I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

"I wrote a script for director Chen Kaige for a feature film, with a budget of around a few million yuan at most," Cheng Sheng explained.

"A few million? Isn't that too little? How about adding something else, like some special effects? It should cost at least tens of millions!"

Cheng Sheng was speechless. Adding special effects to a feature film? How much does Master Han want to make a blockbuster?
With another memory, Cheng Sheng knew of Han Sanye's obsession with investing in blockbuster films.

Both now and in the future, many blockbuster films in China are invested in by China Film Group behind the scenes.

And the one in charge of all of this was Master Han.

The reason why Han Sanye tends to invest in blockbusters is not simply due to personal preference, but is based on his profound insight and strategic considerations into the development of China's film industry. The core reason is that he regards blockbusters as the "flagship products" and commercial engines for promoting the industrialization of China's film industry.

Han Sanye believes that for domestic films to escape the predicament of the planned economy era, they must move towards industrialization.

Blockbuster films, with their high investment, high production value, and high returns, can effectively attract social capital, improve production standards, and rebuild audience confidence in domestic films.

He clearly pointed out: "Blockbusters are the flagship products of the film industry and have a certain leading and guiding role."

Through films such as "The Promise," "Red Cliff," "The Warlords," and "Forever Enthralled," he successfully ushered in the "blockbuster era" of Chinese cinema, proving the market potential of domestic commercial blockbusters.

Of course, some of these films were basically terrible, causing China Film Group's investment to go down the drain.

If Cheng Sheng hadn't appeared, although Master Han would still have continued to invest in blockbusters, he wouldn't have been as bold and uninhibited as he is now.

After all, Cheng Sheng's films earned China Film Group a lot of cash.

With this cash, China Film Group became bolder in its choice of film investments.

It's not a blockbuster; even China Film Group might not consider it.

Another reason why Han Sanye invests in blockbuster films is that they can generate huge box office revenue, bringing substantial profits to the production company.

As the head of China Film Group, Han Sanye deeply understands that profitability is the foundation of a company's survival.

He emphasized: "Making money is the responsibility of the film industry, and all films should take profitability as their most basic goal."

The success and profitability of blockbuster films can not only support the operation of China Film Group, but also provide financial support for small and medium-budget films and young directors.

Han Sanye's investment in blockbuster films is also aimed at building a platform to attract and train talent.

The production process of blockbuster films can cultivate a group of directors, technicians, and distribution talents who are proficient in modern film industry processes.

At the same time, the success of blockbuster films can stimulate the construction of cinemas, improve audience viewing habits, and lay the foundation for the prosperity of the entire industry ecosystem.

He himself admitted, "Without box office revenue and the overall development of the film industry, there's no way to talk about developing film technology."

Han Sanye's investment in blockbuster films is a strategic choice that uses commerce as a means, industry as a goal, and national culture as a mission.

He sees blockbuster films as the core lever to transform the domestic film industry from a "career" to an "industry," which is based on well-thought-out business logic and industrial ambitions, rather than simple personal preferences.

“Mr. Han, in my opinion, this movie won’t make much money, and there’s no need for China Film Group to invest in it,” Cheng Sheng said.

"Not making money? Xiao Cheng, you're not playing Chen Kaige for a fool, are you?" Master Han asked suspiciously.

The problem is that Cheng Sheng and Chen Kaige don't have any major conflicts, and judging from what he said about his relationship with Chen Hong, he shouldn't be trying to harm Chen Kaige.

Chen Kaige isn't stupid; why would he make a movie that doesn't make money?

"The movie may not be great, but if it's well-made, it can definitely win an award."

"Win an award? Domestic or international?" Han Sanye asked excitedly.

"Both international and domestic are acceptable."

As long as Chen Kaige doesn't cause any trouble and sticks to his own script, winning a Venice Film Festival award will be a piece of cake. And with the Venice award as a bonus, winning the Golden Rooster Award next year is practically guaranteed.

When Han Sanye on the other end of the phone heard that he had won an award abroad, his expression became even more excited.

Even if the movie doesn't do well at the box office, with awards to back it up, the box office amount doesn't matter.

Even if it loses money, China Film Group will still invest in a film like this.

Although it doesn't make money overtly, its intangible influence allows China Film Group to thrive.

First, we use film as a bridge to convey China's unique cultural stories to a global audience.

Secondly, it further enhanced the international influence and brand value of domestic films, winning the resonance and love of more foreign audiences.

Finally, there's the issue of international cooperation and market expansion in the film industry.

It not only attracted the attention of many international peers, but also allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the box office data, industry policies and technological innovations of Chinese films in recent years.

Meanwhile, numerous overseas film producers, streaming platforms, and international distributors visited the exhibition and held in-depth discussions with the Chinese representatives.

While recognizing the Chinese market and culture, we have a strong desire to cooperate deeply with China Film Group in areas such as market expansion and project development.

With so many hidden assets, Han Sanye would love for China Film Group to invest in the entire film.

"Xiao Cheng, let's have dinner together sometime. I'm going to talk to Director Chen Kaige about the new movie now."

After exchanging a few polite words, Third Master Han hung up the phone.

Cheng Sheng was also helpless. He said that what he called "discussion" was probably just about securing investment for "Blue Is the Warmest Color"!

But it's all good, with Han Sanye's investment, it was much easier for "Blue Is the Warmest Color" to pass censorship.

After all, "Blue Is the Warmest Color" covers many sensitive topics, and in China, it is difficult for such a script to pass censorship. Either some plot points are cut, or it simply won't pass censorship.

But Han Sanye is different. He has connections in the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. As long as the topic isn't too sensitive, passing the censorship shouldn't be a problem.

Cheng Sheng tidied himself up, checked out at the front desk, and left the hotel.

Under the glaring sunlight, the area outside the hotel was surrounded by reporters. If it weren't for the hotel security guards holding them back, these reporters probably would have rushed into the hotel long ago.

Cheng Sheng understood immediately; these reporters must have seen the news and were here for him and Chen Hong.

It's a good thing Chen Hong left early. If I had been cornered by reporters with Chen Hong, it would have been really hard to explain.

Reporters at the hotel entrance swarmed around Cheng Sheng as soon as he came out, their microphones stretched out long.

The flashes went off like machine gun fire.

"Cheng Sheng, you and Chen Hong checked into a hotel together. Is there something special about your relationship?"

"Director Cheng, is your secret rendezvous an extramarital affair?"

"Now that the matter has been exposed, what explanation do you have?"

"Director Cheng, when did you and Chen Hong start dating?"

"..."

Problems came flooding in, and Cheng Sheng stopped in his tracks. (End of Chapter)