Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 77 James Wing, Liu Xiaoli's Heart Flutter

Lionsgate's dinner came sooner than expected.

Originally, it was thought that the official start would be when the box office exploded in the second week. Unexpectedly, before Zhao Yanxi even set off, Lionsgate's celebration party had already begun as soon as "Juno" opened in theaters.

In this way, Zhao Yanxi felt embarrassed to refuse.

Stephen from Lionsgate even called personally to extend an invitation, and it seemed he wanted to discuss other collaborations as well.

Lionsgate's brand is still effective, especially the Chainsaw series, which has brought Lionsgate considerable profits.

James Wan, the Chinese-American director of "Saw", also came to the event. Zhao Yanxi prefers to call him by his Chinese name, Wen Ziren.

"Hello, Director Zhao Yanxi, my name is James Wan. I really like your 'Paranormal Activity'. Your documentary-style filming is so innovative."

"Thank you, Director Wan. I really enjoyed your 'Saw' too!"

Zhao Yanxi reached out and shook hands. He quite liked this American version of Ning Hao; it would be even better if he could get him to help him make a few horror movies.

"Director Zhao," Wen Ziren said, mimicking Zhao Yanxi's form of address, "Halloween is almost here again, a prime time for horror movies. I wonder if we'll see a sequel to 'Shutter' this year~"

"Maybe," Zhao Yanxi shook her head helplessly and said, "I've been quite busy lately."

"Well," Wen Ziren sighed, "I really envy directors like you who can make other kinds of movies and win awards. People like us are good for nothing except making horror movies and making a little money at the box office..."

""

Zhao Yanxi couldn't help but give him a thumbs up. "When it comes to Versailles, you're the best, James Wan!"

"Director Wen, I actually have a good idea. I wonder if you would be interested in hearing it."

"Very interested~"

"I've already written the script for 'Shutter 2.' Director Wen, you understand the filming style and have more experience in horror films than I do. I wonder if you'd be interested in collaborating with me..."

Zhao Yanxi did not mention asking him to direct.

If you had asked him to direct a horror film in Hollywood three or four years ago, he might have been willing.

But after the Saw series continued to be a huge hit, Wen Ziren has become a well-known horror director in Hollywood, and he has countless horror films to direct every day.

Directing any film is the same as directing, so why abandon your old employer Lionsgate to collaborate with Zhao Yanxi?

Therefore, Zhao Yanxi directly offered his greatest sincerity—cooperation!

Not only can they direct, but they can also invest or enjoy a share of the box office revenue.

"I can guarantee at least 10% of the net box office revenue!"

"Director Zhao, can I think about it for two days?"

It was clear that Wen Ziren was somewhat interested, so Zhao Yanxi didn't rush him. She simply raised her champagne glass and said, "Of course, I hope our cooperation is the result of your careful consideration!"

"Is two days enough? I'll probably stay in Los Angeles for another two days."

"no problem!"

"Wishing us a successful collaboration in advance!"

At this moment, Paul also led several Lionsgate executives over: "Boss, this is Eric Feig, president of Lionsgate Pictures."

"Hello, Mr. Figg."

"Director Zhao Yanxi," Fei Ge nodded slightly in greeting, "would it be convenient for us to move over and have a chat?"

"Of course~"

Zhao Yanxi, along with several Lionsgate executives and Paul, went directly to a small lounge next to the banquet hall.

As soon as he sat down, Eric Feig got straight to the point: "Director Zhao Yanxi, I wonder if your company has any plans to develop the 'Shutter' series of commercial IPs?"

Zhao Yanxi and Paul exchanged glances, then Zhao Yanxi chuckled and said, "Mr. Figg, just say what you have to say."

"Lionsgate is very interested in the spin-off rights for the 'Shutter' series, and we plan to create themed haunted houses, costumes, and figurines."

Eric Feig produced a letter of intent and stated, "Considering the unique visual symbols and cult film positioning of *Shutter*, we are willing to pay one million US dollars for the intellectual property, plus 20% of the net profit!"

This offer is quite generous.

One million US dollars is nothing, but the net profit share is quite terrifying.

While the development of horror film IPs may not be as advanced as that of Marvel's special effects blockbusters, the commercial scale of their IP derivatives is still considerable.

They sell basic merchandise like T-shirts, posters, and keychains through online stores or comic conventions, as well as items like those from the "Chainsaw" series.

The series includes the "Jigsaw" mask and the "Billy" doll.

Over the past decade, the commercial development of Saw-related products has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in profits.

However, if Zhao Yanxi doesn't understand Hollywood, how could she not understand capitalists?

If this letter of intent is followed, Lionsgate can legally and legitimately make its net profit negative, and then it can acquire the commercial development rights for the "Shutter" IP for one million US dollars.

Instead of selling it to him for a million, it would be better to let Paul slowly sell "licenses." Each license can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and by licensing a few more varieties, the profit can be made.

"Mr. Fei, your plan is good, but I don't like this profit-sharing model," Zhao Yanxi said, pointing to the net profit split. "I prefer to do business cleanly and efficiently."

"How about Lionsgate just make an offer and sell the intellectual property derivative rights outright for $3000 million?"

"Director Yan Xi, your offer is far from sincere..."

"There's an old Chinese saying: 'Ask the sky, then bargain.' Let's talk it over."

Of course, a celebratory banquet wouldn't be the basis for deciding on a multi-million dollar deal.

Lionsgate currently only has this intention; whether it will be finalized depends on the subsequent box office performance of "Shutter".

Only through the accumulation of films can the foundation of the "Ghost Universe" be laid.

With the influence of the "Ghost Universe", it's time to develop IP-derived businesses!

This is why those special effects blockbusters like Marvel, which have budgets of one or two hundred million, only gross three or four hundred million worldwide, and are either not profitable or even lose money at the box office, are still being made one after another.

The goal is to establish this IP and generate sustained profits.

The day before he was to return to Beijing, Wen Ziren finally sent word.

"It was a pleasure working with you, Director Yan Xi!"

These few words thrilled Paul at the Peninsula Hotel.

"Boss, you can go to the airport by yourself later. I need to go back to the company to sign a contract with James Wan. It's already June!"

Filming began in July, wrapped in September, post-production began in October, and the film was released in November!

Horror movies don't need two months to film....

Zhao Yanxi was about to try to persuade him to stay, since the Peninsula Hotel was quite far from the airport, but Paul had already rushed towards the elevator.

Am I no longer your most respected boss?!

Tokyo International Airport, Japan.

Liu Xiaoli and her daughter Liu Yifei were also waiting for their flight in the departure lounge.

"Sissi, how much did 'Juno' gross at the box office?"

"It's already grossed over 60 million," Liu Yifei said, getting quite excited. "Hollywood reports say that 'Juno' might very well take the top spot in the first week of July before 'Pirates of the Caribbean' is even released!"

"Yan Xi is amazing!"

"Sisi, Zhao Yanxi should have established himself in Hollywood by now. Do you think we should ask him if he can arrange a role for you in Hollywood?" Liu Xiaoli asked tentatively.

"Mom, don't ask," Liu Yifei smiled confidently, "If there's a suitable role, Yan Xi won't forget me."

"If I ask, he will arrange it for me even if he doesn't have it, which would interfere with his creative process."

1

"If I can't help him, I certainly can't cause him trouble, can I?"

"Okay," Liu Xiaoli said with a hint of regret, but quickly realized what she meant: "What do you mean?"

"Are you saying your mom's causing you trouble? You heartless little brat!"