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

Chapter 181 The entire internet is shocked, amazing!

Maoyan Movies Company, conference room.

Executives from Magic Film & Media were also present; the main agenda for today's meeting was to discuss the release schedule for "The Martian".

After discussions with Warner Bros., the global release date for "The Martian" was finally set for December 28, 2012.

"The domestic preview screenings will be moved up a week to December 21st. The preview screenings will account for about 15% of the total screenings. We shouldn't go any higher, since this isn't a theatrical release. But we also shouldn't go too low. The wolf is already here. The scale of ticket subsidies will continue to grow in the future, and we need to seize a larger market share as soon as possible."

Shen Qing glanced at the executives from Shenqi Films on his left and then at the executives from Maoyan Movies on his right, and continued, "Shenqi Films and Maoyan Movies will each contribute 1 million yuan for ticket subsidies. I will arrange for someone to release the news in advance after the meeting."

"Wouldn't it be considered a disruption of market order and a violation of the principle of fairness to announce the 2 million yuan ticket subsidy in advance?"

"The Martian was already the most anticipated film of the year, and with such a large-scale ticket subsidy, other films won't be able to compete. If someone can't compete in the market, they'll have to find ways outside of the market," said the publicity director of Magical Films.

Shen Qing said, "What other way is there besides the market? Stop the ticket subsidies? If they really stop them, they won't just stop us, they'll stop everyone. We'd love to have that."

Currently, only Meituan Movies and Gewara are subsidizing tickets. In the future, Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu will almost certainly enter the online ticketing market, which could potentially amount to billions of yuan in ticket subsidies annually.

If ticket subsidies are completely banned, our existing scale advantage will naturally continue to expand. However, if ticket subsidies are allowed, we will have to compete with Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu in terms of funding, which would be very dangerous.

There was a slight commotion in the meeting room; anyone who thought their company might be in direct competition with one of the BTAs would instinctively shudder.

The chairman just mentioned that Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu will all be involved!

This is a full-scale war with BTA; how could any normal person not be nervous!

Then Shen Qing continued, "Next, let's discuss whether Meituan Movies and Gewara will follow suit and subsidize 'The Martian'."

Many executives didn't even realize what was happening when they heard that.

Are Meituan Movies and Gewara subsidizing "The Martian"?

Aren't we mortal enemies? Subsidizing the competitor?

Sitting first on the right, Maoyan Movies CEO Shen Li said, "I think there's a high probability they'll follow suit. If they don't, they'll indeed save money, but all the market share they painstakingly gained by investing 9 million yuan will just be thrown to us. Then, 'The Martian' will only sell for 9 yuan on Maoyan Movies, but 40 yuan on Meituan and Gewara. Won't their users just delete their apps and run away to join us?"

The executives in the conference room looked at each other, their expressions becoming increasingly excited.

The market generally believes that The Martian's box office potential should be around 25 billion yuan, while more aggressive observers even believe that its final box office should be around 28 billion yuan, or even more.

This blockbuster film, which has garnered nationwide attention, is selling tickets for 9.9 yuan each on Maoyan, yet Meituan Movies dares to sell them for 40 yuan!

One yuan a piece? Are you kidding me?!

But what if we follow suit?

Meituan has poured hundreds of millions of yuan into the company, and at least a third of that money will eventually go into Shen Qing's pocket. The ticket subsidies will also encourage more people to buy tickets, making "The Martian" even more profitable and earning more money for Shen Qing's company. With more money, they will have more resources to continue the ticket subsidy war.

The executives suddenly thought, so what if BTA (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent) really gets involved? We have blockbuster movies to play, what are we afraid of?

Finally, Shen Li reported that Huaxia Film Distribution and China Film Group Corporation came to discuss "Life of Pi," and Huayi Brothers came to discuss ticket subsidies for "Back to 1942."

Both films are scheduled for release at the end of November.

"Both companies want to secure a 1:1 ticket subsidy ratio. They will each contribute 5000 million yuan, and Maoyan Movies will contribute 5000 million yuan, raising a total of 1 million yuan in ticket subsidies," Chen Zhixi reported.

"Let's decline. Maoyan Movies doesn't have much money in its accounts, and it's barely enough to subsidize its own movies," Shen Qing said. "In the future, we might subsidize external movies, but not now, and certainly not at a 1:1 ratio."

The next day, Chen Zhixi reported to Shen Qing that the two distributors had proposed a 4:6 split, with them contributing the majority and Maoyan Movies contributing the minority. They even indicated that a 3:7 split was also being considered.

"We can just make a few more movies ourselves next year," Shen Qing said.

Meituan.

Gan Jiawei reported to Wang Xing: "Huaxia and China Film hope that we can subsidize the ticket sales of 'Life of Pi'. Huayi Brothers also came to us to subsidize the ticket sales of 'Back to 1942', and they all said that they could cover half of the ticket subsidy cost."

Wang Xing asked, "Is the ratio still negotiable? Have they contacted Maoyan Movies yet?"

Gan Jiawei shook his head and said, "It seems that they are only willing to pay half at most. As for Maoyan, both companies have probably approached them, but they haven't reached an agreement."

Wang Xing said, "Then let's agree to their terms. The less Maoyan Movies subsidizes a movie, the more we will subsidize it. When these two movies sell for 40 yuan a ticket on the Maoyan platform, we will only sell them for 9.9 yuan. The user migration speed will be very fast."

Gan Jiawei nodded.

-

Che Guevara.

"The producers of 'Life of Pi' and 'Back to 1942' are in talks about ticket subsidies —"

The global release date for "The Martian" has finally been announced, along with the news that the film will have preview screenings a week in advance. Tickets for these preview screenings will also be exclusively available for pre-sale 10 days in advance on the Maoyan movie platform.

In addition, Magic Films will contribute 1 million yuan, and Maoyan Films will also contribute 1 million yuan. The two companies will jointly raise 2 million yuan specifically to meet the ticket subsidy needs of "The Martian".

This caused a huge stir, and the Chinese-language internet instantly became abuzz.

"It's here, it's here, it's finally back! 'Shen-style preview screenings' are about to make their comeback!"

"Damn, this is a top-notch conspiracy! Preview tickets can only be bought on the Maoyan Movie platform, and preview screenings start at 15% of the total screenings. What are preview screenings? They're just early releases! The difference is that public releases are allowed to sell tickets offline and to rival companies, but preview screenings aren't. Preview screenings can choose who to show the movie to. If viewers want to see 'The Martian' ahead of time, they can only download Maoyan Movie."

"Shen Qing is a bit unsportsmanlike, but this is also Meituan's fault. Why did you have to create this ticket subsidy? Now look what happened, you've angered Shen Qing! Isn't this just shooting yourself in the foot?"

"Xie Baoqing, Xie Baoqing, why did you have to provoke him? Hahaha, now you're dumbfounded, aren't you? Watch the show!"

"2 million yuan in ticket subsidies, that's incredible! There were less than 20 films that grossed over 2 million yuan last year, and 'The Martian' got a direct subsidy of 2 million yuan?"

"Hey upstairs, does this news mean you can watch 'The Martian' for 9.9 yuan?"

"Pretty much. The subsidy is quite large, so I estimate that many people will be able to buy tickets for 9.9 yuan."

"That's great! I need to download the Maoyan Movies app right away!"

"I have Meituan Movies on my phone, is it possible to watch 'The Martian' for 9.9 yuan?"

"What are you thinking, bro? Shen Qing is definitely only subsidizing the Maoyan platform!"

"9.9 yuan? Bro, even 40 yuan won't do. From the 21st to the 27th is the large-scale preview period for 'The Martian,' and tickets during this period are exclusively pre-sold by Maoyan Movies. You can't buy them for 400 yuan each on Meituan Movies."

"Then what's the point of Meituan Movies? Uninstall it, download Maoyan Movies instead!"

"Let's go together!"

Meituan Meeting Room.

"That makes sense, but Maoyan is Meituan's biggest competitor in the movie business, and subsidizing 'The Martian'..."

What's the difference between this and wishful thinking? Subsidizing "The Martian" is like giving Shen Qing money. With the money we give him, Shen Qing can subsidize even more of his films. If we really subsidize "The Martian," it's like handing bullets to Shen Qing; he'll definitely...

"They're using the bullets we sent out to shoot us!" a vice president said vehemently.

Today's meeting topic is whether Meituan Movies should subsidize "The Martian" outright.

Another vice president then said, "The Martian will undoubtedly be the biggest blockbuster film of the year, December 21st."

December 27th will be the most dangerous period for Meituan's movie business. During this period, Maoyan will be the only ticketing platform for "The Martian," and users are expected to flock to Maoyan Movies at an alarming rate.

If "The Martian" is released nationwide on the 28th and we don't subsidize it, and Maoyan Movies sells tickets for 9.9 yuan each while we sell them for 40 yuan, then what's the difference between us and those who still aren't qualified to sell tickets for "The Martian"? Meituan users are all price-sensitive users. On one side, there are tickets for 9.9 yuan each, and on the other side, there are tickets for 40 yuan each. Do you even need to think about which user will choose?

Meituan Movies cannot afford the consequences of not selling "The Martian"!

Another high-ranking official said: "Shen Qing's movies are too popular and have too dominant box office. It seems that simply throwing money at them is not enough to offset Maoyan Movies' content hegemony. Now we either need to strategically give up this part and simply sell Meituan Movies to Shen Qing, or we need to follow in Shen Qing's footsteps and subsidize Shen Qing's movies."

"A number of Meituan Movies users have already uninstalled the app." (This is a high-profile statement.)

Gan Jiawei didn't say anything, but turned to look at Wang Xing.

After a moment of silence, Wang Xing said, "It's not time to give up yet. Let's go for it. Spread the word that Meituan Movies will subsidize tickets for 'The Martian,' though not as much as Xiaomaoyan Movies."

This concludes the matter.

Almost simultaneously, in the Guevara conference room.

"Let's spread the word that Gewara will subsidize tickets for 'The Martian'," CEO Liu Yong made the final decision.

"President Liu!" one of the executives said, looking very unwilling. "This is too passive; it boosts the morale of others while diminishing our own."

Co-CEO Zhang Xuejing said, "That's not how it works. 'The Martian' is the backbone of Chinese-language films, a model of Chinese science fiction blockbusters, and one of the few Chinese films that truly has the potential to sweep the globe. It is a source of pride for the Chinese people, and there is nothing shameful about actively subsidizing such a film."

Movie box office figures.

"Large-scale previews on December 21st, there are still three and a half months to go, I can't wait."

"Be content. If Meituan Movies hadn't suddenly launched a ticket subsidy campaign against Maoyan, Shen Qing wouldn't have been able to bring out such a large-scale preview screening. Otherwise, we wouldn't have been able to see it until December 28th."

"Shen Qing has never disappointed me with 'Gravity' and 'The Great Wall,' and I hope 'The Martian' will be the same."

"How much do you think 'The Martian' will gross at the Chinese box office?"

"I originally estimated that it had a chance to reach 25 billion, but now that the production company has officially announced that Maoyan and Shenqi Films will provide a total of 2 million yuan in ticket subsidies, it's aiming for 27 billion."

"Upstairs, that's not how you do it. You spend 200 million on ticket subsidies, and the box office only increases by that 200 million? What's the point of the subsidies then? Normally, spending 200 million on subsidies should generate at least another 200-300 million in box office revenue. So, 'The Martian' should have a chance to break the 3 billion mark."

"Hey upstairs, do you want to hear what you just said? Breaking the 30 billion mark? How come the domestic market has suddenly become this exaggerated? I don't think it's possible."

"Breaking news! We've just received news that Meituan Movies will also be subsidizing tickets for 'The Martian.' Gan Jiawei stated that Meituan Movies' subsidy for 'The Martian' will be comparable to that of Maoyan Movies."

Instantly, the forum exploded.

"Huh? You didn't see it wrong? Meituan Movies is subsidizing tickets for 'The Martian,' a film produced by a sister company of its arch-rival Maoyan Movies?"

"Absolutely true!"

"But what's in it for him?"

"What's the point? It's because 'The Martian' is bound to be a huge hit. If it sells for 9.9 yuan on Maoyan Movies and 40 yuan on Meituan Movies, will Meituan Movies even have a chance to survive?"

37

"I'm putting this out there today! When 'The Martian' is released, any platform that doesn't sell the movie, or any platform that sells it for a much higher price than others, is basically not far from falling behind."

"What does this mean? Meituan Movies is going to match Maoyan's subsidies for 'The Martian'? Maoyan is already offering 2 million yuan in subsidies, and Meituan is going to add another 2 million yuan?"

"It probably won't be enough. The two companies are different in size and market share. If both invest 2 million, Maoyan Movies will use it up quickly, but Meituan might need a long time to digest it."

"That's amazing! Maoyan and Shenqi Films combined subsidize 2 million yuan, and Meituan Movies subsidizes over 1 million yuan, that's 3 million yuan! Crazy! Awesome!"

"Holy crap, the latest news is that Guevara has announced that he will also be subsidizing The Martian."

"what?"

"true and false?!"

"It's true, the report has already been released, and Gewara CEO Liu Yong personally announced it."

"Damn, then let's add another 1 million in subsidies?"

"What? That adds up to 4 million yuan in ticket subsidies?"

"Awesome! I can't even imagine what it will look like then."

17

"Is there really a chance of breaking the 30 billion mark?"

"If the movie doesn't receive terrible reviews and maintains the consistent quality of Shen Qing's sci-fi blockbusters, then it has a very good chance!"

"Are there really that many viewers in China? 30 billion? That's unlikely, isn't it?"

"Why not? 30 billion yuan in box office revenue is roughly one-eighth or one-ninth of this year's total box office. Back then, 'Hero' accounted for a quarter of the entire year's box office!"

Meituan Movies and Gewara announced that they would subsidize tickets for "The Martian," which immediately ignited public opinion in China.

They can even decide on their own to subsidize competitors' films? That's truly eye-opening!

That's right, they're voluntarily providing subsidies and giving money away; nobody can stop them!

I was wondering why Shen Qing insisted on creating a Maoyan movie website; it turns out this was what she was waiting for.

Han Sanping called Shen Qing to praise Shen Qing for setting up such a brilliant plan.

Wang Changtian of Enlight Media directly inquired about Maoyan Movies' financial reserves, implying that Shen Qing should raise another round of funding.

Enlight Media already holds a 2.5% stake in Maoyan Movies, but Wang Changtian is clearly not satisfied with that.

The value of Maoyan Movies is increasing.