The director starts by learning from the abilities of renowned directors.

Chapter 138, "Lost in Thailand" preview, equity incentives.

On the morning of the 22nd, Shen Qing and Chen Zhixi departed from Shenqi Film and Television Media in two separate cars to attend an internal screening of "Lost in Thailand" at China Film Group.

When the two arrived, the screening room was already full of people. Representatives from all the cinema chains across the country had come, most of whom were cinema chain managers. Some cinema managers had also been invited. These were the people who could decide the screening schedule for "Lost in Thailand".

Beijing Wanda, Southern New Line, Liaoning Northern, Poly Wanhe, Beijing New Film Union, Jiangsu Oriental, Guangdong Pearl River,

Tianjin Yinguang, Shandong New Century, Shanghai Daguangming, Hebei Zhonglian, Hubei Yinxing, China Film Stellar, etc.

Han Sanping, Wang Changtian, and others were chatting with the theater managers and deputy managers, and everyone present had a beaming smile on their faces.

The business of cinemas and theaters is subject to obvious seasonal fluctuations. Cinemas and theaters rely on blockbuster movies more than on release dates. The time when a blockbuster movie is released is the peak season. All of Shen Qing's company's movies are blockbusters, and movies starring Shen Qing himself are top-tier blockbusters. The time when movies starring Shen Qing are released is the most profitable time for cinemas and theaters!

"Lost in Thailand" is a movie that can make theaters and cinemas a fortune. Naturally, everyone who attends an internal screening of such a movie is beaming with joy.

There was no such thing as a Spring Festival film season before. The Spring Festival film season was just the tail end of the New Year's film season. But last year, Shen Qing's "Gravity" was a huge success. Wow, it grossed 14.6 billion yuan at the box office! The global box office was even more outrageous, reaching 15.83 billion US dollars!

This year's Lunar New Year film season won't be as lively as last year's, but even if it doesn't reach 14.6 billion, there's still hope for 8 million, right? Even if it doesn't reach 8 million, 6 million should be no problem, right?

"Sorry everyone, we're late!"

Shen Qing and Chen Zhixi were led into the screening room by staff. When they saw that the room was already full, Shen Qing immediately put his hands together in apology as soon as he entered.

Han Sanping stood up and led Shen Qing into the hall, smiling as he said, "You're not late at all; they're the ones who arrived too early."

A theater manager stood up, walked over and shook hands with Shen Qing, and said with a smile, "Knowing that I was going to see your movie, I couldn't sleep last night. I wished I could fly to China Film Group immediately."

"You're too kind! Please don't be stingy with screenings!"

"Leave it to me. I can't control the others, but our New Film Union will get at least 60% of the screenings on the first day!"

"Do you keep your word?"

"You keep your word!"

After shaking hands, the two released each other, and the man then went to shake hands with Chen Zhixi, the vice president of Shenqi Film and Television Media. At this moment, another cinema manager came over and shook hands with Shen Qing. Shen Qing, just like before, exchanged a few pleasantries with this man.

Then came the third, the fourth, the fifth, and so on, until the very last one, leaving no one behind.

After shaking hands with everyone, Shen Qing and Chen Zhixi took their seats.

A dozen minutes later, the internal screening officially began.

Although Shen Qing's version of "Lost in Thailand" is completely based on the original "Lost in Thailand," it is not exactly the same as the original. First, Shen Qing knows the strengths and weaknesses of the original film, so he is standing on the shoulders of his predecessors. Second, Shen Qing's directing ability far surpasses Xu Zheng's. He is imbued with the style of Spielberg, Zhang Yimou, Stephen Chow, and Jackie Chan. It is no exaggeration to say that he is completely outmatched. Finally, Shen Qing's comedic talent also surpasses Xu Zheng's. He has even taken a photo with Stephen Chow.

Therefore, it can be said with certainty that Shen Qing's version of "Lost in Thailand" is actually better than the original.

The entire screening room turned into a scene of utter chaos. These experienced theater managers and cinema managers, who had initially maintained some composure, ended up laughing so hard that several of them completely lost their composure.

Han Sanping and Wang Changtian had already seen it before, but they still couldn't suppress their laughter this time. They laughed so hard that they were doubled over with everyone around them. Shen Qing was the only one who didn't laugh much, because she had seen it too many times.

As the movie ended and the lights came on, Han Sanping, Wang Changtian, the cinema and theater managers stood up and applauded the film. Shen Qing and Chen Zhixi also stood up and joined in the applause.

However, Shen Qing was not so arrogant as to think that everyone had been conquered by "Lost in Thailand." He knew that most of the applause was probably for his previous achievements.

After the applause subsided, theater managers eagerly shared their opinions: "This film was practically tailor-made for the Lunar New Year season!"

"It's packed with laughs and very down-to-earth."

"There are many comedy movies, but not many can truly make people laugh out loud like 'Lost in Thailand'."

"Everyone is free to share their opinions on the approximate box office range."

The group arrived at the China Film Group conference room. Han Sanping sat in the main seat, with Shen Qing to his left. Han Sanping asked everyone to share their box office expectations. This was an essential part of the internal screening, and the original version of "Lost in Thailand" had also gone through this process.

Before Shen Qing's time travel, she had read related reports. The deputy general manager of UME Cinemas had said that the cinema chain had reached a consensus on "Lost in Thailand" during internal screenings, believing it would definitely be a dark horse. At that time, the cinema chain predicted that "Lost in Thailand" would reach 2 million to 3 million in box office revenue.

It was 100 million, but I didn't expect it to exceed 300 million in the first week.

Today's theater managers feel similarly to the deputy general manager of UME Theaters in the original timeline. Judging from the film's completion alone, the box office is estimated to be between 3 million and 4 million. However, with Shen Qing as the lead actor, it's a different story. Shen Qing is currently the most bankable star in the country. With Shen Qing as the lead actor, the box office is expected to at least double. Otherwise, why would more than 8000 million of the 4000 million production cost go to Shen Qing?

"7 million to 8 million, I feel that 8 million is still very promising."

"It's funnier than 'About Time,' but less profound. It's unlikely to get the same 9.2 rating on Douban as 'About Time,' but it's more down-to-earth. Like 'About Time,' it should easily gross 8 million at the box office."

"8 million!"

-

"7 million!"

"i26, At this moment, many people have an unspoken opinion: although 'Lost in Thailand' is very funny, its jokes are really superficial and not sophisticated enough. To use Zhou Libo's comment on Guo Degang's crosstalk, it is not elegant enough."

Theater managers like these kinds of movies because they do make money for theaters, but not all theater managers enjoy watching them because they might find them too scatological.

Liking something and liking to watch something are two different things.

"Director, what do you think?"

After each theater manager and cinema manager had expressed their opinions, Han Sanping turned to ask Shen Qing.

Shen Qing looked at the few who had predicted 9 million and laughed, "Manager Zhang, Manager Zhao, Manager Li, you've all guessed 9 million, why not just add another 10 million to make it 1 billion?"

"Hahaha----"

The people Shen Qing called out were all laughing, and the others laughed along with them.

10 billion is a crucial psychological threshold. Predicting 9 million might not be stressful, but predicting 10 billion...

Although it's only 10 million short, it feels like a huge difference. "Lost in Thailand" clearly doesn't have the potential to sell for 1 billion. Predicting 9 million is fine, but predicting 10 billion is just too unrealistic.

"Taken 3 will definitely break 10 billion!"

A person from Wanda Plaza in Beijing suddenly spoke up.

"Ip Man 2 is also fine. When does the director start filming?"

The manager of Pearl River in Guangdong Province seized the opportunity to speak.

Compared to "Lost in Thailand," many people are clearly more eager for the release of "Taken 3," with the manager of Guangdong Pearl River Film Studio obviously urging Shen Qing to hurry up and film "Ip Man 2." Such a great subject matter, and after filming the first movie, it's been abandoned for so long—isn't that a waste of something good?

"Thank you all for your support. Also, I'd like to ask you all to help with the screening schedule."

Shen Qing clasped his hands in a fist salute again and said.

At the end of the internal screening, everyone basically reached a consensus: the premiere screenings of "Thailand Returns" should be in the range of 65%-70%.

After the internal screening ended, around 2 PM, China Film Group hosted a dinner for all the theater managers and cinema directors. Midway through the meal, Chen Zhixi whispered something to Shen Qing. Following her gaze, Shen Qing saw several middle-aged female theater managers staring at her with gleaming eyes.

Shen Qing was glad that he was a big enough celebrity, otherwise some older women might have taken advantage of the opportunity to grope him while toasting.

The banquet ended around 5 p.m., and the drivers took Shen Qing and Chen Zhixi home respectively.

Shen Qing received a call from Yang Mi midway through the night. She said she wanted to come to Shen Qing's house that evening to discuss something important. "How important could it be? It's just a business deal worth a few hundred million," Shen Qing couldn't help but think to himself.

The driver dropped Shen Qing off and left. Less than half an hour later, Yang Mi arrived.

Shen Qing opened the door and let Yang Mi in. Yang Mi had clearly dressed up carefully tonight and even put on makeup. She took off her coat, revealing a sparkly mini-skirt underneath.

"Are you here to put on a fashion show in my house?"

Shen Qing couldn't help but tease her.

Yang Mi skillfully hung up her coat, then rolled her eyes at Shen Qing before walking towards the sofa, her high heels clicking rhythmically on the floor.

Shen Qing opened the shoe cabinet, took out a pair of slippers that Yang Mi had worn before, and threw them next to his feet, saying, "Change your shoes, or the older brother downstairs will be looking for me later."

Yang Mi took off her high heels and put on slippers, saying, "If the older brother downstairs sees me, he'll start wondering if I'm here again, or if you're pinning him down on the bed, no matter how small the sound you make at home. He'll have even more trouble sleeping from now on."

Shen Qing laughed at her and said, "Do you think you know a lot?"

The two chatted about some trivial matters before Yang Mi brought up the so-called important business.

"How about I sign my film and television contract with your Magical Film and Television Media?"

After Yang Mi's contract with Rongxinda expired last summer, she did not follow Zeng Jia to Hong Kong Mei Ah Entertainment as she did in the original timeline. Instead, she established her own personal studio to manage her own agency business.

Actually, her choice is not hard to understand. In the original timeline, when her contract with Rongxinda expired, she was not yet a big star. At that time, "Chinese Paladin 3" had just been broadcast on TV and its influence was so-so. Yang Mi really became a big star after "Palace" aired.

The situation was different in this timeline. By the time her contract with Rongxinda expired, "Palace" had already aired, and she was already a top-tier celebrity. Therefore, establishing her own studio became a natural thing to do.

"I could hear your little scheme from two miles away." Shen Qing gently pinched her cheek, as she probably hadn't had surgery yet, and continued, "You got the most lucrative commercial contracts signed to your own studio, and the film and television contracts were sold separately to Magical Film and Television Media to get their amazing film and television resources. You got all the benefits, what did I get?"

Yang Mi grabbed Shen Qing's hand and placed it on her lap, saying coquettishly, "You've won me over, haven't you? Before I signed the film and television contract with you, didn't you still give me a lot of resources? I signed the film and television contract simply to repay you. I never thought about getting more film and television resources from you."

Shen Qing squeezed her leg and smiled, "That's true. Wait for my news, I'll discuss it with Chen Zhixi tomorrow."

"it is good."

The next day, Shen Qing first saw Yang Mi off, and then took a car to Shenqi Film and Television Company. Chen Zhixi had already arrived, and Shen Qing called her to the chairman's office.

Shen Qing looked at Chen Zhixi, who wasn't exactly beautiful but was definitely a beauty and, more importantly, exceptionally capable, and felt a little guilty.

She diligently managed Shen Qing's huge company, signed many promising artists for him, and even gave herself to him, yet Shen Qing still continued to accept all sorts of beautiful women.

"I have decided to reform the company structure."

Chen Zhixi sat down, and Shen Qing got straight to the point.

Next, Shen Qing briefly explained her thinking to Chen Zhixi.

Currently, Shen Qing 100% controls a company called Magic Investment. Most of Shen Qing's shares, including 0.1% of Apple stock, 3% of Tencent stock, 3% of Moutai stock, and some bank stocks, are held in this company.

Magic Investment holds 100% ownership of Magic Film & Media Co., Ltd.

Chen Zhixi has been with Shen Qing for several years and has made great contributions, but she doesn't have a single share in Shen Qing's company. Shen Qing feels he has treated her unfairly.

The.

However, Shen Qing is very controlling, and he will not give up even a single share of the shares in Magical Investment. In the future, he will use this company to invest in potential companies such as Kuaishou and Douyin.

Shen Qing's subsidiary, Shenqi Film and Television Media, is the core tool for his participation in film and television production. It also holds a large number of high-quality copyrights, which Shen Qing also wants to keep firmly in his own hands.

His plan was to register a brand new subsidiary under Magic Investment, which would operate parallel to Magic Films. Shen Qing intended to spin off Magic Films' artist management business and entrust it to this new, dedicated artist management company. The equity of this new company could then be released to bind management and key artists.

"Here's my idea: you'll have 8% of the shares in the new company, vesting over 4 years, with a 1-year 'cliffe period' where you lose all your shares if you leave within that year. After that, 2% of your shares will vest for each full year you work thereafter. We'll also include a performance-based incentive clause: if you achieve all the performance targets, you'll receive an additional 2% equity bonus, plus a 2% equity incentive for listing. You can get a maximum of 12% equity in the new subsidiary."

"Zhao Liying is already a top-tier celebrity, and her wings are gradually hardening. Equity binding is also essential. As for second-tier and near-top-tier celebrities like Chen Xiao and Wan Qian, we can give them some equity. Other artists will also grow in the future. We will discuss the specific timing and amount of equity later, but in the long run, this is a step that we have to take sooner or later."

Shen Qing's thinking is very simple: Magic Investment and Magic Film and Television Media are Shen Qing's core assets, and he will not easily give up even 0.1% of the equity. As for artist management, it is not that important to Shen Qing.

Chen Zhixi felt a lump in her throat upon hearing this, not only because Shen Qing planned that she could only get a maximum of 12% of the new company's shares, but also because Shen Qing truly saw the value of what she had done. Otherwise, he wouldn't have had the idea of ​​spinning off the artist management business to give her equity incentives.

Shen Qing continued, "Yang Mi told me yesterday that she wanted to sign the film and television contract with us. We can sign it directly to the subsidiary after it is established. It's just that the film and television contract is fine, even if it pays less. But we don't need to give her equity incentives. She is a top-tier celebrity now. If she wants to sign the full contract with us, equity incentives will be essential."

Chen Zhixi nodded emphatically.

Shen Qing continued, "Furthermore, I've already made up my mind. The female lead, Mo Ying, in 'The Great Wall' will be played by Liu Yifei. In the future, we will also film many TV series with Liu Yifei as the female lead. However, her domestic contract is with Red Starwood and her overseas contract is with William Morris. I especially dislike Red Starwood. We need to think of a way to sign Liu Yifei to this new company."

Chen Zhixi pondered for a moment and said, "We still need to play the emotional card. We can talk about it right after we've been intimate. Women are more likely to agree to whatever you ask at that time."

As she spoke, Chen Zhixi glanced at Shen Qing, her face slightly flushed. She continued, "Tell her that this new agency is very important to you, and that you hope Yifei can sign with you to help you take the company public. Hongxingwu is at most her family's home. Even if it helped her a lot in the early stages, a woman eventually leaves her parents, marries the man she loves, and builds her own family. Our new company will also have her shares; this will be her home after she grows up. Gaining her mother's support is equally important. At this point, we need to leverage our resource advantages: the female lead in 'The Great Wall,' the female lead in 'Out of Control,' and even the female lead in 'Inception,' 'Interstellar,' and 'The Martian,' which haven't even started yet. With the huge success of 'Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons,' these projects will be very attractive."

Shen Qing nodded upon hearing this, then took Chen Zhixi's hand and said, "You're too accommodating to me."

She was also Shen Qing's woman. Not only did she wholeheartedly help Shen Qing run the company, but she even suggested that Shen Qing discuss things with Liu Yifei after getting intimate with her to increase the success rate.

"Say call me—"

Before Chen Zhixi could say "I like you," Shen Qing silenced her with a kiss.

Come to my place tonight.

"Um."