During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 573: The End of an Era
Since "The Witch", Lin Chaoxian has become the third big director in Hong Kong to enter the 5 million club after Chen Musheng and Stephen Chow.

Therefore, theaters gave "SPL" great respect, with an average screening rate of 28% on the first day.

Unfortunately, the pre-promotion of this movie seemed to be not very good, so the box office on the first day only closed at 2460 million.

This result does not seem too bad, but compared with the production cost of more than 1.5 million, there is obviously pressure to make a profit.

However, the movie has a pretty good reputation online, with an Impression.net score of 7.8.

However, there are not many reports about this movie, because all the entertainment headlines are given to "Time Traveler" and Guo Fan.

"The Time Traveler, co-produced by Shanhe Media and Fiber Optic and directed by Guo Fan, has been released for 15 days and the total box office has exceeded 5 million, closing at 5.03 million!"

"The single-day box office of "Time Traveler" has dropped to around 1500 million. There are still two weeks before it is released, and it is expected to reach 6 million!"

"."

Another director who has joined the 5 million box office club has been born! And he is still a director from Shanhe Media.

If you count them carefully, you will find that Shanhe Media's director lineup is becoming more and more luxurious.

The reaction of Beijing Film Academy was even faster than that of Shanhe Media. Before the company could send out a message of congratulations, the school’s official website had already pinned the newsletter.

"Warm congratulations to our outstanding graduate Guo Fan for directing "Time Traveler", which has successfully exceeded 5 million in box office."

A large number of celebrities in the circle also began to send their congratulations on Weibo, creating a lively scene.

Wei Jin also received a call from Wang Changtian. He was so happy that he got 20% of the shares for million yuan, which was a huge profit.

Especially the share price of optical fiber, which has soared sharply during this period as the stock market has recovered. Lao Wang's net worth has increased by at least 30%, so he has to drink more.

After a while of boasting, the next topic that Lao Wang talked about was something that Wei Jin had never expected.

"Brother, do you mean that Mr. Cao from Xinli would like to invite me to dinner?"

"Well, it was a pleasure to work with you on "The Legend of Yue Fei" this time, and Lao Cao wanted to thank you."

"Haha, Brother Wang, there's no need to thank me. I only joined because of you and the Yue Fei theme."

The rejection in Wei Jin's words was very clear. Cao Huayi's invitation was fake. He was probably more trying to get in touch with him and seek cooperation.

It’s a pity that even the Huayi brothers and Wei Jin are too lazy to pay attention to them, let alone a small-time Beijing star like Cao Huayi?
The saying "People with different ideals cannot work together" is nothing more than this.

Wei Jin didn't expect that after he had just rejected the dinner invitation from Xinli's Cao Huayi yesterday, someone else called to invite him to dinner, and it was Han Sanping.

"Hmm? Mr. Han, please have dinner? In the small auditorium?"

Wei Jin thought he had heard wrongly and asked again.

Because the small auditorium and small canteen of China Film Academy are different, the former is specifically responsible for external receptions, while the latter is where Wei Jin often eats.

Choosing the small auditorium as the venue must be a big event, but it’s impossible for Old Han to celebrate his 60th birthday right now, right?
"Yes, it's the small auditorium. I'll treat you all to dinner."

Han Sanping's slightly complicated tone made Wei Jin guess something, and he couldn't help but ask, "Boss Han, who are these 'you'?"

"You, Ye Ning, and Wang Changtian, just the three of you."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jin secretly said, "As expected."

Shanhe, Wanda, Fiber Optic, and China Film, these four companies have almost been the core partners of long-term cooperation in recent years.

This is not just a meal, this is probably a handover of power.

"Director Han, has the higher-ups made a decision?"

"Haha, you're really quick-witted. Yes, you've seen him before, but..."

Wei Jin certainly understood the unspoken meaning of the words. The chairmanship of China Film Corporation cannot be secured by simply replacing someone else. Connections, resources, and circles all need to be handed over.

So he nodded immediately, "Okay, I will be there on time."

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow then."

After hanging up the phone, Wei Jin sighed. The era of Zuoshan Diao was completely over.
The next morning, Wei Jin went to China Film Studio as scheduled.

As soon as I arrived, I saw Ye Ning and Wang Changtian chatting in the parking area. They didn't go there earlier.

"What are you two?"

"Hey, brother, Mr. Han said he would treat us to a meal, but you are the core, haha."

There was nothing wrong with Wang Changtian's explanation, and Wei Jin nodded with a smile.

"Okay, let's do it together. What were we talking about just now?"

"Oh, I was talking to Director Wang about the new leader. It was a bit unexpected. This person seems to be very low-key. I don't know how he got to the top."

Ye Ning explained, obviously already knowing that the successor would be the former Vice President of La, but Wei Jin was not surprised by this.

Although China Film has many deputy directors, and according to the rules, the official document will not be announced until early next year, but Lao Wang and Ye Ning are both heads of leading companies in the industry and obviously have their own channels.

"Boss Ye, this guy used to be the vice president of China Film Import & Export Branch, responsible for overseas copyrights. Later, when he was the vice president, he also served as the general manager of the co-production company.

Logically speaking, Brother Wei should have been in charge of several of his co-productions, but it was taken over by Director Han, maybe it’s because of their relationship.”

Wang Changtian stopped talking and then lowered his voice to ask, "Brother, do you think this guy is easy to deal with?"

"When I was in North America, I felt it was okay. But now the position is different, so I can't say for sure."

Hearing this, Wang Changtian and Ye Ning both nodded. As the saying goes, the head follows the buttocks, and there are many people whose temperament changes drastically once they gain power.

"Okay, let's stop guessing. We should be able to see each other at noon."

"Well, that's the truth."

The opinions of Han Sanping in the circle are mixed.

Some people think he is a legend of Chinese cinema, while others think he is too overbearing and give him the title of Zuoshan Diao.

But it is undeniable that Han Sanping has made an indelible contribution to the development of China's film industry.

Just a few months later, when Wei Jin walked into Han Sanping's office again, he suddenly felt a little sad.

The office is still the same office, but there are fewer books and decorations.

Those should all be Han Sanping's own things, right? Is he already starting to make room for them?

"It's also good. I can retire at my age and do something I like. Over the years, I have forgotten that I am also a director and producer. If I have any ideas in the future, I will have to ask you guys for help, hahahaha."

As if he could see the emotions in Wei Jin's eyes, Han Sanping made a joke after personally making tea for several people. His previous domineering aura seemed to be restrained a lot.

"Of course, Mr. Han is a director worth 4 million. Don't forget us when the time comes, haha."

Before Wei Jin could speak, Wang Changtian laughed and teased that older people had seen this kind of thing before, so it was different. "Yes, Mr. Han, how many tables are you going to set up by then?"

Ye Ning echoed and started joking.

"We advocate thrift and diligence on this site. It's better not to be extravagant and wasteful. Just set up a few tables casually."

"I'm just worried that there will be too many uninvited people and there won't be enough seats, haha."

After they chatted for a while like old friends, Han Sanping started talking about business.

"After the National Day, I will officially step down and all future work will be handed over to the new chairman. As for the candidate, you should know it is La Peikang.

He will come over at noon, and then you can all get to know each other, especially Wei Jin. Although you have met each other before, you have not really worked together yet. I hope that in the future, you will support him like you support me."

Hearing this, Wei Jin felt a little complicated. Even though Han Sanping was about to retire, he was still considering China Film as always.

However, Wang Changtian and Ye Ning could understand Han Sanping or La Peikang's thoughts very well.

Wei Jin and China Film Corporation have been cooperating for ten years, starting with the film "Buried".

Except for a limited number of works, China Film Group Corporation is involved in almost all of Shanhe Media's projects, and co-productions are not left out.

From the perspective of the industry, China Film Group and Shanhe Media are deeply tied together.

But Wang Changtian and Ye Ning both knew that it was not so much that the two companies were deeply bound together, but rather that Han Sanping and Wei Jin had a good relationship.

Because many projects are actually the same whether China Film Group is involved or not, Wei Jin was just taking Han Sanping's feelings into consideration.

What’s more crucial is that the projects led by Shanhe Media are really profitable.

If the incoming president La does not want China Film's performance to decline, it is very necessary for him to maintain the relationship with Wei Jin.

Even fiber optics and Wanda can only be considered as extras.

"Boss Han, I can't express my opinion right now. Let's wait and see. But there will be no changes to Operation Mekong."

Wei Jin still needs to observe how to deal with the new head of China Film Group, but this project, which was agreed in advance as a birthday gift for Han Sanping, will not be affected.

"it is good."

Han Sanping also knew that if he suddenly changed someone to cooperate with, everyone would have to observe the other person's style of doing things first. This cooperation could be regarded as creating an opportunity for everyone.

"By the way, Mr. Wei, what's the situation with Operation Mekong? Can this mainstream theme really be made?"

As soon as Ye Ning finished speaking, Wang Changtian and Han Sanping also cast inquiring glances at him.

You know, the main theme has always been linked to mission films, and it has never had good results.

Even films like "The Founding of a Republic" and "Aftershock" achieved box office success by relying on administrative power.

It’s just that Wei Jin has been creating miracles all the time, and Wang Changtian and Han Sanping chose to believe him, but this does not mean that there are no doubts.

Wei Jin didn't mind this, it was just human nature, so he explained:

“Three, first of all, we need to make a clear concept: the main theme is not a subject matter, it is just a label, and there is no need to over-demonize it.

As long as it is not a film that only talks about principles or shouts slogans, it is essentially a commercial film.

In other words, do you think elements such as transnational pursuit, cross-border conflict, and pursuit of drug dealers can attract the audience's attention?"

"of course."

Wei Jin spread his hands and said, "That's it. Besides, it's adapted from a real case, so the audience will definitely enjoy it.

In addition, I have prepared a lot of big scenes and big events this time, and will also shoot it in 3D and IMAX giant screen versions. I dare not say it will exceed Gravity, but the box office will definitely start at 10 billion.”

After hearing this, everyone at the scene felt more confident. Wei Jin never made a move without a purpose, and there was nothing he would not achieve when he called out for box office results.

"So what's the budget this time?"

Han Sanping's question raised the issue that everyone was most concerned about.

"The detailed budget is 2.4 million. Let's talk about the details another day."

"it is good."

Everyone agreed that today was indeed not the time to discuss matters.

One morning, Wei Jin and a few others drank tea, chatted and reminisced in Han Sanping's office.

It was not until almost noon that the secretary came and knocked on the door, indicating that the small auditorium was ready, and the group left the office.

When seeing La Peikang again, Wei Jin felt that his temperament had changed a little. He was less elegant and more fierce than before.

If I have to describe it, he is a bit like a combination of Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun.

However, when he saw Wei Jin and the others, Mr. La immediately smiled and asked everyone to take a seat.

After some pleasantries, La Peikang got straight to the point.

"Speaking of which, the four of us have maintained a long-term cooperative relationship, and all of our projects are high-quality and have never been at a loss. I also hope to continue the cooperation established by President Han.

There is a saying that goes, "Xiao rules Cao follows, what was done when President Han was here will not change in the future. Especially for the projects of General Manager Wei's company, the support of China Film and me will only increase, not decrease."

La Peikang's words seemed to imply some discrimination, but Wang Changtian and Ye Ning had no objection. After all, Wei Jin was good at fighting.
However, La Peikang's straightforward statement greatly increased the favorability between the two people, including Wei Jin.

He never worried that La Peikang didn't understand the situation, but he was worried that this person had been in the system for too long and his words were roundabout and confusing.

But now it seems that the worries were unnecessary.

"Well, Mr. La said it well. China Film Group has achieved very good results in recent years, and Wei Jin has contributed to it. However, professionals should do professional things. Wei Jin's achievements in the film industry are obvious to all. What China Film Group needs to do is to provide escort from behind."

Han Sanping's words sounded like he was praising Wei Jin, but in fact he was giving La Peikang a shot of defense.

He was well aware of Wei Jin's desire to control the project, and he remembered clearly how Bernard fell behind.

However, this action in front of others made Wei Jin feel a little embarrassed, and he stopped immediately:
"Boss Han, you are flattering me. I am still young and I still need experienced leaders like Boss La to keep an eye on me."

"Well, I told you, this guy is very slippery, you will know it later, haha."

"Boss Han has a keen eye, haha."

Looking at the smiles on the two old Biddens' faces, Wei Jin was stunned. It turned out that they were performing a duet with him. What was going on?

However, after this joke, the atmosphere at the table became much better, and La Peikang drank with Wei Jin and others without any airs.

During the meal, both the host and the guests enjoyed themselves.

The new head of China Film Group was barely able to fit into Wei Jin’s core circle.

As for the future, let's wait and see.
(End of this chapter)