

The reason publicly announced was that Columbia was dissatisfied with the film's soundtrack, and later asked Sony to remake and re-release the soundtrack, which was also part of the Hollywood film company's profit.

But Han Shanping has his own plans. He is very optimistic about these two films and believes that both have the potential to compete for Oscars. Wouldn't it be a competition if they were released in the same year?

Therefore, it was decided to test the waters with "Heroes" first, and Columbia Pictures then proceeded to prepare for the remake and release of the soundtrack.

Only the investors Huayi and Xi'an Film Studio were hurt and their funds have not been recovered.

Lu Kuan was of course quite clear-headed. "It's being screened early on September 9rd, presumably to try to win an Oscar? This year's nominated foreign-language film is 'Heroes of Heaven and Earth'."

Different film festivals have different requirements for film submissions.

Both the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Oscars require that their films be released in commercial theaters during the selection period.

The requirement for the Academy Awards is "no less than five screenings in theaters with more than 50 seats within seven consecutive days";
奥斯卡是“影片必须在前一年1月1日至12月31日之间上映，且放映时间不少于7天”。

Therefore, in order to win awards, some films will conduct small-scale previews in advance.

Han Shanping was not surprised at all that Lu Kuan was familiar with these movie rules, but this topic aroused Zhang Weiping's indignation.

"Hey! Forget about the Oscar race. We were screwed by Xavi last year!"

Zhang Yimou also smiled bitterly and waved his hand to indicate that he would not mention it.

But to be fair, this is not entirely Harvey's fault for domestic filmmakers.

What Zhang Weiping said about "Hero" being badly screwed by Harvey during its Oscar campaign was that Harvey refused to release "Hero" in North America at the same time as the film was competing for the Oscar.

This does have an adverse impact on the Oscar bid: how can one win an Oscar if there are no North American audiences who have even watched it?

But Harvey also has his own reasons.

First, Zhang Weiping screened Hero in Shenzhen at the end of 2002 in order to secure an Oscar, disrupting the North American promotion that was originally underway at the same time.

Secondly, it was the summer of 2003, and the release schedules of Fang Long, Eagle King and Columbia's "Back to the Future" clashed, so Harvey decided to stay out of the spotlight for a while.

Therefore, until now, North American audiences have not seen "Hero" in theaters.

With the wide-ranging film "A Foreign Land" in this life, maybe Harvey will postpone it...

Zhang Yimou is aware of Lu Kuan's global film vision.

"Xiaolu, what do you think of the prospects for 'Heroes of Heaven and Earth' in the Oscar race this year?"

Han Shanping, Dong Shuangqiang, Jiang Zhiqiang and others all looked at him, wanting to hear the young director's opinion.

Or "metaphysical prediction".

Boss Lu laughed and said, “It’s not even average, it can be said to be very poor!”

Han Shanping jokingly said, "You kid won't be pessimistic just because it's a Huayi film, right?"

“That’s part of the reason!”

Everyone was stunned for a moment and then burst into laughter. There was no one from Tie Huayi sitting in the room.

Han Shanping has an exclusive status, Zhang Yimou disdains the "capital's literary and art circles", Zhang Weiping and Huayi are in a competitive relationship, and Jiang Zhiqiang doesn't care.

Only Dong Shuangqiang has cooperated with Huayi because of his extensive network and social circle.

But now he and Lu Kuan are strategic partners.

Boss Lu smiled and said, "Just tell the truth."

"After Jiang's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, China has submitted costume films for three consecutive years, and the judges are getting tired of the same topic."

"Hollywood's themes are cyclical. After the huge success of 'Gladiator', epic films are now popular again, such as Tom Cruise's 'The Last Samurai'."

"'Heroes of Heaven and Earth' bears some resemblance to 'Hero' in terms of subject matter and tone. Could it be that just one year later, Hollywood judges have undergone a 180-degree change in their views on this subject matter?"

"What's more, Director Heping also boasts about its western style. Ladies and gentlemen, is it reasonable for Hollywood to sell western-style movies to Americans?"

It’s like showing off your sword in front of Guan Gong!
"I now even doubt whether it can survive in the domestic market!"

Everyone fell into deep thought after hearing this, especially Lao Mouzi.

Zhang Yimou's interest in the three major European awards had faded; the Oscars were now his only goal. Han Shanping frowned. He didn't care about the box office performance of "Heroes of Heaven and Earth," as China Film had neither invested in nor distributed it. But bidding for the Olympics was his political achievement!

Gao Chengsheng pushed the door open and came in: "Director Lu, the Jiang Beichun you mentioned is here."

Boss Lu's eyes lit up. He said goodbye to everyone and followed Gao Chengsheng to the small room next door.

Jiang Beichun is the founder of Focus Media.

During the distribution of "The Drummer", Lu Kuan demonstrated to mainland filmmakers what the "deep distribution" model is from a personal perspective.

Before formulating the distribution plan for China Film Group this time, Han Shanping strictly ordered the distribution department and the industry to jointly discuss the distribution strategy, with the focus on doing what Lu Kuan said.

But he set his sights on this new advertising company that only started to gain momentum in 2003.

"Director Lu! I've heard a lot about you. Your production of 'The Drummer' is so wonderful! I saw it three times!"

He was greeted with a barrage of flattery, and Boss Lu smiled and invited him to take a seat.

"Mr. Jiang, your elevator advertising model is very creative. How far has it progressed now?"

Jiang Beichun took over part of the advertising business of "The Thief" this time. Lu Kuan was the client, so he naturally started to brag about it.

"Boss Lu, let me report to you."

"The company's business now covers 45 cities across the country, more than 25000 buildings, and reaches more than 3000 million people daily!"

Boss Lu remained noncommittal. The number sounded staggering, but it was hard to tell whether it was true or not.

"Well, for this advertisement for 'Thief', I asked the distribution team to find you. I'm very optimistic about the future of elevator advertising."

Jiang Beichun had heard of this domestic director's name for a long time. It would be a lie to say that he had seen "The Drummer" several times, but the "deep distribution" in its release process was very inspiring to him.

They are actually doing the same thing, but they have different paths.
In 2002, Jiang Beichun came up with the idea of ​​elevator advertising while waiting for the elevator.

That year, he spent all his fortune to buy the first batch of LCD TVs and placed them in 50 buildings in Shanghai, generating 100 million in advertising revenue in the first month.

This new advertising model also came into being.

“Thank you, Director Lu. I am honored to receive your recognition.”

Haha, you are honored too early, and you met this cheater too early.

"Boss Jiang, I'll be frank."

"This time, I'm giving you some of the advertising for 'Thief' to test your current coverage and market penetration."

"I myself have an immature idea."

Boss Lu paused and looked at Jiang Beichun with a smile. The latter felt a chill down his spine for no reason.

"Will Mr. Jiang's company accept the acquisition?"

Jiang Beichun was shocked: "This! Director Lu, where did you get this from?"

He begged for mercy, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.

It is said to be an innovative advertising model, but is there any threshold for such an idea that can be copied so effortlessly?
Shortly after Focus Media was founded, Juzhong was also established. The two companies competed fiercely in the market for precious channel resources.

At this point in time, apart from first- and second-tier cities, where else can you find so many buildings with elevators?
Today's blue ocean is tomorrow's red ocean. Jiang Beichun has basically exhausted the 5000 million yuan in funds on hand and is preparing to contact venture capital.

After Focus Media was listed on NASDAQ in 2005, the first thing it did was to acquire Juzhong, which gave it a 96.5% market share nationwide and raised the competitive barriers in the industry.

"Okay, don't act stupid, I'm not guilty either."

"5000 million, I want 60% of Focus Media's shares."

He had considered this number.

Later, the first round of financing that Focus Media received from SoftBank was also 5000 million, and it took a 30% stake in Jiangbeichun.

In fact, this has already taken a great advantage of Jiangbeichun. They are looking for the opportunity when the competition between Focus Media and Juzhong for market resources has entered a white-hot stage!
But Boss Lu is even greedier than others, so there must be a reason for the extra 30%!
Jiang Beichun's face changed. After a business negotiation, the client's father was going to become the real father, and he even lost the controlling rights. Where the hell could he go to seek justice?
"Mr. Lu, if you want to talk about business like this, I'd rather not accompany you."

Lu Kuan crossed his legs and threw the cigarette box on the table, motioning him to take it himself.

"You can walk out of this door, but your opponents will gather and come in later. You might as well give it a try."

"you!"

Boss Lu stopped teasing him: "Okay, I'm not telling you this to scare you, just listen to me."

"First, you and Juzhong are competing for key channel resources. This 5000 million is your lifeline. Whoever gets more market share first and goes public first will be able to wield the money to crush the other side!"

Jiang Beichun remained silent. This man had obviously come prepared, so it was not surprising that he knew the current competitive situation.

"Secondly, Wenjie's investment will be more beneficial to you than other single capital and venture capital!"

"We are a film and television company. This year alone, we have produced and are currently producing five films and TV series. The average investment in each is over 2000 million yuan. You can imagine the advertising share of this."

"Moreover, most of the films we produce are urban and fashion films, and the target audience and your advertising channel resources are well matched and complementary."

Jiang Beichun's eyes lit up at what he said. An investor who could provide business was undoubtedly more suitable than one who simply provided money.

But asking him for 5000% of 60 million is still too exaggerated. He spent less than 6000 million to build this empire!

"Mr. Lu, I admit that I'm moved by what you said, but please understand the persistence of every entrepreneur in firmly grasping the controlling stake!"

Lu Kuan also knew that his condition was to force the man to stay, but it was just a negotiation strategy.

Where can you get a reasonable valuation right away?

"How about this, for 7000 million, I want 55% of your equity, but I allow you to exercise 51% of the voting rights."

"I'm a film director and run an entertainment company. I'm not interested in your business. You can operate the market according to your own ideas."

Jiang Beichun sneered. It sounds nice to say, which investor doesn’t say that?
"I'm sorry, Mr. Lu, it looks like I'm going to spoil your fun today."

Lu Kuan frowned. Do you really want me to take action?
He took out his cell phone and said, "A Fei, bring Mr. Yu, who is gathering the crowd, in."

Jiang Beichun looked at him in disbelief.

Are you still an artist?
The movie you made is called "Thief". I think you are a fucking robber?
"Wait! Wait, Mr. Lu!"

Boss Lu smiled and repeated something into the receiver, then put the slide cover into his pocket.

There was no such thing as a gathering of Mr. Yu. We were just deceiving him.

Jiang Beichun looked at Lu Kuan with a calm expression and felt so angry that his teeth were itching. He was so regretful!
Why did you accept the order for "Thief" and attract such a devil who manipulates people's hearts!

He never thought that if Boss Lu came into contact with a group of people, it would probably be the group of people that would eat him up in this life.

"Boss Lu, why do you insist on holding the controlling stake?"

This is Jiang Beichun's biggest doubt and biggest worry. He is worried that as the founder, he will be kicked out one day.

Boss Lu also saw the crux of his indecision.

"I repeat, I have no interest in interfering in your company's business, but I want to ensure that my media tools serve the public."

"If I don't have a controlling stake, what if a competitor offers a higher advertising fee one day and uses my own sword to kill me?"

Jiang Beichun made a final struggle: "Mr. Lu, 7000 million, you control 51%, but except for marketing matters involving your companies, I demand equal decision-making power in other matters."

Lu Kuan stared at him indifferently for a few seconds and took out his cell phone.

Jiang Beichun's face was horrified! He thought he was going to call for a crowd again and was about to leave in anger!
"Wenwen, prepare to transfer the money."

Jiang Beichun was ecstatic: "This? Mr. Lu, you agreed?"

The reborn are not omnipotent. At least Lu Kuan has not made much achievements in the advertising business.

Jiang Beichun has sufficient business capabilities. With him around, all I have to do is transfer and collect money.

Later, Jiang Beichun took Focus Media to Nasdaq in 2005 and became the first domestic entrepreneur to ring the bell.

Based on the issue price of US$17, Focus Media's value reached US$6.8 million overnight.

According to the investment shares tentatively agreed upon tonight, the shares held by Lu Kuan will be worth at least 3.4 million by then, and with the support of Wenjie, the valuation will only be higher.

Given the current road width, 2003 was the perfect time to intervene.

The two of them agreed to talk in detail, and Lu Kuan went to the front desk to host the premiere ceremony.

The host Jin Wei, an old friend of Wenjie, connected the premiere process. Lu Kuan didn't waste any time and went straight into the screening.

The dragon emblem flashed by, and the thief family began.

Liu Yifei and her best friend Su Chang sat together in the second row.

She really wanted to quietly appreciate Lu Kuan's second work, but now there were more important things to do!
The little girl quietly nudged Su Chang who was sitting next to her.

(End of this chapter)