Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 86: 200 million US dollars! "That Mountain" and "I Heard" are both going overseas!

Beijing.

Click, click, click...the shutter sounds kept ringing.

Hao Ling posed in various ways in front of the camera.

As the fastest-growing young actress at the moment, she shot a magazine cover.

That's no big deal.

Of course, she can't get cover invitations from top magazines yet.

But compared to last year, it’s definitely two different lives.

In fact, if you calculate carefully, Hao Ling has only been popular for a year.

Although she started filming her own movies last summer, it was from the release of "I Heard" to the broadcast of "Tai Chi Master".

It really didn’t take a year.

In just one year, her entire life changed dramatically.

The original choice... was worth it!

Besides, Ma Xun is a handsome guy.

It can’t be said that he has charmed thousands of girls...Hao Ling doesn’t feel that it is a loss.

This guy Ma Xun has only one flaw.

He doesn't talk about love.

He only cares about profit.

And all these...Hao Ling is now different from the original young girl.

She even felt that this was an advantage.

only……

"Sister Hao, what are you thinking about?"

"I didn't think anything of it."

"It must be the same thing."

"What did you say?"

Yuanyuan seems like a little follower now, but in fact, the two of them always appear together.

The image of the little sisters is quite popular with the audience.

This magazine has a photo of the two of them together, but Hao Ling is still on the cover.

It can be seen from this that Hao Ling is more popular now.

As for the 'thing' mentioned...

“He’s capable.”

This "he", of course, refers to Ma Xun.

And the strength, of course, has something to do with the currently popular "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog".

Yuanyuan understood what Sister Hao was thinking.

The film "That Mountain" won the grand prize at the Tokyo Film Festival.

Doesn’t this mean that Ma Xun has the ability to help Sister Hao win the Best Actress award?

But this movie queen... Yuanyuan herself felt that Sister Hao seemed a little too obsessed.

Yuanyuan actually tried to persuade him, but it was of no use.

I won’t advise you anymore now.

"Take your time."

There is nothing wrong with this sentence, but Hao Ling couldn't help but think too much about it.

Because recently, this guy Ma Xun seems to be...

Quite cold.

I was already quite busy, and I had many excuses to look for him.

In other words, we haven't had any in-depth communication for many days.

Of course Hao Ling didn't know that Ma Xun had been quite busy recently.

On the one hand, there is important business to discuss.

On the other hand, he is recuperating.

Run, exercise, eat right, and make yourself stronger.

Squats, right? Kegel exercises, right?... do them all.

There were too many guns before, so I just took it as a maintenance on the gun barrels recently.

But Ma Xun's recuperation made Hao Ling worried.

I thought this guy didn't support my dream of becoming a movie queen.

What should I do?
"I'm going to look for him, will you come?"

"That's...ok."

Yuanyuan hesitated for a moment, but finally agreed.

Now the two of them are inseparable.

Sisters are of one mind, let’s catch the man together.

In fact, the movie "Love Spicy Hot Pot" in which Yuanyuan participated is about to be released.

The film is scheduled to be released on the last day of this year.

At present, not many people are optimistic about it.

Among the movies that have not yet been released, the one that has attracted the most attention is "Party A and Party B".

At least there have been a lot of advertisements in Beijing.

So, Yuanyuan didn’t think the movie “Malatang” would be anything special.

It’s not bad to follow Sister Hao to find Ma Xun. If nothing else, no matter what project comes next, you can’t forget us sisters.

But where can I find someone?
Ma Xun is negotiating business at the Beijing Film Studio.

……

At the moment, we are negotiating business with overseas film producers.

If it is in our country, it would be best to go to the Beijing Film Studio.

To be precise, it is not the Beijing Film Studio, but a place called "Cooperative Film Production Company".

Well, actually it’s just an office inside the Beijing Film Studio.

But this company does exist, and its only purpose is to negotiate cooperation with foreign film producers.

This company was originally established for the purpose of making "The Last Emperor".

In other words, it means being able to cooperate legitimately.

The company's name is also very straightforward.

And now, it is the Japanese film producers who come to discuss business.

It was very professional of Ma Xun to choose this place as the negotiation location.

In the movie "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog", the two most important people on the surface are Kang Jianmin and Han Sanping.

These two are the leaders.

The Japanese who came should talk to both of them, that's right.

As the investor, Ma Xun hid behind the scenes.

It's not like he's completely invisible. He attends negotiation meetings, but he doesn't talk much.

Of course, this negotiation is also divided into steps.

People from the three forces come one by one.

Toei came first and directly gave a quote that they thought was very good.

100 million dollars!
To be honest, this quotation is already far higher than the original time and space.

But, let me tell you one thing.

Things are different now!

Our movie won the grand prize at your highest film festival in Japan!

In Ma Xun's mind, $100 million is just a starting price.

But seeing the expressions of Kang Jianmin and Han Sanping...

There is really no depth!

Is this price unbearable?
Cough twice quickly!

In fact, it’s no wonder that the two of them are so eager to sign the contract.

Doing this kind of cultural business with Japan.

The most recent and successful one was "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

The TV series was eventually bought by the Japanese side for approximately US$20,000 per episode.

There are also some other fees.

All in all, Japan spent about $300 million in total.

This has been very successful.

But you have to know that the production cost of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was more than 100 million yuan.

Let’s look back at this movie, “That Mountain, That Man, That Dog”.

Just add up the total amount, plus some money that Ma Xun invested in the bus stop sign.

It’s only over 500 million.

The previous award means getting back 160 million.

Now people are offering 100 million, which is US dollars.

It’s like, we made money directly without having to worry about the box office.

Of course, Kang Jianmin and his group got very little money.

He had previously agreed to Ma Xun's request for a 19:1 profit split.

Wait until the Toei people leave.

"Isn't this satisfactory?"

Kang Jianmin didn't say anything, but Han Sanping couldn't help it.

"Hey, Director Han, can't you be a little more patient?"

As soon as Ma Xun said this, Kang Jianmin spoke immediately.

"Yes, there are two more."

Han Sanping was not angry, he just felt that the 100 million US dollars was really a lot.

In fact, here are some of the current quotations for our Chinese films overseas.

It’s really not that high.

Take Jet Li, for example, who is very successful overseas.

South Korea generally quotes between 100 and 180 million US dollars.

It's similar in Japan.

It's a little higher in the United States, but sometimes it can be lower.

There is no way, the film producers in the United States are more ruthless and sinister.

From this perspective, the Japanese film company's report of 100 million has already put this movie on the same level as Jet Li's works.

It can be seen that the highest award of the Tokyo Film Festival is still very useful.

The movie "Original Time and Space" has never won this award.

Of course, after our screening in Tokyo, it received very high praise.

To put it bluntly, Japanese audiences really love this movie.

Then... let's take a look at the other two!
Ma Xun did not arrange the time of their discussion tightly.

That would be too obvious.

So, about an hour later, people from Toho arrived.

"Hello, leaders. I am Masayoshi Oyama, and I have brought a plan..."

plan?

This immediately attracted Kang Jianmin and Han Sanping.

Dashan handed over the documents politely, and the two leaders immediately took a liking to them.

Ma Xun didn't go over to see, but from Dashan's word "leader" just now, he could tell that this guy knew something about us.

As for Ma Xun himself...he actually still values Dongbao more.

The copyright of the movie "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog" has been exported.

Ma Xun did have many "ideals" originally.

It was as if he really hoped to sign a profit-sharing contract.

But, to be honest, we have to return to reality.

The same thing.

Ideal is plump, reality is skinny.

When we talk about business, we should not be too unrealistic.

Jet Li is already the best Chinese filmmaker in selling copyrights overseas. In Japan, his films only make more than 100 million US dollars.

It's impossible to do more than two million.

It's also a buyout.

How can we possibly get a share of the profits from this low-budget art film?
Besides, although the profit-sharing contract sounds great, it is quite difficult to implement.

It was like later, when Hollywood film companies all came to China, begging for help in the hope that they could transfer the money to the United States as soon as possible.

It is true that they signed a profit-sharing agreement, but the percentage was very low.

12% to 20%, which averages out to about 14%.

Knowing these realities, it is not impossible for Ma Xun to sign a buyout contract.

Well, why don't we make the contract bigger?

And Dongbao is a very good choice.

In the original time and space, "That Mountain" was very popular in Japan, which is indeed true.

However, this movie was actually only shown at the Iwanami Cinema.

We Chinese people don’t know much about the Iwanami Cinema.

I believe many people have heard of Iwanami Shoten and Natsume Soseki. Yes, it was originally located upstairs of this bookstore. Later, the bookstore was renovated, and the Iwanami Cinema was moved to the tenth floor.

A very small cinema.

This cinema was negotiated between one of Toho's founders and the owner of Iwanami Cinema.

That was the original idea.

This cinema doesn't have to be too big.

But the movies that are released can only be good movies.

Therefore, if it is sold to Toho, it will be equivalent to being able to enter the Iwanami Cinema.

And, as far as Japan is concerned, a movie can be shown at the Iwanami Cinema.

It is indeed an honor.

So, this price offered by Oyama Masayoshi is…

"60?"

"Yes! We will also carry out some marketing for this movie later. For example, we will establish a connection with Japan Post, and this movie will be shown in the famous Iwanami Cinema..."

What he said...Ma Xun rolled his eyes.

What does your marketing have to do with me!

$60 has nothing to do with me!

To be honest, Kang Jianmin and Han Sanping were indeed fooled by these Japanese devils.

Anyway, the two of them were fascinated by those marketing methods.

I've never done this before.

But Ma Xun... cough cough!
This time the cough was more severe than before.

The two factory managers suddenly came to their senses.

"Go back and wait for news."

There's something wrong with this tone.

Dashan seemed to have heard something, and from time to time he looked at the young man who had been silent.

I introduced him before, his name is Ma Xun.

Could it be that... he is the legendary young capitalist?
Legend has it that he was very generous and gave Kinji Fukasaku a generous gift.

It’s really amazing!
It was useless for Dashan to think about these things, so he could only go back first.

Finally, there are the people from Shochiku.

And this one is very simple.

"$120 million!"

Songzhu is indeed wealthy, and Ma Xun can hear it.

This person should be aware of his arrangements.

That’s right, the three families live on the same floor!

It would be strange if we didn't compete with each other.

And this quote...

"It can be seen that you, Shochiku, are very sincere."

"Haha... Of course."

This guy's name is Kanda Qinglai, and he looks very happy now.

Obviously, the evaluation was sincere, and he could tell it was a good thing.

Well anyway.

At $120 million, it’s definitely the current leader.

But now... cough cough.

Ma Xun coughed twice.

The two factory managers laughed.

Let’s talk about this for today.

……

Dashan knew clearly that something seemed to have gone wrong in the negotiations.

But isn’t our proposal the most sincere one?
Apparently, he thought that having the movie shown at the Iwanami Cinema and having an association with the post office were good conditions.

Anyway, it's just a bunch of nonsense.

But when it comes to money, it becomes extremely difficult.

Unfortunately, he met Ma Xun.

Dashan couldn't help but sigh, he is indeed a capitalist!
Because only capitalists can see through the truth that they don't want to pay too much.

Now we are behind, what should we do?
Of course all three of them saw each other!

We are all in the same circle, so everyone knows each other.

In other words, the offer of 60 was made because there were competitors.

Dongbao is really stingy.

But Dashan still planned to negotiate the deal.

He did not leave, but wandered around the Beijing Film Studio... He wanted to stop the capitalist and have a private chat with him.

Ah, what is that?

Dashan did block the way, but he also found two girls.

They are all young, graceful and very beautiful beauties.

Of course, E'na only refers to Hao Ling.

Splashy!

As expected of a Chinese capitalist, the beauties around him are top-notch!
Um? Wait a moment.

Dashan felt that the two beauties looked very familiar.

Soon, the guy found them in a nearby class magazine stand.

Oh, he’s also a big star!

In an instant, Dashan had an idea.

When he returned to the hotel...

"Baka! You actually quoted 120 million! This price is too high!"

"Didn't you also offer $100 million?"

"Kanda! You're taking this too far!"

"What's too much?"

“Shouldn’t we unite?”

"Unity? If Shochiku goes bankrupt, you will definitely be the first to grab Fuji TV's shares, right?"

"you you……"

They are arguing again, oh no, it sounds like they are going to fight.

Dashan frowned, really unwilling to get involved in such an argument.

There is no point.

And now...the magazine wrote about the road to fame of the two sisters Hao Ling and Yuan Yuan.

It's really exciting.

……

"I know you want to win the Best Actress award, but you can't win it tomorrow."

"I didn't say that!"

"That's right, I can prove that Sister Hao never said she wanted to win the Best Actress award!"

When Hao Ling and Yuan Yuan went to see Ma Xun, they certainly didn't mention the Best Actress award.

But Ma Xun was very direct and just made the topic clear.

Hao Ling and Yuan Yuan were instantly at a disadvantage.

Fortunately, Yuanyuan came to help this time, but Sister Hao was a little embarrassed.

But... I don't know why, I feel like laughing.

In fact, Ma Xun was not angry at Hao Ling's strong ambition.

On the contrary, I think it’s pretty good.

As a boss, what I fear most is that my employees are indifferent.

It's good to have ambition.

So...

"You are still young, take it one step at a time. I have a big project coming up, and both of you will have a part in it."

This, of course, made the two sisters happy.

"What project is it?"

"Tell me about it."

Seeing how enthusiastic they were, Ma Xun certainly had no reservations.

"I'm planning to film 'The Sentimental Swordsman'. I haven't mentioned this to Sister Hong yet, but you can go back and take some time to read the novel."

"Movie?"

"Of course it's a TV show."

Needless to say, this has nothing to do with the actress.

Hao Ling must be unhappy in his heart, but he couldn't show it.

Yuanyuan didn't have much to say.

Everything is subject to arrangement.

After the three of them finished their conversation, it was time to part.

When Yuanyuan wasn't looking, Hao Ling grabbed Ma Xun's hand.

Her action...Ma Xun pulled his hand back and then coughed.

What's going on with this guy?

In fact, Hao Ling had no idea that Ma Xun had used a heavy weight in his squat yesterday.

My legs hurt a lot today.

The middle one...

Forget it.

"Hmph!" Hao Ling rolled his eyes.

I had no choice but to go back with Yuanyuan first.

And Ma Xun... reply quickly! Dead leg!

……

Negotiations are ongoing.

That day, Ma Xun drove to the Beijing Film Studio again.

But as soon as I parked the car, I saw a person.

Mountain.

"Mr. Ma, can we talk alone?"

"Oh, then please get in the car."

Yes, they talked in the car.

Dashan is a sensible man. He got in the car immediately and came up with his own plan.

The plan is still the same plan.

Ma Xun looked uninterested.

And then...

"Mr. Ma, I have negotiated with the headquarters! This time we have increased the amount to 120 million US dollars!"

This price is quite sensible.

Ma Xun gave a slightly affirmative look, but still said: "Mr. Dashan, it's difficult for me to handle this little money."

It means it's not enough.

However, Dashan was obviously well prepared.

“Mr. Ma, we at Toho are a very powerful company, and we need a lot of movies every year.

When I came to China, I discovered that there are many excellent movies here.

I recently saw a movie called "I Heard".

Oh, it’s really good.

I negotiated with the headquarters again.

This movie intends to acquire the rights to this movie for $80. How about that? "

Ok?
Ma Xun also thought this mountain was very handsome.

120 million plus 80, that’s 200 million, right?
Apparently, the copyright price of a movie is too high and it is difficult for them to do so.

And now, it’s buy one get one free.

It is equivalent to Toho spending 200 million US dollars to buy "The Mountain".

And I, Ma Xun, gave him a copy of "I Heard".

That's what it means.

But...don't forget, this way I only have to give away $12.

Ma Xun nodded.

"I am very satisfied with Mr. Dashan's proposal. Of course, we still have to give the other two companies a chance."

"Of course!" Dashan was very confident, "But I believe they can't do it!"

Hey, this guy obviously heard something.

There's something.

So, $200 million, two movies.

This business is okay...

(End of this chapter)