The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 134 Establishing an Independent Label: [YG Entertainment] Really Exists!

……

The "Real Steel" project has finally been confirmed.

The main plot of the movie is about players controlling robots to participate in an unrestricted fighting tournament in a virtual online game.

Lu Zhiyuan designed a total of four key battles for the main characters.

In the first major battle, 15 minutes into the game, the protagonist, a grandfather and grandson, participated in a random challenge and encountered the invincible [Planet Ripper].

Both suffered a crushing defeat, and even their combat robots were rendered useless.

Thus, the two of them joined forces and naturally embarked on a treasure hunt for the "Banshee's Riddle" on Muztagh Ata.

In the game, I encountered a guide named [Reba]. With her help, I completed an impossible task and found my own destined robot.

After obtaining the basic version of [Qin Palace Guard], the grandfather, as her mentor, guided his granddaughter to continuously improve, reach the peak competition, and achieve a world ranking.

However, they encountered a problem: accumulating points one match at a time to qualify for the world championships was too slow.

In order to break through the regional competition as soon as possible, they chose to challenge the gatekeeper boss in Northwest China, the Great Wall Guardian.

This is the second major battle.

The main characters have already achieved some success, and their fighting style should be like that of Chinese warriors, engaging in an unrestricted sword fighting tournament on the sandy land of Northwest China.

The imperial guards of the Qin Dynasty faced off against the border troops of the Tang Dynasty.

This is a showdown between the best.

We need to find a master motion designer to design it properly.

This is a battle to prove themselves, the first major battle on the protagonist group's road to rise, the most exciting battle in the movie, and a visual feast.

Up to this point, the film is about 30 minutes long.

In addition, there will be a third major battle against Japan's "Onimusha" to determine the rankings for the Asian region and compete for a spot in the world championship.

This battle requires some thought. We can't underestimate the Japanese mechs, but we also can't let them get too arrogant. We need to plan it carefully.

How exactly does the fight go?

Lu Zhiyuan needs to have a good talk with the action designer.

The original "Fist of Fury" was thrilling to watch, but it did not belittle the Japanese samurai Fujita Tsuyoshi.

I heard that actor Tsuyoshi Fujita became a sensation in Japan because of his tough stance in the movie.

This shows that Japanese audiences are not necessarily against characters being beaten up in movies, they just need to portray them as fierce.

This is something we can make good use of.

Some Japanese viewers might have a bit of a masochistic streak!
Capturing this segment of the audience is enough.

As for the final battle, it will naturally be the World Championship to determine the champion.

This is a battle of revenge, and also a fateful showdown.

【Planet Ripper】 is the arrogant being who annihilated the main characters at the beginning.

Because of the North American audience, this mech can't be too weak; it should be the real world's best. However, in the movie, it has to be weakened and can't be allowed to win.

Lu Zhiyuan thought for a moment and suggested that the battle between the North American Planet Rippers and the European Templars would expose a major weakness.

However, the last game is no longer so important.

Because the protagonist is destined to win.

The real key plot point here is that the female protagonist discovers the true world background of "Pacific Rim" after a series of major battles.

This dramatic twist will shock the audience and show them that all the build-up wasn't actually about having a robot battle, but about choosing the last human warrior.

Piloting a mech hunter, they venture into the deep sea to battle alien creatures.

The several high-performance mechs that appear in the game are all miniature versions designed based on these 200-meter-tall mech hunters.

In the game, all the arena matches are just AI testing the neural synergy data between the operators and the mech hunters.

At the end, a 200-meter-tall Jaeger stands in the valley.

That domineering aura and the powerful sense of heavy industrial metal will surely leave a deep impression on the audience in the movie theater!

Compared to this, all those virtual online game arena competitions are utterly weak!
……

of course.

As a movie, it can't be all high-energy battles.

We also need some relaxing and leisurely moments.

For example, in addition to these high-profile battles, there is also wilderness survival training.

This part is more fun.

It can be used to ease the tense atmosphere of battle.

Lu Zhiyuan plans to design some of Quentin Tarantino's violent ritualistic elements in this area, paired with some American country rock music.

Let's liven up the atmosphere.

Players can easily control their robots to fight monsters and level up in the wild while playing music, and also earn points to continuously upgrade and dress up their robots, adding all sorts of cool graffiti.

This part of the plot is mainly designed to increase the audience's anticipation and sense of immersion.

Internet addicts will find this kind of plot very familiar and will smile knowingly.

Robot arena battles are essentially PvP (player versus player) combat.

The next step involves grinding monsters on the wilderness map, which is PvE (Player vs. Player).

These are the two core gameplay elements of online games, and they are indispensable.

……

"The character designs, main storyline, and art style have all been finalized."

"Next, all that's left is the visuals."

"This movie will follow the same old rules... use natural scenery and don't do any green screen shooting, that would be too boring."

Lu Zhiyuan's design for "Real Steel" required the use of a large amount of natural scenery and beautiful landscapes from all over the world.

Beaches, mountains, grasslands, deserts—these are the natural landscapes.

Castles, art galleries, sailboats, city walls... these are all scenes created by humankind.

The battle is everywhere.

Let viewers around the world appreciate the magnificent natural landscapes of the world without leaving their homes, during their breaks from fighting.

"However, with this kind of move, I wonder if we can handle $5000 million?"

Lu Zhiyuan began to feel a little worried.

With his approach to commercial films, he's not afraid of his movies flopping.

Because the battle scenes are so dazzling, coupled with the brand-new IMAX 3D viewing experience, even a simple plot can attract audiences to the cinema in this day and age.

For example, Alice in Wonderland.

In another timeline, this film, marketed as a low-budget version of Avatar, managed to gross $10 billion in 2010.

Lu Zhiyuan's version of "Real Steel" will definitely surpass this movie no matter how it's filmed.

Whether it can reach $10 billion at the box office depends on the right timing and circumstances.

For example, competitors at the same time, publicity, and screen time.

The film planning is almost complete. Next, we'll scout locations, finalize the main cast, and the project should be launched within two months.

But here is the problem.

"Where is my project funding...? I wonder, what stage is it at with Sister Shanshan?"

The gaming funds of Sands Group seemed quite interested in launching a robot war at first.

However, the Adelson family came to Far East High Technology to take a look at the robots.

The robots are quite interesting.

However, this battle between the two is not cool at all. It's like two excavators colliding. It's just a matter of who has more strength and who gets to be knocked flying.

The visuals weren't impressive at all; they looked more like a wrestling match.

This slow-paced scene is not only unattractive to customers playing this gambling game, but even he himself finds it extremely boring.

But he is optimistic about this industry and believes it will shine in the future.

Finally, before leaving, he placed an order for 100 robotic dogs, indicating that this collaboration was over and they would discuss it again when robotics had developed to a certain level.

One hundred robotic dogs, $20,000 each, were placed with a $2 million order from Lu Zhiyuan, just to make friends.

"Ah Yuan, stop sitting there in a daze, come downstairs and have some soup. I added some new ingredients for you today."

"The two herbs, Cistanche deserticola and Cynomorium songaricum, were specially delivered by Brother Kun yesterday. He said they are very effective."

If Brother Kun says it works well, then it must work well.

Miss Jing Tian has great faith in Brother Kun's professional abilities in this area.

"Tian Tian, ​​when are you going to go out to film?"

Even Lu Zhiyuan couldn't stand drinking this kind of soup every day.

At first, there might be some novelty, but after drinking it too much, even if the soup is delicious, it can get a bit cloying.

"After the New Year, I went to Jiaozuo Film and Television City to film 'The Warring States'. Sister Shanshan said that she found some big names for me this time to make me look better."

"Sun Honglei, Wu Zhenyu, Kim Hee-sun. How about that? Sounds like a pretty good cast for this movie, doesn't it?"

"Moreover, Jiaozuo Film and Television City is where we fell in love, and it's my lucky place. I believe that Jiaozuo Film and Television City will give me strength."

Jing Tian said there with great anticipation.

Lu Zhiyuan's movies are quite good, but Jing Tian also knows that her acting skills are too poor to meet Lu Zhiyuan's requirements.

In Lu Zhiyuan's movies, she can never carry the main storyline.

There's no way around it, Dilraba is definitely more suitable than her, that much has to be admitted.

Since that's the case, she'll go practice on other people's film sets first.

After she finishes leveling up and comes back, she'll have Lu Zhiyuan commission a Hollywood blockbuster with special effects for her, so she can also have some fun in a super sci-fi action movie!
"Go for it! I believe in you! At least in terms of looks, you completely outshine Kim Hee-sun!"

Lu Zhiyuan gave Jing Tian a thumbs up.

The legendary Warring States period still couldn't escape it.

This film project was initiated in the second half of last year. Lu Zhiyuan talked to Zhao Shanshan and said that there are too many historical drama projects like this nowadays, and it is easy for them to flop.

Zhao Shanshan smiled meaningfully, only hinting to Lu Zhiyuan that the last time, "The Legend of Sun Tzu" was filmed at Jiaozuo Film and Television City.

Now, "The Warring States" is being filmed at Jiaozuo Film and Television City.

What is the relationship here?
Lu Zhiyuan understood immediately.

After a while, seeing that Lu Zhiyuan had finished his soup, Jing Tian put away the bowl and chopsticks and smiled as she beckoned him with her finger.

"Your Highness, you've finished your soup, and it's getting late. Princess Jing now invites you upstairs to discuss a major business deal!"

……

Meanwhile, in the chairman's office of Wanda Group.

There were only three people in the office.

Zhao Shanshan, Wang Jianlin (the boss of Wanda), and Ye Ning, the person in charge of Wanda's cultural industry.

"Legendary Pictures offered $15 billion. It's not that Wanda can't afford that amount, but our money doesn't grow on trees. They're asking for an exorbitant price and have no sincerity in making a deal."

"Xiao Zhao, it's not that I don't want to help, it's just that I'm willing but unable."

Old Wang sat in his boss's chair, his face stern, clearly somewhat angry.

It feels like Legendary Pictures is messing with him.

"Mr. Wang, I understand, it's not your fault."

Zhao Shanshan nodded and sighed, "We were hoping to snag a bargain. It's clear that Legendary Pictures also has high hopes for Inception."

Legendary Pictures itself is worth around seven or eight hundred million US dollars.

If Lu Zhiyuan's estimate is correct, Inception will bring in $4-5 million in profit.

Even with the added premium, $15 billion isn't too expensive; it's still within a reasonable range.

But clearly, Lao Wang thought it was too expensive.

Zhao Shanshan also felt that $15 billion was indeed a bit too much, approaching 100 billion RMB.

"Xiao Zhao, does it have to be Legendary Pictures?"

With no outsiders present, Old Wang spoke frankly and frankly: "Focus Pictures, is that not possible?"

Huh?
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shanshan's eyes lit up.

Right!

Why focus on Legendary Pictures?

The other party does indeed have a lot of big IPs, such as the Batman series, and the toilet humor movie The Hangover, which was just released in 2009.

But apart from that, there doesn't seem to be anything special about it?
The robot series created by Lu Zhiyuan, starting with "Upgrade", is not much less commercially valuable than "Batman".

Furthermore, if the final installment of the robot trilogy, Pacific Rim, is commercially successful, it could lead to the development of monster movies.

Their biggest goal in acquiring Legendary Pictures was simply to gain a complete Hollywood production company, which would make it easier to create their own film IPs, expand their influence, increase profit margins, and reduce the share of money they had to give to Hollywood companies.

From this perspective, it's not necessary to have Legendary Pictures.

Focus Features can do the same.

Legendary Pictures has a partnership with Warner Bros., and Focus Features is a subsidiary of Universal Pictures.

Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures are both major Hollywood studios, and their distribution and promotion capabilities are essentially the same. Most importantly, NBCUniversal was recently acquired by Comcast and is currently undergoing integration.

James, the CEO of Focus Features, was almost fired last year because he failed to meet performance targets, but Lu Zhiyuan's film "Upgrade" saved him.

Zhao Shanshan knew nothing about Legendary Pictures, but she was very familiar with Focus Features and its CEO, James.

James kept telling her that the parent company, Universal Pictures, was being too demanding of Focus Features' profits, even asking them to double their net profit.

He couldn't afford to sell his ass!

"Mr. Wang, I think your idea is very feasible."

After clarifying the logic, Zhao Shanshan laughed and leisurely sipped her coffee.

"However, I don't think we need to acquire Focus Features."

As soon as Zhao Shanshan said this, the other two people in the office stared at her, their eyes showing a hint of doubt.

So they're not going to acquire it again?
What exactly do you mean?
Seeing the two looking puzzled, Zhao Shanshan smiled faintly and said, "For Universal Pictures, the most valuable thing about Focus Features, a subsidiary of the company, is the intellectual property left behind by art-house film directors like Li An."

"But these things are completely worthless to us."

"What we need are major commercial film IPs. Only major commercial IPs can keep up with our blockbuster strategic plan and global expansion plan."

Art films won't do.

Wanda's cinemas are all designed for commercial films.

How many art films can achieve at the box office?
In their eyes, ten Li Ans couldn't compare to one Lu Zhiyuan.

Wanda Cinemas has made a fortune this month thanks to its full support of "Upgrade" from the very beginning, with its maximum screening rate.

Let's not even talk about the box office revenue, the obvious income.

Mainly the surrounding area.

Popcorn, drinks, toys, and the like.

The gross profit margin of this stuff is over 70%, making more money than box office revenue.

As long as people enter the movie theater, the consumption of various derivative products will naturally increase.

How many people can art films fool?
In addition, before the release of "Upgrade", Wanda Cinemas received a lot of pre-screening and venue advertisements, all of which were for selling mobile phones, computers and other electronic products.

These electronic products fit the theme of the movie "Upgrade" so well that the advertising conversion rate is ridiculously high.

The advertisers also made a fortune, and they were all beaming with joy.

If Lu Zhiyuan's next movie is released, more advertisers will surely come to Wanda to increase the average transaction value of each billboard.

This is the profit generated across the entire industry by top commercial film directors.

While art-house film directors are impressive and highly respected... to be honest, they are businessmen who open cinemas to make money, not to create art.

Li An is very good.

Zhang Yimou is also very good.

However, none of them were as close to them as Lu Zhiyuan, who was like a god of wealth, bringing them a continuous stream of profits.

"Xiao Zhao, please continue."

"We at Wanda have the money to acquire Focus Features."

When Lao Wang heard Legendary Pictures' $15 billion offer, his first thought was, "Damn it, I may be rich, but I'm not stupid."

With $15 billion, what can't I do with it?
When Zhao Shanshan mentioned Focus Features, Lao Wang's mind started racing. He thought this was a good target, although it was a little inferior to Legendary Pictures.

But it doesn't matter.

They have big-name directors at their disposal.

A commercially viable major IP can be cultivated internally.

Most importantly, Focus Features is cheap, costing at most $5 million.

"No, no, Mr. Wang, you misunderstand. We don't need to acquire Focus Features."

"That company is part of Universal Pictures' diversified strategic plan, specifically designed to create independent films to complement mainstream commercial films."

“For Universal Pictures, this is part of their strategic plan, and they won’t sell unless we offer an above-average price.”

At this point, Zhao Shanshan changed her tone and offered a suggestion: "My solution is to poach James, the CEO of Focus Features, and have him recruit all of Focus Features' key technical personnel to form a brand new independent production company."

"In this way, all we need to do is rent an office building, find a lawyer and an accounting firm to help us get an industry license, and that's equivalent to owning a Focus Features."

"How much will this cost?"

"Even if James and his group have non-compete agreements, we can just pay them the full price. It shouldn't cost $5 million, right?"

As Zhao Shanshan finished speaking, the other two people in the office smiled.

That's definitely a viable approach.

I just don't know how James' non-compete agreement was signed.

But Zhao Shanshan is right, no matter how much compensation is paid, it won't amount to $5 million.

"Moreover, Universal Pictures probably won't sue us."

"Because, Adam Ferguson, the current chairman of Universal Pictures, is waiting to work with A Yuan on the next robot series."

"As long as we don't break away from Universal Pictures' distribution and marketing system, he will most likely turn a blind eye to this kind of thing."

As I said before, everyone starts a company to make money.

Lu Zhiyuan made a lot of money for Universal Pictures with the movie "Upgrade", at least 2 million US dollars.

The next collaboration will definitely allow us to make even more money.

However, Lu Zhiyuan was unwilling to let Focus Features cut his losses again, so he planned to set up his own production company to co-produce with Universal Pictures.

It's similar to the collaboration model between Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros.

"Xiao Zhao, you seized this crucial moment perfectly."

After listening to Zhao Shanshan's plan, Lao Wang remained silent for a long time. Once he understood the key points, he suddenly laughed happily.

"Upgrade is a huge hit. If nothing unexpected happens, it will break the 4.2 million yuan box office record of The Founding of a Republic tomorrow."

"But apart from the box office, this movie doesn't have any so-called merchandise. The merchandise will be reserved for the next two movies, Real Steel and the Pacific Rim series."

“If Universal Pictures doesn’t agree, you should just cut off the cooperation with them. Adam Ferguson will probably be furious.”

"He'll definitely agree to your request in order to make money from the subsequent derivative products."

Adam Ferguson's initial $2000 million investment in "Upgrade" was precisely to capitalize on the potential profits from the subsequent derivative products.

Now, Lu Zhiyuan wants to go independent.

Adam Ferguson would never accept a collaboration with Warner Bros.

However, as a step back, they could break up Focus Features, poach key personnel like James, and establish a completely new production company.

The two companies collaborated to share the excess profits from derivatives.

Adam Ferguson, though furious, would most likely agree.

What does it have to do with him if Focus Features doesn't get a share of the profits?
Adam Ferguson is not the direct head of Focus Features.

With CEO James leaving, a new CEO will naturally step in to shoulder the performance pressure.

……

Los Angeles.

Universal Pictures headquarters building.

"Adam, I want to resign."

Early in the morning, James, looking refreshed and sporting a large belly, appeared in the office of the chairman of Universal Pictures in a suit and tie.

"puff!"

"Dude, are you crazy? Quitting at this time? The movie 'Upgrade' is a huge hit, you've already exceeded your performance targets for this year, and you don't want your year-end bonus?"

Adam Ferguson was leisurely sipping his coffee, assuming that James had come to report good news to him.

Upon hearing this, he spat out a mouthful of coffee.

The movie "Upgrade" grossed over $2 million in North America and nearly $7000 million in China in just one month.

Box office performance in Europe, Japan, and Brazil is also starting to pick up.

In just half a month, it exceeded $5000 million.

The global box office of the film "Upgrade" is likely to exceed $4 million, compared to a budget of $2000 million and a marketing budget of $1500 million.

A solid 10x excess profit!
The DVD rights also sold for $8000 million!
They made a fortune from this movie!

As the person directly in charge, James was on the verge of a promotion and a raise. To resign at this time would be a crazy idea.

"Adam, although I have resigned, I am not leaving Universal Pictures."

James unbuttoned his suit jacket, casually found a seat, and said slowly, "Ms. Zhao, we are preparing to establish a branch of Starlight Brilliant in North America."

"She offered me a very good deal and was planning to recruit me as her CEO, and also let me take the key personnel from Focus Features with me."

Adam Ferguson was utterly dumbfounded when he heard this.

He really wanted to ask James, "Dude, are you crazy?"
If you want to switch jobs and have better opportunities, as an old friend, I won't stop you. When the board of directors holds you accountable, I'll just pretend I don't know anything.

But now, aren't you being too arrogant?
You want to poach all the key personnel from Focus Features? If you do this quietly, I'll pretend I don't know.

I couldn't stop it either.

But what's your current situation? Just tell me frankly.
I don’t want to lose face?

"Buddy, don't be so surprised. Miss Zhao and Lu aren't trying to poach your employees; they just don't want to work for Focus Features and be charged a toll for nothing."

Do you understand what I mean?

James thought Adam Ferguson would immediately understand the crux of the matter.

He switched jobs, but it wasn't really a job change; he remained within the Universal Pictures system.

It's just that he switched from Focus Features, a company that mainly produces art films, to a more promising commercial film company that focuses on AI concepts, mecha warriors, and monster universes.

It's obvious to the naked eye that the latter company is more likely to make money.

"James, in Chinese terms, this is called acting first and informing later. You're being very unfair. You should have informed me beforehand."

Adam Ferguson was initially angry, but after figuring things out, he realized that he himself had not suffered any loss.

The only loss was suffered by Focus Features, a subsidiary of Focus Features.

All the key personnel were poached, even the CEO was poached.

It's unlikely that this company will achieve any significant results in the short term.

Whoever becomes the CEO of this company will be taking the blame, and the company will most likely fail to meet its performance targets for the next two years.

it is good!
He'd fill the company with all those old guys he didn't get along with, then find a reason to fire them.

"James, don't tell anyone. In the meantime, I'll arrange for you to be removed from your position as CEO of Focus Features."

"Besides that, let me have a talk with Ms. Zhao sometime. Your new company will probably need my help in the future."

"This time, I hope everyone can be more open and honest."

"If you have any complaints, please feel free to bring them up, and we can discuss them together. But please, don't give me any more surprises."

After realizing what was happening, Adam Ferguson quickly understood.

As long as Lu Zhiyuan doesn't run away, it's fine; he can still cooperate with Universal Pictures.

Whether it's under Focus Features or an independent label, it doesn't matter.

The meat was all mushy in the pot.

Just don't run away to Warner Bros.

"Dude, you're a natural leader. I thought you'd be furious. I even prepared a Sands VIP card to take you to Las Vegas for a few days of fun."

James didn't expect Adam Ferguson to see it so quickly.

Before he arrived, he was very nervous, fearing that the other party would hit him on the head with an ashtray and curse him as a traitor.

After all, the $2000 million investment in "Upgrade" was secured for him by Adam Ferguson under considerable pressure.

It allowed him to make a remarkable comeback.

Otherwise, how could he be so successful now?
They might have already been kicked out by Universal Pictures!
"Where did you get a Sands Group VIP card?"

Adam Ferguson had some doubts.

As a Jew, James, while not a particularly devout believer, still had some reservations about his private life and wasn't as arrogant as some others.

“It’s from Ah Kun, my brother on the road.”

"They have very close ties with the Adelson family of the Sands Group. Recently, there have been many more robotic dogs patrolling and acting as security guards at the Sands Hotel; these were developed by YG Company."

The Adelson family holds a position among Jews akin to that of the Godfathers.

With just a slight hint from James, the image of a transnational superpower involuntarily surfaced in Adam Ferguson's mind.

His expression immediately became much more serious.

This superpower might be as incredibly powerful as the Illuminati mentioned in Tomb Raider.

and many more!

【YG Entertainment】, that name sounds familiar.

In the movie "Upgrade", isn't that the name of the super AI company?

This thing really exists!

It's like they're not making a movie, but something really outrageous!

(End of this chapter)