The struggles of a failed college entrance exam candidate in Hong Kong entertainment

Chapter 82 Foreigner: Homeless Man or Suicide Squad?

January 14th, the 22nd day of the 12th lunar month.

Filming for (The Matrix) wrapped up at 3 PM today and we're on holiday. Tomorrow is the Little New Year.

It was only the early to mid-90s, and people in southern Jiangsu still paid a lot of attention to the atmosphere of the New Year's holiday.

While the assistant directors and director's assistants were busy cleaning up the final scenes, Rosamund Kwan and Vivian Chow arrived at the film set together.

Amin ran up to Su Nan and said happily, "Brother Nan, my new album is doing pretty well, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief."

The hacker turned on the computer to allow the team to gel, and Amin stayed in Hong Kong, only contacting them by phone at most.

Before that, she not only worked on movie sets but also released two albums with more than 20 songs.

The current music scene is also very competitive in terms of promotion, publicity, and chart ranking.

Su Nan took the water glass that Rosamund Kwan handed him and took a sip. "It's good that your grades are good. I wrote a few songs for you these past few days."

"Consider it a friendly sponsorship for your music career. I'll show you around when we get back to the hotel."

Vivian Chow's eyes widened instantly, and she pulled him closer, saying, "I just remembered that you basically did all the music for (Kung Fu Hustle) yourself!"

Su Nan has already demonstrated her talent in scriptwriting and directing.

As for the music? It's copied from the soundtrack of (Kung Fu Hustle). Some of the existing music was purchased with copyrights, while the music that wasn't created was Nan Ge's original work.

Sister Guan was overjoyed. "Amin, you're the only one who still has ambition and drive in the music industry. You're already on vacation, so feel free to check things out when you get back to the hotel."

She pouted again, "You're lucky. These main tracks are surprisingly good."

She came to take a vacation as soon as filming started.

Su Nan wrote three songs: "Later" by Future Lao Liu, "Summer Fruits" by Mo Wenwei, and "Not Yet Lovers" by S.H.E.

Amin has been conquering the music scene and is almost firmly established as the queen of pure and innocent girls, with several albums selling well.

It was also a bit mediocre, and even after her retirement, she didn't have many classic songs that became popular.

Rosamund Kwan felt that any one of these three songs represented a new peak that Amin had never reached before.

That's actually quite similar. Milk Tea Liu's (later) cover of "Towards the Future," released in Japan in 1998, sold over 30 copies.

Milk Tea Liu's posthumous work is also one of her representative works.

(Summer Fruits) was originally sung by the Japanese singer (Mizuiro), and the lyrics and music were completed around 95 and released in 96.

(Water Color) isn't particularly outstanding in island nations, but Mo Wenwei's version (Fruit) exploded.

(Not Yet Lovers) is a cover of an English song by Destiny's Child from the United States. The original album, which was released in 2001, sold more than 1000 million copies worldwide.

The Destiny Girls group officially debuted in 98.

These three songs marked the beginning of the ringback tone era in mainland China, with each song generating millions of yuan in annual revenue.

Singers and songwriters receive a small share of the profits, making it a perennial money-making machine.

Brother Nan can release three songs, then spend money to buy seven more to make a Mandarin album and slowly produce it.

Ignoring Amin's excitement, Su Nan joked with a smile, "The current trend is for Hong Kong and Taiwanese singers to cover Korean songs."

"The day you sing well and get covered by Americans, your popularity will soar."

Amin nodded repeatedly. "Haven't you noticed that it's become commonplace for 20th Century Fox to remake Skyworth films in the movie industry?"

"It's alright, I'll behave well when I get home and won't let Brother Donkey suffer."

"Luckily, Sister Zhi and Sister Hong have no interest in the music industry, which is a good thing for me."

She's still under contract with PolyGram, so at worst, she can just hand over all the profits she earns to Brother Nan.

Vivian Chow then started complaining again, "I've got some juicy gossip to share. I heard that Lee Lai-ching wants to break her innocent image and change her acting style by going into erotic films."

"This is too much! That's the romance between Xiaoting and Xiaoting from (The Greed of Man)."

The premiere of "The Greed of Man" ended a long time ago, but it has started to be rebroadcast.

Have you heard of the infamous "Ting Hai Effect"? Adam Cheng's eccentric acting has truly astounded countless people.

Li Lizhen was only considered the third or fourth female lead, and she was a young actress who rose to fame during the Happy Ghost era.

Southern Jiangsu, "————

""

A new day begins, the Little New Year in the North.

Su Nan was looking at the scenery through the floor-to-ceiling windows of her large suite when she heard her mobile phone ringing.

After he answered the call, Hong Zhenbao's cheerful New Year's greetings came from the other end. After a few polite words, Old Hong said that he had also arrived in Shanghai.

Hong Baojia has almost finalized the purchase of the old mansion in Shanghai and the self-built villa in Shenzhen.

Shanghu Mansion is also on Yuyuan Road. I'd like to invite Brother Nan over for a chat, maybe some tea or a meal.

After agreeing over the phone, Su Nan hung up, feeling a bit emotional.

92年5月初老洪上供之前7个月的利润2300多万，他自己剩下1100多万人民币。

From May to December, over eight months, he contributed 26.8 million to the government and kept 13.2 million for himself.

With a total fortune of 2500 million, he could have easily bought a house to live in in 93, or even bought land in Shenzhen to build a villa.

Southern Jiangsu itself has a RMB surplus of 100 million in mainland China.

After all, with all the investments and constructions in The Matrix, China Film Group essentially paid for it as an investment (in the Matrix).

His personal investments include a 0.2% stake in Microsoft and a 0.5% stake in Oracle.

It's no longer all about using HSBC as a shell company for shareholding; he also held a number of shares in his own name during his long stay in the United States.

Microsoft's market value is 0.2% of $40 million.

Oracle is currently experiencing a post-apocalyptic surge, and Ellison's comeback in 92 brought the group's annual revenue to a staggering $11.79 billion.

Starting in 1993, the company focused all its efforts on becoming a giant with a market value of 10 billion.

This 0.5% would make it easier to snag a $50 million deal in 1993.

After reaching a scale of tens of billions of dollars, Oracle's growth rate was far slower than Microsoft's.

At this stage, let alone the fact that various blockbuster films in the US will give screenwriter Su Nan a share of the profits after the box office hits.

His joint venture with mainland China produced a hand-cranked emergency radio that sold over 92 units in the island nation in the second half of 30.

Each unit in southern Jiangsu earns a net profit of $10, which translates to over three million US dollars in revenue.

Jackie Chan's "Speed" dominated the Japanese market, and his free endorsement boosted sales.

Although filming a good movie and buying TV time slots also costs money, the investment is far less than the reward.

Because Jackie Chan endorsed the emergency radio, the total sales of the 92 model exceeded 50 units in East and Southeast Asia throughout the year.

The total net worth of Su Nan is roughly equivalent to over 100 million US dollars.

While he may not be considered a superstar, Brother Nan is a well-established and highly respected figure.

What Su Nan was even more concerned about was whether Hong Bao had accepted the money Luo Wei offered to start filming (One Slash to Overturn the City).

How to describe this movie with a considerable total investment? It was a big investment, but it only grossed HK$195 million in Hong Kong. The results were so bad that no one wanted to buy it in other countries either.

Luo Yonghao lost all his savings for his funeral.

After reflecting on his experience, Su Nan considered whether to continue investing, allowing Lao Hong to continue directing and acting in the Skyworth 8 Baoxiang 2 model.

With two movies (The Outlaws), Hung Po's image as a fat man who can fight has long been deeply ingrained in people's minds.

As the fat man gains weight and experiences a midlife crisis, he transforms into a simple-minded, taciturn character who can easily defeat any ruthless person with a single punch or slap.

This has the potential to become a signature IP masterpiece.

There are many good films in Hong Kong now, and many classics are in fierce competition.

However, if the first two installments of Hung's (The Outlaws) series are well-made, each grossing over HK$2000 million in Hong Kong, they still have the potential to reach HK$3000 million.

Despite the immense popularity of the Young and Dangerous series, the first two films only grossed 2100 million and 2200 million respectively at the box office.

At noon on the 15th, Su Nan brought Rosamund Kwan to the old mansion of Sanmao's family.

This place also underwent interior renovations after purchase and now includes a garden.

Old Hong, Gao Lihong, and their children were all there; it was a normal family gathering, a kind of housewarming dinner.

After exchanging pleasantries, Gao Lihong went to the kitchen to start cooking.

Su Nan and Lao Hong talked about the (Fire Rescue) series they planned to film after the New Year.

Including the planned investment in the first two installments of (The Outlaws).

The "Criminal City" project involves mainland fugitives and ruthless gangsters coming to Hong Kong Island to cause trouble, rather than just robbing someone and running away.

He wanted to seize territory and become a local tyrant, but his ruthlessness and cruelty made him seem too human.

This leads to the appearance of One-Punch Man, played by Hung Po. The action design of the (crime) series is actually not as exciting as the new-style close combat of (Raging Fire) series.

The crime series focuses more on the absolute power of mechanical deities, like a heavy-hitting boxer or a wrestler.

The point is to highlight how capable or powerful a villain may be in other areas.

If the protagonist is knocked down and crippled by a single punch, they'll be finished after a dozen or so rounds of sparring.

After giving a brief explanation, Su Nan laughed and said, "Brother Sanmao, your fighting skills are quite outstanding."

"Countless movie fans have long been certain that you can fight, but crime series mainly depict brute force overpowering all skills, and overwhelming violence."

"You're a bit short, but once you get the muscles in your arms to toughen up..."

"The more muscles you have on your arms, the more convincing your image of a super strongman becomes."

Hung Po was overjoyed. "Brother Nan, if this setup is done well, is there any hope that the Hong Kong Island box office will reach 2500 million?"

"Your reputation as a screenwriter is truly something to look forward to."

The crime and action series were designed and created by Brother Nan himself.

Or should we let Hung Po continue as an action star, which is his comfort zone and a way to bring him back to his peak?

Old Hong was so pleasantly surprised just from the concept description, which was entirely due to the reputation and influence of Brother Nan as a screenwriter since his debut, which made him trust him.

Is the action film genre returning to its peak? There's hope it can follow in the footsteps of Jackie Chan and Jet Li and break through to new heights.

Lo Wei's decision to bet his entire life savings on "One Slash to Overturn the City" is simply an attempt to revive a rising action star.

This is the approach that the Hong Kong film industry has been taking.

While drinking tea in southern Jiangsu, someone said, "The 2500 million is uncertain, but if you film and produce a good movie, breaking 2000 million shouldn't be difficult."

Old Hong nodded excitedly, "Then I'll go all out. It's just building muscle, no big deal."

Only about ten Hong Kong films gross over HK$2000 million in a year on Hong Kong Island.

Even though the previous two years' films (Kung Fu Hustle), (Unrivaled), and (Speed) successively broke new records of 50 to 60 million viewers.

That's because the flagship numbers look good, while the box office of other big-budget films released at the same time will actually be halved.

After his excitement, Lao Hong repeatedly stated that not only the Hong Family Stunt Team, but also Su Nan's (director of "Raging Fire Rescue") would fully cooperate.

Once he regains popularity and makes a comeback, he will also endorse emergency radios for free.

Following Brother Nan not only ensures you get to eat meat, but also provides a truly reliable and stable way to make money.

Since the start of his Moscow venture, Hong Bao has netted over 30 million RMB.

Baoxiang and Skyworth have made a fortune by repeatedly co-producing movies.

The HK$2000 million tuition fee paid back has long been recouped and a substantial profit has been made.

Old Hong lit another cigarette and chuckled, "Brother Nan, Skyworth, have you signed any new promising hackers?"

"Since the main villain in (The Outlaws) is so outstanding, we can also hand it over to Skyworth's newcomers."

"With a decent appearance and some acting skills, practicing action sequences is actually the easiest thing for me."

Su Nan laughed, "I found out there's a struggling singer named Richie Jen in Taiwan. He's got some talent and potential. Go and talk to him and see if you want to switch jobs and sign a full contract with Skyworth."

This actor, Richie Jen, who played Chu Liuxiang, sold 60,000 to 70,000 copies of his debut album in 1990.

But after 91, Rock Records held onto the other party's contract and never gave them the opportunity to release an album, including being on the contract termination list every year.

How should I put it? You can't really get Richie Jen to pull off a modern idol role.

But when it comes to playing villains, he can really pull it off very well on screen.

This is similar to Su Nan asking Hong Bao to find Jiao Enjun to switch jobs.

Of course, this doesn't mean Richie Jen will play the biggest villain; Skyworth has also signed Zhou Jie.

The wanted criminal who came in this version (Criminal Case 1) is not Zhang Qiandan. If you change his name and hand him over to Zhou Jie, there will be no problem.

Zhou Jie is currently a senior in college and originally planned to go to the drama theater after graduation.

He gained considerable fame after playing the role of "Sauce Explosion" in Kung Fu Hustle, which was accompanied by the distribution of videotapes.

When the hackers asked Skyworth to continue playing supporting roles, Skyworth extended an olive branch and the hackers signed a ten-year contract.

After all, Chen Hong and Xu Yajun have long been the best role models and benchmarks for countless mainland practitioners!

Gong Li, who has been promoted by Zhang Yimou many times, is still receiving a monthly salary.

Ah Hong's asking price for acting roles has been constantly rising, and she has no interest in taking on any outside offers.

The Chinese version of "Dynasty Warriors" has swept across East and Southeast Asia, and Ah Hong's international influence is growing.

It's common for Xu Yajun to earn around 10 yuan per film.

93 was a year of great change, with the traditional monthly salary model being transformed into a commercial exploration and development model.

There are many mainland professionals who want to sign with us, but Skyworth is slowly selecting them.

While the two were still talking, Rosamund Kwan came over with a mobile phone. "Brother Nan, this is John of the 20th Century on the phone."

"You were nominated for Best Screenplay at the Golden Globe Awards for the Miyazaki version of (Dynasty Warriors)."

Su Nan suddenly took the mobile phone and started chatting. John on the other end of the line had already arrived at the port.

I hope Su Nan can go to Hollywood with him to handle public relations and win awards. This is a traditional skill of major companies.

He went over to talk to him, and Lao Hong became even more excited.

This is a real contender for the Ballon d'Or, a prelude to the Oscars in March!

(Dynasty Warriors) is just a crime and police drama, right? Even people in southern Jiangsu can make it into something amazing. Old Hong's confidence in the planned (crime city) is even more inflated.

On Hong Kong Island, John, the foreigner, ended his call with Su Nan and instructed his driver to go to the film set of Jet Li's (Fong Sai-yuk).

As the car started moving, John lit a cigar. "This Sue is a bit clueless and doesn't know how to handle things."

"We had already agreed that we would handle the award campaign. It's one thing if he doesn't go to Cannes, but he's already been nominated for the Golden Globe. It's too lazy for him to go and do any PR."

The film and television industry is the same all over the world, especially the awards industry.

-

After winning the Best Actor award at Cannes, Robert was already aiming for this year's Oscar. The 20th century and Robert were always running together.

Giving a best screenwriter award to southern Jiangsu under the current circumstances isn't a big deal, but you still have to take the initiative.

John made a few complaints but didn't say anything more. He was just passing by to check out the situation of Jet Li, this kung fu newcomer.

Jackie Chan's film "Speed" became a huge hit, grossing $4850 million in the US and selling very well on videotapes.

During this period, the (Huang Feihong) video series also began to gain popularity in the United States.

In the 20th century, the sale and rental of videotapes of Kung Fu in southern Jiangsu was more profitable than box office revenue.

Since we're already here, John should definitely do as much as possible.

John was speechless when he arrived at the Golden Harvest headquarters and saw an old Russian man squatting by the roadside outside the Golden Harvest gate, drinking a little wine while carrying a long satchel.

This is like some homeless people on the streets of the United States, looking disheveled, and there is a large empty space around them.

There are many foreigners on Hong Kong Island, but they are not everywhere, let alone in this homeless manner.

John smiled as he passed by, casually tossing down a $10 bill, muttering a few words of disdain before heading onto the film set.

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