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

Chapter 146 Let's fight! The harder the fight, the more fun it will be! (Seeking monthly votes)
The core reason why Lü Rui's influence has skyrocketed in just a few years, rivaling Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, and even surpassing Feng Xiaogang, is simply this:
[Overseas Influence]

In terms of seniority, as a young director in his twenties, he naturally cannot compare with the established directors.

However, the film projects he produced have achieved remarkable success and have a wide international influence, which is a huge boost!

Which is cooler, "famous worldwide" or "famous nationwide"?
The answer is self-evident.

In fact, it's not that major Chinese film producers don't value overseas box office revenue; it's just that they lack the conditions to do so.

Typically, after a film is released, the production company usually chooses to sell the overseas rights outright rather than promote the release through revenue sharing.

For example, Feng Xiaogang's "A World Without Thieves".

This film had no overseas box office at all, because it was never shown on a large scale overseas. It only had a few preview screenings before disappearing completely.

Their results are so poor they're not even worth celebrating!

Kung Fu Hustle had big ambitions, but it performed poorly in North America.

As for a Hollywood remake, there's no hope, because no one but Stephen Chow could portray this style.

But the films that Lü Rui made were different.

Because he chose to adapt Hollywood movies into Chinese, most of his films were made in a standardized commercial style.

This type of film relies mainly on its plot and thrills to sell well, making it very suitable for adaptation and remake into multiple versions without any issues.

Therefore, his commercial films have been quite well received overseas, especially in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.

Unlike some directors who produce comedy sketches rather than films, which are so poorly made that they can't even cross the Yangtze River, let alone go overseas.

Furthermore, Ruishijie never hoards large projects; its network of interests consists of large companies, which naturally reduces the likelihood of being scammed by foreigners.

Putting Hollywood aside, the people there are incredibly daring, especially the independent production companies, which have been established from the very beginning to make money.

But in other countries, who would dare to cheat a state-owned distribution company like China Film Group?

Cooperation is about the long term. A one-off deal can leave behind problems that most individuals or companies simply cannot withstand.

Therefore, after stabilizing its foundation, Rui Vision gradually shifted from buying out films to revenue sharing.

The payment is a bit slower, but it's still much more profitable than selling outright!

More importantly, these overseas box office results can be included in the "global total box office".

Just like now, when China Film Group reports, it can clearly list the box office of each country and region separately and summarize it into "global total box office of 6.15 million".

However, if it's a buyout, then only 4.2 million will be left, because the buyout amount cannot be included in the box office.

Although the difference between "6" and "4" is only "2", their influence is completely different when the unit becomes "hundred million".

"Director Lü is amazing! His last film, 'The Prestige,' had a budget of 7000 million RMB and grossed 6.11 million RMB worldwide, ranking fifth on the list of highest-grossing Chinese-language films worldwide! In contrast, this film broke records even before its North American release! The growth rate is truly remarkable!"

"House of Flying Daggers grossed $7.69 million worldwide. I feel Taken can easily surpass it."

"This film has a very strong commercial appeal. I bet it will do very well at the North American box office."

"Wait a minute, what do you mean by 'key extension'? Does it mean extending the screening period by another month?"

"Currently, the domestic box office is 3.35 million yuan, ranking first among Chinese-language films. If Hollywood imports are included, it ranks second, only 2450 million yuan behind 'Titanic'?!"

"What are we waiting for! Keep charging! Sink that big ship!"

...

New footage.

In his office, Zhang Weiping held the filming permit for "Curse of the Golden Flower" in his hand, seething with hatred!
Originally, "Hero" had the opportunity to obtain the first domestic key extension.

But back then, those old-fashioned people and their descendants criticized the film as worthless and refused to give it a postponement.

The same goes for "House of Flying Daggers," which was constantly nitpicked by those old scoundrels who live off the government and engage in monopolies.

Now, with the release of "Taken," which only features a few foreign actors, it has been elevated to a pedestal.

"Pah! That's fucking disgusting!"

He spat angrily, shut down the computer, and decided to avoid seeing it altogether.

He opened the filming permit for "Curse of the Golden Flower" and began to think about how to proceed with the project.

He picked up a pen and scribbled on a blank sheet of paper: "The investment definitely can't be lower than 'Hero,' it has to be a big production, with a king, a queen, and the biggest stars in the cast, the better..."

Unlike Zhang Weiping, everyone else in the film industry is watching to see if "Taken" can capsize that "big ship" after getting an extra month of screening time.
Although everyone was surprised by the key extension, no one felt that the film didn't deserve it.

The only Chinese-language film to gross 3 million yuan, it still earns around 400 million yuan a day after 30 days of release.

Wouldn't it be a loss to pull such a successful film from theaters like this?

It should be postponed!
...

Nortel.

The directing department has already hung up the banner.

[Warmest congratulations to Lü Rui, a second-year graduate student in the Directing Department of our university, for directing the film "Taken," which has surpassed 3 million yuan at the box office!]

When the banner was hung at the school gate, the freshmen of 05 felt a strange sense of pride upon seeing it.

In the Beijing Film Academy cafeteria, Zhang Xiaofei, a girl from Liaoning, looked curiously at her roommate Yang Mi and asked, "Mi Mi, did you sign up for the audition for 'Sunny Sisters' on Ruishijie?"

The acting department has already issued a notice that "Sunny Sisters" will open some audition slots for actors currently enrolled at the Beijing Film Academy.

Although Yang Mi was a freshman at the Beijing Film Academy's Class of 05, she was already widely recognized as the most outstanding student in her class because she had worked with Stephen Chow, signed with Rong Xinda, and played Guo Xiang in "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

If she signs up, her chances of success are quite high.

"I've submitted it." Yang Mi nodded, put down her chopsticks, and wiped her mouth.

Seeing the envious looks in the eyes of her three roommates, Zhang Xiaofei, Yuan Shanshan, and Zhang Xuan, she casually crossed herself off:
"However, I didn't go through the school's channels. My agent registered me through Rongxinda Company, which allowed me to skip the first round of preliminary testing and go directly to the second round."

Suddenly, a chorus of "Wow!" erupted from the table!
Yang Mi smiled faintly, pretending to be a little troubled, and said, "But I may not have time to go. The company has a new project, and I am the female lead. I don't know if my schedule is suitable."

She wasn't bragging.

It seems that Zhou Xun, the former top female employee of the company, is about to leave, and a lot of resources have been revealed to her by the other party.

Yang Mi then firmly grasped the project "Wang Zhaojun".

"I'm so envious of you." Yuan Shanshan, a girl from Hubei, wasn't very tactful and blurted out, "If I could be chosen, I could work with Liu Yifei. She's a leading lady at a 3 million yuan box office..."

Yang Mi's smile froze instantly.

In "The Return of the Condor Heroes", Liu Yifei plays the female lead, Xiaolongnu, while Guo Xiang is a supporting character.

If I actually pass the audition for "Sunny Sisters," I'll still have to play a supporting role to Liu Yifei.

This feeling was not pleasant for her, someone who was single-mindedly focused on becoming famous, because she also wanted to become an actress who surpassed Liu Yifei!
But whenever she thinks about the grand spectacle of that birthday party, she feels a sense of defeat.

Look at the resources Liu Yifei has, and then look at mine, there's simply no comparison.

However, even though she was unwilling, she would still give it her all in the audition for "Sunny Sisters"!

Let her play a supporting role; the other person is so famous, it's good for her to get to know them better, at least she can ride on their popularity.

Zhang Xuan didn't say much; she just listened quietly to their conversation.

Zhang Xiaofei has a high EQ. Seeing that Yang Mi hadn't said anything for a while, she realized something and quickly smoothed things over: "Mi Mi, you're so amazing, one day you'll become a really great actress!"

"Thank you for your kind words." Yang Mi smiled at her, but ignored Yuan Shanshan.

The latter sensed the awkward atmosphere and looked embarrassed, but dared not say anything. Instead, she turned her attention to Zhang Xiaofei and said to her, "Xiaofei, you snored so loudly last night!"

Zhang Xiaofei: "???"

Unlike the busy audition and registration at the Beijing Film Academy, at Starlight Brilliant, Lu Zheng chose a different path for Jing Tian.

"Zhang Yadong is currently writing a song, and I've invited Ning Hao, the director of 'Crazy Stone,' to direct the music video. Your performance in 'Taken' has also attracted a lot of attention..."

Jing Tian didn't speak, but listened quietly.

After Lu Zheng finished recounting his recent situation, he added, "I still plan to arrange for you to participate in 'Sunny Sisters'."

There's no hope of getting an audition, so he's still going to use his money this time: "So, your task now is to decide which role you want to play, and then I'll talk to Ruishijie."

Jing Tian's eyes lit up, and she said softly, "I want to play 'Li Youran'." The casting requirements for "Sunny Sisters" describe the seven sisters as having different personalities during their high school years.

Unlike the timid and weak female lead played by Liu Yifei, the one Jing Tian chose is very distinctive.

A cool and aloof school beauty, with a proud and arrogant personality, loves reading, is beautiful, and comes from a good family...

Aside from the description of her as "aloof and proud" not quite fitting, the other descriptions of the character seem tailor-made for her.

The key point is that, according to the plot description, this character has few lines and doesn't talk much. He is usually very quiet and doesn't have many scenes, but he is very memorable.

Her acting skills are average, and she has difficulty handling other roles, but this one is perfect for her.

"Li Youran? Okay, wait for my news."

In fact, Lu Zheng didn't understand the script or the character design, but since Jing Tian wanted it, he would just throw money at it.

He's not good at saving money, but he's a pro at spending it!

On the other hand, Fan Bingbing and Li Bingbing almost simultaneously set their sights on the role of "Xia Chunhua".

As the leader of the seven sisters, she is strong-willed, forthright, and righteous. She is everyone's protector, always ready to stand up for her sisters. After growing up, she becomes a successful businesswoman...

Even though the character's final fate is to die of a terminal illness, it only makes the character more fully fleshed out.

"Isn't this tailor-made for me?" Fan Bingbing said with a beaming smile.

Li Bingbing's age and image don't really fit the image of a high school student, but she still wants to give it a try, maybe she'll succeed?
……

August has quietly passed in a flurry of activity and achievements, and September arrives as scheduled, bringing with it new opportunities and challenges.

Lü Rui's work in the country has come to a temporary end.

Just then, exciting new news came from abroad.

After about three months of intensive production, the post-production of "I Am Legend" was officially completed.

Meanwhile, under Zack Snyder's full leadership, "Paranormal Activity" successfully completed filming and post-production.

Next, Lü Rui will need to personally travel abroad to complete the follow-up procedures such as scheduling, promotion, and distribution.

So, the Hollywood trip is just around the corner.

However, before setting off, he needs to digest and absorb the rewards given by the system.

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have successfully completed the post-production editing, submission for review, and theatrical distribution of "Taken," and have successfully set a release date.]

[Mission Reward: S-Rank Talent: "Skills in Writing and Adapting Epic/Mythological/Noir/Ethical Themes"]

With the distribution of new system rewards, Lü Rui has now mastered screenwriting and adaptation techniques for 21 film genres, including animation, comics, action, science fiction, war, fantasy, adventure, disaster, comedy, romance, youth, family, heartwarming, suspense, thriller, crime, and horror.

By this point, he had mastered almost all the mainstream film themes, screenwriting techniques, and adaptation methods available on the market.

This also made him very curious about the rewards the system might give in subsequent tasks.

What surprise will come next?

"Mr. Lü, the plane tickets have been booked. As you instructed, we will depart tomorrow afternoon and land in Los Angeles in the evening, which will make it easier for you to adjust to the time difference."

The office door was gently pushed open, and secretary Liang Lulu walked in, placing the plane ticket and ID documents on the table with delicate movements.

“Okay, thank you.” Lu Rui picked it up and put it in his bag, adding, “I might be staying in Hollywood for a long time this time. If you want to rest, you can apply to the administration.”

This summer, not only was Lü Rui extremely busy, but his secretary was also constantly on the go.

It's truly remarkable that a girl in her early twenties can withstand such immense work pressure.

As the teacher said, women hold up half the sky.

This refers to women like Liang Lulu who are stepping into a new era.

Compared to the "fairies" Lu Rui encountered in her previous life who would take maternity leave as soon as they joined a company, claiming they needed to protect their pregnancy, and then leave after giving birth and receiving compensation, this was like heaven and earth.

"Thank you, Chairman Lü~ You're such a kind person, handsome and considerate~" Liang Lulu said with a beaming smile.

"I'll give you paid leave and double the bonus!" Lu Rui was very generous.

"Mr. Lü, I just learned a bit of crosstalk at Deyun Club. How about I perform a piece called 'Praise' for you?"

Lu Rui couldn't hide his surprise: "Why would a young girl like you learn crosstalk?"

"Don't you know? Deyun Society is incredibly popular lately, especially Guo Degang..."

Liang Lulu immediately started talking and recommended crosstalk to Lü Rui, saying it was particularly interesting and could relieve boredom.

However, at this moment, a huge piece of gossip suddenly broke out outside!
According to a report by Zhuo Wei, a reporter from the Beijing News: "Wang Jinghua and Huayi have completely broken up! Rumors of their 'breakup' are true!"

The title alone is eye-catching, but the content is even more explosive!

The reasons for the breakup, the process, the root of the conflict between the two parties, and even the list of actors who will leave Huayi with Wang Jinghua are all clearly written down.

Unlike the previous vague reports, this time it was stated clearly.

As everyone knows, Huayi Brothers is the leading private film and television company, and the number one state-owned enterprise!
What established its position was not only the success of its film and television production and investment businesses, but also its large group of artists and celebrities.

Bingbing and Fan Bingbing, Chen Daoming, Hu Jun, Xia Yu, Michelle Yeoh, Carina Lau, Sandra Ng...

Looking around, you see either big names, big stars, or talented actors.

If this group of people just pack up and leave, Huayi will undoubtedly suffer a major blow!

After all, artist management revenue is still a significant part of Huayi Brothers' profits, unlike Ruishijie, which can rely solely on film and television production.

The report caused an uproar in the industry!

The media flocked to the scene, blocking the entrance to Huayi Company and demanding to know if the matter was true or false.

The matter had escalated too much, and Wang Zhongjun was not in a position to speak directly, so he sent Wang Zhonglei to give a response.

Facing the camera, Wang Zhonglei stated righteously: "Huayi and Wang Jinghua have been cooperating for five years and have always had a good relationship. Those who spread rumors will receive lawyer's letters and must apologize!"

Moreover, even if she really wants to leave, it's her freedom, and Huayi won't interfere, nor will the business be affected..."

Reporters naturally didn't buy this explanation and pressed for details, asking whether Wang Jinghua's artists would leave with her if she did.
Wang Zhonglei vehemently denied it!
The next day, however, Wang Jinghua suddenly held a press conference to announce that her contract with Huayi had expired and she would not renew it.

Following this, numerous artists, including Chen Daoming, Hu Jun, Liu Jialing, and Michelle Yeoh, directly stated that they would leave together.

Xia Yu even declared, "We'll all listen to Sister Hua!"

Wang Zhonglei, who was so confident yesterday, has been slapped in the face.

At the same time, a storm of public opinion broke out regarding issues such as "unequal distribution of benefits," "internal chaos at Huayi Brothers," "the Wang brothers suppressing artists," and "Wang Jinghua being two-faced."

By the time Lü Rui arrived at the airport, the "situation" was completely out of control!
No one expected that Wang Jinghua's departure would take dozens of well-known artists from Huayi Music Company with her!
The shareholders were furious!
Meanwhile, Japanese-owned Orange Sky was frequently mentioned.

Wu Kebo's name officially entered the public eye, and he was secretly photographed having a private conversation with Wang Jinghua at a hotel...

However, just when everyone thought that with the departure of Wang Jinghua, the top agent, and dozens of artists, Huayi Brothers would be completely drained, the two Wang brothers actually started making big moves!
First, Bingbing and Ren Quan appeared, indicating that they would stay at Huayi Brothers.

Immediately afterwards, Rongxinda suddenly issued a notice stating that its contract with Zhou Xun had expired.

The two sides thus peacefully terminated their agreement, ending five years of cooperation.

The news immediately attracted a lot of attention!
In recent years, with the support of many classic films and television dramas and the operation of Rong Xinda, Zhou Xun has successfully entered the ranks of the "Four Great Actresses", ranking alongside Zhang Ziyi, Zhao Yanzi and Xu Jinglei.

Now that she has built up her popularity, she is returning to the film industry. Rong Xinda is unable to provide any assistance, so terminating her contract is a natural outcome.

But no one expected that just as Zhou Xun announced the termination of his contract with Rong Xinda, Huayi Brothers issued a signing notice:

"Dear media friends and partners from all walks of life: After friendly consultation between both parties, Huayi Brothers officially announces that it will sign a cooperation agreement with the well-known actress Ms. Zhou Xun."

From this day forward, Ms. Zhou Xun will become an important member of the Huayi Brothers family.

This announcement means that three of the six actresses ("Four Dan, Two Bing") have been recruited by Huayi Brothers.

In a short time, thanks to Huayi's large-scale marketing efforts, the impact of Wang Jinghua's departure dissipated significantly.

When the airport announced boarding, Lü Rui glanced at his computer one last time before turning it off, just in time to see the public relations announcements from Huayi, Rongxinda, and Orange Sky colliding "aggressively"...

At that moment, his gossipy, spectator-like mentality exploded, and he had only one thought in his mind:
"Go ahead and fight! The harder you fight, the more fun it will be!"

(End of this chapter)