Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 83, "Kung Fu," details on "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

"Our planned production budget for this film is $70 million, which would be nearly 600 million yuan in China."

Li Weida spoke candidly: "Lionsgate and Relativity have already confirmed their investment, and now we need to find a domestic partner to collaborate with."

"Furthermore, this is a film with two male leads. Li Lianjie has already been cast as one of the leads, and we are currently in contact with Jackie Chan to play the other lead!"

"Li Lianjie?!"

"Cheng Long?!"

Before Zhao Yanxi could speak, Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. He glanced at the two of them speechlessly.

Originally, I was just thinking of calling two people to make a show of force, but how did I end up exposing my underwear to others?

Even if Jackie Chan and Li Lianjie are currently the most successful Chinese actors in the international film industry, it shouldn't be this surprising, right?

"That's right, Jackie Chan will most likely agree," Li Weida said confidently. "After all, they've been looking forward to collaborating with him since 01."

"If we miss this opportunity, the two Js may never have another chance to work together."

"It's a good project, but I'm curious, why did Lionsgate and Relativity approach us?" Zhao Yanxi said in surprise.

"Because China is a new market in the international film industry, and Jackie Chan and Li Lianjie are both Chinese, the Chinese market is definitely one of the important box office markets for this project, so we hope to find a Chinese partner."

"After careful consideration, we believe that your company is the best choice, both in terms of economic strength and resources."

Zhao Yanxi smiled. If he believed such words, he would be wasting the opportunity to live two lifetimes.

"What are Lionsgate's terms?"

"As a partner, your company can have certain casting rights. Although the two male leads have been decided, the female lead and supporting roles are still indispensable resources..."

Zhao Yanxi remained noncommittal, subconsciously glancing at the mother and daughter. Although they appeared calm, a closer look revealed a slight tremor in their eyes and lips...

If it's not Parkinson's disease, then it's just uncontrollable excitement.

"At the same time, as China is a significant box office market, your company can enjoy box office revenue sharing rights in Greater China..."

'

"etc!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yanxi immediately frowned: "What do you mean by box office revenue sharing in Greater China?"

"They want me to invest, but only offer a share of the box office revenue from Greater China? Is Lionsgate kidding me?"

"Director Zhao, this is normal for co-productions!"

Li Weida was stunned. Isn't this how co-productions always go?

For domestic film and television companies, being able to participate in these global blockbusters and promote actors is an honor in itself, let alone being concerned about box office performance.

When have all of China's co-productions ever enjoyed global revenue sharing?!

"Mr. Li, if that's the case, then we don't need to talk anymore. Thank you for coming all this way. Xixi, Auntie, let's go."

Zhao Yanxi got up and left, and the mother and daughter followed without hesitation.

"Director Zhao, Director Zhao—"

Li Weida tried to persuade her to stay, but Zhao Yanxi completely ignored him.

He's just a middleman; there's no point in communicating with him. He can't make any decisions, so just express your protest.

Seeing Liu Xiaoli hesitate, Zhao Yanxi chuckled and asked, "Qianqian, would you like to play the female lead?"

"I do want to," Liu Yifei said with a bright smile, "but not exactly."

"If the audition goes well, I'll act in it. But if it requires you to sign such a humiliating investment contract, then forget it."

After saying that, Liu Yifei couldn't help but complain, "Tens of millions of US dollars could buy half my life. If I'm going to spend that much money on a role, I might as well just retire!"

"Hahaha," Zhao Yanxi couldn't help but laugh, "Retire with just tens of millions of US dollars?"

Zhao Yanxi couldn't help but chuckle: "Tens of millions of US dollars is enough for retirement? Then I might as well just keep you as my sugar daddy."

"Hmph," Liu Yifei lightly punched his arm, "So this is how Director Zhao throws money at female stars?"

"How could that be?" he laughed and dodged the question. "This treatment is unique in the world. Apart from our fairy sister, who else is worth my second glance?"

Liu Xiaoli silently quickened her pace, leaving the two playful figures behind.

She didn't want either of those two disgusting pig heads.

Back on set, Zhao Yanxi thought for a moment and then called Han Sanping.

After all, it involves international cooperation, so there's no reason why China Film Group shouldn't be unaware of it.

If China Film Group gets in the way, all the preparations will be in vain!

"Hey, Mr. Han!"

"Director Zhao, is something the matter? How's the filming of 'Painted Skin' going?"

"Everything is fine," Zhao Yanxi said, skipping the pleasantries and getting straight to the point: "President Han, have you heard of Li Weida?"

"Oh, I know, that Lionsgate broker..."

'

After their conversation, Zhao Yanxi had even greater respect for Hua Yi's two kings.

This isn't some big or small boss, this is practically a big or small turtle! They're incredibly tolerant!

Lionsgate is indeed looking for a Chinese partner, but in reality, they're just looking for a wealthy person to take advantage of.

As is well known, Hollywood film producers make movies in a very different way than those in China.

In China, productions are mostly financed by investors, while in Hollywood, there is a mature insurance and loan system. Banks, insurance companies, and other organizations investigate the pre-sales of films to determine their profitability and provide loans for filming.

In China, places with strict vetting processes and where pre-sales are prohibited are known as "loan black holes."

Without this loan, Lionsgate will have to find a large, wealthy domestic investor to cover the shortfall.

Furthermore, they require domestic investors to deposit the full amount of funds into an escrow account, with the Hollywood production company responsible for expenses, and the domestic investors having no right to manage these funds.

Meanwhile, under the same investment ratio, domestic investors can only enjoy the box office revenue sharing rights in the Greater China region.

In fact, Li Weida didn't initially approach any private enterprises, but directly contacted state-owned enterprises such as Shanghai Film Group and China Film Group.

The former, based in an international metropolis, was one of the earliest companies to engage in co-productions; the latter holds the power of life and death over co-productions.

Unfortunately, state-owned enterprises could not accept these harsh conditions, so Li Weida began to choose from private enterprises.

"As expected of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!"

After learning the inside story, Zhao Yanxi put aside "The Forbidden Kingdom" and focused on continuing the filming of "Painted Skin".

According to Zhao Yanxi's plan, filming of "Painted Skin" should be completed by the end of August.

Ningxia is indeed a magical place. Zhao Yanxi's initial idea was to film from the Gobi Desert in Ningxia to the Jiangnan water towns in Hengdian.

Now, all needs can be met in one place in Yinchuan.

With a filming cost of eight million US dollars, Zhao Yanxi used every penny wisely.

In terms of location selection, we try our best to find scenic spots that can reflect the local characteristics and are grand and magnificent.

We film using real footage whenever possible, and never rely on special effects.

He believes that this painstakingly crafted and exquisitely produced film, "Painted Skin," will definitely impress domestic audiences!

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