Reshaping the landscape of the Chinese entertainment industry

"Uncle Han, you know how difficult it is to invest in the film industry these days. I'd like to get investment from others, but they have to be willing to invest first."

He was not against investing, except for the fact that Han Sanping was telling the truth that movies were not making money at the box office.

Another reason is that if you want to survive in the long run, you definitely need to have many friends and few enemies.

Eating alone will not end well.

And how much money do movies make?

From production to release to cash in, it takes at least two to three years for a film to be made and released.

This so-called two or three years is only if the other party is willing to give it to you.

Smaller production companies can drag their films out of theaters for years, potentially bankrupting them.

The kind of dream of making a film, releasing it, and making a profit at the box office only exists in dreams.

If you want to make your own movies and make money from box office revenue, then you've got it for life!

Speaking of this, we have to mention a key figure in the Chinese entertainment industry, Dong Ping!

His skill in making money from movies is truly impressive.

If someone who doesn't truly love movies wants to make money from them, the most important thing they should learn is his methods.

Movies are commodities. The most effective way to make money is to use financial means to hype up concepts, get others to buy them, and then cash out and profit.

However, He Ye didn't value money that much; he entered this industry not primarily to make money.

He doesn't need such methods to make money; the money he's earned in the stock market over the past few years, plus the large-scale stock purchases he's made this year, is enough for him to do many things. (This part will be discussed in a separate chapter later.)

Whether it's directing, making movies, or starting a media company, it's all about fulfilling regrets from a past life, fulfilling parents' dreams, and fulfilling one's own aspirations.

Therefore, He did not choose the path of a film businessman, but he was not opposed to it.

He had even prepared contingency plans for all subsequent award-related public relations efforts.

Surely no one really thinks that just because they made a movie, have great talent for filmmaking, have superb skills, and are a great director, they are guaranteed to win an award?

Really? Really?

Only a child who hasn't grown up can have such childlike thoughts.

Awards around the world, regardless of the circle, are all about interpersonal relationships and social dynamics; all awards are products of their respective circles.

If you want to win an award, especially if you're a newcomer, there's only one possibility: that someone is acting in their own self-interest and wants to give you the award.

Or perhaps the chairman of the judging panel is willing to award you!

For example, Zhang Yimou won the award because the Red Emperor was gone, and the media in Europe and America began to take over.

They awarded prizes because they co-opted their own mouthpieces worldwide.

It was from that time onward that domestic films began to learn from Europe in all aspects, and then a lot of films were made that everyone who knows them understands.

Even now, we are still influenced by them.

The China Entertainment Awards were discontinued later, mainly because they were no longer needed.

Because it has become their shape, the movies made by the fifth and sixth generations are basically what they want to see.

Therefore, He Ye doesn't have any bias towards these things.

So-called directing ability and acting skills are really just that—the same old thing.

You are only considered capable if those who are willing to flatter you and say you can do it.

Everything else is meaningless.

After all, how many truly top-tier directors are there in the world?

And can they really decide anything?

A lot of things are just hype. If others are willing to praise you, you're a great director; if they're not, you're just a novice.

This has always been He Ye's view.

For him, directing techniques, camera work, lighting, color, narrative structure... these abilities are sufficient.

He studied techniques and camera work with Mu Deyuan for three years, and he can gradually develop his own systematic approach.

Zhang Yimou also shared his expertise on color theory with him, and although He Ye hasn't fully mastered it yet, this is something that takes time to learn.

As for narrative structure, He also has his own preferred narrative structure and style.

For lighting, you need a good lighting technician.

He doesn't pursue the ultimate ability of a world-class director; he does everything himself.

Even if he did his best, he would only ever be a high-ranking henchman.

He didn't want to be just a lackey in his second life. Otherwise, why would he have built up his foundation over the years and let his mother start a company to fully enter the entertainment industry?

Directing is just one of his labels for the future, not the whole thing!

A director can only influence so much, and he can't possibly tie his own hands.

……

Suddenly, the conversation drifted back to Han Sanping's advice that he shouldn't invest alone and should share some of the investment burden.

He is not short of money, and he does not object to inviting others to share his film investment.

Ultimately, although he was reborn and confident in himself, he didn't have any system-like cheat codes or mechanisms that guaranteed a minimum outcome no matter what.

Given the current state of the Chinese film industry, very few films can truly make money.

So far, only "Little Cannon" has grossed over 10 million yuan at the box office.

Even with his confidence, He Ye still felt somewhat uneasy in the face of this environment, so he knew very well that Han Sanping's suggestion was sound.

But just as he said, attracting investment and having others share the risks is not an easy thing.

In his previous life, He Ye joined the external relations department of the student union during his university years. Whenever the school had any activities and wanted to attract some investment from some shops, stores, and bosses, it was always incredibly difficult.

What's more, this is a movie that costs millions of dollars.

Keep in mind, this was worth millions at the beginning of the century, it was very valuable.

Hearing this, Han Sanping understood. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I've read your script. It's not going for the kind of art films typical of the fifth and sixth generations, which is great. I heard your dad said he wanted to go to Venice?"

He wasn't surprised that the other party knew this; it would be easy for him to find out the details if he just asked.

"Yes, Uncle Han, you know the current situation of movies. It's impossible to rely on box office revenue, but we can try going to film festivals."

Han Sanping tapped the table with his finger: "These days, people in the film industry are always trying to imitate the fifth or sixth generation, making the industry a mess and driving away the audience."

Han Sanping wanted to stop this, but he was powerless to do anything about it, since those people had already been completely influenced.

It's impossible to correct it.

But if we can't stop them, can't we at least support some people who deserve support?

A moment later, Han Sanping came up with a solution: "Anwa, if your film is made, it will be one of the few films that presents our image to the West in a positive light. We must make it, especially in this port city."

"Well, I just calculated the price for this project, and according to the normal market price, around 380 million to 420 million should be enough."

"China Film Group hasn't been doing well financially these past few years. In terms of investment alone, we can only cover one million for you. Don't think it's too little..."

He was well aware of the current situation of China Film Group, since his father worked there. He had originally planned to make the film himself, but he was overjoyed that Han Sanping was willing to help him. He would never complain about the amount.

"Uncle Han, you're my own uncle, how could I possibly complain about it being too little..."

"Wait!" Han Sanping raised his hand and pressed it down. "I haven't finished speaking yet."

He Ye's attitude immediately returned to respectfulness: "Please speak!"

"You've caught a lucky break. If it were the end of the year, even if we at China Film Group wanted to help, we couldn't. But it's just after New Year's Day, the beginning of the year. Every year, the government allocates a sum of money to support directors of art films. It's not a lot of money, but after careful consideration, China Film Group thinks your project is worthy of support!"

"Uncle Han, what do you mean..." He wasn't a fool, especially with He Changlin there.

Upon seeing his son, He Changlin asked him questions, then smacked him on the head and immediately said, "President Han, I will have He Ye submit a written application through the studio!"

He Ye also realized at this moment that this was the real help Han Sanping was talking about.

Han Sanping made no further comment, simply nodding slightly: "Yes, China Film Group can provide production permits, venues, equipment, or distribution assistance. If you already have these, you can apply, but it must be compliant and there can be no errors or omissions!"

"After all, the number of support slots available each year is limited!"

"clear!"

He Ye no longer needed to hide anything: "President Han, my studio will contribute 2.6 million yuan for 65% of the film, China Film Group will contribute 1 million yuan and support policies, which will give us 30%, and Emei Film Studio will contribute 400,000 yuan, which will give us 5%."

Han Sanping had no objection to them bringing Emei Film Studio along. In fact, bringing them along showed the father and son's affectionate side. After considering it, he agreed to the share.

"Uncle Han, I have one more condition."

"What are the conditions?"

"I want to keep the film's copyright in my own hands."

Han Sanping glanced at him and immediately understood what he was thinking: "You little rascal, you've got quite the appetite."

"Uncle Han, I'm not trying to take advantage of you," He Ye said earnestly. "I just want to leave myself a way out. In case someone tries to take my film in the future, I'll have the confidence to speak up."

Han Sanping stared at him for a few seconds, then smiled.

"Okay, I agree. You get the copyright, but China Film Group only wants the domestic distribution rights."

"Thank you, Uncle Han!"

"Don't thank me," Han Sanping waved his hand. "I'm only doing this because the project is really good, and I also have conditions: it has to be shortlisted, or even win an award. If you mess it up, don't come looking for me again."

"Don't worry, Uncle Han, it won't be smashed."

……

2002 1 Month 7 Day.

It is auspicious for travel, marriage, engagement, signing contracts, opening a business, forming alliances, praying for blessings, accepting livestock, offering sacrifices, and holding religious ceremonies.

On this auspicious day, the film "Fireworks in the World," whose origins are unknown, officially began filming today at the old wharf in Tianjin.

There was no press conference, no reporters, and no publicity.

Han Sanping wanted to hold a press conference, but He refused. He was a newcomer, and even if he held a press conference, it wouldn't have much effect.

It's better not to do it at all.

The crew simply gathered together, set off a string of firecrackers, and that was it—filming had begun.

Although there wasn't a large-scale launch event, the usual procedures were still followed.

He was referring to a leader's speech, not burning incense.

Burning incense is a custom in Hong Kong and Taiwan, not in mainland China. It's just that more Hong Kong and Taiwanese crew members have started doing it in mainland film crews.

He Ye's crew didn't do any of that burning incense thing, but he had just been in charge of personnel scheduling, movement, and explaining the lines and plot, and he had talked so much that his throat was a little hoarse.

Yu Feihong walked over and handed him a bottle of water.

"How are you feeling?"

"It's alright." He unscrewed the cap and took a sip. "It's just a bit cold."

"How could it not be cold in January?" Yu Feihong said with a smile. "The time you chose is right in the dead of winter."

"There's no other way, we can't wait until it gets warmer." He handed the water back. "If we wait any longer, the money will start earning interest."

Yu Feihong shook his head, then asked with a hint of curiosity, "The choice of the first shot in a film usually needs to be very careful. What are you planning to film for your first scene?"

He had already thought of this: "Just film Lao Zhou getting up in the early morning to knead dough. No lines are needed; it all depends on actions and expressions, which is the best way to set the tone."

"Okay, I'll arrange it."

Yu Feihong turned around and went over to make the arrangements.

As the director's assistant, she got along even better with the actors and crew members during this period than He Ye did.

Watching the crew members bustling about on the dock, it would be a lie to say He wasn't nervous. After more than half a year of preparation, filming was finally about to begin.

It's time to put it to the test and see what it's really made of.

"Director He!"

Just as He Ye was pondering the filming, Li Baotian's voice came from behind him.

He turned his head and saw Li Baotian walking over wearing an old cotton-padded jacket, his hair messy, looking like an old worker who had just come down from the dock.

"Teacher Li, your look is great...this is the style, you don't need to wear any more makeup."

"As long as the director is satisfied," Li Baotian said, patting the dust off his clothes. "I arrived a week early and stayed by the dock for a few days, chatting with some veteran workers to get a feel for the place."

He felt a warmth in his heart. This is what a good actor should be like. He doesn't wait for the role to come before he starts preparing, but rather he gets into character in advance.

Unlike the later traffic stars.

"Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Li."

"What's so hard about it?" Li Baotian waved his hand. "It's my blessing to receive such a good script."

He chatted with Li Baotian for a while, and then began to prepare for machine debugging.

Oh, I forgot to mention, Li Baotian was the male lead Yu Feihong found. The other male and female supporting actors are Xu Xiulin, Dong Yong, Yang Lixiao, and Bai Han, respectively.

Aside from having decent acting skills and no major issues, these people will all have some degree of popularity.

It's either going to be a hit this year or next year.

The most famous of them all is Li Baotian, who will become a household name again in the second half of this year with his role in "The Divine Doctor Xi Lai Le".

As for Captain Li, the kind and righteous urban management officer in the drama, who was also the male lead's apprentice, He did not choose Hi Day, recommended by Yu Feihong, but instead chose Chen Chuang.

It's not that being a party animal is bad; he's a great supporting actor. It's just that He really loves Chen Chuang's performance in "Fu Gui".

Of course, Chen Chuang is most famous for his role as the Howling Celestial Dog in "The Lotus Lantern".

On another note, I knew before that actors' salaries weren't high these days, but I didn't expect them to be this low.

The total pay for all the actors and extras combined was just over 800,000 yuan...

Apart from Li Baotian and Yan Danchen, whose salaries exceeded 100,000 yuan, the others only received tens of thousands of yuan at most, and the extras were even cheaper.

Seeing such a low market price, He Ye was instantly filled with the urge to take advantage of the cheap prices and make more movies...

However, considering that filming movies is quite tiring, he thought about it and decided against it.

He still has a lot on his plate!

One or two movies a year is enough; he's not a film fanatic.

------

P.S.: I didn't realize this chapter was already 4300 words. Actually, it could count as two chapters, but that's too short, so I'll add another one...