1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 351: Combine vertically and horizontally
A tragic rumor is circulating in the Hong Kong film industry.

It is said that around the turn of the millennium, an old and highly respected director celebrated his birthday. After half a round of drinks, several of the director's apprentices knelt down and choked up, saying that they were sorry for their master and that they must change careers and find other ways to make a living because they could no longer make a living in the film industry.

Later, for a long time, when a group of people analyzed the reasons for the end of Hong Kong films, they would inevitably mention what happened after the return.

Many of these directors later moved to Taiwan or went north to make films, but some of them disappeared after their films failed, or were crushed by filmmakers like Feng Kuzi and disappeared again.

In short, few people would think that this is because of their own low level and still blame others.

However, in Zhai Yuan's opinion, there is really no need to differentiate between Hong Kong films, Taiwan films or mainland films. It would be stupid to mix them together to make co-productions!
Faced with the trend of integration, we all have only one common opponent: Hollywood, which is invading the world with increasing pace and momentum.

"In fact, even without Hollywood, Hong Kong films are still going downhill."

The people who could put forward this view in the 1980s were naturally Zhai Yuan and his followers, the leaders of this group of new wave filmmakers.

Different from cinema owners like Zou Wenhuai.

Jiuyi Entertainment's exclusive directors, such as Xu Qi, Wang Jin, and Wu Yusen, focus more on the film itself.

In the conference room.

Xu Qi said to himself: "This trip to Japan to shoot "Hiroshima Monster" made me see more clearly the narrow subject matter of Hong Kong movies. It seems that everything depends on a few movie stars to support the scene. Local audiences go to the cinema to see familiar faces more than to see the story itself. According to the current situation, if there is no innovation, in one or two years at most, there is no need to import Hollywood blockbusters. Hong Kong movies will definitely go from bad to worse."

Wu Yusen and others nodded in agreement. Even Wang Jin, who was taking pictures of the seven-day-old fresh food, showed an expression of approval.

As story creators, it is difficult for Hong Kong filmmakers to imagine the scenes in "Hiroshima Monster".

A monster roaming the streets of Hong Kong?
Instead of going through so much trouble to innovate and strive for an unknown result, it is better to continue to focus on themes that we are good at, such as kung fu, comedy, and police and gangster gunfights, and wait for new trends in the future, then everyone will rush to follow the trend and make a quick buck.
In short, since the popularity of "God of Gamblers" and "Mr. Zombie" by 91 Entertainment.

In the past two years, Hong Kong has produced more than 30 gambling and zombie films.

"Old Xu is still a little pessimistic."

Zhai Yuan laughed and said, "Recently there has been a rumor that Formosa will lift its martial law order. If the news is true, investors in Formosa will rush in with their hot money and continue to support Hong Kong films. Even if there is a last gasp, it will still take another five or six years for them to die."

How far has the current film market come in terms of following trends in terms of subject matter?
As soon as martial law was lifted, hot money from Taiwan flowed into Hong Kong. Since the 1990s, anyone in Hong Kong could get investment by simply putting their name on a director's work.

At that time, the popular way of doing things was to get the money today, set up a film company tomorrow, start filming the day after tomorrow, and file for bankruptcy while filming. After the movie was released, you didn't have to pay any taxes and started the next round of investment.

As a result, the city of Hong Kong produces five to six hundred films every year.

Even the strongest man will be squeezed dry~
Zhai Yuan thought to himself: These directors in front of him must have never heard of the "Yin Yang Road" series. They actually made more than 20 ghost movies, which directly turned Roland, the originally kind-looking old lady, into the public's stereotype of the Ghost Queen Long Po.

"Let me be honest. I'm not trying to rub Mr. Zhai's shoes. The systems of the film companies under 1024 are indeed more complete."

Wang Jin's fat face trembled, and he laughed, "Last week I went to an independent film company to help with the camera, and I saw Fei Zhizai, whom I hadn't seen for a long time. As soon as we met, I asked the director, 'Hey, do you want to get paid? Yes, then when do you start work? Afternoon? Afternoon is OK, I've read a lot of comic books recently, and I can help you come up with a new story right away.'"

Wang Jin imitated the classic tone of the screenwriter Fei Zhizai in other film sets vividly, causing other colleagues around him to smile knowingly.

“There is always a healthy elimination process.”

Zhai Yuan listened to the discussion of the directors and was in high spirits, far from the pessimistic attitude of Zou Wenhuai and others.

1024 covers the production and distribution costs, and Boss Zhai also tells everyone a story from time to time. The small bosses of its film companies have no worries, they have jobs and money to earn, and they are full of confidence and motivation.

Chen Rongmei's introduction of Hollywood movies not only failed to scare her own people, but instead made Xu Qi and others want to compete with each other.

Although it is limited to a small market in Hong Kong.

Zhai Yuan turned his head and asked Shi Nansheng: "Has the schedule for this year's Lunar New Year movie season been announced?"

"The movie they are promoting right now is Top Gun, which is said to have cost 13 million US dollars to make. It has already grossed over 100 million US dollars in North America. I wonder how much money New Treasure Cinemas spent on bringing it to Hong Kong."

Shi Nansheng paused and said, "It is difficult to estimate the local box office of this movie at present. No one has ever shown a Western movie in fifteen theaters before."

The housekeeper, who is always known for her experience, has lost the ability to estimate the box office this time.

As a producer, Shi Nansheng's mentality at this time was closer to that of Zou Wenhuai and others, and he felt a sense of uneasiness about the unknown.

"Don't worry, it won't exceed 50 million Hong Kong dollars anyway."

Zhai Yuan smiled and set an upper limit for the box office of Top Gun in Hong Kong based on the size of the market.

Then he asked, "How is the second episode of Mr. Zombie going?"

This time Liu Zhenwei replied: "The special effects are still being worked on, and the film will be out next month at the latest."

Xu Qi added: "New Vision has invited a few Japanese helpers this time, and the effect should be better than the previous one... about half a month."

Zhai Yuan thought for a while and said, "Then let's use Dragon Tiger War to fill in the New Year's Day period first, and wait for the sequel to Mr. Vampire to be made to connect with the second half."

The Lin Lingdong brothers who were sitting in the corner looked up in surprise.

Is "City of War", a first-time director's film, going to compete with "Top Gun" during the Lunar New Year holiday?
Boss Zhai thinks too highly of his brothers.

Shi Nansheng was also a little hesitant and asked, "Would it be better to watch Lost in Translation?"

"Wouldn't that be a Western film versus a Western film?" Zhai Yuan said with a smile, "We still need to let the audience see local actors in the theaters. Besides, Lost in Translation is an art film. It won't be too late to show it abroad first and then do enough publicity and promotion in China before releasing it."

Shi Nansheng nodded in understanding.

The market for art films in Hong Kong is still a little small, and the audience is more pursuing sensory stimulation. An art love story about an American in Japan is indeed not attractive enough.

Therefore, we have to first get good results in other places, and then return to the local market for promotion to be more attractive.

Shi Nansheng smiled and joked: "Mr. Zhai seems to be very confident about the performance of this play in foreign markets."

Zhai Yuan turned around and asked Zhang Wanting and her husband, "Hey, director, do you two have confidence? After the promotion is done, I want to use this "Lost in Translation" to compete with other Hollywood blockbusters of Xinbao~"

Ann Hui and Law Kai Shui forced smiles.

I feel more pressure than the Lin Lingdong brothers.

Zhai Yuan grinned upon seeing this.

Chen Rongmei is still too conservative in this approach, or it can be said that the newly appointed interim Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Chung, does not dare to do anything too drastic.

When "Jurassic Park" invaded the Hong Kong film industry, the Hong Kong government directly abolished the entertainment tax levied on imported Western films.

Now that everyone is subject to the same tax, the biggest advantage of Xinbao is that it does not need to produce its own films, and can rely solely on the quality of its works. Zhai Yuan thinks there is nothing to worry about. Mr. Zhai still has many high-quality "original stories" that have not been brought out!

"Old Xu, after finishing Hiroshima Monster, New Vision should be able to accumulate a lot of experience. I will continue to shoot special effects films for you for the next movie. What do you think?"

"How about restarting my Shushan?"

"Hmm..." Zhai Yuan automatically ignored Xu Qi's obsession and said, "Since you have experience in making monster movies, I think it would be better to continue making monster movies in the next one."

Xu Qi nodded: "All good."

Shi Nan was afraid that her man would be kidnapped again, so she frowned and asked, "Are you going overseas to shoot again?"

"Not this time." Zhai Yuan smiled and shook his head: "Does Aqing's boss Ye Zhiming know? He has an island in Sai Kung waiting to be developed. I want to shoot a story that takes place on the island."

Xu Qi asked curiously, "What kind of monsters could there be in Hong Kong?"

Zhai Yuan smiled, stretched out his hands and made a roaring gesture like a dragon: "Dinosaur~"

At this time, no dinosaur fossils had been discovered in Hong Kong, and even worldwide, related literature was still scarce.

The word "dinosaur" is very unfamiliar to the general public.

In a look of confusion and suspicion.

Zhai Yuan stood up and clapped his hands: "Okay~ This year's year-end summary ends here, everyone can call it a day and go on vacation early. Our movie is already moving forward. At least there are no more jobs like flying paper on the set. I hope everyone will keep up with the pace next year and continue to move forward..."

…………

Another Spring Festival is approaching.

Zhai Yuan finished the annual meeting at Jiuyi Entertainment.

at the same time.

Chen Rongmei from Xinbao Cinemas is also visiting colleagues in the film industry.

Although they are also cinema chain owners, Chen Rongmei's colleagues are not people like Zou Wenhuai and Zhai Yuan. Instead, they focus on the owners of the Western Film Cinema Chain at that time.

Edko Films.

Executive Director Jiang Zhiqiang went downstairs personally and invited Chen Rongmei, who had been causing trouble recently, into his office.

Hot tea was served and both sides exchanged polite words.

Chen Rongmei smiled and said, "Boss Jiang, this year, Sun Treasure bought the screening licenses for ten Hollywood movies in Hong Kong. I'm sure you've heard about it. Are you interested in working together?"

Jiang Zhiqiang calmly asked, "Mr. Chen is very generous. My father's Anle (Broadway) Cinema Chain only has five theaters. I wonder if there is anything I can do to help you?"

"It's just cooperation, no need to mention the word help." Chen Rongmei shook her head while holding the teacup, still smiling: "Besides, Boss Jiang is too modest. When I was in Manila, I heard that Anle was the largest Western film cinema chain in Hong Kong. Now that I am also engaged in Western film distribution, I naturally want to learn from my predecessors."

At this time, Hong Kong's western cinema chains were suppressed, and a cinema in Hong Kong Island or Kowloon could become an independent cinema chain.

The fact that Emperor Cinemas distributes Western films in five theaters already makes it a leader among Western film theater chains.

Jiang Zhiqiang said with a smile: "It's just a small fight. It's not as good as you, Mr. Chen, who opened the film in 15 theaters at once and even got the screening permit so easily."

"We just got the screening permit, so we came to discuss cooperation with Boss Jiang."

Honestly speaking, Chen Rongmei is quite lucky. She had the support of the Liberty Association in the past, and then she happened to catch up with the change of the Governor of Hong Kong. She easily took the position of the leader of the Western film cinema chain.

Chen Rongmei continued, "Xinbao's dozen theaters may sound impressive, but they have also offended the bosses of Hong Kong films, and they are bound to be boycotted and suppressed. I'm sure Boss Jiang is well aware of this."

Jiang Zhiqiang smiled and said nothing.

It is natural that foreign films will be targeted when they are distributed in Hong Kong.

"In fact, everyone is just trying to make money. Movies are commodities. Of course, we should use the better imported or local products. Cameras and films are also Western products. Why don't these filmmakers boycott them?"

Chen Rongmei sighed and said, "So when Jiahe jumped out and published an advertisement saying that it would unite with 1024 and other local cinema chains to fight against my Xinbao to protect Hong Kong films, I think the logic is completely wrong. But since the other party has come to my door, I have to at least give some response. So before meeting Boss Jiang, I had already met with the bosses of New York, Dahua, Happy, and Puqing cinema chains in advance and proposed to set up a Western film industry association. The bosses were also very respectful to me and have agreed to join."

Jiang Zhiqiang raised his eyebrows.

The cinema chains mentioned by Chen Rongmei are all companies that specialize in distributing Western films. They have a small number of theaters, and together with their own Enlight, they almost monopolized the market for showing Western films in Hong Kong in the past.

However, in addition to distribution, Enlight occasionally produces its own films.

"The Bitter War" directed by his brother Jiang Zhiwen a few years ago also won the local film box office championship and set the highest-grossing record for Hong Kong documentaries.

"Mr. Chen wants Anle to join this industry association and form a big alliance of Western movie theaters?"

Jiang Zhiqiang hesitated for a moment and said, "To be honest, although we distribute Western films, we still don't want to cause too much trouble with local filmmakers."

"It's just business. Anyone can see that Hollywood movies are better made now."

Chen Rongmei said nonchalantly, "Alien Sequel, released by Enlight this year, grossed over 10 million in five theaters in the local market. If we all work together to schedule more theaters, we can break new records in a matter of minutes. What's the point of the other side? The most important thing is to make money."

After saying that, Chen Rongmei paused and then smiled, "Only if we expand this Western film cinema chain will we have more opportunities to negotiate terms with Hollywood film producers. Now, Mr. Zou from Jiahe seems to be crazy. He actually took out money to cut off my film sources in Hollywood. If this continues, other Western film cinema chains will also find it difficult to survive. Anle wants to stay out of it? Impossible..."

…………

1 month 15 day.

The entertainment headlines of Hong Kong newspapers are filled with the names of various cinema chains.

"Xinbao, Anle, New York, Dahua, Happy, Puqing, the six major Western film theater chains have joined forces, and the first one "Top Gun" is coming with great momentum..."

"The U.S. military assisted in the filming, and the entire process was shot live, unprecedented and unparalleled..."

'Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise brings Top Gun to six major Western movie theaters, and 31 theaters are showing it now...'

This was the first time that Hollywood blockbusters were released in Hong Kong on a large scale.

Come on!

(There is another chapter that will be added later)

(End of this chapter)