Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 207: Giving Jeremy a Little Musical Shock
It takes time to compile and summarize box office figures for various cities across the country.

Box office figures from Hong Kong are compiled much faster.

In the morning, while the crew was having breakfast, the female assistant rushed over with a document: "Director Tang, the box office figures for 'Infernal Affairs 2' in Hong Kong have arrived."

The cast and crew all looked over.

Those who are a little further away, stand up and get ready to listen.

Tang Wen had just picked up the egg pancake.

This pancake has two eggs, a piece of Wangzhongwang ham, a little chili sauce, and two slices of fresh leftover vegetables, emitting an enticing aroma.

He doesn't want to let go.

He took a bite and looked at Fan Bingbing across from him.

Fan Xiaopang reached out and took it, saying in a slightly indulgent tone, "Tens of millions in box office revenue isn't as important as an egg pancake?"

The people around him laughed silently.

Tang Wen ate heartily, took a spoonful of hot and sour soup, and said, "This egg pancake is really good. I'll have someone talk to the owner about the recipe later."

Everyone couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Fan Bingbing opened the document, saw the box office figures, looked at them carefully several times, then winked mischievously with her fox-like eyes and said:

"Since you're not in a hurry to know, then brother, guess how much the final box office will be?"

The way she called him "brother" was both playful and alluring.

Tang Wen felt a surge of joy.

The other male actors felt a pang of jealousy.

It's not that they have a crush on Fan Bingbing.

Rather, it's a case of comparing yourself to others and it's a recipe for disaster.

How come Director Tang's girlfriend is so beautiful, generous, lively and lovely?

It's my own business, so I won't say anything more.

Oh? I don't have a girlfriend?

That's okay.

Tang Wen didn't want to flirt in public, so he glanced at her and said, "Hong Kong isn't a big company, at most a few tens of millions. What are you guessing?"

A mere tens of millions?
Assistant director Ning Hao and Huang Bo exchanged a glance, both speechless.

So does everyone else.

If someone else said that, they wouldn't say anything to their face, but they would definitely be cursing in their hearts.

But that's what Tang Wen said.

Even if some of you here have never been online, you still know this if you've read a newspaper.

Director Tang has created a series of box office miracles in the past two years.

A box office of tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars is not easy for anyone else, including the three directors.

For Tang Wen, it really wasn't a big deal.

Fan Bingbing didn't think Tang Wen was faking it at all; she just thought the way he ate the egg pancake with gusto was incredibly handsome!

Without further ado, she announced in a gentle, tea-like voice, "The box office reached HK$1017 million over the first three days, and HK$1396 million over the past week, for a total of HK$2413 million!"

2413 million!
This number spread throughout the film crew.

"Congratulations, brother!" Fan Xiaopang said with a smile.

Congratulations, Director Tang!

"Congratulations to Director Tang on the box office success..."

For a time, congratulations were heard everywhere.

Tang Wen smiled and picked up his bowl of spicy soup: "I'd like to offer everyone a bowl."

"Hahaha……"

After a brief moment of excitement, he added, "When the box office figures for mainland China come out, I'll give everyone a bonus."

"Thank you, Director Tang!"

This voice is more sincere.

Fan Bingbing then asked, "Will our film also be shown in Hong Kong?"

"Don't think that far ahead, just focus on acting well!"

Tang Wen's tone was serious.

Fan Bingbing frowned, not daring to ask any more questions, but her smooth, jade-like legs under the table began to rub against Tang Wen's calves...

This goblin.

Tang Wen clamped her calves between his legs and gave her a warning look: I have mastered your physiological rhythms.

If I weren't worried about missing the movie, I could have given you a good beating anytime I saw an opportunity!
evening.

The film crew was just about to wrap up.

The mainland box office data arrived around the same time as Zhang Yimou and Gong Li.

Director Zhang and Gong Li, along with their entourage, arrived at the film set, guided by staff members.

Tang Wen was somewhat surprised when he saw who it was.

Besides the two of them, a renowned photographer and another actress also attended:

Gu Changwei and his wife Jiang Wenli.

Gu Changwei was the original director of "Peacock".

Tang Wen's mind went blank for a moment: What does that mean?
You didn't use cheats too, did you?
"Director Tang!"

When he needed someone's help, Zhang Yimou was all smiles.

"Director Zhang, welcome!"

"No, no, thank you. Hello, Bingbing."

Tang Wen, accompanied by Fan Bingbing, greeted everyone in turn.

Gu Changwei held Tang Wen's hand and explained, "Director Tang, please don't be offended by my uninvited visit."

"Of course not, welcome Director Gu."

At this time, Gu Changwei had already tried to transition into directing, but he only directed one documentary.

The film is called "Knowledge Changes Destiny," and it doesn't seem like it was directed by a serious director.

He blushed a little when Tang Wen addressed him that way.

I think to myself that Yimou and I were classmates, and we're both almost fifty this year, and I'm still just a photographer.

Tang Wen is less than half his age, yet he has already become famous both at home and abroad.

How could such a young prodigy not blush with embarrassment when he calls himself a director?

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it," Director Gu waved his hands repeatedly.

He had an honest appearance, a simple and unadorned buzz cut, and wore black clothes, with not a trace of artistic flair about him.

He's more like an ordinary worker.

But as a photographer, he has already achieved a great deal.

Red Sorghum, Ju Dou, Farewell My Concubine, In the Heat of the Sun...

He was the photographer for a large number of business cards.

He won numerous film awards as a result.

"Hello, Director Tang!"

Jiang Wenli stretched out her hands, looking at Tang Wenying's handsome face, and then at her own husband.

I felt the same way.

"Hello, Teacher Jiang."

After shaking hands, Jiang Wenli greeted Fan Bingbing, saying, "Bingbing is so beautiful!"

"No, it's Teacher Jiang who is both beautiful and elegant."

This girl really knows how to talk.

Jiang Wenli couldn't help but think of her fourteen-year-old niece.

I need to find an opportunity to leave an impression on Director Tang in the future.

After exchanging pleasantries, I noticed the crew members gathering around, as if something was up.

Zhang Yimou, who was in charge, quickly said, "Director Tang, you guys go ahead with your work, don't worry about us."

“Yes, little brother, you go ahead and do your work.” Gong Li called out smoothly.

Hearing this address, Fan Bingbing's smile remained unchanged, but she secretly rolled her eyes: Calling you so affectionately, have you forgotten that you're married?

Tang Wendao: "Filming is finished for today, but the box office data for 'Infernal Affairs 2' has just arrived, and everyone wants to hear it."

"Oh right, we haven't congratulated Director Tang on the box office success yet."

Tang Wen made a few modest remarks, took the document, glanced at it, and then crisply announced the box office figures: "Last week's box office totaled 5091 million!"

It was quiet for a few seconds.

Fan Bingbing was the first to blurt out: "9230 million in total?! More than 9000 million in 10 days."

Tang Wen looked at her amusedly: "You're quick at calculating money, aren't you? That's right, adding the 4139 million from the first three days, it's over 9200 million in total!"

"Congratulations, Director Tang..."

"No, no!" Fan Xiaopang shook his head and shouted, interrupting Jiang Wenli's congratulations.

"What's wrong?"

Fan Bingbing smiled and said, "We need to add the HK$2400 million from Hong Kong!"

As she spoke, she became excited, her voice rising several octaves: "It's a total of over 116 million! Ah, brother, you've broken 100 million in ten days!"

Fan Xiaopang threw himself into Tang Wen's arms and kissed him fiercely.

This girl!
Gong Li's eyes were tense.

Jiang Wenli's expression was subtle.

The rest of the crew were used to it.

Neither Zhang Yimou nor Gu Changwei showed any unusual behavior.

"Whoa Whoah"

Someone started clapping. Tang Wen gently pushed Fan Bingbing away.

The latter didn't seem to mind, took his hand, and leaned her head gently against him, looking like a happy little woman.

In the evening, the film crew had a dinner party.

Due to filming commitments the following day, beverages were limited: only two bottles of baijiu and two cases of beer were served per table.

Although beer is generally not intoxicating, some people have a low alcohol tolerance.

The hotel banquet hall, originally used for weddings, was set up with about ten tables.

The local custom in Ancheng is also the custom in the Central Plains: regardless of winter or summer, eight cold dishes are served first.

Zhang Yimou looked at the dishes and said thank you, "Director Tang, you've gone to so much trouble."

"Director Zhang, please don't be so polite. I'm in a good mood today."

After washing her hands, Jiang Wenli walked out of the inner room. Seeing that all the dishes and drinks on all the tables were the same, she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow: Director Tang is really rich and powerful!

With both beef and donkey meat, the hot dishes must be of a high standard.

Including drinks, a table of food would cost several hundred yuan.

With so many people, a single meal would cost tens of thousands.

I need to film several episodes of a TV series to earn that much.

At the dinner table, customs such as urging others to drink are unavoidable.

Tang Wen called over Huang Bo and Ning Hao to be in charge of urging people to drink.

After a few drinks...

Just as Zhang Yimou was about to say something, Tang Wen's phone rang.

Han Sanping called.

He couldn't ignore the call, so Tang Wenchong and the others smiled apologetically and didn't get up to leave. Instead, he pressed the call button from his seat.

Unexpectedly, Han Sanye's heartbroken voice came through the phone:

"So close! Kid, so close! Can't you just try a little harder?!"

The sound was quite loud, and Tang Wen subconsciously moved his phone away.

After he finished speaking, she asked in return, "Please wait and speak slowly. What's almost..."

"Records! Box office records, you almost broke the record set by Titanic."

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table simultaneously showed expressions of surprise.

Fan Bingbing, who was sitting to Tang Wen's right, got up and leaned over to listen.

"No way, there's a big difference."

Master Han lamented, "When Titanic was released in mainland China, it broke 100 million in ten days, while your Infernal Affairs 2 only made over 90 million in ten days! You were just a little short!"

So that's the record.

Fan Bingbing couldn't help but want to interject, but considering the identity of the person opposite her, she could only whisper to Tang Wen, "Including the box office in Hong Kong, it's broken 100 million! It's broken 100 million!"

Tang Wen shook his head, saying that it couldn't be calculated that way.

At that time, "Titanic" was released in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong at different times.

When Mr. Han mentioned that the box office exceeded 100 million, he was referring to the mainland market alone, where the box office exceeded 100 million in just ten days.

"Don't worry, breaking its record is only a matter of time."

Han Sanping shook his head in regret: "If we had raised the ticket price by a few dollars before the movie was released, it would definitely have broken the record."

Tang Wen laughed: That's exactly what 'Hero' will do at the end of the year.

hang up the phone.

The people at the table showered Tang Wen with praise.

Tang Wen wasn't sure if he was overthinking it, but he felt that the way Jiang Wenli was looking at him was a little strange.

Director Zhang Yimou also felt quite sentimental.

Ninety million in ten days.

He couldn't even imagine the box office numbers.

He is famous throughout the world; when it comes to great directors, he is always one of them.

But whether it's him, Chen Kaige, or even Feng Xiaogang, who is known for his commercial films.

No one has ever had a single film gross over 100 million yuan.

Let alone 100 million, it's not even 50 million.

The highest-grossing film was Feng Xiaogang's "Big Shot's Funeral" last year, with a total box office of 4300 million yuan.

We're still a little short of 50 million.

Fan Bingbing and the others looked regretful, but Tang Wen didn't care about this record. He believed that it would be broken eventually when the number of cinemas increased.

The rest of the discussion revolved around "Infernal Affairs 2".

Gu Changwei remarked with emotion, "This film grossed over 110 million yuan in ten days, so the entire cost has definitely been recouped. Director Tang's Blue Star Entertainment is going to make a fortune again."

Tang Wen was surprised: This is a bit of an amateurish statement.

Clearly, this person's main profession is still photography, and they have not been deeply involved in the operation of film copyrights.

He didn't mind offering a word of advice: "Hong Kong production teams still have some market share in Southeast Asia."

Gu Changwei didn't understand.

Zhang Yimou nodded thoughtfully.

Tang Wen bluntly stated: "The overseas rights to this film were sold long ago, and we've already recouped our costs before its release."

"what?"

If you calculate it that way, wouldn't this movie earn at least tens of millions?

Gu Changwei and his wife were both somewhat surprised.

Fan Bingbing's beautiful eyes sparkled, and she raised her chin with obvious pride.

My brother is amazing!
After meal.

Zhang Yimou, Gong Li, Tang Wen, and Fan Bingbing chatted in the crew's meeting room.

One bottle of Golden Leaf cigarettes is finished.

Zhang Yimou brought up the old topic again, mentioning the overseas copyright of "Hero".

They looked around, but Harvey refused to raise the price.

Zhang Yimou used his connections and networks to find several overseas film distributors.

But in this situation, no one offered a higher price than Tang Wen.

Even companies from nearby island nations followed suit and offered a maximum of only US$220 million.

People from island nations are optimistic about "Hero," but they also want to take advantage of the opportunity.

Tang Wen pondered for a moment, deciding that it was better to earn the money himself than let the Japanese earn it.

However, Galaxy Entertainment, which operates in Hollywood, does not have distribution channels in Japan.

Unless you build one yourself.

As far as I can remember, "Hero" grossed over 30 million US dollars in Japan.

If you divide it in half, you'll have 15 million.

Even if all costs are factored in, including the money spent on hiring people and building distribution channels, it's still possible to earn several million US dollars.

"I can offer up to $280 million for the copyright from that island nation."

"well!"

Zhang Yimou agreed.

They can't afford to delay any longer with the new footage.

Tang Wen started the conversation, and Zhang Yimou then brought up VCD copyright.

After some haggling, the rights for North America and the island nation were finally agreed upon for a total price of less than $1000 million.

How should I put this price?

A rough calculation shows that the box office revenue from North America and the island nations will exceed 8000 million US dollars.

Taking all costs into account, Tang Wen can earn more than 1500 million.

A little over one goal.

This doesn't even include the cashback amount.

There are quite a few female stars in this movie.

After calculating, Tang Wen realized that he had basically pocketed all the profits from "Hero".

Hopefully, Zhang Weiping won't be spitting blood when the new screen is released.

However, to achieve such high box office numbers, one crucial step is still missing.

That means finding a director who is famous in North America or even the world to serve as the nominal producer.

During the promotion, he was the main figure, which boosted the film's box office in North America and island countries.

In his past life, Harvey was working with director Quentin Tarantino.

A notorious Hollywood thug and foot fetishist.

His representative works include *Pulp Fiction*, a favorite among artsy youths, and the American martial arts film *Kill Bill*.

Harvey and he were on good terms.

If he wanted to use Quentin's name, even if Quentin agreed, Harvey would definitely stop him...

The next day.

Zhang Yimou left in a hurry without even having breakfast.

Of the four people who came to visit the set, only he left.
Gu Changwei shamelessly stayed, wanting to learn from Tang Wen.

Tang Wen's expression became subtle: No, the director of the original work wants to learn from me?

What's the difference between this and Jay Chou asking me to teach him to sing "Nocturne"?
Thinking of "Nocturne," he glanced at the date; it was almost time for Sister Zuxian to release her album.

There isn't a single song on Wang Zuxian's album that's just there to fill space.

Each song is a masterpiece.

I wonder if I could give Jay Chou, who just released an album, a little bit of musical impact?
(End of this chapter)