Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 408: Which of the three blockbuster films is stronger? Qin Lan, her face streaked with tears!
"Brother Ma, haha... You're having a great time in America, aren't you?"

"It's alright, Mr. Jiang. I've already met with Mr. Zhang and Mr. Zhang Yimou in Salt Lake City."

"Oh, so you've already talked about it?"

"It was just a talk."

"Haha... Alright, alright."

Since Han Sanping said this doesn't count as a meeting, there's no need to make it too serious.

Ma Xun came later, so it's perfectly fine for Jiang Zhiqiang to speak like this, as if chatting casually.

However, there is a lot of information in this.

Because of the movie "Hero", Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou will definitely be staying in the United States for a while longer.

So, Jiang Zhiqiang was in charge of the publicity and distribution arrangements for "House of Flying Daggers".

This is standard procedure; Jiang Zhiqiang is very good at this, and he is also one of the main investors.

If Jiang Zhiqiang can make decisions, then of course he should be here.

However, there were some unspoken lines between him and Ma Xun.

The fact that the two of them were chatting so casually suggests that they have a very good relationship.

In other words, Jiang Zhiqiang directly made his relationship with Ma Xun clear.

We are allies!
Of course, Ma Xun also received a free investment from Harvey in this movie.

This time, he actually rode along in the car.

Where will the movie "House of Flying Daggers" lead Ma Xun...? Actually, no one here knows as well as Ma Xun himself.

But since Jiang Zhiqiang has already gone to such lengths, Ma Xun has no reason not to give him face.

Allies are allies, that's fine.

However, there is one more thing.

That is, Jiang Zhiqiang said that Ma Xun met with Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping in the United States. Is it possible that they have already discussed the release of "House of Flying Daggers"?
Ma Xun directly provided the 'answer'.

"Mr. Jiang, there's no need to beat around the bush here. Why don't we just say it outright?"

Is he seeking Jiang Zhiqiang's advice?
The key question is, what exactly should be said directly?

Jiang Zhiqiang laughed and turned to Han Sanping, "Chairman Han, may I make a statement regarding the release of our three blockbusters?"

Han Sanping smiled and said, "Of course, no problem. This is good, it saves everyone's time."

Yes, it's more relaxed when it's not a meeting.

Jiang Zhiqiang stated very directly: "This time, we plan to release 'House of Flying Daggers' during the summer season!"

Does this mean they've already set the release date for their blockbuster?

The key point is that Jiang Zhiqiang's attitude was clearly a preemptive strike, coupled with his imposing manner.

It wouldn't be a problem to call him arrogant.

Your other two movies are no match for our "House of Flying Daggers" at all!

There's no need to say the lines; everyone understands.

Moreover, given the current situation, Jiang Zhiqiang's assertive behavior is quite reasonable.

Their previous film, "Hero," is, to date, the most successful commercial blockbuster in China.

It will also be released on the North American film market soon.

With such a successful experience, Zhang Yimou's new film "House of Flying Daggers" should have been the most powerful new film of the year.

No problem, anyone would think that way.

So, it's fine for them to choose the release date first.

However, we are discussing three films right now, while our domestic film market only has two good release dates.

The best season is the Lunar New Year film season, followed by the summer film season.

Feng Xiaogang was the one who started the Lunar New Year film season.

Although the summer movie season was started by "The Lion King," the person who truly brought it back for Chinese films was Ma Xun!

it's good now.

Three movies, two release periods, meaning that two movies are destined to be released in the same period.

"House of Flying Daggers" has already been scheduled for the summer release, but what about the other two movies?
Is Kung Fu Hustle going up against A World Without Thieves?
The Wang brothers were the first to express their opinions.

"Boss, Teacher Feng is the king of the Lunar New Year film season. It was under your leadership that Teacher Feng was able to get this Lunar New Year film season started."

"This year is a crucial year for us, after all, last year was affected by the pandemic."

What exactly are these two brothers trying to say, speaking in unison?
It's actually very simple: I shed blood for the Party and the country!

The Wang brothers were referring to Feng Xiaogang's contributions back then, but in reality, they were also talking about their own contributions.

Because they invested 300 million yuan in "Party A and Party B".

Without these three million, where would the Lunar New Year film season come from?

Or to put it bluntly, none of them are as successful as you, Master Han, are now!
Of course, these words couldn't be said, so the Wang brothers only had Han Sanping.

Ma Xun understood perfectly.

What about Han Sanping?

He frowned slightly and turned his gaze to Ma Xun.

Knowing he couldn't avoid it, Ma Xun laughed it off and said, "Brothers, since Mr. Feng Xiaogang is the king of the Lunar New Year film season, he shouldn't be afraid of the movie 'Kung Fu Hustle,' right?"

Goodness, that's incredibly provocative!

He was completely bewildered by the frog representing "Kung Fu Hustle" over there.

He hasn't said anything yet because he's waiting for Ma Xun to make a decision.

Ma Xun is the main investor in this film "Kung Fu Hustle". As for why Stephen Chow and Guo Hui didn't come, it's because they were busy and they also have great faith in Tian Ji and Ma Xun.

Is it really okay to speak so harshly now?

The Wang brothers' expressions were certainly not pleasant, but here...

"Oh, brother, what are you saying? How could Teacher Feng be afraid?"

"Aren't we talking about cooperation right now?"

These two brothers are really something, managing to smooth things over to this extent.

One side takes a hard line, while the other tries to find room for maneuver.

Ma Xun laughed, "Then how about this, let's put 'A World Without Thieves' in the summer season?"

Even more ruthless!
Jiang Zhiqiang was quite surprised, but the fact that Ma Xun dared to say such a thing, and that no one could do anything about it, showed that this Brother Ma had a really powerful background.

The Wang brothers' faces were as red as pig liver at this moment.

Listen to what you are saying?

Let's go head-to-head with "House of Flying Daggers"?
And then you invested in "Kung Fu Hustle" to monopolize the Lunar New Year film season? Ma Xun, Ma Xun, you've got a good plan!

However, the two brothers cannot unleash their full power yet. This is China Film Group, and Han Sanping is clearly biased towards Ma Xun.

How to do?
They were at a loss for what to do and were feeling incredibly frustrated.

Ma Xun spoke up again, "How about this? It's very clear this year that 'House of Flying Daggers' is the strongest film, whether from the cast or from other perspectives."

So, of our remaining two films, whoever touches this one will be at a disadvantage.

But we are all working hard for the prosperity of the Chinese film market.

Therefore, I propose that whoever releases a film during the summer blockbuster season should receive some support from the creators of the other two films.

What do you mean?
The Wang brothers and Jiang Zhiqiang both understood.

Jiang Zhiqiang first stated, "That's no problem. Actually, the summer movie season is quite long, so we can release it two or three weeks later. When it's released, our main creators will also help promote it and say a lot of good things about it."

That's great, it's all for the good of the film market.

Upon hearing this, the Wang brothers could only nod in agreement.

"Okay, this plan is fine, then..."

But those two guys are pretty cunning.

"Brother Ma, your proposal won't be something anyone else can do..."

Before the eldest son of the Wang family could finish speaking, Ma Xun readily said to Han Sanping, "Kung Fu can go to the summer season! At least that's my attitude as an investor. As for the other two..." He then looked at Tian Ji.

"If so many big-name celebrities, such as Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Andy Lau, and Go Kaneshiro, helped with the promotion, what do you think?"

Frog felt that nothing he did would make a difference, but at that moment he understood that all he could do was nod, but he had to be careful what he said.

"I believe that both Stephen Chow and Hui Ye are fine. But what I mean is, under normal circumstances."

He also gave an explanation.

Han Sanping understood, and patted Ma Xun on the shoulder.

"Great! I think it's settled then. As for the interval... at least three weeks."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhiqiang nodded in agreement, "Actually, we have contacted many organizations, and the premiere of 'House of Flying Daggers' should be held in early July!"

His explanation was somewhat complicated, but in reality, once you know about the premiere, you'll understand why he said that.

"House of Flying Daggers" should be the highest-profile premiere in the history of Chinese cinema.

Ma Xun remembers it very clearly.

It was held at the Workers' Stadium, with tens of thousands of people, and they even invited internationally renowned singers and various other activities.

Of course, a lot of messy things happened in the original timeline, like the singer having to pay extra money on the spot.

However, to be fair, this specification is absolutely unprecedented and will never be repeated.

After all this, we realized that this premiere was completely pointless.

No one will be the sucker anymore.

Therefore, when Jiang Zhiqiang says this now, he is just showing off.

The Wang brothers knew a little about the situation, and their current thought was... Ma Xun, you're just pretending!

Yes, look how amazing "House of Flying Daggers" is.

Can you win?
In Ma Xun's mind, however, "House of Flying Daggers" was the weakest of the three films!

That's right, Ma Xun actually chose the weakest opponent for his investment in "Kung Fu".

"A World Without Thieves" is very strong.

In fact, in the original timeline, "Kung Fu Hustle" was also invested in by Huayi Brothers, and both films were released during the Lunar New Year holiday season.

It's like you're hitting yourself.

However, the Wong brothers also scheduled the two films to be three weeks apart.

Furthermore, the Wong brothers did not expect "Kung Fu Hustle" to be so powerful.

Now, Ma Xun can be said to have won a great victory!
They just don't know who the real winner is yet.

Of course, Ma Xun also used various means to bring in several free publicity ambassadors for "Kung Fu".

You know, it costs a lot of money to hire these people to help with publicity.

They're free now!

Ma Xun is essentially getting something for free.

The money you save is the money you earn!

Based on the publicity costs, Ma Xun essentially made a fortune through a scam, earning at least a million yuan.

There's definitely more than that.

Beautiful in my heart!
So, there's no need to go into details from here on out.

Han Sanping also praised Ma Xun for his high style and broad vision.

Listen to this.

And just like that, the landscape of domestic blockbusters this year has been set.

However, Ma Xun certainly wouldn't let go of the Lunar New Year film season so easily.

In addition, he also has the film "Incense" scheduled for release.

But for now... let's not worry about that.

……

After leaving the Beijing Film Studio, someone suggested that we go out for a meal.

However, Han Sanping refused in order to demonstrate his noble character.

And so, that's how it ended.

Ma Xun prepared to return to his small courtyard to discuss future plans.

Unexpectedly, when he arrived at the entrance of the courtyard, he saw a person.

Qin Lan.

"What brings you here?"

Ma Xun's words were spoken in a somewhat flippant tone.

Qin Lan suddenly snuggled into his arms and said in a slightly tearful voice, "I missed you."

Ma Xun lifted her chin and saw a pretty face, tear-streaked.

This is... this is a bit strange...

No matter how strange it is, you can't stay outside in this freezing weather.

Come on, let's go inside...

(End of this chapter)