This director is so innocent.

Chapter 184 Celebrating the Motherland's Birthday, You Have the nerve to ask for payment?

Su Jin, who served as both producer and credited director of "Painted Skin," was no exception.

"The success of 'Painted Skin' is by no means a fluke."

"This is the inevitable result of the investment team, creative team, management team, and marketing and distribution team of 'Painted Skin' surpassing themselves, making scientific judgments, carefully operating, and managing at a high level."

"This is also a fruitful result of the talent strategy we implemented in this project."

"Perhaps the operating model of 'Painted Skin' can provide a new path for the development of Chinese film industry."

In fact, not only the main creators of "Painted Skin," but other celebrities also sent a lot of congratulatory messages after seeing the popularity of "Painted Skin."

They'll say things like, "This movie is so good," or "The visuals are so beautiful," basically just trying to get something out of the loop. They figure if they don't want to, they might as well.

The popularity of "Painted Skin" remains high online, and it has already sparked a movie-watching craze.

"I really didn't expect 'Painted Skin' to do so well at the box office. Since its release, it has never fallen below 20 million."

"You spent 40 million on ticket subsidies, and the box office trend is still so stable."

"That's different. The main reason is that 'Painted Skin' is of high quality. If it were 'Red Cliff,' it would have fallen far behind."

"Speaking of which, it seems like the boast Su Jin made before is about to come true."

"Let's see in four days! If the box office can exceed 100 million in four days, or even reach 80 or 90 million, then there's a high probability it can break the record set by [the film/series name].

Titanic box office record.

"If we can't get this number, it will be difficult. The Hollywood blockbuster 'Wanted' will be released on the 9th, and 'Butterfly Sword' will be released on the 16th."

"The Butterfly Sword is not a big threat, but the Wanted is a big threat. It's a film starring Hollywood sex symbol Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman."

Angelina Jolie's box office appeal in China is only so-so; "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" only grossed 6200 million yuan.

"Its box office appeal is only so-so, but the word-of-mouth for 'Wanted' is just so good!"

"A huge hit in North America, with a 73% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It also topped the box office in Korea, Japan, and India, and has grossed $2.6 million worldwide."

Su Jin did not join Zhou Xun and the others on the promotional tour. After attending a few premieres, she returned to Beijing.

Of course, although he didn't participate in the roadshow, he did give a few interviews and boasted a bit.

"When we made 'Painted Skin,' we wanted to show everyone the right way to make a blockbuster: first and foremost, you need a good story!"

"Many production companies nowadays claim to be learning from Hollywood, spending tens or hundreds of millions of dollars on big-budget productions and hiring stars who have returned from Hollywood. What's the point? They don't focus on the story itself; everything is just an empty shell."

"While focusing on the visual and auditory effects of film scenes, art direction, and computer special effects, we should also put more effort into the basic elements of the film."

"For example, the storyline, the dialogue, the casting, etc."

Netizens understand that "Wanted" will affect the box office of "Painted Skin," and Su Jin naturally understands it as well.

So he went to China Film Group to discuss this matter with the bandit leader.

He never imagined that "Painted Skin" would have a chance to break the box office record of "Titanic".

Thinking that the box office would break 300 million, they didn't pay attention to "Wanted".

Who knew the ticket subsidies were so incredible? The box office skyrocketed, leaving him completely stunned.

Now that they have a chance to reclaim the top spot at the Chinese box office, they naturally want to talk to the bandit leader about rescheduling "Wanted".

If "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" could make way for "Red Cliff Part I," there's no reason why "Wanted" can't make way for "Painted Skin."

Give Way.

What, is "Painted Skin" some kind of stepchild?

Han Sanping was not surprised to see Su Jin coming to find him, and joked, "I knew you would come to find me."

59

,

"Is it about transferring the files related to the arrest warrant?"

"Yes, 'Painted Skin' did so well. If it weren't for 'Wanted,' there's a 99% chance that 'Painted Skin' would have taken back the top spot at the Chinese box office."

Han Sanping sighed softly, "I didn't expect 'Painted Skin' to do so well. If I had known, I would have scheduled 'Wanted' for the end of October or the beginning of November."

"Something unexpected happened?" Su Jin frowned. From what Zuo Shandiao said, it seemed that the "wanted order" couldn't be transferred.

"No, I've already applied to my superiors for a change in the release date of 'Wanted,' and they've approved it. The release date has been moved to the 29th," Han Sanping explained.

Upon hearing this, Su Jin's face immediately lit up with a smile: "Thank you, Third Master."

"Why thank me? This is what I should do. Titanic has held the top spot at the Chinese box office for ten years. We've lost face for ten years. Now it's time to give up our position."

Su Jin was overjoyed to see Zuo Shandiao and didn't want to discourage him.

"Painted Skin" will only hold the box office throne for half a year, and "Transformers 2" will take its place by the end of June next year.

Then 2012 took the lead, and then Avatar ushered in the era of 10 billion yuan box office.

In just six months, the box office crown changed hands three times.

"Third Master, have you applied for the key extension?"

"Your company needs to submit a report and apply for this."

"Alright." Su Jin nodded and said, "Third Master, you go ahead with your work, I'll head back now."

After saying that, he was about to get up when Zuo Shandiao stopped him, saying, "Next year is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Have you prepared any movies?"

"no."

"So, do you have any thoughts?"

"You've been asked to make a film as a tribute to the motherland?"

"Hmm." Han Sanping nodded. He had been worried sick about this matter lately.

The people below offered several solutions, but he rejected them all, deeming them too petty and irrelevant to the topic.

Su Jin pretended to think for a moment, then said, "Let's film 'The Founding of a Republic'!"

"The Founding of a Nation?"

"Yes, it's about the period from the end of the War of Resistance against Japan to the establishment of the new China."

"That's right!" Han Sanping slammed his hand on the table, beaming with excitement. "That's a great idea! Do you have any actors you'd recommend?"

"No, but we can assemble an all-star cast, imitating the Hong Kong film 'The Banquet,' and have all the roles played by celebrities, even if they only have one line."

"An all-star lineup is great, but what about their salaries?"

"To celebrate the motherland's birthday, why ask for a fee? It's an honor for you to participate, and you should be grateful."

In the original timeline, this is exactly what "The Founding of a Republic" did, which later even gave rise to a production model: the "conscripted" style of patriotic tribute films.

This genre has Chinese characteristics, and the biggest benefit is that the actors are free.

After tasting success, Zuo Shandiao followed this model to create two more tribute films, "The Founding of a Republic" and "The Founding of an Army".

Then "The Founding of an Army" gave Zuo Shandiao a big tumble, and he was rubbed into the ground by Wolf Warrior.

"Not paying him? That's not right, is it?" Han Sanping said hesitantly. Clearly, he still had some sense of shame, unlike Su, who had no shame at all.

"What's wrong with that? It's the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and every Chinese person feels proud of it."

"Giving them a role in such a tribute film is an opportunity and an honor for them," Su Jin said matter-of-factly, without the slightest bit of embarrassment.

Han Sanping was persuaded by Su Jin, or rather, he gave himself a way out, since he had never really thought about paying them.

From the end of the War of Resistance against Japan to the establishment of the new China, it would probably have taken more than a hundred stars; even if you sold him, you still couldn't afford his salary.

"Then you can be the director?"

"I'd like to, but I don't have time. I'm filming 'Mulan' at the beginning of the year," Su Jin said with a regretful expression.

In reality, he didn't want to film this at all; it was completely pointless.

"So who do you think would be a good director?"

"You yourself!"

"Me?" Han Sanping was slightly taken aback.

"That's right! This director, without some experience, background, or status, probably won't be able to keep those big stars in check, and coordinating things will be a huge hassle." Su Jin said, spreading her hands.

"What you say makes a lot of sense, but I can't do it. I haven't directed a film in eighteen years," Han Sanping said with a look of refusal.

"Then why don't you invite your old classmate, director Huang Jianxin, to come along too!"

Zuo Shandiao and Huang Jianxin were classmates in the 1983 Beijing Film Academy Directing Training Program and were also roommates.

Huang Jianxin has not made any films in recent years, and has been working as a producer, executive producer, and film producer.

He produced movies such as "A Battle of Wits", "The Warlords", and "All About Women".

"That's fine. I'll call Lao Huang later and see if he agrees."

"Third Master, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now."

"Go, go!" Han Sanping waved his hand, relieved of a worry, and in a great mood.

Su Jin stood up, just about to leave, when she seemed to remember something and turned back, saying, "By the way, Third Master, remember to save me a share of the investment in 'The Founding of a Republic'."

"Okay, I'll save you a copy."

"I'm leaving now. Remember to get plenty of rest. You've lost a lot of weight and you even have gray hair now."

"Get lost," Han Sanping said with a laugh.

Back at the company, Su Jin immediately summoned Huang Jiaqiang and Zhao Shan, first discussing the rescheduling of "Wanted" and the application for "Painted Skin".

-

Regarding the extension of the key.

"Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Han Sanping is going to make a tribute film called 'The Founding of the People's Republic of China,' which will require more than 100 stars to participate."

Su Jin paused for a moment and turned her gaze to Zhao Shan: "While the other companies haven't noticed yet, Zhao Shan, you should volunteer to send all of our company's artists in."

Even if you don't have any lines, you should still go on stage and try to get some screen time.

Zhao Shan nodded solemnly. With over a hundred celebrities participating, this was an opportunity she certainly had to seize.

"Wow, over a hundred celebrities," Huang Jiaqiang exclaimed in surprise, then a question arose in his mind: "What about their salaries—"

"To celebrate the motherland's birthday, you don't need to pay any extra fees. Let me tell you, there are over a hundred celebrities, and they're not just minor stars, but big stars, like Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and Zhang Guoli, they'll all be there."

If you try too late, you won't even get a sip of soup.

In the original timeline, Stephen Chow wanted to play one of the roles, and he didn't even have any requirements for the role; any role would do.

But he was rejected by Zuo Shandiao because he was too late in trying.

The claims by marketing accounts that comedic characters are deeply ingrained in people's minds are utter nonsense.

There's no reason why we wouldn't want someone as big a star as Stephen Chow.

Isn't he more suitable to be the photographer than Guo Degang?

Su Jin took out her phone and called Tangtang's agent, Xu Li, to tell her about "The Founding of a Republic" and ask her to try to get a role for Tangtang.

After hanging up the phone, I was a little surprised to see that Huang Jiaqiang and Zhao Shan were still there.

"Is there anything else?"

"Boss, CJ's Jim Casey called and said that Zhou Xun and his team need to fly over for promotions," Huang Jiaqiang said.

"You need to ask me about something so small? You can make the decision yourself."

"Okay, then after the National Day holiday, I'll have them fly over?"

"Yes." Su Jin nodded and said, "The TV series adaptation of 'Painted Skin' can be approved."

Developing a TV series based on the novel "Painted Skin" was already part of the plan; if the film flops at the box office, it will not be made.

Now that "Painted Skin" is so popular, the Buddha should make the most of this success.

The script was completed long ago, and it's similar to the movie plot, just expanded.

Now there's a problem: Asa doesn't want to act in TV dramas, so the role of Xiaowei is now vacant.

When Yang Mi heard that Asa was no longer acting, she wanted to play "Xiao Wei," but he refused.

The reason is that it's too jarring. You're a demon hunter in a movie, and then you turn around and play a fox demon. It's so jarring!

Yang Mi was so angry that she even quit acting in the TV series version of Demon Hunter.

What's there to be angry about? It's just an excuse to vent.

Yang Mi is now very powerful. Her role as a demon hunter in "Painted Skin" boosted her popularity and gained her a large number of fans.

He only acts in TV dramas where he is the female lead.

"Boss, you could actually let Liying play Xiaowei," Zhao Shan said.

Su Jin thought for a moment and said, "It's not impossible. Li Ying's image is quite suitable, but is her acting ability up to par?"

Zhao Shan was delighted and said in a straight line, "Okay, she has been an extra for two years and has a lot of acting experience. I will also find her an acting teacher to give her some intensive training."

"Fine, then give it to her!" Su Jin said indifferently.

With the film version as a foundation, the TV series version of "Painted Skin" doesn't really need a big-name actress to play the female lead.

He had originally intended to give "Xiao Wei" to Tang Tang, but since Zhao Shan had spoken up, he decided to give it to Zhao Liying instead!

Let's see what roles suit Tangtang later.

"What about the other characters? What are your thoughts?"

"I think Pei Rong can be given to Gao Lu, Xia Bing to Jun Yan, Wang Sheng should give Luo Jin to her, and Pang Yong should give Fang Sheng to her."

Good grief, it's a big team building event for the artists of Jianmu Media!

"OK, let's proceed with the procurement!" Su Jin looked at Huang Jiaqiang and said, "Old Huang, spread the word that Mulan is starting to cast the lead actress."

Seeing that the game based on the novel "Painted Skin" is making money, Sina Weibo has started urging when "Mulan" will start filming.

However, it's time to start choosing the female lead.

Mulan has many action scenes, so the female lead had to join the crew a month in advance to train and familiarize herself with the moves.

Zhao Shan had no particular interest in "Mulan" because of the three actresses under her management: two were newcomers, and one lacked popularity.

Unless Su Jin is out of her mind, she wouldn't use them.

Even if Su Jin dared to use it, she would stop her.

With a production cost of $1500 million, there's no room for carelessness.