Chapter 109: Many New Projects and a Car Accident

"Alright, let's talk about the movie. When do you plan to shoot it? Don't tell me you're planning to release it this year again?"

Han Sanping did not continue to dwell on the matter of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, turning instead to worry about Wei Jin's scheduling issues.

One must know that Wei Jin had a track record; he had rushed into the New Year Slot multiple times, catching China Film Group off guard.

"Don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble. This film has been in pre-production for a long time, and the actors still need to undergo training."

Wei Jin did not intend to release it this year either. The project's pre-production, casting, and training would take at least a month or so, with two months for filming and one month for post-production; there was no way to make it in time for the New Year Slot.

If it weren't to appease Han Sanping's dissatisfaction and secure the Oscar submission slot for *Room*, he wouldn't have planned to start a new film this year at all.

"That's good. Then, regarding the actors, what are your thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping breathed a sigh of relief and began to care about the details of the film.

"Once the script passes review, I'll initiate auditions. For the moment, I don't have any candidates in mind."

Wei Jin was actually somewhat inclined to have Huang Xiaoming star in it, as they had discussed working together several times, but he still needed to see how he looked in character.

"That works too. The project isn't urgent anyway. Speaking of which, you've rested long enough this year. What are your plans for North America next?"

Han Sanping was still thinking about the North American project. This time, *Taken* had a very strong box office performance. According to media predictions, the global box office might even head toward 300 million. China Film Group missing out on the investment was a lost opportunity.

"I'll finish filming *Brotherhood of Blades*. I expect to go over there at the end of November."

Wei Jin did not hide anything and stated his itinerary.

This trip was to continue negotiations for shares in Summit Entertainment. Although under the current cooperation model, Wei Jin's projects basically accounted for over 50% of the share, it was never as cost-effective as holding the controlling interest himself.

Wei Jin planned to use the few projects he had in hand as bargaining chips to force the shareholders of Summit Entertainment to comply.

One must know that the copyrights to all the profitable series currently under Summit Entertainment were in Wei Jin's hands. As long as they weren't out of their minds, the shareholders shouldn't mind; after all, the cake was getting bigger and bigger now, and even with fewer shares, they would still earn much more than before.

"Are there any new projects? Bring China Film Group along this time. I might make a move next year, so consider it an insurance policy. How about it?"

In order to get on board, Han Sanping even revealed internal news, but this made it truly difficult for Wei Jin to refuse.

"For real? Director Han, then I'll have to call you Chairman Han in the future."

Hearing this for the first time, Wei Jin was somewhat pleasantly surprised. Although he knew Han Sanping would be promoted, he didn't know which year it would be.

"Don't spread this around. We need to keep a low profile at this juncture."

As someone within the system, Han Sanping sometimes still envied private companies; at least they were carefree, right?

"Don't worry, Director Han, I understand. But this project really can't be helped; the investment is too small."

Wei Jin naturally understood these twists and turns, but the project really couldn't be helped.

What Wei Jin had prepared this time was a brain-burning suspense drama with a very low cost. Unless he invited A-list actors, the film's cost probably wouldn't exceed 10 million USD, which wasn't enough to split.

"However, if you really want to invest, I can introduce you to other projects."

The copyright for *Twilight* had been acquired a long time ago, and there were enough fans in North America; it was time to launch it.

"Oh? Is it reliable? You know my current situation."

Han Sanping didn't get carried away immediately. At his stage, he sought more stability. Wei Jin's projects had never lost money, so he could naturally follow and invest without thinking, but he would have to deliberate on others.

"Rest assured, Director Han. Although I won't be directing, I can be considered the lead controller. It just depends on whether you trust me or not."

Wei Jin was actually happy to add a feather to Han Sanping's cap, but it depended on his courage.

"Hmm... I trust your eye for things. Leave a share for China Film Group when the time comes."

Although it wasn't directed by Wei Jin, the projects this young man had invested in since his debut had never lost money; his eye for talent could be called exceptional. Han Sanping no longer hesitated.

With the serious business settled, Wei Jin started chatting with Han Sanping. The latter told Wei Jin not without pride that he was recently going to invest in a blockbuster, an epic blockbuster.

"Director Han, with that smug look of yours, if you're going to say it, just say it. Don't leave people hanging." Wei Jin didn't indulge him; this old guy was quite boring sometimes.

"Wu Baige is going to shoot an epic blockbuster. We are currently in contact, and if things go smoothly, we can sign the contract after the New Year."

"Is it the *Three Kingdoms* subject matter you mentioned before? With China Film Group as the lead controller?"

"Yes, China Film Group will be the main investor. Preliminary estimates for the investment are no less than this amount."

Han Sanping made a gesture with a look of showing off. Wei Jin didn't even have the heart to discourage him, so he hinted tactfully: "Director Han, you should be cautious about a Hong Kong director filming a historical piece."

"No problem. Wu Baige is, after all, a director who has broken into Hollywood; he has the skill. Plus, the cast is quite luxurious. Currently, Liang Chaowei has been set to play Zhuge Liang, and the others are all big names in the industry. Added to the fact that the *Three Kingdoms* subject is very popular in Asia, I am still very confident."

When Han Sanping talked about big productions, he was quite interested, his eyes seemingly glowing.

"Director Han, I don't know if Beijing Film Academy has a copy of my graduation speech. If there's a chance, you can listen to it. Besides, with such a large investment, one can never be too careful."

Wei Jin didn't know how to advise him anymore and could only hope that Han Sanping would keep a clear head.

It was unclear if it was coordinated, but just as Wei Jin's script passed the review and before he could even initiate the project, many companies in the industry announced their new film plans one after another.

*Lust, Caution* officially announced its casting. Tang Wei, from the undergraduate class of the Director Department at the Central Academy of Drama, had the last laugh, though it was unknown if she would still be able to laugh after filming this movie.

Zhou Xingxing's new film also began promotion—a family film with an alien theme. The new Star Girl also looked quite good.

It was just that the previous Star Girl Huang Shengyi's move to sign with a new company was a bit of an eyesore. The lawsuit with her old agency hadn't even been judged yet, and to do this was really ruining her reputation.

Huayi announced news of a new film, a 70 million USD Sino-US co-production that had already been reported to the Film Bureau and was now officially launching auditions across all of Asia.

It was revealed that Cheng Long and Li Lianjie were highly likely to star together. The addition of two major Hollywood Kung Fu superstars made this co-production, which hadn't even been officially launched yet, instantly explode across the internet.

For a time, female artists from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and surrounding countries flocked to it.

The portal websites couldn't contain any other news; it was all about this development.

However, compared to those excited and eager actors and talent agencies, the film and television production companies in the industry were not very happy. Such a big cake, and Huayi was actually eating it alone; even China Film Group couldn't get a piece.

For this reason, Director Han even lost his temper, calling Wei Jin to complain more than once, clamoring that he would invest in a North American project at the end of the year to let Huayi know that your grandpa is still your grandpa.

The hustle and bustle of the outside world did not affect the passage of time. At the end of August, *Time-Space Cohabitation* ended its theatrical run.

The final box office was set at 224 million, and the Hong Kong box office also reached 41 million.

Regarding this, the media and peers were already somewhat numb. While many directors were still seeking to break 100 million without success, Wei Jin's casual small-budget film would just push the box office to over 200 million.

This made many older-generation directors feel ashamed, sighing one after another about whether they couldn't keep up with the times or understand the audience anymore. It also made many companies in the industry re-examine Wei Jin's judgment and influence on the market.

This time, Wei Jin did not hold a celebration banquet. After all, he had eaten the cake alone; he had said it was a small project to support a woman, but it ended up with a box office of over 200 million. If he were to celebrate lavishly, what would his peers think? For this reason, although Yuanyuan was a bit disappointed, she still understood the man's approach; being too much of an eyesore in the circle was not a good thing.

However, the rewards that should be given still had to be given. These days, Yuan Yuanjie had been satisfying Wei Jin with all sorts of tricks. It had to be said, the Hupu goddess in a maid outfit was just exciting; Wei Jin was even getting a bit addicted.

Early in the morning, Wei Jin, still in his dreams, was woken up by the ringing of a phone; he groggily picked it up:

"Who is this?"

Unexpectedly, after only a few seconds, Wei Jin sat bolt upright, somewhat surprised: "What? Alright, I will try my best to arrange to come over."

Beside him, Gao Yuanyuan was also startled awake by the noise Wei Jin made:

"What happened?"

Looking at the sleepy-eyed beauty, Wei Jin had to admit that she was indeed the Hupu Goddess; after being nourished by him, even without makeup, she was stunningly beautiful beyond compare.

With no time to admire the beauty of Gao Yuanyuan, Wei Jin explained in a somewhat low voice: "It was a call from President Cai of Tangren; Hu Ge has been in a car accident."

Yet, in his heart, he couldn't help but sigh; what was meant to happen had happened after all. It seemed that some things were truly unavoidable; perhaps this was the ordeal that Hu Ge had to experience.

The child has finally broken their fever, but having barely slept all night, I am writing one chapter for everyone first. I earnestly request subscriptions and follows, thank you all. (End of chapter)