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

Chapter 266 Sky-High Endorsements, Income Ranking (Please Subscribe)

Tang Wen wouldn't handle the haggling himself.

After discussing it, Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou did not delay and visited Tang Wen at Lanxing Entertainment the next day.

Vice President Zhang Ran and Board Secretary Xia Tian, ​​along with their team, held discussions with them.

Finally an agreement was reached.

Tang Wen was in charge of promoting "Hero" and aiming for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Tang Wenlai will be the one to be nominated for the female lead in Zhang Yimou's next film.

As long as the character and the script's character settings are not too different, Tang Wen has the final say.

Furthermore, the production team will reserve 10% to 20% of the investment for Blue Star.

If, in the end, you win an Oscar.

Tang Wen can then choose to vote for any two of Zhang Yimou's next films.

And obtain a 20% investment share.

More than an investment share, Tang Wen actually wanted more leading roles in several films.

After all, the profitability of Zhang Yimou's films in the next few years is not that great.

People who see the booming film industry in the past two years might think that the era of making money from movies has arrived.

In reality, only a small number of films ever make money.

When the box office results for "Hero" came out, everyone thought it was the beginning of Zhang Yimou's commercial blockbusters.

But Tang Wen knew that the beginning was the peak.

His subsequent films still struggled to gain international recognition.

To truly make big money, we'll have to wait until the film market is fully prosperous.

Two movies it is.

Tang Wen managed to snag two spots without any investment, which he was quite satisfied with.

As a master of impartiality, I cannot be too biased when providing film resources to women.

Fan Bingbing is known for his films "A World Without Thieves" and "Peacock," both of which he directed himself. The former grossed over 100 million yuan, making Fan Bingbing famous.

In addition, Tang Wen wrote a few songs and released an album for her.

Fan Bingbing has achieved success in both the film and music industries.

In addition, she was good at marketing and joined Renren.com.

Press releases have been flying everywhere lately.

She seemed to be the most popular mainland actress besides Wang Zuxian.

What Zhao Yanzi and Lin Xinru!

What movies have they acted in?
How many more representative songs has he released, and has his album gone platinum?

If there's nothing to it, what's the point of calling them the Four Beauties?

The person surnamed Zhao should give up their position as soon as possible.

Fan Bingbing went a little crazy, and she's a workaholic herself.

With the professional security team arranged by Tang Wen, she was busy performing and endorsing advertisements in major cities.

In recent months, he has earned a net worth of tens of millions.

It wasn't that the turnover was in the tens of millions; it was that after Tang Wen and his team distributed the money, tens of millions ended up in her pocket.

There is a price to pay; Fan Bingbing has been so busy lately that she hasn't been able to see Tang Wen at all.

Other women, including Yu Feihong, also received film resources.

Tang Wei is a Tokyo Film Festival Best Actress winner.

Gao Yuanyuan, besides starring in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," also appeared as the female lead in "Infernal Affairs 1 & 3."

Although the female lead doesn't have much screen time in this movie.

But she is also a genuine female lead.

It's taking over the ecological niche that Chen Huilin originally occupied.

She has become known to many people across the country.

Wang Zuxian goes without saying.

Now, Chen has the resources for "Please Praise Me".

Of Director Tang's earliest girlfriends, only Dong Xuan has never acted in a movie.

How could Xuanmei possibly feel at peace with that?

She hasn't contacted Tang Wen for two days, and she's not going to the company either, instead hiding at home sulking.

Now that Zhang Yimou has been booked the female lead, it's time to give her the role.

Back at the Beijing Film Academy campus.

Dong Xuan put on a stern face: "Oh, isn't this Director Tang? What brings you here?"

Tang Wen didn't give her a chance to continue, and directly handed over the photocopy of the document in his hand.

Lady Dong sensed something important was going on, so she pouted, suppressed her dissatisfaction, and took the document to read it.

Her eyes lit up again: "The female lead in Zhang Yimou's next film? For me?"

Although I had a great director like Tang Wen by my side, I grew up watching Zhang Yimou's films.

The leading actresses Zhang collaborated with were Maggie Cheung and Gong Li.

She is the most accomplished actress in Chinese-language films.

Zhang Ziyi, who marketed herself as an international star, was only a supporting actress in "Hero".

Dong Xuan's heart skipped a beat, but Tang Wen poured cold water on it: "There's a 50% chance it's you."

Dong Xuan snorted and put her hands on her hips: "Who has the other half?"

Which vixen?
Tang Wen: "Among all the other female celebrities."

"What do you mean?" Dong Xuan blinked her big eyes.

"It depends on whether the role suits you."

If all goes as expected, Zhang Yimou's next film will be "House of Flying Daggers".

The female lead is Zhang Ziyi.

She contributed a memorable dance scene.

Dong Xuan is a professional dancer, and she is also young and beautiful, making her suitable for the role.

As for what she thinks about stealing the lead role from Zhang Ziyi.

Tang Wen didn't care at all.

Resources are limited; to get a good opportunity, you have to fight for it.

Everyone depends on their ability.

He and Zhang Ziyi didn't have a very close relationship.

Dong Xuan beamed with joy, tilting her little face up and throwing herself into his arms: "God bless me! Director Zhang's next film must be perfect for me!"

Tang Wen glanced at her sideways: "Heaven can't protect you."

"Hehe, thank you for your blessing, my husband. Are you hungry, my husband? I'll make you some noodles."

"Is that all you're going to do now?"

"Yes, I also prepared cheongsams."

"That's pretty much it."

That night.

Dong Xuan recreates Leng Qingqiu's classic look.

It took a lot of time and effort to tie two braids.

Tang Wen gave it a try.

The controls are indeed very responsive.

It's better than the previous twin tails.

He couldn't help but feel very satisfied.

CCTV bought the first-run broadcast rights for "The Story of a Noble Family".

In the original timeline, it was also a CCTV premiere.

The price offered is 80 per episode.

It also comes with an incentive contract.

That is, after the viewership rating breaks 2, for every 1 point increase, an additional 10 yuan will be added to the per episode.

Nowadays, Tang Wen has a good relationship with the leaders of CCTV.

He is also friends with Li, the chief secretary of CCTV.

We collaborated with them to create "Avenue of Stars".

CCTV's procurement price was naturally a step higher than in the original timeline.

100 million/episode!
There are also incentive contracts.

After breaking 2.5, for every 1 point increase, the reward per episode is 10.

Tang Wen knew that the show ultimately scored over 7.5.

During the film's run, Lan Xing and Dong Xuan will release behind-the-scenes footage on Renren.com to promote the film.

This will further boost viewership.

All things considered, this production of "The Story of a Noble Family" sold for an astronomical price.

As the distributor, Bluestar Entertainment will receive a total commission of 15% in addition to the original investment dividends.

However, it's still a long way from the release date.

Having paid such a high price, CCTV is preparing to broadcast it as its opening drama of the year.

Tang Wen was in the capital, where he was constantly entertaining guests.

If he agrees, we can't even eat one meal a day.

We eat lunch, and then we have to eat dinner.

That day, Li, the chief secretary of CCTV, and Zhang, the director of production, came to visit us in person.

Tang Wen arranged for the people to be received at the Tang Palace.

This is a membership-based business.

You two are distinguished VIPs.

You can enjoy very reasonable meal prices.

Tang Palace has expanded its scale. Several courtyard houses that Tang Wen acquired in the past six months have been renovated and are used to open Tang Palace branches. After a few rounds of drinks, the two revealed their purpose: "Avenue of Stars" is being recorded and they are missing a heavyweight judge.

Since Tang Wen is available, could you record a few episodes?

"It is my honor to be invited by the two leaders, but it would be best if my artists did not appear on the show during the episodes I am in."

"Director Tang, don't overthink it. The artists on your Blue Star are very talented, and no one will dare to gossip about it," Director Zhang assured him.

Besides wanting Tang Wen to be a judge, the two also wanted him to bring a female celebrity along.

Wang Zuxian and Fan Bingbing are both fine; they're not picky.

Tang Wen was slightly speechless: He asks for the reddest one, and you call that not picky?
He readily agreed: "Okay, the two of them plus Dong Xuan, the three of them can each record one episode with me."

The matter has been settled.

Director Zhang spoke up again: "Director Tang, how about taking on an endorsement deal?"

Endorsement.

Tang Wen has been so busy lately because many businesses have come to him through various channels and connections.

We'd like to invite him to be our spokesperson.

From daily chemical products and personal care items to snacks and liquor, and even clothing and vehicles.

It's somewhat like they're targeting Tang Wen.

He hasn't given in.

The calls were all made to Wang Zuxian, Fan Bingbing, and Dong Xuan.

Hopefully, they can seduce Director Tang and get endorsements together to make big money.

The offer is quite reasonable.

The highest price reached 1 million per year.

He far surpasses Zhang Weijian, currently the most popular male artist in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Tang Wen smiled and looked at Director Zhang with interest: "What kind of company would require you two to act as intermediaries?"

Secretary Li waved his hand: "Don't overthink it, we're just friends. You can accept it if you want."

Tang Wen understood: the connections weren't strong enough.

That would be easy.

What brand?

Director Zhang said, "Harbin Pharmaceutical Group's No. 6 Factory's Gaizhonggai (a type of medicated leather) has quoted this price after two years! I'm shocked!"

He held up two fingers.

Obviously, it's not two million over two years.

That's twenty million.

"Gai Zhong Gai" is a classic advertisement, and this year they are preparing to bid a large sum of money to compete for the CCTV Spring Festival Gala.

He casually thought of signing Tang Wen, who was famous all over the world but didn't have a single endorsement deal.

I'll shoot an ad before the New Year and release it during the holiday.

It will definitely become a hit across the country.

"Gai Zhong Gai" is a calcium supplement.

It's considered medicine, so Tang Wen hesitated.

Think back to the old pharmacies, with their couplets at the entrance: "I'd rather the medicine on the shelves gather dust than see a world without illness and suffering."

These days, medicine sellers are practically offering two pounds of eggs as a bonus, hoping to attract customers every day.

"I'll consider the pharmaceutical company's advertisement."

I need to think about it given the high price.

The two leaders from CCTV couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Director Tang is becoming more and more stable.

He doesn't seem like a young person.

Is he really not a protégé secretly cultivated by some family?

Director Zhang laughed and said, "President Tang is indeed generous. If he offered me 20 million, I definitely wouldn't be able to sleep."

That was just a joke.

The production director at CCTV isn't that short-sighted.

Director Zhang: "I'll help President Tang spread the word later. Twenty million in two years, I don't think that's the limit for these businesses."

Tang Wen raised his glass in thanks.

CCTV has a huge influence.

Inside and outside, many advertisers fawned over them.

"Is the bidding process for the Spring Festival Gala about to begin?"

"Mr. Tang wants to run an advertisement?"

It was just a casual, joking question.

Unexpectedly, Tang Wen nodded: "If we don't compete this year, we'll compete next year."

Ok?
What kind of advertising do entertainment companies do?
Tang Wen explained, "Renren.com and JD.com."

The two suddenly realized that Tang Wen was also a famous investor.

"Mr. Tang is so optimistic about e-commerce?"

After a moment's thought, Tang Wen said in a deep voice, "Since you two are not outsiders, I'll just be frank."

Based on my research in the United States, internet companies are capable of reaching billions or even tens of billions of dollars in revenue within ten years.

Secretary Li and Director Zhang were slightly startled, and raised their glasses in a toast.

With their connections, they have no shortage of investment opportunities.

One sentence was enough; I didn't say anything more.

After finishing two bottles of aged liquor, both host and guests were in high spirits.

Tang Wen provided assistance to both of them at work; their relationship was more than just ordinary.

There was no second round arranged. After they had eaten and drunk their fill, a car was sent to take them away.

Secretary Li keeps his word.

The following afternoon.

In the summer, Tang Wen received several offers from large companies to endorse his products.

They are all partners of CCTV.

Midea Electric Appliances: 3300 million yuan for 3 years, but with an additional condition: he must endorse the product with Fan Bingbing.

Fan Bingbing's endorsement fee is calculated separately.

Moutai: 900 million yuan/year.

They started reporting the time in the news.

In addition, the prevalence of drinking culture at banquets means that spokespeople are not valued as much, resulting in lower prices.

Of course, this is specifically referring to Tang Wen alone.

A price of 900 million a year is something that other domestic celebrities can only dream of.

Hutong Children's Cold Medicine, Taiji Group, Very Cola...

Two days later, a number of brands offered their prices.

Among them, children's cold medicine, Diaopai toothpaste, and Very Cola had the highest bids, averaging 1300 million, 1260 million, and 1280 million respectively.

And the contract must be for at least two years.

A group of advertisers were throwing money at him; if Tang Wen just nodded, achieving a small goal in two years would be no problem at all.

This was before the news had spread.

Companies in the Jiangnan region also have strong interests in Tang Wen.

If they really let go and accept endorsements freely, they might be able to achieve their small goals every year.

But that means you'll inevitably have to make appearances and participate in events frequently.

For Tang Wen, it was a losing proposition.

He can easily promote any female celebrity and get a small cashback reward.

It's still about sleep and after-tax income.

I don't have time for endorsements.

"Pay attention to style. Moutai is fine, Wuliangye is also acceptable, but choose at most one fast-moving consumer good," Tang Wen instructed Xia Tian.

"Understood, Chairman Tang."

Well, compared to money, Chairman Tang values ​​his reputation more.

So many companies are pursuing Tang Wen.

It's no secret in the industry.

After hearing the price, not only ordinary celebrities, but also Chen Daoming, Ge You, and the four leading actresses fell silent.

Zhao Yanzi: "This must add up to at least 100 million? My God, a director's endorsement fee is so high."

"The most amazing thing is that they didn't even agree."

"Oh no?"

Zhang Guoli, who is also incredibly popular, said enviously, "You have to admit it. Director Tang earns more in a year than I did in the first half of my life."

Ge You said, "It's said that this person is hesitating. I don't understand, what is hesitating about?"

Mr. Wang was equally envious and jealous; Tang Wen's annual endorsement fee was more than the entire Huayi company earned.

He was about to say something sarcastic.

Wang Jinhua spoke up: "I've dealt with Director Tang before, and he seems to dislike trouble. I guess he's afraid of having too many endorsements and not having time to film."

When everyone thinks about it, this is the truth.

After all, Tang Wen probably earns more money from filming in Hollywood than from endorsement fees.

There's no rush with endorsement deals; let people negotiate slowly first.

Hero was to compete for the 03 Academy Awards.

Tang Wen returned to North America to personally oversee the public relations efforts with the judges.

His endorsement fee, when it reached Hong Kong,
Hong Kong media outlets have sprung into action, planning to create a 2002 celebrity income ranking.

Finding out Tang Wen and Wang Zuxian's income is of paramount importance.

(End of this chapter)