During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 396 Inspiration Invitation

It is mid-February.

The overall film market is somewhat weak, but the performance of "20 Again" is quite impressive.

It has been released for 19 days and the box office has grossed 5.68 million yuan, with the daily box office still remaining around 1000 million yuan.

It can be predicted that the box office will exceed 6 million without any pressure.

The postponement of "Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate" ended, and it was taken off the screen, with the final box office revenue reaching 10.16 billion.

In addition, "The Great Magician", co-produced by Ying Huang and Bernard, was also withdrawn from theaters, with the mainland box office only reporting 1.6 million yuan.

Even if all overseas box office revenue is included, the total box office is still only 1.8 million.

As for the movie "Inverse War", it grossed 25 million yuan after 1.3 days of release, but the daily box office was less than one million.

Ying Huang's double insurance plan for the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival this year was completely declared a failure.

Boss Yang was in a very bad mood at the moment. Although the two films had other producers, Yinghuang still suffered a loss of nearly 2 million.

All in all, Yinghuang invested more than 500 million last year, and except for "The Banquet" which was not released, the rest were actually losses!

“I just hope that SPL 2 can achieve good results.”

The celebration banquet for "Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate" was held at the Royal Hotel, and the scale of this banquet was much larger than ever before.

When Wei Jin and Jing Tian appeared at the scene, the hotel's huge banquet hall was almost packed with people.

Major production companies, first- and second-tier stars and artists all came to support the show.

There is no way. The power of the seven major producers is indeed strong enough, and they almost include the strongest film companies in the domestic entertainment industry.

Today's protagonist is destined to be Xu Ke, who has risen to prominence overnight after years of silence.

He rushed back from Berlin specifically for this celebration banquet, but that's normal, it's just a screening, and there's no need for him, as a director, to stay there all the time.

At this time, Old Monster Xu was in high spirits and his face was flushed. While he was entertaining people who came to congratulate him from all directions, he was sighing in his heart about the difficulties he had experienced over the years.

Xu Ke started his career very early, and he has been in the industry for 1978 years since he filmed his first TV series "The Golden Sword" in 34.

In 1981, he won the Best Director Award at the 18th Golden Horse Awards for the black comedy "The Return of the Condor Heroes", starring George Lam, Teddy Robin and Mai Karl.

He has been active in the Hong Kong film industry since the 80s and once became Hong Kong's most popular director, creating countless classic masterpieces for audiences and fans.

"Best Partner", "Once Upon a Time in China", "Swordsman", "New Dragon Inn", "Butterfly Lovers", "Green Snake" and so on.

Unfortunately, after the failure of "The Legend of Zu" in 01, which cost 3500 million US dollars, equivalent to 2.9 million RMB, almost no one in Hong Kong invited him to film.

He mobilized countless favors and finally raised funds. He spent four years honing his skills, intending to avenge his previous defeat with the special effects blockbuster "Seven Swords". Unfortunately, reality dealt him another hard blow.

The production cost was 1.4 million Hong Kong dollars, but the loss was nearly 1 million.

Since then, the once box-office genius director has completely fallen into silence.

It was not until he joined Shanhe Media that he was able to gain a foothold in the mainland with the help of "The Empire Strikes Back".

Today, the movie "Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate" has made him a billion-dollar director, but Xu knows very well that without Wei Jin's guidance on the script, the box office of his movie would most likely be halved.

So when he saw Wei Jin entering the venue, the 62-year-old Xu Laoguai immediately came forward with an extremely enthusiastic smile on his face.

"Boss Wei, everyone is waiting for you."

"Director Xu, congratulations, you're the third billion-dollar director. I'm afraid a lot of people are eyeing your new film tonight, right? Haha."

Faced with Wei Jin's ridicule, Old Monster Xu shrugged helplessly.

He has 20% of the investment rights in the "Detective Dee" series, which has given many production companies on the scene ideas. In addition, many celebrity artists are also eyeing the roles.

But as the studio director of Shanhe Media, how could Xu Laoguai not understand? Before Wei Jin nodded, he politely rejected all the offers, whether it was investment or role.

With the arrival of Wei and Jin Dynasties, the celebration banquet officially began.

When the seven major producers and the film's main creators smashed the 10.16 digital ice sculpture, which symbolized the film's box office, on the stage, the atmosphere at the scene reached a climax and the media's cameras kept clicking.

"Director Xu, how do you feel about becoming the third director in China to make 10 billion yuan?"

"I'm very happy. After all, it's a great result, far beyond my expectations."

Old Monster Xu was mentally prepared for today's occasion. He looked around and continued speaking.

"I want to thank President Wei for his support. It is an indisputable fact that martial arts films are declining, but when I proposed a budget of 2 million, he supported me without hesitation. Thank you, President Wei."

Many people at the scene focused their attention on Wei Jin and couldn't help but admire his outstanding vision.

It is indeed as Xu Ke said, martial arts films have really declined, which can be seen from the overseas box office of "Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate".

Compared with the 10 billion box office in the mainland, the overseas market performance was very average, with less than 2000 million US dollars in the entire Southeast Asia region.

Although it is related to the number of local 3D screens, it can also confirm some facts from the side.

The old monster Xu on the stage is still going on.

"So, when the movie was first released, I was very nervous. It wasn't until the box office exceeded 500 million that I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, I didn't let the investors lose money. Haha, the results I have achieved now are beyond my expectations."

Xu Laoguai's words elicited good-natured laughter from everyone present.

That’s true. Even though the producers are making money now, who knows how much risk others have taken?

At this moment, all the producers were beaming with joy, as Xu's remarks undoubtedly proved their vision.

The domestic box office of "Flying Daggers of Dragon Gate" is calculated based on a ratio of 46%, and the share of the box office attributable to the producer is as high as 4.28 million.

Including the US$800 million in overseas box office revenue, the US$1200 million in previous copyright transactions, and miscellaneous income from patch advertising, the total revenue of this film is close to US$6 million.

After deducting the production cost of 2 million and the publicity and distribution cost of 8000 million, the net profit attributable to the producer was 3.2 million.

Calculated based on the original premium method, the producer invested 10 million and took a 3200% share. Now the net profit is 100 million, which is a return of more than %. What else is there to be dissatisfied with?

Not only were the other producers satisfied, Wei Jin was also very satisfied. Shanhe Media made 0 million yuan for free with almost zero cost and zero risk. It was really great.

Next came the socializing session, and most people at the scene started moving around.

"Brother, I'm going to Sister Nan's place."

Jing Tian greeted and walked towards Xie Nan. The relationship between them was better than Wei Jin expected.

It’s funny that Jing Tian walked over and Wu Jing walked over.

"Boss Wei, long time no see. Congratulations on the box office success."

"Well, have you finished filming your special forces?"

Wei Jin smiled and nodded.

Speaking of which, Wu Jing really can't sit still. Right after the filming of "SPL 2" was completed, he joined the crew to shoot a military-themed TV series.

"Yeah, it's just finished."

"How did you come up with the idea of ​​filming a TV series?"

Wei Jin asked in surprise. You know, in his previous life, Wu Jing took on this role because he couldn't make it in the Hong Kong circle.

But his situation is different now. After "The Raid", he has become a popular action actor.

Normally, movie actors are more careful about their reputation and rarely lower themselves to act in TV dramas.

Of course, it is not ruled out that the money was too much, such as in the later "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace" and "Zhengyangmen", Zhou Xun and Zhang Ziyi were driven down by the pay. But the crew of "Special Forces" obviously cannot offer a sky-high price.

"Director Liu Meng is so persistent that he came all the way to Hong Kong to find me and was even willing to postpone the filming time for me. In addition, I also like the script very much. You know, I have always dreamed of becoming a soldier."

Wei Jin nodded. This was true love. It was these experiences that led him to create the "Wolf Warrior" series.

"By the way, Mr. Wei, what do you think about me making a military-themed movie?"

"Ok?"

Wei Jin was a little surprised. Did inspiration come so quickly?

"Tell me more about it."

"It's the special forces, a very awesome soldier, who is filming this TV series."

Wu Jing was obviously a little excited when talking about this topic. Wei Jin could see that he probably had some vague ideas in his mind.

After listening for a while, Wei Jin gave some encouraging words.

"Okay, you have the dream of being a director and a soldier, and combining the two into one is pretty good. Do it well, I'm optimistic about you."

Now it was Wu Jing's turn to be surprised, "Boss Wei, do you really think this is feasible?"

It is no wonder that Wu Jing himself lacks confidence. Currently in China, most movies that focus on soldiers are mainstream movies. Without the corresponding background, it is difficult to achieve good results.

"Well, I think so."

Wu Jing was delighted by the conversation between Wei Jin and Wei Jin. He immediately said that he would go back and think about the script carefully, and then bring it to Shanhe Media to ask for his advice.

Wei Jin certainly has ideas about the "Wolf Warrior" series.

It’s just that Wei Jin had a good relationship with Wu Jing and admired the latter, so he was too lazy to take advantage of him.

Moreover, this guy has a strong self-esteem. If he really wants to start this project, he will definitely not use the rich woman's small treasury. He will have to find someone to invest and share the risk.

Isn’t it wonderful to just wait for projects to come to you?
After chatting for a while, Wu Jing left with some excitement.

After a while, Zhou Xun came over again with a wine glass, followed by Chen Kun.

"Old Wei, thank you for this time."

As he spoke, Zhou Xun punched Wei Jin's shoulder with his little pink fist, showing no awe for his boss at all.

"Mr. Wei, thank you!"

Chen Kun's tone seemed particularly sincere.

"Hey, why are you two being so polite? We have known each other for so many years. Besides, the casting was decided by Director Xu. I have to thank you for making money for me, haha."

Wei Jin, Zhou Xun and Chen Kun have known each other for nearly seven years since their collaboration on Painted Skin in 05. Although they don't have much contact, they still have a good relationship.

But looking at Chen Kun, Wei Jin sighed a little.

It is said that Rong Xing will become famous after his contract termination, but his development is much worse than that of his former classmates Zhou Xun and Yang Mi.

He was a popular young actor in mainland China 10 years ago, but now he has gradually fallen behind and has distanced himself from his former competitors such as Huang Xiaoming and Qiao Zhenyu. Even the latecomer Wang Kai has gradually caught up with him, which is really a pity.

"Speaking of this, I also want to thank the bosses for the big red envelopes, haha"

Zhou Xun had been drinking, and his true nature was clearly revealed. Wei Jin could only shake his head.

The movie was a big hit this time, and several major producers were not stingy. Each of them gave one million as a red envelope for the main creators.

Maybe it’s nothing compared to the pay of several main creators, but it’s a great thought.

After chatting for a while, Chen Kun extended an invitation.

"Mr. Wei, please come to the premiere of Qian Xuesen."

"No problem, I'll be there."

This play was mainly controlled by Xiying, and the invitation was sent very early. As a work of his hometown studio, Wei Jin certainly would not refuse.

"Hey, Lao Wei, when are you going to start work? I still haven't found a job this year."

"Mr. Zhou, you've been a hard worker these past two years. Why don't you take a break?"

What Wei Jin said was true. With his outstanding acting skills, Zhou Xun could be considered a panacea in the eyes of major production companies and directors, and he had received too many film offers.

"Tsk, is this how you become a boss? Isn't it good enough to help you make money?"

Zhou Xun complained unhappily.

"Do I care about the little money you make?"

The Wei and Jin dynasties used tactics to retreat and pretend to be awesome.

"."

These words immediately made Zhou Xun silent. Then, she thought of the wealth of the man in front of her, and after holding it in for a long time, she finally uttered the sweet words.

"Damn capitalists!"

After the cocktail party, Wei Jin originally planned to take Jing Tian home, but Ren Zhonglun unexpectedly sent him an invitation. After all, the latter was the president of a state-owned enterprise, so Wei Jin couldn't refuse.

After instructing Lao Zhu to send Jing Tian home, Wei Jin went to a private room in the hotel and sat down to discuss philosophy with Ren Zhonglun.

Nearly an hour later, Wei Jin returned to Dongshan Villa.

Then I saw the little girl had already taken a bath and changed her clothes. She was wearing a black suspender pajamas and was lying on the bed playing with her mobile phone.

Hearing the footsteps, Jing Tian put down her phone, stood up and put her arms around Wei Jin's neck.

"Brother, why did Director Ren look for you?"

"Just to talk about investment, and by the way, on behalf of the Shanghai Film Festival Organizing Committee, they invited me to serve as the chairman of the jury."

To be honest, Wei Jin did not expect that after rejecting the invitation to be a judge two years ago, he would be promoted to the chairman of the jury this year.

You have to know that although the Shanghai Film Festival is not influential enough, it is one of the 14 international A-level film festivals in the world, and the only one in China.

In terms of style, it is much better than the Golden Rooster.

However, given Wei Jin's current international status and influence in the industry, he is absolutely qualified to be the chairman of the jury.

So this invitation, although a bit abrupt, is also reasonable.

"Really?"

Looking at the little girl's shining eyes, Wei Jin didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Is it really that serious?
"Why did I lie to you?"

"I just can't believe it, brother, you are not even 30 years old yet, and you are the chairman of the jury of an international A-class film festival. That's awesome, muamua."

The girl gave him kisses madly, her eyes full of pride. Her man was the most perfect in the world except for his philandering.

Wei Jin raised the corner of his mouth, put his arms around the girl's slender waist, grasped her hips, and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"Tiantian, I have something even better, do you want to try it?"

After saying that, without waiting for the girl to answer, Wei Jin kissed her hard.

"Well"

(End of this chapter)