China Entertainment's whatever you want

Chapter 780: Initial Signs
The next day after attending Yu Dong’s drinking party, people from Gu Wei’s company began to contact Bona, and the two parties quickly signed an investment agreement and actor contract.

Finally, it was decided that the investment share given to Wei Ming Tian Xia was 26%.

Wu Jing's [BJ Dengfeng International] holds an investment share of 10%.

It’s not that Wu Jing doesn’t want to invest more, but the total investment of "Changjin Lake" is 13 billion, and 10% is 1.3 million yuan. Although Wu Jing has made a lot of money in the past two years, his assets are much less than Gu Wei.

After Gu Wei joined, although the "Changjin Lake" crew did not announce it to the public, the news had already spread within the circle.

At this stage in the domestic entertainment industry, if Gu Wei and Wu Jing both star in a movie, it would be like playing poker with two kings and four twos; it would be difficult to lose.

Even though "Changjin Lake" has a huge investment of over 10 billion, it cannot stop the enthusiasm of various capitals to join.

It is indeed a cold winter for the domestic film and television industry at present, but capital and major film and television companies are not without money. It’s just that everyone is much more cautious than before and will not easily take on general projects.

But for a project like "Changjin Lake" that has already cast Wu Jing and Gu Wei as the dual male protagonists, it can be said that you can make money with your eyes closed, so there is no reason not to invest.

As a result, in the following period, Bona's door was knocked down by various investors, and Yu Dong received various calls every day to build relationships and get close to the company.

".No problem, since Mr. Wang has spoken, how can I not give him face? As long as there is a chance, I will definitely let Huayi join.

However, "Changjin Lake" is a commissioned film after all, and the Film Bureau is keeping a close eye on it. China Film Group Corporation and Shanghai Film Group Corporation also have a large share in it. Gu Wei and Wu Jing are also going to participate in the investment. The specific amount of money they can allocate has to be discussed with other investors.
Mr. Wang, wait for my letter
Well, let’s drink together sometime.”

In the office, Yu Dong was on the phone with a smile on his face, but the smile disappeared immediately after he hung up.

With his facial expression management skills, if he were to act, he would at least be an actor of the best actor level.

"Hehe. Normally, they don't burn incense, but now that watching movies can make money, everyone wants to come in and get a piece of the pie. It's not that easy."

[Changjin Lake] The project was approved and preparations began in 2019. When the epidemic broke out, Yu Dong thought about introducing investment from other areas. However, at that time all companies were holding on to their money very tightly, and no one was willing to invest.

Even China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group and August First Film Studio only got involved after the Film Bureau approached them, and they did not invest much money, mainly just some resources.

Therefore, Yu Dong would not give any share to an investor like Huayi who simply wanted to take advantage. His response just now was just perfunctory, just to save everyone's face.

However, Huayi’s failure does not mean that "Changjin Lake" will not add more investors. After all, such a large project cannot be completed by one or two people. Some capital and film and television companies with resources can also participate as co-producers.

In the following period, after various screenings by Bona, the "Changjin Lake" project added several other companies as co-producers, including Emperor Entertainment Group, AVIC Industrial Finance Holdings, Alibaba Pictures, Chinese Films, Hehuan Pictures, and Chongqing Film Group.

These are not free shares. While paying money, we can provide resources and help to [Changjin Lake] in various aspects.

Take Emperor Entertainment Group for example. On the one hand, Xu Ke is one of the co-directors of the film, and on the other hand, Emperor Entertainment Group can provide some professional staff from Hong Kong Island to ease the pressure of filming.

[AVIC] is the prop provider and can provide various types of guns, cannons, tanks and even airplanes for the film.

[Alibaba Pictures] Not to mention, from online ticket purchases to various online marketing and promotions, you must choose between the other party and Penguin.

In the study, Brother Chen Kai was reading a book with one hand, squinting his eyes.

The room was very quiet.

On the left side of the desk in front of him was a black copper incense burner.

The faint smoke rose slowly from the incense burner, filling the room with a light fragrance.

The aroma smells very comfortable and can make people relax unconsciously and soothe the body and mind.

The study room where Brother Chen Kai lives looks simple, without any luxurious decoration. Only those who know the value of things can see the hidden luxury in it.

For example, the chair he was sitting on was made of huanghuali wood, the bookshelf behind him was made of Dalbergia cochinchinensis, he was holding a book in one hand and playing with a bracelet in the other hand which was made of red sandalwood, known as the "king of wood".

Given Director Kai's status and financial resources, and his preference for wooden furniture, it wouldn't be difficult for him to build a study room of this quality.

Not long after, the door of the study was pushed open from the outside, and Chen Hong walked in with a plate of fruit.

"How about this incense I bought for you?"

Walking to the desk, putting down the fruit plate, Chen Hong looked at the incense burner on the table and asked.

"The fragrance is delicate, soft and not pungent. It has a warm and deep feeling. It smells great."

Brother Chen Kai read for a long time and felt a little tired.

He put the book down, straightened his back, reached out to take a green grape from the fruit bowl and put it in his mouth.

"Of course it's a good scent. I specially asked a professional incense maker to make it by hand. It is said to be a mixture of cedar and sandalwood, which has the effect of calming the mind and soothing the nerves."

Chen Hong said this with some pride, moving a chair and sitting down.

"I heard that Bona has already confirmed that Gu Wei and Wu Jing will play the two leading roles in "Changjin Lake". Is that true?"

Brother Chen Kai nodded.

"It's true. I've received a message from them and the contract has been signed."

Chen Hong frowned slightly.

“With the two of them starring in the film, your pressure will be much less, and the film’s box office should be no problem.

It’s just a pity, I originally thought Feiyu had a chance to play Wu Qianli.”

“Haha, as the chief director, my power in [Changjin Lake] is not as great as it seems.

When I first took over this project, I also wanted Arthur to play Wu Qianli.

This role is actually very suitable for him. He is relatively young and has a relatively complete growth line from immaturity to maturity.

I believe Arthur can act well with me guiding him.

But there was no way, Fatty Yu refused to agree.

In fact, I understand that with an investment of 13 billion for "Changjin Lake", he could not tolerate any risk in the film.

Arthur is still a rookie after all."

Brother Chen Kai had a good idea at the beginning. "Changjin Lake" was a huge production, and Wu Jing was the one to carry the box office. He got his son in to take a ride. Even if he couldn't become famous overnight, at least he would have a record that was definitely worth showing off.

But unfortunately, although it is true that he is the chief director, the final decision on "Changjin Lake" is still made by Yu Dong of Bona Film Group, and there are also Xu Ke and Lin Chaoxian in the crew who are in charge of the specific work, so his rights are greatly restricted.

"Yu Dong doesn't want to take any risk at all. With Wu Jing and Gu Wei, the box office is stable now. Even if the investment is high, there is no need to worry about the return on investment."

Chen Hong sighed and looked up at Brother Chen Kai.

"This is also your first time working with these two. With their current popularity and reputation, it's possible that 'Changjin Lake' will have an unimaginable box office performance!"

Brother Chen Kai shook his head.

“These two people don’t work so well together.

They are actors yes, but they are also well-known directors.

Wu Jing's work style is always tough and he has his own ideas about filming. It is said that when filming "The Climbers", he suggested to Li Rengang to delete the emotional scenes in the script.

Not to mention Gu Wei, Wu Jing is nothing compared to him.

I heard that when Operation Mekong was being filmed, his role was the second male lead in the original script, but after joining the crew, he was given more scenes and became the first male lead. Also, in Better Days, he kicked the female lead out because of a trivial matter, and even the director and producer begged for mercy but it was useless. He is a real drama tyrant.”

As Brother Chen Kai, there are very few things in the circle that he is not aware of. He knows exactly what kind of personalities and work styles Wu Jing and Gu Wei have.

“It’s normal for capable and talented people to have some personality traits. Isn’t Jiang Wen the most typical example?

And given your status in the industry, they will also be more restrained." Chen Hong comforted him in a gentle voice.

She really hopes that her husband can cooperate with Gu Wei and Wu Jing.

Although Brother Chen Kai has a very high status in the circle, his record in recent years is not very good. "The Promise" and "The Taoist Goes Down the Mountain" were criticized a lot, and the reputation of "Mei Lanfang", "Search" and "The Orphan of Zhao" was better, but the box office was average.

He now really needs a box office hit to consolidate his position as a great director.

Now, this "Changjin Lake" is the best opportunity.

Brother Chen Kai shook his head after hearing what his wife said.

“Let alone starting filming, we’ve already seen some signs of it even in the preparation stage.

I just received the new script from Bona yesterday. Compared to the earliest version, Wu Qianli's role has increased significantly, the character's growth line is more complete, and his proportion in the play has also increased significantly.

This is obviously an added role because of Gu Wei's joining.

[Changjin Lake] is now a true dual male lead.

“It’s not surprising, Gu Wei will definitely not play a supporting role.

Moreover, both Wolf Warriors 2 and The Wandering Earth have two male protagonists, and The Battle at Lake Changjin is also done to maximize the traffic of Wu Jing and Gu Wei."

“But I’m the chief director, and Bona had no intention of asking for my opinion on such a big matter as changing the script.

I was also informed that I would have a meeting with Xu Ke and Lin Chaoxian next month.

They have already arranged everything, why would they bother me?"

Speaking of this matter, Brother Chen Kai was obviously angry and looked unhappy.

Chen Hong was not surprised by his state. He stood up and walked behind Chen Kaige, put his hand on his shoulder, and leaned over:
“Well, there’s no need to be unhappy. No matter what, your status as the chief director of [Changjin Lake] will not change.

Be it Gu Wei, Wu Jing, or even Xu Ke or Lin Chaoxian, they will all ultimately obey your orders."

After being married to Brother Chen Kai for so many years, she has become very good at making him happy.

“In fact, I think this opportunity can help me build a better relationship with Gu Wei.

His company has achieved outstanding results in the past two years and has many high-quality resources.

If I can help Feiyu get some, it will also help him avoid some detours."

"Huh~Does my brother Chen Kai's son need to beg others to praise him?"

Brother Chen Kai, who was originally in a better mood, became unhappy again when he heard what Chen Hong said.

"Okay, okay, you can support your son yourself."

After things about "Changjin Lake" were finalized, Gu Wei stopped paying attention to it. After all, filming would only start next year, and there was still more than half a year left, so it was too early to do anything now.

And he is just an actor in this movie and doesn't need to worry about too many things.

In comparison, "Sisters Riding the Wind and Waves", which started airing on June 6, attracted his attention more.

The first episode of "Sisters Who Make Waves" exploded in ratings and became a hot topic, making it the most popular new variety show this year.

Zeng Lichu also performed very well on stage, but although she is strong, she is not as bold and outspoken as Ning Jing and Zhang Yuqi, and lacks some explosive features.

However, among a group of female stars over 30 years old, Zeng Li is the best in terms of appearance, figure and temperament. Even though she has a relatively calm personality, she is still quite popular.

".How does it feel to record [Sisters Who Make Waves]?"

“Okay, this show is a little different than I imagined.

I originally thought that it was just older sisters training and PK singing and dancing together, but I didn’t expect that the most important thing after coming here is to build interpersonal relationships.”

After returning to their residence after recording a day's program, Zeng Li and Gu Wei sent each other WeChat messages, and later they simply started a video call.

"Haha, Mango TV's programs are like this. As long as there are a lot of people, there will definitely be a fight. Even if there is nothing else, the program team will find a way to make something happen. Otherwise, how can there be ratings?"

"I'm not good at this. I just focus on dancing and singing, and let the rest take its course."

"I checked Douban and Hupu's popularity today, and you're ranked fourth, Sister Li. If you work hard, you should be able to move up a level."

"Take your time. There are 30 sisters in total. Fourth place is already very high."

Although she is said to be a Buddhist, Zeng Li actually has no drive or ambition, and is content with just being okay. However, it is this character that has enabled her to develop a cool and elegant temperament.

Of course, the premise is that you are not shooting Tik Tok videos.

On June 6, Gu Wei's plane landed in Yuezhou. At the invitation of Da Mimi, he came as a flying guest to record an episode of "Escape the Room".

It was already afternoon when they arrived at the hotel of the program crew. Yang Mi, who had been in contact with Gu Wei, was waiting for him there early.

"Miss Mi, I'm here~"

"Finally you didn't forget what you promised me."

Da Mimi was wearing casual clothes, a white T-shirt on the upper body, loose and baggy straight-leg denim pants on the lower body, and a pair of white sneakers on her feet. She had a girlish style and looked very young.

"We have known each other for so many years. When have I ever broken my promise? After I promised you to come to the [Secret Room], I asked my agent to negotiate the time with the production team."

Yang Mi looked at Gu Wei and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

"It's getting late, if you want to eat something, I'll treat you!
Eat well today so you can have enough energy to record the show tomorrow."

“Since we are in Yuezhou, we must try the Cantonese cuisine here.”

"No problem. I happen to know a restaurant that makes delicious food. Let's go there now."

"You won't call anyone else?"

Gu Wei asked.

He learned before coming that some of the regular guests of "Escape the Room Season 2" have been replaced. Yang Mi, Zhang Ruoyun, and Huang Minghao have remained, while Wei Daxun, Xie Yilin, and Zhang Guowei have left, and Da Zhangwei and Guo Qilin have been added.

Except for Da Zhang Wei, Gu Wei knew everyone else.

"Don't call them. We'll see them tomorrow when we record the show."

Of course Gu Wei had no objection to what Yang Mi said, and went out to eat with her.

(End of this chapter)