Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 592, Section Rising
Looking at the meeting agenda in his email regarding Shanda Literature's US IPO plan, Wu Chen's thoughts drifted far away.

He was quite curious about how the crucial equity structure and executive list rights were allocated in this plan.

Unfortunately, all of this will only be revealed when the shareholders' meeting is held.

Meanwhile, across the ocean, the arrival of Christmas marked the end of the first phase of the fierce box office battle.

The winners and losers among Black Swan, Yoga Bear, and Tron: Legacy have been decided.

After two weeks in theaters, Tron: Legacy has grossed $8700 million in North America, but after deducting the $4400 million from its opening week, its second week box office is only $4300 million.
For an A-list production, this is a sign of a huge loss.

In contrast, "Black Swan" only grossed over 6700 million at the box office;

However, after deducting the 2200 million from the first week, its box office in the second week saw a significant surge, rising against the trend to 4500 million, driven by strong word-of-mouth!
As for Warner Bros.' $80 million 3D animated film "Yoga Bear," it was a complete flop, with a cumulative box office of only $35 million so far.
North American media outlets immediately seized on "Tron: Legacy," once again praising it while criticizing it.

[The Swan's Comeback! "Black Swan" Surpasses "Tron: Legacy" at the Box Office in its Second Week – Disney's Electronic Nightmare!]

[Has the biggest loser of the Christmas season been revealed? "Tron: Legacy" falls short of both critical and commercial expectations!]

[Judging from the success of "Black Swan": Does Hollywood still need expensive "pseudo-3D"?]

In fact, North American netizens didn't miss the opportunity either, criticizing Tron: Legacy as utterly hopeless.

The domestic Lunar New Year film season is also thriving.

Another director has been born with a single film grossing over 400 million yuan.
Jiang Wen.

However, he sounded somewhat dissatisfied on the phone.

"It feels like reaching 700 million is a bit difficult, given this trend," Jiang Wen muttered to himself as he looked at the box office figures.

"That's about right. What, you want to surpass my 'The Martian'?" Wu Chen joked with a smile.

"Who wouldn't want that? I also want to sit on the throne of the highest-grossing director in China! Anyway, it's only for a short while, and your 'Interstellar' will take it back next year."

Jiang Wen made no attempt to hide his "wolf-like ambition".

"If you're going to aim high, aim for Avatar's position."

"Then forget it. I admit I don't have that ability right now." Jiang Wen shook his head upon hearing this.

That figure of 13.5 billion is like an insurmountable chasm.

Of course, that's what Jiang Wen thought, but Wu Chen didn't.

In his eyes, this position was only a temporary thing.

On the second-to-last day of December, "Scarlet Heart" officially premiered on Jiangsu Satellite TV.

Liu Yifei nestled in Wu Chen's arms, watching with great interest.

"It's great! I have to recommend it to Changchang so we can watch it together!"

It must be said that this kind of well-made, heart-wrenching time-travel drama has a fatal attraction for female viewers.

After being recommended, Shu Chang became completely engrossed the following night and quickly started a heated discussion about the plot with Liu Yifei.

After its broadcast, "Scarlet Heart" quickly gained popularity.

The exquisite costumes and props, the meticulous etiquette details, the actors' excellent performances, and the plot that had already garnered a large following through the novel, instantly ignited social media.

"It's really good, and it's quite refreshing."

"Great! Starry Sky Pictures not only focuses on high-quality films, but also excels in television dramas. I think this is Starry Sky's second television drama. Looking forward to the rest."

"It's good, I love being tortured!"

"."

On Weibo, there were numerous topics and comments about "Scarlet Heart," which naturally led to a surge in viewership ratings.
"Chairman Wu, congratulations!"

Hou Xiaoqiang from Shanda Literature was overjoyed, unable to hide his happiness over the phone.

The first step in adapting this IP into a film or television series went very smoothly.

The fact that Shanda Literature is going to have its US IPO this year is definitely good news.

Congratulations!

"Haha, Mr. Wu, we'll be waiting for your arrival next week."

Hou Xiaoqiang was very polite. On the one hand, Wu Chen was a shareholder of Shanda Literature, and on the other hand, Wu Chen was able to tap into Shanda Literature's gold mine.

Meanwhile, at Shanda Literature, Wu Wenhui was pleased with the success of "Scarlet Heart," but looking at the IPO plan on the US stock market on the table, his eyes were filled with worry and even a little anger.

Compared to the cheerful atmosphere at the production companies, the atmosphere at Hengdian Tangren Film and Television was rather somber. Cai Yinong hadn't smiled for two days.

"How's the data?"

"Mr. Cai, I heard from people at Jiangsu TV that our ratings are approaching those of 'Meteor, Butterfly, Sword'."

Cai Yinong almost fainted when he heard that.

Because "Meteor, Butterfly, Sword" was Jiangsu Satellite TV's annual champion in 2010, and it ranked among the top in national satellite TV channels.

After taking a deep breath, she seemed to remember something: "How have you been these past two days, Shisi?"

"Sister Shisi doesn't seem too happy either."

Cai Yinong nodded. It's normal to be unhappy; if he were happy, there would be a bigger problem.
Of course, one of the beneficiaries of all this is Hu Jing, who became even more popular overnight with her role as "Ma'ertai Ruoxi," and her popularity seems to be out of control.

Even Zeng Li, Yuan Quan, and others were stunned.

"Jingjing."

"Hahaha!" Hu Jing couldn't stop laughing. "I never expected this, I really never expected this!"

"As expected of Director Wu's choice of TV series, it's amazing."

Yuan Quan couldn't help but sigh in the group chat.

Zeng Li felt a little upset. After all, she was the class beauty back then, but Yuan Quan and Hu Jing had both acted in TV series and movies under Xingchen Pictures.

She wasn't selected back then, and as a result, she's never been selected since.
Although Liu Yifei and the others watched with great interest, Wu Chen only watched a few episodes before stopping, mainly because he found the show rather uninteresting.
And so, 2011 arrived.

Data was released at the Film Bureau's press conference.

2010年全国城市影院总票房达到101.72亿元，较2009年62.06亿元增长63.9%
This result is very encouraging.

The report also highlighted "1939" and "Aftershock," two films that grossed over 6 million yuan last year, which were quite impressive.
At that very moment, Zhang Yimou held a high-profile press conference to promote his new film, "The Flowers of War".

Producer Zhang Weiping appeared particularly smug on stage.

"A 600 million yuan investment, solely funded by New Pictures! I have great confidence in Zhang Yimou's film! It's expected to gross 400 million yuan at the domestic box office and easily sell the overseas rights for 200 million yuan!"

He paused, then dropped a bombshell, "We've also secured Hollywood A-list star, Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale, to play the male lead in this film!"

"We cast Hollywood A-list actor Christian Bale as the male lead."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Just half an hour after the press conference ended, news about "The Flowers of War" went viral across the internet.

"With an investment of 600 million yuan, Zhang Yimou, together with Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale, aims for 1 billion yuan at the box office with 'The Flowers of War'!"

"Has Chinese cinema entered the era of blockbuster films? Wu Chen and Zhang Yimou have both collaborated with A-list Hollywood stars."

"Following Wu Chen, Zhang Yimou becomes the second Chinese director to direct a Hollywood A-list star!"

"."

The industry was shocked.

It must be said, this is indeed a grand gesture.

As for the box office of 1 billion, although it seems a bit difficult, with Zhang Yimou and this cast, plus the main theme of the film, it looks like there's a good chance.

Moreover, with Christian Bale on the team, their ability to recoup costs overseas should be strengthened.

Many production companies have started to calculate the costs and benefits.

Including the now financially powerful Huayi.

"This looks promising."

Wang Zhonglei muttered to himself, subconsciously glancing at Feng Xiaogang.

A flicker of passion ignited in Feng Xiaogang's eyes as well.

He is now the director of the highest-grossing domestic films. Wu Chen can do it, Zhang Yimou can do it, so why can't Feng Xiaogang?
"We could give '1942' a try."

Feng Xiaogang also looked at Wang Zhonglei, seemingly asking for his opinion, but his tone carried an unquestionable certainty.

Wang Zhonglei noticed that Feng Xiaogang was becoming increasingly assertive, and sometimes even seemed to be ordering him around.

But it wasn't a good time to have a falling out with Feng Xiaogang, so he nodded.
(End of this chapter)