Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 408, Section 406: Night Talk in Hong Kong

April 20, 2002, evening, The Peninsula Hotel, Hong Kong Island.

The suite's living room is spacious and luxurious, with views of the world-famous Victoria Harbour. As dusk falls and neon lights shimmer, the skyline of Kowloon Peninsula and the northern shore of Hong Kong Island is outlined, a scene of bustling prosperity.

Wang Shenggang had just arrived and washed away the dust of his journey when Zhou Xingxing came to visit as promised.

The two sat down on the sofa in the living room, exchanged brief pleasantries, and then got straight to the point—the collaboration on "Kung Fu Hustle".

"Mr. Wang, thank you for taking the time." Zhou Xingxing still had that slightly shy and serious expression, but his eyes revealed a hint of expectation and determination.

The huge success of "Shaolin Soccer" in North America gave him more confidence and made him have high expectations for his new film "Kung Fu".

“Xingzai, there’s no need for formalities between us.” Wang Sheng smiled, picked up his teacup and took a sip. “I’ve heard your story outline, and it’s very insightful.”

Combining ordinary people with unparalleled martial arts skills, it has both a down-to-earth feel and imaginative possibilities. Tell me your specific plan.

Zhou Xingxing nodded, took out the prepared documents, and clearly explained his idea: "Mr. Wang, for this movie, I hope we can share the copyright. In terms of investment, my Star Overseas Limited can contribute HK$40 million, and I hope Sheng Ying Media can invest HK$80 million, to make up a production cost of HK$120 million. Profit distribution... according to the investment ratio, you 70% and I 30%."

Wang Sheng listened and pondered.

Sharing the copyright means that Shengying will have a great deal of say and profit rights in the future development of this IP, which is in line with its long-term interests.

An investment of HK$100 million was a blockbuster for a Hong Kong film in 2002, but given Stephen Chow's current market appeal and his understanding of the film's ultimate success, the risks were manageable and the returns were promising.

He didn't answer immediately. After a moment's thought, he said, "Shared copyright, I agree. Investment ratio... 80 million Hong Kong dollars, Sheng Ying can also handle that."

Just as Zhou Xingxing's face lit up with joy, Wang Sheng changed the subject: "However, profit distribution cannot be simply based on investment ratio."

Zhou Xingxing's expression tightened: "What does Wang Sheng mean?"

Wang Sheng leaned forward slightly, displaying the shrewdness of a businessman: "I have a proposal. First, establish a safety net mechanism."

Sheng Ying's investment of HK$70 million entitles it to priority in recouping its investment when the film's global box office revenue reaches HK$200 million.

That is, before total revenue reaches 200 million, box office revenue will be used first to repay Shengying's 70 million investment principal.

Stephen Chow's quick mental calculations show that a box office of 200 million Hong Kong dollars is a very high threshold in the current market environment, but not an insurmountable one, especially considering that the North American market has just been pried open by "Shaolin Soccer".

He nodded, indicating that he could accept it.

Wang Sheng continued, "Once Shengying recovers its investment, the remaining global box office revenue, as well as all subsequent derivative revenue, including but not limited to television rights, videotapes, DVDs, streaming media (future), game adaptations, merchandise, etc., will be distributed at a ratio of 60% (Shengying) and 40% (Star Shine).

This ratio is better than the 30/70 split (based on investment ratio) originally proposed by Stephen Chow, but Wang Sheng took a larger share and expanded the revenue sharing to all derivative areas, which reflects his optimism and desire to control the long-term value of the "Kung Fu" IP.

Stephen Chow remained silent, weighing his options internally.

Wang Sheng didn't urge him, giving him time to think.

A few minutes later, Zhou Xingxing raised his head, his eyes regaining their firmness: "Okay, let's do it Wang Sheng said. Guaranteed 200 million, priority to break even, and all subsequent profits will be split 60/40 between you and me."

He knew that without Wang Sheng's channels, especially his ability to operate in the North American market, "Kung Fu Hustle" might just be an excellent Hong Kong film, but it would be difficult for it to become a truly global work.

Giving up some profits in exchange for a larger platform and broader horizons is worthwhile.

Wang Sheng smiled and extended his hand: "It's a pleasure to work with you, Xingzai."

Stephen Chow gripped it tightly: "It's a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Wang!"

With the general direction finalized, the remaining details will naturally be handled by the legal and financial teams of both parties. Wang Sheng indicated that after returning to Beijing the day after tomorrow, they could arrange for the formal contract signing, to which Zhou Xingxing naturally had no objections.

After the business was over, the atmosphere became much more relaxed.

Stephen Chow asked with concern about the 21st Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony tomorrow night: "Mr. Wong, do you think 'Shaolin Soccer' has a chance tomorrow?"

Wang Sheng looked relaxed: "With so many nominations, we should be able to achieve something. Winning one of them—Best Film, Best Director, or Best Actor—would be a victory. After all, the Hong Kong Film Awards also need to consider balance."

His tone carried a hint of understanding. He valued awards, but they weren't his only pursuit; market success had already given him enough confidence.

At that moment, there was a gentle knock on the suite door. Wang Sheng said, "Come in," and Li Xiaoran pushed the door open and entered.

She wore a simple dress, had exquisite makeup, and a gentle demeanor. When she saw Stephen Chow, she smiled and greeted him, "Master Chow."

Zhou Xingxing quickly stood up: "Sister Xiaoran, just call me Xingzai."

Although Li Xiaoran is younger than Zhou Xingxing, her relationship with Wang Sheng makes Zhou Xingxing maintain respect for her.

Wang Sheng beckoned to Li Xiaoran, gesturing for her to sit next to him, and then said to Stephen Chow, "Xiaoran has been cast as the female lead in 'Kung Fu Hustle'."

Stephen Chow was not surprised by this, saying, "No problem, Xiaoran's temperament is very suitable."

The three chatted for a few more minutes, mainly Zhou Xingxing and Li Xiaoran discussing some initial ideas about the roles.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhou Xingxing took the initiative to get up and say goodbye. Wang Sheng and Li Xiaoran saw him to the door.

After Zhou Xingxing left, Wang Sheng's assistant stepped forward and whispered, "Mr. Wang, the secretariat has relayed a message that Jung Tae-won, president of Tae-won Entertainment in South Korea, wishes to visit you. He says there are urgent matters concerning the import and distribution of Chinese and Korean films, and he has already arrived in Hong Kong."

Wang Sheng raised an eyebrow, not surprised by the news.

The news of the pilot program for Sino-Korean film cooperation has apparently spread, and Jung Tae-won, with his keen sense of smell, has naturally moved quickly.

He hesitated for a moment, then instructed, "Schedule an hour for him at 10 a.m. tomorrow."

"Okay, Mr. Wang."

The assistant noted it down, bowed, and left the suite.

……

As night fell completely, the night view of Victoria Harbour became even more dazzling and enchanting.

Li Xiaoran thoughtfully drew most of the living room curtains, leaving only the side facing the sea view open, allowing the enchanting lights to provide an ambiguous light source for the room.

Li Xiaoran naturally stayed. She walked to the French windows and looked at the bustling scene outside, her eyes somewhat unfocused.

Wang Sheng walked behind her, naturally wrapped his arms around her waist, and gently rested his chin on her shoulder.

Neither of them spoke. They had known each other for almost six years, from the initial tentative exploration and passion to the tacit understanding and habit they had developed today. They were already very familiar with each other's bodies and breaths.

Their relationship has long transcended that of a simple boss and artist, or regular bed partners; it is more like a deep-seated, complex bond mixed with interests, emotions, and physical dependence.

Wang Sheng's hands began to wander aimlessly. Li Xiaoran softly hummed in response, not resisting, but instead leaning slightly back into his embrace, feeling the warmth from his chest and the strong heartbeat...

(End of this chapter)