HuaYu: A Great Director Starting with Dream of the Red Chamber

Li Yan placed the file bag he brought on the table and steadily pushed it toward Han Sanping:

"Mr. Han, this is the new submission material for 'Silent Witness'. Xi'an Film Studio has been added as a producer. Mr. Wang said that we are all one family. Your vision is the best. We still need you to review and guide us on this kind of commercial film."

Zhang Qiang chuckled and flicked her cigarette ash:

"What? You think you can pass censorship just because you found Xi'an Film Studio as your backer? Director Li, some technical issues can't be solved by changing the production company. What do you take principles for...?"

Li Yan turned to look at him and smiled:

"Mr. Zhang, you've misunderstood. It's a technical issue. I've reflected on it deeply. It's true that I lacked awareness and oversimplified things."

"So this time..."

Li Yan then took out an even thicker draft agreement from his bag and looked at Han Sanping:

"I not only want Mr. Han to help me with the vetting, but I also want China Film Group to steer this film..."

Li Yan opened the supplementary agreement and pointed to several key points:

"I want to transfer 20% of my investment in this film to China Film Group."

"Sold at the original price".

"The film has already been shot, and the finished product is right here. There is no risk involved. Moreover, I won't charge a premium for this 20% share. Based on the production cost of 15 million, it will only cost me 3 million."

Zhang Qiang's hand holding the cigarette suddenly trembled, and a long piece of ash fell onto his pants. He hurriedly patted it off.

Selling at the original price?!

Is this kid crazy?

This movie is already finished, with a cast and high quality; it's a sure-fire money-making venture once it's released.

At this point, transferring shares usually yields a premium of at least three or five times, easily doubling the price, and also gives later buyers a chance to profit.

Not to mention that everyone present was an expert; they all knew that the cost of 15 million was genuine and without any exaggeration!

Original price? You might as well just say you're giving away money!

Han Sanping and La Peikang exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing across their faces, before they began to carefully examine the young man before them.

It's troublesome to keep track of the movie's expenses.

To put it simply, the production company's net profit can be calculated as 32% of the box office revenue.

In other words, as long as the box office exceeds 50 million, the company can break even. Not to mention that if China Film Group participates in the distribution, it can also take about 8% of the box office as distribution fees!

The higher the box office, the more money China Film Group earns!

This completely changes the nature of the film; one is "someone else's film," and the other is "China Film Group's assets."

"Original price?"

Han Sanping carefully confirmed with Li Yan again:

"Xiao Li, you're offering quite a discount. Will Boss Lu agree to that?"

"I've already spoken with President Lu. They're all on the same side, and he wants to be friends with President Han. Besides, this portion is basically my share, so I can make the decision."

Now that Li Yan had made up his mind, he was quite relaxed, displaying a carefree attitude that treated money like dirt.

"I'm a newcomer and I don't know the rules. I've done some things poorly before, and I apologize for the trouble caused to the leaders."

"Consider this 20% as my tuition fee. I'm still young, so the more I learn, the easier it will be for me in the future."

After speaking, Li Yan looked at Han Sanping and said seriously:

"We just hope that this movie can be released as soon as possible."

A brief silence fell over the office.

Han Sanping tapped his fingers on the table, as if tapping on Zhang Qiang's heart.

Zhang Qiang's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

He originally intended to use the incident of Guan Hu to teach this arrogant young man a lesson.

Besides doing someone a favor, it's also a way to establish authority within the industry.

After all, President Han is about to retire, and he is full of ambition, waiting to take over. This is the time for him to demonstrate his strength.

Li Yan was unlucky; he just happened to run into a trap.

But he never expected that this kid would be so ruthless to him!

Such a large piece of meat, cut off just like that, directly binding the group with interests!

How can he speak to President Han now? Should he continue to block him?

That film isn't Li Yan's; it's China Film Group's assets, the group's profits! It's President Han's political achievement! Who dares to turn down money? Who dares to turn down President Han?

Who is Han Sanping?

He values ​​relationships and has a high standing in the underworld, but he is also very pragmatic!

As the head of China Film Group, expanding the domestic film market is both a requirement from above and his own pursuit.

Moreover, the tangible benefits that Li Yan offered this time were the greatest expression of his sincerity.

Li Yan's move saved President Han both face and substance!

"Ha ha ha ha!"

Han Sanping suddenly laughed heartily:

"Good! Paying your tuition is a good idea! Young man, you have guts! I like that kind of spirit! Much better than those who just talk the talk!"

He glanced at Zhang Qiang, then looked away.

Zhang Qiang knew from that glance that this matter was over and done with, and if he tried to stop it again, it would just be that he was being unreasonable.

Han Sanping picked up the documents on the table and handed them to La Peikang, who hadn't said a word:

"Mr. La, let's get to the paperwork! This project is your responsibility!"

Then he looked at Li Yan again:

"Since Xi'an Film Studio is optimistic about it, China Film Group should naturally give its full support to young directors! Technical issues can be discussed and resolved! I think this film has a good message, promoting the rule of law and the unwavering love of a father—no problem!"

A hammer is fixed.

Although Zhang Qiang felt aggrieved, she could only nod in agreement and force an awkward smile.

He knew that, at least on this film, he had no say in it at all. Not to mention establishing his authority, if the box office of "Silent Witness" exceeded expectations, his judgment would be questioned, and he would be criticized by his superiors.

Regarding the scheduling...

Han Sanping was in a great mood and looked at Li Yan:

"Now that the Spring Festival film season is over, would you prefer the May Day holiday or the summer holiday? Since it's our own film, scheduling is negotiable!"

If it were any other director, they would definitely be vying for prime-time slots, since they now have China Film Group backing them up.

But Li Yan shook his head and said modestly:

"Mr. Han, the May Day holiday is packed with Hollywood blockbusters, a real clash of titans. And then there's Director Feng's 'Aftershock' this summer. How could a young guy like me possibly compete? It's not worth it, is it? We can't afford to put you in a difficult position by going head-to-head with him!"

He paused for a moment before saying:

"I'm thinking of scheduling it for April, around the Qingming Festival. What do you think?"

"Qingming Festival?"

Even Han Sanping was stunned, thinking he had misheard.

Currently, the concept of a "Qingming Festival film season" does not exist in the domestic film market.

Moreover, the Qingming Festival holiday has always been a typical off-season for film releases, resulting in low box office returns!

Aside from the occasional horror film, there are also Hollywood blockbusters that we have to import. Which legitimate commercial blockbusters would choose to come here?

"Director Li, you're not kidding, are you?"

Zhang Qiang couldn't help but speak up, saying sarcastically, "Is this a sign of giving up on yourself? Or do you think you're just throwing caution to the wind because you can't make money?"

"Mr. Zhang!" Han Sanping glared at him, interrupting him, "Let Xiao Li finish speaking."

Li Yan smiled nonchalantly and explained:

"Mr. Zhang is joking. I just feel that this film is about fatherly love, sacrifice, and redemption... It's Qingming Festival, a time to commemorate ancestors and remember the deceased. The atmosphere is right, so it's quite fitting."

"and……"

He looked at Han Sanping and said confidently:

"At this time, most people were avoiding the area, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to fill a gap!"

"Furthermore, if China Film Group takes the lead and can create a new film season like the Lunar New Year season, revitalizing a previously slow period, wouldn't that be a good thing, Mr. Han? That would be contributing to the film market, wouldn't it?"

Li Yan's meaning is very simple.

I gave up the money and even voluntarily went to a dead slot, not wanting to compete with the big shots for prime-time slots. Isn't that "united" enough?

But I'm confident that even in the most desperate situations, I can fight my way out!

Han Sanping naturally understood what he meant.

He looked at Li Yan, his admiration growing stronger.

Knowing when to advance and when to retreat, understanding what to choose and what to discard, being able to find a way out in desperate situations, and having the courage to go against the current.

This kid has a bright future ahead of him!

Moreover, for China Film Group, this is essentially free money. They can invest three million wherever they want, and they won't lose money no matter what! If they really make the Qingming Festival film season a hit, it will be an even bigger surprise for them!

"good!"

Han Sanping stood up, took the initiative to extend his hand, and firmly grasped Li Yan's hand:

"Just because of your enthusiasm, let's give it a shot during the Qingming Festival! I'll guarantee you at least 20% of the screenings! That's the starting point! If that's not enough, I'll add more!"

"Thank you, Mr. Han."

When Li Yan shook hands with Han Sanping, he still had a humble smile on his face.

Qingming Festival slot? Off-the-beaten-path?

It might be true for others, but for him, apart from the 3D gimmick of "Alice in Wonderland," there's nothing that can compete.

Moreover, if it receives good reviews after its release, and its theatrical run is slightly extended, and given that there aren't many good films during the May Day holiday, it might even be able to span two release periods! That would mean a huge potential box office!

Most importantly, he needs money and needs to convert it into cash as soon as possible!

This painstakingly produced documentary, "Silent Witness," will almost entirely be out of his reach in terms of profit, and he will never tolerate such a thing happening again!

He needs to prepare for his next film as soon as possible.

A film he's prepared to truly establish himself in this industry!