Restart life

Chapter 582 0570 [Novel, Game, Film & TV]

Chen Guiliang brought a group of senior executives to accompany him, which made Liu Cixin feel a little flattered.

Once everyone sat down to chat, the topic turned entirely to science fiction. And it wasn't limited to "The Three-Body Problem," but included his other works as well; clearly, everyone present was a longtime fan.

Science fiction is a niche literary genre, and Liu Cixin never expected that the management of ByteDance, Youke, and HarmonyOS alone would have so many science fiction fans.

Despite the turmoil within him, he remained remarkably calm, befitting a highly respected and accomplished writer.

"Hello, Teacher Liu, my name is Guo Fan, and I am a director." Guo Fan stepped forward and shook hands.

Liu Cixin didn't take it seriously, assuming that this was Chen Guiliang's friend, and stood up to shake hands, saying, "Hello, Director Guo."

Gong Ge'er stepped forward and said, "Hello, Teacher Liu. My name is Gong Ge'er, and I am a loyal fan of your books."

Liu Cixin felt that you looked familiar: "You're that...that...I feel like I've seen you somewhere before?"

Gong Ge'er imitated Michael Jackson, thrusting his hips as he sang: "We were all forced, forced..."

"Hahahaha!"

The whole crowd laughed.

Hu Ge's parody short films are widely circulated; even those who haven't watched them in their entirety have at least been passively exposed to his songs.

None of the people present recognized Gong Ge'er, but as soon as they heard him sing this song, they instantly remembered him.

After chatting for a while, Chen Guiliang finally arrived late.

Everyone stood up to greet him. After shaking hands several times, Chen Guiliang said, "We're all family here. Sit down and let's eat and chat."

Once everyone was seated, Chen Guiliang raised his glass and said, "The Hugo Award for 'The Three-Body Problem' is a great event for the Chinese science fiction community. Coincidentally, many of my colleagues in the company are loyal fans of Professor Liu. So I've treated everyone to this meal today, both to celebrate Professor Liu's achievement and to bring you all here to meet your idol."

"I dare not accept such praise," Liu Cixin quickly replied.

Everyone clinked glasses in a lively atmosphere.

Chen Guiliang asked, "The new simplified Chinese edition of 'The Three-Body Problem' will go to print next month. How about I write a preface for it?"

"I couldn't be happier." Liu Cixin was even more delighted.

The digital rights to "The Three-Body Problem" were originally signed with multiple platforms, but these agreements have expired over the past two years and have been transferred to Byte Publishing, a subsidiary of Byte Pictures. Byte Publishing then distributes the rights to Byte's online platforms.

The physical rights to "The Three-Body Problem" in mainland China were signed with Shancheng Publishing House in January 2008. The five-year contract at the time just expired a few months ago, and the rights have now been transferred to a publishing house under ByteDance Pictures.

Although Chen Guiliang bought out the global copyright of "The Three-Body Problem", Liu Cixin can still receive a share of the subsequent royalties.

Furthermore, Chen Guiliang was particularly generous, proactively stating, "The previous royalty contract didn't match my status as a Hugo Award author. I suggest increasing it to 15%. What do you think, Professor Liu?"

Liu Cixin was a little embarrassed: "That's too high-level. Science fiction is only for a niche audience."

Chinese science fiction writers have historically been at the bottom of the social ladder, with a 6% royalty rate being the norm. Those who can earn 8% or more are considered renowned.

Liu Cixin had previously only received a maximum of 10%, but now it has suddenly increased to 15%, and it was Chen Guiliang who took the initiative to raise the price, which made him feel that he had gained enough respect.

Liu Cixin now has only one thought: President Chen is really too generous. We can cooperate for a long time in the future. I might as well hand over all my works to him for management.

"Come on, congratulations, Teacher Liu!" Xie Yang raised his glass in a toast.

Liu Cixin quickly clinked glasses and drank.

ByteDance CEO Chen Hua said, "Mr. Liu will be working very hard in the next two or three months. He will be appearing on shows or giving interviews every week. We will hold six large-scale autograph sessions for Mr. Liu in six major cities across the country."

Liu Cixin worriedly said, "Even if we win the Hugo Award, science fiction is still a niche genre. Will there really be that many readers attending six large book signings? I'm afraid there won't be enough people and it will be a frustrating event."

Chen Hua smiled and said, "Teacher Liu, don't worry. People who don't read science fiction before will come and buy 'The Three-Body Problem'."

Xie Yang said, "Among the reading interest groups on ByteDance's various platforms, the popularity of 'The Three-Body Problem' has surged to number one in the past two days."

Liu Cixin didn't say anything more, feeling even more impressed by ByteDance.

After eating and drinking for a while, Chen Guiliang seemed to have just noticed Guo Fan: "Director Guo, what films do you have?"

"The cast for 'My Old Classmate' is almost complete." Guo Fan sat up straight instantly, full of anticipation but not daring to have too much hope.

Chen Guiliang asked, "Are you confident in directing a science fiction film?"

Everyone looked at Guo Fan in surprise, thinking that Chen Guiliang wanted Guo Fan to direct "The Three-Body Problem".

Liu Cixin wanted to stop him, but didn't know how to bring it up.

Guo Fan felt apprehensive and shook his head, saying, "I have absolutely no confidence. I've only ever directed one soft science fiction film. I don't even know the specific process of how a science fiction blockbuster is made."

Gong Ge'er, who had been so arrogant before, didn't dare to speak at this moment.

It's a sci-fi blockbuster! What if it flops? How will I ever face the world again? Even if I don't make them pay me back, I'll still feel ashamed.

Imagine a contractor who only knows how to build rural self-built houses, and suddenly someone asks him to build a hydroelectric power station. Would he dare to take on such a huge job?
Chen Guiliang said, "You know about the China-US Film Talent Exchange Program, right?"

"I know." Guo Fan was overjoyed.

There are annual quotas for American blockbusters to be shown in the Chinese market. Two years ago, China and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to resolve WTO film issues. China agreed to increase the quota for Hollywood films, and these additional films must be 3D or IMAX films, with the box office revenue share increasing from 13% to 25%.

This agreement has made Hollywood movie moguls grin from ear to ear.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, China proposed a "China-US Film Talent Exchange Program," which would send a group of Chinese filmmakers to the United States for exchange and study every year.

This is a small matter compared to China's box office profits, so the Hollywood giants certainly wouldn't refuse.

Currently, only Paramount has launched an exchange program.

This year, a group of people have already been sent there, namely Wuershan, Zhang Yibai (Fleet of Time), Zhang Meng (The Piano in a Steel), and Xue Xiaolu (Finding Mr. Right).

The batch for next year hasn't been decided yet, but Chen Guiliang knows it includes Ning Hao, Xiao Yang, Chen Sicheng, Guo Fan, and Lu Yang (Brotherhood of Blades, Assassination Novelist).

Most of the directors selected to go to Hollywood for exchanges are backed by film and television companies.

Chen Sicheng has signed with ByteDance Pictures and even filmed a youth movie last year.

With limited spots available, a film company cannot send two directors at the same time. If ByteDance signs Guo Fan, Guo Fan and Chen Sicheng will likely have to choose one of them.

But you can pay extra!
If ByteDance Pictures covers the corresponding costs and also sponsors the Film Bureau, it's possible to send not only two directors, but even three—normal exchange expenses are normally covered by the Ministry of Truth.

Chen Guiliang said, "Next year, ByteDance will send you to Hollywood for exchanges, so you can learn more about how Americans make sci-fi blockbusters."

"I will definitely learn the skills well!" Guo Fan stood up excitedly and declared.

This film talent exchange program is incredibly impressive because it's a byproduct of a WTO memorandum of understanding.

Hollywood moguls select senior executives, screenwriters, directors, producers, and other seasoned professionals to impart a wide range of film production experience, including how to manage a film company.

It's like a group of Qi Refining stage geniuses from local sects being sent to a top-tier sect to receive guidance from powerful figures who are about to ascend.

Many directors who return from exchanges with the United States immediately undergo a significant change in style when making films again.

Of the directors or producers of those later domestic animated blockbusters, only Jiaozi did not go to the United States for exchange and study; almost all the others gained their advancement in Hollywood.

Chen Guiliang continued, "Once you return from your exchange in Hollywood, just let us know what resources you need. Even if it's just asking for experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences to be scientific advisors, ByteDance will do its best to help you make the connections."

Guo Fan's breathing became heavy, and his body even trembled uncontrollably.

Gong Ge'er stared at Chen Guiliang in disbelief, then looked at Guo Fan, whose brain was throbbing with blood. He wanted to shout, "Old Ancestor Chen is awesome!"

Chen Guiliang added, "I'll arrange a producer for you then. This producer will mainly help you manage resources, including the budget. Be careful with your money; producers aren't as generous as I am."

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen, I will make sure every penny is spent wisely," Guo Fan quickly assured him.

Chen Guiliang then looked at Gong Ge'er: "Gong Ge'er, right?"

Gong Ge'er was overjoyed: "Is there something else for me?"

“Guo Fan is now directing ‘My Old Classmate’ and will be going to Hollywood for an exchange and study next year. You have more free time, so why don’t you join Youke’s new project team?” Chen Guiliang said.

Gong Ge'er said, "I have experience with games. I did the voice acting for Ragnaros in World of Warcraft, and I also wrote the first theme song for CrossFire!"

Chen Guiliang said, "Youke will be developing a science fiction MMO game called 'The Wandering Earth.' The movie that Guo Fan will be making in the future will also be called 'The Wandering Earth.' You will join Youke's 'The Wandering Earth' project team to participate in literary planning and game music composition. When Guo Fan is making the movie, you will also have in-depth communication with him and participate in the screenwriting of the movie together."

Upon hearing this, most of the people at the table were stunned.

"Isn't it 'The Three-Body Problem'? How did it become 'The Wandering Earth'?" Liu Cixin couldn't help but say.

Chen Guiliang said, "The Three-Body Problem is not easy to adapt into games and movies. Professor Liu, you should also get involved and help promote the game and movie. I will also set aside one day each month to personally oversee these two projects."

Guo Feng, who had been eating his food, asked, "When will 'The Three-Body Problem' be filmed? I want to see it."

Chen Guiliang said, "We'll make a TV series based on 'The Three-Body Problem' first, and we'll wait until the special effects technology improves and the cost of special effects drops significantly. My idea is to make it based on the original novel directly, without messing around with the script."

Guo Fan had recovered and said with a smile, "There's an actress named Wang Ziwen who would be perfect for playing the young commander. Although she's not very famous, she's a very good actress, especially talented and perceptive."

Wang Ziwen?
Chen Guiliang looked at Guo Fan with slight surprise, thinking to himself, "Was it you who recommended Wang Ziwen to the director for the TV series version of 'The Commander'?"
The entertainment industry is so small, everyone's a familiar face.

After the dinner, Guo Fan and Gong Ge'er returned to their car.

Guo Fan hesitated to start the car, instead gripping the steering wheel in a daze: "It feels like a dream."

Gong Ge'er laughed and said, "How about I slap you across the face?"

"With so many directors and screenwriters, why would President Chen choose us?" Guo Fan asked, expressing his confusion.

Gong Ge'er said, "We have potential."

Guo Fan shook his head: "Do you even believe what you're saying? I'm definitely feeling guilty. I don't think I know anything and have any ability to make a sci-fi blockbuster."

"Who cares? Just do it seriously. If we mess things up and ByteDance loses hundreds of millions, we'll just work for ByteDance for free for the rest of our lives," Gong Ge'er said. "Old Chen is a very honest man. Since he trusts us, we'll do anything for him."

Guo Fan handed a cigarette to Gong Ge'er, lit one for himself, and said while puffing out smoke, "We can only die for those who understand us. We have nothing to offer but our lives."

(End of this chapter)