Huayu timely rain, they forced me to be the top star

Chapter 255: Taking million and still being thanked! Honey and Sugar Operation

"Acting for Huayi?" Zhou Xingchi was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

He can act, and Huayi is his partner. What kind of play does Zhang Yang want him to act in for Huayi?

Zhang Yang looked around and made sure no one was around, so he spoke directly: "Xingzai, you have an agreement with Huayi. If the box office exceeds 500 million, they will give you 30% of the excess profit as a bonus, right?"

Zhou Xingchi's pupils shrank and he was very surprised.

He and Huayi did have a "Supplementary Agreement II", and they communicated through 12 emails, which clearly stated that there would also be a new share of the box office revenue "in excess of 5 million yuan".

The specific content has been discussed for more than two years. Until February 2 this year, the two sides basically reached an agreement on the issue of additional box office share, but Huayi Brothers stated that the contract could not be signed during the Spring Festival and had to wait a little longer.

Since the other party paid him generously when they were filming the movie, he did not doubt their sincerity.

This matter is not a secret, but the details are definitely only known by the two parties involved. Zhang Yang can tell the detailed data as soon as he opens his mouth, as if he had seen the agreement with his own eyes. His intelligence ability is too strong.

Fortunately, this is not a trade secret, otherwise he would be sweating profusely.

"That's true." Zhou Xingchi nodded, but he was even more confused.

He has a gentleman's agreement with Huayi. What does it have to do with Zhang Yang asking him to act?
"Has Huayi not given you the signed agreement yet?" Zhang Yang asked again.

"You know this too?" Zhou Xingchi lowered his voice and asked, "Do you have connections inside Huayi?"

He had already drafted and signed the agreement, and sent it to Huayi via email.

Huayi had already received it a long time ago, but kept making excuses for not sending him the signed version.

A few days ago, Mr. Wang sent him a screenshot and said, "Master Xing, an agreement is just an intention if it is signed online. I will find time to come over and sign the formal agreement with you in the next two days."

So he was no longer in a hurry, but waited for Mr. Wang to come to him to sign the agreement.

As a result, the movie has been officially released in mainland China today, but Mr. Wang has not arrived yet.

If Zhang Yang had connections within Huayi, he might have heard something.

"You come with me."

Zhang Yang took Zhou Xingchi to a private box, then took out his mobile phone and clicked on one of the videos.

This video came at a very timely moment. Half a year ago, he had asked Mo Xiangwan to arrange people to track and secretly film the video, and sometimes they would use the Opportunity Manual.

That's right, he is setting up a paparazzi organization, and when the right opportunity comes, he will arrange people to take secret photos in order to obtain intelligence for future use.

This video comes from a paparazzi, and the content is Mr. Xiao Wang calling Mr. Da Wang.

"Listen."

Zhang Yang put the headphones on Zhou Xingchi.

At first he was a little confused, but as he listened, his expression became very ugly.

The content of the phone call between Mr. Xiao Wang and Mr. Da Wang was very simple, and there was contempt for Zhou Xingchi between the lines.

"What does Stephen Chow know about movies? He can only make things that please people and make some money from the common people.

"We only agreed to that agreement to trick him into accepting Huayi's investment and guaranteed distribution. He was so naive that he believed it. To put it bluntly, he was just greedy for money."

"It's okay for him to hear what I said. He has already offended the Xiang family, and this time he is cooperating with us thoroughly. If he dares to show any dissatisfaction, I will make sure that he will not be able to survive in the mainland or Hong Kong."

"."

The conversation is very long, but the essence is just this part, which is filled between the lines.

"Xingzai, Huayi has been promising you something." Zhang Yang said.

Hearing this, Zhou Xingchi's face turned a little ugly: "It is true that I chose to distribute the film with a guaranteed minimum due to lower risks, but it does not mean that I must choose Huayi for cooperation."

"They themselves promised that if the total box office exceeds 500 million, the excess can be redistributed."

"It turned out that they lied to me"

Zhou Xingchi was a little angry, but not that angry.

Every time his films are released in mainland China, they encounter censorship issues, so he wants to find a partner in the mainland.

Huayi is currently the strongest film and television company in mainland China, but Light Media and Yida Film and Television, which controls a large number of cinema chains, are also not weak. Companies such as Huace are also strong, so he has many choices.

As a screening measure, he took the initiative to propose a guaranteed release, that is, no matter how the movie performs at the box office, the producer can recover the cost or even make a profit, and the distributor can get a correspondingly increased share of the box office if the box office reaches a certain base, similar to a bet.

The minimum guaranteed release price he proposed was 80 million, which means that after the movie is successfully released, no matter how high the box office is, he will get 40 million after recovering the cost. This is the share of income that can only be obtained when the box office reaches 500 million.

"Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" was filmed in the first half of 11. At that time, "Painted Skin II" and "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" had not yet been broadcast. The highest-grossing Chinese-language film in China was "Let the Bullets Fly", and Stephen Chow did not dare to guarantee that the movie's box office would exceed million.

And he finally accepted Huayi's investment because Huayi not only promised to guarantee the release, but also took the initiative to say that it could sign a dividend agreement, and would give him a certain dividend if the box office exceeded 500 million.

Unexpectedly, the other party was just playing a trick on him.

"That's right." Zhang Yang gave a positive answer: "Now that the movie has been released, it is impossible to withdraw it. They will definitely not sign this agreement with you."

"Even if it's just possible to give this dividend, why don't they choose to give themselves the possibility to earn more?"

"You said you wanted me to act with you, what does this have to do with this?" Zhou Xingchi is not stupid, but very smart.

He had a hunch that Zhang Yang was plotting against Huayi.

If Huayi can plot against Zhou Xingchi, then others can naturally plot against him as well.

This is all just a "clever" business war behavior.

"It's very simple." Zhang Yang smiled. "You use this agreement as a bargaining chip. Let's say I want to sign a bet agreement with Huayi and get back their investment share in your movie. What's the specifics?"

Zhou Xingchi listened patiently, but shook his head: "Yangzi, if you do this, it's equivalent to you taking the risk."

"The risk is not that big." Zhang Yang shrugged. "In the worst case, it's like I spent 1500 million to buy a production license, but as long as the box office exceeds 7 million, I will be able to get the production license in a profitable state."

"If the box office exceeds 10 billion, then both you and I can earn more than million, and I'll even get a producer title."

"And you didn't agree, and you still don't care about the box office of Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons."

"If the box office is 10 billion, you will lose million."

Hearing this, Zhou Xingchi couldn't find any words to defend himself.

Since the "Supplementary Agreement 2" has not been signed yet, it means that after the box office exceeds million, he will lose more than million in dividends for every additional million in box office revenue.

With such a huge sum of money, it is impossible for him not to have any ideas about Huayi by then.

"How can you bet without taking risks?" Zhang Yang looked at Zhou Xingchi: "After today, there will be no chance of success for this matter."

As long as Zhou Xingchi agrees, this matter has a chance of success.

Outsiders thought that he was taking the risk of losses, but in fact he was taking Zhou Xingchi to split the 80 million. Zhou Xingchi would also be grateful to him, so he would also invest in "The Mermaid" when the time comes.

Zhou Xingchi lowered his head and pondered, finally his eyes fell on Zhang Yang's mobile phone.

"help you."

Dozens of minutes later, in a hotel in Hong Kong, Mr. Wang received a call from Zhou Xingchi.

"Master Xing, I'm already in Hong Kong, but I have something else to do. I'll come to your company to see you tomorrow."

Mr. Wang always lights a cigar for himself.

According to his brother, "Lost in Thailand" can have a box office of 12 billion, and perhaps "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" can also perform a miracle.

He will indeed go to see Zhou Xingchi tomorrow, but by then the physical agreement in his hand will be "accidentally" destroyed. In short, he will temporarily delay signing this supplementary agreement.

If the final box office is lower than 8 million, he will still sign an agreement with Zhou Xingchi, mainly to show sincerity, and they can continue to cooperate and make money together.

But if the final box office exceeds 8 million, then Huayi will choose to ask for money. After all, that is more than million in pure profit, and only a fool would be willing to part with it.

As for Zhou Xingchi, the law will not help him.

Besides, the current situation is difficult, what can we do?
"No problem. I believe in Huayi's sincerity." Zhou Xingchi did not show any anxiety. After exchanging pleasantries with Mr. Xiao Wang, he said, "Mr. Xiao Wang, do you know Zhang Yang?"

Zhang Yang:?
Thinking of that deity-like temperament and appearance, Mr. Wang's heart warmed up: "Of course I know. I saw the interview this morning. He has brought so much attention to our movie. I would like to treat him to a meal if I have the chance."

"Master Xing, please ask him when he is free?"

Zhou Xingchi: “.”

It seemed like it wasn't difficult at all for Zhang Yang to meet Mr. Wang.

"Then tonight?" Zhou Xingchi said directly: "He has a deal he wants to discuss with Huayi. I don't quite agree with it, but I can't persuade him."

Hearing this, Mr. Wang thought for a moment and agreed. A few hours later, in a high-end restaurant.

Mr. Wang warmly welcomed Zhou Xingchi and Zhang Yang.

"Master Xing, what a pity." Mr. Wang took out a stack of documents that were soaked in juice and said, "The agreement was soaked. I have called my brother and asked him to arrange for new documents to be sent over."

"Look, I even brought the company seal with me."

In order to prove that it was really an accident, Mr. Wang also took out the official seal of Huayi Company.

Huayi has quite a few shareholders, but the first and second are definitely the Wang brothers.

As the general manager of the company, you are also qualified to discuss cooperation if you have the official seal.

"Of course I believe in Huayi's sincerity." Zhou Xingchi smiled.

The official seal is all there, he has no choice but to believe it.

In the video, Mr. Wang said bluntly: "When the time comes, I will put the official seal on the table. How can Zhou Xingchi not believe it?"

I thought he was just talking nonsense, but I didn't expect him to actually do it.

So he now believed 99% of what Zhang Yang said.

Acting to help Zhang Yang also does not feel any psychological burden.

"Mr. Wang, Yangzai said he is very optimistic about our movie and wants to be one of the producers and distributors. Co-producer is also fine." After exchanging pleasantries with Mr. Wang, Zhou Xingchi spoke directly.

Mr. Wang: “.”

This is not taken for granted, but a fantasy.

"Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" claimed an investment of 1.2 million yuan, but the actual investment was only million yuan.

Huayi invested 50 million, accounting for 40% of the box office share of investors, and Zhou Xingchi invested million, accounting for %, but they bought out the film with an million guaranteed share agreement.

If you calculate carefully, Huayi invested 1.3 million and has 90% of the box office share. If the box office exceeds 5 million, they can get about 1.7% of the box office share, which is the same income as Zhou Xingchi. If it exceeds that, it naturally means they earn more than Zhou Xingchi.

And the copyright belongs only to Zhou Xingchi.

They have invested so much, how can they share it with others when the cake is already on the table?

At this time, Zhang Yang said, "Master Xing, please change the supplementary agreement between you and us to a bet."

"If the box office of Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons does not exceed 20 million, I will pay million to recover % of the investment."

"If the box office exceeds 30 million and does not exceed billion, I will take back % of the price."

"If the box office exceeds 40 billion, then we will get back percent of the price."

hiss!
Mr. Wang was shocked and started to think about it immediately.

With an investment of 1.3 million yuan, assuming the box office exceeds 5 million yuan but does not exceed 7 million yuan, Huayi's share will be less than 2 million yuan, and it will need to give Zhou Xingchi an additional 0.2 million yuan in dividends, which means it will only make a maximum of 0.5 million yuan, which is not as good as Zhou Xingchi.

假设票房在7亿到10亿之间，华谊可分账2亿多到3亿多，给周星池分红0.3亿到0.5亿，最少赚0.5亿，最多赚1.3亿。

If the box office exceeds 10 billion, every additional 1.3 million will earn million on the basis of million, but million of it will go to Zhou Xingchi.

But if Zhang Yang's plan is followed, the investment is less than 60 million, Huayi will invest 1.5 million and take 1.8% of the profit, which means 1 million to 1.3 million can be divided into profits, which is equivalent to making million to million.

It is more than 70 million but less than 1.5 billion. Huayi has a 1% share of the million investment, so it can get about million yuan in profits. There is no need to pay dividends to Zhou Xingchi, which means it has made more than million yuan!

If it exceeds 10 billion, it means that for every additional 1.3 million in box office revenue, the company will earn an extra million on top of the million.

In contrast, the box office revenue exceeded 10 billion, and Huayi’s box office revenue exceeded Zhang Yang’s plan.

Of course, the premise of all this is that Huayi will give Zhou Xingchi a certain percentage of the box office dividends for the portion of the box office that exceeds 500 million as promised.

If they don't give Zhou Xingchi a share of the box office revenue, then the plan proposed by Zhang Yang will be more profitable before the total box office exceeds 9 million.

So, what is the probability that "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" will win a box office of 9 million?
"Snapped!"

Zhou Xingchi suddenly took out the agreement at this time: "This is the agreement I printed and brought with me. It has been signed again. If you think Yangzi's gambling agreement is not good, then sign this agreement."

"Although I can only get a bigger share if the box office exceeds 500 million, but maybe it will be successful?"

Mr. Wang: “.”

This Zhou Xingchi actually came prepared.

He has already taken out the official seal. If he still finds excuses not to sign, it would be like breaking off relations right now.

But what his brother meant was that as long as the box office revenue does not exceed 8 million, we can negotiate because the focus is on long-term cooperation.

Before that, it would be best if there is no fallout, otherwise Huayi will become a clown with a box office of 4 to 7 million yuan in the end.

Looking at Zhou Xingchi and Zhang Yang's faces, Mr. Wang seemed to see two words.

"Coercion" and "inducement"!
Either they fall out now or Zhou Xingchi will definitely stop promoting "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" and may even make trouble.

Or agree to the bet agreement proposed by Zhang Yang.

Considering all the circumstances, Zhang Yang’s agreement is definitely better!

At least before the box office reaches 10 billion, Huayi can still make more.

"It's such a big deal, I have to contact my brother."

Mr. Xiao Wang wants to discuss this with Mr. Da Wang first.

"Let's talk here, we're not in a hurry." Zhou Xingchi stared at Mr. Wang.

"I can also go to a quieter place with Mr. Wang." Zhang Yang grinned, "We must finish this matter today, otherwise Xingzai and I will get sick tomorrow and might say some nonsense during the roadshow."

Threat, naked threat!
If Zhou Xingchi makes trouble, Huayi will suffer!
Of course, Zhou Xingchi’s own reputation will also be damaged and he will make enemies.

So, everyone is looking for a balance.

"No, I'll talk here."

Mr. Xiao Wang's smile seemed a little forced, so he called Mr. Da Wang.

After the call was connected, he directly explained the situation, Zhou Xingchi's attitude and the content of the gambling agreement.

On the other end of the phone, President Wang immediately called together the company's professionals to discuss the matter via video.

There's actually nothing to discuss.

Zhou Xingchi and Zhang Yang used an open conspiracy.

Unless Huayi is 10% determined to make the total box office of this movie exceed billion.

Otherwise, the benefits of signing a bet with Zhang Yang would be greater.

"Then let's make a bet!"

A few hours later, after receiving the reply, Mr. Wang finalized the details with Zhang Yang and Zhou Xingchi overnight, and then the three parties signed the agreement together.

"call!"

After signing, Zhang Yang was very satisfied.

To those who are not in the know, it seems that he took a huge risk to act as a guarantor just to help Zhou Xingchi gamble.

But in fact, since they are a community of interests, Huayi will not cause trouble. He just relies on his mouth to make a steady profit of 40 million and the favor of Zhou Xingchi.

What a win!
at the same time.

Inside a cinema in the imperial capital.

There were relatively few people watching the movie at the midnight show on the second day of the Chinese New Year.

Da Mimi and Tang Yan met at the cinema, bringing their respective best friends.

Da Mi Mi: "Are you here?"

Tang Yan: "Now that they are here, do you think they won't fight?"

Da Mimi: "It has nothing to do with us if a fight breaks out. We don't know anything (laughs)!"

Tang Yan: "If it doesn't work, just push the responsibility onto Zhang Yang."

(End of this chapter)