Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

"Since Brother Han considers me one of his own, I'll get straight to the point."

In his office, Zhuang Huai'an changed the teapot to a fresh one.

"Just tell me if you need anything, and I'll definitely help if I can," Han Sanping said with great generosity.

"I heard that the higher-ups intend to reform the cinema chain system again?"

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping's expression froze, and he looked at Zhuang Huai'an with some surprise and doubt.

"This matter is still under discussion, how did you get the news so quickly?"

"I was having dinner with an elder the other day and overheard him say something like that."

This is a lie.

Zhuang Huai'an learned this news from the memories of his transmigrated brothers.

In other words, even if it were someone else, like a brother who would die for Jiang Wen, he wouldn't reveal a single thing to Han Sanping.

The film reform system in mainland China began in 95. At that time, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued a document allowing private capital to invest in co-produced films, but they could not produce or distribute them independently. They could only be affiliated with state-owned film studios, which is known as "buying a bid".

In 01, the qualification for single-film shooting was officially opened, allowing private enterprises to independently invest in and shoot films, and own the film copyright and share the revenue. This was the first step in the commercialization of film production.

Brands that people know well in later generations, such as Lightspeed & Quantum Studios and Bona Film Group, were basically founded during this period.

Furthermore, by the end of this year, private enterprises will be able to establish production companies independently, obtain long-term filming permits, apply for national film distribution licenses, and independently distribute and distribute films. At the same time, private capital will be allowed to independently invest in cinemas or acquire shares in state-owned cinema chains.

The reason he doesn't care much about domestic box office is because of the above reasons. According to these rules, even if his box office exceeds 100 million, he will only receive a little over 10 million.

Zhuang Huai'an has been taking action. He wants to take advantage of the fact that most people haven't realized what's happening and build his company into a perfect closed loop. This is the first step in becoming a capital player.

Old Han lit a cigarette, his expression shifting between light and dark.

Zhuang Huai'an smiled and reassured him, "Brother, don't be nervous. It's just the two of us here. What I'm saying won't get out of here."

"Huai'an, you've really given me a pleasant surprise."

Han Sanping deliberately emphasized the word "surprise," saying, "I can tell you that this news is basically true, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, it will be announced to the public by the end of the year. So, what do you want me to do to help you?"

"I want a cinema chain license," Zhuang Huai'an said bluntly. "Not a shell company or a stake in a state-owned cinema chain, but an independent operating license."

Han Sanping remained silent for a long time, and after finishing his cigarette, Zhuang Huai'an refilled it for him.

"Alright, I'll do my best to help you," Old Han gritted his teeth inwardly, "but I have a condition."

"Please speak."

"Your first big-budget production must be spearheaded by China Film Group, and their investment share cannot be less than 50%!"

Alright, alright, you've delivered this right to my doorstep!

"Brother," Zhuang Huai'an chuckled inwardly and began to lie, "this is nothing even yet, and you're so sure I'll be making a big production."

"No matter when you do it, just agree to it first."

Having experienced the "Saw" incident, Zhuang Huai'an has proven that he can also handle commercial films, and Han Sanping plans to take another gamble.

He's so eager to improve!

"Okay, I promise you."

"Then it's a deal!"

After the two reached a deal, Han Sanping sat for a while and then went back.

Zhuang Huai'an sat back down at his desk, pondering his plans for the second half of the year.

"Detachment" is definitely going to be filmed. Li Ming is waiting, and Enlight Media and Boss Yang are also waiting.

But after filming, he can put it aside for now and make another big splash next year. He still needs to consider making a big-budget production to stimulate Han Sanping.

Since they want political achievements, co-productions are the most suitable option, but the question is which film to make.

How about we plant potatoes?

Shenzhou V was launched in October of this year, right?

Zhuang Huai'an's eyes lit up; this was promising!

It can both ride the wave of popularity and boost national confidence. Nothing promotes the country better than going into space!

The key point is, after this movie is finished, I should be able to upgrade from a "saintly student" at the Beijing Film Academy to a "saintly student" at the Film Bureau, right?

Who knows, I might even be able to get a position as an inner disciple of the Court of State Ceremonies or the Ministry of Rites?

It's it!

Come out, The Martian!

The original novel for this movie was written in 09 and published in 13, so adapting it now is perfectly fine.

Zhuang Huai'an took out a hard drive from the safe, disconnected the laptop from the network, plugged in the hard drive, entered the password, opened it, found the script for The Martian, and began to drastically modify it.

We need to consult professionals to analyze the technical terms and details, but we need to get the background information of the people involved first.

The main character must be Chinese, and the other astronauts will be changed to be from the three countries of China, the United States, and Russia, since only these three countries have been to space.

"In the year 2060, with the world order largely established, humanity began to yearn for space. A Mars exploration team jointly formed by China's CNSA, the United States' NASA, and Russia's RSA landed on the Asidaria Planitia on Mars..."

Zhuang Huai'an paused to think for a moment, then added another background: to facilitate management, the three companies jointly established a temporary organization to weaken NASA's influence and adopt a model of global solidarity.

Ultimately, of course, it was the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Administration of China that had to step in to save the people; otherwise, there would be no point in making this movie.

They crammed all the characters from the story into this temporary organization.

I wrote on and off all afternoon until Yang Chen called from overseas.

"What's wrong, Brother Yang?"

"Huai'an, I think you might need to come to the United States."

Yang Chen's tone was somewhat serious, "Kirk Kercorrian wants to invite you to dinner."

Kirk Kercorian?

Zhuang Huai'an was startled. This man was a powerful figure in MGM. Could it be that... he had come to their doorstep?

He lit a cigarette, forcing himself to calm down, and said, "Brother Yang, please tell me in detail."

"Huai'an, don't worry, this is actually a good thing," Yang Chen explained.

After "Saw" became a hit, the entire Hollywood was eyeing James Wan as a dark horse, and everyone was trying to find out more about him. But when they followed the trail, they found that James Wan was not important at all; the person standing behind him was Zhuang Huai'an.

Then they saw that the issuing company was MGM. The combination of these two deterred many people with ulterior motives.

But MGM's North American marketing director was also dumbfounded. How come I didn't know I was in charge of this movie?

It wasn't until that old guy White approached him, trying to pressure him to share the profits as soon as possible as a board member, that this guy also felt something was wrong. So he quickly bypassed the board of directors and reported it directly to Kirk Kercorrian.

Kirk was also shocked; it was obvious that someone was exploiting a company bug to benefit themselves!

So old Kirk continued his investigation, step by step, until he found Yang Chen, a former MGM producer.

Yang Chen wanted to keep it a secret from this Las Vegas gambling king, but Old Feng, an American, didn't dare to have any such thoughts and told him everything as soon as they met.

Afraid of being the slightest bit careless, it pierced through the head in just 9 millimeters.

To everyone's surprise, Kirk was not angry after hearing this. Instead, he sincerely asked Yang Chen to tell Zhuang Huai'an that he wanted to invite him to meet.

Upon learning the details, Zhuang Huai'an frowned slightly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

"Huai'an, if it doesn't work out, just stay home. No matter how powerful he is in America, his influence can't reach that far." Yang Chen's tone was somewhat annoyed, but more so worried.

"No, I want to go!"

After much deliberation, Zhuang Huai'an made a decision: "Tell Kirk, see you in Los Angeles!"

(I went to see Sidu, sigh, it's hard to describe)