Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

"A World Without Thieves" has finally been released during the summer season.

As Feng Xiaogang's first film to enter the three main competition sections, Huayi Brothers' promotion of it can be described as unprecedented, generating even more buzz than their previous film, "Hero".

Zhuang Huai'an also showed his respect by attending the premiere. Although the big and small kings Feng Kuzi and his gang of scoundrels have terrible character, they are really rich and can really throw money around!

Moreover, regarding the barbecue incident, after he started a group buy, the other party immediately joined without hesitation. Even if they can't be friends, they can still be customers. What's more, these three people were quite supportive of him, especially Feng Kuzi, who was really good at flattering him. Zhuang Huai'an was quite pleased with it.

Wait… I won’t redeem! Am I being taken advantage of?

Before the character "Sha Gen" became popular, Zhuang Huai'an specially arranged for Du Hua to contact Bao Qiang and successfully sign him to Madou Media.

You absolutely can't miss out on someone with such outstanding character and professional skills!

From the company's perspective, Du Hua and Zhong Lifang did work together very well; one was in charge of the artists' film contracts and commercial performances, while the other kept an eye on the scripts.

Once Du Hua accepted the script and gained the approval of the scriptwriting department, Zhong Lifang waved her money to ask for an investment share, creating a virtuous cycle between the two. Even if Zhuang Huai'an didn't start any productions in the short term, there was no need to worry about the company's operation.

Of course, the main reason is that the artists have a peaceful mindset and don't compete or fight for anything.

The company's official website now has an online video module, but it hasn't been launched yet because the timing isn't right.

Although it sounds cowardly, it's true that as long as 91 Company wants to make money, it really can't afford to offend TV stations for the time being, and the prices for second-run and rebroadcast episodes are still very attractive.

Therefore, Zhuang Huai'an can only wait until Youku Tudou becomes popular next year, and then he can naturally try to ride the wave of traffic.

The footage for "The Martian" has been sent to Yang Chen, and the post-production work is being handled by Cameron's Digital Domain.

After reviewing the materials, the truck driver even sent an email to Zhuang Huai'an, praising his amazing imagination and promising to use the latest model to render the background, promising a money-back guarantee if he wasn't satisfied!

Old Ka is also a special effects fanatic, otherwise he wouldn't have worked on a groundbreaking work like Avatar. Zhuang Huai'an felt very reassured handing over the materials to him, at least he didn't have to follow him around every day in the early stages, and he could just run around a bit later.

this day,

Zhang Yimou brought his eldest daughter to Company 91.

"Hey, senior brother, it's been a while since I've seen you."

Zhuang Huai'an warmly welcomed the father and daughter into his office. "This must be my niece, right?"

"Yes," the old man smiled, his face crinkling with wrinkles, and turned to signal his daughter to call for someone.

Zhang Mo was not intimidated and said confidently, "Hello, Uncle Huai'an, I am Zhang Mo."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and nodded in response to the address. In fact, the two were born in the same year, and he was half a month younger than Zhang Mo.

But those who are accomplished come first. Just based on the letter of recommendation from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, he deserves to be called "uncle."

"I'm flying to Los Angeles tonight, and since I had some time, I thought I'd come over for a cup of tea and let your niece get acquainted with the place."

The old strategist's words carried a hint of the rustic cunning unique to the people of Qin.

"Just knowing this door isn't enough. I'm going to Hollywood next month, and I'll take my niece to MGM for a visit. Talk is cheap; the real skill is on set."

Zhuang Huai'an smiled at Zhang Mo and said, "Don't be fooled by what people say about your father and me being from an academic background. Actually, we're both self-taught; we just had some formal training at school."

"That's true." Zhang Yimou nodded. His skills were mostly due to talent, then he learned on set, and finally he received instruction at the Beijing Film Academy.

"But speaking of which, niece, did you want to study directing on your own, or did your mom... cough, your dad force you?"

Zhang Mo pursed his lips. "Uncle, it's something I wanted to learn myself."

I don't believe you for a second.

Zhuang Huai'an secretly curled his lip. If you really wanted to learn, you wouldn't have studied architecture as an undergraduate. Starting to learn directing from a graduate degree in a different industry requires genius.

It's obvious that Zhang Mo isn't a genius. Even if he's going to follow in his father's footsteps, he'd be better off learning to manage a production than directing.

When it came to other people's family matters, Zhuang Huai'an didn't say much and cleverly changed the subject, only talking about some interesting things on set.

After several rounds of tea, Lao Zhangzi got up to take his leave. Zhuang Huai'an led him downstairs, but before he could turn around and go back upstairs, Han Sanping hurriedly emerged from next door.

"That's...Zhang Yimou, isn't it?" Old Han squinted for a while before recognizing him. "Why is he here?"

"His daughter wants to study directing, so she asked me to get her a letter of recommendation. She took a night flight to come and talk to me."

As they walked and talked, Zhuang Huai'an continued, "Brother, what brings you here?"

"I heard you've been holed up at the company for over half a month, so I'm here to gather some intelligence."

Han Sanping handed him a cigarette. "The Martian's post-production will take quite a while, right? Have you had any plans to start filming during that time?"

"No, I want to take a break for a while."

Before the water boiled, Zhuang Huai'an stretched vigorously, a crackling sound erupting from his body. "I haven't stopped since the hunt started. This time I'll have to lie down for a month or two to recover."

"It's best to take it slow and balance work and rest."

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then continued, "Last year, the bureau organized a joint event with Japan, South Korea, and the three regions, which was considered a preliminary agreement on cooperation. I was originally thinking of asking you to come out of retirement for this first co-production. Since you want to take a break, I'll study it some more."

"What are you going to film?" Zhuang Huai'an asked curiously.

"We still don't have a theme," Old Han finally revealed his true intentions, "You're the screenwriting god of the industry, do you have any good ideas?"

Zhuang Huai'an handed him a cup of tea and said with a smile, "Yes, what kind would you like?"

There really is one?

Old Han's eyes lit up immediately, "Anything is fine, as long as it's your notebook."

With this prestigious brand, this co-production is sure to be a great success!

"Let's not rush this. Business is business. Let's clarify the investment details first, and then we can finalize the script."

Zhuang Huai'an narrowed his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips.

"I do have a few scripts that fit the themes of everyday life and the country of thieves quite well. If you want box office success, I'll make a commercial film; if you want awards, I also have art films. It just depends on what kind you need, bro."

"Of course, we'll shoot commercial films first!"

Han Sanping bluntly stated: "The new 'Veteran' you gave to China, although it couldn't be shown in mainland China, sold like hotcakes in three regions and South Korea. It didn't even make it to theaters, but it sold over 2 million VHS tapes, which translates to over 3000 million in box office revenue."

Regarding the investment share, I won't hide it from you. China Film Group just needs to participate; it's a task, and it would be best if we could make some profit.

"Okay, then I want at least 6% of the shares. I'll decide everything: the script, the director, and the actors."

Zhuang Huai'an's asking price isn't exorbitant. His personal brand is already well-established; while he might not be able to compete in Europe and America, he's practically a force to be reckoned with in Asia.

"no problem,"

Han Sanping readily agreed, "I'll coordinate over there. Unless they're stupid, they won't refuse."

Beggars shouldn't complain about spoiled food; they should be grateful to have something to eat.

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and clinked teacups with Han Sanping. He had been waiting for this opportunity; Han Sanping had essentially walked right into a trap.

With China Film Group taking the lead, many unnecessary troubles can be avoided.