Chapter 107: A Major Move That Ignites the Entertainment Industry
"Director Li, thank you," Andy Lau said sincerely over the phone.
"You're welcome, Hua Ge. If you win an award, it won't be too late to thank me then," Director Li Chen said with a smile.
"Haha, either way, I have to thank you. I'm already very happy to be nominated."
"I haven't congratulated Hua Ge yet. I didn't expect Hua Ge to also be an investor in the other film that's exhibiting," Director Li Chen added.
After hanging up, Rongchen Film and Television and Andy Lau's Yingyi Entertainment jointly confirmed the authenticity of the news to the media.
Yang Siwei, representing Rongchen Film and Television, responded to the media.
"buried is a suspense thriller jointly produced by Chiyou Films and Yingyi Entertainment, with an investment of 2.6 million US dollars, starring Mr. Andy Lau without any remuneration."
This completely stunned the people in the industry.
When was it filmed? Such a small investment? Only one actor? Not even supporting roles? A one-man show?
If Andy Lau could win the Silver Bear for Best Actor again, then Director Li Chen would truly be extraordinary.
At the same time, Andy Lau also announced the details of buried through his blog and Yingyi Entertainment.
"When I met Director Li Chen in Hong Kong before, I told him that if there was a good script, I would work for free, and I didn't expect him to keep it in mind."
"During the Venice Film Festival, Director Li Chen called me and sent an invitation, which I gladly accepted."
"This film was shot in Hollywood for thirteen days, and I slept in a coffin for ten days. The experience was hard to describe."
"At the Premiere of 'A Chinese Tall Story,' I was not in good condition. When reporters asked, I explained that I had just crawled out of a coffin, which was actually just after finishing buried."
"Later, I also underwent half a month of psychological counseling."
"However, looking back now, everything was worth it. Thank you, Director Li Chen."
"I hope buried has the chance to be released in China. This film is really worth watching."
As soon as the blog post was published, people immediately left comments.
"My heart aches for Hua Ge. Now I have no complaints against Director Li Chen. When he filmed painted skin, he made me soak in cold water for half a day in February! But like Hua Ge said: everything is worth it. Congratulations."
"Congratulations, Hua Zai! Hua Zai's character and acting skills have always been what my husband and I admire most!"
"Congratulations!"
The media sought confirmation from various sources.
Finally, it was confirmed that buried indeed had only one actor from beginning to end, and that was Andy Lau.
And the most prominent prop was just a coffin.
This was simply too miraculous!
What was most jaw-dropping was that this film, which only took thirteen days to shoot and had only one actor, was actually nominated for the main competition unit of the Berlin Film Festival.
That could only mean that this film indeed had its outstanding qualities.
At the same time, in Hollywood.
The Hollywood Report and Variety, two major publications aimed at film industry professionals, also reported on Chiyou Films' buried.
"Boss, you're amazing! It only took thirteen days to shoot, thirteen days!"
"It actually made it into Berlin. Who doesn't know those guys in Berlin are the most stubborn, haha!"
Tim was laughing unrestrainedly on the phone.
This was because Chiyou Films had produced two works in total.
One horror film had an astonishing box office.
One suspense thriller was nominated for Berlin.
It was simply a huge GG effect.
He could already imagine that he would definitely become the focus of Hollywood in the coming week.
"Tim, stop flattering me. Tell me about the progress of the thieves."
"Okay, boss." Tim straightened his face and opened the budget plan for the thieves on his desk.
"Boss, Charlize Theron is indeed cheaper than Angelina Jolie, but not by much. You know, she's an Oscar-winning Best Actress after all."
"Stop talking nonsense. Tell me the final budget result."
"Okay, boss. Based on your estimated remuneration for Chinese actors, the final audited budget cost is 85 million US dollars."
Director Li Chen nodded secretly, which was similar to his estimate.
Charlize Theron's remuneration was undoubtedly the highest among the actors.
Even her food, drink, and accommodation had to be at the highest standard.
"Alright, then let's strike while the iron is hot, announce the project, and start casting."
"No problem, boss. I've been eager to do this. It's a good opportunity to use the casting of Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron to create hype and preheat our the thieves."
"Hmm, that's a good idea. I remember 'the da vinci code,' which is about to be released, seemed to have used a similar method," Director Li Chen said with a smile.
"Hahahaha, boss, is this what you Chinese call 'great minds think alike'? My inspiration indeed came from 'the da vinci code'!"
After hanging up, Tim felt that Director Li Chen giving six tenths of the share to divide the cake was a bit too much.
But he also understood that this was a relatively safe approach.
Risk-sharing, after all, this was Chiyou Films' first attempt at an A-list production.
After its release, the situation was hard to predict.
Moreover, this film did not have a male actor who could carry the box office in Hollywood to lead it, which added another layer of uncertainty.
Andy Lau's fans left messages online one after another.
"For the sake of our Hua Zai being nominated for Berlin, we won't argue with Director Li Chen! How dare he make Hua Zai sleep in a coffin! It's outrageous!"
"My heart aches for Hua Zai. No wonder he looked pale on the day of 'A Chinese Tall Story' Premiere! Director Li Chen is too ruthless!"
"That's right, it's ridiculous. I've never heard of having to sleep in a coffin for a coffin scene!"
"Also, zero remuneration? Does Director Li Chen have no shame? Is he obsessed with money?"
Seeing these, Andy Lau quickly spoke up to explain.
"Thank you all for your concern, but this is not Director Li Chen's fault. I did it voluntarily."
"On the contrary, I think Director Li Chen is right. If you don't personally experience the feeling of sleeping in a coffin, you can't portray that real sense of suffocation!"
"Also, the zero remuneration was my initiative. Director Li Chen disagreed, but I insisted on honoring my promise. Later, Director Li Chen proactively suggested co-producing with Yingyi Entertainment, also to compensate for my remuneration."
"So, I hope fans don't misunderstand. Moreover, Director Li Chen arranged for a psychological counselor from beginning to end, and the crew also bought insurance for me."
Andy Lau's confession cleared Director Li Chen's name.
Beijing Film Academy's official website also displayed a congratulatory headline.
"Congratulations to Director Li Chen, a senior student in our school's Director Department, for his film buried being nominated for the Berlin Film Festival! We look forward to Director Li Chen achieving new successes!"
At the same time, the box office of painted skin also broke through 250 million.
Surpassing "Hero"!
Becoming the box office champion in film history!
Major portal websites immediately put painted skin on their headlines.
"painted skin surpasses 'Hero' to become the box office champion in film history!"
"Director Li Chen's four films have a total box office exceeding 500 million, making him the first mainland director to surpass 500 million at the box office!"
A reporter immediately contacted Zhang Yimou.
Zhang Yimou had long since become a master of subtlety: "Congratulations, Director Li Chen. painted skin is good, keep up the good work!"
Congratulatory calls kept coming.
"Brother, we must hold a grand celebration for painted skin! Hahahaha!"
The first major production film independently distributed and promoted, surpassing "Hero" and breaking multiple records, how could Wang Changtian not be excited?
"Do it, it definitely has to be done, but let's wait until the release period is over. Also, we have to ask Han Dong's opinion, after all, there's still 'The Promise' there!"
"Hmm, my younger brother is still thoughtful. Han Dong must be having a tough time these past two days."
riding alone for thousands of miles and crazy stone were released on the same day, and "The Promise" also broke the 100 million box office mark on this day!
The comparison with painted skin was clear at a glance: painted skin broke 100 million in four days! While "The Promise" took a full eight days!
Furthermore, its daily box office had already dropped to just over ten million.
Today, Zhang Yimou's riding alone for thousands of miles came with a strong attack.
Industry insiders predicted that "The Promise"'s final box office would be around 150 million.
Director Li Chen brought investment consultant Zhang Qin to his meeting with Gu Yongkeng.
It later proved that Director Li Chen's concerns were indeed prescient.
It was fine for Gu Yongkeng to want to control the discourse of the newly established company.
But only giving Director Li Chen 18% of the shares, Director Li Chen could not accept this.
It turned out that Gu Yongkeng had not been idle for the past six months.
He had already raised a portion of the start-up capital through search.
This thwarted Director Li Chen's previous plans, and Director Li Chen had also underestimated Gu Yongkeng.
Thinking about it, it made sense. How could such a person allow a single shareholder to dominate, no matter how rich Director Li Chen was?
After several days of negotiation, Zhang Qin finally secured 35% of the shares for him.
There were also two additional conditions.
The first was that Rongchen Film and Television would have priority in subsequent financing, and the 35% equity would not be diluted in subsequent financing.
The second was that if the company were to be sold, it would require over 70% of the votes.
Gu Yongkeng agreed to both of these points. He couldn't understand why Director Li Chen would propose the second condition.
Would he sell the company he founded himself?
"President Gu, happy cooperation." After signing the contract, Director Li Chen extended his hand with a smile.
"Happy cooperation, Director Li Chen."
Both of them got what they wanted.
Gu Yongkeng probably never imagined.
In the future copyright money-burning war, facing the strong financial support of Tencent Video and Baidu iQiyi.
Besides leaning on Rongchen Film and Television, the copyright king, he would only be slowly devoured by another giant.
The former only wanted more equity and did not care about the company's dominant power.
While the latter wanted Youku to belong to Alibaba forever!
On the first day of its release, riding alone for thousands of miles didn't do well at the box office, but its reputation exploded.
Ninety percent of the audience who saw it praised it, which was a stark contrast to the collapsed reputation of The Promise.
Even what Zhang Yimou said in an interview slapped the other The Golden Palm director in the face.
"I would never dare to call myself a symbol. Don't take yourself too seriously. It's enough to just silently contribute to film!"
"Actually, I'm like a carpenter, or rather, what I do is no different from a carpenter's work."
"It's better to be down-to-earth in life and work; this will help produce better films."
Zhang Yimou is indeed Zhang Yimou; only he could say such things.
If it were someone else, even Li Chen, they would probably be immediately bombarded by the other The Golden Palm director.
Industry insiders, netizens, and movie fans all praised Zhang Yimou.
"Zhang Yimou is still Zhang Yimou; he didn't disappoint everyone!"
"Making people cry and laugh, that's what a good movie is."
Out of respect for Zhang Yimou's humility, Li Chen and Miss Liu also went to contribute to the box office of riding alone for thousands of miles.
The scene of children chasing a car, blowing whistles, brought tears to Miss Liu's eyes.
After leaving the cinema, they got into the car.
Miss Liu, sitting in the passenger seat, still had red eyes and mumbled softly, "I wish I could be in Director Zhang's film someday."
Li Chen was truly speechless; this scene felt a bit familiar.
"Xixi, you really don't take Director Li seriously!"
"You're talking about being in Director Zhang's film right in front of Director Li! How should I punish you?"
Miss Liu gave a mischievous smile: "Whatever you want, as long as I can be in Director Zhang's film, punish me however you like!"
Li Chen really wasn't sure about that, unless he gave Zhang Dapao money or somehow brought Zhang Yimou under his wing one day!
Li Chen changed the subject, saying, "You watched mr. and mrs. smith and envied Angelina Jolie. You watched riding alone for thousands of miles and now you want to be in Director Zhang's film!"
"Next time, I won't dare to watch movies with you. If we watch, it'll only be Director Li's films!"
Miss Liu laughed happily: "If you don't go with me, I'll find someone else!"
riding alone for thousands of miles won on reputation but lost at the box office.
This seemed to be a common theme for Zhang Yimou in recent years.
Either it sold well but wasn't praised, or it was praised but didn't sell well!
On its opening day, the box office was only a little over a million, ranking second to last among the five New Year Film Season films, just slightly higher than perhaps love.
crazy stone even made 2 million.
Zhang Yimou, of course, didn't care, but Zhang Yimou's partner was fuming!
They had already spent 20 million on the Premiere, and although today was only Thursday, at this rate, they would probably lose a lot of money!
Seeing painted skin and The Promise raking in money like crazy, Zhang Dapao was incredibly heartbroken!
He shouldn't have listened to his buddies back then and dabbled in art films; money, money was the most practical thing!
After Christmas, The Promise topped the box office for the weekend, raking in nearly 30 million.
Its total box office reached 130 million, but painted skin had already surpassed 275 million, which was a blatant slap in the face!
Although The Promise still had almost another half a month in its run.
However, the industry generally had a pessimistic view of The Promise.
In his study, Chen Kaige's face was ashen. riding alone for thousands of miles gained critical acclaim, and painted skin took the box office.
Meanwhile, he, a man nearing sixty, had poured countless efforts into The Promise, promoting it tirelessly with his entire family, only to end up with nothing!
Harvey Weinstein, the North American distributor for The Promise, suddenly dropped out at this critical moment.
"You find someone else to distribute it! We're not doing it anymore!"
This was an immense humiliation.
Chen Hong also fell silent; The Promise had dealt too great a blow to the couple, especially to her husband. Nothing she said now would help.
The couple's only hope was the Oscar, and they both rushed to Los Angeles to make a final push for the upcoming screening of The Promise!
News at the end of the year was always exciting.
The five New Year Film Season blockbusters competed fiercely, and painted skin had undeniably claimed the throne.
The next morning, Sina republished a report from the Hollywood Los Angeles Times and New York Times.
It instantly ignited the entertainment industry at the end of the year.
"Chiyou Films might have a big move!"
"It is reported that Chiyou Films, which has been immensely successful in Hollywood recently, will invest 85 million US dollars to produce its first Sino-American co-production, the thieves!"
"Currently, two female leads have been confirmed: one is Oscar Best Actress Charlize Theron, and the other is Italian legendary actress Monica Bellucci!"
"Rumor has it that Charlize Theron edged out Angelina Jolie to become the Hollywood actress in this Sino-American co-production!"
"According to insiders, the thieves's script is based on an original script by Chinese The Golden Palm director Li Chen, and the casting for the remaining eight roles will be conducted simultaneously in both countries soon."
The industry and online communities immediately erupted!
Media and reporters called Rongchen Film and Television to inquire about information regarding the thieves.
Hollywood's script confidentiality was very strict; only signed actors and producers could access the script.
Li Chen, Yang Siwei, and Wu Bin were all currently receiving a barrage of phone calls.
Angelina Jolie suffered a silent loss; she couldn't jump out and explain Chiyou Films' actions. She had already been secretly arranged by Pitt to await childbirth.
Inside Huayi Brothers building.
"Aren't you and Yang Siwei quite close? Go quickly and inquire about the roles."
"I'll call now, Big Boss Wang!"
Wang Zhonglei came to his brother's office.
"Brother, I didn't expect Li Chen to play such a big game, and he even got ahead of us!"
"Yes, this young man's ambition is truly impressive! Go and inquire if we can invest!"
"No problem, Brother, that's what I was thinking too. We really need a project like this to showcase our strength right now!"
At the same time, Wang Jinghua also called Yang Siwei.
"Siwei, I won't be polite with you, Sister. Tell me honestly, how many roles are there, and how many are already decided?"
"Sister Hua, you've hit the nail on the head. I won't hide it from you; there are no pre-determined roles. There are indeed many suitable actors among your artists, but my boss will make the final decision."
Yang Siwei could only say so much.
Pre-determined? Of course there were, the boss's wife was pre-determined!
But how could she tell Wang Jinghua, even for the final casting, the boss's wife would still go through the motions.
"Alright, with your words, Sister feels relieved. Give me a heads-up when the auditions are, and come shopping with Sister sometimes. Don't be busy all day long."
"Haha, no problem, Sister Hua!"
Li Chen's office also had a visitor, Ye Ning, the Vice President of Wanda Cinema Line.
"Director Li, I'm Ye Ning. I've long wanted to meet Director Li, and today my wish is fulfilled," Ye Ning said with a gentle smile.
"President Ye, you're too kind. President Bao has already told me. We still have to thank you for your support for father's love is like a mountain."
"Director Li, you're too modest; these are all minor matters."
"I understand President Ye's intention. How about this, we'll give Wanda 15% of the share?"
"Haha, we'll do as Director Li says. Next time there's such a project, just don't forget Wanda, Director Li."
After seeing off Ye Ning, Li Chen received calls from Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, and Wang Changtian in succession.
Finally, it was decided that China Film Group Corporation would take 25%, Shanghai Film Group and Wanda 15% each, and Enlight Media 5%.
Li Chen asked Yang Siwei to contact China Film Group Corporation, Shanghai Film Group, and Enlight Media to come to the company to sign contracts.
Wu Bin brought the TV series copyrights purchased this year for Li Chen to sign.
Li Chen frowned for a long time, the fees seemed a bit unusual.
Especially for the series bright sword, Chinese Paladin, and hanwu the great.
Wu Bin also knew he couldn't hide it from Li Chen and said with a wry smile, "Director Li, these few series had competing bids, so the fees are relatively higher."
Li Chen was even more surprised. Who had such foresight?
And also saw the importance of copyrights in future competition?
Could there be other transmigrators?
"No wonder. Who are we competing with?"
"A video website company called LeEco."
"LeEco? Jia Yueting?" Li Chen exclaimed.
"Yes, the legal person seems to be surnamed Jia. Does Director Li know him?"
Wu Bin was a bit dismissive, thinking it was a small company, yet Li Chen actually knew about it.
Know him, I know him too well! Li Chen thought to himself.
The number one 'pie-in-the-sky' king in China, a remarkable person who could even fool Big Boss Wang and Old Xu into going in circles.
How could Li Chen not know him?
As the saying goes: Listen to Jia's words, and work ten more years!
Isn't that who they're talking about!
"Whether I know him or not isn't important. Since that's the case, don't worry about the money; continue to buy and don't stop."
"Don't limit ourselves to the mainland and Hong Kong; Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and America are all our targets."
Wu Bin didn't understand many of Li Chen's decisions.
He didn't know the purpose of the company buying so many copyrights; with so many pirated copies online, why buy legitimate ones?
"Don't worry, Director Li, I know what to do."
"Besides the previous collaborations with TVB and Asia Television (ATV), I've also established partnerships with Hairun Media, Zhouyi, and Tangren Media in the mainland."
"In terms of capital and reputation, LeEco is not even close."