Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 359 Another Industry Conference, a Hot Commodity
"If there are any problems with the movie, it won't affect us. Even if the audience's reviews are not good, it won't affect our IP. If his movie is successful, it can actually benefit the Journey to the West IP."

After Liu Xiaobing finished his conversation, he went back, and Zhong Lifan and Chen Shou sat down to drink tea and chat.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. It would be better to separate it out. It wasn’t originally part of the novel; we just sold him a portion of the novel. Stephen Chow is very clear about copyright matters. I’ll leave the communication with Wanda Pictures to you, Sister Zhong,” Chen Shouzhe said.

“I know what to do, but isn’t 70% a bit too much? Can Stephen Chow accept it?” Zhong Lifan asked worriedly.

“30% is already a lot. It’s just for him to do me a favor. Even if I asked for 90%, he would agree,” Chen Shou said with a smile.

“Let’s give the remaining 20% ​​to Xiaoxiaomeng,” Zhong Lifan said.

Chen Shouzhe felt a sudden inspiration. It was indeed a viable approach. Xiao Xiaomeng could invest 20% and then bring all the special effects to Xiao Xiaomeng, effectively recouping some money. If the movie made money, Xiao Xiaomeng's money would still be his.

"Okay, let's do it this way." Chen Shou nodded.

“I’ll go and communicate with them. I’ll try my best to get the actors, but Stephen Chow has his own team, so I probably won’t be able to get the key roles. I’ll do my best to get the female lead.” Zhong Lifan said meaningfully. The two movies she had worked with Stephen Chow before both starred Chen Shouzhe’s women.

Chen Shouzhe understood Zhong Lifan's meaning, but smiled without saying a word; everyone knew what was going on.

These days, celebrities make so much money. Chen Shou couldn't help but sigh. He earned billions a year from movies, and a top-tier celebrity can earn hundreds of millions a year. It's simply outrageous.

Zhou Xingxing couldn't wait to prepare. The next day, Zhong Lifan arranged to meet with Liu Xiaobing to talk to him. The person in charge of Xiaoxiaomeng also went. Originally, Xiaoxiaomeng was managed by Guo Fan. Now Guo Fan is focused on being a director, so Xiaoxiaomeng is naturally handed over to professional managers.

The three parties reached an agreement: the film company would not intervene directly, Wanda Pictures would hold 20%, Little Dream would hold 20%, Wanda would hold 30%, and there would also be distribution rights. Stephen Chow would have 30%, and who he would bring in for that 30% was up to him.

Stephen Chow's team calculated the budget and estimated that an investment of 3 million yuan would be needed.

The script has been submitted for review, and Stephen Chow hopes to get the project approved after the Lunar New Year and strive to complete filming in the first half of the year.

The online discussion about the 8 million yuan figure continues, but the key personnel have already been punished, which has also made the public aware of how lucrative this industry is.

As expected, another meeting was scheduled, and Chen Shouzhe had to attend because Tong Gan had specifically asked him to.

In response to the high salaries, a large number of people came this time. Members of almost all entertainment industry-related associations were present, including a bunch of big company bosses, directors, screenwriters, actors, filmmakers, and other representatives.

"Wow, so many people have come." Chen Shou, sitting in the second row, couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the familiar faces from the state-owned enterprises in front of him.

"I heard you're resting now?" Wang Yun, who was in front of him, turned around and called out to him.

"Just got back and plan to rest for a while," Chen Shou replied.

"Shen Yijie's filming hasn't wrapped up yet, do you want to go back and check on him?"

"He didn't come?"

Chen Shouzhe then noticed that Shen Yijie was not at the meeting. Unlike Chen Shouzhe, Shen Yijie was a member of the photography association. He had joined the association while still in school, and with his achievements, he was qualified to attend the meeting.

"No, the movie hasn't finished filming yet. Huang Bo and Jiang Wen came on the same flight as me."

Chen Shouzhe looked back and saw that the first three rows were all bosses of film and television companies, and they were all big companies. Among them, Chen Shouzhe was the youngest, only thirty years old. After the third row were major directors, such as the National Master, the Great Poet, Director Jia, Gu Changwei, Jiang Wen, Huang Bo, Zhou Xingxing and others.

Wu Jing, Guo Fan, Wuershan, and Wen Mu were also in the fifth row, behind which were many other actors.

Of course, it's not absolute. For example, some big-name actors sat with famous directors, including Chen Daoming, Cheng Long, and Zhang Guoli.

When Chen Shouzhe turned around, everyone nodded to him. Huang Bo even waved, indicating that they would have a drink after the meeting.

Chen Shou nodded and turned back to continue chatting with Wang Yun, who was sitting in front of him.

"By the way, I heard that Stephen Chow is making a new movie," Wang Yun said, not lowering his voice. Those sitting next to them could hear them, and immediately perked up their ears, especially Chairman La and Ren Zhonglun next to him. Chen Shou was next to Liu Xiaobing, and Ren Yuxin, the head of Tencent Pictures.

Upon hearing that Stephen Chow was making a new movie, Liu Xiaobing smiled without saying a word. The deal had already been struck, and Wanda was getting a substantial amount this time. Chen Shou was still looking out for his own company.

As long as the parent company doesn't cause any trouble, Wanda Pictures can distribute a significant portion of its annual profits to its shareholders.

"I've heard about it." Chen Shou nodded.

"You didn't invest?"

"I invested a little, not much."

Are there any slots left?

"I think Stephen Chow is still around. You can talk to him later."

"Okay, then I'll go find him."

Wang Yun understood that Chen Shouzhe couldn't distinguish between them. Since Chen Shouzhe had asked him to go to Zhou Xingxing, using Chen Shouzhe's name, Zhou Xingxing would probably give him some if he still had any.

Meanwhile, La Dong and Ren Zhonglun were a bit anxious about the movie starring Stephen Chow and Chen Shouzhe.
As mentioned before, they had asked Stephen Chow many times, but they knew that the main decision-making power was in the hands of Chan Sau.

My relationship with Chen Shouzhe is not good now, so it won't be easy to get a share from him.

On the contrary, with Chen Shouzhe by Wang Yun's side, it's like having a VIP channel.

Ren Yuxin, who was standing next to him, asked, "Director Chen, are there any tickets left?"

“I don’t have any left, and I don’t know about Zhou Xingxing’s. If I want to get them from him, I might have to pay a premium,” Chen Shouzhe said.

"There are many?"

"He has 30% in his hands."

"Director Chen took 70%?" Ren Yuxin asked in surprise, not expecting Chen Shouzhe to have such a big appetite.

"Chairman Ren, don't forget me," Chen said with a smile, looking at Liu Xiaobing on his left.

“Wanda’s is also directed by Chen, so I’ll ask Stephen Chow.” Ren Yuxin said.

"How about those movies?" Chen Shou asked a question that left Liu Xiaobing completely baffled.

Ren Yuxin naturally knew what Chen Shouzhe was asking. "It's been sent for review. You provided the script, so there shouldn't be any problems. Sensitive parts have been avoided. It's not a horror movie, so everything is done according to the rules."

"That's good. This meeting was about actor fees. We can negotiate a lower fee for online films."

"I won't do anything reckless."

As the two were talking, the people on the stage arrived.

The meeting lasted two hours, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The higher-ups had their fill of scolding, and a document was issued to notify that anyone found guilty of this would be shut down.

However, there's a loophole: if one realizes their mistake in time, they can still turn back. But if they remain stubborn and refuse to see the truth, they deserve to die.

After the meeting, Stephen Chow became a hot commodity. Everyone knew about his script submission and went to see him.

(End of this chapter)