Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 194 Can you rob by pretending to be cool?

Han Sanping quickly came back from the call and said, "Yu Dong will be here soon."

"Okay, that's the same as Dong Yici." Xu Ming smiled.

Fortunately, Bona’s headquarters is not far from Qiming Entertainment.

Half an hour later, Yu Dong appeared in the conference room.

He came up and shook hands with Han Sanping and said, "Old Director, congratulations on the box office success of Let the Bullets Fly, which was co-invested by your China Film Group."

"Haha, the box office for the first weekend hasn't come out yet, so it's hard to say." Han Sanping said with a smile.

The two men's relationship began at the Beijing Film Studio.

The former was appreciated by the latter and became the youngest section-level cadre in the history of Beijing Film Studio.

It’s just that the successor is unwilling to take over. All we can say is that everyone has their own aspirations.

"Xiao Xu, you don't even think of choosing Bona when you want to start a new project. Do you still remember my past mistakes?" Yu Dong asked tentatively.

Xu Ke is the trump card in his hand. Just like Huayi has Feng Xiaogang and New Picture has Zhang Guoshi, Bona also needs a director who can hold his own.

Xu Ming has a history of stealing Master Zhang away. How can he not be wary?

After all, directors like Jiang Wen, Zhang Guoshi, and Ning Hao were able to choose the still insignificant Qiming Entertainment, so there’s no telling what tricks the other party might be hiding.

"No, I just got in touch with Uncle Han about this project, and asked Director Xu to make some preliminary contacts. I don't know if he has signed a contract with Bona Films."

"How can I have the nerve to ask you to invest in the movie when it hasn't even started yet?"

Xu Ming waved his hand. Qiming Entertainment was still in its development stage, so for the time being, he had to pretend to be friendly with the other party.

You should know that Bona is in the limelight this year and is about to take over the position of the leader of China's private film companies from Huayi.

The company currently ranks first among domestic private film companies in terms of the number of films produced and total box office revenue.

"Haha, I don't trust others, but I certainly trust you and the old factory manager's vision."

Yu Dong said generously: "Whatever the funding gap is now, we at Bona will make up for it in full."

"I estimate the total investment to be 1.3 million. The shares haven't been divided yet. How much do you plan to get?" Xu Ming asked.

Yu Dong was choked up suddenly. He thought that the other party would follow his usual film style.

A few tens of millions will be enough.

I didn’t expect it to reach over 100 million right away.

A movie usually needs to earn 2.5 to 3 times its production cost to break even, which means that this movie project must have a box office of at least 4 million to make a profit.

He can pay this money.

But whether it is worth it or not requires consideration.

"We at Bona have recently invested in several film projects, and the cash flow is not sufficient. I have to go back and ask the finance department." Yu Dong said calmly.

The most important thing is that he always felt that Xu Ming would not be so kind.

Judging from the way the other party treated Zhu Yanping, it can be seen that he is a cruel and vindictive person.

"Well, cash flow is indeed important to a film company, but don't force it. I can give the film distribution rights to Bona in exchange for a film contract with Director Xu." Xu Ming said, taking a step back to advance.

As long as Bona gets the film distribution rights, it will be a sure profit.

It depends on whether Yu Dong has such a big appetite.

"Okay, it's just a small matter. How can I refuse when the old factory director opens his mouth on the phone?" Yu Dong said in a fake tone.

Han Sanping watched the battle of wits and courage between the middle-aged man and the young man, but did not get involved.

As long as the competition is under control, his status will never be unsuitable for the end.

Ding Dong!

A crisp text message ringtone.

Han Sanping took out his phone, took a look at it, and said with a smile: "The first weekend box office of Let the Bullets Fly is out."

"How much?" Xu Ke asked.

"Three hundred and sixty million." Han Sanping said, unable to suppress the smile on his face.

This also means that the reputation of "Let the Bullets Fly" will not collapse.

There is a great possibility that it will break the box office record of "Tangshan", and there is even a chance that it will reach over 7 million.

Last year's box office champion for domestic films was "Founding of a Republic", which grossed more than 4 million yuan. Just one year later, the record was broken three times.

This shows how fast the domestic film market is developing.

"Congratulations to President Han and President Xu."

Xu Ke was stunned when he heard the number, and then congratulated.

"We in Qiming don't have any share, so Mr. Han is the only one who is happy." Xu Ming said with a smile.

"Haha, don't be so modest at this point. The box office performance of Let the Bullets Fly has a lot to do with your marketing strategy."

Han Sanping said meaningfully: "The valuation of Guangying Ticket Purchase Network may have to increase several times again."

Making money is secondary; the vision shown by the other party is more worthy of serious consideration.

At least before the movie was released, who dared to believe that "Let the Bullets Fly" could break the box office record of "Tangshan"?
But Xu Ming dared to do it, and he really wanted to make it happen.

Besides, everyone knows that Jiang Wen’s next movie has already been decided with Qi Ming.

No, it's two.

One is "Nobody" in which he participated as an actor, and the other is "Hidden Man" in which he participated as a director.

Tsk tsk tsk, that means Han Sanping doesn’t play games.

Otherwise, you have to suspect that someone has opened it up.

"Even if the valuation doubles, what's the point if we can't convert it into cash? We've already burned a lot of money before." Xu Ming said modestly.

In fact, his investment has now more than doubled five or six times.

Sina, which had previously refused to invest, contacted him just yesterday and regretted it so much.

I have never seen a project that can see returns so quickly.

After all, who would have expected that the first movie promoted online by Guangying Ticket Purchase Online would be a box office hit.

"If you are willing to transfer your shares, it would only take a few minutes to sell them," Han Sanping pointed out.

"Hey, don't worry. If you are really interested, I will notify you after the next round of financing."

Xu Ming changed the subject and said, "If there is no problem with Director Xu, the project of Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy will be approved. The distribution rights will be given to Bona. As for the funds, I will go back to Wanda and other companies to raise funds. It should be quick."

"Ahem, the finance department just replied to my message that the group has received a payment recently, and the cash flow has been restored to sufficient levels."

Yu Dong took back his previous words without changing his expression, "We at Bona are willing to invest 50 million and be responsible for promoting it in overseas markets."

Fifty million in real money is still reasonable, but the second sentence is purely a polite remark to fool people.

The story background of "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" is destined to make it difficult to open up the overseas market.

Yu Dong didn’t dare to invest before because he felt that it would be difficult to get a box office of more than 400 million relying solely on the domestic market.

Now with "Let the Bullets Fly" as a proof, my confidence is immediately boosted.

"Mr. Yu is so generous. Uncle Han, where is your China Film Academy?" Xu Ming asked.

"About 30 million." Han Sanping said, and then explained, "We need to consider the investment intentions of Wanda and Star Media."

"That's 80 million now. I still need 50 million. I'll go back and ask Wanda and Stellar."

Xu Ming nodded and looked at Yu Dong: "Mr. Yu, why don't you reconsider it? There is no need to invest so much at once, the risk can be evenly distributed."

"With you and Director Xu, I don't have to worry about any risks. Besides, even if we lose money, Bona can afford it." Yu Dong said with a smile.

"Then I feel relieved." Xu Ming breathed a sigh of relief.

The smile on Yu Dong’s face froze.

No, the more I listen to your tone, the more it feels wrong.

……

Time flies.

Fast forward to August 12th.

In Duyun City, your province, in a square, there was a banner hanging wishing good luck in the start of filming of "The Unknown".

The media are ready with their cameras and cannons.

The establishment of this film was compared by many viewers to the reunion of the Heat's Big Three this summer.

From director to screenwriter to leading actor, all are leaders in their respective fields. Ning Hao is the first young director in China to enter the 100 million yuan club.

Xu Ming, after two years of debut, has had three films gross over 10 billion at the box office, and two of them were scripted by him.

Not to mention Jiang Wen, "Let the Bullets Fly" has already broken the 500 million box office mark.

Unlike "Tangshan", this movie has almost no noise, only praise, and the role he plays is undoubtedly the most eye-catching.

Such a combination also made many companies in the industry cry out that the wolf is coming.

I plan to wait until the movie is released and avoid the spotlight.

"Jiang Wen hasn't come yet?" Xu Ming asked.

"Director Jiang should be on the way and will be here soon." Ning Hao was stunned for a moment and replied.

The hot performance of "Let the Bullets Fly" undoubtedly raised Jiang Wen's status to a higher level. Among the people present, only Xu Ming dared to call Director Jiang by his name.

"alright."

Xu Ming nodded and casually chatted with the people beside him: "Brother Baoqiang, Sister Hailu, how are you two preparing?"

"I'm alright."

Wang Baoqiang showed his signature big white teeth.

Silly characters like Li Haigen are his comfort zone.

"I feel like I'm almost there, and I'm still trying to find the feeling."

Qin Hailu shook her head at Xu Ming apologetically. "I can speak Guizhou dialect well. I also observed the facial muscle movement patterns of paraplegic patients before joining the team, but it will take some time to get into the right state."

Listen to what a professional actor is.

Xu Ming had never thought about the preparation work of observing paraplegic patients in advance.

No wonder she won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress at such a young age.

This level of passion surpasses most actors in the industry.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Xu Ming said with awe.

"It's my job." Qin Hailu waved her hand.

As the two were talking, they saw a commotion in the square.

A group of reporters carrying cameras turned around, and it turned out to be Jiang Wen who had arrived.

"Finally this old guy succeeded." Xu Ming said with emotion.

He even had reason to suspect that this guy was late on purpose, in order to create the atmosphere that all the big names would be the last to appear.

Wang Baoqiang and Qin Hailu's expressions changed.

For a moment they all thought they were hallucinating.

For a moment, it was hard to tell whether Xu Ming had a very good relationship with Director Jiang, or if he was just pretending to be friendly with him but not really.

"Director Jiang, can Let the Bullets Fly break 700 million?"

"Remove the word 'ma'." Jiang Wen said without even turning his head.

"Director Jiang, some people say that you are the most masculine actor in the country. Do you agree with this statement?"

"Take out the word 'ma' as well."

Jiang Wenlong walked with the gait of a tiger, showing his elegance in every gesture.

Everyone in the crew was moved by what they saw, and this is how actors should feel.

The corner of Xu Ming's eye twitched. He thought he was good at pretending, but today he had met his worthy opponent.

The latter came closer.

Everyone hurriedly greeted him: "Hello, Director Jiang."

"Yeah, all good." Jiang Wen nodded.

"Oh, Uncle Jiang is even more charming than before. I can't help but feel inferior to him."

Xu Ming took a few quick steps, his smile brighter than anyone else's.

Seeing this change in his expression, Wang Baoqiang and Qin Hailu were both stunned.

Is this the strength of the new Hundred Flowers Award winner?
Hajiming, you bastard...

"Come on, can you ever be humble?"

Jiang Wen narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously, "Did you say something bad about me behind my back just now?"

Well, that’s why they say that no one knows a nephew better than his uncle.

Xu Ming said calmly, "How is that possible? My admiration for Uncle Jiang has always been like the endless flow of the river and the overflowing of the Yellow River..."

"Of course I did."

Jiang Wen interrupted, his tone firm, "Otherwise, you can't praise me like this, considering your dog mouth can't spit out ivory."

"Am I so unbearable in your heart?"

Xu Ming looked indignant, as if he had suffered a great injustice.

"That's right." Jiang Wen answered seriously.

Xu Ming's tense face fell, and the bickering between the two made the people around them laugh out loud.

Everyone has a clearer idea about the relationship between the two.

As soon as Jiang Wen arrived, the opening ceremony officially began.

The group stood in front of the stage, and the reporters finally had the opportunity to interview them.

"'Let the Bullets Fly' is about to break the box office record of 'Tangshan'. Do you have anything to say to Director Feng?" the reporter asked.

"I don't have one, but I think Xu Ming should have one. He thought this movie could break the record earlier than I did."

Jiang Wen smiled, made way for him and handed over the microphone.

After all, he invited Feng Xiaogang to make a cameo appearance in his movie, so there are many things he is not comfortable saying.

Xu Ming took the microphone and said, "I don't know if Director Feng is still lonely now, but I hope he can be more willing to lose in the future."

"If he asks for it, it will come true. If he asks for it a few more times, China's box office record should be able to surpass Hollywood."

The humorous jokes mixed with sarcasm also made the reporters on the scene laugh.

As smooth as Feng Xiaogang used to be, he became as arrogant later on, and his relationship with reporters has always been bad.

On the contrary, Xu Ming and reporters have maintained a tacit understanding since his debut.

The travel expenses for the former's activities are never small.

The key is to help journalists achieve their KPIs from time to time.

The media doesn’t care whether you are in a relationship or not, or whether you are a good person or not. They only care about what the audience likes to watch.

Xu Ming can provide accurate news materials in this regard.

So even if they sometimes know that the other party is taking advantage of them, they are still willing to do so.

"How many billions do you estimate the box office target for 'Nobody' to be?" the reporter asked.

"My requirements are not high. I will be satisfied if I can break another record."

Xu Ming smiled and said, "Let some directors see that there's nothing strange about box office records. Who doesn't eat dumplings during Chinese New Year?"

There's no way. He's not targeting Feng Dapao, but mentioning the other party is indeed effective.

Like his previous enemies, whether it was Zhang Dapao, Zhu Yanping, or Cheng Sky Entertainment, everyone in the industry knew them.

But at the mass level, it's not good enough.

On the other hand, Feng Xiaogang's statement "Rubbish audiences make rubbish movies" caused considerable public outrage.

Picking out the former for discussion is a popular and great way to generate buzz.

The other main creators standing in the same row all stepped back silently.

This is taking advantage of Feng Dapao's weakness and hitting him hard. If someone like this keeps on thinking about it, he will probably have to sleep with his eyes open in the middle of the night.

Only Jiang Wen's eyes flashed with helplessness.

Damn it, it was obviously his "Let the Bullets Fly" that became a hit, but this guy is the one who took off the credit.

Can you rob by pretending to be cool?

(End of this chapter)