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

Chapter 253 Chairman Lü is tall! Chairman Ren is tough! Chairman Han is both tall and tough! (Seeking monthly votes)
"The action film 'A Battle of Wits,' produced by Huayi Brothers, directed by Zhang Zhiliang, and starring Liu Dehua, Ahn Sung-ki, Wang Zhiwen, Wu Qilong, and Fan Bingbing, officially ended its theatrical run last night, with a total box office of 6700 million RMB."

This morning, Fan Bingbing's team officially announced through the media that Ms. Fan Bingbing has formally terminated her cooperation with Huayi Brothers Media Corporation and established Fan Bingbing Studio...

"Huayi Brothers' artist management department issued a notice: Huayi Brothers Media Corporation has terminated its cooperation with Ms. Fan Bingbing. The general does not dismount, and everyone goes their separate ways. We wish Ms. Fan a bright future."

...

Early this morning, two formulaic announcements shocked the entire film and television industry like a thunderclap!

No one expected that such explosive news would break on the first day of the new year.

Fan Bingbing, a top-tier actress of the "Four Dan and Two Bing" level, has officially terminated her contract with industry giant Huayi Brothers and even started her own studio.

Isn't this too sudden?
It's worth noting that Fan Bingbing's collaboration with Huayi Brothers has lasted for six years.

She first rose to prominence with her role as Jin Suo in "My Fair Princess," and after terminating her contract with Qiong Yao's company and signing with Huayi Brothers, the company single-handedly promoted her from a supporting actress to a leading lady.

The stunning beauties in period dramas and the eye-catching leading actresses in blockbuster films have gradually solidified the status of the "Four Dan and Two Bing" (referring to four top actresses and two top actresses, respectively).

Huayi also made a fortune by capitalizing on her popularity.

Top-tier female celebrities of this caliber can generate tens of millions of yuan in revenue for their companies within a year, solely through endorsements, film and television revenue sharing, and business activities. Calling them "cash cows" is no exaggeration.

But now, Huayi is actually willing to let go of this cash cow?
In an instant, discussions both inside and outside the industry boiled over, with various speculations emerging:

"I heard it's because the contract renewal revenue sharing negotiations broke down, and Huayi was unwilling to compromise; they were too greedy."

"Pshaw, your information is outdated. She left because she was dissatisfied with the allocation of resources and wanted to break free from constraints to plan her career independently."

"Huh? But I heard that they were forced to leave by Li Bingbing and Zhou Xun?"

"Huayi has a lot of star actors, and if they stay there, they probably won't get any good resources. It's better to go solo."

"She's probably the first person to open an artist's studio, right? I wonder if it will work out. I hope it won't be as good as working at Huayi Brothers..."

Amidst the various speculations, no one could clearly explain the real reason for the contract termination; they simply found the whole affair quite baffling.

After all, Huayi is currently making every effort to expand its territory in the field of artist management.

Just then, Zhou Xun was embroiled in controversy and had not made a public appearance for a long time.

Logically speaking, Fan Bingbing should have been able to take over her resources and continue to be a pillar of the company.

But at this crucial juncture, Huayi actually let go of this ready-made cash cow.

To those in the industry, this behavior is incredibly stupid!

Little did they know, Wang Zhonglei was far from willing to let go of this "money-printing machine."
However, the contract between the two parties has now expired and there are no binding clauses.

Even though he was extremely unwilling, he could only watch helplessly as the person left.

"Have you thought this through? Once we step out this door, we'll go from partners to competitors, and I won't hold back then."

At the entrance of the artist management department, watching Fan Bingbing and her assistant carrying personal belongings as they prepared to leave, Wang Zhonglei's tone still carried a hint of coercion.

However, in the past, due to her relationship with him as boss and employee, Fan Bingbing needed to maintain a respectful attitude towards him.

But now that this constraint is gone, she's too lazy to give them face anymore.

"Hehe," she chuckled calmly, her tone tinged with sarcasm, "Mr. Wang, that's quite amusing. When I was at the company, didn't you never go easy on me either?"

For the past six months, the company has been suppressing her resources in every way.

If it weren't for her own hard work and the support of Lü Rui, she probably would have fallen out of the top tier and into the second tier long ago.

Therefore, she felt only resentment and hatred towards Wang Zhonglei, without a trace of gratitude.

Wang Zhonglei's expression changed slightly, and a sense of embarrassment rose in his heart.

He really didn't expect that Fan Bingbing was the type of person who would respond better to gentle persuasion than force.

The suppression over the past six months has not only failed to make her compromise, but has instead made her even more resolute.

Seeing her turn to leave, Wang Zhonglei became anxious and quickly offered a lure: "As long as you're willing to stay, I can make the decision to give you all of Zhou Xun's resources!"

Since Zhou Xun couldn't show his face recently, he decided to use other people's money to trick them into staying.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Wang." Fan Bingbing smiled brightly, then shrugged, her tone light yet full of arrogance, "Unfortunately, I don't think much of it~ Bye-bye."

Having said that, she straightened her back and strode forward, her posture bold and upright, her skirt swaying with each step, as if she were heading towards a bright and smooth road.

In contrast, Wang Zhonglei stood in the shadows behind her, his face so gloomy it seemed to drip water, a stark contrast to the light in front of her.

"There will be a second 'Cellphone' movie, are you sure you don't want to act in it?"

This film was Fan Bingbing's breakthrough role, but Wang Zhonglei was still unwilling to give up and tried to win her over one last time by appealing to nostalgia and capital.

Unfortunately, Fan Bingbing didn't even turn her head. She just waved her hand casually, and her voice came from afar: "Go find whoever wants to act. I have no interest."

Wang Zhonglei stood frozen in place, his face turning pale and then red, speechless for a moment, and could only watch helplessly as her figure disappeared at the end of the corridor.

The commotion outside the artist management department had already attracted a large crowd of onlookers.

Li Bingbing and Li Xue, the two sisters, crossed their arms and stared intently at the scene before them.

"She left quite gracefully," Li Bingbing said in a complicated tone, her voice carrying a complex and indescribable feeling.

"Carefree?" Li Xue scoffed, curling her lip in disdain. "I think she's stupid! Without Huayi's support, her small studio would be dead in less than six months!"

As the two sisters were talking, a timid yet curious voice suddenly came from beside them: "President Li, did President Wang just say that 'Cell Phone 2' is going to be approved?"

Li Xue turned her head to look at the round-faced girl with baby fat beside her, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "What, are you interested?"

"I...can I give it a try? I've never acted in a movie before." The girl's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

“Okay, I’ll arrange it for you when a suitable opportunity arises,” Li Xue replied casually.

"Thank you, Mr. Li!"

Zhao Liying bowed with delight, then quickly turned and ran back to the dressing room to continue getting her hair and makeup done, preparing to shoot the advertisement.

Li Xue watched her retreating figure, her eyes slightly narrowed, seemingly plotting something.

Seeing this, Li Bingbing, who was standing next to her, asked curiously, "Isn't this girl from Director Feng's Yahoo! Search Star program?"

"Yes, it's her."

How is she?

Li Xue pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "She's got a lot of drive; she's an ambitious girl."

I arranged for her to play Duoduo, the third daughter of Jiang Wenli and Zhang Guoli, in "Golden Wedding," and I also found her a role in "The New Dream of the Red Chamber." Let's see how she performs first.

"Oh."

Li Bingbing responded casually, not taking it to heart.

She's just a young girl without formal training. No matter how ambitious she is, she can only make it to the second tier at best. How could she possibly climb to the top tier?
……

After leaving the Huayi Company gate, Fan Bingbing got into the car and told the driver her destination.

It's not the location of the studio, but a five-star hotel.

This afternoon, Ruishijie will be holding a banquet, and she is one of the invited guests.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Lu Yang got up early in the morning, changed into a sharp suit, and was carefully styling his hair in front of the full-length mirror in the living room.

One of the core purposes of today's banquet at Ruishijie is to hold a celebration for the film "New World" which he directed.

Although the film has not yet finished its run, there is less than a week left in theaters, and the daily box office has dropped below one million.

But this does not affect his status as a "director with box office earnings of over 100 million yuan".

According to media predictions, the total box office of "New World" will likely exceed 1.4 million yuan by the time it leaves theaters.

This is an even more impressive achievement than Feng Xiaogang's "The Banquet"!

At the age of 28, he has achieved such success, which is truly a great honor for his family!

"My son is so handsome!"

At this moment, Lu's mother came out of the bedroom, looked at her son in the mirror, and praised him with a smile.

"Haha, not bad."

Lu Yang couldn't help but grin, but the smile froze the moment his father, Lu Haibo, stepped out of the bedroom.

In the past, he would have instinctively looked away when faced with his father's scrutinizing gaze.

He felt ashamed of his father's achievements and was often verbally attacked, which naturally made him unable to hold his head high.

But today, for the first time, he met his father's gaze with composure, and inwardly he was secretly competing with him.

"At 28, I'm already a director whose films have grossed over 100 million yuan. What about you?"

He clearly remembers that his father was only 28 years old when he was transferred to teach in the Department of Dramatic Literature at the Central Academy of Drama, and he had not yet obtained his master's degree.

Therefore, I do have reason to be proud now.

You thought I couldn't become a director, but now that I've succeeded, I've proven that I can do it, and you were wrong!

"Old Lu, say something!" Lu's mother tugged at her husband's arm.

Lu Haibo's lips trembled slightly. He slowly shifted his gaze and said in a deep voice, "Film it well. Don't tarnish the reputation of a director with hundreds of millions in box office revenue."

"Oh."

Lu Yang appeared calm on the surface, but inside he was absolutely thrilled!
Every man, throughout his life, yearns for his father's approval.

For the first twenty-eight years of his life, he spent half of it amidst his father's doubts.

And now, he did it! He succeeded! He finally proved that he wasn't a loser!

"drive safely."

As Lu Haibo passed by Lu Yang, he paused, took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, and handed one to him.

"I know, you are too."

Lu Yang reached out and took it, but his fingertips were trembling slightly.

At that moment, besides the exhilarating feeling of receiving his father's approval, his heart was completely occupied by the name Lü Rui.

The script for "New World" was given to him by Lü Rui, and Lü Rui also helped him secure the 3000 million yuan investment.

It is no exaggeration to say that his achievements today are all thanks to Lü Rui.

That kindness in helping and supporting someone is no less than the kindness of giving birth to and raising a child!

At this moment, he felt exactly the same way he did when he applied for the Australian visa; he wished he could rush to Lü Rui and shout:
"Lu Yang has wandered for half his life, only regretting that he has not met a wise ruler. If you will not abandon him, Yang is willing to become your godfather!"

……

There are quite a few people attending the banquet at the hotel today.

At this moment, the banquet hall was filled with laughter and joy, and it was incredibly lively.

On Ruishijie's side, Hou Hongliang led a large group of core members from the TV series project, including Kong Sheng, Sun Molong, Zhao Dongling, Gao Mantang, and Lan Xiaolong, as well as the screenwriting team he poached from Zhouyi. Niu Le, meanwhile, led his production crew, chatting and laughing as they found seats.

Lu Rui's secretary, Liang Lulu, was busy coordinating administrative matters, occasionally exchanging a few words with those around her.

Publicity manager Chen Tao and his team were exchanging pleasantries with several media friends...

Tian Xiaopeng and his team members also came from Ruiyue Animation.

The entire team from "Kung Fu Panda," including Raman Hui, was also present.

Representatives from animation companies in which Lü Rui has invested, such as Blue Fox, Wingsound, Ruosen, and Vision, also attended the banquet.

In addition, the entire post-production team, the Ruixing Cinema team led by Zhou Haoran...

Wang Wei of Tudou.com, Wang Changtian of Enlight Media, Han Sanping of China Film Group, Yang Shoucheng of Emperor Motion Pictures, Ren Zhonglun of Shanghai Film Group, Zhang Piming, chairman of Xi'an Film Group, Ye Ning of Wanda Group...

A group of long-term partners filled almost the entire central area of ​​the banquet hall.

Lu Rui even called Huayi Brothers to extend an invitation, since he is still a shareholder of Huayi Brothers.

However, Wang Zhonglei made excuses, saying that he was too busy and didn't have time.

Lu Rui was too lazy to argue. If they didn't want to come, they didn't want to come. Did he expect Lu Rui to arrange for a sedan chair to be carried by eight men?

In addition to these people, he even called over the management of Ruixing Group.

Also present were Liu Xiaoli and her daughter Liu Yifei, Fan Bingbing who had just terminated her contract, Jiang Wei and the main creators of the "Lurking" project, Zhu Sujin, the director of "My Brother is Called Shunliu", the team of "Going West", Ning Hao and Xing Aina, Cao Baoping of "Li Mi's Conjecture" and Zhang Yi, who was cast, and others. At this moment, they all sat in the banquet hall.

If it weren't for the fact that it's so far away overseas, he would have even invited Peter, Brom, and the others over for a proper get-together.

On the main table, several bottles of baijiu (Chinese liquor) had already been opened.

Jiang Wen, noisy and boisterous, grabbed a bottle of liquor and poured a large glass for everyone, shouting, "We have to drink until we drop tonight!"

"You should drink less, or I won't be able to carry you if you get really drunk."

Zhou Yun, who had already become a young married woman, rolled her eyes at him, her eyes carrying a hint of charm.

"It's okay, don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Jiang Wen took the opportunity to hug her and kiss her.

Zhou Yun broke free, both amused and exasperated, muttered "You jerk," and turned to walk towards Liu Yifei's table of female guests.

The woman's table only had low-alcohol red wine and soft drinks; there was no spirits.

Knowing that she couldn't yet enter the circle of big shots, Fan Bingbing simply sat down with Liu Yifei, Liu Xiaoli, Zhou Yun, Shu Chang, Tang Yan, and Jing Tian and started drinking red wine.

In the past, when attending social events, she usually had to smile and try to please others.

But today I'm unusually relaxed, and I don't have to worry about any unwanted advances.

This made her feel even more strongly that the atmosphere at Ruishijie was really great!
"Come on, let's drink together!"

Liu Yifei held up a glass of red wine, smiling broadly, looking every bit like a hostess.

Her boyfriend was socializing with business tycoons, so as his girlfriend, she naturally had to help entertain the female guests.

She even remembered to comfort Jing Tian, ​​whose film "Anaconda" had suffered a dismal box office performance:

"Tian Tian, ​​don't be too sad. It's just that the movie flopped at the box office. It's not a big deal. Just try harder next time."

"Yes, I will pull myself together!" Jing Tian nodded earnestly.

It was just a minor setback; it really wouldn't affect her.

The most urgent task is to prepare for the entrance exam to Beijing Film Academy. As for new resources, Lu Zheng is already helping her prepare them.

The women sipped their red wine, occasionally switching to soft drinks, and chatted amiably.

At the men's table, Wang Wei had already started playing the wine-drinking game with a decanter.

It's rare to meet so many upstream capital players in the film and television industry today. If we can build good relationships with them, resources will be flowing in continuously in the future.

He was having a lively conversation with Wang Changtian, clearly eyeing Enlight Media's television business.

Han Sanping, who was standing next to Lü Rui, turned to him and asked curiously, "Why is there still no movement on your cinema chain? Has it not been adjusted yet?"

"It'll be ready soon." Lü Rui turned his head to look at Zhou Haoran beside him, signaling him to report to Han Sanping.

Zhou Haoran immediately replied, "We just applied for a subsidy and are upgrading the cinema, mainly by adding some 3D movie projection equipment. The upgrade should be completed by the end of this month at the latest."

Han Sanping nodded slightly and replied, "Okay, I understand. Just let me know if you encounter any difficulties."

His superiors told him to use China Film Group's resources to help private enterprises build cinema chains.

Ruixing Cinemas was naturally a key focus of his attention.

Yang Shoucheng, who was standing nearby, didn't say much. He listened quietly to the conversation between the two, but his determination to cooperate deeply with Ruishijie grew stronger.

Upstream production, midstream distribution and marketing, downstream cinema chains, plus video platform expansion...

Clearly, Lü Rui is aiming for success across the entire film and television industry!

With its strong financial backing, the future of Ruishijie is incredibly bright!
If Yinghuang can board this icebreaker, even if the road ahead isn't smooth, it will at least save them from many detours.

But at that moment, Ren Zhonglun suddenly spoke up: "So, you acquired that portion of Yonghua Cinema's shares, right?"

In the past year, Warner has completely withdrawn from the domestic market due to adjustments in broadcasting policies.

This also created a vacancy in the major shareholder position of Yonghua Cinema, which had been the box office champion for several consecutive years.

Meanwhile, a large number of foreign-controlled cinemas have either transferred their shares or been sold off entirely...

It just so happens that these joint venture cinemas also have shares held by state-owned enterprises such as Shanghai Film Group and China Film Group. Ren Zhonglun was originally determined to acquire them and wanted to swallow up all the shares left by foreign capital.

But to his surprise, just as he was about to make his move, he learned from Warner that the shares had already been snapped up by someone else.

Lu Rui smiled slightly, subtly flexing his muscles: "I have some friends within Warner Bros., and I can say a few words about the theatrical releases."

Ren Zhonglun suddenly realized and couldn't help but exclaim, "Chairman Lü's move was brilliant!"

Lu Rui waved his hand modestly: "I'm still far behind Chairman Ren. My industrial chain is just starting out. On the other hand, Shanghai Film Group has turned a profit in just a few years under your leadership. That's real ability. Chairman Ren's methods are truly impressive!"

The two of them were exchanging compliments back and forth, which made Han Sanping, who was standing next to them, scoff and say, "Alright, alright, that's enough, stop praising each other."

Upon hearing this, Lü Rui and Ren Zhonglun exchanged a glance, then tacitly raised their glasses towards Han Sanping, saying in unison:

"President Han's good news is coming soon, this is truly impressive!"

"Hahahahaha!"

Han Sanping instantly understood their teasing, grinned from ear to ear, raised his hand to point at them, and downed his drink in one gulp.

Chairman Yang has confirmed his departure, and the handover process is currently underway.

If all goes well, by the end of 07, all the business will be in his hands.

Jiang Wen, who was standing nearby, saw this scene and his eyes lit up instantly!

Inspiration!
And just like that, inspiration struck!

He couldn't resist taking out his notebook and scribbling away.

Gu Changwei, who was standing next to him, curiously peeked over and could only see the word "fairness" clearly written on the notebook.

"We're having a drink, what are you doing? Drawing your stick figures again?"

Han Sanping and Jiang Wen were very close, and Han Sanping would take any opportunity to tease Jiang Wen.

"I had a sudden inspiration, so I wrote it down so I wouldn't forget it." Jiang Wen didn't even look up, his pen still flying across the notebook.

"Is Director Jiang preparing for a new project?" Yang Shoucheng's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked.

Previously, the two parties had signed cooperation agreements for multiple works, and since "The Sun Also Rises" made money, he was particularly looking forward to Jiang Wen making another film.

All eyes at the table immediately turned to Jiang Wen, even Han Sanping put down his wine glass, his face full of anticipation.

Only Lü Rui asked with a hint of frustration, "Director Jiang, didn't you say you'd find me a top-notch composer? How's it going? Any progress?"

Ever since Jiang Wen accidentally scared Joe Hisaishi away last time, he has been patting his chest and promising to introduce an even more top-notch person to "Pacific Rim".

But this matter has been delayed again and again, and there has been no progress until now.

"Hey! I almost forgot if you hadn't mentioned it!"

After writing the words "tall, hard, both tall and hard," Jiang Wen slammed his notebook shut and patted his chest confidently.
"Don't worry, I've already checked! The quality of the music composed by this master is top-notch, absolutely matching the kind of powerful Chinese style you're looking for. I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

"Who is it?" Lu Rui perked up instantly, leaned forward, and asked curiously.

"Xu Jingqing," Jiang Wen slowly uttered three words.

"Ok?"

Lu Rui was stunned for a moment, not yet realizing the origin of the name.

"Have you seen the 86 TV series 'Journey to the West'?"

"Of course I know! It's a classic among classics!" Lu Rui blurted out. "Journey to the West" is a work engraved in the DNA of the Chinese people.

Jiang Wen emphasized, "The person I'm talking about is Xu Jingqing, the composer of 'The Melodious Sound of the Cloud Palace' in 'Journey to the West'!"

Lu Rui suddenly realized, and his eyes lit up. The gloom that had been worrying about the background music was instantly swept away.

The opening sequence of "The Sound of Cloud Palace" with its interweaving of electronic and folk music remains a masterpiece in the history of Chinese film and television scores!
If this master were to take the helm, the score for Pacific Rim would definitely be a brilliant addition.

Of course, it's impossible for him to handle all the music for the entire movie by himself.

Sony Columbia has also brought in several professional music and composition teams from Hollywood, so they can have a good selection when it comes to post-production.

"Come on, Director Jiang, let me toast you. Thank you."

"Haha, no big deal, let's do it."

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the exchange of toasts, the banquet drew to a close.

Finally, Lü Rui stood up and raised his glass of baijiu high.

"Come on! Dear seniors, colleagues, and friends..."

His voice was clear and powerful, penetrating the noise of the banquet hall and steadily reaching every corner.

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Han Sanping, Ren Zhonglun, Wang Changtian and others at the main table, and then slowly swept over the guests at the surrounding tables, taking into account everyone from the TV series team to the animation creators, from the theater managers to the partners.

"Today, with this toast, I wish all of us soaring success and reaching the pinnacle of our careers!"

After saying that, he slightly raised his wrist, first offering a perfunctory toast to the main table, then slowly rotating it clockwise, briefly meeting the eyes of the key figures at each table, before drinking it all in one gulp.

His demeanor was neither humble nor arrogant, exuding the arrogance of a young man who had achieved great success, yet remaining measured and composed, as if he were steering a large ship that was breaking through the waves, inviting everyone to embark on a journey to a more expansive future!

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up in response:
"Wishing you continued success, senior."

"Wishing Director Lü all the best in his business endeavors."

"May your visionary journey ride the winds and waves, and one day hoist your sails to cross the vast ocean!"

(End of this chapter)