Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 100: The Premiere of "New World" - South Korea's Thoughts

"Maggie~"

Liu Dehua shook his head helplessly and said, "I thought Director Zhao was going to ask me to act in a movie, but it was all for nothing."

"Hehe, Brother Hua has a chance."

Zhao Yanxi smiled and said, "Look at the few dramas I've filmed recently, there's not a single role suitable for you~"

"I think I could play the role of Zhao Jingyan too," Liu Dehua said humorously. "With my looks, I'd be more than capable of playing a school heartthrob!"

"That must be the 1990 version of 'You Are the Apple of My Eye'."

"Hahaha, hahaha!"

Their hearty laughter also attracted the attention of others in the banquet hall.

"Director Zhao, are you perhaps thinking of casting Brother Hua in a movie?"

"What are they talking about? They seem so happy!"

"What's there to expect from a little mainland kid like him?" Zeng Zhiwei said dismissively. "That brat is getting worse and worse!"

The people around Zeng Zhiwei, who was courting death, quietly moved to the side.

No matter how much they look down on that side, they still have to put on a show.

Even Xiang Huaqiang wants to change Win's Entertainment into China Star Entertainment. Do you think they're any more powerful than Boss Xiang?!

"Director Zhao, I can't guarantee I can persuade Maggie, but... arranging a meeting with her shouldn't be a problem. You can talk to her in person then?"

"Sure!"

Zhao Yanxi said with a smile, as for how to persuade Zhang Manyu, he already had a plan in mind.

This screening of "Yin Huang" was actually a premiere in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The release date for "New World" has been set for November 1st.

Although it's not a pre-arranged release date, there are no competing films during this period. The blockbuster "A Battle of Wits," starring Andy Lau, will be released at the end of November.

It's obviously not a good idea to release "New World" during the Christmas season in December—the Chinese New Year season in mainland China, while Hong Kong follows Hollywood's practice of calling it the Christmas season.

Not everyone can be like Li Shaohong of Rongxingda, who can make a splash in the Lunar New Year film season with a thriller called "The Door".

No wonder Yang Mi, the nominal top star, wanted to leave Rongxingda; she's definitely not quite right in the head!

As for the mainland version, the movie ends with undercover police officer Li Zicheng turning to the dark side, killing his superior who knew his identity, and becoming the new gang leader.

No matter how this ending is filmed, it will never be shown in mainland China.

To pass censorship, Zhao Yanxi felt that remaking the ending would be a "desecration" of mainland audiences and she disdained to do it!

Zhao Yanxi firmly refused, and the boss had no choice but to give up.

After all, the copyright of "New World" has always been in Zhao Yanxi's hands.

The two-hour-long film captivated the film distributors and guests.

In terms of plot, "New World" is more reasonable and easier to resonate with than "Infernal Affairs";

It doesn't have the logical flaws found in "Infernal Affairs," where the coincidental appearance of two corresponding undercover characters, Lau Tak-wah and Leung Chiu-wai, is a coincidence.

Lee Ja-sung's helpless descent into darkness is often more in line with human nature and logic!

During the media interview, the boss confidently stated, "The box office of 'New World' will definitely surpass 'Infernal Affairs' and become a new classic in undercover films!"

"Director Zhao Yanxi's script is impeccable, and the performances of Ren Dahua, Zhang Jiahui, Liang Jiahui, and others are absolutely brilliant."

"I hope to establish a long-term working relationship with director Zhao Yanxi!"

Sitting in the audience, Zhao Yanxi could only smile at the media cameras.

After the film ended, the boss couldn't wait to negotiate prices with the film distributors, and Zhao Yanxi became the focus of the banquet.

The twins standing next to him were very pleasing to the eye; and Zhang Baizhi, at twenty-five, was just the right age.

But the thought of certain unpleasant images made Zhao Yanxi lose interest.

If it's just about desire, I've already had enough of washing feet in my past life;

This life is hard to come by again, and what he wants most is a sweet, happy, and fulfilling love and family.

After the dinner, the boss kept Zhao Yanxi behind to discuss the copyright transaction.

"With Director Zhao's reputation and the success of 'Infernal Affairs,' the offers from Europe, America, and Southeast Asia are quite good..."

"Ultimately, we sold the copyrights for nearly $800 million. The copyrights alone were enough to generate profit, not to mention the over ten million Hong Kong dollars in ad placements!"

The boss couldn't hide his delight; the total investment in "New World" was only HK$3000 million.

The overseas rights and GG trailer alone have sold for HK$7000 million, with additional box office revenue from Hong Kong and Taiwan to come.

Even after deducting the initial investment of 900 million, you're guaranteed to earn at least 2000 million Hong Kong dollars!

"These are all the names of famous directors—" the boss remarked.

Despite the supposedly high profitability of "Infernal Affairs," the overseas rights only sold for a little over $500 million. Even including Warner Bros.' $175 million for the remake rights, the total came to just over $700 million.

Thinking of this, the boss quickly said, "Director Zhao, Warner Bros. also wants to buy the remake rights to 'New World' for 200 million US dollars."

"Also, CJ Entertainment in South Korea also wants to buy the remake rights, but their price is not as high as Warner Bros.', they are only willing to offer a little over one million US dollars."

"South Korea?"

"Um!"

Zhao Yanxi smiled, never expecting that after all the twists and turns, South Korea still chose "New World".

"Warner Bros., $200 million is no problem, but it's South Korea, you know..."

Zhao Yanxi thought for a moment and said, "One million US dollars, but I want 10% of the net box office revenue!"

If it were any other territory, Zhao Yanxi wouldn't dare to ask for such a thing. Even Hollywood screenwriters only managed to get some revenue sharing rights through repeated strikes.

But South Korea is different; its editorial status is arguably the highest in the world.

Not only screenwriters, but also film and television adaptations of novels and comics command exorbitant copyright fees.

"I agree to let them use my name and awards for promotional purposes!"

"Okay, I'll try to get it done—"

"It's not about trying to win them over, it's a prerequisite," Zhao Yanxi said, standing up. "Are they still there? Shall I go with you to talk to them?"

"We haven't left yet; we're still waiting for the results!"

"Let's go."

Inside the hotel conference hall, Zhao Yanxi saw the head of South Korea's CJ Corporation, who had a square face like their president and spoke fluent Mandarin.

"Director Zhao."

"Yes, Mr. Yang also told me that you're planning to buy the remake rights. Warner Bros.' remake rights are worth 200 million US dollars!"

"I know," the square-faced man said in a deep voice, "but the South Korean film market..."

"What's wrong with the South Korean film market?" Zhao Yanxi interrupted, "I've never felt that the South Korean film market is much worse than North America's!"

Director Zhao

Zhao Yanxi never expected that her words would make the other person so excited that their face turned red.

As expected of South Korea, a country that is both insecure and arrogant!

"I know you have a limited budget, so how about this: one million US dollars for the remake rights, plus 10% of the net box office revenue?"

"I imagine that in South Korea, screenwriters like me should have a share of the profits, right?"

"Director Zhao knows a lot about South Korean culture!" the square-faced man said happily.

"Hehe, I know a little bit about it~"

After pondering for a moment, the square-faced man said, "With Director Zhao's abilities, of course he can."

"We hope that Director Zhao's name can be included in the film's promotional materials, and we also hope that Director Zhao can attend a promotional event before the film's premiere!"

"Once is fine, but we need to schedule a time in advance."

"OK!