Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

On the morning of August 22, Fu Yibai had just returned to his office after a short meeting when Chen Xi knocked on the door and came in.

She was carrying a briefcase, and her expression showed a hint of hesitation compared to usual.

"Mr. Fu, an external project is looking for investment, but I'm not quite sure about it. I'd like to ask you to take a look."

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair and gestured with his chin toward her.

Chen Xi took a bound script out of her bag and placed it in front of him.

Fu Yibai took it, flipped through two pages, and then paused.

The cover has three words printed on it: Wolf Warrior 2.

He glanced at Chen Xi, said nothing, and continued scrolling down.

"Wu Jing's project?"

"right."

Chen Xi sat down opposite him, speaking at a steady pace.

"The first 'Wolf Warrior' movie was released in April this year and grossed 540 million yuan, which was a good result."

He wants to make this sequel a big one, with a budget of 1.5 million. He's approached several investors, but negotiations haven't been finalized yet.

"1.5 million, the break-even point is around 4.5 million," Fu Yibai said.

"That's the problem."

Chen Xi nodded.

"The first 'Wolf Warrior' movie ultimately grossed over 5 million yuan, which was only made possible by Wu Jing mortgaging his house."

The second installment tripled the budget, which carries considerable risk.

Moreover, there are no mature precedents for this kind of heavy-industry military action film in China, and Wu Jing himself has no experience in independently producing large-scale productions.

I had someone check his directorial resume; he only has two films. The first, *Wolf Warrior*, had mediocre box office performance, and the second was *Wolf Warrior*.

"So you didn't agree right away?"

No response.

Chen Xi said.

"1.5 million is not a small amount. The pressure to break even on this project is there, and I can't judge how high the ceiling is for this type of project."

Fu Yibai flipped to the last few pages of the script and then went back to watch a few key scenes.

"Chen Xi, what do you think is the box office ceiling for domestic military-themed films?"

Chen Xi thought for a moment.

"Wolf Warrior" grossed 5.4 million yuan, which is its best performance to date.

Going further up, it would probably be capped at seven or eight hundred million.

After all, this type of film has a high barrier to entry, and it's hard to say whether female and younger viewers will accept it.

Fu Yibai closed the script and placed it on the table.

I'll give you a standard for judgment.

"mood?"

"As the nation's strength grows, so does the national pride of its young people."

No film on the market has captured this emotion.

If *Wolf Warrior 2* can get this right, it won't just be selling action scenes and gunfights; it will be selling the feeling of satisfaction the audience leaves the theater with.

Chen Xi was silent for a few seconds, then her expression became serious.

Do you think it has the potential to become a hit?

"I'd like to meet with Wu Jing first."

On August 25, Wu Jing appeared at the Chenxi Building.

He arrived early, almost twenty minutes before the agreed time.

When Fu Yibai arrived at the company, Wu Jing was standing in the lounge area on the first floor, wearing a black T-shirt and a dark jacket over it, her face showing signs of being weathered by the sun and wind.

"Director Fu."

Wu Jing saw him first, walked over quickly, and extended her hand.

Fu Yibai shook hands with him.

"Director Wu Jing, let's go upstairs and talk."

Wu Jing followed Fu Yibai into the elevator.

The atmosphere between the two was much more relaxed than in a typical business meeting.

Upon entering the office, Zhang Xinyu brought over two cups of tea, and Fu Yibai and Wu Jing sat down across the coffee table.

"Chen Xi showed me the script for 'Wolf Warrior 2,' and I was very interested."

Fu Yibai got straight to the point.

Wu Jing nodded.

"I submitted my draft to several companies before, but they all had concerns about this subject matter."

I was quite surprised that Mr. Fu called me here.

"Tell me your thoughts."

Wu Jing sat up a little straighter.

"The story of Wolf Warrior 2 takes place in Africa. Leng Feng gets caught up in an evacuation operation, venturing alone into the war zone to evacuate people, rescue others, and fight against mercenaries."

The core emotions are patriotism and a sense of responsibility as soldiers.

I want to make the war scenes realistic, using real explosions, real guns and ammunition, real vehicles and tanks, and not just empty, grandiose model shows.

The African portion was filmed entirely on location, with action choreography based on realistic combat, delivering visceral, impactful blows. All weaponry and tactical maneuvers were directed by a professional team.

Fu Yibai did not rush to express his opinion after listening.

"150 million, how do you plan to spend it?"

"Production accounts for the majority."

Filming on location in Africa takes a long time, and the costs of personnel, equipment, transportation, and security are very high.

The leasing and modification of military equipment is also included.

The remaining money was used for the animation team and post-production special effects.

I have already discussed preliminary cooperation with the Southern Military Region; they can provide all the weapons and equipment used in the film.

"cycle?"

"Filming is scheduled to begin at the end of December. The domestic portion will be shot in Nanjing and Zhangjiakou, while the African portion will be shot in South Africa and Kenya, taking four to five months in total."

With post-production included, the film will be delivered as early as the end of October next year.

Fu Yibai picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Do you think you can handle this scale?

Wu Jing paused for a moment, then nodded.

"able.

I served in the Nanjing Military Region, so I am familiar with military operations.

The first movie taught me how to film the door, so I knew how to film the second one.

"If the budget is insufficient, I'll pay for it myself to finish filming."

Fu Yibai put down his teacup.

"You don't need to put any money into it. Morning Light has invested in this project."

Wu Jing suddenly looked up.

Fu Yibai looked at him.

"Dawn will contribute all of the 150 million budget."

If the costs exceed the limit later, Chenxi can also cover the additional costs.

Just focus on making a good movie.

Wu Jing stood up from her chair and bowed deeply to Fu Yibai.

"Director Fu, I'm not going to mince words."

I risked my life to make this film; it will definitely not disappoint you.

Fu Yibai waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.

"What would I do with your life? Don't feel too much pressure."

As long as you can capture your idea completely on film, that's fine.

I still have high hopes for your project.

Wu Jing bowed again, then suddenly remembered something and said somewhat awkwardly.

"Mr. Fu, my company may also need to invest a portion, leaving only 85% of the share for Chenxi."

"85%? That's enough."

Wu Jing was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting Fu Yibai to agree so readily.

"Mr. Fu, this..."

"I feel more at ease if you're willing to invest your own money."

"People are more serious about filming when they have their own money involved."

Wu Jing nodded emphatically, her eyes slightly red.

Fu Yibai didn't say anything more and asked Zhang Xinyu to call Chen Xi up.

Chen Xi arrived quickly.

Fu Yibai briefly explained the investment plan.

"The ratio of 85% to 15%".

You'll need to assign someone to follow up on project initiation, funding supervision, and production management.

Wu Jing is the director and lead actor, giving the production team ample creative freedom while adhering to company standards in the production process.

The mechanism for additional funding beyond the budget should also be written into the contract; don't make him pay for it himself.

After taking notes of the key points, Chen Xi looked at Wu Jing.

"Director Wu, my team will handle the follow-up contracts and project schedules with you."

"Okay, thank you for your help, Mr. Chen."

Wu Jing stood up and shook hands with her, then turned to Fu Yibai, her excitement still lingering.

"Mr. Fu, what are your thoughts on the role?"

Wu Jing very sensibly asked Fu Yibai if he wanted to arrange a role.

Has the female lead been cast?

"Not yet. Do you have anyone you'd recommend?"

"Then let's give it to Jiang Yan from our company."

You can decide for yourself; I won't interfere.

There is only one rule: the safety standards for all action scenes must not be lowered.

People can work incredibly hard, but if a major accident occurs, the project is finished.

Wu Jing's expression turned serious.

"I see.

Regarding security, I will hire the most professional team to develop a solution.