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

Chapter 170 Tang Yan actually made such an excessive request?
The film "Red Cliff" was originally scheduled to start filming at the end of the month, but news suddenly broke that a new actor had been replaced.

John Woo felt that one movie couldn't tell the whole story, so he planned to make it into two parts. This made the actors unhappy, and they demanded higher pay.

Chow Yun-fat was the most demanding, asking for his salary to increase from $250 million to $500 million, plus 3% of the global box office revenue.

As former comrades in misfortune, Wu Yusen readily agreed to Zhou Runfa's request.

However, the insurance company rejected Zhou Runfa's request because they considered the risk too high, so he ultimately chose to withdraw from the performance.

Left with no other choice, Wu Yusen approached Liang Chaowei again, who also requested a raise from US$150 million to US$300 million.

Meanwhile, the actual investment cost of "Red Cliff" was also revealed by the media: 7000 million US dollars.

Han Sanping is in a real bind right now. He snatched the project from them, and the budget keeps going up.

"Red Cliff" has become the most expensive Chinese-language film ever made, and judging from the current situation, it may not even be able to start filming on time.

Han Sanping frowned as he recalled Tian Xiaole's reminder, feeling that this project was a hot potato.

His idea was to use the film's investment budget to promote the construction of film and television projects, rather than spending the money on actors' salaries.

···
Right now, Tian Xiaole is in his office, holding Tang Yan's delicate body in his arms, his hands roaming over her body.

"Brother Le, your technique is getting better and better. How many women have you massaged?"

"Don't slander me. I've always been the most devoted to you."

Tian Xiaole pinched Tang Yan's face and firmly denied it.

He won't admit to something without evidence.

"Oh, then let's go public with our relationship."

Tang Yan put her arm around Tian Xiaole's neck, looked up at him, and said in a very serious tone.

If this clandestine relationship could be formalized, it would be a huge boost to her status as an actress.

Actors are just puppets of capital in the industry.

But becoming a famous director and the girlfriend of a film company owner is a different story.

Tang Yan knew that Tian Xiaole had many women around him, but only she had ever been rumored to be having an affair with him.

This proves that the confidentiality work was done well.

The identities of the others, like hers, are unrecognized.

Tang Yan had had enough; she wanted to be promoted to a permanent position.

"cough!"

Tian Xiaole coughed and quickly changed the subject:
"The sequel to 'Night at the Museum' has added a Chinese female character, and I have the final say on the casting..."

"Ah~ah~"

Before she could finish speaking, Tang Yan let out a shriek, offered her a sweet kiss, and said in a coquettish voice:
"Brother Le, can you rub it for me?"

Seeing Tian Xiaole change the subject, Tang Yan put her previous thoughts aside and decided to get the role first.

Being able to act in a Hollywood movie is something that many actors in the industry dream of.

Soon after, decadent sounds filled the office.

after a while……

Tian Xiaole stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, smoking a cigarette, looking at the bustling construction site of Beijing, feeling deeply moved.

"This is the age for hard work, not for indulging in a life of luxury. Chinese cinema still needs to be strengthened."

"Brother Le, what are you talking about?"

Tang Yan hugged his waist from behind.

"It's nothing, the role of [the museum] is yours."

Tian Xiaole exhaled a smoke ring, turned around to look at Tang Yan, whose face was rosy, and pinched her cheek.

"If you learn English well, you'll be given priority when there are Hollywood projects."

He couldn't give Tang Yan any promises, but he could help her more in her career.

If she finds someone she likes that day, Tian Xiaole will still give her her blessings.

"Brother Le, you really are good to me."

Tang Yan's love-struck mind has taken over.

···
Tang Yan limped away. Her way of repaying him was simple: she tried her best to satisfy this man who didn't want to take responsibility.

Tian Xiaole lay on the chair, scrolling through news online.

Hongxingwu has sued Song Zude for defamation in response to his false accusations.

Tian Xiaole shook her head; she had gone too far.

John Woo announced to the public that filming for "Red Cliff" has been postponed.

Immediately, major media outlets flocked to the scene like cats smelling fish, eager to learn about this big-budget production.

Soon, a so-called insider leaked information.

Many actors demanded higher salaries, several investors kept adding more investment, and the insurance company felt the project was too risky and directly halted filming.

Tian Xiaole checked the underwriting company; it was from the United States, and only they could handle insurance policies for this type of project.

Two years later, Stephen Chow's new film, "CJ2," which he wrote, directed, and starred in, has been approved.

A post that was exposed instantly attracted the attention of netizens.

The internal procurement list for the film "The Assassin," which cost $40 million to produce, has been leaked.

The suit of armor worn by Jet Li cost over a million dollars to make.

There's also a set of golden armor that didn't appear in the show, which cost 500,000 to make.

Even the costumes worn by the extras cost no less than 1,000 yuan each.

"A tattered piece of clothing costs so much? Is it made of real silk?"

"A period drama should focus on plot and scenes, rather than the superficial luxury of costumes."

As criticism from within the industry spread rapidly, dissenting voices soon followed.

"They even paid attention to small details like the extras' costumes. [The Assassin] is definitely a blockbuster full of sincerity!"

"From director Chen Kexin to extras, everyone is dedicated to recreating the four great unsolved cases of the late Qing Dynasty."

"..."

With the constant praise and the extravagant spending of the production team, few people mention it anymore, and netizens have turned their attention to the quality of the film.

Jay Chou's "Kung Fu Dunk," which he is currently filming, is a co-production between Shanghai Film Studio and Taiwan.

The film is preparing to enter the overseas market and wants to find an actor who has appeared overseas to make a cameo appearance.

Since they couldn't afford to hire Jackie Chan or Jet Li, they turned their attention to Huang Bo, but the latter's schedule was completely full and he had no free time at all.

None of this matters. Just contact Tian Xiaole, the boss, and have Zhou Jielun, with whom you have a good relationship, call.

Jay Chou, who doesn't know how to refuse, actually listened to him.

"Brother Le, that's how it is. Two away games will suffice."

"Alright, for your sake, I'll let him go."

The box office failure of "Curse of the Golden Flower" did not affect Jay Chou's commercial value. He released a high-quality album every year, maintained his fan base, and his commercial value soared.

"Jay, you haven't released an album yet this year, have you? Don't forget your main job as a singer."

"How could I forget? I can give you some inside information: my eighth album will be released in November, and it's no worse than the previous ones."

Jay Chou said confidently.

"Okay, then I look forward to your new song."

···
20th Century Fox held a press conference in Hollywood.

The project for "Night at the Museum 2" has been announced, and it has also been revealed that a Chinese character will be added to the sequel.

The news was reprinted by the media and spread back to China, quickly becoming known to the public.

"The Chinese characters added in 【Night at the Museum 2】have the right to choose the actors as the screenwriter, as director Tian Xiaole has the right to do so."

This message was like a hornet's nest, with actors both familiar and unfamiliar with the industry calling to inquire about the role.

"Director Tian, ​​I'm willing to buy the role you have, or we can exchange benefits, as long as you recommend Tian Tian for it."

"Mr. Lu, Tian Tian has just been admitted to film school. Her primary task is to improve her acting skills. There's no need to rush for a performance opportunity."

Lu Zhen was a competent caregiver, spending real money to pave the way for Jing Tian, ​​but he didn't understand how the entertainment industry worked. No matter how much money he spent, he could only make a small splash. His idea was simple: if Jing Tian could act in a Hollywood project, it would greatly help her acting career, regardless of her acting skills.

I prefer to improve through acting rather than studying in a rigid, structured way at school.

"The role has been confirmed and will be played by an actor from one of our companies."

"Director Tian, ​​this is just a matter of a word from you."

Lu Zhen chuckled lightly, speaking casually.

Actors in the entertainment industry have absolutely no room for negotiation when it comes to capital.

This tone made Tian Xiaole very uncomfortable, and she said rather rudely:

"Was this role Jing Tian herself wanted to play, or was it President Lu's idea?"

Sensing the change in Tian Xiaole's tone, Lu Zhen became serious:

"Director Tian, ​​it's me who wants to give Tian Tian a chance."

"If you really care about Jing Tian, ​​you should focus on improving her acting skills. Great directors prefer to use actors with mature acting skills."

Tian Xiaole pointed out that whether it's Zhang Yimou, the director Chen who wears a hat, or Feng Xiaogang, they all use actors with solid acting skills.

Lu Zhen didn't have a detailed training plan; relying solely on throwing money at resources, Jing Tian would at best be a second-tier actress.

Jing Tian, ​​this little cabbage, is Tian Xiaole's first choice for a daughter-in-law. The old lady is getting old, so she definitely needs to look after her granddaughter-in-law, and it would be even better if she could see her grandson.

The phone rang, interrupting Tian Xiaole's thoughts. She glanced at the caller ID; it was Fan Binbin calling.

"Director Tian, ​​the custom-made fox spirit costume has arrived. Come and deal with me!"

Hearing Fan Binbin's seductive and provocative voice, and hearing him make such an excessive request, Tian Xiaole almost lost control.

But if she calls at this time, it must be because of the role; this woman's ambition is always written on her face.

"Do you want to be punished, or do you want a role?"

Fan Binbin didn't hide anything and said, "Director Tian, ​​I want both of them. Is there a chance?"

"No, someone has already been chosen."

Tian Xiaole refused without hesitation.

"Who is it that has caught your eye, Director Tian?"

"Tang cigarettes from my company."

"She has no butt and no breasts, how could she be more suitable than me?"

Fan Binbin spoke in a sweet, coquettish tone, trying to seize the opportunity.

"She's an artist in my company, but you're not, it's that simple."

Tian Xiaole's words extinguished Fan Binbin's hopes.

Huang Bo returned with a gilded resume, his commercial value soared, and he made a lot of money for the company.

How could someone with global exposure give away just a few words to an outsider?

This is the prevailing opinion in this era: the grass is always greener on the other side.

Chow Yun-fat, a guy like him, went to make two Hollywood movies, both of which flopped at the box office and he came back in disgrace, but his salary was two to three times higher than before.

To prevent others from coveting the role, Tian Xiaole asked Chen Zhixi to issue a public announcement.

Soon, Xiaole Pictures' official account was updated.

"In 'Night at the Museum 2,' Tang Yan will play the role of Mulan."

The character she plays is a fictional figure from Chinese history, summoned by Huang Bo through a time portal. She will showcase Mulan's intelligence and resourcefulness, helping the main characters overcome various obstacles.

After the news was announced, Tang Yan's fans were overjoyed and praised the company's arrangement as brilliant and wise.

No other female celebrity fans acted like those in "The Forbidden Kingdom" because it was a project of their own company.

Tang Yan breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the announcement, even though she knew Tian Xiaole wouldn't lie to her.

For a time, she became one of the most watched actresses.

Numerous film and endorsement offers came her way, with people starting to bet on her.

···
After Huang Bo was confirmed as the male lead for "Crazy Racer," Ning Hao began auditioning other actors.

They called Tian Xiaole over, saying they wanted him to intimidate the scoundrels.

Ning Hao's studio is not affiliated with any other film and television company, which means he has to be very careful in the capital city.

When Tian Xiaole arrived, she saw that many of the actors auditioning in the reception room were familiar faces.

The cast includes actors from both "Stone" and "Limitless," suggesting that Ning Hao is a director who prefers to use familiar faces, and doesn't seem to have any handsome men or beautiful women in his films.

"Director Tian."

There were many actors waiting to audition, but only Xu Zheng dared to come over and say hello. He had participated in Tian Xiaole's first two films.

"You got the role?"

Xu Zheng touched his bald head and said with a smile, "They gave me an important supporting role."

"No role is too small, as long as you play it well."

"Of course, I look forward to having the opportunity to act in your movies again," Xu Zheng said with a smile.

"If there are suitable roles, I will collaborate. I also like to work with familiar actors who have good acting skills."

"Huang Bo, who co-starred with me in 'Stone,' is now an international actor," Xu Zheng said enviously, then asked:

"Director Tian, ​​does Xiaole Pictures still sign actors?"

Looking at Xu Zheng's expectant eyes, it was hard to tell whether he really wanted to sign the contract or was just being polite and trying to get closer to him.

In either case, Tian Xiaole would clearly refuse.

“Our company only signs promising newcomers; established actors like you are not suitable.”

Many actors who came to audition were envious of Xu Zheng's casual conversation with Tian Xiaole, thinking they might get a chance to act.

Wang Xun, who has appeared in "Stone" and Wang Shuangbao, who has appeared in "Extreme Challenge", has landed a supporting role.

Xu Zheng exchanged pleasantries for a while, made a good impression, and then left.

···
While Tian Xiaole was bored, he received a call from Han Sanping, asking him to go to China Film Group.

The voice on the phone sounded like it was something very important.

After saying goodbye to Ning Hao and his wife, he left Bad Monkey.

Before coming, I wanted to ask Ning Hao if he would accept investment, but it seems I'll have to wait until next time.

"Uncle Han, what do you want to see me about?"

"Xiao Le, tell me, why didn't you have a good feeling about the [Red Cliff] project back then?"

After experiencing a series of events, Han Sanping couldn't help but recall Tian Xiaole's previous advice.

From the moment I first heard about this project until China Film Group got involved, I was skeptical from the start.

"It's very simple. John Woo is a director from Hong Kong, who received a Western-style education and lacks understanding of Chinese history. As it turns out, my judgment was correct, as can be seen from the casting announcement of the film..."

Tian Xiaole leisurely sipped her tea and spoke unhurriedly.

"China Film Group has already invested a lot of money in the project 'Red Cliff,' but now it has been halted by the insurance company. The crew has thousands of people, and the cost of food and supplies for the crew and horses alone is enormous."

"What is China Film Group's attitude?" Tian Xiaole asked curiously.

"What else can we do but add more deposits and let the crew start filming first?"

In this situation, all they can do is hope for a good box office performance when the movie is released, but Tian Xiaole is not a good film, which is making Han Sanping a little frustrated.

"This is a situation where you're caught in a dilemma, and there's no turning back now; you're on a dead end."

Tian Xiaole suppressed a laugh and said jokingly.

"Stop making sarcastic remarks and give me some advice." Han Sanping said helplessly.

After thinking it over carefully, Tian Xiaole realized that the domestic box office of "Red Cliff" was mediocre, and the overseas box office was even worse, except in one place, where it made a fortune.

"The Japanese really like the Three Kingdoms theme, and box office revenue is the main source of income. When the movie is released, we shouldn't sell the copyright outright, but rather adopt a revenue-sharing model based on box office revenue."

"Is it that simple?"

The suggestion to talk about things after the movie's release before filming has even started sounds a bit outrageous.

But as Tian Xiaole said, they are now in a bind and have no choice but to go all the way down this dark path.

(End of this chapter)