I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 326: Box Office Success of "To Youth"!
"Love is Not Blind 2: So Young" breaks the midnight screening and opening day box office records of "Transformers 3," grossing 2.1 million yuan on its opening day!

"5.35 million! 'Love is Not Blind' 2: So Young' achieved this goal in just 3 days, becoming the fastest film in Chinese film history to surpass 5 million yuan!"

《自2011年11月11日双十一开映以来，<失恋2：致青春>已连续突破华夏电影六项票房纪录，预售纪录、零点场纪录、首日票房纪录、单日票房纪录以及首周末票房、最快突破5亿纪录！》

……

Snapped!
A freshly printed copy of the "Beijing Morning Post" was thrown by Wang Zhonglei in front of his brother, Wang Zhongjun.

Wang Zhongjun, who was eating breakfast and wearing black-rimmed glasses, glanced at it and then said casually, "I saw it on Weibo last night!"

"How?"

"The momentum is too strong!"

Wang Zhonglei doesn't usually live with his brother, since they both have families, but they live relatively close to each other.

He came over early in the morning with a newspaper.

Moreover, their mother, Xu Feng, also lived in the eldest brother's house. This old lady was actually the key to Huayi's early success and was the early founder of the Huayi Brothers. The two brothers were able to get large advertising contracts from banks across the country thanks to this old lady who is now over 70 years old.

As for the father of the two kings, he was a soldier.

"You're panicking already?"

Wang Zhongjun smiled at his younger brother. Wang Zhonglei usually handled most of Huayi's business. He preferred to stay at home and paint, and would only go to the company when there was something going on. As for public relations, dinner parties, and other such matters, Wang Zhonglei would handle them if he couldn't manage them himself.

In terms of personality, the King is much more composed than the Prince.

"Had breakfast?"

Wang Zhongjun asked his younger brother, Wang Zhonglei, who then sat down and said, "I've eaten!"

"Then I won't give you another bowl!"

Wang Zhongjun's family has a nanny and a chef, and their breakfasts are often of state banquet quality.

For example, right now, Wang Zhongjun is enjoying Yangzhou morning tea, a classic Huaiyang cuisine.

"At last month's meeting of the Ministry of Culture, it was decided that the mainland film market should exceed 200 billion yuan next year!"

"Director Li assigned us at Huayi a target of 50 billion!"

Wang Zhongjun ate his dried bean curd strips slowly and deliberately, along with his morning tea.

"5...50?"

Wang Zhonglei nearly fainted. This figure represents a total of only 20 billion yuan for all of Huayi Brothers' films this year.

50, wouldn't that be the death knell for Huayi?
"The records are crystal clear!"

"We have several films by Xiaogang, Cheng Long, and Stephen Chow. Do you think the bureau doesn't know?"

"You can't set a target of 50 billion!"

The total number of movies Huayi Brothers has produced over the years probably doesn't even equal this number.

"So what I'm trying to say is that temporary records may seem terrible, but actually... it's just like that!"

Wang Zhongjun wiped his mouth, looked up and said, "Avatar made over 13 billion yuan the year before last. Do you think the leaders of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television didn't have any thoughts about that?"

"The market has energy, and now that someone is unleashing that energy, the higher-ups are definitely taking notice."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about!"

Wang Zhonglei glanced at the newspaper on the table: "This kid is rising too fast. I didn't take that company, CETC, seriously before, but it's different now. Last year they only had one film, and this year they've already made nearly 15 billion yuan with just two. It might even reach 2 billion yuan after its theatrical run!"

The two films grossed more than all the films Huayi Brothers produced this year combined, so Wang Zhonglei was naturally resentful.

"I'll check the filing next year; they have several films to shoot, including Zhang Yimou's 'The Massacre'!"

"Brother, there's a threat!"

Wang Zhonglei sensed the aggressive approach of this film company, which had only been established for two years, as if it were targeting their status as the first privately-owned film company in China.

People without thought, he must worry about.

Wang Zhonglei has now begun to regard China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) as a competitor.

That opponent intends to take advantage of his incomplete development and bring him down to earth.

Huayi has been established for more than 20 years and has encountered many seemingly threatening competitors, but in the end they either went bankrupt or slunk into a quagmire. Some of them brought it on themselves, while others were certainly dealt with by Huayi.

This top domestic film company can only be run by Huayi Brothers.

Anyone else who wants to try will definitely have to get past the King and Queen first.

No one understands the cruelty of this industry better than the two kings.

Resources are limited; if you don't take them, someone else will. The top of the pyramid is the best place, but there's only one spot, and two people can't let others have it; just like the current state of the entertainment industry.

If you don't move forward, you'll only have to retreat.

Fan Bingbing is currently the number one female star, but there are far too many people eyeing her covetously.

The two kings knew this all too well.

"Cooperate first, then divide and conquer!"

"Did the old man read those books for nothing?"

Wang Zhongjun was laughing, and Wang Zhonglei nodded: "Well, I also came to ask for your opinion. For now, it seems that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Cooperating with him can earn more money, but I'm afraid that the kid won't agree!"

"There are no permanent friends or permanent rivals. Why don't you go and contact them first!"

"Does the company have any good projects lately?"

"Especially roles that suit him?"

An actor's job is definitely acting.

For someone like that, few people wouldn't be tempted by a role that could enhance their fame and achievements.

"The only films that haven't started filming but have been officially registered are Xu Ke and Xiao Gang's new movies!"

"He definitely wouldn't be interested in other projects!"

"Anything suitable?"

Wang Zhongjun had already finished his breakfast.

Huayi's development in recent years has been remarkable. Since its listing, it has attracted hot money and expanded very quickly.

In addition to their main business of film, they have also ventured into real estate, media, and film towns.

But ultimately, the core business needs to be developed, with a steady output of 10-15 films per year or more.

Especially next year, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the three blockbusters starring Stephen Chow, Jackie Chan, and Feng Xiaogang are estimated to gross 20 billion yuan at the box office; this is a conservative figure based on this year's box office and market growth, and generally it will definitely exceed that.

No wonder the Film Bureau set them a target of 50 billion.

"Di Renjie should be included; Xiaogang's new film will definitely be given to Ge You!"

As Wang Zhonglei was speaking, Wang Zhongjun suddenly thought of something: "When will those two movies starring Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow wrap up filming?"

"The Chinese Zodiac is coming soon, and the Journey to the West..."

Wang Zhonglei shook his head, looking disdainful: "You know that jerk Stephen Chow, he's demanding when it comes to filming and causes a lot of trouble. I reckon it won't be until the end of the year!"

"But speaking of which, this movie is actually very suitable for that kid!"

Wang Zhonglei said, "Wen Zhang's fame is still a bit small. If we replace him with Chen Jin, the box office will definitely double!"

"Moreover, we invested less in this project, and bringing Chen Jin in will make the other companies have designs on him!"

"Since Wenzhang has only been filming for a few days, let's talk to Stephen Chow. He should agree!"

"It's mainly about Stephen Chow's side!"

Wang Zhongjun knows this guy all too well. He's stingy and obsessed with money. He doesn't contribute a single cent to making a movie, but only holds a 20% stake. Crucially, the investors, Anle and Alibaba, both agreed to this.

If Chen Jin were brought in, the electronics department would definitely take a cut, which would probably make Stephen Chow, who values ​​money more than life, feel terrible for days.

"That's what makes it fun!"

"Back when the Huabiao Awards were being held, Lao Jiang asked Chen Jin to make a film, but this kid refused to his face!"

"Bringing Chen Jin into the game shouldn't be a problem!" "Then let's talk to Stephen Chow. As for Edko Films and Alibaba, I'll give them a call!"

They were talking about Stephen Chow's new movie, "Journey to the West," a major production co-invested by six companies: Huayi Brothers Media, China Film Group, Edko Films, Bigo, Alibaba, and Village Roadshow Hong Kong.

The cast may not be great, but the name "Stephen Chow" is enough to make it a hit.

These days, audiences across the country owe him a movie ticket; his box office appeal might be even stronger than Chen Jin's now.

That's why Wang Zhongjun just realized that Stephen Chow is the biggest problem.

Because in the eyes of these capital groups, even if Anle, Alibaba, China Film Group, and Huayi Brothers dislike Chen Jin, they still know his current value.

His replacement of the male lead, Wen Zhang, will definitely boost the box office.

However, Stephen Chow certainly wouldn't think that way.

In his eyes, his name is enough.

If he brings in another person to share the profits, he might not agree.

Stephen Chow's biggest flaw is his limited vision and perspective; otherwise, "New Joy" wouldn't have flopped so badly. He thought he could dominate the market just by using his name, but he didn't expect that the capital market in 19 would return to an actor-centric system.

Actors with fame and marketability are themselves a form of box office success.

As for directors, they've made so many bad movies that they're no longer appealing.

This is why Stephen Chow has been hesitant to make films since then; he was afraid of repeating the mistakes of "New Joy".

It might even be worse than "New Joy".

After all, the market changes far too fast...

***
2011 11 Month 20 Day.

"Cheers!"

"Celebrating 'So Young' surpassing 10 billion views!"

"That's incredible! Two weeks, oh no, nine days! Nine days to break 1 billion! That's over 100 million a day!"

"My God, I never imagined I could make a movie like this in my entire life!"

"..."

The cast and crew of "So Young" held a celebratory banquet in a private room at the time-honored Shengji Restaurant in Shenzhen to mark the film's milestone of surpassing 10 billion yuan in box office revenue.

As of the moment the roadshow ended just this morning, the total box office of "So Young" has reached 10.02 billion yuan!
9 days, 10.02 billion!
It's terrifying.

Just as Nazha said, it's over 100 million a day.

This is, of course, the average.

The main reason is that the box office performance during the opening weekend was absolutely phenomenal.

On the first day of Singles' Day, in conjunction with promotions from Taobao and Dida, the film grossed 210 million yuan, breaking numerous records and setting a new record for the highest single-day box office in Chinese film history.

And on the following Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th, they won 1.73 million and 1.52 million respectively!
In just three days, they raked in 5.35 million over the first weekend!
The second week had 5 working days, with an average daily box office of 70 million yuan. Friday night saw a slight increase, and yesterday, Saturday, the box office broke 100 million yuan again.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, today's earnings should reach 90 million, or even surpass 100 million again.

The storm surrounding "So Young" swept across the country.

It's even more popular than the Hong Kong and Taiwan film "You Are the Apple of My Eye" from a few days ago.

The media originally compared the two films, with the Taiwanese film grossing NT$4.1 million (RMB 8100 million), breaking the regional box office record; the Hong Kong film grossed nearly HK$6200 million, ranking among the top five highest-grossing Chinese-language films in Hong Kong history.

As a result, "You Are the Apple of My Eye" also swept across mainland China, with many mainland viewers already watching pirated versions, which received a 7.7 rating on Douban.

However, no one expected that while the box office was booming in the two regions, a similar film in mainland China almost broke its own record with just one midnight screening.

Not to mention the 2.1 million on the first day.

In fact, its rating is 0.1 points higher than that of "You Are the Apple of My Eye".

7.8!

This is the Douban rating for "So Young," which is significantly higher than the 7.1 rating for "Love is Not Blind" at its opening.

Guo Fan finally got to hold his head high.

"I feel that after our movie leaves theaters, it will get a score of 8!"

"I have an 8-point movie now!"

Guo Fan was grinning foolishly, eating Cantonese food, completely absorbed in the joy; all the anxiety he had felt before the film's release had vanished.

He has now firmly established himself as one of the top directors in China.

The first film currently has a rating of 7.3 and a total box office of 8.21 million.

The second installment received even higher ratings and broke box office records again.

Moreover, the director's total box office has surpassed Feng Xiaogang's 15.7 billion yuan, temporarily making him the highest-grossing director in China.

"That's all the ambition you have!"

"Go one!"

Chen Jin clinked glasses with him.

Chen Jin is never harsh on her friends and employees. When they go out, they always go to five-star hotels and eat at private restaurants or clubs. After all, she has plenty of money.

"Hehe, I'm just excited!"

"Am I really going to make a sci-fi film next? Don't blame me if it flops!"

Guo Fan was prepared to take precautions in advance.

He used to have some mental burden when he wanted to make a science fiction film, but now, with the huge success of "So Young," he can say he has no worries at all.

Well, I've already made hundreds of millions for Chen Jin, so I'll just consider it investment in "The Wandering Earth".

Although Guo Fan was well aware of how his two films became box office champions.

It's all just Chen Jin's hype and manipulation.

The first film achieved a phenomenal marketing feat by leveraging the inaugural Double Eleven shopping festival.

And this second installment, by taking advantage of the momentum, completed the second leap of the series based on the first Double Eleven film.

Anyone can predict that if "Love is Not Blind 3" is released next year on Singles' Day, the box office will definitely be high, even if the film is of poor quality; if the rating is not bad, then this "Love is Not Blind" series will become a major IP in Chinese film history!

Chen Jin was confident, as this was a golden opportunity for his company, and he was quite at ease handing over this project to Tian Yusheng.

The "Ex-Files" series has become the "Heartbreak" series. Although only one word has been changed, its value is immeasurable.

Even if we follow the trajectory of the future, there will be at least four more installments of "Heartbreak".

By then, Chen Jin herself has no idea how much the box office will reach... Perhaps it can create a series worth tens of billions.

Just like Detective Chinatown.

"Film series are definitely the most lucrative!"

Chen Jin then thought of his upcoming film, "John Wick," which could also have spin-offs, as well as Guo Fan's "The Wandering Earth" series.

Even if Chen Jin only focuses on these few projects, CETC can rest easy.

Are we really able to rest easy now?

He wasn't actually overly happy that "So Young" broke 10 billion views.

It's often said that once a company reaches a certain size, it stops thinking about development and starts expanding; the consequence of expansion is that it takes away other people's share of the pie.

Having read John Nash's "A Beautiful Mind," Chen Jin has a clear understanding of market trends.

In China, the market is even more complex.

Even with Han Sanpin standing behind Chen Jin, it's not entirely safe.

After all, Lao Han isn't his father, so he needs to have some more trump cards up his sleeve!

(End of this chapter)