Life in the Light and Shadow of Chinese Entertainment

After more than 20 days of post-production, "A Little Thing Called First Love" was officially completed on July 15.

The next day, a screening was held in the screening room on the first floor of China Film Group.

Master Han and Boss Wang, along with several overseas distributors who have close ties with China, attended the event.

After the 103-minute film ended, Master Han remained expressionless, and Boss Wang clicked his tongue, neither of them immediately offering their opinions.

The genre of youth films has not yet been fully explored. Overall, the film was smooth in its visuals and the actors' performances were quite commendable.

However, the overall plot is rather bland, except that the core theme of "self-growth" is well represented.

Whether it will be successful or not, neither Master Han nor Boss Wang were sure.

On the contrary, the distributors from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia not only applauded but also wore confident smiles.

Only the representatives of European and American publishers remained expressionless throughout the entire event, offering only perfunctory applause.

Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia are deeply influenced by Chinese culture, which is reflected in these coming-of-age films.

In terms of acceptance, they are naturally much stronger than their counterparts in Europe and America.

If it were a martial arts film or an action film, the audience in Europe and America might be more receptive to it.

Even if they don't think highly of the film, they still believe in Wu Yang's directing and screenwriting abilities.

After all, "Buried," which was initially met with skepticism, actually grossed over $4800 million.

If you exclude the $1600 million spent on marketing and promotion, the total investment for "Buried" was only $400 million.

That's a tenfold return, plus the halo of an Oscar-winning director.

Therefore, based on the principle of "first come, first served," publishers from Europe, America, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia all expressed their willingness to buy out the global distribution rights except for Huaxia Publishing.

"Is the release date confirmed for November 11th?"

Ignoring the bustling crowd around her, Liu Yifei turned to Wu Yang beside her from the corner and asked.

"Yes, this time we're doing a joint promotion with Cat Factory, focusing on the Singles' Day shopping festival concept. Huayi and China Film Group will cooperate."

Wu Yang rubbed Liu Yifei's right hand with his left hand, his mood was somewhat indifferent, and he did not join the discussion on the other side.

With China Film Group and Huayi Brothers leading the way, it's unlikely that the overseas distribution rights will be sold off cheaply.

Wu Yang was relieved; he could have used that energy to worry about the villa that had just started renovations.

That's right, after Wu Yang sought help from Leonardo DiCaprio, he first received the script and director's fees for "Manchester by the Sea".

They spent 3430 million yuan, paying in full at a 98% discount, to acquire that 2263-square-meter detached villa.

Unfortunately, the villa has just been handed over and is still in a bare-bones state. If you want to move in, you need to renovate it first.

Moreover, according to the renovation company's calculations, the construction period is six months, and it will take another three months to air out the odor. If you want to move in, you will have to wait until next year.

Wu Yang now lives in an upscale residential area near the Beijing Film Academy. This apartment belongs to the wealthy young woman next door.

The main reason was that Liu Yifei was photographed by paparazzi during the few days she was looking at the house.

Although he claimed to be discussing the next movie with Wu Yang, few people believed him.

On the contrary, many netizens are speculating that the two are already dating.

To avoid encountering paparazzi again, Liu's mother forbade Liu Yifei from coming to the hotel.

Because the villa needed renovation, Liu Yifei eventually gave Wu Yang a house to live in.

Wu Yang, being a smart aleck, said, "Are you trying to keep a mistress in a golden house?" As a result, he was scolded by Liu Yifei.

……

"It's already recouped its costs before even being released; no wonder it's an Oscar-winning director!"

Mr. Wang walked up to Wu Yang with a smile and made a teasing remark.

In just one hour, the other side had finalized the overseas distribution rights.

European and American publishers acquired the exclusive distribution rights for a high price of $450 million.

If converted to yuan, it's exactly 3070 million, which has already recouped the costs, and the domestic box office is pure profit.

No wonder Mr. Wang is all smiles. Announcing this good news when Huayi goes public will definitely boost the stock price!

At this moment, Master Han was discussing the matter of a simultaneous global release with European and American distributors.

There are still three and a half months until Singles' Day, which is enough time for publishers in Europe and America to operate.

"My contribution was minimal; it was mainly due to the influence of China Film Group and Huayi Brothers."

Wu Yang waved his hand, not taking credit, especially since he had already recouped his investment by buying out the distribution rights.

But compared to "Buried," it's nothing.

Unfortunately, both "First Love" and "Love in a Bouquet" are far removed from American tastes in terms of content and core values.

If it aligns with American values ​​and uses American actors, the release price might even increase several times over.

However, that would mean that Liu Yifei would no longer be able to play the female lead.

Therefore, every choice has its pros and cons, as long as Wu Yang is willing.

Didn't you see the two of them holding hands right in front of Mr. Wang? Is that something money can buy?

"Is it confirmed that the machine will be launched on the 21st?" After seeing off several publishers, Third Master Han came over and asked.

Mr. Wang chimed in, "Yes, that day was an auspicious one."

Wu Yang nodded without saying anything. Anyway, the actors and the production team had already been decided, and the script reading meeting would be held tomorrow.

The male lead in "Love Like a Bouquet" is still Zhang Ruoyun, who has now successfully left his father's company and officially joined Huayi.

Zhu Yilong and Cai Wenjing are still playing supporting roles; they portray the male lead's friends, the couple with the same tattoos.

Both of them have joined Huayi Brothers. As for Ren Suxi and Tan Songyun, although they have also joined Huayi Brothers, they only made guest appearances this time.

Although it couldn't elevate their status—after all, "A Little Thing Called First Love" hadn't even been released yet—it directly changed their career trajectory.

Although Huayi has its problems, it is still a hundred times better than many small companies.

Don't be fooled by the fact that Feng Xiaogang's movies don't use many Huayi artists; Huayi can use Feng Xiaogang's movies to exchange roles with other film and television companies.

Moreover, it's good to have a powerful backer. Although Huang Xiaoming hasn't appeared in many of the shows produced by Huayi Brothers, it hasn't stopped him from rising to the ranks of top-tier actors.

……

"Click!"

Sitting in the director's chair, watching the footage on the monitor, Wu Yang reluctantly called for a halt.

"Still not working?"

Liu Yifei walked over somewhat dejectedly, leaned on Wu Yang's shoulder without any hesitation, and looked at the scene on the screen.

It was mid-August, and the weather was still unbearably hot. Filming for "Love Like a Bouquet" had been underway for more than 20 days.

Because it was too hot outside, Wu Yang chose to film indoor scenes first.

With air conditioning to cool things down, she won't suffer so much, and Liu Yifei won't get a tan.

The indoor scenes mainly revolve around the cohabitation of the male and female leads, although the kissing and intimate scenes are filmed using techniques such as perspective and montage.

But within the same framework, when the male and female protagonists gaze deeply into each other's eyes or do things in unison...

If either side performs poorly, the story will fall apart in no time!

Just like the scene we just filmed, the original plan was for Liu Yifei and Zhang Ruoyun to lie side by side on the bed and read the same comic book.