Chapter 147: San Ye, Please Rest!
Wu Bin dismissed Li Weida, and as per Li Chen's instructions, contacted Tim to investigate what kind of trick Li Weida was playing.
In China Film Group Corporation Han Sanping's office, although Han Sanping no longer intended to keep them in suspense.
However, when leaders speak, they never go straight to the point.
“Let me ask you, among Chinese actors, who is the most famous in Hollywood?” Han Sanping asked leisurely.
Li Chen was certain it was the Double J project of Jackie Chan and Jet Li.
He just hadn't expected that the Double J project would have such a turn, being rejected by both Shanghai Film Group and China Film Group Corporation.
No wonder it eventually fell to Huayi Brothers.
“Does that even need to be said? Jackie Chan and Jet Li, of course. So, these two are finally going to fulfill their lifelong wish?” Li Chen said with a chuckle.
Han Sanping glared at Li Chen in annoyance: “Why does everything that comes out of your mouth sound different!”
Although Han Sanping said this, he admired Li Chen even more in his heart.
Hearing that these two were the leads, he showed no emotional fluctuation.
He then thought of Li Chen's bold statement just now: setting a release date without picking a specific slot.
Although he spoke Domineering ly, Han Sanping knew exactly what he was thinking.
Who doesn't know that the release dates for foreign films are decided by China Film Group Corporation? This was a test for him!
“It's not just a lifelong wish; these two have been hinting at collaborating since 2001, and it's been almost five years now.”
“If they don't collaborate soon, can these two still fight?”
Han Sanping nodded: “That's true, but although Old Ren and I didn't invest, you can invest a little.”
Li Chen smiled: “Let's not talk about that for now, Han Dong. I'm very curious why you and Shanghai Film Group didn't invest?”
Han Sanping sneered: “A man of integrity does not eat food given with contempt. The other party's conditions were too arrogant.”
“Firstly, domestic investors can only participate in the box office split for the Greater China region.”
“What Old Ren and I found most unacceptable was that we had to deposit the full amount of funds into an escrow account in advance. Damn it! What do they take us for, fat sheep?”
Li Chen was speechless for a moment, shaking his head: “Han Dong, so you're telling me to be that fat sheep!”
“With just that much box office in the Greater China region, even with Jackie Chan and Jet Li!”
“How much money can I get from the split? Am I supposed to lose money for the sake of reputation?”
Han Sanping laughed heartily: “Although you won't make much money, and might even lose some, your company does have signed artists.”
“If you want to promote someone, getting a role shouldn't be a problem.”
Li Chen nodded secretly; that was indeed true.
Wasn't the White-Haired Witch a request made by Wang Zhonglei?
Originally, the role of the White-Haired Witch was male, but it was forcibly changed to female.
However, thinking of the kiss scene and the film's poor reputation in China, Li Chen still rejected it in his heart.
Hollywood producers are much more overbearing than domestic directors; trying to revise the script is wishful thinking.
This time, their approach to China Film Group Corporation and Shanghai Film Group was merely an objective requirement of the Hollywood film model.
They have long sought to finance their films through bank loans.
Banks want to know about the film's advance sales.
For regions where advance sales are not possible, they will also independently assess the risks and issue loans.
That's why they absolutely needed a domestic investor, and China Film Group Corporation and Shanghai Film Group were naturally the first choice.
Having been rejected by both, they then set their sights on Rongchen Film and Television. It's estimated that if Li Chen also rejected them,
Then it would most likely be the turn of the big and small Wangs.
Li Chen understood everything in an instant.
“Forget it, Han Dong, thank you for the heads-up. If you and Shanghai Film Group aren't willing to be fat sheep, I'm not going to lose face either.”
“Without them, my artists will still go global sooner or later.”
Han Sanping smiled and nodded, his eyes full of admiration.
“Alright, if you don't invest, then you don't. There's one more thing, don't say I don't look out for you.”
Li Chen laughed heartily: “Han Dong, please truly look out for me just this once. Every time you've looked out for me, what kind of projects were they?”
“Things like ‘red cliff,’ and ‘fat sheep’!”
Han Sanping was amused by Li Chen: “Does ‘dream of the red chamber’ count as looking out for you?”
“dream of the red chamber?”
Han Sanping nodded: “The new ‘dream of the red chamber’ will begin national casting in late August. Have your company's new talents and Yifei all come.”
“As the chief producer, my word still counts! While Baochai or Daiyu might not be certain, securing one or two roles among the Twelve Beauties shouldn't be a problem.”
Li Chen was numb! Old Han truly meant well but never did anything good!
Li Chen really wanted to say: San Ye, please rest!
A “dream of the red chamber” that was filmed as “Dream of the Brothel” makes him shudder just thinking about it.
The initially appointed director, Hu Mei, resigned precisely because of huge disagreements with the producers over casting.
Although he was full of complaints in his heart, he couldn't slap Old Han's face.
Li Chen's expression remained unchanged as he nodded and said: “Thank you, Han Dong. I'll go back and see. I can't possibly send everyone over; that would make things difficult for you.”
Han Sanping smiled: “You, young man, actually know how to be considerate of others?”
Li Chen didn't take his bait and continued: “Let's not talk about that, Han Dong. Do you still remember the project related to the Olympics that I mentioned at the Premiere last time?”
Han Sanping immediately became interested: “Of course I remember. Is it going to be approved?”
Li Chen was noncommittal: “The script hasn't even been written yet, so how can it be approved?”
“My intention is that we can start operating now, and officially announce the project on August 8th.”
Han Sanping was very satisfied: “Good idea. August 8th is the two-year countdown to the Olympics, and it is indeed a good time to announce the project.”
Han Sanping and Li Chen's thoughts coincided.
“So now, Han Dong, I need your help. Obtain approval from the relevant departments within a week. I need to collect materials to create the script.”
Han Sanping nodded decisively: “That's not a problem. I already hinted to the Olympic Organizing Committee people at the International Sports Film Week two days ago.”
“They are very supportive and even complained that you, young man, didn't show up at the Film Week.”
“By the way, what specific sport is it?”
Li Chen smiled mysteriously: “Archery!”
Han Sanping was taken aback, pondering for a moment. It seemed that archery had never won a gold medal at the Olympics.
After leaving China Film Group Corporation, Li Chen called Yang Siwei, explained the situation, and then returned directly to his villa.
The next day, Sina Entertainment.
“Rongchen Film and Television's four films, ‘ip man,’ ‘father's love is like a mountain 2,’ ‘china partner,’ and ‘painted skin 2,’ as well as ‘so young,’ co-produced with Yingyi Entertainment, announced their release dates today.”
As soon as the news was released, it caused a huge uproar.
Because the release dates under the title were truly bloody.
‘father's love is like a mountain 2’ is scheduled for September 29th.
‘so young’ is scheduled for November 24th.
‘ip man’ is scheduled for January 12th, 2007.
‘china partner’ is scheduled for February 18th, 2007.
‘painted skin 2’ is scheduled for June 15th, 2007.
Everyone knew that Huayi Brothers' ‘the banquet,’ ‘rob-b-hood,’ and ‘battle of wits’ were scheduled for September 14th, September 28th, and November 23rd, respectively.
Yet, Rongchen Film and Television's ‘father's love is like a mountain 2’ and ‘so young’ were also scheduled for September 29th and November 24th.
It was as if they completely disregarded Huayi Brothers.
‘father's love is like a mountain 2’ had initially announced an estimated release date in 2007 when it was approved.
Now, it was suddenly changed to this year, and placed in such a special slot where Huayi Brothers' films were clustered.
It was truly hard not to make people think otherwise.
‘curse of the golden flower’ is scheduled for December 14th, and it is even sandwiched between ‘battle of wits,’ ‘so young,’ and ‘ip man.’
A battle of the gods!
The netizens were so excited they forgot themselves, shouting with delight.
“Holy cow, Li Chen is so effing tough! This is a king's arrival!”
“The two Wangs and Zhang Weiping should be greeting Li Chen's family!”
“It's over! Li Chen is giving no one a chance to live! This year's New Year Film Season is going to be lively, and there's also ‘confession of pain,’ which is truly hurt now!”
“I suspect Xiao Li Zi is doing this on purpose! Will ‘confession of pain’ change its schedule?”
Compared to netizens who enjoy watching the excitement without fear of trouble,
The artists of Rongchen Film and Television were all bewildered.
“My ‘so young’ is going to compete with Hua Ge and Fan Bingbing's ‘battle of wits.’ Why do I feel a little nervous!”
“Xiang Zuo said that ‘genius gunner’ is also scheduled for October 27th, supposedly to coincide with Asia's exam times.”
“The decisions of the higher-ups are not something we artists can understand. Sister is suffering!” Sister is also the lead actress in “the banquet”!
“It's okay, Sister Xun, Mi Mi, and Tangtang, I definitely won't go to see ‘the banquet’ and ‘battle of wits’!”
“Get lost, Xiao Zhu! With the few coins in your pocket, even if you sell everything, it won't affect the box office!”
The QQ group was buzzing with activity, until Yang Siwei finally spoke up.
“You all need to understand, the boss has his reasons for doing this! If the media asks, just play dumb and say you don't know.”
Inside Huayi Brothers' headquarters building.
Wang Zhonglei, one of the parties involved, was so angry that his face was as dark as the Mariana Trench.
Xiao Gang Pao's face was also dark, and he cursed even more: “What kind of thing is he? He doesn't understand any rules!”
“He really thinks he's the mainland's Spielberg! A snobbish fellow!”
Xiao Gang Pao's lips trembled from cursing.
But the more he cursed, the more he couldn't hide his inner insecurity.
Although he was unwilling to admit it, the fact was that in just a few short years, Li Chen was no longer the newcomer who could still give him some face at the Premiere of “a world without thieves.”
Now, he doesn't even give Wang Zhonglei face, so what is Feng Xiaogang in his eyes!
Wang Zhonglei suppressed his anger, ignored the outwardly fierce but inwardly timid Xiao Gang Pao, and picked up the phone to call Andy Lau.
Andy Lau saw the incoming call and smiled bitterly. He really didn't want to answer, but he couldn't not.
“Hua Zai, what does Li Chen mean? You're the producer and co-producer of ‘so young’? Are you just going to watch?”
Andy Lau sighed: “Don't tell me this. Li Chen is the biggest investor in ‘so young.’ If he wants to set the release date, let alone me, even Xiang Sheng has nothing to say.”
Wang Zhonglei hung up the phone, and Xiao Gang Pao continued to chatter: “Who's afraid of him! I don't believe ‘the banquet’ will lose to his ‘father's love is like a mountain 2’!”
Wang Zhonglei finally couldn't help it: “Can you just shut up for a bit! Didn't you see the box office for the first movie?”
Xiao Gang Pao choked, wanting to retort, but for a moment, he had nothing to say.
Xiao Gang Pao would only curse, but Zhang Dapao couldn't stand it anymore.
He called Han Sanping directly.
As a result, the two didn't see eye to eye, and after a few words, Han Sanping hung up on him.
Han Sanping, who had hung up the phone, looked displeased: “What a guy, Li Chen should teach him a lesson!”
At this moment, Han Sanping was particularly looking forward to the arrival of the New Year Film Season.
Fan Bingbing was already very familiar with Li Chen, and as soon as the news was announced, she called Li Chen directly.
On the phone, Fan Bingbing said enthusiastically: “Chen Ge, Hua Ge and I are both lead actors in ‘battle of wits.’ You put your ‘so young’ and ‘battle of wits’ together, are you not going to let people live?”
Li Chen held his phone, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, and said nonchalantly: “Xiao Fan, get one thing straight, you're with Huayi Brothers, not with my Rongchen Film and Television.”
“Your survival is something your CEO should consider!”
Fan Bingbing shook her head and chuckled sweetly: “Chen Ge, you're really heartless. You just finished filming and you don't recognize people anymore!”
Li Chen laughed heartily: “I run a company, not a charity. If I talk about feelings with you, your boss would wake up laughing in the middle of the night!”
Fan Bingbing couldn't help but laugh out loud: “Chen Ge is Chen Ge, alright. Chen Ge doesn't talk about feelings with me, but I will still fulfill my obligations. When ‘father's love is like a mountain 2’ is promoted, I know what to do.”
The media were like green-headed flies drawn to dung.
One by one, they buzzed and gathered downstairs at New Pictures, Huayi Brothers, and Rongchen Film and Television.
A reporter connected with Zhang Dapao, and Zhang Dapao's answer was quite interesting.
“Which release date to choose is decided by the producer and distributor themselves. China Film Group Corporation is indeed fair and just!”
Netizens were amused.
“Is Zhang Weiping implying that Han Sanping is not doing his job?”
“Is this an implication? Did your Chinese teacher teach physical education? It's stated so clearly, and you still don't understand!”
Han Sanping saw it, but merely smiled and ignored Zhang Dapao.
Wang Zhonglei also smiled and replied to the media.
“There has never been a conflict between us and Rongchen Film and Television. In fact, Hua Zai told me early on that the release date for ‘father's love is like a mountain 2’ might be during the National Day slot.”
“Hua Zai, Director Li, and I are all friends. ‘the banquet,’ ‘rob-b-hood,’ and ‘father's love is like a mountain 2’ do not conflict; the three films are not of the same genre.”
Li Chen was also amused by Wang Zhonglei's reply; it was indeed very Wang Zhonglei.
Yang Siwei also responded to the media on behalf of Rongchen Film and Television.
“Starting this year, all films approved by Rongchen Film and Television will announce their release dates in advance, and there will be no talk of conflict.”
“Doing so is also for the prosperity of the mainland film market, allowing moviegoers more choices.”
“Furthermore, starting this year, Rongchen Film and Television will make it a practice to schedule two films for release during the New Year Film Season every year.”
“In the eyes of Rongchen Film and Television, there are no opponents, and we will not target anyone.”
Yang Siwei's response to the media immediately ignited the enthusiasm of netizens.
“I only remember four words: No Opponents! This is the kind of pattern only a master seeking defeat would have!”
“I think these four words are very apt! In terms of output, box office, and reputation, is there anyone in China who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Rongchen Film and Television?”
“Zhang Yimou might be able to compete in box office, but in terms of output, Zhang Yimou alone cannot sustain it! And his reputation is even overshadowed by Li Chen.”
“Things are changing! Before a king is crowned, there is always a storm. I am increasingly looking forward to this year's New Year Film Season.”