Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 101 The Stubborn Han Sanping Persuades Maggie

That evening, the premiere of "New World" was reported by major media outlets in Hong Kong:

[New World Set for November 11.1st Release; Yang Shoucheng Boldly Claims It Will Surpass Infernal Affairs and Become a New Benchmark for Undercover Cop Films!]

[The film "New World" is already a hit before its release, with overseas rights selling for a whopping $800 million, and the film has already turned a profit from rights transactions alone!]

A renowned mainland director has invited Andy Lau to collaborate on a new project.

Warner Bros. spent $200 million to acquire the remake rights to "New World," surpassing the price paid for the remake of "Infernal Affairs." Director Zhao Yanxi innovated the remake model by securing box office revenue sharing rights in South Korea.

The first person to call was Han Sanping.

"The New World? What kind of movie is that? The rights sold for almost the same price as 'Painted Skin'?! And the investment was only 3000 million??"

"Mr. Han, the subject matter is different, and the audience overseas is different," Zhao Yanxi said with a helpless smile. "Undercover cop films are popular all over the world, but fantasy films with an ancient background like 'Painted Skin' are destined to have a limited audience."

"But only films like 'Painted Skin' can shoulder the responsibility of cultural export, not 'New World' or 'Infernal Affairs'!"

'

""

Han Sanping was speechless for a moment. "Dude, do you have to be so ambitious? How am I supposed to ask for a share?"

"Alright..." Han Sanping shook his head helplessly: "How's this movie? Will it be released in mainland China?"

'

"I haven't seen Yinghuang's submission for review."

"No," Zhao Yanxi said directly, "The content of this drama is not suitable for mainland China, and it definitely won't pass censorship."

"Then forget it. Next time there's a project, remember to get China Film Group involved. They just invested in a big project and are really strapped for cash lately." Zhao Yanxi's heart skipped a beat: "Mr. Han, are you talking about Director Wu's 'Red Cliff'?"

"Yes," Han Sanping said proudly, "Are you interested? Want to invest a little?"

"Forget it, I heard the total investment is over 500 million," Zhao Yanxi asked thoughtfully. "It would take 1.5 billion in box office revenue to break even, and even with a global release, it would still cost 200 million US dollars."

"That's no small sum."

"If others can't do it, then John Woo should be fine. After all, he's a big-name director who's worked in Hollywood. His reputation and ability speak for themselves. He's also a top commercial director, unlike Chen Kaige who transitioned from acting..."

""

Han Sanping said confidently, clearly having great faith in Wu Yusen!

"I think it would be better to bring in more investors, such as cinema chains. They have money, and they will be more careful in scheduling films after investing."

Zhao Yanxi didn't say much, and could only touch on the subject briefly.

"No need!" Han Sanping waved his hand dismissively. "As long as the film is of good quality and does well at the box office, theaters will naturally give it more screenings. Nobody wants to go against box office success!"

"Okay, I was overthinking it. I wish 'Red Cliff' a huge box office success."

What else could Zhao Yanxi say? She could only admit to being jealous of talent and ability, and even jealous of seniors who had achieved far more than her!

"Hahaha, thank you for your kind words. This time, I will definitely wash away the shame of 'The Promise'!"

The following day, through Liu Dehua's introduction, Zhao Yanxi and Zhang Manyu arranged to meet at Fulinmen Restaurant.

"Brother Hua, Sister Manyu." Zhao Yanxi stood up to greet them.

After the three exchanged pleasantries and took their seats, Maggie Cheung took a sip of tea and got straight to the point: "Director Zhao, I heard from Andy Lau that you want to cast me in a movie?"

"Sister Manyu is indeed straightforward," Zhao Yanxi said with a smile as she poured tea for her. "She does have this plan."

"Director Zhao and Hua Zai should both know this," Zhang Manyu glanced at Liu Dehua and said, "I've been out of the film industry for a long time. Getting me back into the spotlight isn't something that can be done with just any script."

"Of course," Zhao Yanxi said with a smile, "So far, no one has been dissatisfied with my script. Would you like to take a look, Sister Manyu?"

"Since we're here, we should definitely take a look."

Zhang Manyu took the file and immediately opened it to read it.

Liu Dehua watched with a smile, then raised his teacup and clinked it against Zhao Yanxi's.

He knew a little about why his close friend had faded out of the film industry.

Firstly, it was due to the failure of two relationships, coupled with being embroiled in a love triangle scandal involving Leung Chiu-wai and Lau Ka-ling; secondly, it was also because she had reached a certain age and had won enough awards.

The European Golden Globe is only missing the Venice Film Festival, and I already have so many Golden Globe and Golden Horse Awards at home that I can hardly keep them all.

It's fair to say they have virtually no ambitions.

But Liu Dehua didn't want his friend to fade away like this. Although he didn't want to say anything bad about his friend, he had to admit that as dazzling as she was in acting, she was just as vulnerable in relationships.

If I don't find something to fill my life, I'm afraid one day I'll be swindled out of both my money and my life by someone with ulterior motives.

After a long pause, Zhang Manyu finally closed the script, closed her eyes, and savored it for a moment before remarking, "This is a good script."

"The character is also very appealing to me, but..."

Having passed the age of forty and never been a mother herself, she was cast as the mother of a man in his twenties.

It has to be said that this was a breakthrough for her as well.

Before Zhang Manyu could speak, Zhao Yanxi interrupted, saying, "Sister Manyu, I know you've already received enough honors."

"But this film is aiming for the Venice Golden Lion Award, and it's highly likely to be nominated. Sister Manyu, don't you want to try your best for the Venice Best Actress award one last time?"

"Becoming the first Chinese actress to achieve a grand slam of Best Actress awards at all three major European film festivals!"

After listening to Zhao Yanxi finish speaking, Zhang Manyu paused for a moment, then smiled slightly and exclaimed, "Okay, I admit it, Director Zhao, you've convinced me."

Zhao Yanxi was delighted and raised her teacup, saying, "Sister Manyu, it's a pleasure working with you!"

"It's a pleasure working with you!"

"Then I'll help Director Zhao and Maggie achieve their dreams in Venice!"

As soon as the three of them left the restaurant, the paparazzi who had been waiting outside immediately surrounded them.

"Hey, Ms. Maggie Cheung, Director Zhao, what new project are you talking about?"

"Ms. Maggie Cheung, I heard that director Chen Kexin wants to invite you to star in his film 'The Assassin'?!"

Zhang Manyu smiled, said nothing, and glanced at Zhao Yanxi.

As the person in charge of the project, Zhao Yanxi naturally had to step forward. He said with a smile, "I'm not sure if Ms. Zhang Manyu has any other acting offers, but she has confirmed that she will be participating in my new work!"

"Director Zhao, has your new film been approved? Is it a Hong Kong film or a co-production?"

"Is it a commercial film or an award-contending film?"

A group of paparazzi kept pressing for answers, and Zhao Yanxi smiled and said, "It's an award-contending film. For other information, please check our company's official website. We will announce it once it's confirmed."

"There are still many things that are not yet certain, and I don't know what to say."

"7

After exchanging a few perfunctory words, the three of them managed to break through the encirclement.

Zhao Yanxi's new work quickly appeared on Hong Kong media websites and magazines and was promptly transmitted back to mainland China:

[Mainland director Zhao Yanxi's new film has been confirmed for awards, and Zhang Manyu has been chosen as the female lead!]

[Berlin Silver Bear-winning director Zhao Yanxi is once again aiming for one of Europe's top three film festivals—]

"The Green Snake is back! Director Zhao is amazing!"

"Are they going to send another quick-draw shooter to storm Berlin?"

"I'm kind of looking forward to it~"

Zhao Yanxi didn't answer any of the calls from domestic inquiries about investment or roles, planning to give a casual reply later.

Art films only have such a small budget, what kind of investment do they need!

While still in Hong Kong, Zhao Yanxi revised the script of "Ip Man" one last time.

After "New World", Zhao Yanxi and Ying Huang's second work is "Ip Man"!

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