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

Chapter 122 Investment Share: Not Mandatory!

The concept behind "Pacific Rim" is excellent.

In terms of film, it showcases future technological development, the country's strong industrial power, and demonstrates the responsibility and commitment of a major power, contributing to world peacekeeping.

At the current level, it has actively promoted the development of the digital industry and cultivated talents in film and television special effects technology.

"This film project has been strongly supported by relevant departments. The Air Force Political Department and the China Aviation Industry Corporation have both inquired about it and offered to provide military equipment, military advisors, and a number of military aircraft..."

Han Sanping sat in the chair, becoming more and more excited as he spoke about the support he received from relevant departments.

We need to produce blockbuster films like these to accelerate the development of China's film industry and drive the upgrading of film and television-related industries.

"Now that the budget is out, let's talk about investment."

Han Sanping took a sip of tea to moisten his throat.

"Uncle Han, the investment in the movie is too large. It would be better to bring in a few more companies this time to share the risk."

Tian Xiaole suggested that with such a large production, recouping the costs would definitely be a challenge.

Since the personal motivation is to promote the industry, we should definitely bring in as many companies as possible.

Han Sanping nodded seriously, his usual domineering attitude of eating alone was gone.

There's no turning back now; the next step is to find investment.

“I plan to bring Wanda and Shanghai Film Group with me. A lot of the scenes will be filmed on Hong Kong Island, and Ying Huang, this local bigwig, will also be involved.”

Han Sanping nodded: "Then let's contact them."

Within a day, Ren Zhonglun from Shanghai Film Studio arrived after receiving the call.

Ying Huang Yang Shoucheng rushed over from Hong Kong Island and took it very seriously when he learned it was Tian Xiaole's project.

Wanda, Huayi, Enlight Media, and others have successively joined China Film Group.

Tian Xiaole only told them there was a project, without revealing much information. When they saw each other, they thought it would be like "Night at the Museum," where they would need to pay a premium to buy a share.

If the project is good, we are prepared for a premium, because Tian Xiaole has never failed before.

In the China Film Group conference room, Han Sanping, who was in the home field, sat in the main seat, and Ren Zhonglun did not argue with him.

The project plan was laid out in front of everyone, but before they could even look at it, they heard that they needed to raise 500 million yuan and that there was no possibility of further investment later. They all doubted that they had heard correctly.

The meeting room, which had just been filled with conversation, instantly calmed down as everyone began to carefully review the project plan in front of them.

For the sci-fi disaster film, most of the post-production special effects will be done by domestic teams, with Hollywood teams handling a portion.

When everyone saw this, they thought they were seeing things or that it was a mistake.

Shouldn't such a large project be handed over to a Hollywood company for production?

Seeing everyone's confusion, Tian Xiaole explained:

"You've seen the materials. The project will be mostly completed by a domestic team in the later stages, so we can't guarantee the timeline. You are free to choose whether to withdraw, which is understandable."

Why aren't the movie's post-production special effects being done in Hollywood anymore?

Ren Zhonglun voiced everyone's doubts, and they all pricked up their ears to look over.

"Our domestic market is getting better and better, and there will be more and more blockbusters in the future. Special effects production is an indispensable part. The purpose of this project is to catalyze the barren domestic special effects market."

After Tian Xiaole finished speaking, some people clearly lost interest in the project, obviously wanting to use investors' money to spend on the special effects industry, which had no future.

There's a lack of domestic machinery, equipment, and technical personnel. Investing this money is like throwing money down the drain; we probably won't even see a ripple in the end.

"There isn't even a decent special effects company in China. It's unrealistic to expect a single movie to drive the market. I suggest that the post-production of this project be handled in Hollywood."

Some people nodded in agreement with Wang Zhonglei's words.

Seeing the hesitant look on everyone's face, Han Sanping spoke directly:

"This is a plan that Xiaole and I have made. Anyone who feels that the project is risky can withdraw."

"Old Han, Shanghai Film Group is also a state-owned enterprise. You know that they have to be cautious about investing in large projects."

After Ren Zhonglun finished speaking, he looked at Tian Xiaole:
"Director Xiao Le, let's just forget about this project. Due to the special nature of state-owned enterprises, we have to reconsider carefully."

Tian Xiaole never expected that Shanghai Film Group would be the first to voluntarily withdraw, showing no sense of responsibility as a state-owned enterprise.

"I understand Mr. Ren's predicament. We hope to cooperate again when the opportunity arises."

"Then I won't bother you."

Ren Zhonglun glanced at everyone and left the conference room.

Just as Tian Xiaole was about to speak, Ye Ning spoke first:
"Director Tian, ​​I'm going out to make a phone call."

Tian Xiaole nodded. Ye Ning was just a high-level employee; he should consult with Boss Wang about such a big project.

Wang Zhonglei, Wang Changtian, and Yang Shoucheng, all company owners, were also sitting in the meeting room and had decision-making power.

To Tian Xiaole's surprise, the next person to quit was Wang Zhonglei.

"Xiao Le, you know Huayi's situation. They started several big productions at the end of the year, and there are still projects waiting for funding to start next year. They may not be able to come up with extra funds this time."

"understand."

Tian Xiaole nodded, her face expressionless, revealing neither joy nor sorrow.

Upon seeing the person, Wang Changtian said indignantly:

"When you were making money, you didn't complain about not having money, but now you're complaining."

After giving Tian Xiaole a disdainful look, Wang Changtian turned to him and said, "Director Tian, ​​just tell me how to divide it?"

"There's no rush yet."

Tian Xiaole looked at Yang Shoucheng, who hadn't spoken yet: "Chairman Yang, is there anything you'd like to say?"

"Yinghuang decided to trust Director Tian."

Yang Shoucheng knew very well that if he left today, it wouldn't be so easy to cooperate again in the future.

Having finally collaborated on "Ip Man," and established a connection with the talented director Tin Siu-lok, I look forward to more collaborations in the future.

If we lose money this time, so be it; consider it an investment in goodwill.

Just then, Ye Ning came in after finishing her phone call, a smile on her face.

"Director Tian, ​​Wanda has taken over the project."

"In that case, let's talk about the division of shares."

Seeing that the few people remaining in the meeting room were all alert, Tian Xiaole continued:
"As the project's main controller, I am responsible for filming and post-production. I will receive 100 million yuan in cash and take 30% of the share."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and one-fifth of the funds were resolved in one go.

Although no one from the Air Force Political Department and China Aviation Industry Corporation was present, they contributed personnel, technology, and equipment as shares, investing 100 million yuan to take a 20% stake.

Han Sanping made a bold move, with China Film Group investing 100 million yuan, taking a 20% share, and being responsible for post-production publicity and distribution.

Wanda will contribute 20% of the 100 million yuan and provide cinema support later.

The remaining 10% share will be split between Enlight Media and Yinghuang, each receiving 50 million, with the former responsible for promotion in mainland China and the latter for promotion in Hong Kong.

After the shares were divided, the atmosphere in the meeting room became tense.

"Director Tian, ​​I hope that the casting for this film can give actors from Hong Kong a chance."

Tian Xiaole nodded, agreeing to Yang Shoucheng's request, but ultimately the decision rested with her.

"Sure, but the final decision is up to me."

···
What projects does Tian Xiaole have in hand?

Seeing his younger brother return, Wang Zhongjun smiled. Huayi and Tian Xiaole had never lost money in their collaboration.

“This project was too big, I wasn’t optimistic about it, so I came back early.”

Hearing this, Wang Zhongjun frowned. Knowing that Wang Zhonglei wasn't impulsive, he asked curiously:
What projects don't you think are promising?

"A sci-fi disaster movie needs an investment of 500 million yuan, and there's a possibility of increasing the investment. Most importantly, the post-production special effects have to be done domestically. Do you think this is a joke?"

With a dismissive smile, Wang Zhonglei recounted what he had seen and heard that day.

“You did the right thing. With Wang Jinghua’s departure, the brokerage department is now useless. If such a large investment loses money, our listing will have to be postponed for several more years.”

Wang Zhongjun nodded in agreement with the decision, then changed the subject, saying:

“We’ve participated in several of Tian Xiaole’s projects, and they’ve all been very profitable. This sudden refusal will probably make him overthink things. I’ll call him to reassure him.”

Wang Zhonglei gave his older brother a thumbs up. One played the bad cop and the other the good cop; that was a brilliant move.

Xiaole Pictures.

Tian Xiaole was in his office, engrossed in drawing storyboards, especially the mecha designs, which required a lot of effort.

The goal is to create a striking visual effect while also achieving a spectacular visual impact.

Suddenly, the cell phone on the table rang.

After glancing at the caller ID, Tian Xiaole gave a wry smile.

The timing of this call is incredibly convenient; Ye Ning must have leaked the information to them.

"Hello, Mr. Lu?"

"Director Tian, ​​could you give Tian Tian a chance in your new film? She's very hardworking."

It has to be said that Lu Zhen is a very dedicated nanny.

There is a role that would suit Jing Tian, ​​and it is indeed very demanding. We could give her a chance to try.

"Let's audition and see how it goes." Lu Zhen hung up the phone, looked at the girl's expectant eyes, and said to her earnestly:
"Tian Tian, ​​Director Tian has agreed to give you an audition opportunity. This film has a large investment, and once the news is released, everyone will be watching it closely. You must seize this opportunity."

"Uncle Lu, don't worry, I will try my best."

Jing Tian nodded obediently, a hint of joy in her eyes, and sent a text message back to her room.

Tian Xiaole had just put her phone down when it rang again.

Looking at the incoming phone number, I wanted to hear what he had to say.

"Xiao Le, your Uncle Wang told me about what happened today, and I gave him a good scolding."

Even if Huayi is facing difficulties, they can suspend other projects first and support your project. You're making such a mess of things...

Unexpectedly, he started playing the victim, and Tian Xiaole was too lazy to expose him.

"If we really stop someone else's project, people will start cursing us behind our backs."

"Sigh, so we're in a dilemma, and we can only cooperate again next time."

Wang Zhongjun spoke with a tone of regret, and then immediately added:
"As for actors, consider Huayi artists more often; they are all very obedient."

We'll see.

That's incredibly shameless; they're already eyeing the role.

What does it mean to be very obedient?
Such a huge project, who would pay so much for it, that you can just sleep through it and get a role?

All I can say is that Wang Zhongjun took it too seriously.

While still holding his phone, he received a text message from Jing Tian.

"Brother Xiao Le, thank you for giving me the audition opportunity. I will work hard."

Tian Xiaole smiled and replied:
"Yes, I look forward to your performance at the audition."

···
Wang Zhongjun looked at the phone after it was hung up, a bad feeling creeping over him, but he didn't dwell on it. He said to Wang Zhonglei beside him:
"For a project with an investment of 500 million, there will definitely be a lot of actors. We need to make sure all the artists in our company are ready for auditions."

"Brother, let Binbin take a look..."

···
An unverified rumor has set the entire film and entertainment industry ablaze.

Tian Xiaole's new film has an investment of 500 million yuan. It is a science fiction disaster film, and the investment has been secured. The cast auditions will be announced soon.

At first, some people didn't believe it. Five hundred million to make a movie? Shouldn't they go and see for themselves?

As the rumors became more and more believable, and photos of Wang Zhonglei, Yang Shoucheng, Wang Changtian, and others entering and leaving China Film Group appeared online, the news media began to get restless.

They all rushed to Xiaole Pictures to confirm, and Tian Xiaole, upon learning of this, told the company's receptionist.

If anyone else asks, just tell them to wait for further notice.

It would have been better if they hadn't said anything, as it indirectly confirmed the rumor.

Actors, celebrities, and their agencies in the industry are as anxious as ants on a hot plate.

For a film with a budget of 500 million yuan, even a casual appearance can boost one's acting career.

"Sisi, you and Director Tian have a good relationship, right? Why don't you ask about the role and see if you have a chance to play it?"

Upon seeing the news online, Liu Xiaoli immediately thought of Tian Xiaole attending the birthday party, but unlike other film and television companies, she did not want to sign her daughter's agency contract.

"Mom, the news might not be true yet, and big directors' films all require auditions,"

Liu Yifei doesn't want to be so calculating; she just prefers to make friends without feeling guilty.

It will be easier and more genuine.

But her mother was also thinking of herself, so she was also conflicted.

···
Ning Hao sat lazily on the sofa, having already refilled his coffee several times, seemingly intending to stay put.

He's here today to return the equipment; the music video he filmed for Jing Tian is finished.

Do you have any work plans coming up?

Upon hearing the question, Ning Hao sprang up from the sofa like a cat that had been provoked.

"I've been quite free lately, with plenty of free time. Your sister Na does have some new script ideas, but she's still working on them, and I don't like the scripts offered outside."

They used to offer me assistant director jobs, but after "Stone" became so famous, they don't offer me those anymore.

Ning Hao emphasized the words "assistant director," as if reminding Tian Xiaole.

He wandered around the office for a long time, and Tian Xiaole knew exactly what he wanted to do.

He opened the drawer and handed over the copied script, which suited Ning Hao's style quite well.

"I'm going to start making a big film soon, so I won't be asking you to be the assistant director, but don't be idle either."

Upon hearing the first sentence, Ning Hao's eyes widened in surprise; this confirmed the 500 million yuan investment project.

In China, if you spend 500 million yuan to make a movie, people will think you're crazy and have too much money to burn.

If this were in Hollywood, it would be a B-movie, nothing special.

They have more aircraft carriers and a global market.

"How about I be your assistant director? I'll cover your room and board."

Ning Hao's eyes gleamed with excitement. He wasn't interested in reading the script in his hand. If he could participate in a 500 million yuan project, it would definitely broaden his horizons and improve his ability to manage and coordinate the production team.

Tian Xiaole shook his head: "There are only a few commercial film directors in mainland China. It would be a waste for you to be my assistant director. Besides, my film is planned on an annual basis."

I reckon by the time you finish filming, I'll still be doing pre-production work. You should take a look at the script; you might be interested."

Hearing this, Ning Hao sat back down on the sofa and began to carefully read the script in his hand.

[Extreme Job]!
The story tells of a five-member anti-drug squad who, lacking funds, took over a fried chicken shop to operate under false pretenses. Unexpectedly, the shop became a hit and a well-known local restaurant.

Following the original film's premise is definitely not feasible; such a dangerous job would not be allowed in the country without sufficient funding.

Tian Xiaole modified the plot, changing the characters to retired drug dealers who reappeared after their service. The protagonist reassembles his old team and opens a restaurant in order to obtain evidence of their crimes.

This also explains why a group of people made such a fool of themselves; after all, it's normal for them to have been retired for a long time and neglect their training.

Tian Xiaole didn't disturb him; she was trying her best to depict the scene in her mind and was drawing storyboard sketches.

The office was filled with the sounds of pencils scratching on paper and scripts turning.

"The plot is quite interesting, with a dark comedy style and a huge contrast between the characters before and after."

Ning Hao flipped through the script, a look of delighted anticipation on his face.

He's only 28 years old, among the youngest directors in the industry, and he wants to make one film after another, leaving behind many good works while he's still young.

However, after "Crazy Stone," many film and television companies that wanted to make quick money offered him a hefty director's fee, but the scripts they provided were too cliché, and some even directly used a copy of "Crazy Stone."

Lacking good scripts, he remained idle, making a living by shooting music videos for others.

"If your next film is this, do you want to get the director's fee directly, or convert it into an investment?"

Tian Xiaole asked casually, regarding Ning Hao as a business partner and being willing to support him, as the latter also has his own studio.

"Of course we'd take investment; only a fool would take a fixed salary."

Ning Hao was very happy. The plot was simple and there weren't many scenes. As long as they filmed quickly, the assistant director would still have a chance.

"Then take it and submit it for review. You can start preparing the preliminary work first."

"How do you think your brain works? You can come up with such a good script so easily, while your sister Na has to rack her brains for half a day to write just two or three sentences."

Ning Hao stared at Tian Xiaole's head, feeling an urge to pry it open and take a look.

Tian Xiaole gave an awkward laugh:
"Stop joking around and get going. Keep the project a secret."

···
I thought "The Myth" would dominate the National Day film season, but then a Hollywood blockbuster, "Fantastic Four," suddenly appeared.

It achieved a remarkable box office result of 800 million yuan on its opening day, showing a formidable momentum.

The Golden Rooster Awards invited Tian Xiaole again, but this time he didn't say he would bring his work; he would just attend as an award presenter.

Tian Xiaole refused, citing work commitments. The other party thought it was just a perfunctory response, but didn't say anything more.

Before hanging up, I only said one thing: just don't go to Jinma.

Tian Xiaole looked puzzled and went online to check the news. It turned out that it was scheduled to clash with the Golden Horse Awards. Both sides were secretly competing with each other, seeing that the other side had more attending stars, more famous directors, and more films submitted.

In terms of influence, the Golden Rooster Awards are far inferior, at most confined to mainland China, while the Golden Horse Awards have a reach across the entire Chinese-speaking market.

The film industry's attention has been drawn to the latest batch of names approved by the Film Bureau.

"【Pacific Rim】, a science fiction disaster film."

Screenwriter: Tian Xiaole;

Submitting company for review: Xiaole Pictures.

···
"The rumored investment of 500 million yuan must be for this script!"

"Can China really make sci-fi films? Is Tian Xiaole out of his mind, and has Han Sanping gone mad too?"

"The highest-grossing domestic film, 'Hero,' only made 250 million yuan. To spend 500 million yuan to make a movie, how much of that must have been embezzled? I can only laugh."

There are many skeptics within the industry, and even more online.

If you want to make a blockbuster, take a step too big.

Amidst widespread discussion and outcry, those with fiery tempers have already begun to criticize.

Domestic news media received a joint invitation to the Pacific Rim Project Launch Conference.

(End of this chapter)