Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 99 Financing! The New World Deal!

In the second week of October, Enlight Media reported that pirated DVDs of "First Love" had spread all over the country, and the daily box office increase was barely maintaining seven figures.

The total box office has reached 50 million, and it is estimated that it should be able to reach 60 million before it leaves theaters, if the theaters do not pull it off the run early.

However, there aren't many outstanding movies being released in October, and with daily box office revenue ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions, it's highly likely that these films won't be pulled from theaters.

In mid-month, Yang Siwei invited Gu Yongqiang, the CEO of Youku, to the company.

The two discussed the release of "Soldiers Sortie" and subsequent financing issues.

The first TV series invested in by a big-name director, which actively sought to be broadcast on an online video platform, shows that Gu Yongqiang takes it very seriously.

"Director Zhao, it's an honor that you chose Youku as your platform. Our revenue-sharing model is extremely favorable..."

"7

"Mr. Gu, since you've chosen Youku, I naturally trust you."

Zhao Yanxi smiled, but then changed the subject and went straight to the point: "Mr. Gu, I heard that Youku is currently undergoing a Series B financing round?"

""

"It seems Director Zhao is paying close attention to us," Gu Yongqiang said thoughtfully.

"certainly."

Zhao Yanxi leaned forward slightly, "Although domestic video platforms are not yet given enough attention, with the popularization of broadband and the growth of internet users, video will inevitably replace text and images and become the next generation of mainstream content format."

Young people are leaving television and embracing screens. Whoever can capture them holds the future in their hands.

"I didn't expect Director Zhao to think so highly of us," Gu Yongqiang said with some surprise. "No wonder Director Zhao was willing to put 'Soldiers Sortie' on Youku."

"This is just a stepping stone," Zhao Yanxi smiled, meeting Gu Yongqiang's surprised gaze, and directly stated her conditions: "I want to participate in Youku's next round of financing, $1000 million in exchange for 30% of the shares."

"I won't participate in day-to-day management; the equity can be held by you, so you don't need to worry about your say being diluted during the financing process!"

"How many?!"

Gu Yongqiang even doubted his own ears!

It's important to understand that Youku is different from Tudou; it doesn't have such a large user base.

He only needs a $300 million investment, yet he's still begging for donations everywhere.

Domestic investors have always been stingy, and are even unwilling to invest in video platforms.

Even with Wang Wei, the "Potato King," he had to beg and plead to secure a $3000 million investment.

Today, a director in the entertainment industry told me, "He can invest 1000 million US dollars?!"

He knew that Zhao Yanxi was a rare director in the industry who had achieved success in both commercial and artistic fields;

I also know that Yanxi Films is the company that, to date, has achieved more than ten times the box office revenue for every film it produces.

But he never expected that making movies would actually be this profitable!

If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have bothered with a video platform at all; I would have just jumped into the film industry and invested in movies.

After a long silence, Gu Yongqiang finally calmed down and looked at Zhao Yanxi seriously, asking, "Are you really not going to interfere with the company's operations?"

"I'm a director, my only hobby is...making movies!"

Almost letting it slip, Zhao Yanxi paused in her smile before continuing, "I even handed over the management of the company to Yang Siwei, so how could I have the mind to manage anything else?"

"Okay, Director Zhao!"

Gu Yongqiang raised his teacup: "Director Zhao, it's a pleasure working with you!"

"It's a pleasure working with you!"

"Sissi, the screening of 'New World' is on the 17th. I'm planning to go to Hong Kong Island in the next couple of days. Would you like to go?"

"Mother?"

Liu Yifei did not answer, but looked at Liu Xiaoli questioningly.

"You're not allowed to go," Liu Xiaoli said irritably. "The Golden Eagle TV Festival is about to start, have you finished practicing your dance?"

"The paparazzi on Hong Kong Island are so skilled, do you think you won't get photographed if you go there to have fun?!"

"What if you get photographed? Make an official announcement? Does that mean your career is over?!"

"Fine, then don't go," Liu Yifei nestled into the sofa and whispered in Zhao Yanxi's ear, "Yanxi, I suspect my mom might be going through menopause."

"She's been really impatient with me lately. If I say one thing, she can come back to me with several things."

Zhao Yanxi was a bit exasperated. "You and your daughter don't really need to tell me about your issues..."

Liu Xiaoli's dangerous gaze had already fallen upon them!

Since Liu Yifei wasn't coming, Zhao Yanxi had to go and come back quickly on her own.

October 16th.

When Zhao Yanxi arrived at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, Yang Shoucheng made a special trip to meet with him.

"Director Zhao, the film distributors from Southeast Asia and Europe and America that I invited have arrived one after another. They will all arrive by tomorrow afternoon at the latest, so they won't delay the screening tomorrow night."

"Mr. Yang, thank you for your trouble with this matter."

"Not at all," Yang Shoucheng said with a smile, "We definitely need to show Director Zhao our sincerity in cooperating, so that we can have a second chance."

"Hehe~"

Zhao Yanxi smiled and said, "To be honest, Mr. Yang, I do have a new project. We can talk about it again after the screening tomorrow night."

"certainly!"

Yang Shoucheng asked excitedly, "Director Zhao, regarding the distribution of 'New World,' do you think it's better to buy out the rights or to import and distribute the film and share the box office revenue?"

"Mr. Yang, you've made your own decision," Zhao Yanxi shook her head and said, "I'm only familiar with the North American model; I don't really understand the models in Southeast Asia and Europe."

"Mr. Yang, you are an excellent businessman; you certainly know better than I which model will maximize profits!"

"Hahaha," Yang Shoucheng laughed smugly, "I didn't expect Director Zhao to trust me so much. Just wait for the good news tomorrow night!"

The slogan for "New World" is to rival and surpass "Infernal Affairs"!

In "Infernal Affairs" and its adaptation, "The Departed," starring Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio.

After its release in Europe and America, it received rave reviews.

Therefore, overseas film distributors are very interested in it.

Of course, screenwriter Zhao Yanxi also deserves credit for this.

After all, Zhao Yanxi's screenplays almost always have good box office returns, whether in China or Hollywood.

After its run in North America, "Juno" was released in Europe and Asia, sparking a new wave of box office success!

On the evening of the 17th, Zhao Yanxi was invited to attend a film screening held in the main conference hall of the Peninsula Hotel.

Besides film distributors from various countries, there are also many Hong Kong celebrities and big names.

The cast includes the Lung Wu couple, director Johnnie To, Chan Mok-sing, Nicholas Tse, Tsang Chi-wai, and Lau Tak-wah. Of course, as is typical of Hong Kong, there are also plenty of beautiful actresses.

Zhang Baizhi, Yung Cho-er, Leung Lok-shi, Bai Tao, etc.

As soon as Zhao Yanxi entered the venue, she attracted everyone's attention.

"Director Zhao, I've heard so much about you!"

"Director Zhao~"

Xiang Huaqiang from China Star specially brought Xiang Taitai to greet them.

"Mr. Xiang, Mrs. Chen, hello."

The two men's presence shielded Zhao Yanxi from a lot of trouble, at least preventing other bystanders from approaching and causing conversation.

"New World is a good project," Boss Xiang said with a smile. "Actually, China Star is more skilled at this kind of subject matter. If there is any demand in the future, China Star will welcome Director Zhao to visit us at any time."

"Thanks."

Zhao Yanxi smiled politely and happened to see Liu Dehua talking to Zhang Baizhi. When he saw her coming over, he raised his champagne glass in greeting.

"Brother Hua~"

Upon hearing Zhao Yanxi call his name, Liu Dehua approached in surprise.

"Director Zhao!"

Liu Dehua strode forward and clinked glasses with Zhao Yanxi: "I've always wanted to get to know Director Zhao, but I never expected to meet you here thanks to President Yang's presence."

"Brother Hua, you're too kind," Zhao Yanxi smiled. "Actually, I've always wanted to get to know you, Brother Hua."

Xiang Huaqiang smiled and said, "Director Zhao, you two chat first. We'll go somewhere else to socialize."

After watching the two leave, Liu Dehua asked curiously, "Director Zhao, did you need something from me?"

"Shall we talk over there?"

"please!"