The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 223 Chen Kaige is embarrassed! The boss calls out "Brother Yuan," what should I do?
……

"Honglei, what do you think those two are talking about? And why are those guys in the front row grinning like idiots for no reason?"

Sun Honglei and Duan Yihong sat together.

From the moment they started watching, their eyes never left Lu Zhiyuan and James Cameron.

However, because the two were positioned relatively far back, they had no idea what the big shots in front of them were talking about.

After all, they are still considered juniors in the film industry.

Who are the people sitting in the front row?

Chow Yun-fat, Andy Lau, and Hendrik Willem Van Loon from Hong Kong Island.

Domestically, there are Gong Li, Huang Xiaoming, Zhang Ziyi, and Fan Bingbing.

Anyway, it won't be their turn.

"How do I know?"

Sun Honglei shook his head and said enviously, "No matter what they're saying, I only know that if I can reach Brother Yuan's level in this life, I'll die without regrets."

Aside from the foreign teams, Han Sanping and Yu Dong held the highest positions during the entire opening ceremony.

The section for their identities states that they are industry leaders.

Let's leave Han aside for now.

Sun Honglei felt that Bona's boss, Yu Dong, was not even a hair's breadth inferior to Lu Zhiyuan.

Although Bona Film Group owns many films, they are actually all collaborations with other companies, and Bona Film Group only helps with distribution.

When it comes to making money...

Bona Film Group is nowhere near as good as Lu Zhiyuan.

Not to mention its status in the global film industry.

Yu Dong, within China, relied on Han Sanping's support and his own connections to transform himself into an industry leader... If you threw him into Hollywood or Europe, who would recognize him?
"You? You think you can reach Brother Yuan's level? Give me a break! You won't even become a top-tier celebrity in China."

Duan Yihong scoffed and made a few sarcastic remarks.

Sun Honglei didn't care.

They've been friends for ages, so who doesn't know the other's background?

A few jokes between each other are harmless.

After a while, Duan Yihong couldn't help but ask, "Honglei, no jokes. Have you inquired about Brother Yuan's 'Dynasty Warriors' project?"

Sun Honglei was halfway through filming "The White Storm" when he suddenly went to Kashgar hoping to bump into Lu Zhiyuan and ask about the new project.

"Sigh, I just can't bring myself to say it."

Sun Honglei chuckled self-deprecatingly: "After I arrived, I overheard Brother Kun talking to others about casting Nicolas Cage or Denzel Washington for the male lead... Is that something I can just piggyback on?"

"Isn't it right?"

Hearing this, Duan Yihong turned his head curiously: "I remember you said that you should be a member of the criminal gang. Weren't you trying to get a supporting role? What, you want to play the lead role?"

Sun Honglei is so arrogant that he actually wants to compete for the other male lead in "Project Gutenberg"?

This left Duan Yihong speechless.

Don't you even look at your own appearance?

With your bull terrier-like appearance, how could you possibly play an artist?

At most, he'll play a gangster boss from Northeast China who hauls earth.

"Did you hear that?"

"Just now, Director Cameron and Director Lu were chatting, and somehow the conversation turned to Dilraba... Then, Jean Reno also chimed in for a few words."

"And guess what happened?"

"Director Lu asked Jean Reno if he was interested in playing a Colombian mafia boss, saying that he had a kind of reserved and mysterious aura of a person in a high position."

"Jean Reno seems to have agreed."

Sun Honglei and Duan Yihong were whispering to each other when, unexpectedly, a series of rumors started circulating from the front.

The two looked at each other, and couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

In Lu Zhiyuan's films, even for a supporting role, he has to find a French national treasure-level superstar.

He truly deserves to be called a great director.

The two of them are indeed far from being good enough.

"Honglei, who are you texting?"

After a while, Duan Yihong noticed that Sun Honglei was not depressed at all; on the contrary, he was playing on his phone with great enthusiasm and sending messages to someone.

"you guess."

Sun Honglei hid his phone immediately, which was obviously suspicious.

Duan Yihong chuckled coldly a few times: "You're sending a message to Jing Tian, ​​aren't you? You shifty-eyed bastard, trying to take the wife route. But I feel you've miscalculated."

"How to say?"

Sun Honglei hadn't expected Duan Yihong to be so intelligent. He actually guessed that he was sending a message to Jing Tian?

That's right.

He was getting along quite well with Jing Tian, ​​so he wanted to subtly ask her to put in a good word for him.

The last time, the role of the martial arts master in "Real Steel" was introduced to him by Jing Tian.

Unfortunately, that old scoundrel Duan Yihong snatched it away.

However, in Interstellar, he still got a decent supporting role and had some memorable scenes.

This shows that, on Lu Zhiyuan's side, the wife's approach is reliable!
"Do you know that fat guy over there with the buzz cut?"

Duan Yihong pointed to one of the people sitting in the corner of the first row.

"Nonsense? Even if I'm ignorant, I still know Mr. Yu, the boss of Bona."

Sun Honglei was speechless, wondering what Duan Yihong wanted to say.

Duan Yihong smiled enigmatically, but offered no explanation.

Sun Honglei lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then instantly understood what Duan Yihong hadn't said.

Because Bona's boss, Yu Dong, seems to have a similar situation to Lu Zhiyuan.

While the boss's success was certainly due to his own ability to delve into things, the most important factor was the help he received from his former father-in-law!

Because his former father-in-law was the distribution manager of a film company in the south.

Through the other party's introduction, Yu Dong met many big names in the film and television industry and even obtained one of the few film distribution licenses issued by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

However, things changed after he became wealthy.

He ignored his pregnant wife and indulged in debauchery outside the home.

One minute he's showing affection with Fan Bingbing, the next he's walking the red carpet hand-in-hand with Yuan Li, and they even went to Nasdaq together to ring the bell.

Then, Princess Peacock appeared.

In addition, he also kept Jiang Shuying as his mistress for a period of time.

In short, his relationships with female celebrities are very complicated.

……

Lu Zhiyuan is much more capable, more handsome, and more popular with women than Yu Dong of Bona Film Group.

In Duan Yihong's view, Sun Honglei's attempt to get close to Jing Tian at this time, and have Jing Tian whisper sweet nothings in his ear, might not be effective.

It could even backfire.

"Old Duan, you still don't know enough about Brother Yuan."

Sun Honglei pondered what Duan Yihong wanted to say for a moment, but couldn't help but laugh: "Brother Yuan's entanglement with Miss Jing's interests is deeper than you think."

It's normal for Yu Dong and his ex-wife to have broken up since their feelings had faded and they didn't have enough financial ties.

As for the relationship between Lu Zhiyuan and Miss Jing Tian, ​​let's leave that aside for now.

The interests involved here...

Although Sun Honglei couldn't see very clearly, as a man who had been deeply hurt by "The Warring States", he still knew a little about Jing Tian's situation.

The split between the two directors of New Picture Company has caused quite a stir recently, becoming a hot topic of gossip for many.

Sun Honglei speculated that if Lu Zhiyuan and Jing Tian had a falling out, the revelations would only be bigger!

The kind that causes the earth to shake violently.

“Honglei, it seems you know quite a bit. Tell me about it…” Duan Yihong’s eyes lit up, and he showed a gossipy expression.

"Trying to trick me into telling me anything? No way."

Sun Honglei chuckled coldly a few times and made a zipper-sewing motion over his mouth.

He doesn't know much.

I only know some of the things that are on the surface.

For example, Starlight Brilliant distributed all of Lu Zhiyuan's billions of yuan at last year's shareholders' meeting.

Yuankun Media did the same, distributing all the money in the company's accounts as dividends in one go, also distributing more than a billion yuan.

Following this, many people connected to Jing Tian and Lu Zhiyuan began appearing frequently in Los Angeles and New York.

Some people even saw them on Wall Street.

Clearly, they are up to something big behind the scenes, but outsiders have no idea what the specifics are.

"Miss Jing is much more sophisticated than Boss Yu's ex-wife."

There were some things that Duan Yihong didn't know, but Sun Honglei knew quite a bit about.

He couldn't say more about the specifics.

The only hint I can give is that flattering Miss Jing Tian is always effective.

He took the blame for Miss Jing Tian, ​​so he was a meritorious person.

Thanks to this achievement, Lu Zhiyuan received what was equivalent to a special imperial edict.

……

After the opening ceremony, there are several more segments to follow.

For example, screening competition films can attract the general public to participate.

There are also some more exclusive industry forums. However, these are the world of the big shots, and ordinary people simply cannot receive invitations.

"Xiao Lu, when I go on stage to speak as the chairman of the Directors Guild, you have to give me some face, be serious, and don't doze off."

Chen Kaige came over and greeted Lu Zhiyuan with a smile.

Industry forums naturally invite industry leaders to speak.

Chen Kaige really enjoys these kinds of occasions, and he always takes the lead, delivering lengthy speeches.

With Zhang Yimou absent, Feng Xiaogang is nothing... As long as Lu Zhiyuan gives him face, not a single one of the others will disagree.

"Don't worry, Director Chen. I took a nap before coming here, so I won't doze off."

Lu Zhiyuan made a guarantee.

"Don't rush off after the meeting. I'll introduce you to a friend." Chen Kaige was delighted and left with a smile.

After Chen Kaige left, some actors that Lu Zhiyuan was familiar with came up to say hello.

"Teacher Zhou, it's been a long time. Come over for tea sometime, Hani misses you."

The cast and crew of "Painted Skin 2," being big names in China, were basically seated in the second row, very close to Lu Zhiyuan.

Lu Zhiyuan saw Zhou Xun and went up to greet her.

Everyone else owes others a favor.

Only Zhou Xun owes the other party a favor, which he hasn't repaid yet.

"Director Lu, I heard you're going to direct a crime action film about a painter. What do you think about me auditioning for the female lead?"

Zhou Xun deliberately joked with Lu Zhiyuan.

She had a good relationship with Gao Yuanyuan in private and knew that Gao Yuanyuan was the intended female lead for the movie.

"sure."

Lu Zhiyuan wasn't buying Zhou Xun's act. He immediately wrote down Zhuang Wenqiang's phone number for her: "Call this number and say I recommended you. I guarantee you'll be selected."

This made Zhou Xun feel awkward.

If she goes, won't Gao Yuanyuan come and fight her to the death?

Although she didn't think Gao Yuanyuan was a good candidate to become her sister-in-law, she didn't want to get involved.

Passing by Zhao Wei, Lu Zhiyuan nodded to Chen Kun and Feng Shaofeng, then went to Yang Mi's side and mentioned, "Remember to come to my house for dinner tonight to discuss the new project."

what?
Yang Mi paused for a moment, then nodded subconsciously: "Oh, okay."

"You guys are busy, I'm leaving first."

Lu Zhiyuan gave Reba a look, then went to another venue to attend an industry forum.

He didn't speak himself; he was mainly there to support Chen Kaige.

Dilraba wasn't familiar with the others, so after greeting them, she pulled Yang Mi away, saying, "Sister Mi, my brother wants to have dinner with you. Your chance to be resurrected has come."

Yang Mi has no chance of making a movie.

In "Painted Skin 2", she played a supporting role, and in the movie, she was completely overshadowed by Zhou Xun.

That stiff expression was truly exasperating to watch.

Other directors might tolerate this, but Lu Zhiyuan would never tolerate it... If Yang Mi joined his film crew, he could torment her to death.

For the sake of both parties, Yang Mi should probably not act in Lu Zhiyuan's movie.

However, Yuankun Media has recently been developing its TV drama business and is preparing for in-depth cooperation with Netflix.

So, Yang Mi's opportunity has come again.

"Dilraba, thank you. I know you must have put in a lot of good words for me to get the lead role in the new project."

Dilraba and Yang Mi never had a falling out.

After Lu Zhiyuan kicked Yang Mi out, Dilraba immediately went up to comfort her, saying that their company had bought a lot of film and television copyrights and was clearly preparing to develop TV dramas.

Keep Yang Mi calm.

If we can't make movies, we'll make TV series.

Moreover, just because Lu Zhiyuan can't make movies doesn't mean other people can't... Use TV series to cultivate fans, and use movies to reap the rewards and elevate your status.

This positive cycle means that as long as she plays her part well, Yang Mi may not be able to film Hollywood blockbusters, but she can easily make domestic movies.

There is a key to this positive cycle.

Who would promote Yang Mi for no reason and give her endless opportunities to play leading roles in TV dramas?

Only Yuankun Media!

Therefore, Yang Mi was immediately persuaded by Dilraba.

"Sister Mi, let's go find Brother Kun and Sister Su first. Let's rehearse what we're going to talk about tonight. That way, my brother won't make any more strange requests and catch us off guard."

Dilraba also has high emotional intelligence.

He deliberately complained about Lu Zhiyuan in front of Yang Mi, trying to get closer to her.

But isn't her behavior also a way of showing off her close relationship with Lu Zhiyuan?

"Reba, I really envy you. Someone with such a cold personality actually treats you like a younger sister."

Yang Mi is genuinely envious of Dilraba.

If Lu Zhiyuan treated her half as well as he treated Dilraba, and casually took her to film a Hollywood blockbuster, she would be willing to pour Lu Zhiyuan's foot bath water every day!

Unfortunately, even that opportunity didn't come.

"Sister Honey, don't measure relationships between people by feelings. You need to first understand what value you can bring to them?"

"As long as you demonstrate your value... don't worry, he'll treat you very well. Maybe he'll even tailor-make a leading lady movie just for you."

Reba was unaware that her tone of voice was becoming more and more like Lu Zhiyuan's.

She was just implying to Yang Mi that she could give him every painting she owned, just to make him smile... Could you do that?

If you can't handle it, then don't be sour.

However, at this moment, Dilraba suddenly remembered something: "Wait, Sister Su has already taken you to film a female-led movie."

Unfortunately, the film's box office performance was mediocre.

With an investment of 3000 million and a marketing budget of 2000 million, the box office only reached 1.5 million, barely making a profit... But for Yuankun Media, such a small profit is completely insignificant.

Lu Zhiyuan seemed quite disappointed with Yang Mi's ability to drive sales.

Su Lun also felt some self-pity and doubted his own talent.

They gave Yang Mi a chance, but she didn't meet their expectations.

"Forget about that. Honey, you're still young and have a lot of room for improvement. Start by filming idol dramas and become the queen of idol dramas."

"We'll make plans then."

"Anyway, our company may not have much else, but we have a lot of directors and scripts. As long as Brother Yuan is willing, we can start a new project anytime."

Dilraba speaks in a mature and domineering manner.

Yang Mi felt very uncomfortable after hearing this.

This little girl, Dilraba, is 6 years younger than me, but why does she feel like my older sister?
But no way.

Dilraba has a big director backing her up; she's his god-sister. She's nobody.

That damned Lu Zhiyuan, he can come looking for me whenever he wants, kick me whenever he wants, and even though he thinks he can still be saved, he's got someone else to come and give him a hand.

Going back and forth like this has completely worn me down mentally.

But what can a small-time actor like myself do when facing an internationally renowned director?

Don't you still have to be obsequious and greet people with a smile?
……

"Director Chen, what you just said was good and made a lot of sense."

At the film industry forum, Lu Zhiyuan didn't listen to what Chen Kaige was saying at all; he was busy writing and drawing.

The live-action filming for the movie "Interstellar" has been completed.

The miniature filming on Guo Fan's side is almost finished.

Next, Lu Zhiyuan will check the scenes that Guo Fan filmed and then conduct research with the special effects technicians of "Black Hole Event Horizon".

Special effects are the key to this movie.

However, before having the technicians do the special effects, he had to draw out the general scene he wanted.

Otherwise, even if he describes it verbally, the special effects technicians won't know what kind of effect he wants.
It's much simpler to draw it out!
"Xiao Lu, stop flattering me. Come on, let me introduce you to a friend today. He's asked me to meet him several times, but we haven't had a chance yet."

Industry forums are not the key factor.

The key lies in their private interactions within their small circles after the forum.

Today, Chen Kaige is taking Lu Zhiyuan to meet Cao Huayi, the boss of New Classics Media.

"Director Chen, wait a moment, I need to make a phone call."

Lu Zhiyuan had long anticipated this day.

When we met at Chen Kaige's house last time, Chen Kaige mentioned New Classics Media, saying that they wanted to cooperate with him.

Lu Zhiyuan did not refuse.

However, he had no patience to deal with these business matters... For him, making movies was a pursuit of art.

But if it gets into business negotiations... it's pointless.

He has better ways to make money, so there's no need for him to waste his time on this.

However, Zhao Shanshan will appreciate this gift that was delivered to her door.

……

This year's international film festival is being held in Olympic Park, next to the renowned Ziyu Villa.

Half an hour later.

In a private club, Cao Huayi, the boss of New Classics Media, received Lu Zhiyuan, Chen Kaige, and Zhao Shanshan.

"Mr. Cao, let me introduce you to this internationally renowned director, Lu Zhiyuan."

The film "Caught in the Web" was directed by Chen Kaige and produced by Cao Huayi.

Furthermore, Chen Kaige and New Classics Media have several more collaborative films planned.

New Classics Media is considered a large company in the film and television industry; however, its profitability is rather poor, earning less than 100 million yuan a year.

Chen Kaige has never been good at film box office performance.

If New Classics Media could recruit Lu Zhiyuan, the top director of commercial films, one can imagine the substantial boost it would bring to the entire company.

"Director Lu, I've heard so much about you. Please have a seat."

When Cao Huayi met Lu Zhiyuan, he was extremely polite.

But yes.

For these film and television companies, Lu Zhiyuan was a true benefactor.

Mr. Cao had heard a rumor.

Under Lu Zhiyuan's management, Starlight Brilliant earned over a billion yuan in just three years... and that's just the publicly known amount.

In private, there are probably even more.

After all, everyone in the industry understands the tricks of the trade in star-studded shows.

"Mr. Cao, I know why you've come. I don't mind cooperating with other companies. Coincidentally, I have a new project in hand."

"However, let's keep business as it is..."

Lu Zhiyuan gave Zhao Shanshan a look, indicating that she should handle the rest of the negotiations.

After discussion, they decided to abandon the "Starry Night" alias.

These few people have earned the company over a billion yuan, which is a fitting reward for the support of those behind them.

Knowing full well what this company was doing, Lu Zhiyuan was naturally unwilling to go along with it... it wasn't worth it.

Not only did he feel it wasn't worth it.

Jing Tian and Zhao Shanshan also felt that their family had been taken advantage of.

They have already repaid the favor.

Moreover, to put it bluntly, they've already made it big and have connections inside and outside the film and television industry.

You can make money through legitimate business activities.

It's time to clean up the act and get back on track.

Most importantly, Miss Jing Tian doesn't want to make any more bad movies.

She's had enough!

Coincidentally, after they acquired a 5% stake in Netflix, they passed the news to their superiors through some channels, and her uncle was immediately promoted and given a raise.

Next step, and we'll be heading to Beijing.

Now, their connections are getting stronger and stronger.

And the more this is the case, the more they need to completely sever ties with their sordid past and say goodbye forever.

Anyone who brings this up from now on will be considered an enemy.

After discussing it, they decided to open a new account in China, completely separate from Starlight Entertainment.

Starlight Brilliant is preparing for its IPO. Currently, Jing Tian and Zhao Shanshan have cashed out all their shares and sold them to some institutions.

They had a lot of cash in their hands.

Besides using this money to establish a private equity fund and invest in Netflix, they also plan to find a seemingly clean guise in China to carry out their plan.

At this crucial moment, New Classics Media came knocking on our door. It was like a pillow being delivered to someone who was just about to fall asleep.

"Mr. Cao, let's talk over there."

Lu Zhiyuan clearly didn't want to participate in these business negotiations, and Zhao Shanshan could understand that.

Only she can sing the black-faced role.

Lu Zhiyuan, just stay a forever artistic and literary heartthrob, and don't get involved in these things. Otherwise, if your mind gets dirty and you're constantly thinking about exposing the dark side of society, how can you make beautiful films?
"Director Chen, let's have some tea. Mr. Zhao will take care of everything in 10 minutes at most."

Lu Zhiyuan poured Chen Kaige a cup of tea, telling him to calm down.

Chen Kaige thought to himself, "How can I stay calm in this situation?"

We agreed to all come to New Classics Media and work together to make money. Now, with the way you're doing this… Chen Kaige has a feeling he's about to have a new boss.

How much money did New Classics Media make last year?

It seems to be 8000 million.

The company is valued at around 30 billion in the capital market.

How much money did Yuankun Media make last year?

It seems to be 16 billion!
It's 20 times different.

New Classics Media actually wants to bring Lu Zhiyuan over to help them make movies... With a scale 20 times larger, you actually want to bring others in for cooperation?
Isn't this just inviting a wolf into the house?

……

In another private room.

The content of Zhao Shanshan's conversation with Cao Huayi was similar to what Chen Kaige had expected.

"Mr. Cao, what's the current valuation of New Classics Media? About 30 billion. But do you know how much our son, A Yuan, is worth?"

"Putting everything else aside, we have a company in Hollywood called YT Pictures. Not long ago, we sold our shares in a VR gaming glasses company and got $12 billion!"

“Ah Yuan owns 10% of YT Pictures, which means he can receive $1.2 million.”

"In addition, A Yuan will also receive about 1.2 million US dollars from the movie Pacific Rim."

"He's earned more this year than your entire company is valued. How can you possibly try to get something for nothing?"

“Where is your sincerity?”

Mr. Cao knew that Lu Zhiyuan was making a lot of money in Hollywood and was a true top-tier tycoon.

After all, James Cameron was very polite to Lu Zhiyuan at the opening ceremony of the international film festival, which is enough to prove Lu Zhiyuan's status in Hollywood.

However, he never expected that Lu Zhiyuan would make so much money!
He earned $2.4 million this year alone.

Considering that the shares he owns cannot exceed those of the big capitalists.

In other words, over the past few years, Lu Zhiyuan has earned more than 10 billion US dollars for those big capitalists!
He's a real money-maker!

If they could make offerings to this God of Wealth, wouldn't New Classics Media take off and surpass Huayi Brothers in no time?
Huayi Brothers? They're nothing!

The entire company combined isn't even worth as much as Lu Zhiyuan alone.

"Mr. Zhao, I am truly ashamed."

Thinking of this, Cao Huayi suddenly felt a little embarrassed.

He had originally planned to offer Lu Zhiyuan an exorbitant directing contract to help him make a movie... but now it seems that his so-called exorbitant price is probably just a joke in Lu Zhiyuan's eyes.

He earns $2.4 million a year, which is more valuable than his entire company.

How can he possibly offer such an exorbitant contract?

If you spend 2000 million RMB, won't people laugh at you for being stingy and unsophisticated?

“I know. You can hardly imagine how valuable A Yuan is. After all, the profit-making effect of the domestic film industry is indeed much worse than that of Hollywood.”

"This is also an area we need to work hard to improve."

Domestic films basically rely on box office revenue to make money.

The better directors can sell film rights to Europe and Southeast Asia. There are no more than five directors of this caliber in China.

And among all the companies in China that can sell copyrights worldwide and drive the entire industry chain, only Lu Zhiyuan stands out!
Zhao Shanshan first introduced Lu Zhiyuan to Cao Huayi, explaining how good he was at making money and how talented he was.

Then, she changed the subject and said, "We have a private equity fund that is prepared to invest 3 million yuan to acquire a 20% stake in New Classics Media."

"President Cao, please don't rush, let me finish."

“I know that this price is far below market valuation.”

"However, New Classics Media will receive priority investment rights for all the films directed by internationally renowned director Lu Zhiyuan in the future."

"As for the director's fee... Ah Yuan in Hollywood always takes 10% of the profits plus 10% of the shares. Don't think it's high, because if the movie loses money, he doesn't take a penny."

"This is the biggest difference between him and other directors."

Lu Zhiyuan only takes a share of the profits from all his films, about 20% for each one.

Even though the conditions seem a bit harsh, there are still tons of people who want to apply.

New Classics Media was originally in a situation where they couldn't even get a turn in the queue.

However, just then, Zhao Shanshan and her group decided to sever ties with Starlight Brilliant and stop taking the blame for them.

Originally, they planned to make Yuankun Media bigger and stronger... However, Lu Zhiyuan said that in addition to their own company, they also needed a backup plan.

Plan B.

Used to share risks.

At this time, New Classics Media just happened to come knocking on our door.

You are the one!

Anyway, New Classics Media will be sold sooner or later. It's better to let Zhao Shanshan take over than to sell it to someone else.

"Mr. Cao."

"Actually, you're not at a loss."

"Once the news of A Yuan joining the company is released, the valuation of New Classics Media will more than double. In the capital market, it could probably instantly surge to around 100 billion."

"Your remaining shares are equivalent to a threefold increase."

Seeing Cao Huayi remain silent, frowning as if considering the suggestion, Zhao Shanshan took a sip of coffee and said slowly.

She believed that Cao Huayi should be able to figure out such a simple arithmetic problem.

"Mr. Zhao, I admire you. We'll do it your way."

Cao Huayi pondered for 10 minutes, then exhaled deeply, unable to resist the temptation.

In fact, Enlight Media also wanted to acquire a stake in New Classics Media, with a valuation of 30 billion yuan...

However, Lu Zhiyuan was so amazing that he was drooling.

After all, Lu Zhiyuan can earn 20 billion a year!
In comparison, the valuation of 30 billion yuan given by Enlight Media suddenly seems less appealing.

Cao Huayi now believes that New Classics Media is worth 100 billion!
The biggest difference between them and Huayi Brothers is that Huayi Brothers has Feng Xiaogang, while New Classics Media does not... Now, they have someone who is 10 times more awesome than Feng Xiaogang!

Based on this calculation, New Classics Media is worth at least 200 billion!
"Mr. Cao, there's a project on A Yuan's end soon called 'Peerless,' with an initial investment of around 3000 million US dollars. If you're interested, Mr. Cao, you can look into it."

"Our internal assessment of this project is that the global box office will most likely be no less than 3 million US dollars... The specifics depend on the domestic box office performance."

"If the domestic box office can break 10 billion yuan, then the overall box office of this film should be around 5 million US dollars."

"The return on capital should be more than 10 times."

If a Hollywood movie grosses $3 million at the box office and receives good reviews, its DVD rights can probably sell for around $1 million.

Previously, they might not have been clear about the data regarding DVD copyright.

However, since they invested in Netflix, they have a clear understanding of how much the DVD rights to a movie can sell for.

Because that's what Netflix does!
"A $3000 million budget, $3 million in box office revenue. The return on investment can exceed 10 times? That high?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Huayi couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement, feeling deeply moved.

Hollywood movies have a really high return on investment.

Not only can they rake in box office revenue worldwide, but they can also sell DVD rights and television streaming rights... mainly because Hollywood movies have a very wide audience and can be sold to more than 100 countries and regions.

Even if each country or region only sells for 1 million RMB, that's 100 million RMB!
Of course, how could Lu Zhiyuan's film rights only sell for 100 million?

It will increase at least several times.

In this way, the television streaming rights alone recoup the cost. The remaining DVD rights and theatrical box office revenue are all profits.

Damn!

There's this feeling that no matter how Lu Zhiyuan directs, his movies are never going to lose money.
Seeing Cao Huayi's eyes light up, Zhao Shanshan knew everything was in order, and smiled: "President Cao, now, can you understand A Yuan's charm?"

"Of course!"

Cao Huayi nodded repeatedly, his face showing excitement: "From now on, he will be our precious darling. I wish I could offer him incense three times a day, morning and night."

"So, it's a pleasure working with you?"

Zhao Shanshan reached out her hand and looked at Cao Huayi.

"Pleasant to work with."

Cao Huayi extended his hand and shook hands with Zhao Shanshan, then asked, "President Zhao, when will you start working at the company? The position of general manager is vacant!"

As the company's founder, Cao Huayi serves as both chairman and general manager, responsible for the company's overall strategy and operational management.

But now, he feels that he should give up the position of general manager, which symbolizes number two, to Zhao Shanshan as a way of showing his sincerity.

……

"Director Chen, 10 minutes are up, he should be out soon."

Lu Zhiyuan checked the time, finished the last cup of tea, and prepared to get up and leave.

There's a family dinner party at his house tonight.

After being away from home for more than two months, I've just returned and naturally need to rest and adjust my mood.

When filming Pacific Rim, he was a little uncertain and actually quite nervous.

However, he was very confident about the film "Interstellar".

"Out!"

Just then, Zhao Shanshan and Cao Huayi walked out one after the other.

"OK."

Zhao Shanshan made a gesture towards Lu Zhiyuan.

Immediately afterwards, Cao Huayi suddenly came over very enthusiastically and hugged Lu Zhiyuan.

"Brother Yuan, please take care of me in the future."

He even called him "Brother Yuan" now, and he meant it sincerely.

Everyone can hear it.

All I can say is that the allure of the US dollar is undeniable.

When Cao Huayi called out "Brother Yuan," the most awkward person was Chen Kaige, who was standing next to him!
The company boss calls Lu Zhiyuan "Brother Yuan"... What should he do? Continuing to call him "Little Lu" seems a bit inappropriate. But he can't bring himself to call him "Brother Yuan"!

(End of this chapter)