The entertainment empire began with Liu Yifei's premarital pregnancy.

"Money..."

Lin Bufan leaned back on the sofa with his eyes closed.

Before coming to Los Angeles, Lin Bufan thought he could finalize these projects.

However, it now appears that the gap is exceptionally large.

The four films had a total budget of nearly $4 million.

4 million US dollars is roughly equivalent to 35 billion RMB. Lin Bufan has only received less than 2 million RMB in the past six months from signing in.

Kung Fu Panda had already spent ten million US dollars in pre-production, and Lin Bufan was preparing the remaining money for public relations for the Oscars.

"It seems that 'Night at the Museum' and 'I Am Legend' will have to be postponed for a while."

As for "Taken" and "Final Destination," their budgets are not high, totaling less than 50 million US dollars. The pre-production preparations for the films can be completed now, and filming can begin around the time "Lurking" is released.

……

[Unveiling the Rising Star of Mainland Commercial Directors—Lin Bufan]

Since its release, "Love is Not Blind" has garnered much attention, with its box office exceeding ten million yuan on its opening day.

After the first day's box office results were released, everyone was looking forward to it, especially since the second day's box office directly broke the single-day box office record set by "The Promise".

Moreover, on the third day of its release, the box office of "Love is Not Blind" reversed its decline again, with the daily box office exceeding 3200 million yuan. Then, on the fourth day, the box office dropped slightly, reaching 3100 million yuan.

After four days, "Love is Not Blind" grossed over 4 million yuan, reaching a total box office of 1.02 million yuan.

Everyone knew that "Love is Not Blind" was bound to surpass 100 million views, but what was unexpected was how quickly it did so, reaching 100 million views in just 3 days.

"The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Zhang Yimou looked at the news in the newspaper and sighed.

He started paying attention to Lin Bufan after watching "Manchester by the Sea," and he never expected that Lin could not only make award-winning art films, but also be so good at commercial films.

"Big brother, should we try to make contact with this Lin Bufan?"

In the Huayi Brothers office, Wang Zhonglei looked at his elder brother, Wang Zhongjun.

"It would be good to get to know each other."

Wang Zhongjun nodded and looked at Wang Zhonglei: "However, when sending someone to contact him, you must be careful to be tactful, understand?"

"Don't worry, brother, I understand."

Wang Zhonglei nodded.

He's not stupid. Lin Bufan isn't a fledgling director anymore; he's a commercially successful director whose films have grossed over 100 million yuan. Plus, he's even founded his own company.

It's best to cooperate with this kind of person if possible, but even if cooperation isn't possible, try to avoid conflict with them as much as possible.

"It's good that you understand."

Wang Zhongjun felt relieved after hearing what Wang Zhonglei said.

Since Wang Jinghua took most of Huayi Brothers' artists to Orange Sky Entertainment last year, it has been a major blow to Huayi Brothers. If they can cooperate with Kyoto Animation, it will be very beneficial for Huayi Brothers.

"I've heard that Lin Bufan is quite the womanizer. With so many female artists in the company, bring a few along," Wang Zhongjun said to Wang Zhonglei.

Manchester by the Sea was only nominated for a Golden Globe and did not win, but it did bring Lin Bufan into the public eye.

However, the film "Love is Not Blind" completely solidified Lin Bufan's status as a top commercial director in China.

Not only Huayi Brothers, but several other entertainment companies are also trying to contact Lin Bufan, but he is in Los Angeles.

……

"Sister Hong!"

"Director Chen!"

Outside Los Angeles Airport, Lin Bufan, accompanied by Bai Bing, personally came to pick up Chen Hong and Chen Kaige, a married couple.

"Director Lin!"

Chen Hong looked at Lin Bufan with a radiant smile.

"Brother Lin, whether this succeeds or fails, I owe you a favor." Chen Kaige looked at Lin Bufan with some excitement.

For domestic directors, being able to direct a Hollywood film is a symbol of status.

"Brother Chen, get in the car first and we'll talk later."

Lin Bufan said with a smile, glancing at Chen Hong with a subtle look in his eyes.

He noticed that after his care that night, Chen Hong looked much better in terms of complexion and skin.

It turns out that women need nourishment. As Chen Kaige got older and his health deteriorated, he naturally didn't have as much energy.

Even a beauty like Chen Hong, without nourishment, gradually withers away.

Unfortunately, Chen Hong was also secretly glancing at Lin Bufan at the same time, and their eyes met.

"Let's go to the company first. I've already recommended Director Chen to Extraordinary Pictures."

In the car, Lin Bufan looked at Chen Kaige.

"Brother Lin, enough said. If you ever need my help in the future, just let me know."

Since learning the news, Chen Kaige has been unable to calm his emotions.

The failure of "The Promise" has put Chen Kaige in a slump, and he urgently needs to prove himself again, so he absolutely cannot miss this opportunity.

Soon, the car stopped in front of the building.

Lin Bufan led Chen Kaige and Chen Hong into Extraordinary Pictures.

"Mr. Carter, this is the director Chen Kaige that I recommended to you."

Upon entering the office, Lin Bufan looked at Carter.

"Please have a seat!"

Carter nodded slightly to Lin Bufan, then looked at Chen Kaige: "Director Chen, Extraordinary Pictures is preparing a film with an investment of over 100 million US dollars, and Lin recommended you to me as the director..."

As previously agreed, Carter briefly explained the situation to Chen Kaige.

Hundreds of millions of US dollars?

Upon hearing this, Chen Kaige and Chen Hong's eyes widened immediately.

Before they came, they had considered that the investment would only be around ten or twenty million US dollars, but they never expected that the investment would be over one hundred million US dollars.

A film with an investment of over 100 million US dollars is a top-tier production even in Hollywood.

"We highly recognize Director Chen's professionalism and abilities."

Carter looked at Chen Kaige: "As long as Director Chen can agree to our conditions, you will be the director of this 'Night at the Museum'."

"What are the conditions?"

Chen Kaige could not hide his excitement.

"The condition is that Director Chen needs to shoot according to the storyboard, and the editing rights belong to Extraordinary Pictures."

In other words, Chen Kaige was just a tool; the storyboard had already been finalized, and all he needed to do was film it.

"Okay, I agree."

Chen Kaige's expression changed several times before he finally nodded in agreement.

If this were in China, he would absolutely not agree to these conditions. Not even having the right to edit, and having to shoot according to the storyboard, would be too damaging to the reputation of a great director.

But this is Hollywood, and he's heard that Hollywood is producer-centric, not director-centric.

"In that case, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."

Carter smiled and quickly arranged for the contract to be prepared and signed on the spot. As for Chen Kaige's director fee, it was only a pitiful one million US dollars.