China Entertainment's whatever you want

Chapter 779 Three Invitations
[Changjin Lake] is a typical mission film. The real producer is the National Film Administration, and the project was approved as early as the end of 2019.

Originally, Bona had not planned to make a blockbuster film, but the crew had various things going on during the preparation stage.

First, the epidemic hit, and the team that was originally building the exterior scenes was forced to stop working. Then, the original director, Andrew Lau, was temporarily transferred to the "Chinese Doctor" crew.

Without the director, the preparation of the film came to a standstill.

But a lot of the money invested upfront has already been spent.

Yu Dong communicated with the Film Bureau and told them about his difficulties. They decided to make it into a mega production to rival "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth".

Then China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group and August First Film Studio joined in one after another and became one of the producers second only to Bona.

It is not just talk to make "Changjin Lake" a super production.

Bona’s professionals have calculated that in order to achieve the ideal effect, it would require the cooperation of thousands of staff members, the mobilization of tens of thousands of extras, and a huge number of props such as various military uniforms, guns, airplanes and tanks.

The initial shooting would require at least 1 billion dollars to complete.

Even Bona is now very cautious about this level of investment.

Yu Dong hesitated again and again, and felt that only by asking Gu Wei and Wu Jing to work together could he ensure that the film would not lose money.

He knew that Gu Wei had been busy with filming, so he went to find Wu Jing first. Everyone in the circle knew about their relationship. If Wu Jing accepted the job, it would be easier to persuade Gu Wei.

When he found Wu Jing, he had just finished leg surgery and was recovering.

Wu Jing's legs have always been injured. Action actors like him work very hard while filming and are often plagued by injuries.

My leg injury was sustained while filming Wolf Warrior 1 and it has never fully healed. It was even more serious when I was filming Wolf Warrior 2 with Gu Wei. After finishing the movie, I went to film The Climbers before my injury was fully healed.

When Yu Dong approached him, Wu Jing didn't want to take the role at first, but after reading the script, he became interested.

Wu Jing has always had no resistance to playing the role of a soldier, and the script of "Changjin Lake" was particularly well written. Through the brutal war, it highlighted the iron will and heroic fighting spirit of our volunteer army.

Yu Dong saw that Wu Jing was wavering, so he struck while the iron was hot and promised to wait until his leg injury healed before starting the filming. He also promised him a portion of the investment share, and only then did Wu Jing agree.

".I have already reserved a seat for the evening. Mr. Gu, please come and have my presence.
See you that night."

In the office, Yu Dong just hung up the phone call to Gu Wei.

After sending the script to Gu Wei, he contacted him twice. He could feel from Gu Wei's words that he was also a little moved, so he decided to make another effort.

Although Wu Jing has agreed to perform, it is not safe for him alone.

"Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth" put Wu Jing on the altar, but last year's "The Climbers" caused his reputation to drop a lot.

Although the box office appeal is still strong, without Gu Weihou, his cooperation with others cannot satisfy the audience.

[Changjin Lake] should essentially be considered an ensemble drama, but only with the participation of Gu Wei and Wu Jing, Yu Dong could be completely relieved and no longer have to worry about the future box office being unsatisfactory.

"Boss, the Film Bureau has sent a letter stating that domestic cinemas will be reopened around the end of next month. Should we consider releasing the films that our company has in the backlog in the second half of the year?"

In the company's small conference room, Gu Wei and a group of senior executives were having a meeting.

Since the beginning of the year, domestic cinemas have been shut down. Without screening channels, the finished films have to be shelved.

[Wei Ming Tian Xia] currently has 3 completed films waiting to be released, [Detective Chinatown 3], [Life Events] and [Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils].

"[Detective Chinatown 3] definitely cannot be shown. Given the appeal of this movie, it can only maximize profits if it is released during the Spring Festival.

If cinemas can remain open in the second half of the year, I plan to release Detective Chinatown 3 during the Spring Festival next year."

Gu Wei first decided on the most important project in the company.

"Detective Chinatown 3" is the only comedy among the three movies, and it is also the third film of the super IP "Detective Chinatown". Judging from the previous works, the box office of "Detective Chinatown 3" can reach at least 40 billion yuan, making it a truly top blockbuster in China.

“When the market recovers in the second half of the year, there will most likely be a wave of retaliatory movie-watching.

However, in my opinion, audiences who haven't watched a movie for more than half a year may like some more stimulating films with better audio-visual effects.

As a feature film, although I have great confidence in it, I still don’t want to release it this year.”

Gu Wei has always believed that the box office performance of a movie is not only determined by the quality of the movie itself, but also by the time of its release.

For example, Wu Jing's "Wolf Warrior 2" was released at a very good time, as it was released at a time when the domestic people's self-confidence was gradually growing, and it reaped a large wave of patriotic dividends.

If it was released two years earlier or two years later, it wouldn't have gotten such high box office results.

With Gu Wei's performance and the excellent quality of the film, "Life Events" will have a good guaranteed box office no matter when it is released. But since it has the potential to be a big hit, we still have to consider choosing a suitable release date for "Life Events".

"Mr. Gu, do you intend to release "Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils" in the second half of the year?" Yang Liwen asked.

Gu Wei nodded.

“The plot of [Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils] using violence to fight violence is actually very exciting, especially the part at the end of the movie which reaches the climax of the plot.

But whether and when to release it will depend on how the market performs after cinemas reopen."

Having said this, Gu Wei hesitated.

“The market is actually very difficult to grasp. I think there will be a wave of revenge movie-watching, but it is also possible that due to the overall environment, the market will still be cold even after theaters resume operations.

If that is the case, the authorities will most likely focus on supporting some films to "save the market."

[Zhou Chu] If it is selected, it can be released.”

As he said this, he looked at Yang Liwen standing beside him, and she immediately understood.

"In the past two months, I will actively communicate with the Film Bureau and China Film Group, and keep an eye on their developments."

Gu Wei nodded with satisfaction.

In fact, in addition to these three films, he also has another movie to be broadcast [Send You a Little Red Flower].

It’s just that the main controller of this drama is Han Yan’s team, and it is jointly produced by China Film, Tencent, Hengdian Film, Ruyi Film and Television, Maoyan, Tao Piaopiao and other companies.

Although Gu Wei has a 30% share, he is only responsible for promotion when the film is released and is not responsible for other matters.

After discussing the company's upcoming movies, Manager Zhao Mingcheng, who is in charge of film and television production, spoke.

"The company is currently working on three projects, and Love and Destiny 2 has already started filming in Shanghai.

[Raging Fire] and [Joy of Life 2] are still in preparation.

Among them, the preliminary preparations for [The Crowd] are almost completed, and the filming will start at the beginning of next month.

The original start time of [Joy of Life 2] was a little later, probably after the filming of [Raging Fire] was finished, so there is still some work that has not been completed."

[The Good Samaritan 2] is the second film in the company's IP series [The Good Samaritan]. Although it is the second film, the plot has nothing to do with the previous one. It is a bit similar to the relationship between several films in the [Ex-Files] series.

This film is a remake of the Argentine film "Seeking a Friend for Wife", and is a comedy film that "Wei Ming Tian Xia" has been planning for a long time.

The film is directed by the new director Cui Rui, starring Xiao Yang, Zhang Tianai, Zhang Songwen, Clara and others.

The original version of [The Love Master 2] was withdrawn and has not been released since it was withdrawn because it featured two artists whose reputations have been ruined, Wu Xiubo and Bai Baihe. It is highly likely that it has been buried, and all the investments made by the producer Wanda have gone down the drain.

However, this version of [Wei Ming Tian Xia] features its own artists, so there won't be any problems.

With the foundation of the first film, plus the current fame of Xiao Yang and Zhang Tianai, even if the box office doesn't explode, it will still achieve good results.

"Has Director Wen joined the crew?" Gu Wei asked.

“I joined the group after finishing [Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils].”

Wen Mu is also the director of "The Love Master 1". With him as the producer, the quality of "The Love Master 2" can be basically guaranteed even if Cui Rui is a new director.

"Manager Yang, have you bought the copyright for the American movie I asked you to buy?"

Yang Liwen thought for a moment when she heard her boss ask her. "I have already completed the copyright transaction of "The End" with New Line Cinema of the United States some time ago, and I was just about to report it to you."

"Um"

Gu Wei nodded slowly, then looked at Chen Xiang from the screenwriting department.

"Manager Chen, this movie [Imminent] is the next project of your department. I plan to make it the second part of [The Accidental Murderer], and try to make the script style closer to the first one.

There is also the script for Joy of Life 3. After the second part starts filming in the second half of the year, the script for the third part will also be put on the agenda."

"Understood, Mr. Gu."

Since its establishment in 2011, [Wei Ming Tian Xia] has developed from [Gu Wei Studio] into a large-scale group company, and has now become one of the giants in the mainland's cultural and entertainment field.

Even without the support of superstar boss Gu Wei, the company can now develop well.

Not to mention other things, just in the field of film, after years of development, the company has accumulated three high-quality IP film series: "Detective Chinatown", "The Love Master", and "The Accidental Detective".

As long as they are handled well, these are the goose that truly lays golden eggs.

After leaving the company in the evening, Gu Wei took a car to the hotel booked by Yu Dong.

"Mr. Gu~"

Pushing the door and entering the private room, Yu Dong was already in the room and greeted Gu Wei with a smile.

"Mr. Yu, Director Lin"

Gu Wei responded, then looked at the other familiar figure beside him in surprise.

"Brother Jing, why are you here?"

"It was Director Yu who dragged me here."

Director Yu smiled and said, “Wu Jing has already taken over [Changjin Lake], and I asked him to be a lobbyist, as well as Director Lin.

Mr. Gu can choose not to give me face, but you should at least give them some face."

Gu Wei walked in and sat down: "Director Yu, you are determined to get me to join you."

Yu Dong smiled bitterly and said, "I'm not trying to embarrass Mr. Gu, it's just that the investment in Changjin Lake is too huge.

The total investment is expected to be 13 billion yuan, which is unique in China.

I would be really scared if Mr. Gu didn’t join in to help support such a large investment.”

Yu Dong was quite sincere. This was the third time he invited Gu Wei to star in "The Battle at Lake Changjin", and he was very humble from beginning to end.

Gu Wei hesitated for a moment.

In fact, he was not opposed to filming "Changjin Lake".

Although the investment in this movie was huge, the returns were even greater.

There are two parts in the original time and space of "Changjin Lake", "Changjin Lake" and "The Watergate Bridge of Changjin Lake".

The two films were shot together, which means that 13 billion is the total investment of the two films.

However, the total box office of these two films reached 97.77 billion yuan, making it the highest-grossing series of films in Chinese film history.

Compared with this exaggerated box office performance, the 13 billion investment is nothing.

"I can also take "Changjin Lake", but I don't have time this year."

Gu Wei finally gave in.

"No problem. Since there are too many things to prepare for the film, we can postpone the start of filming until early next year. Wu Jing also needs time to recuperate."

Yu Dong was overjoyed to hear Gu Wei say this.

"Also, Director Yu is also clear about the rules for my acting. The old rules cannot be changed."

Yu Dong hesitated slightly.

“I understand this, we can do it the same way we cooperated before.

However, although Bona is the main controller of "Changjin Lake", China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group and August First Film Studio are also important producers.

There is definitely no problem with the share, but the specific proportion still needs to be discussed with the other parties.

Of course, no matter what they do, they will definitely not disappoint Mr. Gu in terms of share. At worst, they can use Bona’s share to pay for it.”

Yu Dong speaks in a way that first criticizes and then praises, which is very skillful in language.

What he promised to Gu Wei will not change, and he will definitely get the share he deserves, but it is hard to say whether it will come from Bona or from the shares of China Film and other companies.

After things were settled, a few people started to eat and drink.

Gu Wei and his companions can be said to be among the people with the highest status in the domestic entertainment industry. They are the bosses of film and television companies, big directors, and top actors.

Of course, in addition to being actors, Gu Wei and Wu Jing are also directors and company owners respectively.

Gu Wei has [Wei Ming Tian Xia], and Wu Jing has [BJ Dengfeng International].

During the conversation, Gu Wei learned that Wu Jing's [BJ Dengfeng International] was also one of the production companies of [Changjin Lake]. Needless to say, it was naturally the share given by Yu Dong in order to invite him to perform.

Gu Wei didn't ask about the specific share, and it was not easy to ask. Even if they had a good relationship, such questions were personal privacy.

Just like Yu Dong just promised him an investment share but did not specify how much, there is a tacit understanding between the two that the specific figures will not be revealed to outsiders, and company personnel will naturally discuss it later.

"Brother Jing, how is your leg?" Gu Wei asked about Wu Jing's health while everyone was drinking and chatting.

"I had surgery at the beginning of the year and am still recovering."

"Is it the leg that had the accident during the filming of Wolf Warrior 2?"

"Yes, that's it. It's an old problem for many years. It's okay."

Wu Jing smiled and didn't take the injuries seriously.

Gu Wei looked at him and said with a smile, "I guess your sister-in-law must have told you not to drink before you came out today, right?"

"Yes, but if you listen to everything a woman says, you won't be able to accomplish anything. Don't take it too seriously."

Wu Jing waved his hand and changed the subject.

"Let's not talk about this, I didn't expect that we would work together again so soon.

When the filming of The Wandering Earth was finished, I thought I wouldn’t have another chance for a while.”

Gu Wei smiled and said, "It all depends on the box office of Wolf Warriors 2 and The Wandering Earth. If there is any chance, other people will want to bring us together.

Isn't that right, Mr. Yu? "

Yu Dong laughed and said, “Haha, that’s right.

The powerful combination of Mr. Gu and Wu Jing is a guarantee for domestic films to be box office hits, and no director or producer can refuse it."

"In Wolf Warrior 2, we played master and apprentice, in The Wandering Earth we played father and son, and this time in The Battle at Lake Changjin we have to play brothers. There aren't many relationships left for us," Gu Wei said with a smile.

Wu Jing also joked, "We play brothers. When we stand together, you can tell that the parents favor the youngest son. After all, you are tall and handsome!"

After he finished speaking, Yu Dong and Lin Chaoxian also laughed.

(End of this chapter)