Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 462, page 460: A Dog in the Water
Los Angeles time, 10:00 AM on January 13, 2003.

Burbank, New Line Cinema.

A conference room.

The sunlight, as always, was generous, illuminating the interior with a bright and clear light.

Wang Sheng and the core team from New Line Cinema, including Kevin Brown, Toby Emmerich, and Michael De Luca, sat around a conference table with the latest draft of the script and storyboard concept art for "MR. & MRS. SPY" spread out in front of them.

The project has progressed at an astonishing pace over the past week or so.

With Wang Sheng's efficient management and the full cooperation of Xinxian, the main plot and key scenes of the script have been basically finalized, and the selection of actors has entered the substantive contact stage.

Matt Damon and George Clooney have shown great interest in the lead role of "John," and Kate Beckinsale's team has also responded positively.

The meeting focused on refining the details and comedic pacing of several key action scenes.

During a brief break, Kevin Brown put down his coffee cup, his face beaming with excitement, and looked at Wang Sheng.

“Wang, before we continue discussing how John and Jane should elegantly blow up their kitchen, we must first share some exciting news.”

Brown picked up the remote and turned on the display screen in the corner of the conference room. "Preliminary summary from the global box office department, regarding our 'Night at the Museum'—data after a full month of release!"

All eyes in the conference room instantly focused on the screen. Even the seasoned Hollywood executives were filled with anticipation.

“First, there’s the Chinese mainland market.” Brown manipulated his computer, pulling up a data chart, his tone filled with astonishment. “According to data finally verified and authorized by their official agency—the Film Special Fund Management Office—as of 24:1 Beijing time on January 12, the cumulative box office revenue of ‘Night at the Museum’ in mainland China…”

He paused deliberately to create suspense, then clearly stated the number:

"3.68 million RMB!"

Despite being mentally prepared, the number still elicited a low gasp in the conference room.

“3.68 million!” Michael de Luca repeated, shaking his head with an incredulous smile. “My God, that’s insane!”

Brown nodded vigorously, pointing to a striking comparison line on the chart: "Yes, 3.68 million! What does this number mean? It means that it has officially surpassed the 3.6 ​​million RMB box office record set by Titanic in 1998 in mainland China!"
Although the lead was slim, only eight million, it was a decisive victory! Wang, your film has reclaimed the box office peak in the Chinese film market! It successfully proves that the ceiling of the Chinese film market is very likely to break through the one hundred million dollar ceiling in the next five years!

He looked at Wang Sheng, his eyes filled with congratulations and admiration.

This data was sent from Shengying Media to New Line Cinema. Wang Sheng was not particularly surprised and simply responded with a calm smile.

“Congratulations, Wang!” Toby Emmerich said sincerely. “This is not only a box office victory, but also a symbol. It proves to the world the enormous potential of the Chinese domestic market and your absolute strength in producing top-notch content.”

"Thank you. This is the result of the combined efforts of the entire team and all supporters in China," Wang Sheng replied calmly.

“Of course, of course!” Brown chimed in, still in high spirits. “And on Earth, our performance has been equally outstanding!”

He switched the charts on the screen.

"In the North American market, after four weeks of release, 'Night at the Museum' has grossed..." Brown paused again, enjoying the thrill of announcing good news, "...$1.21 million!"

This number sparked another round of admiration.

"Four weeks, 1.21 million!"

Brown waved his arms, his expression exaggerated, and said, "What does this mean? It means that Jackie Chan, our dear Jackie, after a brief slump with 'The Tuxedo,' has made a strong comeback to the '100 Million Dollar Club' with this film!"
The media is all exclaiming, 'The King is Back!' This is a huge boon for his personal brand and for us!"

He excitedly planned: "We have to throw a huge celebration party for Jackie! Right here in Los Angeles, we'll invite all the media and celebrities! This is his moment, and a victory for all of us!"

Amidst the jubilant atmosphere, Brown abruptly shifted the conversation to another crucial topic—the Oscars.

"Speaking of parties and honors, Wang, we have an even more important 'party' to prepare for now—the 75th Academy Awards." Brown's tone became slightly more formal. "Our 'Night at the Museum,' with its outstanding box office performance, widespread critical acclaim, and exceptional technical achievements, especially in visual effects and art direction, has caught the attention of the Academy judges. We are working hard to secure some important nominations for it."

He shrugged, giving him a knowing look: "Of course, it takes investment. Public relations expenses are like water flowing out of a well, especially when you want to win awards in multiple areas such as Best Picture, Best Director (of course, Wang, I'm referring to you), Best Original Screenplay, and technical awards."

The judges' luncheons, special screenings, and the beautifully printed brochures mailed to them... every penny was being burned.

Harvey (referring to Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein) is a 'master' in this regard. Although I don't like some of his methods, I have to admit he really knows how to make a movie memorable for the old guys at the Academy.

Brown seemed to recall something, and said with a hint of mockery and schadenfreude, "Oh, speaking of Harvey and Miramax, they also have a Chinese-language film vying for the Oscars this year, Zhang Yimou's 'Hero,' which is nominated for Best Foreign Language Film."

He paused, and seeing that Wang Sheng showed no surprise, he continued explaining, his tone carrying a hint of industry insight and undisguised competitive intent:
"However, the situation with 'Hero' is a bit... awkward. It only had a symbolic screening for the judges in a small theater in Los Angeles to meet the eligibility requirements. But that's far from enough."

First, its official large-scale North American release is scheduled for January 13th, which is today. This completely misses the December 31st deadline for release to be eligible for Oscar nominations. Therefore, it can only compete for Best Foreign Language Film, completely losing the opportunity to compete for technical awards such as cinematography, score, and costume design, greatly reducing its chances of winning.

Brown shrugged: "It's a complete failure of distribution strategy. Miramax's focus this year has been entirely on their own investments, 'Chicago' and 'Gangs of New York,' with resources heavily skewed towards these titles."

They believed that apart from Jet Li, the other lead actors in "Hero" lacked sufficient recognition in North America, and director Zhang Yimou's past box office performance in North America was also mediocre, so they simply couldn't afford to invest in a large-scale promotional campaign.

He smiled, with a hint of schadenfreude: "Moreover, for most Oscar judges, the cultural understanding threshold for these kinds of films, which are full of Eastern philosophy and historical background, is a bit high."

In contrast, the German film "Nowhere to Go," which was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film, tells the story of YT refugees, a subject that is more likely to evoke empathy from them.

Therefore, the prospects for "Hero" in the Oscar race are not very bright.

Brown leaned forward slightly, looking at Wang Sheng with a shrewd and expectant glint in his eyes: "And what about us? Our 'Night at the Museum'! Fantasy, comedy, family warmth, visually stunning, cultural elements packaged perfectly, a global box office hit!"
"Wang, I think we have a great chance. We might even win a few technical awards, or even... pull off an upset in Best Picture or Best Original Screenplay."

He had clearly learned through channels about the fierce competition between "Night at the Museum" and "Hero" in the Chinese domestic market, as well as the controversy surrounding "Hero's" eventual withdrawal from release. His tone was encouraging: "Wang, I heard that Zhang and his producer have caused you a lot of trouble in China? Now is a good opportunity."

In Hollywood, on this globally watched stage, if you want, we can absolutely… well, make Miramax and the stakeholders of *Heroes* even more embarrassed. You know, the rules of the game here sometimes don't just lie in the ballot box.”

The meeting room fell silent as several senior executives from the new line looked at Wang Sheng, awaiting his reaction.

The competition in Hollywood has never been just a competition of art and the market, but also a struggle for connections, resources and public opinion.

If Wang Sheng is willing to leverage New Line's resources to exert some "tactical" pressure on "Hero" at this crucial juncture of the Oscars, it wouldn't be difficult.

no need.

Wang Sheng faced the gazes of the crowd, his face still bearing that calm and composed expression.

“Mr. Brown, thank you for your information and suggestions.” Wang Sheng’s voice was steady and clear. “Hero is a film with a unique aesthetic pursuit, and director Zhang Yimou is a respectable artist. Market competition is market competition, and artistic evaluation is artistic evaluation.”

He paused, then said firmly and magnanimously, “Our energy should be focused on how to ensure that ‘Night at the Museum’ wins the recognition it deserves based on its own quality, innovation, and impact. I trust the Academy judges’ judgment. As for anything else… it’s unnecessary.”

He gently steered the conversation back on track: "Right now, the most important thing for us is to polish the script for 'Spy House' and finalize the most suitable cast. Our future lies in creating the next success, not in clinging to past competitions."

Wang Sheng's words were like a refreshing spring flowing into a warm conference room, instantly calming the slightly agitated atmosphere caused by the Oscar topic.

Kevin Brown paused for a moment, then a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes. He laughed and clapped his hands: "Well said, Wang! That's vision! That's vision! We really should focus on our own work. So, let's get back to John and Jane's problem and see how to make their first 'family war' both exciting and hilarious..."

The meeting continued, and the topic returned to the discussion of script details.

Wang Sheng participated in the discussion attentively, but his mind was as clear as a mirror.

He is not a saint; he is ruthless in business competition, and he was the one who caused the withdrawal of "Hero" from release and the resulting public relations crisis.

However, "Hero" is indeed not competitive in the Olympic bid, and it is completely unnecessary to spend money to rub salt into a wounded dog.

(End of this chapter)