It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 136 Do you know how I've spent the past five years? (Seeking monthly votes)

As is well known, determining plagiarism cases in cultural and film works is very complex.

Because films and television programs contain a variety of elements such as scripts, dialogues, visuals, and camera language, a comprehensive comparison is needed to determine whether plagiarism has occurred.

However, some works are revised as they are filmed, making it difficult to provide a complete script, which increases the difficulty of comparison.

Some plagiarists also use methods such as changing characters or scenes to rewrite their work. The surface may be different, but the core is the same, making it difficult to identify by text plagiarism detection alone.

The plagiarism case of "Kekexili" naturally falls into this category.

This has resulted in the lawsuit dragging on for nine months since Liu Yujun officially filed the lawsuit last October, and it's almost been a year!

Lu Chuan knew she was in the wrong, but she was unwilling to be labeled as a "plagiarist," so she kept delaying and refusing to cooperate.

It's important to know that going to court is time-consuming, laborious, and expensive.

Many ordinary people who have been wronged often cannot hold out until the trial and have to choose an out-of-court settlement.

In his previous life, Liu Yujun was forced to settle out of court, take the money and leave, and swallow his anger because of excessive external pressure and insufficient financial resources.

But in this life, with Lü Rui providing financial support and hiring the best lawyers at high prices, his biggest difficulty was immediately resolved.

So he spent half a year doing no other work, focusing solely on finding key evidence of plagiarism.

In the end, he actually found a lot of material!

Lu Chuan is too lazy; he's not even willing to put in the effort to copy. He's just writing the script based on the documentary.

The younger brother's words in the movie, the private life of the veteran patrol team members, the living habits of Tibetan antelopes, getting stuck in a car during a chase, quicksand swallowing people...

He didn't collect the information that he should have personally conducted in-depth research on; instead, he filmed it based on a documentary.

As someone who experienced it firsthand, no one understands the source of these materials better than Liu Yujun.

So he extracted all those shots from the film and compared them with the documentary as evidence in court.

It also includes audio recordings of Sonam Dargye's family members and veteran patrol members giving their accounts.

They can all testify that Lu Chuan never conducted any on-site research, and that the content in the movie was all fabricated by him.

So, if you don't collect this information yourself, how can you just make it up based on your imagination?
What kind of international joke are you kidding?
Therefore, there is only one truth:
It's copied!
After the legal team submitted all the evidence and made it clear that they would not accept an out-of-court settlement, the court of first instance finally delivered its verdict.

"It is true that 'Kekexili' plagiarized 'I Am a Tibetan Antelope'! The director, Lu Chuan, has been sentenced to a legal penalty, barred from profiting from his work, ordered to issue a public apology, and pay 20 yuan in damages..."

The fine is a minor matter; 20 yuan isn't even enough to cover the expenses for the year.

Whether it's the plaintiff or the defendant, there's only one thing they truly value.

【reputation】

The moment the label of "plagiarism" was placed on Lu Chuan's head, his face darkened instantly, he trembled with rage, and was so ashamed that he wanted to commit seppuku at any moment...

Liu Yujun, sitting in the plaintiff's seat, burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying himself!

All the hardship and exhaustion of the past six months have transformed into comfort and satisfaction at this moment.

Lu Chuan naturally refused to accept this result and filed a countersuit in court against the false accusation, but this time he needed to produce evidence.

If this drags on, the lawsuit could last for several more years.

But that's not important. For Liu Yujun and the media that are following this matter, the first instance verdict is enough to make a big fuss about.

The first-instance verdict has been announced: "Kekexili" has been found guilty of plagiarism.

Outside the courtroom, Lu Chuan refused to be interviewed, seemingly overwhelmed with shame.

The Tokyo International Film Festival's statement of support for Lu Chuan in safeguarding her legal rights has sparked controversy.

"..."

As soon as the news broke, industry insiders naturally avoided talking about it, fearing they might get into trouble.

But netizens ignored all that and responded with a barrage of mockery:
"Previously, it was revealed that 'The Missing Gun' was not directed by Lu Chuan himself, and now 'Kekexili' is accused of plagiarism. So I would like to ask Director Lu, what exactly is your representative work?"

"They still have the nerve to ask for a second trial? Tsk tsk, they're shameless."

"Wait, are you even a legitimate master's graduate in directing from the Beijing Film Academy? Did you buy your degree?"

"Why should we support the film festival on Little Days? What does it have to do with them?"

"Everyone else is the 'King of Comedy' or the 'King of Suspense,' but you're the 'King of Plagiarism'?"

Lu Chuan is already trying her best to control herself and not look at these news reports.

But in the end, he couldn't resist.

Upon seeing this, he was immediately filled with anger again.

He had planned to have the film screened at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Golden Horse Awards, Golden Rooster Awards, Huabiao Awards, Berlin Film Festival, and Tokyo International Film Festival after its release.

After this whole process, I've gained both the fame and the fortune I was meant to.

But unexpectedly, Liu Yujun, that stubborn fool, suddenly appeared out of nowhere and wouldn't let go, refusing all the money offered to him.

Now, things have gotten even worse. After the first trial, he's been branded with a "plagiarism" charge that's even more serious than being cuckolded.

They definitely won't admit it, and a countersuit is necessary.

But now the court is asking him to provide evidence, where the hell is he supposed to find it?
"No, we have to keep delaying it until everyone forgets about it. We absolutely cannot admit it..."

Lu Chuan muttered to herself, determined to continue being a coward.

At this moment, Rui Vision.

Lu Rui could tell what this grandson was thinking at a glance.

"Since he likes to drag things out so much, let him drag it out. Anyway, the trial has already started. We'll just buy some articles every few days to promote him and do him a good deed."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Peng and Shen Ao, who were in the know, exchanged a glance and burst out laughing on the spot.

"Brother Rui, that was a brilliant move!"

"Hahaha, tall, too tall, it must be as tall as three or four stories."

After chatting and laughing for a while about how to continue "taking care" of Lu Chuan, Lü Rui finally got down to business.

"The movie 'Remote Control' has been approved."

Shen Ao's eyes lit up: "So fast?"

“China Film Group helped a bit,” Lü Rui added, “so Bona Film Group will be in charge of distribution.”

"Huh?" Shen Ao looked completely bewildered.

With China Film Group helping out, how did Bona Film Group end up distributing the film? What kind of operation is this?
Lu Rui didn't explain much, just told him to cooperate.

The real reason was that it was Han Sanping who helped make the introductions, and Yu Dong from Bona happened to be his underling. The latter had asked him for help, so this whole thing happened.

Of course, the profits from this distribution didn't just go to Yu Dong for free.

Bona must invest the most in publicity resources, or it will be completely finished.

At the dinner table, Yu Dong immediately patted his chest and promised, "Director Lü, just you wait and see, I will definitely not let you down!"

Lü Rui had considered building his own distribution channels in the country, but that couldn't be rushed.

The most crucial thing is the "film distribution license," but this thing is particularly difficult to obtain. You have to set up a company that specializes in distributing domestic films and meet a bunch of procedures and conditions.

Although he is making preparations, it is difficult to get it done in a short period of time.

Secondly, establishing offline distribution channels is not something that can be done overnight.

Enlight Media has a nationwide terrestrial program broadcasting network, and its ground promotion teams are located all over the country.

Bona and Poly have reached a cooperation agreement to share resources...

Kerui Vision has nothing at the moment, and everything has to be built from scratch.

Therefore, it is more appropriate to find a partner at present. Moreover, the commission rate of domestic distributors is only 5%-10%, which is not an exorbitant percentage, unlike Hollywood, where the distributor takes the lion's share.

Lü Rui has plenty of time to gradually expand his distribution channels.

At the same time, he was also waiting, waiting for the wave of the internet boom, waiting for the transition from 2G to 3G...

After instructing Shen Ao on matters concerning him, Lü Rui asked him to leave first, leaving Zhao Peng alone.

"Brother Rui? Is there something you need me to do?"

"Yes and no."

"???"

Seeing Zhao Peng's bewildered expression, Lü Rui stopped joking and said seriously, "You should prepare for this period of time. I will give you a script before the end of next month, and you can be the director."

Since "Hitch" was taken off the screens last year, Zhao Peng has not filmed any more movies, but he has not stopped working.

This kid is hardworking, sensible, and obedient; it's time to give him some "good stuff" again.

Of course, another reason is that Lü Rui himself really didn't have time to shoot a new film.

But I've accumulated quite a few scripts and copyrights; I can't just let them gather dust, can I?
It would be better to take some scripts that are not suitable for him to film, hand them over to others to film, and then act as the producer to control the quality.

For Ruishijie, a film and television company, consistently producing high-quality works is a crucial aspect.

Other companies have already started formulating their plans for next year, so Lü Rui naturally has to follow suit.

"Brother Rui!"

Zhao Peng was so excited that his face turned red. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but for a moment he didn't know where to start.

Lu Rui got up from behind his desk, walked up to him, and patted him on the shoulder: "Work hard, I won't treat you unfairly."

"Yes! Brother Rui, just watch, I'll definitely do my best! Rui Vision is my home!"

Zhao Peng nodded in agreement, looking determined to work hard and earn money so that Lü Rui could marry a good wife.

……

…Today, actor Deng Chao, known for playing emperors, announced that he has officially broken up with his girlfriend Hao Lei, allegedly due to her accepting a role in a film with explicit content.

"Crazy Stone grossed 3633 million yuan in its first seven days, breaking the opening week record of Initial D. High word-of-mouth has brought high returns!"

"Xu Ke, along with the entire creative team of 'Seven Swords,' launched a nationwide roadshow for promotion."

"Lv Rui led the entire cast and crew of 'Taken' on a roadshow, shouting the slogan 'Endless Fatherly Love, July 30th, join us for a thrilling rescue journey.'"

The summer movie season has begun, and the popularity of TV dramas and movies is soaring!
With its high reputation, high quality, great entertainment value, and full screening schedule, "Crazy Stone" successfully broke the box office record of "Initial D," a fan-made film, in its first seven days.

Although its total box office revenue is not yet catching up, it does not affect its popularity at all!
With an investment cost of 400 million, the weekly box office reached 3633 million, the daily average box office was 900 million, and the return on investment was 808%!

This isn't some "dark horse" at all; it's clearly a tiger that can't be hidden!
Those media outlets that previously questioned Lü Rui's "5000 million" box office target are now being thoroughly slapped in the face.

It turns out they weren't bragging, but stating facts, and they actually underestimated the situation!
Anyone can see that this film's box office will definitely not stop at 5000 million.

Because piracy is so rampant, breaking 100 million is hopeless, but reaching 70 to 80 million is definitely achievable.

Based on a box office of 7000 million, Ruishijie, with an 80% share, would receive approximately 1700 million.

Invest 400 million and earn 1700 million, a return of 325%!

Looking at the movies released in the first half of 05, which one had such a high return?
No!

Not a single one!

For a moment, countless people were silently swallowing their saliva, their mouths watering.

Ning Hao's name also became known throughout the film and television industry thanks to the movie "Crazy Stone".

"Director Lü, I can't thank you enough, it's all in this drink. I'll drink it all, please feel free to drink as you please."

Lu Rui wasn't in the capital at the moment, but was in Shanghai promoting his movie, but Ning Hao insisted on coming over.

Xing Aina was also with them.

The couple toasted each other countless times throughout the night, their gratitude expressed without any attempt to hide it.

"Alright, drink less." Lu Rui stopped him from drinking more and told him to eat some food first to calm down.

"This is the first time I've ever received this kind of treatment since I entered this industry."

Ning Hao held his wine glass, his eyes glazed over as he thought of the people who had called him these past few days wanting to invest in his company.

When he first went to people's homes begging for investment, they all ignored him.

But now, those who used to ignore him are now coming to him, acting all warm and friendly like old brothers who haven't seen each other for years.

This transformation took only one week.

Seven days!
But he had endured five whole years for this one week!
“Five years! Five years!” He gripped Lü Rui’s hand, his voice trembling, but his words were filled with emotion. “Director Lü, do you know how I’ve spent these past five years? Do you know?”

"I know it's very difficult..."

"The old Ning Hao is dead! From now on, I'm going to make money, I'm going to make a lot of money! I'm going to buy a villa! I'm going to buy a luxury car..."

Ning Hao became more and more excited as he spoke, and even hugged Xing Aina and kissed her twice, promising to give her a good life.

"..."

Lu Rui was forced to eat a mouthful of dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection), leaving him both am

"Director Lü, please don't take offense. He's just like this when he's drunk." Xing Aina was both happy and embarrassed. She pinched Ning Hao several times to calm him down.

They've been together for a long time, supporting each other and growing old together.

This kind of relationship is incomparable to the one between Deng Chao and Hao Lei, which blossomed and ended because of a film.

Lu Rui smiled and shook his head, indicating that he didn't mind.

Ning Hao thus gained momentum, and Ruishijie also made a lot of money.

Such opportunities are unlikely to become numerous in the future, but they should not be completely cut off.

After all, Bad Monkey, founded by Ning Hao, is still rootless and adrift, and it won't be easy for it to gain a foothold.

To be honest, Lü Rui quite admires Xing Aina.

After all, her screenwriting skills are truly amazing!

If the couple didn't have their own company, they could have recruited her to work at Ruishijie as a screenwriter.

……

Ning Hao and his wife returned to the capital the next day.

Lu Rui continued to busy himself with promotional roadshow activities, while also figuring out how to arrange the premiere of "Taken".

For a film to achieve high box office returns, quality is fundamental, but promotion is even more crucial.

When "Gone Girl" was released, it capitalized on the popularity of "Don't Talk to Strangers".

Mystic River won an award at the Venice Film Festival.

"The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" was boosted by the official announcements of Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui's retirement from the entertainment industry.

"The Pursuit of Happyness" is a Cannes award winner and the only film in the world to have won all three major European Best Director awards.

"The Prestige" relied on its "mystery" and the nationwide audience's enthusiasm for uncovering the secrets of magic.

The success of these films is a result of a combination of quality and effective marketing.

Now, it's Taken's turn. What kind of "big move" will they unleash this time?

After pondering for half an hour, Lü Rui typed out the eight characters "Fatherly Love as the Core, High-Energy Rescue" on the computer.

He felt that simply touting how exciting the movie was was too old-fashioned and lacked originality; the key was to let the audience find resonance in the theme of "protection."

Only when they resonate with the story will they be willing to go to the cinema and feel that "this movie is about what's on my mind."

While considering promotional strategies, he also took the time to contact Peter and select a suitable novel from the registered copyrights for adaptation.

The investment cost cannot be too high, otherwise Zhao Peng may lose control.

Ideally, it should be around 5000-7000 million.

"Lv, filming for 'Paranormal Activity' has started." Peter also gave him a briefing on the progress of the company's new project.

"Okay." Lü Rui nodded, then asked about another matter, "How's the later stages of 'I Am Legend' going?"

"It's going quite smoothly, and it should be ready by September."

"That's good."

After thinking about it, Lü Rui figured that once "Taken" finished its run in theaters, it would be around September, and he could fly to Hollywood to check things out.

……

time flies.

By the time the nationwide promotional tour for "Taken" ended, it was already late July.

On the 23rd, "Initial D" finished its run in the country with a gross of 6300 million RMB.

The shortcomings of fan-made films led to poor performance in the later stages, and the plot involving Natsuki and "Uncle" also sparked a lot of controversy.

In contrast, "Crazy Stone" doesn't have so many clichéd plots; it's humorous and laugh-out-loud throughout.

Unfortunately, due to rampant piracy, no matter how good the movie quality was, it couldn't compete with the fact that a disc only cost a few dollars.

Ultimately, the total box office revenue stopped at 7662 million.

In total, Ruishijie earned 1828 million yuan, Ning Hao personally netted 457 million yuan, and the two distributors, Enlight Media and China Film Group, earned a total of 692 million yuan.

The return rate is as high as 471.4%!

Many people stared at this number and were practically drooling with envy!

Zhang Weiping, in particular, started urging Zhang Yimou to prepare a new script as soon as possible.

Zhang Yimou was so annoyed by him that he simply gave him a movie title in the hopes of calming him down for a few days.

He suggested names like "Double Ninth Festival" and "Chrysanthemum Killer," but Zhang Weiping criticized them for lacking spirit and domineering presence.

Finally, he took the last line from Huang Chao's famous poem "On Failing the Imperial Examination, I Composed a Poem on Chrysanthemums".

"Curse of the Golden Flower"!
Zhang Weiping was extremely satisfied. He took the film title and the first draft of the script and planned to submit them to the Film Bureau for review.

……

Many people attended the celebration banquet for "Crazy Stone".

Besides Ning Hao's overnight fame, lead actors Huang Bo and Xu Zheng also became highly sought-after, experiencing a surge in popularity and securing numerous follow-up collaborations with various investors.

On the contrary, the male lead Guo Tao is less popular than supporting characters like Dao Ge, Hei Pi, and Si Yan because his character is not likable.

These were the details Ning Hao told Lü Rui.

He only listened casually because he wasn't interested in these things.

His role as a director naturally gives him a superior perspective when it comes to actors, and he doesn't really care about what kind of status or billing they value.

This isn't about "looking down on" anyone, but rather a normal situation arising from unequal social status.

At the same time, this also led him to never consider how high the other person's status was or how high their billing was when making friends... because none of them were as high as him anyway.

As long as someone is pleasing to the eye and has good character, nothing else matters.

At the same time, taking advantage of this celebration banquet, Lü Rui presented the post-production promotion plan for "Taken" to the bosses of the four film distribution companies: China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, Bona Film Group, and Enlight Media.

After Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, Wang Changtian, and Yu Dong finished reading, they stared at him for a long time without coming back to their senses, as if they were looking at a freak!

Jiang Wen leaned over and glanced at the plan, unable to hide his shock: "Seriously, how did you even come up with this???"

(End of this chapter)