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

Chapter 411 Chen Jin: I Invest in Myself!

"Are you alright, little one?"

"Let us go home!"

Chen Jin, who plays the assassin Long, sees her beloved dog locked in a cage and feels as if her soul has finally found salvation.

Thump~~da da da~~~
At this moment, the exciting and energetic rock music began to play, and what appeared on the big screen was an incredibly harmonious scene.

A man and a dog, Long leading his beloved dog into the night, walks onto the San Francisco Bridge after the rain... an incredibly brilliant and textured composition, a natural and beautiful scene.

clap clap clap!
The theater erupted in enthusiastic applause once again.

The first screening of "Killer Dragon" has finally come to a successful end.

"The response seems quite positive?"

Kavanaugh, standing beside Chen Jin, smiled and glanced at him. From the very beginning of the movie, he had been somewhat uneasy; but after seeing the expressions and reactions of the various theater managers after the film's release, he finally began to let go of his worries.

This movie should be a success!
At least, it impressed many of the theater managers present.

It's not just him who likes these visceral, action-packed movies; it seems many Americans enjoy them too.

"Hopefully!"

"The key is to talk more about theatrical releases!"

Chen Jin reiterated that the more theaters a film is shown in, the better its box office performance will be.

He had no doubt about the quality of the film, nor did he think that Americans wouldn't like it. After all, the original trajectory of "John Wick" proved its strength and global appeal.

The entire series grossed over $10 billion, which is rare even in Hollywood.

Therefore, the only remaining variable is the initial theater distribution for the film's release, for which he is willing to give up a portion of his own share, all for the sake of the film's success.

Chen Jin is neither short of money nor short of works.

What he lacks is a film that can open up the North American market.

Even if the movie doesn't make much money, the more it grosses, the greater the boost to his fame and popularity will be.

Such a feat is clearly beyond the capabilities of Jackie Chan and others.

It's not a matter of money or profit sharing.

If you give Jackie Chan a movie that's guaranteed to be a huge hit, he'd actually be willing to do it; once he's famous, how much money will he need?
The temporary concessions are merely a means to increase their global fame.

They'll only earn more in the future.

Unfortunately, Jackie Chan and his team couldn't have the same confidence as Chen Jin, who was certain the movie would be a hit upon release.

Because they don't have a system.

So this is the biggest difference between Chen Jin and them.

He can gamble, he can earn less money, as long as you help me boost the box office.

With box office success, brand awareness in North America will increase rapidly.

Sometimes, all it takes to get Americans to know him is one movie. "Killer Dragon" is one of those movies that can boost the lead actor's career; in its original timeline, it brought Keanu Reeves back into the spotlight.

In this lifetime, as long as the box office in North America picks up, Chen Jin will surely become the next international superstar in China, following in the footsteps of Jet Li and Jackie Chan.

"Brother Jin, you... you've really impressed me!"

It wasn't until a minute after the movie ended that Jackie Chan, somewhat dazed, clapped his hand at Chen Jin.

To be honest, when Chen Jin invited him to the film screening, he only thought that the other party needed his support; in the spirit of mutual help among Chinese people, Lao Long still came, although there were some factors related to relativity in the process.

In any case, in Cheng Long's eyes, Chen Jin is someone worth befriending right now.

There was actually no conflict of interest in the other party inviting him to the screening, and he couldn't refuse Chen Jin's support in the future.

but!

Cheng Long never expected that this film, which Chen Jin directed, starred in, wrote, and invested in, would be of such high quality.

My debut work!

That's incredibly fierce!
As a veteran director of action films, Jackie Chan immediately recognized the numerous action innovations, setting innovations, and creative design of the fight scenes in this movie, making it an absolutely groundbreaking film for the action movie industry.

Cheng Long's palms were sweating as he watched.

It wasn't the plot that triggered me, but the sheer impact of the film itself.

This is a very powerful action-packed film. Jackie Chan even predicts that after its release, this movie will definitely become a source of inspiration for many future action commercial films.

That's so revolutionary.

The action scenes were filmed with such meticulous precision, and the integration with the cold weapons was so fluid.

"Brother, how's the filming?"

Chen Jin was neither modest nor showing off in front of Cheng Long.

Sometimes, to make a lasting impression, your work speaks volumes in this industry.

At least, the Jackie Chan of today is definitely not the same Jackie Chan who just thought Chen Jin had box office appeal in mainland China a few days ago.

They also have directing skills and innovative action sequences... They're not just good at acting, they can also direct films!
Filming action-packed scenes.

How could an actor like this be simply an award-winning actor?
His ambition to prove his commercial ability in this film was obvious from the very beginning.

I'm just showing off my muscles, that's awesome.

It evoked an incredibly strong sense of déjà vu, and China actually needs actors with this kind of confidence.

"It's more than just 'okay'!"

"All my action movies pale in comparison..."

While Jackie Chan's statement was modest, it was also true; because technology is advancing, he reached the pinnacle of action films at the time, and the current pinnacle is "Killer Dragon"!
"Big brother, you're joking! I definitely need to learn a lot from you!"

"No, not at all. Although I put a lot of effort into making my previous movies, I mostly aimed to blend humor and action!"

"You're using a hard-hitting, realistic filming style, which requires a strong foundation in action sequences, something I definitely can't do now..."

Cheng Long was unusually serious, and a hint of admiration for Chen Jin was revealed in his eyes.

And of course, there was a touch of loneliness.

He seemed to see a future where a younger generation would leave all the older generation behind.

Previously, he only thought that Chen Jin had a box office market in China, so rushing into Hollywood was quite impulsive; as it turns out, talented Chinese actors simply can't make it in Hollywood.

Hollywood has no shortage of good actors.

Because they have the world's most industrialized professional system, with art films and commercial films creating a standardized process for improving acting skills.

No matter how much a country boasts about its acting skills, even if it wins Best Actor awards at the three major film festivals, it may not be able to enter Hollywood.

But—action actors can.

There are really not many actors in Hollywood who can fight.

Even Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio, although they also make commercial films, have a drawback in terms of action scenes. DiCaprio uses a stunt double, while Cruise does his own stunts, so the action scenes are lacking.

Tom Cruise is more about that fighting spirit.

However, Cheng Long's opinion has now changed.

Chen Jin is a skilled fighter, which is exactly what Hollywood lacks.

His performance, however, became his biggest asset.

An action actor who can both fight and act has an advantage over him, Jet Li, and others.

In the film industry, acting is still the most important element.

"Go for it, Jin-ge!"

"I'm very optimistic about your future in Hollywood. Even if this movie doesn't do well at the box office, it'll definitely be a hit on streaming!" "If you can't make it, just make a few more movies, and you'll eventually make it big!"

Cheng Long was speaking to Chen Jin as someone who had been through it all.

He would never have told him these things before, but now he really hopes that China can produce another Hollywood superstar.

Following Chen Jin's path, he is undoubtedly on the right track.

He had to film many movies before he gained fame with "Rush Hour"; Chen Jin is only in her early twenties now, which is the time when she is at her most capable.

There's plenty of time to gradually make a living in Hollywood.

Based on the quality of "Killer: Dragon," even if Chen Jin's next few films are not as good, she can still secure a place for herself in Hollywood.

"Hopefully!"

"Big brother, you are the direction I strive for!"

Chen Jin flattered him, and Cheng Long smiled happily: "I'm old, you have to walk your own path!"

"Action films are declining in the global film market, but there is definitely a market for them. It just depends on who can produce a blockbuster that the market will recognize!"

Cheng Long patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, while some theater managers at the screening had already started discussing the film.

Several people had already gathered around Kavanaugh, clearly discussing the film's release.

Even good movies can be ruined.

Even in the most dire circumstances, many publishers are tempted when a masterpiece is presented to them.

Even if they don't get many screenings, it's always good to test the waters in theaters.

You might miss out on a money-making movie if you don't try.

Give it a try; the losses aren't actually that great. If you were a theater manager, you would probably do the same.

"Hey Chan, you really did a fantastic job directing this movie!"

A white man suddenly walked up to Chen Jin, hugged him, and then greeted Cheng Long, who was standing next to him.

Borna Simmons, the head of AMC Theatres’ New York market, is a powerful figure.

In fact, before the screening, Kavanaugh had already introduced Chen Jin, as well as film science, and some of Chen Jin's box office achievements in China to all the theater managers present.

These factors undoubtedly contribute to the increased screenings of "Killer: Dragon".

With Jackie Chan's endorsement, this Venice Film Festival Best Actor winner, who was initially reluctant among theater managers, became even more valuable.

The combination of factors—the lead actor of the Chinese box office champion, the head of the film company, a fellow townsman of Jackie Chan, and the fact that "Killer: Dragon" is indeed an excellent film—would turn these money-driven theater workers into gamblers in the film industry.

They're betting this movie will be a hit!
Just like Bernard Simmons in front of him, he is also optimistic about the box office success of "Killer Dragon" after its release.

"I heard that the movie 'The Relativity' didn't cost a penny?"

"Are you interested in collaborating with AMC?"

Bernard Simmons was laughing there. Chen Jin glanced at Kavanaugh, who was surrounded by a large crowd, and said with a smile, "Mr. Simmons, what kind of cooperation do you want?"

Generally speaking, film studios and cinemas can indeed communicate directly.

However, the six major cinema chains control the distribution channels, while theater chains are essentially in a subordinate position, relying on the six major cinema chains for their livelihood.

The situation in North America is exactly the opposite of that in China.

Because it is a capitalist society, cinemas rely on the films of the six major cinemas to make money. If they say they won't give you any, you will feel very bad. Cinemas rely on popcorn blockbusters to sell some merchandise and drinks. Various ancillary industries of cinemas account for 40% of their revenue.

Therefore, theater chains have been consistently offering concessions, sometimes giving up to 80% of the revenue to the Big Six theaters during the opening weekend.

The purpose is to allocate more screenings for their films.

The films from the six major blockbusters are indeed profitable, generating box office revenue and market success.

The supply and demand relationship in a buyer's market is so subtle. Huaxia has also had its moments of strength. For example, when Huaxia Cinema's revenue share was increased from 30% to 40%, it was a joint effort by Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping.

Zhang Yimou's films can make money, and the same principle applies to North America.

"We at AMC can increase the number of screenings, but regarding revenue sharing, I hope we can sit down and talk!"

Bernard Simmons spoke very directly, and not only did Chen Jin understand, but Cheng Long, who was standing next to him, also laughed.

"Mr. Simmons, is it because you couldn't reach an agreement with Ryan?"

Chen Jin smiled.

Ryan is definitely not going to budge on the revenue sharing from the film.

He could try to get theaters to help schedule the premiere of "Killer: Dragon," but getting him to concede on revenue sharing would be as difficult as cutting off a piece of his own flesh.

Ryan would be heartbroken if he lost even a single cent.

People from Wall Street value money more than life itself.

Therefore, Bernard Simmons saw the potential of "Killer Dragon" and knew that Chen Jin's generous "relinquishment of shares" was only for securing distribution rights in North America. As a theater chain, AMC was naturally equally interested.

"We've already agreed on the revenue split with Ryan!"

"We at AMC can't add any more theaters, but—"

Bonner Simmons smiled and said, "If CETC can offer some concessions, I can discuss a new film scheduling plan with headquarters!"

Ultimately, it all comes down to making money, and Simmons especially wants to be a middleman and profit from the difference.

Most people would definitely not agree to that.

But Chen Jin... is no ordinary person.

"I need to see a concrete plan first!"

This will actually be available in China in the future.

Pay money to buy screen time.

For example, the film "Fengshen 2", which was released during the Spring Festival in 2025, spent 6 million yuan just on buying screenings.

The goal is to allocate 6 million yuan to ensure that cinemas nationwide maintain a predetermined number of screenings during the seven-day Spring Festival holiday.

For example, if it's 18%, then regardless of the film's critical reception or box office performance, that's the number of screenings required each day.

You can't lower the price because I've already paid for it.

North American cinemas are actually the originators of this approach, and they have started to implement it slowly in the last two years, while China will be five years behind.

"Then let's keep in touch!"

"I will send the detailed plan to your email!"

Upon hearing that there was a chance, Bernard Simmons' entire attitude changed completely.

This is much more profitable than profit sharing.

How much money do you get in film revenue sharing?

A movie grosses $1 million, and the theater gets $2000 million!
It is quite possible that buying screening slots could cost 5000 million or even more, which would be pure profit.

The 6 million yuan box office of "Fengshen 2" all went to theaters.

"Okay, I hope to see a suitable solution!"

Isn’t it just spending money?

Chen Jin may not be famous in North America, but money... buying fame with money is not out of the question!
Consider it an investment in yourself!

花1-2亿来砸自己的电影，火了可不是1亿、2亿可以比的，那可能是10亿甚至20亿。

Moreover, Chen Jin really didn't care much about money.

For him, making it to Hollywood might be more important.

Fame and fortune can sometimes be a greater desire than money!
(End of this chapter)