Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Yang Chen is going crazy in Hollywood.

Saw is a blockbuster!

The opening day box office was $530 million, which isn't much.

But starting from the second day, the numbers jumped to 910 million, 1290 million, 1310 million...

The film grossed over $4000 million in its opening weekend in North America!

This number is staggering, but Zhuang Huai'an knows that in the future, the daily box office will only get lower and lower. It's not that the movie is bad, but that's the trend for horror movies. Usually, the box office in the first two weeks accounts for more than 85% of the total box office.

At first, people just wanted to see what kind of horror movie script Zhuang Huai'an, a Golden Lion Award winner, would write. But after the word-of-mouth exploded, people paid more attention to the plot.

It's important to understand that in the film industry, horror films are among the lowest-tier genres, only slightly better than Category III films.

Saw took a completely different path, departing from the traditional horror film genre and instead resembling a mystery thriller.

Besides the great storyline, it's safe to say that MGM's distribution channels are truly impressive. Even though the Lion King is old, his full-force attack is unmatched by any other Tom, Dick, or Harry.

This film was distributed globally, and although it couldn't be released in mainland China, it grossed a total of $2500 million in other regions.

Assuming the film grosses over 100 million, according to the revenue-sharing rules, Zhuang Huai'an is expected to receive 55 million US dollars.

Originally, this money was supposed to be split 50/50 with MGM, but thanks to that foolish director, he gave me a free $3 million-level publicity and distribution right.

After deducting all costs, Zhuang Huai'an made 5000 million, Dao Le!

"Huai'an, should we increase our publicity efforts?"

Hearing Yang Chen's question over the phone, Zhuang Huai'an decisively refused.

"No need, it basically has no potential. You should find a few video distributors as soon as possible and tell them that I don't accept the revenue-sharing model for this movie, I only accept a buyout, $2500 million for 5 years in North America, and I require a one-time payment."

As for the Americans, Zhuang Huai'an never believed they would be honest and trustworthy. The Harry Potter series grossed billions of dollars worldwide, yet Warner Bros. was able to turn the project into a loss.

If a globally renowned author of the same race as J.K. Rowling dares to do this, what about a Chinese-American director like myself?

who do you think You Are?

Wu Baige was able to make a good film like Mission: Impossible 2, but do you really think he couldn't make a good film like Windtalkers? The biggest responsibility for the failure of this film lies with MGM's decision-making, but they just shifted the blame to Wu Baige.

(Those who are interested can check out the director's cut of Windtalkers; it's a testament to director Wu Baige's talent.)

Unlike his predecessors, he didn't insist on proving himself in Hollywood. No matter how successful you are as a director, you're still just working for someone else!

Now is his best chance to make money in Hollywood. He has all the advantages: the right time, the right place, and the right people. Things won't be so smooth from now on.

The timing is right; both sides are still in a honeymoon period. Zhuang Huai'an can be considered a cultural icon for his family. China has only recently joined the WTO, and overseas markets need this market. Therefore, they dare not go too far in some matters.

The advantage lies in our dear friend MGM; while they still have the capacity to contribute, we should make the most of their remaining value.

The reputation he earned in Europe is built on the synergy between humanity and nature.

Some things can't be done blindly; you have to consider the current situation. Do you really think that just because you've made a few movies, you can dominate the world?

Wake up, there are many ways to get back at you.

"After the movie is out of theaters, settle the box office revenue as soon as possible. If necessary, give a portion of the profits to that old man White. He knows what to do."

White was an MGM mole.

Yang Chen said in a deep voice, "I understand. I will handle it. If all else fails, I will go to my teacher. He has taught in Southern California his whole life and has a wide network of connections."

"Well, it's also good to support your teacher's life a little, we're all friends."

"I know what I'm doing," Yang Chen said, hanging up the phone.

Fortunately, Yang Chen is also an academic and has been in Hollywood for over ten years. Now he has Zhuang Huai'an's authorization, and with money and connections paving the way, if he can't even do this, he shouldn't be in this business.

Zhuang Huai'an frowned slightly, unconsciously twirling the pen in his hand.

We can't take risks. After these horror movies are finished, we'll sell the sequel rights to James Wan as a package deal, and then it'll be more stable to do co-productions.

It wasn't that he was being overly pessimistic; it was simply the reality.

Let alone the fact that it's only the beginning of the new millennium, even in 2026, will there be any other colors besides black and white in the core circles of Hollywood?

He is a prophet, but he doesn't have a system.

It's different if we involve China Film Group. If you dare to mess around, I'll block your film imports. Even if they do get in, I'll put them all on the same screen, like dogs fighting each other.

The mainland market is not yet fully developed, and few people will go to the cinema to watch several movies in a short period of time.

After thinking for a while, Zhuang Huai'an took out his phone and called Han Sanping.

"Hahaha, Huai'an, I was just about to call and congratulate you."

"Oh? What's the cause of your joy?"

"Look at you, still putting on airs in front of your older brother." Han Sanping's tone was somewhat displeased. "Cannes has already released the results, and 'Parasite' has been selected for the main competition as this year's surprise film!"

"Oh, so that's what it was about. The surprise video being included in the final list was a sure thing."

Zhuang Huai'an changed the subject and started showing off, "I thought you heard that the movie I made in Hollywood broke 5000 million dollars at the box office."

"ha?"

Han Sanping was quite surprised, "Didn't you only make 'Parasite' in the US? You have other movies too?"

"Yeah, a low-budget horror film with a budget of $300 million. I wrote the script and found a director to direct it."

"A 300 million production broke 5000 million at the box office!?" Han Sanping screamed.

Is this some kind of robbery?

After a long silence, Old Han calmed down and asked, "Really?"

"How could something like this be fake?"

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and said, "There should already be reports over there. With your connections, you can easily find out."

Han Sanping fell silent again, then said, "Wait for me at the company," and hung up the phone.

Hearing the busy tone from his phone, Zhuang Huai'an laughed nonchalantly.

Third Master, you owe me a favor, you have to pay it back.

Shortly after, Zhang Lu led Han Sanping into the office.

"You've really given me a big surprise this time." Old Han's expression was somewhat complicated.

"It was purely accidental. I was just thinking of testing the waters, but it turned out to be a success."

Zhuang Huai'an handed him a cigarette and lit it for him with a smile.

"Phew~"

Han Sanping leaned back on the sofa, exhaled a puff of smoke, and said with some regret, "It's a pity it's a horror movie. It would have been better if you had directed a drama yourself."

"Who knows?" Zhuang Huai'an's lips curled up. "Besides, maybe the parasites will explode too?"

Whether you expose it or not, it's all over.

Old Han looked at him with a complicated expression. "I just read the reports about your movie. Many film critics said that it's no wonder you wrote the script; you can make a horror movie that touches people's hearts so deeply."

"It's all in the same vein. I can write other things too. The reason I chose horror movies is just to get a better start."

Old Han nodded in agreement, "That's right, if we get off to a good start, things will be easier later on."

After finishing a cigarette, Zhuang Huai'an fiddled with the Kung Fu tea set.

"Oh, by the way, 'Gone Girl' has a release date."

"When?"

"The end of the month, May 25th."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Huai'an paused and looked at Han Sanping.

"I just changed it," Lao Han admitted frankly. "I originally planned to release it during the summer, but you were nominated for Cannes, and the 25th is the day after the Cannes closing ceremony. We can take advantage of your winning the award."

Zhuang Huai'an raised an eyebrow and handed him a cup of tea. "Brother, you have that much confidence in me?"

"What if?"