China Entertainment: I became a capital tycoon

Chapter 457 455. Li Lianjie compromises, Boss Cao is tall and tough! (5-in-, K)

Private room of Jianguo Hotel.

"People say that in troubled times, one should not complain about the love between children and daughters, but in fact, the love between children in troubled times is even deeper."

After three drinks, Xu Ke immediately became interested after listening to Cao Yu's introduction to the plot.

"Boss Cao, your plot idea is good, I can take it, but who do you plan to find to star in it?"

"New Dragon Gate Inn" is one of his most proud works, but at this time, what he is most concerned about is who he will collaborate with.

"There are three choices for the male lead: Li Lianjie or Wu Jing. The third choice is to get Tony Leung back. For the female lead, Liu Yifei will try it first."

Cao Yu has already thought about this. Although Li Lianjie is the best candidate, Wu Jing is also good at martial arts. He is now in his thirties and is in his prime.

As for Leung Ka-fai, who does not know martial arts but has acted in many martial arts films, he is actually more brilliant in literary dramas.

"I think Li Lianjie is more suitable. Seventeen years ago, he missed Zhou Huai'an. He should agree this time."

Xu Ke and Jet Li have collaborated in many classic films, so they naturally prefer this old partner.

"Of course Jet Li can do it, but I'm worried that his salary is too high and other actors will be dissatisfied."

Cao Yu didn't have any objection to this foreign Chinese, but he vaguely remembered that in "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate", he alone took away 9000 million yuan in salary, which directly raised the salary of Chinese artists by one level.

Besides, if I have this money, I might as well spend it on post-production and special effects.

And in terms of acting skills, Li Lianjie was completely crushed by Chen Kun in this movie, which is a bit not worth the price.

Talking about the remuneration, Xu Ke said with a smile: "Li Lianjie has good appeal. Besides, is Boss Cao worried about the high remuneration?"

For other movies, as long as investors hear that Jet Li is being hired, they are willing to increase their money. This boss Cao is really different from other rich people.

"I plan to invest 200 million to 300 million in this film, but good steel is used on the blade."

Boss Cao is rich, but he can't spend it frivolously: "Director Xu, you have a good relationship with Jet Li. Why don't you ask him about the salary first? I won't accept it if it's too high. I can only choose Wu Jing or Liang Jiahui."

"Okay, I'll contact him now."

When Xu Ke heard about the big investment of 200 million to 300 million yuan, he just went ahead and called Li Lianjie immediately: "Is there any schedule in the second half of the year? Feiyu has a film here, are you interested?"

"Feiyu's movie?"

Li Lianjie, who is in the United States, was naturally interested when he heard that Feiyu could be filmed in a film: "Okay, I'll be fine once I finish changing my nationality in a while. What type of film will it be?"

"It's a martial arts film, a sequel to "New Dragon Inn". You play the role of Zhou Huai'an. Mr. Feiyu Cao would like to know how much salary you think is appropriate?"

When Xu Ke asked this question, he was also worried that Li Lianjie would open his mouth.

After all, when this person was filming "The Mummy" in Hollywood, he took away 1500 million US dollars, which is more than million dollars, in just a few minutes. For "The Proposal", he took away million dollars, which was six times more than the second actor Liu Dehua. many.

On the other end of the phone, Li Lianjie thought of the reputation of Feiyu's movies, hesitated for a moment, and said with a smile: "I have always thought Feiyu's movies are good, so I'll give it 80 million."

"Eighty million"

Xu Ke breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Li Lianjie still gave himself a lot of face. He didn't open his mouth like a lion and said with a smile: "Then I'll talk to Boss Cao. If it's confirmed, I'll give you a call."

"Boss Cao, he only wants 80 million, which is not high and worth the price."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Ke told Li Lianjie's quotation, thinking that it would definitely be done.

"Eighty million? Haha, isn't that high?"

Cao Yu smiled faintly and then shook his head: "Others make movies because they want to use Jet Li's appeal, so they give them such high salaries, but do we, Feiyu, need it? With this money, we can make the details of the movie good enough to be worthy of the audience. !”

"What Boss Cao said makes sense."

After hearing these words, Xu Ke looked at this young man who was half younger than himself and admired him from the bottom of his heart.

Who cares about the audience among movie investors these days? What they want is appeal, just to trick the audience into entering the cinema.

No wonder people say, "Feiyu products must be high-quality products." This is not without reason.

Besides, Feiyu really doesn't need Li Lianjie's charisma. Boss Cao has his own charisma, which is not less than Li Lianjie's.

After hesitating for a moment, he asked: "How much does Boss Cao think is appropriate for inviting Jet Li? Fifty million? I'm afraid he won't agree. Boss Cao needs to know that when we were filming "Hero", he took it all by himself. Thirty million."

"In this case, for the sake of Director Xu's face and his doing charity work, let's give him 30 million."

In fact, Jet Li's performance in "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" was really mediocre, and Cao Yu didn't want to give him more.

Moreover, if he doesn't come, then this matter will be the best opportunity for hype!

"Is there any mistake? Thirty million? Or is it just for my sake?"

Xu Ke was completely confused by Boss Cao's operation.

"Hero" happened seven years ago. Now the tide is rising. Can a superstar like Jet Li be hired for 30 million?

Cao Yu smiled and said: "It's only 30 million. We can spend the saved cost on special effects and other aspects, and we can also give Director Xu a little more, and I won't interfere with your shooting process."

"Thirty million is a lot. Boss Cao is right. Feiyu's appeal is enough."

When he heard that he could take more points and not interfere with his own shooting, Xu Ke, who had some objections just now, immediately nodded in agreement.

With his and Feiyu's reputation, maybe Jet Li is really not needed.

Seeing Xu Ke's promise, Cao Yu added: "But, as soon as a reporter interviews you, you tell me that I refused Jet Li's request for a high salary and only gave me 30 million. As for the choice of the male lead, You just said we still have to choose."

"hiss"

Xu Ke, who has been in the entertainment industry for decades, immediately nodded knowingly: "Boss Cao, Gao!"

"I prefer it hard!"

"Haha, Boss Cao is tall and hard!"

Xu Ke felt that Boss Cao was indeed tough and cunning.

After dinner, Xu Ke immediately called Li Lianjie and told him that Boss Cao's budget was 200 million, and most of it would be spent on special effects, so the salary was only 30 million.

This price was naturally rejected by Li Lianjie.

If he agreed, it would be too low a price, and it would be embarrassing if word spread about it.

The two came out of the private room, and Cao Yu went to the audition hall to check on the situation and continued to organize the script.

As soon as Xu Ke left the hotel, he was surrounded by reporters who came after hearing the news.

"Director Xu, are you and Feiyu collaborating on a new movie? Can you reveal some details?"

"Feiyu's Mr. Cao plans to make a martial arts film. We have already discussed the general plan and it is expected to start filming in the second half of the year."

"Martial arts movies? This is Director Xu's forte. Can you reveal the cast of the main actors?"

"The female lead is tentatively Liu Yifei, but something happened to the male lead."

"Situation? What situation?"

When reporters heard about the situation, they became excited instantly.

"Originally, I suggested that the male lead be chosen by Jet Li, but the salary he wanted was 80 million. Boss Cao thought it was high and was only willing to pay 30 million. Mr. Jet Li has refused, and the male lead has not yet been confirmed."

What Xu Ke said was all true, but this news immediately made reporters grasp the big news.

"Boss Cao only offered 30 million yuan? How is this possible? Li Lianjie's salary has already exceeded 100 million yuan, and 80 million yuan is not high."

"Unfortunately, Boss Cao feels that the film's budget should be used to polish the film and special effects to make it worthy of the audience, so 30 million is his limit. He is an investor, and I have no choice."

Xu Ke said, pretending to be helpless.

"So how much is Feiyu's total investment in this movie?"

"It is estimated to be 300 million. Boss Cao's goal is to create a real martial arts blockbuster."

After saying this, Xu Ke knew that it was almost done and immediately said: "Thank you everyone, I have something else to do."

The reporters still wanted to ask more questions, but Xu Ke's bodyguards had already separated the crowd, escorted him into the car, and drove away.

In less than half an hour, an explosive entertainment news spread on Weibo and major media.

"Shocked! The new movie planned by Feiyu Entertainment is expected to invest 300 million! It claims to create a real martial arts blockbuster!"

"Surprise! Feiyu Entertainment refused Li Lianjie's 80 million yuan salary and only offered 30 million. They said they would spend all the money on the details and special effects of the movie!"

"Feiyu Entertainment rejected Jet Li, who will be the male lead? Who can become Liu Yifei's partner?"

“Feiyu’s CEO Cao promised to make a movie worthy of the audience!”…

As soon as the news came out, there was a lot of discussion. The movie had already become famous even before the project was approved.

On the Internet, many people also started heated discussions about this matter.

"The salary of Chinese actors is a bit high. Acting is just a profession. There are 80 million people who can't make it in a few lifetimes. Support Boss Cao."

"My husband is still domineering. I think 30 million is a bit much. Movies should spend money on the work itself. If all the money goes to the actors, will the quality of the movie be improved?"

"The correct answer is upstairs, but let me reiterate, Boss Cao is my husband!"

"I have begun to look forward to Feiyu's work. What kind of sparks can be produced by director Xu Ke and my husband's script."

"Husband, I support you! Make the movie as soon as possible."

……

While netizens were discussing like crazy, Cao Yu was studying the script at the audition scene of "Beautiful Heart" and had no time to read Weibo.

Cao Yu watched the movie "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" twice, once in the cinema and once on the computer.

To be honest, the special effects of this movie cannot be said to be bad, but the investment was over 200 million, and Jet Li took away nearly 100 million, leaving little for the special effects, so the quality is still a bit poor.

And there are many unreasonable places in the plot.

For example, Wan Yulou, the governor of the East Factory, fought against Zhao Huaian at the shipyard. Surrounded by hundreds of Jin Yiwei and Dongchang masters, Zhao Huaian was able to feel like he was in a deserted place?

Is being a Jin Yiwei just for the job?

Is the Jinyiwei's arrow formation just a decoration? Their own boss was beaten, and they just stood by as cheerleaders?

In "New Dragon Gate Inn" back then, what kind of phoenix tail arrows and canine barb arrows were so arrogant? How come it’s all soy sauce after three years?

Could it be that Jin Yiwei, like Dongchang, can't even shoot with a crossbow?

Also, just because a pregnant palace maid who was supposed to be silenced escaped from the palace, Duke Yu actually mobilized the Xichang army to hunt her down? Seems too reasonable?

And Zhao Huaian still believes it?

What made Cao Yu even more puzzled at that time was that the pregnant palace maid Su Huirong was on a small boat and was about to face an interrogation by the head of the West Factory. Ling Yanqiu was sitting on the iron chain across the river and watching.

When the miscellaneous soldiers in the West Factory discovered the aloof Ling Yanqiu, they actually ignored him as if nothing happened?

Even if you don't kill him with an arrow, you should still report it to the little boss?

Are they all temporary workers?

Or maybe the investment was given to Li Lianjie to fool the audience in terms of plot?

Cao Yu made some changes to the plot with a stroke of his pen.

The reason why Xichangchang Huayu Huatian hunted down the pregnant palace maid was that the palace maid was pregnant with the emperor's flesh and blood, and the palace maid knew that Concubine Wan Gui persecuted other concubines to have abortions in the palace.

If this matter was known to the opponent, it would be very troublesome, so he ordered a hunt.

For this reason, it is reasonable for Yuhuatian to mobilize his troops, and Zhao Huaian can believe it.

Zhao Huaian knew about the palace maid, and wanted to use the secrets the palace maid knew to remove these eunuchs and concubines who were causing harm to the country and the people, which triggered a series of stories.

As for Ling Yanqiu, in the original movie she was Jin Xiangyu, but three years later, Jin Xiangyu has changed her gender? The person who was originally coquettish on the outside and passionate on the inside was completely gone.

I guess Mr. Xu is afraid that current actors can't portray Manyu's feelings.

In his script, Cao Yu changed Ling Yanqiu into the adopted sister who was rescued by Jin Xiangyu.

Jin Xiangyu often told the story of Zhou Huaian, which made the woman interested in it. Before she died, she asked her to return the flute to Zhou Huaian (Zhao Huaian).

After meeting, the two fell in love with each other because of the shadow of Qiu Moyan in Ling Yanqiu.

As for other unreasonable lines and plots, Cao Yu also revised them one by one. After all, he is also a student of Nortel's literature department and has read countless films.

He felt that in the original movie, when Zhao Huaian proposed, "When we meet on a narrow road, the brave will win, are you willing to fight me in a tornado?" Father Yuhuatian, who already had the upper hand, actually agreed? Isn't this stupid?

Wouldn't it be more reasonable to not be able to avoid the tornado because of the intense fight, so he was sucked into it?

At the end of the movie, he changed the story of Concubine Wan Gui's inexplicable poisoning to a fake Yuhuatian who came to the palace and was about to become the powerful governor of Xichang. Zhao Huaian and Ling Yanqiu suddenly appeared in front of him.

"I'll help you get your rights, and you can help me kill corrupt officials!"

Then the movie ends, leaving the audience with something to imagine.

Just as Cao Yu was about to finish typing the last few words of the story outline, he suddenly heard a girl running over calling "Godfather".

"Ancestor Goose?"

He raised his head and found Song Zue running towards him and said with a smile: "Why are you here?"

"We are on vacation. I have nothing to do in the afternoon, so I came with my cousin to audition."

After not seeing each other for a year, this little girl has now grown a lot taller. She ran to Cao Yu and hugged Cao Yu's arm: "Godfather, I miss you, but I am too busy studying and never have time to see you. .”

Cao Yu was not disgusted with this sweet-looking and eloquent goddaughter: "Are you here for the audition too?"

"Yes, don't you need a few little girls in this drama? I can definitely perform well. My role in "The Prequel of the Lotus Lantern" has already started airing, and the audience loves me."

Song Zu'e is very proud that his performance as Nezha is indeed outstanding.

Cao Yu said with a smile: "Okay, you will go to the audition later. If possible, I will finish filming your scenes during the summer vacation, but you may not have many scenes here."

"It's ok."

Song Zu'e smiled sweetly: "Now everyone says that being able to act in Feiyu's works is an affirmation of his acting skills."

"Is there such a thing?"

"Of course."

Song Zue leaned on Cao Yu's arms: "Godfather, are you going to make a new movie? I just heard from my cousin that you are popular again."

"Really? I don't know. I'll check it out on Weibo later."

Cao Yu guessed that Xu Ke had already told the news about the new movie, and the excitement should have almost started.

While the two were talking, Shu Chang had already begun the audition.

"This woman is just as good looking as Lin Xinru. She is also Sissi's best friend. She also played the role of a queen in the yet-to-be-aired "The World Chang'an". She has a good temperament, but I don't know if she can dance."

When Cao Yu was considering the lead role in "Beauty's Scheming", although it was late at night in the United States, Li Lianjie could not fall asleep.

"For a blockbuster film with an investment of RMB 300 million, do I want a remuneration of RMB 80 million?"

"This matter has become a big deal now, and I'm afraid it will have an impact on my future roles."

"But Feiyu only gives 30 million."

Li Lianjie didn't expect that things would become such a big deal now that he refused Feiyu's invitation.

"Should I agree? After all, this drama belongs to Feiyu, and Boss Cao's influence is too great now. How about I talk to them again, and the salary is 30 million, which is 30 million. I can ask for a share of the box office dividends. ?”

"When I was filming "New Dragon Inn" more than ten years ago, I missed the film because my assistant had an accident. Now I just made up for this regret."

Thinking of this, he immediately called Xu Ke.

"Director Xu, it's me, Li Lianjie. I saw the news on the Internet. You are making me very embarrassed."

"Hey, there's nothing we can do about it. As you know, reporters nowadays are very well-informed."

Of course Xu Ke cannot say that this was intentional on our part.

Li Lianjie said: "Director Xu, I am actually very optimistic about this drama. Feiyu's work must be a classic. How about you ask Boss Cao, I can promise a salary of 5 million, as long as you give me another % Just share the box office."

"5%?"

When Xu Ke heard this figure, he frowned inwardly: "It's worse than me. I only have 2 million plus 5% of the box office share. You actually want %? I guess Boss Cao won't agree."

However, he did not refuse directly, but said: "I will ask Boss Cao now and I will call you back later."

After a while, the call came back: "Boss Cao said that if you star in the film for free, he can give you 5%. He said that Feiyu's movies have never had a lower box office. You should consider it."

"."

Li Lianjie was in a dilemma.

The box office of Feiyu's movies is not low, he knows that.

But even if this movie has a box office of 5 billion, if divided by %, it will only be million.

If there is not one billion, but only seven or eight hundred million, wouldn’t it be similar to a salary of thirty million?

Boss Cao, you are too cunning. This request is a bit embarrassing.

After struggling for a while, he still chose to believe in Feiyu's appeal and reputation: "I agreed! I will star for zero pay and receive a 5% dividend!"

"Smart, I think this movie will do well at the box office."

Xu Ke praised it and said with a smile: "I will give an answer to Boss Cao now."

(End of this chapter)