Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 220 You Subdue the Crimson Flame Dragon, I Subdue the Crimson Tiger

Yi County Warring States City, the film crew of "A Battle of Wits"

Although Huayi Brothers invested in this drama, they were mainly responsible for distribution. However, the primary production company was actually a company based in Hong Kong.

The crew consisted of director Jacob Cheung, Andy Lau who was the lead actor and a core member of the film, and many other important positions and actors, all of whom were from Hong Kong.

It is well known that Hong Kong filmmakers tend to stick together when they come to the mainland. Film crews that are mainly from Hong Kong often carry a sense of isolation and exclusion.

Fan Xiaopang is considered to have received relatively good treatment.

After all, she is the female lead, has a reputation, and isn't without connections, so no one is foolish enough to cause her trouble.

But no one caused trouble, and there was no special treatment; in fact, there were occasional cold treatments.

Not long ago, because of Yan Li's parents, Fan Xiaopang was unhappy with the director for taking leave and leaving the set early and late, and the director even found fault with him and scolded Fan Xiaopang in public.

Fan Xiaopang also admitted that she did indeed affect the production crew.

Being scolded for being found fault with is considered good. Other actors without fame or background don't even have the chance to ask for leave. If they make a mistake, they will be scolded by the director or even the assistant director, or even kicked out of the group.

Most actors are at a disadvantage when facing a film crew.

Even if you reach the level of Andy Lau, despite receiving many privileges, you still have to compromise and make concessions to the production team or the investors behind the scenes at times.

For a while, Fan Xiaopang followed Yan Li to film Yi An's scenes, and had a great time playing the role of "boss lady". She was pampered everywhere on set, which made her a bit unruly and casual.

This time, in "A Battle of Wits," I finally found that feeling of struggling back then.

However, after Yi'an Cinemas made a public appearance, Fan Xiaopang suddenly felt that the attitude of the crew had changed.

If before it was just a vague feeling and not quite certain, the day Yan Li came to visit the set, Fan Xiaopang truly witnessed what a "change of face" meant.

"Director Zhang, thank you so much for taking care of Bingbing on set."

Yan Li shook hands with director Zhang Zhiliang with a smile. Zhang Zhiliang is a well-known director in Hong Kong, but not very famous. His representative work is "The Last Eunuch in China".

His experience is quite diverse; he has worked as a company boss, director, producer, and screenwriter, and he also participated in the critically acclaimed masterpiece "Back to Back, Face to Face".

However, Yan Li still didn't quite understand why a commercial film like "A Battle of Wits" was directed by Zhang Zhiliang.

It's not that Zhang Zhiliang's skill level is bad, but rather that his representative works are mostly art films with a delicate style, which are keen to discuss the philosophy of human nature.

Hiring an art-house director to make a commercial blockbuster, even if "A Battle of Wits" is an anti-war and anti-hero film, carries considerable risks.

Don't even mention directors like Chen Da and Zhang Yimou, who also started out as art-house film directors. Their influence in the film market is incomparable to that of Zhang Zhiliang, who isn't even well-known in Hong Kong.

To put it bluntly, the selling point of the movie "A Battle of Wits" is entirely supported by Andy Lau.

These past two years have been the peak of Andy Lau's career, with films like "A World Without Thieves," "House of Flying Daggers," and even earlier, "Infernal Affairs," achieving impressive box office results and receiving excellent reviews in some areas.

But this does not mean that Andy Lau's appeal can compare to that of Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow.

"Infernal Affairs" is a pinnacle of Hong Kong cinema in recent years, and the credit doesn't belong to Andy Lau alone. As for "A World Without Thieves" and "House of Flying Daggers," the credit goes without saying; the two directors deserve the most credit.

Besides these box office hits, Andy Lau has also appeared in quite a few movies in the past two years, all of which have flopped quietly.

Released between "A World Without Thieves" and "House of Flying Daggers", "Dragon and Phoenix Fight" grossed less than 15 million yuan at the mainland box office. Neither of the two films in 2005 broke 10 million yuan.

It's clear that even with Andy Lau's superstar status, it's not an easy card to play. Even with the added boost of the blockbuster film "A Battle of Wits," Yan Li isn't very optimistic about the project's prospects.

Of course, this has nothing to do with Yan Li; he didn't invest a single penny in this movie.

Fan Xiaopang just needs to use the publicity and exposure from the commercial blockbuster to boost his status and get some exposure.

"Yan Sheng is too kind. We took good care of each other. Bingbing performed very well."

Zhang Zhiliang was warm and polite to Yan Li. He had heard of this young man before, but hadn't taken him too seriously.

So what if he's the king of film sales? He doesn't make TV dramas. Although they're both in the film and television industry, film and television are actually two different fields.

Of course, Yan Li is rich, and Yi An is doing well; who knows, she might come to the film industry someday.

But it doesn't really concern him. There are plenty of wealthy people and film company owners, and the two of them don't have much interaction. He has no reason to be afraid of or befriend a young man.

But things are different now. Yan Li has entered the film industry, but not in the way he intended for film production or distribution. Instead, he has gone directly into theatrical releases, and with considerable ambition.

That's perfect now.

As a film director, you can choose not to deal with other film companies or ignore a particular distribution company, but you can't ignore a theater chain of a certain size.

If you don't want to talk to someone, they have plenty of ways to talk to you.

Although Yi'an Cinemas was just starting out, Zhang Zhiliang wouldn't fawn over Yan Li, but knowing that Yan Li was influential and could be cultivated, why put on airs or offend him?

Those seasoned veterans who have made it in the Hong Kong film and television industry are all capable of being both flexible and adaptable.

Zhang Zhiliang apologized to Fan Xiaopang, half-jokingly, right in front of Yan Li.

"Bingbing, the set is too busy and chaotic. Sometimes when filming, I inevitably get a little short-tempered. It's all work-related, so please be understanding. Don't tell Yan Sheng about me."

Fan Xiaopang certainly wouldn't put on airs, but he didn't adopt a humble attitude either, and he also half-jokingly said.

"Director Zhang, you'd better take good care of me and be gentle with me in the future, otherwise I'll go home and tell on you."

Zhang Zhiliang laughed heartily: "Oh no, you've found my weakness."

Yan Li also laughed and said, "Director Zhang, don't worry. If she doesn't behave, just tell me, and I'll deal with her myself."

We exchanged a few jokes, half-joking and half-serious, and that was enough to put the previous unpleasant incident behind us.

At the same time, Fan Bingbing's days on the set of "A Battle of Wits" will be much easier from now on.

After talking with the director, Yan Li went to see Andy Lau, who was very polite to him.

Or rather, this person is polite to everyone in most situations, and his conduct is impeccable. Even if he needs to play the villain, his team will step in to handle it.

In Fan Xiaopang's words, Brother Hua is a good person, but his assistants, makeup artists, and so on sometimes act like a superstar team.

She had previously tried to ask Andy Lau for his phone number, but was stopped both openly and subtly, as if she had some ulterior motive.

However, when Yan Li chatted with Andy Lau today, he also encountered several of Andy Lau's teams, and they all seemed very friendly.

Yan Li didn't even need to say anything; Andy Lau took the initiative to exchange phone numbers with him, and no one stopped him.

Afterwards, because Andy Lau still had to film, his executive agent, who was with him, personally saw Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang off. The agent spoke to them in a friendly and cordial tone and even left her business card, saying that they could contact her anytime if needed, etc.

After she left, Fan Xiaopang couldn't help but complain: "I've been filming here for so long, and I haven't smiled at her as much as you and her in those few minutes."

Yan Li glanced at her and calmly said, "Things will be different from now on. She'll smile at you more and more often."

"..."

Fan Xiaopang looked around and, seeing that there was no one around, grabbed Yan Li's head and kissed him repeatedly. After kissing him, he happily wrapped his arm around Yan Li's arm.

"I knew I made the right choice in picking a man, it really boosts my confidence."

"You've got some potential."

Yan Li pinched Fan Xiaopang's nose: "This is nothing. When you turn the tables and start scolding the director, and when even the biggest stars are begging for your phone number, that's when you'll truly live up to your reputation."

"Is it really possible to do that?"

Fan Xiaopang's eyes lit up. Today's scene had already given her a lot of fun. She had never even dreamed of the kind of scene Yan Li had described.

"I don't know, but everyone needs to have dreams, right? I'll try my best to help you make your dreams come true."

Fan Xiaopang tiptoed and kissed Yan Li again: "It's about working together."

...

Yan Li's purpose in visiting the set was simply to see Fan Xiaopang, show her support, and then leave.

As a result, Fan Xiaopang wouldn't let him leave. He insisted that he wait for him to finish work, and then he would take him to try some local delicacies in Yi County.

Whether it's eating delicious food or eating oneself, Yan Li knows the answer.

But after thinking about it, since Fan Xiaopang had been filming away from home all this time, he made a few phone calls to stay.

When Fan Xiaopang went to film a movie, Yan Li would wait by his side or wander around and even run into an acquaintance.

Zhang Li, who played Dapeng in "Conquest", also had a role in this drama.

The two had a decent relationship while working on "Conquest," but they haven't been in contact much since.

Time has passed, and Zhang is still a small-time actor, while Yan Li has become a big shot in the industry. So when they met, Yan Li greeted him, and the latter was a little confused.

After smoking a cigarette, Yan Li and Zhang Li, who was preparing for the event, chatted idly.

Because of "Conquest", he is a familiar face. In addition, with the advantage of being a natural-born bandit, although he is not very successful in the industry, he has always had roles, and sometimes he acts in more movies than TV series.

Since they were old acquaintances, Yan Li left Zhang Li his phone number. Yi An would inevitably have many vicious villains in the later episodes, so it was better to use someone familiar rather than someone unfamiliar.

When Fan Xiaopang finished filming and came to find Yan Li, he was slightly taken aback to see him chatting with Zhang Li.

The two didn't know each other when Yan Li was filming "Conquest". Although she watched the show later, she mainly watched Yan Li or other main characters and didn't have much of an impression of Zhang Li, who was just a minor supporting character.

After hearing Yan Li's introduction, Fan Xiaopang suddenly realized, "Oh, so you're one of us. I'm done with work now, let's have dinner together tonight."

Zhang Li wasn't stupid; he wouldn't be a third wheel. He made an excuse to leave, and Fan Xiaopang patted Yan Li with satisfaction.

"You did a good job. I thought you were taking the opportunity to flirt with the actresses."

Yan Li was speechless: "With you here, which actress could catch my eye?"

"Tch, the sweeter the words, the more fickle the heart."

Fan Xiaopang changed his clothes, and the two of them disguised themselves and went to a donkey meat restaurant with a unique flavor in Yi County for a meal.

During the meal, Yan Li noticed that someone in the next private room had ordered a dish called "Donkey Trio," saying it was delicious and highly nutritious. He wanted to try it too, but Fan Xiaopang absolutely refused to let him.

If she doesn't eat, she's like a donkey; if she does eat, she's adding fuel to the fire. Will she even be able to get up tomorrow?
Yan Li was a little disappointed and planned to buy a copy to take home after his visit to the set, and then ask Dong Xuan or Qin Lan to try it out.

Forget it, let's just ask Jiang Xin. He's more resilient and doesn't seem to care much.

After finishing their meal, they found a hotel. As soon as they entered, Fan Xiaopang unleashed his enthusiasm.

Clearly, Yan Li's special trip to support her and the various changes he brought had a great impact on Fan Xiaopang.

While they were somewhat restrained on set, the two were much less reserved in their private conversations. One moment they would shout that they loved each other to death, and the next they would shout that they loved each other to death. They used all their charm to make Yan Li have a good time, which was a rare treat.

…After calling a retreat, Yan Li put his arm around Fan Xiaopang's smooth, fair shoulders and started talking about her album.

"A Battle of Wits" won't be filmed for much longer, since the filming period for movies is generally short, and only big-budget films have large and complex scenes.

"The Legend of Yang Yuhuan" is still in preparation, so Fan Xiaopang and others who finished filming "Mo Gong" will not be joining the production for the time being. They will be busy with some advertising activities and releasing an album.

"I've got two good songs for you this time. With some marketing and hype, even if the album doesn't sell like hotcakes, it'll give you some exposure and make you a representative work for future galas and commercial performances."

Fan Xiaopang can sing quite well; Yan Li has listened to her sing quite a lot, and she herself loves to sing in private.

While her skill level can't compare to those established singers, she has received further training and is definitely superior to the average karaoke enthusiast.

"Do you need to make music videos when you release an album?"

However, Fan Xiaopang's thought process is a bit different from Yan Li's; he focuses on the music video rather than the song itself.

Well, it's understandable. As an actor, especially Fan Bingbing who is known for his good looks, he's more enthusiastic and confident about appearing in music videos than singing.

"We will definitely make a film. This album is mainly aimed at fans. We can't expect people to spend money to buy DVDs just to listen to the songs."

"Who will play the male lead in the music video?"

Fan Xiaopang blinked his charming eyes at Yan Li, who replied helplessly, "I really don't know if I'll have time."

Yan Li has to keep an eye on the newly established Yi'an Cinema Line, and he also has a lot of work to do at Yi'an Cinema Line, which also requires his attention.

Meanwhile, having just entered the film market, with "Crazy Stone" about to be released, Yan Li plans to leverage this momentum to launch a film distribution business.

Yan Li is also in contact with some film companies and distribution channels in Hong Kong, aiming to increase his investment in film and use Hong Kong as a springboard to secure overseas distribution channels for television dramas.

In addition, there were all sorts of other things to do. Yan Li wasn't exactly overwhelmed with work, but his schedule was indeed tight.

Yi An was originally offered roles in "The Legend of Yang Yuhuan" and "The Legend of Chu Liuxiang" according to Yan Li's usual practice, but Yan Li rejected them all.

"At least act in one. A music video is simple and can be done in a day or two if you're quick."

Fan Xiaopang used all sorts of coquettishness, secretly thinking that once she got Yan Li to come, as long as he acted in 1-2 music videos, she wouldn't need the male lead in any of her other music videos, and she would openly show off their affection.

In this way, she can further solidify her image as the boss lady of Yi'an, while also putting a bad word to the people surnamed Dong and Qin.

Hmph, what's so great about pleasing family? I've got Yan Li firmly in my grasp, and I'll be the ultimate victor.

"...I'll think about it."

Yan Li knew Fan Xiaopang very well; he could tell from her expression that this woman was up to no good again.

However, not yet knowing what the other party was up to, Yan Li chose to play it safe, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and waited until he understood the other party's scheme before making a decision.

Fan Xiaopang grunted, but there was nothing he could do about Yan Li.

This scoundrel is too cunning, but she just happens to like his domineering and shrewd nature.

As mentioned before, women have a desire to conquer, but they also have a desire to be conquered.

The latter is more complex and there is no clear explanation. It involves factors such as admiration for the strong, the thrill of giving up emotional control, and the search for dependence and security.

Simply put, it means that women sometimes crave to be controlled and conquered by a powerful man of the opposite sex.

It's not just women, men are the same; otherwise, so many people wouldn't like mature, queen-like women. No matter who's on top, they're the winners.

Fan Xiaopang and Yan Li sometimes engage in witty battles, which are somewhat similar in nature.

One wanted to subdue the Crimson Flame Dragon, the other wanted to subdue the Crimson Tiger. Subduing Kaixin, and being subdued by the dragon and tiger, was a different kind of experience altogether…

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After returning to Beijing from Yi County, Yan Li went to Tianjin to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Yi An Cinema Line's first five-star high-end cinema in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

As for the flagship store in Beijing, Yan Li looked around and decided to cooperate with Joy City, which is under construction in Xidan.

Therefore, it was placed in the second batch, and construction will not begin until the second half of the year. It is expected to open next year together with Joy City.

Afterwards, Yan Li returned to Beijing and met up with Fatty Yu from Bona Film Group.

Currently, Bona Film Group is the largest private film distribution company, and it has participated in many Hong Kong films and co-productions. Yan Li, who works in the cinema industry, inevitably has to deal with Bona Film Group.

Many people believe that of the three stages of film production, distribution, and theatrical release, production is the most glamorous and theatrical release is the most prestigious.

In fact, some of the less prominent publishing companies are quite powerful.

If a distribution company reaches a certain size, holds the distribution rights for multiple films, and controls sufficient distribution channels, it can even force production companies to provide more distribution fees and resources, while simultaneously compelling theaters to compromise on screening schedules.

Of course, this is aimed at small and medium-sized film companies, independent film crews, small and medium-sized independent cinema chains, and small theaters.

Large-scale production companies have their own distribution channels and are not subject to the control of the distributor.

Needless to say, major cinema chains would be even worse; if you dare to threaten them, then your movies will never be shown again.

Therefore, becoming a theater chain does not make one the supreme ruler of the film industry.

It has to be enough to shake up the market before it can move sideways. Otherwise, the west wind will prevail over the east wind, and small theaters will often suffer from the humiliation of big production teams and powerful distributors.

Yan Li learned about the development history of Wanda and Enlight Media from the annual intelligence reports, which included some similar examples.

When Wanda was at its most powerful, the distributors and producers would kneel down and offer tribute to it.

As a distribution giant, Enlight Media can easily manipulate film companies and production teams with weak backgrounds. Small and medium-sized cinemas and independent theaters are sometimes also made to suffer various setbacks by Enlight Media, leaving them with no way to express their grievances.

Yan Li's Yi'an Cinema Line is just starting out, and it's not yet time for Fatty Yu to put on airs.

However, Fatty Yu didn't put on airs or act pretentious like Yan Li.

When he was 25, he was still running errands at the Beijing Film Studio, while others were already worth hundreds of millions. Who knows what Yan Li's future will be like?

Even now, although Bona has considerable strength in the industry, its profits are limited because it mainly operates in the distribution industry. Yu Jianhua's personal wealth is not as much as Yan Li's.

They each had their own strengths, and they were both eager to befriend each other. They were all from the business world, and they were good at talking and getting things done.

So, after chatting for a while and drinking a few glasses of wine, the two of them put their arms around each other's shoulders and started calling each other brothers.

Yan Li came to see Fatty Yu this time.

One was to lay the groundwork for future distribution and theater partnerships, and the other was to consult with distributors, or rather, to keep track of Bona Film Group's connections and channels in Hong Kong.

Fatty Yu also had his own agenda. He was trying to cultivate a good relationship with Yi'an Cinemas, which had made a significant investment, and at the same time, he also planned to invest in his own film, Lala.

Bona Film Group previously focused on film distribution, but in the past two years, due to factors such as low profit margins, lack of autonomy, related risks, and limited business development, it has also begun to invest in film production.

Yan Li has money, people, and resources; he's definitely a high-quality partner.

Investing in movies is much more complicated than investing in TV series, especially for commercial theatrical films; it's not as simple as just giving money.

"Brother Yu, I had a really great time today. Let's get together again next time."

"No problem, we're like brothers, I'll be there whenever you call."

"..."

After two rounds of drinking, Yan Li and Yu Dong reluctantly parted ways close to midnight.

Back at the Beijing Film Academy residential area, Dong Xuan was already asleep. Hearing the noise, she came out and poured honey water for Yan Li.

"Why did you drink so much today?"

"I ran into someone who can drink a lot."

Yan Li took a sip of honey water. He had previously learned through the system that Fatty Yu was known for his drinking ability and that he relied entirely on alcohol to pave the way for early releases.

Seeing him today, I can confirm his reputation is well-deserved. After two rounds of intense competition, even he was unusually a little tipsy.

"How was the talk?"

"He's a seasoned sly old fox, slippery as a nutcase. He won't give up until he gets a taste of the sweetness."

On the other side, when Fatty Yu got home, he was already completely drunk and unconscious, and the driver carried him upstairs.

His wife, Zang Lilu, seeing how drunk he was, was both resentful and curious, and asked the driver how many people he had been drinking with.

Fatty Yu has a high alcohol tolerance and rarely gets this drunk unless there are special circumstances. In Zang Lilu's opinion, he was probably surrounded and attacked.

"No, just one person, Mr. Yan from Yi'an."

Singled out?

Zang Lilu became interested and asked the driver a lot of questions. The next day, when Fatty Yu sobered up, she started to tease her husband, who usually prided himself on his drinking capacity, about the matter.

"Damn, these young guys are too fierce these days. I lost yesterday."

Fatty Yu readily admitted defeat. If the two were only slightly different, he would definitely be dissatisfied, but Yan Li was clearly in much better shape than him.

However, he also tried to save face: "Now that I'm getting older, I don't dare to drink to death. Ten years ago, it's hard to say who would have won or lost."

Zang Lilu was quite interested in Yan Li and asked the two how their social engagements yesterday went. Fatty Yu smacked his lips.

"A little fox, he won't act until he sees the rabbit; sweet talk alone won't work."

Zang Lilu smiled and said, "Someone with such a great career at such a young age must be someone who is not easily accomplished."

Just as Fatty Yu was about to say something more, his phone rang. He gestured to his wife to answer it.

"Brother Yan, no problem, thank you for your concern. Let's get together again tonight... or how about tomorrow? I have a meeting today. Okay."

After hanging up the phone, Fatty Yu couldn't help but curse, "You keep calling me 'Brother Yu' but you're trying to get me drunk."

In the Beijing Film Academy residential area, Yan Li, after hanging up the phone, gave Dong Xuan a disdainful sneer.

"I even praised him, but the old guy chickened out today."

Drinking contests at business dinners are certainly not a good habit, but often it's not just about drinking for the sake of drinking, but about having one's own purpose. Beneath the clinking of glasses at the dinner table lies a contest and a test between the parties.

If someone backs down or loses their momentum, they will inevitably lack confidence in subsequent negotiations and discussions.

Yan Li pondered how to get a few more pieces of flesh from Fatty Yu…

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: Yesterday was my dad's birthday, and I was busy catching up on updates, plus my sister didn't have a day off, so I'm posting today. I still owe 2000 words, I'll make up for it tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)