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

Chapter 245 Guo Fan's Project [Source Code]!
At this moment, Chen Guofu already had a bad feeling. If the negotiations between the two sides broke down, the script would be completely hopeless.

"Mr. Wang, I must remind you that my patience is limited, and I won't wait any longer."

After saying that, Tian Xiaole left the private room.

······
"Brother, what does this kid mean? Is he threatening us?" Wang Zhonglei said with a gloomy face and a cold tone.

The fact that there is no precedent for a film and television company going public in China does not mean that no one is optimistic about Huayi; otherwise, it would not have been able to raise funds for the fourth round.

"Regardless of what he means, we do need to consider the investment, as it concerns the company's future development."

Wang Zhongjun looked at the sumptuous meal on the table, but found it tasteless. He also lost interest in inviting the young starlet who was supposed to be drinking with him.

He worried that the addition of Tian Xiaole, an unstable factor, would shake their control over the company.

Huayi has received three rounds of financing in seven years, including from Taihe Group, TOM, and Yahoo! China, and its estimated market value has increased significantly.

But capital is not to be trifled with, and consequently, the shares held by the two brothers were diluted considerably.

Currently, the total shareholding is only 55%.

In the fourth round, they only wanted to contribute 5%, so that they would retain more than half of the shares.

·······
Tian Xiaole returned to the company, and Chen Zhixi followed her to the office, followed by a middle-aged man in his early fifties wearing glasses.

"Boss, this is Director Jiang Wei."

"Director Tian, ​​I've wanted to meet you for a long time, but I haven't had the chance."

Your achievements are unparalleled in the entire history of Chinese cinema, leaving us far behind.

Jiang Wei praised him with a smile, showing no trace of the integrity of a great director.

"Director Jiang is too kind. I have achieved my small success by standing on the shoulders of giants."

Tian Xiaole feigned modesty for a moment, then saw Jiang Wei smile and wave his hand, praising her again:

"Director Tian is too modest. No wonder he comes from a film family. His quality and manners are so high, and he is so low-key."

"..."

Tian Xiaole stood there awkwardly, feeling rather uncomfortable being praised in person by a much older director.

I glanced at Chen Zhixi and wondered if she was always this good at chatting.

I later learned that Jiang Wei came from a province known for its civil service exams, and he had a long repertoire of classical Chinese verses; if you really talked to him, you wouldn't repeat yourself.

Tian Xiaole quickly changed the subject and asked about the auditions over the past few days: "Director Jiang, how's the casting going?"

"I'm here to report on the casting process."

As Jiang Wei spoke, he took out a list of confirmed actors and handed it over.

Tian Xiaole took the document and looked through it; the casting choices were somewhat unexpected.

This version has a configuration several levels higher than the original.

"Can you explain why Sun Honglei was chosen to play Yu Zecheng?"

He doesn't interfere with casting; he's just curious why Sun Honglei was chosen to play the role in this version.

I heard from Chen Zhixi that Xin Boqing was Yu Zecheng's first choice.

"Since Sun Honglei doesn't want a fee, we can just announce it as a friendly price."

Jiang Wei smiled broadly, as if he had gotten a great deal.

This reason left Tian Xiaole speechless.

Unsurprisingly, Wu Jingzhong chose Li Xuejian, while the second female lead, Zuo Lan, was played by Dong Xuan.

With the addition of the pre-selected female lead Yan Dancheng, the main creative team for "Lurking" was finalized.

"That's settled then, the list can be released now."

Tian Xiaole handed the form back and looked at Chen Zhixi.

"Okay, boss."

······
In the afternoon, the cast list for "Lurking" appeared on Xiaole Pictures' official website.

What people in the industry talk about most is, of course, the pre-selected Yan Dancheng, which implies that there was a secret deal involved.

Even if it doesn't exist, it must exist.

Why is it that everyone else auditions according to the rules, but she gets special treatment?

This is often how rumors in the entertainment industry originate.

Although this time the guess was correct.

Secondly, there's Sun Honglei.

How did he, an "outsider," get this opportunity?

Among the cast, there are no outsiders who have any connection to the story.

The supporting cast is also very strong, consisting entirely of talented actors.

In Jiang Wei's eyes, someone like Lu Yi was just an idol, and he wasn't even considered.

The online discussion didn't last long before it was overshadowed by another news item.

#Director Tian Xiaole appears to have reconciled with Huayi Brothers#
The news report also included several photos of Tian Xiaole with the Wang brothers.

The two groups entered the restaurant one after the other. Although they didn't appear in the same frame, it left much to the imagination.

Many people called, all asking if a settlement had been reached.

The few companies with whom we have regular partnerships are the most anxious.

If Huayi joins in, its share will definitely be reduced when the project is divided up next time.

They genuinely hope that Tian Xiaole and Huayi maintain their current distance; reconciliation is the last thing they want to see.

Tian Xiaole only said that they had met once, and didn't reveal anything else.

I thought things would calm down, but I didn't expect it to have such a big influence in the industry. People outside really thought the two sides had made up.

When Han Sanping called to "question" him, he genuinely believed that Tian Xiaole had betrayed him.

As the person in charge of China Film Group, he certainly wants to see mainland film and television companies unite, help each other, and jointly develop the Chinese film industry.

When Hong Kong filmmakers moved north, Han Sanping provided Huayi with many conveniences in order to stabilize its base in mainland China.

The Wang brothers' rapid rise to power was inseparable from his support.

But as they grew stronger, they developed their own opinions.

Even for big projects like co-productions, they won't give China Film Group a share.

This is something Han Sanping cannot tolerate.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be called Zuo Shandiao.

"You want to invest in Huayi?"

Han Sanping was surprised when he heard Tian Xiaole's idea.

"The deal didn't go through, but I reckon they'll agree."

"I don't understand business matters, you know what's going on in your head."

Han Sanping offered a reminder: with the stock market in such a state, how can Huayi possibly succeed in listing?

·······
The Film Bureau was like a leaky cotton-padded coat, where everyone could get inside information.

Chen Zhixi had someone submit the script for filing, and only two days later, the news leaked out.

"Xiao Le Pictures has submitted a new movie script for review. The screenwriter is Tian Xiao Le, and the director is Guo Fan, a newcomer I've never heard of before."

The media, as if they had spotted a hot topic, swarmed downstairs at the company, trying to confirm the news's authenticity.

Chen Zhixi confirmed the online news reports in an interview.

The industry doesn't understand Tian Xiaole's move to promote new directors. Why give a newcomer a chance?
Many veteran directors are stuck at home waiting for opportunities because they don't have good scripts.

Everyone in the industry was asking who Guo Fan was and what his notable achievements were. The result was quite surprising: he applied to the Beijing Film Academy this year but failed to get in.

His most impressive resume includes serving as assistant director for Tian Xiaole on the set of "Pacific Rim".

He is also a director who was recently signed by Xiaole Pictures.

This has drawn envious glances from many young directors who have dreams but no brains and think their scripts are amazing.

Especially for students in the cinematography and directing departments of Beijing Film Academy, the biggest challenge they face is the funding issue for Virgos.

Ning Hao had to beg and plead to secure investment for his first film.

It's very difficult for directors to get investment these days. If they don't have any outstanding works, why would they give them money?

The young director's thinking was simple: if you don't invest in me, where will I get my work to show you?

And so, they fell into a vicious cycle.

Of course, people like Tian Xiaole who rely on their connections are excluded.

The most proactive ones are the companies we frequently cooperate with.

This time, Ye Ning reacted the fastest, immediately stating in a grand and generous manner:
"Director Tian, ​​Wanda's funds are always ready. Just let us know when the project's production costs are coming up."

Tian Xiaole thought to himself, "What a rich bastard."

Because of the Olympics, housing prices in the capital have risen several times in a row, and other parts of the country are not far behind, making real estate developers very rich.

"Mr. Ye, this project is mainly to promote new talent, and the investment scale is not large, so we don't plan to bring in other investors."

Hearing Tian Xiaole's refusal, Ye Ning didn't seem to care, after all, it wasn't like the former was personally directing.
Showing a positive attitude is also a way to improve the relationship between the two parties.

"Haha, if you need anything, Director Tian, ​​just say the word. Wanda has plenty of funds," Ye Ning generously promised.

After exchanging a few pleasantries and hanging up the phone, Tian Xiaole remembered that Wanda, as one of the investors in "Pacific Rim," needed to inform them that the film had been submitted for review.

It's been over a week since the film was submitted; it's not too late to notify a few companies after we get the film's approval document.

Wang Changtian and Huo Wenxi called one after the other.

Tian Xiaole used the same excuse to refuse them.

Upon hearing that it was directed by a newcomer, they all showed little interest.

Tian Xiaole found it strange that Han Sanping, who was usually the most proactive, had not reacted yet.

Some people couldn't resist the nagging, and the phone call came in, albeit late.

"I heard you're working on a script to mentor newcomers?"

"It's a low-budget sci-fi film. There aren't any directors in China who can make sci-fi films, so let's consider this as a way to nurture him."

Han Sanping smiled with relief. This kind of thing should be done by China Film Group, and only Tian Xiaole was willing to take the risk of incurring a loss.

Whether it's improving the level of domestic special effects or mentoring new directors, they invest without reservation.

"Xiao Le, you're really great. With you around, things have become much easier for me."

"Don't flatter me. This is a director I signed a 10-year contract with. I'm definitely going to train him to make money for me."

Han Sanping, who had just been deeply moved, was brought back to his senses by Tian Xiaole's simple purpose.

"Regardless of the purpose, as long as it benefits the development of Chinese films, China Film Group will provide full support. Is there a funding gap?"

"It's just an investment of 20 to 30 million, enough for me to play around with."

Tian Xiaole spoke very casually, but if people in the industry knew, they would definitely criticize him.

What he considered a small investment was a big project to others.

Ning Hao, a director who has successfully directed several commercial films, had a maximum investment of only 30 million yuan, not to mention other unknown directors.

In Tian Xiaole's view, this amount of investment is already very low for a science fiction film, especially considering that it has the support of the top domestic special effects team.

"Alright, but you've been idle for too long, it's time to get moving."

After the "Hunting" incident, Tian Xiaole did not start any projects in China, which Han Sanping saw as a sign of being idle.

Aside from Zhang Yimou, who's busy with opening ceremonies, which of China's top directors doesn't release one film a year?

Tian Xiaole gave a few perfunctory words and then hung up the phone. She seemed to be in a good mood.

I come to the company every day for a stroll, and then go home to play with my daughter, Tianxin. This kind of life is very pleasant.

Since the filming of Pacific Rim ended, Tian Xiaole hasn't seen his junior brother Lu Yang much, which shows that he's not interested in science fiction.

Tian Xiaole was a little puzzled that he had come all this way today.

Judging from his hesitant manner, you could tell he had something to say.

I remember when I asked him why he became a director, he said shyly that he wanted to find a beautiful wife.

I don't know if it's been achieved or not.

"Xiao Lu, I heard you graduated and became the assistant director for two of my films. You must be doing pretty well, right?"

"I made a short film, which received only so-so reviews at the film festival."

Lu Yang said with embarrassment, after all, he was the only person who had served as assistant director for Tian Xiaole's two films.

Failing to make a name for himself is a slap in the face to Tian Xiaole.

“Have you ever thought that this kind of subject matter might not be suitable for you? Try a different approach,” Tian Xiaole suggested.

Lu Yang hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke:
"I came here this time hoping that my senior brother would give me a chance. I know that I am not yet able to make films independently, and I just want to stay by your side to learn."

"You want to sign with Xiaole Pictures?"

Tian Xiaole was somewhat surprised. To be honest, Director Lu Yang's talent was only average.

You could tell from when I was his assistant director that he didn't have a clear goal and didn't know what kind of subjects he was good at.

After thinking it over carefully, I decided that staying to do odd jobs would be fine.

"Guo Fan needs an assistant director. Why don't you go and help him out?"

Seeing that Tian Xiaole didn't mention signing a contract, Lu Yang was a little disappointed. Just as he was about to thank her, he heard Tian Xiaole say, "Don't forget to go and sign the contract with Director Chen."

Lu Yang looked delighted and nodded repeatedly before leaving the office to find someone.

Judging from your hesitant look just now, you were really afraid of changing your mind.

Watching the people leave, Tian Xiaole shook her head; she knew she'd be busy from now on.

Once word gets out that Guo Fan has signed with Xiaole Pictures, his teachers will surely try to get those newly graduated cinematographers and directors from Beijing Film Academy to come over.

However, with Lao Tian leading the way, those old guys didn't dare to go too far. Those who were truly incompetent wouldn't dare to recommend someone to embarrass themselves.

Tian Xiaole felt somewhat helpless. Whether it was China Film Group or other film and television companies in the industry, there were still too few willing to cultivate new directors.

Lu Chuan-taro was able to secure his first film investment only because of Lao Lang's influence; it's too difficult for directors without connections to make a name for themselves.

·······
Two days have passed since I last met with the Wang brothers, and there has been no news yet.

Tian Xiaole put the matter out of her mind because the torchbearers had started running.

7th, 5 PM.

Before leaving home, Tian Xiaole dressed up carefully and arrived at the designated location wearing the uniform Olympic attire.

Before long, Zhang Yimou appeared before them, and Tian Xiaole went up to him and lit the torch.

The two looked at each other, smiled, and gave each other a high five.

Escorted by volunteers on both sides, Tian Xiaole started running.

Unlike the evening rehearsals, there were citizens on both sides coming to experience the Olympic atmosphere.

Tian Xiaole successfully passed the torch to the next person, and when asked if he could take the auspicious cloud torch as a souvenir.

Got a positive answer.

Tian Xiaole was very happy, as this was a testament to his participation in the Olympics.

(End of this chapter)