Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

"Next, let's go to China Film Group."

The overseas rights to "Black Coal, Thin Ice" have been sold, and the next step is to consider its domestic release.

Actually, a month ago, China Film Group had already sent a message through someone, hoping to buy out the film "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

However, at that time Fu Yibai was still overseas dealing with offshore company matters, so they only agreed to talk again when he returned to China.

In fact, Fu Yibai was not opposed to China Film Group's desire to buy out "Black Coal, Thin Ice," as long as the price was right, there would be no problem.

In 03, there were too few big screens, and most of them were controlled by China Film Group.

The policy allowing private capital to establish cinemas was only implemented last year, so there are not many cinemas in China now, resulting in limited box office potential.

China Film Group's acquisition of the rights to "Black Coal, Thin Ice" will allow Fu Yibai to quickly recoup some of his funds and alleviate his financial pressure.

After all, he couldn't guarantee the box office performance of "Black Coal, Thin Ice" under the current circumstances.

With the buyout funds from China Film Group, Fu Yibai can quickly establish his entertainment empire.

As for overseas copyright fees, those foreigners like to drag their feet on this.

Many payments are only made at the very last minute before the contract deadline.

To date, Fu Yibai's offshore companies have only received four million US dollars, and it will be at least next month before all payments are received.

Fu Yibai withdrew his gaze from the window and turned to leave the still somewhat empty office area of ​​Chenxi Media.

He needs to meet with people from China Film Group first to finalize the domestic arrangements for "Black Coal, Thin Ice" before he can confidently move on to the next step.

Inside the China Film Group building, the atmosphere was completely different from that of the campus or the Berlin Film Palace that Fu Yibai was familiar with.

There is a unique, steady, and slightly sluggish atmosphere here, characteristic of those within the system.

He was led by his secretary to a small conference room, and after a short while, the door was pushed open.

The man who entered was a middle-aged man, slightly overweight, with a kind face but sharp eyes. He was Han Shanping, the vice president of China Film Group Corporation in charge of film import and distribution.

At this time, Han Shanping was not yet the future bandit leader Zuo Shandiao, and his appearance was relatively amiable.

"Director Fu, I've heard so much about you! You're truly a young and promising talent!"

Han Shanping extended his hand warmly, with a broad smile.

"This trip to Berlin really brought a lot of prestige to Chinese filmmakers!"

"Mr. Han, you flatter me. We were lucky, but it was also the result of the team's hard work."

Fu Yibai stood up, shook hands humbly, and maintained a respectful yet assertive attitude.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, the secretary served tea.

Han Shanping didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

"Director Fu, let's get straight to the point."

With "Black Coal, Thin Ice" achieving such success in Berlin, domestic audiences are eagerly anticipating its release.

We at China Film Group have high hopes for this film and hope to bring it to domestic audiences smoothly.

Regarding the buyout and distribution plan we discussed before, I wonder what Director Fu's thoughts are on it?

Fu Yibai picked up the teacup and gently blew on it.

"Mr. Han, I also really want to present my first film to the audience as soon as possible."

However, regarding the buyout price... what is your current offer?

Han Shanping stretched out a palm with his five fingers spread.

Five million, in RMB.

For an art film, especially a director's debut, this price is quite generous.

It's important to understand the size and risks of the domestic market...

five million.

Fu Yibai quickly made a mental calculation.

This price just covers the film's production costs, which might have been considered quite good before going to Berlin.

But now that it already holds two Silver Bears and its overseas rights have been sold for nearly ten million US dollars, this buyout price seems a bit inadequate.

Of course, Han Shanping is not wrong either. In the domestic film market in 2003, a box office of more than 10 million yuan was considered a big hit. With a buyout of 5 million yuan, China Film Group assumed all the distribution risks and costs, which seemed reasonable.

But Fu Yibai was not satisfied.

"President Han."

Fu Yibai put down his teacup, his face still bearing a humble smile, but his tone carried an undeniable firmness.

"I might have agreed to a price of five million if it were before Berlin."

But now, with the Jury Prize and two Silver Bears for Best Actress, *Black Coal, Thin Ice* has returned, its international recognition and potential market attention are completely different.

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze calmly fixed on Han Shanping.

"I won't lie to you, the overseas rights for this film sold for a whopping nine million US dollars. I believe this is enough to prove the international market's assessment of the film's commercial potential."

While the domestic market certainly has its unique characteristics and risks do exist, the label of "Berlin Award-winning film" is itself the best publicity and box office guarantee.

I believe that what China Film Group values ​​is far more than just the artistic quality of the film itself.

Han Shanping's smile remained unchanged, but his eyes sharpened.

He hadn't expected this young man to be so direct, and clearly had a clear understanding of the market situation and his own resources.

"Director Fu is a sensible person."

What's your target price?

"Twelve million, I'm very confident in the box office performance of this film."

I believe his box office revenue will eventually exceed 50 million.

Twelve million isn't a high price.

"Twelve million!"

No, no.

Han Shanping shook his head repeatedly, his smile fading slightly, but his tone remained gentle, carrying the air of an elder offering advice.

"Director Fu, your confidence is good; young people are all like that."

But a box office of 50 million?

Do you know how much the total box office was last year?

A commercial blockbuster like "Hero" only grossed 2.5 million yuan; that's an exception. It requires perfect timing, location, and people.

"Black Coal, Thin Ice" is a good movie with strong artistic merit, but it is, after all, a crime thriller with a cold and austere style, and its audience acceptance needs to be considered.

When we at China Film Group handle distribution, we have to consider risks from all aspects, including theater scheduling, advertising investment, and print costs...

Twelve million is too high; there's no precedent for it, and it's impossible.

Fu Yibai remained unhurried.

Of course he knew the market situation in 2003; his demand for a 12 million buyout was nothing more than asking for an exorbitant price and then trying to haggle.

As Han Shanping spoke, he leaned back slightly in his chair, making a gesture that suggested he was reluctant to do this, but his eyes never left Fu Yibai as he observed his reaction.

Fu Yibai did not immediately refute. He picked up his teacup again, took a sip, seemingly digesting Han Shanping's words, or perhaps weighing them.

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds, with only the low hum of the electrical appliances.

"I understand the risks that Mr. Han mentioned."

Fu Yibai put down his teacup, his tone still calm, but the sharpness within him was not concealed.

"However, the market is changing, and the audience is also evolving."

The attention garnered by winning the Berlin award is real.

He paused slightly before continuing.

"Of course, I am not unreasonable."

China Film Group is willing to take on the important task of distribution, and I also hope to establish a long-term and good cooperative relationship.

How about this...

Fu Yibai extended his right index finger and gently tapped it on the smooth conference table, as if outlining a number.

"Twelve million is my ideal price."

However, I respect China Film Group's professional judgment and also acknowledge the risks mentioned by Mr. Han.

We each take a step back... Nine million, in RMB.

"Nine million?"

Han Shanping repeated it, his brows furrowed slightly, as if he were doing mental calculations or assessing the feasibility of the number.

This price is still far higher than the initial five million, but compared to twelve million, there seems to be room for negotiation.

"Yes, nine million."

Fu Yibai's lips curled into a slightly meaningful smile.

"Mr. Han, look, my film sold for nine million US dollars overseas."

Domestically, I'm also looking for good luck, so I'll say nine million RMB.

Nine, long, enduring.

This symbolizes that our cooperation has been pleasant this time and will last a long time.

Doesn't this number sound much better than twelve million?

That's more interesting too.

His words, half bargaining and half a youthful, almost joking "romantic" business logic, actually eased the tense atmosphere a bit.

Han Shanping tapped his fingers lightly on the sofa armrest, lost in thought for a moment.

He did value the prestige and potential significance of "Black Coal, Thin Ice," but he felt that Fu Yibai's potential made him even more worthy of investment.

Nine million is a lot of pressure, but it's not entirely impossible.

If promoted properly, and riding the wave of the Berlin Film Festival's two awards, it might actually create a small box office miracle for an art film in the gradually warming domestic film market.

Even if the box office doesn't reach the 50 million yuan that Fu Yibai expected, as long as it can reach 20 to 30 million yuan, plus the subsequent revenue from television rights, audio-visual products, etc., China Film Group may not necessarily lose money. More importantly, it can win word-of-mouth and industry influence.

After a while, Han Shanping raised his head, a smile returning to his face, this time with a more substantial meaning.

"Director Fu, you're not only good at making movies, but your business acumen is also remarkable."

Nine million...

This number certainly sounds more appealing than twelve million.

He stood up and extended his hand.

"Great! Just for the meaning of 'long-lasting' and the significance of those two silver bears in Berlin."

Nine million!

China Film Group has acquired the domestic distribution rights for "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

I hope our cooperation will be pleasant, and as you said, we can have a long-lasting future.

Once Fu Yibai made up his mind, he immediately stood up and firmly grasped Han Shanping's hand.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Han!"

I have faith in China Film Group's capabilities and am confident they can perfectly present "Black Coal, Thin Ice" to domestic audiences.

The two men smiled at each other. The previous exchanges and probing had transformed into a preliminary consensus and a shared expectation for future benefits in that handshake.