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

Chapter 157 A massive project worth seventy million US dollars!
early morning.

Tian Xiaole was woken up by the noise and opened her eyes to see a fair and beautiful face.

Gao Yuanyuan always felt that Tian Xiaole was neither close nor distant, both psychologically and physically.

Right now, she just wants to enjoy the moment.

Tian Xiaole wasn't about to let her have her way. She flipped over and pinned her down, seizing the initiative.

···
Tian Xiaole took a shower and left feeling refreshed.

Gao Yuanyuan's eyes were lifeless, and she lay on the bed like a lump of mud.

The premiere of "The Museum" still needs to be coordinated with Fox. Given the rapidly growing domestic market, Hollywood is very interested in this piece of the pie.

Tian Xiaole returned to the company and sent an email to Fox, saying that the first film might not do very well at the domestic box office, but since it was a series of films, they had to consider the sequel's performance in the domestic market.

The response from the other side was quick, agreeing to hold a premiere in the country.

"Boss, Shu Chang has received an invitation from 'The Deer and the Cauldron,' what do you think?"

Chen Zhixi knocked on the door and came in, followed by Shu Chang.

Do you want to answer?

Looking at Shu Chang, Tian Xiaole asked.

Shu Chang debuted as a child star and has good acting skills. Instead of attending a good art school, she was admitted to a media university.

In her words, being an actor is unstable, and having a good education makes it easier to find a job.

Putting aside other aspects, Zhang Jizhong is a golden brand in the field of martial arts TV dramas in mainland China.

"I want to take the job; I want to earn more tuition fees."

"Then take it. If anything happens on set, just ask the company to step in."

Zhang Dahuzi doesn't have a good reputation; he likes to take advantage of others and then not do anything.

"Thank you, Director Tian."

Shu bowed in gratitude, feeling a sense of security after breaking free from the exploitative boss and the family-run brokerage team.

···
【Dragon Tiger Gate】became a complete joke. Donnie Yen's box office and critical reception surpassed 【Ip Man】, ultimately earning 5400 million yuan at the mainland box office.
The film, based in Hong Kong Island, just grossed over ten million Hong Kong dollars.

It vividly portrays the decline of Hong Kong films.

Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible III incorporated a lot of Chinese elements and even filmed scenes in China to appeal to audiences.

Besides the skyscrapers of Shanghai, there are also ancient towns and villages in Jiangnan, creating a very disjointed scene.

The cast list for "The Deer and the Cauldron" has been released, including Huang Xiaoming, Shu Chang, and Ying Cai'er...

Instantly, many actors who had gained popularity through Zhang Jizhong began to criticize him.

From "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and "The Return of the Condor Heroes" to the current "The Deer and the Cauldron," a "public audition" is always held during the casting process.

This gives many actors the illusion that they might be selected.

Du Chun, the actress whose popularity was being exploited, was furious and immediately held a press conference to list Zhang Jizhong's ten major offenses.

They turned actor auditions into talent shows, with fans attacking and cursing each other to create hype.

Seeing that things were about to go wrong, Huayi hurriedly issued a statement, which managed to quell the controversy.

Huang Xiaoming has already been flirting with Huayi Brothers and doesn't want this public opinion to affect his popularity.

Tian Xiaole also paid attention to the news.

Huang Xiaoming has remained popular for so long without any major scandals, which shows he's quite adept at handling things.

He was sued by his former agency, and although it wasn't his fault, he still paid money to resolve the matter.

After filming "Pacific Rim," she immediately joined the cast of the TV series "New Shanghai Bund," and good opportunities have been coming her way continuously.

Tian Xiaole received a call from an unknown number; it was Zhou Jielun calling.

He had just finished an event in the capital and wanted to arrange a meeting.

When Tian Xiaole arrived at the private dining room, which offered excellent privacy, Jay Chou and his assistant Da Ni were already waiting for her.

"Jerlen".

"Director Tian."

“I’m a bit older than you, just call me Brother Le, no need to be so formal.”

Tian Xiaole, ever the friendly type, patted Zhou Jielun on the shoulder and said...

"Are you really older than me?"

Jay Chou, fearing he might be taken advantage of, asked with some skepticism.

Tian Xiaole pulled out a chair, sat down, and casually asked:

What year were you born?

"79, what about you?"

"I was born in '78, so I'm older than you, right?"

Seeing Jay Chou nod blankly, Tian Xiaole suppressed a laugh.

During the meal, they ate and drank, and talked about everything from music and movies to basketball. The two got along better and better.

Tian Xiaole discovered that Jay Chou not only has talent in music, but also has insights into directing.

He has participated in and directed many of his music videos, making him more professional than the average directing student.

"Brother Le, didn't you ask me to write a promotional song for the movie last time? You still haven't told me what the movie is about."

Jay Chou's alcohol tolerance is average; his face was flushed, and he stuttered a bit when he spoke. He was also wearing a baseball cap in the room, trying to look cool.

Tian Xiaole put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth with a cloth:

"The film tells the story of Earth being invaded by alien creatures, and humanity using advanced technology..."

Jay Chou listened attentively, nodding from time to time, and was drawn into the story.

After recounting the general plot of "Pacific Rim," Tian Xiaole took a sip of red wine to soothe her throat.

Jay Chou first inquired about the subsequent plot: "After the nuclear bomb was dropped, was the crisis resolved?"

Dani also looked over expectantly, wanting to know the answer.

"It's been temporarily lifted. This is a foreshadowing to facilitate the filming of a sequel," Tian Xiaole explained with a smile.

"This show sounds really cool. I actually want to make a sci-fi film, not a big-scale movie like this, but a soft sci-fi campus drama."

Tian Xiaole became interested and asked, "Tell me about it, I can give you some advice."

"The female protagonist I envisioned travels back in time because of a musical score, and unexpectedly meets the male protagonist. They both love music, and after spending some time together, they gradually develop feelings for each other."

Because of a misunderstanding, the female lead believed she had traveled back to the future, while the male lead, in order to find her, traveled back to the past through playing the piano, and the two eventually got together.

When Jay Chou was telling his story, he seemed quite shy, after all, he was in front of the famous director Tian Xiaole.

This kind of campus romance, disguised with fantasy time-travel elements, is really not presentable.

"This story is good, very original, and refreshing," Tian Xiaole praised.

With such a clever story concept, it far surpasses many domestic screenwriters in the youth genre.

Aside from school-related matters, I can't think of anything new.

"Haha, I also think the story is great, I'm really awesome!"

After some conversation, the two became closer and spoke more casually.

"This kind of happy ending is too beautiful. If the male protagonist travels to the wrong time or grows old because of the future time, this kind of regretful ending might be more touching."

Tian Xiaole recalls that when the movie was released, it didn't receive high praise and its box office performance was mediocre.

The story is novel, but it lacks memorable elements; a tragic approach might be more suitable.

Jay Chou fell into deep thought, and after a while, he slowly said:
"Both of these endings are good, but audiences might not easily accept this kind of ending in a coming-of-age film."

Tian Xiaole raised her glass, looked at Jay Chou: "Youth is always full of regrets, isn't it!"

"Maybe."

Jay Chou nodded, and the two clinked their glasses together and drank it all in one gulp.

Before the show ended, Jay Chou patted his chest and promised that he would definitely write a really awesome song.

Tian Xiaole made two requests: the song should convey redemption and a sense of confidence.

···
The next day, when Tian Xiaole arrived at the company, she went to the post-production department first, as usual.

The cost of special effects production is hundreds of thousands every day, and the speed at which it consumes funds is chilling.

When I asked the special effects supervisor, they said it was just the simplest visuals; the battle scenes and nuclear explosions were truly spectacular.

The total cost of set construction, props, actor salaries, and filming for "Pacific Rim" was less than 100 million yuan.

The remaining 400 million yuan was all invested in post-production. Fortunately, labor costs were not high, otherwise it would have been impossible to produce such a sci-fi blockbuster.

If you take it abroad to make, the cost will not be cheaper, and may even be more expensive, since other countries have a monopoly on the market.

Tian Xiaole became even more convinced that by leveraging the Pangu influence and offering high salaries to attract talent, they could use this opportunity to cultivate their own people.
Ning Hao has been focusing on the post-production of "Extreme" lately. There are no big scenes or special effects, but the post-production is quite fast.

"Xiao Le, we can start choosing a release date for the film now."

He was very enthusiastic, after all, it was the first film he had ever invested in.

"Your efficiency is truly remarkable."

Tian Xiaole gave Ning Hao a thumbs up: "Then I'll go to China Film Group. Do you want to come along?"

"You can go, I'll pass." Ning Hao waved his hand in refusal.

"It's basically confirmed that Han Sanye will be the next chairman of China Film Group. Since you're in the film industry, it won't hurt to get to know him better."

"You're right, then I'll go with you."

Ning Hao nodded, agreeing with Tian Xiaole's point.

Han Sanping was in a good mood. "Night at the Museum" was scheduled for release, and they were also casting for "Red Cliff". He had both achievements and political success.

All of this was ruined by that hillbilly Zhang Weiping.

He was very stubborn and made it clear that "Curse of the Golden Flower" would not be rescheduled, believing that the so-called Spring Festival release was just a coincidence.

Continuing to criticize Han Sanping is an attempt to ruin Chinese-language films.

"Here is the release schedule. Take a look and see which release date you want to choose."

Tian Xiaole took the form from Han Sanping. According to Ning Hao's schedule, the "Extreme Profession" application should be completed and submitted for review in at most half a month. October has Feng Xiaogang's "The Banquet" and "Baby Project," and November's schedule is stuck in the middle.

The Lunar New Year film season is quite lively.

There's "Curse of the Golden Flower" stubbornly sticking to its release date, "Night at the Museum" making a surprise appearance, and "Still Life," directed by Jia Zhangke, which just won the Golden Lion.

Marco Müller truly loves Chinese-language films; last year he gave his film to Lao Tian in "Into the Dust," and this year he gave it to Jia Zhangke.

"Since 'Curse of the Golden Flower' isn't going to be released during the Spring Festival, let's let 'Extreme Job' go instead. The plot is family-friendly and suitable for this release period."

After Tian Xiaole finished speaking, she looked at Ning Hao, wanting to see his opinion:

"What do you think, Mouse?"

"Yeah, I think the Spring Festival releases are pretty good too. I hope the box office can catch up with your 'The Thieves'."

Ning Hao nodded and said with a smile.

"Then let's go for the Spring Festival release, to show those short-sighted people, so they won't just fixate on one release window."

Han Sanping took the schedule, put it back in the drawer, and spoke with some dissatisfaction towards Zhang Weiping, that hillbilly.

"The casting for 【Red Cliff】is a huge undertaking. Top domestic and international actors are being contacted. Before filming even starts, half of the budget must have already been spent."

Tian Xiaole joked with a smile.

A $50 million project, coupled with the reputation of a Hollywood director, has attracted many A-list actors.

Hong Kong Island, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are all vying for it, and Wu Yusen is also in contact with it.

The casting process was even more impressive than that for Pacific Rim.

Speaking of this, Han Sanping was no longer sleepy and said with a smile:
“From the moment the film was conceived, it was designed for global distribution, so it was natural to choose famous actors and pay them higher salaries.”

Got~
Tian Xiaole's original intention was to remind people about the use of funds, but it seems he was just throwing a tantrum at a blind man.

Han Sanping became more and more excited as he spoke about such a large-scale production.

"By the way, China Film Group just invested in a TV series, a remake of one of the Four Great Classical Novels, 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' If your company has any suitable actors, you can recommend them."

Tian Xiaole admired Han Sanping's eye for talent; he managed to find even the worst films and was quite generous with his investments.

"It seems like none of them are available, so let's skip this one."

Tian Xiaole refused and left China Film Group with Ning Hao.

···
"Xiao Le, you don't think Red Cliff has a good chance?"

Ning Hao knows Tian Xiaole well; he wouldn't bring up an unrelated movie without reason, especially with a look of disdain.

“Hong Kong production teams can’t capture the weight of history, especially directors like John Woo, whose thoughts and consciousness have been assimilated by the West. Their historical films will definitely be a mess, neither fish nor fowl.”

Tian Xiaole expressed her opinion without any hesitation.

Tear~
Ning Hao gasped.

If, as Tian Xiaole said, they spend 50 million US dollars to make a terrible movie, Han Sanping would be furious!
"Aren't you going to remind Chairman Han?" Ning Hao asked.

“I told you, it’s no use!” Tian Xiaole shrugged helplessly. “He’s been blinded by big directors and big productions.”

···
Since Wang Jinghua left, the Wang brothers have been very high-profile in everything they do. They held press conferences to announce the release dates of "The Banquet" and "Rob-B-Hood".

The release dates are only half a month apart, giving the impression that they are splitting up the National Day holiday box office.

It did have an effect; other films avoided it like the plague.

Feng Xiaogang and Jackie Chan are both box office guarantees.

"Big brother, should we announce the collaboration while the hype is still high?"

Lionsgate and Huayi Brothers have put together a co-production with two male leads, and Jackie Chan and Jet Li have been cast. Their salaries are currently being negotiated.

The collaboration between two international superstars is generating immense buzz, and the news is sure to cause a sensation in the entertainment industry.

"Let it out, let others know that it's not just Tian Xiaole who has Hollywood projects, Huayi also does."

The next morning, Huayi announced a collaboration, instantly attracting the attention of the entertainment industry, even overshadowing Wu Yusen's "Red Cliff".

"Huayi Brothers will co-produce a film with Lionsgate in Hollywood, featuring two male leads, with a projected investment of 70 million US dollars. The script has been submitted for review, and casting will soon be held across Asia..."

Actors and stars from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea flocked to the event.

Mainland actors aren't that enthusiastic. Apart from Tian Xiaole, who uses mainland actors, other film and television companies and big directors prefer top-tier actors from outside the mainland.

Some media outlets have revealed that the two male leads in Huayi Brothers' co-production are Jackie Chan and Jet Li, while the female lead has not yet been determined.

Regardless of whether the news is true or false, the entertainment industry has been in an uproar.

Both are kung fu superstars with considerable influence in Hollywood, not to mention in Asia, where their appeal is even stronger.

If I could play the female lead, in such a top-tier cast, I could definitely rise to the top overnight.

Major portal websites and entertainment media outlets are all reporting this news.

Just one day later, media outlets photographed Cheng Long, Wang Zhonglei, and Rob Minkoff having dinner together.

The news that was just exposed and then immediately proved itself is definitely Huayi's manipulation of public opinion. They're really going all out to increase the buzz.

Or rather, they're waiting for the fish to take the bait.

With half of the information being true, netizens began spontaneously recommending suitable actresses, and the heated discussion was so intense that it resembled a chaotic battle among fans.

Fan Binbin, Liu Yifei, Zhao Yanzi, Ruby Lin...

The most popular female celebrities are among those being discussed.

Several days have passed, and apart from talent agencies and potential actors, film and television companies in the industry have not received any news about sharing the pie.

Han Sanping called Tian Xiaole to inquire about the share of the film and television company. He could ignore the other film and television companies, but surprisingly, China Film Group didn't even bother with him.

"Xiao Le, how much of a share did Huayi give you?"

Tian Xiaole: “???”

"They didn't even make a single phone call, so where did they get a share?"

Tian Xiaole was so angry he laughed. Although he wouldn't accept the share of such a terrible movie even if it were given to him for free, it was a bit unreasonable that you didn't even make a phone call.

"Not even you?"

Han Sanping was quite surprised. Tian Xiaole had made a lot of money with Huayi, but he would take on good projects himself. This was a matter of character.

He exclaimed, "These two brothers are so unethical, hogging all the food themselves!"

"Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn't want it, haha."

Han Sanping felt that Tian Xiaole was just talking in anger. With Jackie Chan and Jet Li co-starring, and given their star power, the film was bound to be a hit.

···
Compared to the chaotic news and leaks outside, things were also unsettled within Huayi.

The project's female lead was being watched by both of the Binbins.

Fan Binbin became the most popular actress in China, bar none, thanks to her role in "The Thief".

Zhao Yanzi, Ruby Lin, and Liu Yifei are all top-tier actresses in terms of national recognition and popularity in the television drama field.

However, there is a barrier between movies and TV series.

The atmosphere in Huayi's president's office was tense.

Wang Zhonglei sat in the main seat, looking at the two people in front of him with a furrowed brow.

Fan Binbin and Li Binbin sat facing each other on separate single sofas.

"Mr. Wang, 'The Thief' just came out not long ago. Its box office record should not be surpassed by any film in the next two years. My popularity and fame are top-tier in China. Given the company's collaboration with Lionsgate, shouldn't I be cast as the female lead?"

Fan Binbin crossed his legs, spoke logically and persuasively, and even gave Li Binbin a provocative look.

"Over the years, I have always been conscientious and dedicated. I have never complained about the second or third female lead roles that the company has assigned me. I would like to ask Mr. Wang to give me a chance for this co-production project."

Li Binbin's apparent show of weakness was actually a reminder to Wang Zhonglei that after so many years with the company, he had only played supporting roles, whether in "A World Without Thieves" or "The Knot."

"Some people are not good at their jobs and blame the company for not providing them with enough resources. It's really eye-opening."

Fan Binbin said sarcastically, his implication quite clear.

"I want to remind someone that if it weren't for acting in Director Tian's film, they would be nothing more than a pretty face."

"Then I'm a pretty vase too, unlike some people, tsk tsk..."

Fan Binbin shook his head, his tone clearly sarcastic.

Li Binbin was getting anxious. His looks, physique, box office success, and popularity were all inferior to Fan Binbin's, and his eloquence was no match for hers.

Snapped!
She slammed her hand on the coffee table: "In the entertainment industry, don't act like you're so high and mighty. Don't you know how rotten you are?"

Fan Binbin, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, said: "It's better than you having no one to rely on..."

To outsiders, the two are glamorous A-list female celebrities, yet they are now arguing without regard for their status.

More accurately, the two women started arguing.

They talk about reproductive organs all the time.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
"Stop arguing!"

Seeing that Fan Binbin and Li Binbin were about to fight, Wang Zhonglei slammed his fist on the table three times and shouted almost in a roaring tone.

Seeing that their boss was angry, the two, who had been exchanging insults about each other's families, immediately stopped.

Fan Binbin returned to her seat, leisurely sipped her coffee, and felt that she had the best chance.

Li Binbin was sulking, staring intently at Fan Binbin, his eyes practically spitting fire.

If I hadn't worried so much back then and recommended Fan Binbin to sign with Huayi Brothers, none of this mess would have happened now.

Looking at the company's two pillars, Wang Zhonglei didn't know whether to scold or beat them, so he could only tell the truth.

"When we collaborate with Lionsgate on this project, the company doesn't have the right to cast the roles. If you want the roles, you have to go and fight for them yourselves."

"what?"

The two Binbins were very surprised that the company had invested in a project that didn't have the right to cast actors. Was this still the same powerful Huayi?

Then I realized it was a Hollywood project, and I understood.

When co-producing with Hong Kong, mainland companies and actors are always a level below, let alone Hollywood film companies.

"Just keep this to yourselves, don't spread it around," Wang Zhonglei sternly instructed.

The two Binbins nodded, both thinking at the same time about how to get the role.

Without prior arrangement, they all thought of the same man, who had collaborated with Lionsgate several times.

(End of this chapter)