Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 497 China Film Group Joins the Group
China Film
The elevator door opened and Han Sanping strode out.

Secretary Xiao Li, who had arrived at work half an hour earlier, stood up immediately upon seeing this: "Good morning, Mr. Han~"

"Hmm~"

Han Sanping nodded, and then seemed to remember something before entering the room, and gave a special reminder: "All my scheduled meetings this morning are cancelled. Also, please pay attention, Zhang Chen will be here in a while, and when he comes, bring him to see me immediately..."

Xiao Li nodded in agreement.

Han Sanping entered the office and saw the three words "Chairman" clearly written on the nameplate on his desk.

Yes, now Han Sanping has removed the word "deputy" and officially serves as the chairman of China Film Group.

The real powerful person, the top leader.

Sitting in the spacious boss chair, he picked up the cigar tongs and trimmed the cigar in his hand. After being roasted by the flame, smoke rose.

After receiving Zhang Chen’s call last night, he was full of anticipation as he could finally see the finished film of "Pacific Rim".

Even though it's only a part, it's not bad.

He didn't have to wait too long before there was a knock on the office door from outside.

After getting the answer, Xiao Li stuck his head out: "Director Han, Director Zhang Chen is here..."

Xiao Li moved aside, revealing Zhang Chen's figure behind him.

"You're finally here, I've almost finished my cigarette..."

Inviting Zhang Chen to sit down, Xiao Li served him tea and left. Han Sanping couldn't wait to ask, "Where's the film you mentioned? Show it to me~"

Zhang Chen didn't hesitate and opened the laptop he brought with him and started playing.

The picture starts out dark, then suddenly lights up, and the cyberpunk style of the cockpit hits you in the face.

The three siblings of the Fan family entered and connected to the cockpit amid the sound of exciting music.

Then the cockpit descended and connected to the mecha, becoming the head.

Storm Red officially debuts.

The Storm Red in the movie is more beautiful and more shocking than the concept map shown at the previous press conference.

To the cheerful rhythm of the war song, the mechas and the Kaiju started a fierce battle.

With flexible movement and perfect coordination of three steel arms, the fishing boat was rescued, and the ion cannon blasted the body of the sickle head into pieces.

In the final counterattack of the sickle head, the driver was killed.

In the thick fog, a hint of red was faintly visible from the perspective of passers-by, and then Storm Red staggered out, knelt down, and fell heavily on the beach.

The picture turns dark.

hiss~
Han Sanping took a deep breath, and then his emotions returned to his face.

Surprise!

His face is full of surprise!

"I knew you would do well, but I didn't expect it to be this good~"

Han Sanping's hand holding the cigar was shaking slightly.

Although it is only 11 minutes long, it is really amazing.

The mecha's shape is pleasing to the eye, and coupled with the soundtrack, Storm Red is irresistible from the moment it appears.

The battle scenes are thrilling.

The kneeling of the god at the end not only makes people sigh, but also feels a sense of regret for the hero's old age.

"If you cut a trailer now, domestic audiences will go crazy..."

Han Sanping was very sure that even an old man like him felt emotionally moved after watching it, and those young people would not be able to sleep after watching it.

"That's what I plan to do, but it's too early now. I have to wait until August or September to start..."

For blockbusters like Pacific Rim, promotion begins half a year in advance.

The trailer can be released a little later, but it must be at least three months in advance.

"what do you think?"

"If the whole film is of this quality, I can't guarantee its success abroad, but in China, it will definitely surpass the record of Titanic..."

Han Sanping's eyes were full of light when he said this.

For many years, the domestic box office record has been dominated by a foreign film.

The big ship of 96 hangs like a sword of Damocles over the heads of Chinese filmmakers.

What a shame!
He had been hoping that a domestic film would pull it off, but he never got there.

"Hero", "House of Flying Daggers" and "The Promise" all failed to do this.

Right now, it seems that Pacific Rim is the most promising one.

“Is the domestic propaganda work about to begin?”

"We'll talk about this later. Master San, have you heard of the Mayan prophecy that the world will end in 2012..."

Zhang Chen asked instead of answering.

Han Sanping was stunned, then nodded: "I've heard of this, but I haven't understood it in detail. What's the matter?"

Zhang Chen didn't say anything, but handed over a thick stack of information.

"what is this?"

Han Sanping was puzzled, but still took it, and then saw a name written on the first one - "2012".

Flipping through...the script?
Zhang Chen didn't say anything, but just gestured for him to continue reading.

Han Sanping got what he wanted.

The story begins with a father taking his children to Yellowstone Park for a visit.

The father and daughter came to Yellowstone Park, but were surprised to find that the lake had dried up.

Not only that, it was designated as a restricted area at this moment and the army drove them away.

At this time they met a man who told them that all this was a sign of the 'end of the world in 2012' and the earth was about to be destroyed.

Of course the father and daughter didn't believe it.

But then, more and more abnormal phenomena began to appear.

The male protagonist is a driver. When he was picking up his employer's child, the child's words made him realize something.

Then he rushed to find his ex-wife and children.

The mutation occurred at this time.

A strong earthquake shook the entire Los Angeles area.

After going through numerous hardships, the group rushed to the airport and finally escaped the disaster.

Looking down from the plane, Los Angeles has become a ruin.

living hell.

At the same time, various extreme weather events, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, occurred all over the world, and landmark buildings were destroyed one after another.

The group didn't know where to escape to, and the protagonist remembered the strange man in Yellowstone Park.

After finding the weirdo and getting the map, I finally found a direction to escape.

However, when transferring at another airport, they met the protagonist's wealthy employer, and they helped each other, overcame the difficulties, and continued to escape.

Finally arrived in xz, boarded the ark after going through numerous hardships, witnessed the sinking of the Himalayas, and became one of the surviving humans.

The story is not complicated, but there are quite a few big scenes.

Zhang Chen was afraid that Han Sanping didn't have a direct understanding of the concept, so he simply attached storyboards he had drawn in various places, similar to a frame-by-frame comic strip.

A storyboard is similar to a storyboard, but it does not have professional parameters such as camera scheduling. However, it is enough to understand the grandeur of the scene.

Han Sanping watched with great interest.

The storyboard could only give a rough idea, so Han Sanping imagined it in his mind.

But he knew that no matter how he imagined it, it could not compare to the special effects created by CG.

Especially the Los Angeles earthquake and the Yellowstone Park volcanic eruption, you can see how grand they are just from the storyboards.

The earth's crust cracked, buildings collapsed, the subway was in mid-air, and the rocks from the volcanic eruption fell like rain all around...

Han Sanping was not satisfied after watching it once, so he watched it again, with a look of unsatisfied desire on his face.

Even after I finished watching it, I was still muttering to myself: "This is a disaster movie, a disaster movie, a disaster movie like The Day After Tomorrow..."

China Film Corporation is responsible for the introduction of all imported films. He personally introduced "The Day After Tomorrow" in 2004. It had a domestic box office of over 5.5 million. Where could he get the $ million?

I just never expected that one day I would actually see the drawings of a disaster film in the hands of a domestic director.

Although he was still unsatisfied, Han Sanping finally shifted his gaze away from the script, and this time his look towards Zhang Chen became extremely complicated.

After a long while, he said, "Is this your new movie?"

Zhang Chen nodded.

"The male lead is Cheng Long?"

He had also read the news about Zhang Chen and Cheng Long's upcoming collaboration.

Zhang Chen nodded again, and then felt that he should say something, so he explained: "This time when I went to Hollywood, I found that there were many reports about the Mayan prophecy of 'the end of the world in 2012'. The media was hyping it up. I specifically asked someone and found that it was similar not only in North America, South America and Europe, but also in Asia. So I came up with the idea of ​​making this disaster film..."

"No wonder the name is '2012'."

Han Sanping suddenly realized.

"But making a disaster film like this must require a lot of investment, right?"

He remembered that the production cost of "The Day After Tomorrow" was about 1.2 million or 1.5 million. Zhang Chen's "2012" has so many big scenes, so the cost must be higher than "The Day After Tomorrow", at least 2 million US dollars.

Two hundred million US dollars, that is sixteen hundred million RMB.

Absolutely astronomical figures.

"Pacific Rim" broke the record in China with its box office of 100 million US dollars.

Apart from Pacific Rim, the largest domestic investment was for The Forbidden Kingdom with US$7000 million, which is enough for Huayi to brag about for half a year.

"2012" made million US dollars, how could that be possible?

Unexpectedly, Zhang Chen said: "The investment is indeed not small. The preliminary estimate is about 1.2 million US dollars..."

This time it was Han Sanping's turn to be surprised.

“Are you kidding?
"As for those big scenes just now, with 1.2 million US dollars, are you sure you can make it?"

Seeing Han Sanping's confusion, Zhang Chen further explained: "Of course the investment in special effects will not be small, the initial estimate is about 8000 million, but we can save a lot of manpower.

The cost of "The Day After Tomorrow" is high, and a large part of it is due to Roland Emmerich's high salary, but my salary certainly can't be that high, and I'm also prepared to let Cheng Long reduce his salary to star in the film..."

What is Roland Emmerich's status?
What's his status?
Zhang Chen was very sure that if he dared to ask for a high price, Huayi Brothers would spit in his face.

In the original time and space, the cost of "2012" was 2 million US dollars, which is well documented.

But Roland Emmerich's salary alone was as high as 7000 million, even surpassing James Cameron's record and becoming the highest-paid director.

In addition to his identity as an investor, the final profit he received from the entire "2012" movie project actually exceeded 2 million US dollars, making a huge profit.

But on the other hand, it also proves that the cost of "2012" is not that exaggerated, and it is completely feasible for Zhang Chen to reduce it to 1.2 million.

Han Sanping nodded: "When do you plan to start preparing?"

"In the near future, I envision it being released in the summer of 08, before the Olympics~"

"So anxious?"

Han Sanping originally thought that he would have to wait until 09 or 10, but he didn't expect that Zhang Chen was thinking of next summer.

Zhang Chen knew that the other party would definitely not understand, so he directly stated the reason: "Because Roland Emmerich is also preparing a movie on a related theme, I have to release it before him~"

"Ah~"

This time, Han Sanping looked at Zhang Chen with a different look.

Of course he knows who Roland Emmerich is.

"Independence Day", "Godzilla", "The Day After Tomorrow"...

He said he was the second best disaster filmmaker in the world, and no one dared to claim to be the best. Zhang Chen actually wanted to compete with him head-on?
“Is it too radical?”

The third master gently reminded that he understood that a newborn calf is not afraid of a tiger, but the other party is Roland Emmerich after all~
Zhang Chen knew that the other party must have such concerns.

He also stated his reasons again.

He repeated exactly the same thing he had done to convince Edlan at that time.

Han Sanping finally understood.

Of course, the first person to try something new will enjoy it to his heart's content, but the same may not be true for those who follow suit.

"Are you still looking for Warner Bros. to cooperate with you this time?"

This type of film must be released simultaneously around the world.

There are only six major ones that have global distribution capabilities.

Zhang Chen curled his lips and said, "My expectation is Warner Bros., but it may be difficult to negotiate. If it doesn't work, I'll try another one."

The reason why he thinks it is difficult to talk about is that he has no successful works.

"Taken" was a global hit, but it was an action movie and cannot be compared to a disaster movie.

It would be better if Pacific Rim had already been released, at least it shows that he has the ability to handle big productions.

But "Pacific Rim" will be released at the end of the year, and it will definitely be too late to prepare for "2012" by then.

The same goes for pay:

He doesn't have any successful big-budget directing cases, so his market value won't go up.

Hollywood speaks with data. Without data, no one can do anything.

But it all depends on how you talk about it.

If Warner Bros. doesn't agree, then we'll find another company.

If the six major parties disagree, it means that the money never belonged to him in the first place, so there is nothing to regret.

"What do you think about investment?"

"I hope the investment of the six major companies can be controlled at 100 million yuan, and with publicity and promotion, we can try to achieve a 50-50 split, but I think it will be difficult."

The six big ones are all ruthless and ruthless.

If the project "2012" wants to be successful, it must be released globally, because they are the powerful party.

China Film Group can indeed hold others back in importing films, but the box office revenue in the Chinese market is so low.

We have already been given face once on the "Pacific Rim" project.

It is impossible to give it every time.

That's why Zhang Chen wanted to bring Cheng Long along.

He alone does not have enough say.

Although Jackie Chan has not been doing well in the past two years, he still has a great influence internationally.

If Zhang Chen wants to take the lead in this project, such as getting the "final editing rights", Cheng Long must speak up with him.

When Zhang Chen said this, Han Sanping was also thinking about it.

He knew very well that Zhang Chen came here this time not only to show him the finished film of "Pacific Rim", but also to ask whether China Film Group would join "2012".

Join, of course you have to join.

He is so focused on making blockbuster movies that there is no reason for him to miss an opportunity like "2012".

Moreover, the meaning of "2012" is completely different.

If Pacific Rim broke the curse that China could not produce science fiction films, then 2012 pioneered the domestic disaster film.

what is this?
This is a political achievement.

Naked political achievements.

As long as the two movies are released, who dares to say it has nothing to do with him.

The two films with the largest domestic investment and which broke new ground were both produced during his tenure as the director. No one can erase his achievements.

Not to mention Zhang Chen’s series of settings in "2012".

All the arks are made in China, which indirectly reflects the recognition of China's industrial capabilities.

That is the Ark of the End of the World, and only China can build it.

Isn’t this just labeling China?
The world's factory!

The King of Manufacturing!

China is confirmed by the United Nations as the only country in the world that possesses all industrial categories. The concept of the world's factory is reflected in the movie, which is more useful than any investment promotion propaganda.

Zhang Chen knows how to get things done. Whether it is "Pacific Rim" or "2012", he is consciously trying to enhance the country's image.

As long as the movie is successful, the impact will be huge.

The teacher once said that movies are a propaganda tool, and it turned out to be true.

Han Sanping is well aware of these things, and these are considered invisible benefits.

But even without these, he would definitely support "2012".

Having broken the record of 'zero' domestic disaster films and escorting a talented young man to the top of Hollywood, Han Sanping would have no regrets.

He has always considered it his mission to revitalize domestic films.

Fortunately, God sent him to the right place, and the internal environment is gradually getting better.

Then, a talented young man was sent to help him.

He felt that Zhang Chen was his Zhuge Liang.

With one minute in hand, the world is mine.

……

After finalizing the basic investment intention with Mr. Han Sanye, Zhang Chen left.

He still has a lot to do, including convincing Jackie Chan and then convincing Hollywood.

Han Sanping asked his secretary Xiao Li to notify the senior executives that a meeting would be held in half an hour.

Half an hour later, a special meeting of executives took place.

When Han Sanping mentioned the "2012" project, the whole room was in an uproar.

“I don’t agree. We invested 2012 million in Pacific Rim, but we haven’t seen any results yet. No one knows whether Pacific Rim will be the next The Promise. Now we haven’t seen the return yet, but we are in a hurry to invest in . I think it’s too risky…”

There are many factions in China Film Corporation. Although Han Sanping has become the top leader, he cannot have the final say. At least he needs to have a legitimate reason.

Han Sanping did not comment on his subordinates' opposition, but instead said, "If you have any other opinions, please feel free to speak up~"

"I also think we are being a little hasty. There are so many people applying for support funds. If we put all the money into Xingchen Entertainment, it will probably cause dissatisfaction among those old cadres..."

After someone started talking, others followed suit.

In addition to introducing foreign films, China Film Corporation also has an important function of supporting the film industry.

There is a fixed fund for supporting films.

But there are more wolves than meat.

Not to mention newcomers, many older generation directors rely on these support funds to be able to make movies.

“I think we can continue to bet on Zhang Chen, and the reason is also related to the support funds.

Although Pacific Rim has not been released yet, we have actually made a lot of money with Xingchen Entertainment in the past two years. To put it bluntly, the funding for those veteran directors is basically earned from Xingchen Entertainment. If we don’t follow them this time and ruin the relationship, where will the funding for those veteran directors come from in the future?”

Han Sanping's own people immediately stood up to defend him.

China Film Corporation does have film support funds, but the amount allocated by the state is limited and cannot satisfy everyone.

In the past two years, much of China Film's support funds have come from its own profits.

Most of these profits come from Star Entertainment's projects or box office revenue from external films.

However, the share of profits from foreign films is limited. The box office of foreign films cannot be higher than that of domestic films. This is the red line.

Therefore, Star Entertainment becomes particularly important.

After hearing this, everyone became obedient.

Those veteran directors are all well-connected, and many of them can hear directly from the top.

Can't afford to offend~
Really can't afford to offend ~
If China Film Group can support them, they will shut up.

If they can’t give it, they will cause trouble.

I can't do anything to China Film Group, but it's disgusting.

Therefore, our attitude towards them has always been to try our best to satisfy them.

When Han Sanping saw that no one spoke suddenly, he knew it was time for him to take action.

He cleared his throat and said, "Since no one has any objections, let's watch a clip first."

Immediately, the 11-minute clip from Pacific Rim appeared on the big screen in the conference room.

The result was just as he expected. Everyone's mouth was dry and their eyes were shining.

"Haha~"

Zuo Shandiao looked around and said, "This is a completed scene from Pacific Rim. After watching it, do you still think Pacific Rim will fail?"

After a pause, he said: "Zhang Chen is a trustworthy comrade. In the film industry, he has never failed. Instead, he has been leading domestic films to move forward in great strides.

For such a person, I think even if we can’t help him, at least we shouldn’t hold him back…”

After Han Sanping finished his speech, the meeting room became so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.

Old Han looked around domineeringly and said, "I suggest that China Film continue to support the "2012" film project with an investment of no less than million yuan. Let's vote by raising our hands~"

After saying that, Han Sanping raised his hand first.

Soon after, a second and a third were raised in the conference room...

Passed unanimously!

Old Han just felt extremely satisfied!
He knew that China Film Corporation was in financial difficulty at the moment, but he must support this investment.

Since he entered the industry, the largest investment he has made was not the 200 million RMB for "Pacific Rim", but the 40 million US dollars for "The Promise".

He was not the top leader at that time.

These 40 million were finally taken out after many rounds of bargaining.

Unfortunately, all the money was lost.

I endured more criticism during that period than I have ever endured in my entire life.

Fortunately, he usually earns a lot from Star Entertainment. Although there are a lot of criticisms, it does not affect him.

"Pacific Rim", he invested 200 million yuan with a wave of his hand.

There are still criticisms.

But after seeing the finished film, he is extremely confident that when the movie is released at the end of the year, the box office will definitely shut those guys up.

The only point that could easily give people a chance to criticize is that China Film had to invest at least 2012 million yuan to produce before Pacific Rim was released.

Someone will definitely make a fuss about this.

But so what?
When he was not the top leader, he could support "Pacific Rim" under pressure. Now that he has become the top leader, is he going to miss "2012"?
As for whether Zhang Chen will fail?
Han Sanping believes it won’t happen.

But it’s actually also a gamble.

Before Wu Baige directed "Windtalkers", he had never failed.

"Windtalkers" was also a $1.2 million project, and it directly bankrupted MGM.

Rather than betting on Zhang Chen, Han Sanping is betting on himself.

Zhang Chen has never lost a movie so far, and all the film projects he has handled have made huge profits.

Han Sanping doesn't believe that his success and failure are all due to Xiao He.

He is looking forward to the moment when the movie is released~
He wanted to see what kind of shock Zhang Chen could bring to him~
(End of this chapter)