Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 110: The Collaboration Project with Fox, Returning Home!
7 month 4 number.

James came over excitedly, saying he had a batch of special effects equipment for sale, but there were too many to decide, so he came to ask Tian Xiaole for his opinion.

There are only about thirty machines of various models. We can take on as many as we want in the barren domestic market.

Tian Xiaole bought it without hesitation; he's not short of money now.

My return home was delayed by a few more days. After completing all the formalities and dealing with customs inspections, I finally felt relieved after watching the equipment being loaded onto the transport ship.

The box office figures for "Shark Tale" in its second week of release have been released.

The North American revenue was $2740 million.

IMDb gave it a high score of 8.5, describing the film as:
— "A short and concise thriller that creates tension through a single setting and simple plot. Blake Lively's sexy figure is one of the film's highlights."

Rotten Tomatoes also gives it a 77% freshness rating, according to professional film critics:
"The best shark movie in recent years. The director has a great grasp of the pacing and suspense. It has a blockbuster quality despite its low budget."

···
James leaked the news that Tian Xiaole was going to return to China, and sent a notice to the film and television companies that were still hesitant and observing.

After all, with so many scripts in hand, I need to find someone to work with.

Within a day, someone contacted James, wanting to meet with Tian Xiaole.

Lionsgate also learned of the news, but there was nothing they could do.

After all, the person Tian Xiaole was meeting was one of the six major Hollywood gangsters, 20th Century Fox.

They could only hope that the scripts they chose weren't the ones Lionsgate was interested in.

Tian Xiaole didn't expect that it would attract the attention of the six major Hollywood studios so quickly.

In 1935, 20th Century Fox merged with Fox and was renamed 20th Century Fox, which is now 70 years old.

They have produced and distributed many classic films, including Cameron's Titanic and the Avatar series currently in production.

The Star Wars series, a national phenomenon in the United States, holds a historical status comparable to Journey to the West in China.

The Alien series, as well as a series of Marvel IPs.

Thinking about this, Tian Xiaole guessed which script they had their eye on.

"Since you want to meet, let's set a time."

Tian Xiaole said to James, while also considering how to maximize his benefits.

The next day, we arranged to meet at a coffee shop on Santa Monica Beach.

One of the six major powers is confidence; they chose a location not far from Lionsgate's headquarters to poach talent right in front of everyone.

"Hello Tian, ​​my name is Shawn Levy, and I am also a director."

"The Shallows" is a fantastic movie; it's definitely the best shark movie since Spielberg.

"Thank you for the compliment. I've also seen 'A Basket of Kids,' a hilarious family comedy."

The two of them complimented each other.

Tian Xiaole took a sip of coffee and said directly, "Let's talk about business first."

"You acquired the novel rights to the children's book 'Night at the Museum' and adapted it so well. I happen to be good at this kind of subject matter, so name your price."

"You only want to buy the script rights?"

Tian Xiaole was almost laughing in anger: "You just said that you think highly of this script, or rather, Fox thinks highly of it, so why should I sell it to you? Wouldn't it be better if I made it myself?"

"You can't film this script; only Fox can."

Cameron developed a 3D camera system that, through dual-camera synchronization and visual dynamics optimization, can achieve simulated images. This type of technology represents a visual revolution for special effects blockbusters.

Sean Levy spoke eloquently, spouting what he considered advanced terms in an attempt to intimidate Tian Xiaole.

"After listening to all that you've said, then from now on, no other film companies need to make special effects blockbusters; just let 20th Century Fox make them."

Besides, if I'm not mistaken, what you just said was technology Cameron developed to better prepare for his new film, and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with you.”

Sean Levy was surprised that Tian Xiaole knew so much and exposed his trick of using someone else's name to make a big deal out of nothing.

"Since there's no sincerity, there's no need to talk anymore. Other film and television companies might be able to meet my conditions."

Tian Xiaole put the coffee money under the cup and got up to leave.

"Tell me your conditions."

"Sean Levy shouted urgently."

Upon hearing this, Tian Xiaole did not sit down again, but looked down at the white foreigner.

"At least 40% of the investment is required, plus two Chinese characters in the adapted script."

Sean Levy was taken aback, not expecting Tian Xiaole to have such a big appetite:
"Tian, ​​you should wake up. You're negotiating with 12th Century Fox. They can't possibly agree to such outrageous demands."

"The reason I partnered with Lionsgate and only took a 20% share is because this was my first collaboration in Hollywood, and they were willing to share the risk of failure, while Fox only saw the potential for profit..."

You can go back to the company and report this, but you need to do it as soon as possible; I don't have much time.

Tian Xiaole left without looking back. He was confident that 20th Century Fox would agree, as they were the producers and distributors of the original film, and the director seemed to be Shawn Levy, the same person from earlier.

As a master of cost overruns, Cameron was bound to exceed the budget when Avatar was just starting to film, given his track record.

If you really want the [Museum] script, giving up some of your share is the best option.

As for the two Chinese characters, they are characters whose settings were modified by Tian Xiaole, adding resurrected classic historical figures.

···
Tian Xiaole had just returned to the company when the storefront she had previously rented was returned, and she was relocated to the acquisition site.

"Boss, how did your talks go?"

James came up to him and asked expectantly.

After all, they're one of Hollywood's Big Six, not as easy to talk to as independent film studios. They're relatively exclusive, but quite united on certain political stances.

"I was talking to a director, but he couldn't make the decision and went back to ask for instructions."

James pointed to the office: "Mike is waiting for you inside."

"Well, I see."

Tian Xiaole pushed open the office door and went inside.

"Tian, ​​your company is great. The employees are all very energetic," Mike said with a smile.

He hadn't expected Tian Xiaole to be so ambitious, actually wanting to start a film production business in Hollywood.

"If you raise employee salaries, they will be just as motivated."

In order to retain technical personnel, Tian Xiaole increased salaries considerably.

"By the way, I heard you met with people from 20th Century Fox. They're looking for you..."

Tian Xiaole knew what Mike was worried about; it was nothing more than the horror-themed script he had registered.

"We discussed a comedy script, but we couldn't reach an agreement."

Mike Burns smiled and said, "Big companies like them have many requirements and restrictions, so it's normal that they can't reach an agreement. Lionsgate doesn't have that many problems."

Ignoring his boastful words, Tian Xiaole changed the subject and asked:

"Is there something you need today?"

"I almost forgot the important thing. 'The Shallows' has already been released in other countries and regions, but we've heard that it hasn't been released in your country yet. What do you think...?"

"Don't worry, my uncle is in charge of importing films, so there will definitely be a quota for this movie."

Tian Xiaole was confident in this; Han Sanping could count on him going to sea.

···
With the release of "The Shallows" in other countries and regions, and its continued box office success, Mabrike, the ocean-going actor, has become increasingly rare.

Endorsements, acting offers, magazine interviews, and more came knocking at the door, keeping Tian Xiaole so busy that she couldn't even find time to train horses.

Good news arrived; Tian Xiaole didn't have to wait long before Sean Levy arranged another meeting, this time with a middle-aged white man who appeared to be in charge.

"Director Sean, has Fox agreed to my request?"

"No, I only agreed to half of it."

Seeing Tian Xiaole frown, the white man next to him said:
"Listen to Fox's latest proposal. This film requires a lot of CGI special effects. The marketing department estimates the production cost at one hundred million US dollars, and they will only give you a maximum of 30% of the investment..."

The script you adapted features two Chinese-American characters. Unless you cast Jackie and Jetli, who are the only ones North American audiences recognize, you can only give one of them to you.

Moreover, given the success of the first film, the collaboration for the sequel must continue in the same way.

As expected of one of the six permanent members of the UN Security Council, it is indeed very powerful.

After a moment's thought, Tian Xiaole accepted the allocation plan.

Securing a 30% share in an A-level project is already quite a lot.

As for the characters, he added two Chinese characters simply to encourage more mainland Chinese actors to get out there and at least gain some recognition in Hollywood.

Mainland directors often use Hong Kong actors, not only because of their fame, but also because of the audience base built by pirated DVDs.

They believe that movies and TV series starring Hong Kong actors are always good-looking and high-class.

But compared to Hollywood, it's not good enough.

A trip to Hollywood, coupled with press releases and publicity, and you're a bona fide international star.

We need to train more actors and correct the bad habits of mainland directors, instead of just focusing on using actors from Hong Kong.

For the sake of box office success, even getting one spot would be acceptable.

"I agree to this plan,"

"Then I wish us happy cooperation."

Shawn Levy said with a smile that there is a high probability that he will be the one to direct the script.

After confirming the cooperation, the three sat down again to discuss some details.

Fox wanted to buy out the script for two million dollars, but Tian Xiaole disagreed.

Based on the success of "Dead Silence" and "The Shallows," there is reason for them to receive a share of the box office revenue, as would be the case for a big-name screenwriter.

After some back and forth, they agreed on a 3% share of the global box office revenue.

Tian Xiaole offered some suggestions: the character settings of Chinese characters should not be modified arbitrarily, and the characters should not be portrayed negatively.

Pangu Pictures will be responsible for part of the post-production special effects; it's impossible for the company to acquire it and rely entirely on him to support it.

The next day, in the presence of a lawyer, both parties signed a contract.

Tian Xiaole was quite happy to receive a 30% share of a project worth over 100 million yuan, plus a share for the screenwriters.

Although this trip to Hollywood lasted more than a month, it was very rewarding.

Lionsgate has settled the North American box office revenue sharing for "Dead Silence." Aside from taking a portion back overseas, they require James to continue purchasing equipment.

7 month 16 day.

The Shallows grossed $12.4 million in its third week of release in North America, while Tian Xiaole had already boarded a plane back to China.

After a twelve-hour flight, we landed at 10 p.m.

Tian Xiaole, carrying only a bag and looking travel-worn, didn't look like a rising star director at home and abroad. The most talked-about news in the domestic film industry was the box office performance of "The Shallows."

Hollywood had just reported on it when it was immediately reprinted back to China.

As the only "college student" from the village to go out into the world, they all hope that the movie's box office will be as high as possible.

"Brother Le, I miss you so much."

As soon as Tian Xiaole got into the car, Tang Yan pounced on him and reached down with her hand.

"Don't rush, I'll satisfy you properly tonight."

Before boarding the plane, considering that it was too late and would disturb the old lady's rest, Tian Xiaole notified Tang Yan to pick her up.

Tang Yan obediently sat back in the driver's seat, feeling as happy as if she had eaten honey.

Tian Xiaole asked her to pick him up at the airport, which proved that he cared about her.

"Let's go, to your place."

Tian Xiaole then noticed that it was a brand new nanny van.

Tang Yan explained, "Yang Tianzhen provided each artist with a car so they could rest on set."

These days, nanny vans are a rare sight; they're usually only owned by actors in Hong Kong, and even top-tier actors in mainland China rarely own one.

The two of them started kissing as soon as they entered the apartment.

After they finished confiding in each other, Tang Yan was exhausted.

Tian Xiaole was still in high spirits because he had rested up his energy and strength on the plane.

"Brother Le, you've been in Hollywood for so long this time, and The Shallows did so well at the box office, a lot of people are asking about you."

Tang Yan leaned against Tian Xiaole's chest like a docile kitten, her blush still lingering on her face.

"Let them rush off then."

Tian Xiaole had anticipated this situation, and aside from maintaining necessary contact, he kept his phone switched off most of the time.

"With the success of Dead Silence and The Shallows, you've finally established yourself in Hollywood, right?"

Tian Xiaole stroked Tang Yan's hair and took a drag of his cigarette:

"It's just a small achievement, far from being a solid foundation. If even one movie fails, we'll be abandoned by Hollywood."

Tang Yan seemed to understand, but not quite. She only knew that this man was the only "college student" in the entire village and the subject of everyone's discussion in the circle.

She started to get restless; after resting enough, she felt like she was back to normal.

Tian Xiaole wasn't about to let her get away with it, so she flipped over and pinned her down.

The horses I raise myself are more docile.

···
The next day, Tian Xiaole went home in high spirits. She had been away for more than a month, and the old lady had mentioned it several times.

Sure enough, the old lady spotted him as soon as he entered the door and couldn't stop praising him.

He plans to stay home quietly for a few days. If the outside world finds out he's back in China, they'll definitely be restless.

But things didn't go as planned. My phone vibrated, and after hesitating for a moment, I answered it anyway.

"Hello, Uncle Han?"

"Xiao Le, now that you've left the 'gentle paradise,' come to China Film Group and discuss the import of your film."

"What 'gentle haven'? I'll go there later."

Tian Xiaole looked completely bewildered.

"Hehe, you should check the news online."

···
After hanging up the phone, Tian Xiaole went to the study, turned on the computer, and glanced at the news on Leyu.com. She almost spat out blood.

Paparazzi took photos of him and Tang Yan, but fortunately it was nighttime and the photos were blurry, so their faces were not clearly visible.

But the photos taken when I left in the morning are very clear.

"The movie 'The Shallows,' directed by Tian Xiaole, was a huge box office success in North America. He landed at Beijing Capital International Airport last night, and it is suspected that Tang Yan picked him up."

"Director Tian Xiaole ate candy for 12 hours and left alone in the morning."

Whoever wrote this entry must have their salary severely docked.

It's only four hours at most, not a ridiculous 12 hours.

Tian Xiaole originally planned to rest for two days before going to China Film Group to discuss the domestic import of "The Shallows" and the 30% share of "Night at the Museum".

He wasn't going to keep it all to himself, and bringing China Film Group along was essential, since they had the right to import films, which would definitely come in handy later.

Furthermore, Han Sanping will officially take office as chairman of China Film Group in just over a year. With such a political achievement, nothing can change that.

On the way to China Film Group, Tian Xiaole's phone kept ringing, it seemed that the gossip had spread throughout the industry.

Many industry insiders came to China Film Group on business, and when they saw Tian Xiaole, they all came up to greet him, saying nice things and congratulating him on the global box office of "The Shallows" surpassing 100 million.

Han Sanping's secretary came up to him with a smile and said, "Congratulations, Xiao Le! You are the first director from mainland China to achieve success in Hollywood. Mr. Han has been happy for days."

"Brother Gao, you're too kind. Let's go there soon."

In the office, Han Sanping first joked:

"Although you are young, you still need to take care of your health. You are the only male in the Tian family."

"How can you believe such outrageous news? I just got back to China too late and went to the company dormitory to rest. I was then spread rumors like this. It just goes to show how degenerate people's hearts have become." Tian Xiaole was powerless to defend herself.

"Let's talk about 'The Shallows' instead. It's already grossed over $100 million worldwide, so it should definitely be imported. We have the quota for imported films and import slots available this year. What are your thoughts?"

Tian Xiaole took a sip of tea, ignoring Han Sanping's expectant look: "Let's import it and share the profits. I'm confident in its box office performance in China."

Han Sanping proactively refilled the tea, and casually asked:
"Xiao Le, you've been gone for over a month. You didn't just stay focused on [Dead Silence] and [Shark Beach], did you?"

Tian Xiaole tapped the table three times, not answering his question directly, but first inquiring about China Film Group's policies:
"Uncle Han, how much of China Film Group's overseas film investment quota has been used this year?"

Everyone knows that Tian Xiaole's movies have no shortage of investment, so although they didn't know why the question was asked, Han Sanping still gave an answer:
"The total budget for the year is 15 billion yuan, and it is expected to invest in more than 200 films."

Hearing this data, Tian Xiaole felt a toothache. 15 billion yuan divided among 200 movies, how much would each movie get on average? No wonder domestic films are all shoddy.

"Before I returned to China, I signed a film cooperation agreement with 20th Century Fox, with a planned investment of 100 million US dollars, and I would have a 30% share..."

Han Sanping's eyes lit up, and he interrupted directly, "This project is good. We can split your share."

"I haven't even specified the genre of the film, and you've already made a decision?" Tian Xiaole was speechless.

This bandit leader has struck his old tricks again; he's divided up the spoils before even discussing any projects.

"20th Century Fox is one of the six major Hollywood film studios, and you have a 30% share. No matter what the subject matter of the project, it is bound to be good."

Han Sanping said with great certainty. Moreover, Tian Xiaole has never failed in any project he's handled; we can just blindly follow suit.

Tian Xiaole did mention the film's genre: "It's a fantasy film, adapted from a novel. We'll have to wait and see if the project is good or not after it's released, but comedy is always very popular overseas."

"It is indeed a good project."

The fact that this project was noticed by the six major Hollywood studios, and that they had the ability to distribute it globally, meant that Han Sanping believed it was already profitable.

"I'll give a portion to China Film Group, keep 10% for myself, and plan to sell the rest at a premium."

Han Sanping panicked: "China Film Group will take all the shares at a premium."

"Uncle Han, it's enough for China Film Group to take a portion. Besides, this is an overseas film project. Whether or not to invest, you still need to have a meeting to discuss it."

Tian Xiaole's words calmed Han Sanping down.

China Film Group is a state-owned enterprise and the face of Chinese film and television. Investing in overseas films is not a decision that can be made casually. If there are problems with the content, the impact can be far-reaching.

"Okay, you're right, we need to have an internal meeting too."

"Okay, let's get it done as soon as possible. They'll be announcing the project soon."

Tian Xiaole finished her tea and left China Film Group.

On his way back, he was thinking about how to divide his 10% share into several parts, which private enterprises to involve, or simply let the highest bidder win.

Huayi and Enlight Media will have to show some sincerity if they want market share this time.

And the character in my hand is a resurrected classic historical figure. He looks fierce, but he's actually comical and funny.

When we first started revising the character settings, we considered changing it to a female character, but since there weren't any particularly outstanding actresses in China when it came to comedy, we decided to keep the male character setting.

As for who to give this opportunity to, he hasn't decided yet.

People in the industry already knew he had returned to China, so they decided to go to his company to check on him.

Several films released during the summer vacation in China have achieved good box office results.

In terms of Chinese-language films, "Initial D" dominated the box office, earning 63 million yuan in mainland China.

According to the audience demographics, students make up 80% of the moviegoers.

Jay Chou's star power has redefined the film industry's understanding of entertainment.

Star Wars: Episode III – The Phantom Menace – a Hollywood import, grossed $7554 million at the box office.

The currently showing "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" is also dominating the market, earning 2470 million in its opening week.

As soon as Tian Xiaole arrived at the company, he felt a barrage of gossipy stares. He thought of the photos the paparazzi had taken of him that morning.

We need to find a time to properly punish them.

First, I went to the post-production special effects department to see how the special effects for the [Thief] were going.

Despite the outdated equipment and machinery, Tian Xiaole nodded in approval of the special effects scenes produced.

Then he told them the good news: "Cherish the equipment you're using now. In a few days, when the new machines arrive, all of them will be obsolete."

"Boss, buying new equipment?"

"That's right, we're already at sea."

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, the usually reserved engineering students cheered enthusiastically.

Tian Xiaole offered a few words of encouragement and then went to the Leyu.com website on the eighth floor.

Upon seeing Tian Xiaole, the group of people quickly lowered their heads and went back to their work.

Huang Jixin approached and said obsequiously, "Boss, the movie rating section is now online. Would you like to try it out?"

"Okay, let's see how you do it."

In the office, Huang Jixin used his computer to open the movie rating section that had already gone online, and turned the screen to face Tian Xiaole.

"Rotten Egg! That's a rather hasty name."

Upon seeing the name, Tian Xiaole's smile vanished, and she hoped for a reasonable explanation.

"Boss, the purpose of this name is for viewers who watch bad movies to vent their emotions. If the movie is bad, throw rotten eggs at it; the more rotten eggs it gets, the lower the rating."

I reluctantly accepted this explanation, which is similar to the one used by Rotten Tomatoes.

(End of this chapter)