Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 364 Who Profits the Most? Ma Xun's Market Rescue Plan! Who's in a Hurry? The Stubborn Fairy Jinghong!
"Reboot? You mean we should turn off the movie now?"

Han Sanping made this joke as soon as he met Ma Xun.

The joke wasn't actually that funny, but Ma Xun still gave Han Sanping face.

Then came the comment, "Actually, our movie theaters are practically closed now."

Clearly, Ma Xun's joke wasn't very funny.

Han Sanping laughed, but it was more of a bitter laugh.

"You... I really want to refute you, but unfortunately, what you said is the truth."

Helpless, truly helpless.

To be honest, Ma Xun didn't expect that his words would upset Han Sanping so much.

He wanted to point out the problems in the current film market, but now it seems he went a bit too far.

However, this also means how difficult the film market in mainland China is right now.

Fortunately, Ma Xun did come back with a plan this time.

"Boss, I'm not just someone who tells the truth, I also have my own ideas."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping's face immediately lit up with a smile again. "Tell me quickly."

"Our film market is currently in a very bad state, and the reasons for this are obvious."

However, cinemas did not close, and the general public still has a need for cultural activities.

"Xiao Ma, stop with the bureaucratic talk and just say what you think."

"I understand. What I really wanted to give an example is that we should focus more on defense now. This so-called defense means trying to release films that are guaranteed to break even."

"Huh? Guaranteed profit? What kind of movie is that?"

It's actually quite normal for Han Sanping to have such doubts after Ma Xun mentioned this.

Because Ma Xun knew very well that Han Sanping was still considering a new film.

But this time, it's different.

"An old movie."

"This……"

Han Sanping was stunned for a moment, but quickly came to her senses.

"You mean, given the current situation, we should release some old movies?"

"Yes."

Ma Xun nodded; that was exactly what he meant.

Simply put, the only films that are guaranteed to make a profit are older movies, because these are not new releases and can be considered to have no 'production cost'.

Although there will still be some costs incurred during the theatrical run, these costs are negligible compared to the cost of releasing a new film.

Han Sanping naturally understood the meaning of this 'defense'. If it were done this way, it would indeed be very 'defensive'.

However, this immediately created a new problem.

"So what kind of old movies do you suggest we show?"

When faced with this question, Ma Xun replied with a smile: "Naturally, it's those classic films, but we also have to consider the audience's acceptance level, so it can't be films that are too old."

We can set a rough timeframe first, which is within the last ten years, and preferably, the kind of films that are popular and well-received.

It could be from mainland China, or it could be from Hong Kong, in short…

Just as he finished speaking, Han Sanping couldn't help but interrupt Ma Xun, saying, "Wait a minute, why does this feel like it overlaps with our Channel 6?"

Ma Xun replied with a smile: "I have to say it's the leaders. This is indeed a problem. These movies may overlap with the old movies that we broadcast on TV. However, watching movies in the cinema has its advantages."

What's shown on TV is different from what's shown in a movie theater.

I'm sure someone will buy it.

"This..." Han Sanping was still skeptical. "Would anyone really pay to watch old movies?"

Ma Xun continued with a smile: "On the one hand, cinemas will definitely lower their prices. On the other hand, there are many classic films that mainland moviegoers have never had the opportunity to watch in theaters before."

Don't say it, really don't say it.

After listening, Han Sanping thought for a while and couldn't help but nod slightly.

In fact, Ma Xun's so-called 'defense' also came from later generations.

At that time, our domestic film market was already outstanding, with its overall box office ranking first in the world.

But a later accident almost destroyed the film market.

There's nothing we can do but let it recover slowly.

Later, observant people will notice that during this recovery phase, many old movies were re-released.

Although the box office was not high, this re-release still helped the market recover to some extent.

The advantages are exactly what Ma Xun mentioned.

It was low-cost, and since I'd never seen it in a movie theater before, it was quite a novel experience.

Take, for example, "A Chinese Ghost Story".

Many people didn't expect that this film would be shown in mainland Chinese cinemas almost 40 years later.

And now, Ma Xun simply copied the cat's move... Hmm?

Never mind the details.

The key is, if this can be done, then...

Han Sanping considered for a moment, then smiled and looked at Ma Xun, "Hey Ma, you're really shrewd!"

What, what's going on now?
Ma Xun laughed, "I'm just trying to help the boss out."

After saying that, the two of them burst into laughter.

The main theme is an unspoken understanding.

In fact, Ma Xun's so-called 'defense' method is truly ingenious.

If we're talking about showing older movies now, Ma Xun still has the most copyrights!
Especially since he had just completed the full acquisition of Golden Harvest, it was like adding wings to a tiger.

In other words, as long as this so-called 'defense' method is actually implemented.

Ma Xun was definitely the one who benefited the most.

He made a fortune without investing a single penny!
The key point is that what Ma Xun said makes a lot of sense.

Even a seasoned veteran like Han Sanping couldn't find any fault with this plan, and its most unique aspect was...

This can significantly reduce movie ticket prices!

This isn't a new film; these are all old movies. So, the ticket price is really something the cinema can do whatever it wants.

This would definitely benefit cinemas.

So, this method... even Han Sanping laughed.

Next, let's talk about this 'starting'.

"What happens after that?"

Han Sanping's words were concise and to the point, and Ma Xun naturally understood what he meant.

He then said loudly, "Leader, first of all, I am absolutely confident that we will overcome the epidemic, but as for the specific timing..."

Personally, I think it will take at least another six months.

Let's use this six-month period as a benchmark... the summer movie season.

It's summer movie season again!
Han Sanping said directly, "Are you planning to move the release date of 'Infernal Affairs' to the summer?"

Ma Xun nodded, "That's a must," but then added, "But it can't just be this movie. I believe there will be many excellent films this summer, those Hollywood movies."

Is it going to be another Hollywood blockbuster?

But this time it's different. "Infernal Affairs" wasn't directed by Ma Xun himself, and the film had actually already been sold. "Infernal Affairs" had already brought Ma Xun enough profit, and the film also had very obvious problems.

"This movie can win? By the summer season, pirated DVDs of 'Infernal Affairs' will be all over the world, won't they?"

Han Sanping is right, but Ma Xun said with a smile, "Winning or losing is small; the prosperity of the market is the most important thing."

"Huh?" Han Sanping was startled again.

When did Ma Xun become so noble and virtuous?

Ma Xun smiled and continued, "Boss, what do you think of this movie 'Infernal Affairs'? Isn't it a good film? Isn't it because it wasn't released in mainland China?"

If it's a good movie, then releasing it alongside a host of Hollywood blockbusters is surely boosting the market, isn't it?

Imagine if, after the pandemic, our film market were still in a slump.

But what if there were outstanding movies like "Infernal Affairs" and "The Matrix Reloaded" released?

What effect will this have?

Han Sanping suddenly realized, "Reboot! It must have rebooted!"

That's right, this is Ma Xun's film market restart plan.

If our mainland film market is like a weak patient.

So, the treatment plan prescribed by Ma Xun is as follows:
During the pandemic, we adopted a conservative approach, releasing classic films to keep cinemas running at a low cost.

After the pandemic is over, we will release a series of excellent blockbusters.

Give them a strong dose right away!

Its main feature is a quick response.

In fact... Ma Xun has had an outstanding performance in the summer season for several consecutive years.

But there really aren't any good solutions this year.

There's no other reason than that there are just too many Hollywood blockbusters this summer.

The Matrix Reloaded is the first one to be affected.

The Wachowski brothers, who are still brothers, created "The Matrix," which was a true phenomenon. The first film was even imported to China.

Moreover, a third installment will be released at the end of the year.

In addition, there's Terminator 3, a highly anticipated blockbuster. Although it's not directed by James Cameron, it's definitely worth looking forward to.

These two Hollywood blockbusters are impressive enough, but that's not all.

Big Brother Dragon's latest "Dragon Medallion" is here.

Strictly speaking, this movie is not a Hollywood blockbuster because its theme is eagles.

But actually, they collaborated with Hollywood.

It's about half a blockbuster.

This time... never mind, Ma Xun will let his elder brother Long go.

Cough cough, actually Ma Xun knew in his heart that since the film market was in the stage of recovery from a slump, and the competition was so strong, he should just take a break this summer.

This is called avoiding the opponent's sharpest attack.

Moreover, it doesn't actually stop him from making money.

Han Sanping couldn't help but applaud this plan.

Of course, our leader Han also secretly praised Ma Xun for being too shrewd.

However, there is one more thing.

"After this summer movie season... what are your plans?"

Click on him.

Ma Xun understood perfectly and said directly, "We will not be affected by the film 'Warriors of Heaven and Earth'."

"Okay! It's settled."

At this moment, Han Sanping felt a certain amount of admiration for Ma Xun.

Because Ma Xun meant that the movie "Warriors of Heaven and Earth" would be released during this year's Lunar New Year holiday season.

Don't forget, this year's Lunar New Year film season also includes "The Matrix Revolutions".

This is already confirmed; it's the last movie in the series, the final installment.

Ma Xun did indeed avoid the summer movie season, but he's not backing down at all for the Lunar New Year movie season!
That deserves a shout-out.

But Ma Xun didn't let a single person go.

"Boss, I can confirm it. I will definitely not break my promise for the Lunar New Year film season."

But there's a famous director who had previously agreed with me to also prepare a blockbuster.

Who is this talking about?
Han Sanping smiled and said, "I'll ask about Teacher Chen."

It's Chen Kaige, I wonder if his movie "The Promise" will be released at the end of this year.

Regardless of whether he can succeed or not, Ma Xun has essentially put him in a difficult position!
……

After talking with Han Sanping, Ma Xun went back to the courtyard to rest.

This achievement is significant, as it has directly determined the release dates for movies throughout the year.

It may seem simple, but in reality, it's a business worth tens or even hundreds of millions.

Ma Xun was full of confidence; he was certain he could release the film on time.

As for the film "The Promise," I hope Chen Kaige won't disappoint him.

During this time, Ma Xun naturally had many things to do.

With the success of "The Return of the Condor Heroes", the next one will definitely be "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre".

However, this is indeed not easy during the current pandemic.

We can only start preparing now.

And in addition...

Just then, someone knocked on the Taotie door knocker.

"Who is it?"

As Ma Xun spoke, he opened the door, and there stood a fairy outside.

"You are finally back."

After saying this, Yu Feihong went into the courtyard.

But before she could take more than a few steps, Ma Xun suddenly picked her up.

"You, what are you doing!"

Yu Feihong's panicked appearance made Ma Xun very pleased.

"Don't you know what I'm going to do?"

"You rascal, why are you in such a hurry!"

As Yu Feihong rebuked him, her pretty face also turned red.

Ma Xun was very direct; he simply carried the baby into the house and threw him onto the bed.

"You're clearly the one who's more anxious."

After saying that, he stopped moving.

Yu Feihong originally... never mind!
Sure enough, she turned around and pounced on Ma Xun, reaching out to help him unbutton his shirt.

This fairy is stubborn, but her actions tell a different story...

(End of this chapter)