Chapter 370: Negotiations, Underhanded Tactics, and Office Play

China Film Group is highly efficient; within two days, they published the release dates for the new batch of films on their official website, among which the most eye-catching were the several films from Shanhe Media.

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Wei Jin, *Once Again* is set for release on January 23."

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Wei Jin, *Whiplash* is set for release on April 1."

"Produced by Shanhe Media, directed by Lu Yang, *Saving Mr. Wu* is set for release on May 29."

"Jointly produced by Golden Harvest, Emperor Entertainment, and Meitao Entertainment, *Storm* is set for release on July 20."

"Jointly produced by Golden Harvest, Emperor Entertainment, and Meitao Entertainment, *The White Storm* is set for release on August 10."

Seeing this news, the industry let out another wail.

"Damn it, Wei Jin is simply leaving no way for us to survive. The few films released this year have already grossed nearly 3 billion, and there are still two New Year Slot blockbusters yet to come. Now here come five more; is he trying to kill us?"

"It's fine, it's fine. Aren't the National Day Slot and New Year Slot for next year still open? We'll just schedule ours for those times."

"You don't know a damn thing. How do you know *Bottom-tier Girl* and *Dixing Yinxing* won't be released then?"

"."

Without a doubt, Shanhe Media is an abyssal crocodile; no one wants to go up against it.

But there is no help for it; there are only so many popular slots in the film market. For every extra one Shanhe Media occupies, the rest of the peers earn a little less.

For a time, industry peers actually had a vague intention of uniting to oppose Shanhe Media.

Wei Jin had no time to pay attention to the industry's apprehension; at this moment, he was negotiating with representatives from the cinema chains, and the location was China Film Group.

Unlike the last time at the Film Bureau, where the atmosphere between the production companies and the cinema chains was tense, Han Sanping felt the atmosphere at the scene today was much better.

At the long table in the meeting room, on one side were Shanhe Media and China Film Group, and on the other were representatives from over a dozen mainstream cinema chains.

The primary topic for discussion today was *Pacific Rim*; after all, this film had an investment of nearly one billion.

Even if one only calculates the domestic share, it is nearly 600 million, not at all inferior to *The Flowers of War*.

At this moment, Ye Ning appeared somewhat awkward; after all, as Wanda was one of the investors in *Pacific Rim*, he had already been tacitly assumed to be an inside mole.

As for Zhao Feng of Shanhe Cinema Line, he was simply not in the considerations of the others; this guy is just Wei Jin's lackey.

Many cinema chain representatives had heavy expressions; with both the big brother and the second brother being the enemy, this battle would not be easy to fight.

"Everyone present here should be able to represent all the cinema chains, right?"

"We can."

The representatives from Shanghai New Film Association and Dadi Cinema nodded simultaneously, and the others had no objections.

"Then let's get straight to the point."

Watching the cinema chain representatives listening attentively, Wei Jin stated his position directly.

"*The Flowers of War* was able to obtain the qualification for tiered revenue sharing, so *Pacific Rim*, with its larger investment, should be even more qualified. Everyone agrees on this, right?"

"Mm, yes."

The cinema chain representatives nodded to show their approval, then immediately spoke up to probe.

"Then why not just follow the ratio of *The Flowers of War*? What does Director Wei think?"

"Heh."

Wei Jin glanced at the speaker; this guy was truly cunning. How could that be?

"Honestly, I think Zhang Weiping is too cowardly. According to his plan, if the box office is 1 billion, wouldn't it be working for nothing? If it exceeds 1 billion, it's an even bigger loss. It's clear this guy has no confidence in his own film; putting on such a big show is purely for show."

The cinema chain representatives wanted to laugh but felt it wasn't funny; the person from New Film Association asked directly.

"Then I wonder, Director Wei, what is your brilliant opinion?"

Glancing at the person from New Film Association, Wei Jin wished he could award this straight man a prize.

"You all might know that I have always liked to gamble."

Once Wei Jin said this, the cinema chain representatives began to get nervous. Whether it was TV dramas or variety shows, Shanhe Media was famous for liking to gamble with TV stations, and the key was that they had never lost.

Looking at everyone at the scene, Wei Jin did not continue to keep them in suspense and gave his plan directly.

"Let's take 500 million as a tier. Below 500 million in total box office, the production side takes 43% of the shared box office. If the total box office exceeds 500 million but is less than 1 billion, we take 44.5%. If it exceeds 1 billion but is less than 1.5 billion, we take 46%. As for exceeding 1.5 billion..."

Wei Jin looked at the cinema chain representatives, each with a strange expression, and gave the final answer.

"If the total box office exceeds 1.5 billion, the production side takes 47.5% of the shareable box office!"

At this, everyone was no longer calm. Exceeding 1.5 billion? The current box office record was only 1.386 billion.

Even Han Sanping, who was on the side, frowned; clearly, he had little confidence.

Honestly, in Han Sanping's view, Wei Jin's plan was completely different from *The Flowers of War*.

Zhang Weiping tended to be conservative, while Wei Jin chose to be aggressive.

If the box office of *Pacific Rim* was less than 500 million, everything would remain as usual; only the higher the box office, the more this plan would benefit the production side.

Of course, the cinema chains would definitely earn more as well; after all, the fixed costs for a cinema chain to screen a film with a 1 billion box office and a film with a 100 million box office are the same.

This is also the reason why films by big directors and big productions can get higher screen allocations from cinema chains.

From this perspective, Wei Jin's plan could be considered a win-win.

"Director Wei, Chairman Han, let us discuss this, shall we?"

"Fine."

Han Sanping and Wei Jin stood up and left the meeting room.

"Do you really have confidence in over 1.5 billion?"

"Not really."

Han Sanping was almost choked, but soon he heard Wei Jin continue.

"I am making plans for future films; regardless of production costs, we will follow this rule."

Hearing this, Han Sanping nodded thoughtfully. 500 million per tier was a decent plan; he just didn't know if the General Administration could adopt it. "Director Wei, we agree to your plan."

Wei Jin nodded and began to reveal his true intentions.

"It seems everyone feels this win-win approach is excellent. In that case, for all works controlled by Shanhe Media, we will adopt this standard across the board. What does everyone think?"

The cinema chains fell silent. When they were discussing it just moments ago, they had a premonition that Wei Jin would fix the standard, and now it appeared the other party indeed had this intention.

Yet, if one really had to say something, there was truly nothing wrong with this proposal.

The representatives from Dadi Cinema and Shanghai New Film Association exchanged glances, and the latter stood up to respond.

"President Wei, I think we should add one condition: only films with an investment exceeding 100 million can adopt this plan. Also, how about a 47.5% cap?"

Wei Jin knew that the cinema chains had shown great sincerity by conceding this far, so he stopped pushing.

"Fine."

This revenue-sharing agreement was aimed at works controlled by Shanhe Media, so Wei Jin arranged for Chen Zhiming to sign the agreement with the cinema chains, and he would not concern himself with the specific details afterward.

Both sides were highly efficient; within a single afternoon, news of the gambling agreement between Shanhe Media and the cinema chains spread throughout the industry.

"This plan is really something. As long as it passes 500 million at the box office, the profit share increases by several million. We could try it too."

"If it really exceeds 1.5 billion, that would be incredible—a full 4.5% higher, meaning tens of millions in profit." "Just wait and see; Wei Jin has never lost a bet."

Listening to the news circulating in the circle, Zhang Weiping felt a bit sour.

On one hand, he had to admit that Wei Jin's plan offered higher profits.

On the other hand, he felt that it was only because he had taken the lead to charge forward that Wei Jin had the opportunity to negotiate with the cinema chains.

Yet this guy was clearly standing on his shoulders to enjoy the benefits, but ended up getting better terms than him. The key was that the cinema chains had agreed unanimously without any resistance, which made it very uncomfortable.

Thinking of the price he had paid for this revenue-sharing matter, Zhang Weiping felt a tightness in his chest.

"There's no other way. Things have reached this point; I can only hope the film sells well. Overseas copyrights must also be..."

After a long while, Zhang Weiping came back to his senses and called for his Assistant.

"What's the situation with Zhang Yimou?"

Since that day, Zhang Weiping had not seen Zhang Yimou again; he wouldn't even answer his phone calls. Matters regarding the film were all handled by subordinates communicating with the company.

Now that the film was about to be released, he had to give an explanation, right? "The reply from over there is that everything will be executed according to the contract. Director Zhang will attend the premiere, the Hollywood promotion, and the Oscar reception."

"Hmph, just him alone? What about the others?"

"I can't get in touch with those signed artists, but Director Zhang's Studio replied, saying they will attend the premiere."

Veins were already beginning to bulge on Zhang Weiping's forehead. Zhou Dongyu was one thing, but Dou Xiao and Ni Ni were signed artists of New Picture. Was Zhang Yimou really going to tear off the mask? Suppressing his anger, Zhang Weiping's eyes were bloodshot.

"How is the preparation for that matter going?"

"It has already been arranged, President Zhang."

"Mm, keep it confidential for now. I will give you instructions. Also, help me arrange for a lawyer to come over, and don't make a scene."

"Don't worry, President Zhang, I understand."

After the Assistant left, Zhang Weiping leaned back in his executive chair and muttered to himself.

"It's not time yet, wait a little longer..."

Shanhe Building, inside the Chairman's office.

"President Wei, *Mojin: The Lost Legend* will be released simultaneously across Southeast Asia on the 15th. I'd like to set the premiere for the 13th. What do you think?"

Wu Ershan returned to the company after promoting the film to specifically discuss this with Wei Jin.

"That's fine. The administration department will be responsible for it when the time comes."

Wei Jin had barely intervened in this film, but he would definitely have to go to the scene to support the premiere; after all, Yifei was the female lead.

But seeing Wu Ershan's hesitant expression, Wei Jin frowned.

"What's wrong? Is there something else?"

"President Wei, it's like this. I'm not sure about the film's overseas copyrights..."

As a director for the company, Wu Ershan had an investment stake in this film. With the release approaching and no news about the copyrights, he couldn't help but be anxious.

"Don't be anxious about this. The Southeast Asian region is our main source of revenue. Once we have good results, are you afraid that the screening won't sell?"

Previously, Wei Jin had thought about going to Venice to sell the film, but the situation with *Flying Swords of Dragon Gate* made him cautious.

After all, compared to Xu Laoguai, Wu Ershan's reputation was still much smaller, and he feared it would be difficult to sell for a good price.

It would be better to wait until the film was released and had a huge impact in Southeast Asia before discussing overseas copyrights.

"I understand, President Wei."

Wu Ershan nodded, but his expression wasn't very good. His fists were clenched tightly; the feeling of being looked down upon was truly unbearable.

Although *Painted Skin 2* had good results, no one considered it his achievement. He hoped this time he could truly make a name for himself.

After roaring in his heart, Wu Ershan took his leave; he still had to continue being busy with the film's promotion.

Wei Jin sat in his office and summoned his Assistant, Huang Mengying.

Huang Mengying was wearing high heels today, a black silk skirt that hugged her hips, showing off her rounded and perky figure, and a slim-fit white shirt that left her charm to the imagination.

Wei Jin pulled her onto his lap, unbuttoned the front of her shirt, and while firmly grasping her assets, he moved his hands all over her.

For nearly a month of filming, Huang Mengying hadn't received Wei Jin's affection, and her body was quite sensitive.

Just from the man's simple caresses, her face flushed with desire, her eyes turned misty, and her small hands soon began to stroke Wei Jin's body.

Seeing the daze in the girl's eyes, Wei Jin knew his development was highly effective. He pressed his hands slightly on her shoulders, and Huang Mengying sensibly knelt down.

"Mmm..."

Just as he was enjoying the girl's warmth, the phone rang unexpectedly. Seeing the caller ID, a smile appeared on Wei Jin's face.

"Congratulations, Hua Ge, on winning the Golden Horse Best Actor."

"Director Wei, thank you. You specifically invited me to participate, and when we were in Venice, you even cheered me on. I didn't expect to actually win; my luck is really good, haha..."

Wei Jin had also just received a call from Shi Nansheng in the morning, which was how he learned about the situation at the Golden Horse Awards ceremony last night.

*A Simple Life* had swept three major awards: Best Actor, Golden Horse Best Actress, and Best Director; it could be said that the harvest was quite bountiful.

Wei Jin had posted on Weibo in the morning to congratulate Liu Tianwang on getting his wish, but he hadn't expected the latter to be so thoughtful as to call him personally.

"However, my good luck might end here."

"Hm? What's wrong, Hua Ge?"

"Sigh, I've been filming this movie for a month, and to this day, I still don't know what I'm filming; it's a complete mess."

Wei Jin couldn't respond to the topic of Switch.

In this film, what left the deepest impression on him were the various S&M scenes between Lin Zhilin and Tong Dawei.

It must be said that when a new director shoots a film, it is easy to expose their own fetishes.

Hanging up the phone, Wei Jin felt a bit emotional; compared to Liu Tianwang's depression, Jiang Wen was the one who was truly miserable.

Let the Bullets Fly received a total of 9 Golden Horse nominations, but only snatched up two minor awards, not even as good as that film Wu Xia by Chen Kexin.

After continuously serving as a stepping stone for others at the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Golden Horse Awards, Jiang Wen had already realized what was happening and posted a Weibo message mocking the Hong Kong-Taiwan Circle, with many Mainland China filmmakers following suit.

But Wei Jin knew that this still couldn't change these filmmakers' enthusiasm for the Golden Horse and Hong Kong Film Awards; who told their own Golden Rooster to be so lackluster?

Coming back to his senses, Wei Jin looked down at the Assistant who was still working diligently beneath him.

"Meng Ying, you performed very well today; now it is reward time."

Huang Mengying's pretty face was flushed red; she gently let go of Wei Jin, stood up to pull her tight-fitting skirt up, and turned around, bracing her hands against the desk.

Noticing the man hadn't moved, Huang Mengying turned her head and let out a coquettish whine.

"Boss~~"

"Don't rush, I'm coming."

A smile played on the corners of Wei Jin's mouth as he used one hand to pinch her milky-white breasts, firmly grasping the bounty, while his other hand tightly squeezed her perky buttocks, pressing his body forward.

Soon, sounds of celestial music echoed through the office. (End of this chapter)