Chapter 50: "Crazy Stone" Released

Zhen Zidan only joined the crew half a month after filming started. His role was not particularly large to begin with, and upon meeting Wei Jin, he still appeared very humble.

Wei Jin was even curious as to why he showed absolutely no signs of being a "diva" on set.

In fact, in 2005, Zhen Zidan could not yet be considered a massive star. It was not until he played his signature role in *Ip Man* that he truly began to take off, with his salary soaring directly to over 10 million. Only then did he start to become truly arrogant, daring to demand sky-high salaries directly from the Emperor Group.

But Zhen Zidan was not stupid. The title of Silver Bear Director alone was worth him treating the matter with great seriousness, not to mention that Wei Jin was also a film and television company boss, the main investor in the film, and an international director who frequently made waves in North America. What qualifications did he have to act like a diva?

As time entered July, *Crazy Stone* also began to enter the promotional stage.

Ever since the film *Those Years*, the publicity and distribution department of China Film Group had been incredibly impressed by Wei Jin. This time, the publicity strategy also basically came from Wei Jin's own hand, and Wei Jin was even pondering whether he should ask Han Sanping for some kind of kickback.

Since Ning Hao was basically a newcomer director and the film *Crazy Stone* did not have any big-name stars—with Xu Guangtou at this time still just hovering as a second or third-tier actor, and only Huang Bai being a popular Singer—the focus of this publicity campaign fell on Huang Bai.

Wei Jin arranged for the company to book a large number of commercial performances for Huang Bai. In fact, since releasing his new album in March, Huang Bai had hardly accepted any commercial performances, so market demand was quite strong.

It also happened to be the summer vacation period, and many shopping malls had various promotional activities, so during the first ten days of July, Huang Bai was almost working non-stop. Every time he performed, he would promote *Crazy Stone*, which once gave Huang Bai the illusion that he was the film's investor.

Ning Hao was also very moved, stating bluntly that he would definitely not forget Huang Bai in his future films.

Wei Jin was, of course, not stingy either, telling the two of them directly that there would be a big red envelope once the film was released.

On July 14, Wei Jin gave the crew a break and returned to Beijing himself to attend the premiere of *Crazy Stone*.

Many companies in the industry came to this premiere, all wanting to take the opportunity to build a connection with Wei Jin.

Unfortunately, Wei Jin was not the protagonist today, nor did he have much socializing to do; he basically arrived right on time.

Before the film premiere, a reporter interviewed him, and Wei Jin bluntly said to wait until after watching the film.

As the film slowly unfolded, the characters played by Guo Tao, Liu Hua, Xu Guangtou, and Huang Bai appeared one after another, leaving behind various classic lines.

"Brand, Baleno."

"You not only insult my personality, but you also insult my intelligence."

"Dao Ge, Dao Ge, I'm trapped at the bottom of the well, and my phone has no signal, 【expletive】."

*Crazy Stone* was an excellent absurdist comedy. The multi-line narrative technique was an eye-opener for many viewers with limited film-watching experience.

Such an unprecedented style of comedy was presented before the guests, winning bursts of laughter and applause.

After the film ended, reporters wanted to interview Wei Jin, but Wei Jin indicated that he was just an investor; the script creativity and directing were all completed by Ning Hao, and he hadn't even visited the set, handing the center of the interview over to Ning Hao.

"I polished this script myself for two years. It wasn't until I felt confident that I went to pull in investment. I didn't look for Wei Jin at the beginning; everyone knows we are friends, and I was a bit embarrassed to ask."

Speaking of this, Ning Hao felt a bit embarrassed, and the reporters at the scene also sent out good-natured laughter. It was very normal, a common human sentiment.

"It wasn't until I really had no other choice that I found Wei Jin. He didn't say a word and gave me 6 million. You have to know that my initial budget was no more than 4 million, so I am very grateful for the support from my junior brother Wei Jin."

"Then when you were selecting the actors at the time, how was that determined?"

A reporter raised a question about casting.

"First of all, as everyone can see, the main creative team are all professional, capable actors with guaranteed acting skills. Secondly, they are all very cheap, so that the production cost can be used to the maximum extent for the film's production. Why wouldn't I use actors who are both cheap and easy to work with?"

Ning Hao's answer drew laughter from everyone; it was a sound logic. The reporters then interviewed the main cast, and everyone expressed that they were very optimistic about the box office.

The interview ended in such a harmonious atmosphere, and the next part was the banquet, which was also a segment that gave Wei Jin a headache.

The banquet was prepared for everyone present. Many film premieres were places where all parties sought business cooperation, and it was also a good opportunity for people in the circle to expand their connections and exchange resources.

As the banquet began, a group of film and television company bosses surrounded Wei Jin. Han Sanping asked directly: "Are there any other projects in North America? Can China Film Group participate?"

Han Sanping had no choice; Wei Jin had been filming movies during this period and there was no chance to meet, and some things were not easy to say over the phone.

The several bosses at the table also pricked up their ears, hoping to hear some good news.

"There is another film to be released in September. Future cooperation may depend on the overall revenue of this time; it's not as simple as everyone thinks."

Wei Jin briefly explained the cooperation method with Summit Entertainment, without revealing the news of his own investment.

"In other words, for your creativity and script, you only invest 20% at most? Doesn't that mean you're working for Summit Entertainment?"

Wang from Huaxia Culture was a bit puzzled, thinking that Wei Jin was being modest.

"It can't be calculated that way. We don't have distribution channels in North America. In the past, films could only be sold outright. *Hero* had nearly 140 million in overseas box office. If it were based on a revenue-sharing model, there would be at least 60 million USD in profit, but how much was it when the rights were sold outright? Half of that?"

Wei Jin explained a wave. Currently, domestic blockbusters basically hold screenings and invite overseas distributors to come. Those who are confident wait until the film is released and achieves good box office in the country before negotiating. Those who are not confident take whatever the distributor offers; after all, it is good to recoup funds early.

"So, Wei Jin, you are opening up distribution channels in North America? We are essentially going to sea by borrowing the shell of Summit?"

Han Sanping somewhat understood Wei Jin's layout, and immediately felt some admiration. This young man was finding a way out for domestic films.

"With my current good cooperative relationship with Summit, negotiating a share should not be a problem."

Wei Jin was not that noble; the matter of distribution channels was just a side benefit. However, being able to sell a favor to major companies could also reduce some hostility; after all, he was currently too much in the spotlight.

"However, there is still a big gap between Summit's current distribution capability and the Hollywood giants. If this *Lurking* had been distributed by the Big Six, it might have broken 200 million."

*Lurking* had been released for a month, with a North American box office of 91.4 million and a global box office of 138 million. The senior management of Summit Entertainment were overjoyed and now completely regarded Wei Jin as the company's leader.

"It's already very good. At least there is a channel. All the bosses present here will have to owe you a favor in the future."

Han Sanping specifically pointed this out, which could be considered helping Wei Jin stand his ground, so as to avoid anyone with no eyes playing tricks behind his back.

"That's right, Boss Wei, you must pull us brother companies along in the future."

"Easy, easy. It's all for the prosperity and growth of the Chinese-language film market. We must not only work together to make the domestic market cake bigger, but also go overseas to promote Huaxia Culture and earn foreigners' money."

As Wei Jin's slogan came out, the atmosphere at the main table was also harmonious, and they talked happily.

On July 15, *Crazy Stone* was officially released.

A newbie author writing a book for the first time, kneeling and begging for collections, follows, reading, and recommendations. Thank you all. A newbie author writing a book for the first time, kneeling and begging for collections, follows, reading, and recommendations. Thank you all.

(End of chapter)