Chapter 568

Just as Ning Hao had predicted, Xiaoma soon held a press conference to formally reject Huayi Brothers' merger proposal.

"Since 2008, Xiaoma has raised nearly 2 billion in cumulative financing, not to make wedding dresses for others. Xiaoma's ultimate goal is to seek an independent listing; our original intention will never change.

In the remaining half of the year, we will submit our IPO application and launch an assault on the A-share market. We also hope that like-minded friends in the industry will join us and move forward hand in hand."

Although this news was shocking, most of the attention came from companies within the industry, while the actors in the circle had their eyes drawn by another piece of news at this moment.

"Adapted from Yan Geling's long novel of the same name, 'The Criminal Lu Yanshi', with Yan Geling serving as screenwriter, jointly produced by Shanhe Media and Zhang Yimou Studio, and directed by Zhang Yimou, the film 'Coming Home' has been approved for project initiation."

"It is reported that Gong Li and Chen Daoming will serve as the leads, with other roles yet to be determined."

Once this news broke, many actors in the film and television circle became active.

Although the female and male leads had already been decided, the combination of Zhang Yimou, Gong Li, and Chen Daoming was a lineup that could be called luxurious.

Even if what remained were only supporting roles, they were definitely what actors in the circle craved.

Especially the actresses, who were all eyeing the position of the second female lead; after all, acting as a supporting role for Gong Li, even for an A-list actress, would never be considered a drop in status.

Moreover, looking at the subject matter, it was highly likely to be an award-chasing film. And Zhang Yimou's award-chasing films always start at the nomination level!

Major film and television companies, talent agencies, and actor studios—as long as they were involved in artist management—almost all took action.

This included many female art students still in school, who all took action, almost everyone holding a copy of 'The Criminal Lu Yanshi', just waiting to fly up the branch and become a phoenix.

After all, the starting point of a 'Mou Girl' in the circle is a height that ordinary people cannot reach.

There are only so many top-tier resources in the entertainment industry; it is hard to get an opportunity without going through the back door.

Thus, while Wei Jin was still editing at the company, he received a call from Yang Mi.

"Mimi, why are you joining in the fun? Didn't 'Swords of Legends' just start filming? Do you have the schedule for it?"

Wei Jin's tone was somewhat helpless; as long as there was an opportunity, this woman would always launch an assault.

"Senior Brother, isn't there still pre-production training? I think the timing should be quite suitable, right?"

Yang Mi's goal was very clear; she wanted to seize every opportunity while she was young and use her own popularity to drive the development of her studio.

According to Ceng Li's theory, television dramas stabilize the popularity base, while films elevate one's status. And Zhang Yimou's film was undoubtedly a way to raise status and gild oneself.

Especially with the reputation of 'Tiny Times' completely ruined, she needed a high-quality film even more to vindicate herself.

More importantly, Yang Mi had a strong sense of crisis; she discovered that the women around Wei Jin were increasing.

Not to mention the four 'Jin Girls', as everyone was basically no longer on the same track, but other opponents could not be underestimated.

Fan Bingbing, that flirtatious fox, was very good at playing in bed, making Wei Jin infatuated; Liu Shishi, that little white flower, seemed to have a status in Wei Jin's heart that was not low either.

This included those few assistants, whose relationships with Wei Jin were also good, and even the newly debuted Huang Mengying had won the second female lead role in Ning Hao's new film.

If she didn't take the initiative, perhaps she wouldn't even hear the news in the future before it was directly decided internally.

It was just that Yang Mi didn't expect that her actions were already so fast, yet she still heard bad news.

"This role has basically been decided."

The casting for Zhang Yimou's new film definitely had to be discussed with him in advance. After confirming the female and male leads, Wei Jin set his sights on the second female lead.

Because this role required a dance background, the women around Wei Jin who met the requirements were only Liu Shishi and Jing Tian.

And since he had promised before that if Zhang Yimou had a suitable script, he would let Jing Tian take it, Wei Jin recommended her decisively.

Zhang Yimou, who usually didn't like being interfered with, was very straightforward this time and agreed directly.

Although Jing Tian still had to go and audition later, it was highly likely just a formality.

"Oh."

There was an undisguised disappointment in Yang Mi's tone, but soon a light lit up in her eyes.

At this time, Ceng Li was on the side, appearing even more anxious than Yang Mi. After she hung up the phone, she couldn't wait to ask: "Mimi, how is it? What did President Wei say? Is there a chance?"

"No chance, this role has already been given to Jing Tian."

"Sigh."

Ceng Li shook her head helplessly; sometimes she had to sigh at others' good fate, with all kinds of resources fed directly into their mouths.

"However, Sister Jia, Senior Brother promised me a film, as the female lead partnering with Deng Chao."

"Really? That's also quite good."

Although Ceng Li didn't know what film it was, the lineup of Deng Chao partnering with Yang Mi shouldn't be bad.

What Wei Jin promised Yang Mi was that film, 'The Breakup Guru'.

According to Deng Chao's estimate, this play would probably only start filming after September, and Yang Mi's schedule was just right.

It is worth mentioning that because of 'Keep Running', Deng Chao had already invited Nazha and Liu Yan in advance. Although they were both supporting roles, it showed that Old Deng was quite good at handling people.

Counting it up, this film hadn't even been approved for project initiation, and the important roles had all been carved up.

There was no way around it; this circle is just like this. By the time outsiders get news of many projects, the results have long been decided.

It was just that Wei Jin didn't expect that this time, it wasn't just Yang Mi who had ideas; even Ni Ni, who had always been shy and had never asked for resources, also called.

"Little Brother, I also want to improve~~~"

Listening to the deliberately added Wu dialect tone on the phone, Wei Jin's mind automatically conjured up Ni Ni's pure yet seductive face.

If it weren't for the fact that he was busy with the roadshow promotion for 'Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon', perhaps this girl would have killed her way back to Beijing directly and used her seductive figure to wrap around Wei Jin to death.

But seductive is seductive, the answer Wei Jin gave was still the same.

However, Wei Jin pondered that after returning from this roadshow, he could properly add some burden to Ni Ni. Zhang Yimou was very interested in the play 'Coming Home' and hoped to start filming as soon as possible, so he quickly arranged an audition.

The second female lead in the script, Lu Dandan, is the daughter of the male lead Lu Yanshi and the female lead Feng Wanyu, and she is skilled in dance.

Although Jing Tian hadn't stayed at the Beijing Dance Academy for too long, she had been practicing dance since she was 6 years old and entered the Beijing Dance Academy Middle School at 12. After ten years, her basic skills were still quite good, which gained Zhang Yimou's approval.

Subsequently, for the few scenes she performed according to the requirements, because she had made preparations in advance, Zhang Yimou also felt it was okay.

And what satisfied Zhang Yimou the most was the temperament Jing Tian possessed, which was quite fitting for the role of the second female lead.

After all, the male lead Lu Yanshi is the young master of a wealthy family in Shanghai, which was the "aristocracy" of that era.

"Tiantian, the preparation for this play is almost done, and we have to start filming by the end of this month at the latest. Is your schedule suitable?" Hearing this, how could Jing Tian not understand Zhang Yimou's meaning? While a smile appeared on her face, she nodded and said: "Director Zhang, don't worry, I will arrange it well. Is three months enough?"

With Jing Tian's current status, being able to give a three-month schedule showed the importance she placed on this play.

Regarding this, Zhang Yimou was also very satisfied. According to his estimate, this play could probably wrap up in about two months, so he reached out his hand.

"Okay, then Tiantian, I wish us a happy first collaboration."

Jing Tian smiled sweetly and shook hands with Zhang Yimou.

"Director Zhang, happy collaboration. Please be strict and give me guidance during the filming."

"Haha, don't worry, I will even if you don't ask."

"An anonymous source revealed that Jing Tian hurriedly ended her schedule and secretly returned to Beijing, appearing at the Shanhe Building, suspected of auditioning for Director Zhang's new film!"

"Film 'Coming Home', second female lead suspected to have been decided!"

There are no secrets in the entertainment industry, not to mention that there had been media reporters squatting at Shanhe Media for a long time. Jing Tian's audition didn't escape the eyes of those with intentions, and many rumors appeared that afternoon.

Given this, Shanhe Media and Zhang Yimou Studio didn't cover it up and simultaneously announced the information about Jing Tian playing the second female lead on their official website.

Once the news broke, many actresses in the circle waiting to audition, as well as art students in school, were all stunned.

Because according to past practice, Zhang Yimou's previous casting was always done with great fanfare.

'Under the Hawthorn Tree' and 'The Flowers of War' were both national open auditions, which sparked countless heated discussions.

But this time it was decided just like that? Has Zhang Yimou fallen now? Where is the prestige of a big director? But thinking carefully, it seems that from beginning to end, he never said he was going to conduct external casting; it was really just wishful thinking.

It was just that looking at Jing Tian's name, most actresses were secretly annoyed in their hearts.

Why? Why is Boss Wei willing to guard a small fish pond?

The outside world is beautiful, really, don't you want to come and try?

We also really want to try the feeling of being taken to fly. Wei Jin had no time to pay attention to the thoughts of artists in the circle; he was currently receiving a gift from Jing Tian.

After switching through several channels, he unexpectedly discovered that Zhang Ziyi was serving as a judge on 'The X Factor: China'. Is this starting to descend to the mortal world to make money?

What surprised Wei Jin even more was that this episode actually had Yang Mi helping out and singing.

However, her voice was truly a bit of a letdown, making Wei Jin's mouth twitch slightly, so he decisively changed the channel.

"The smoke of war rises~~ Who dares to lend me a sword to ask about the vicissitudes of life~~"

"The Hu horses invade~~ Vowing to sweep away the monstrous muddy waves~~"

"Stepping over~~ the wind and waves~~ Letting the green silk turn into frost~~"

Hearing 'The Patriot Yue Fei' coming from the TV, Jing Tian was slightly surprised.

"Wow, Brother, I didn't expect Brother Xiaoming to sing quite well, and he actually cooperated quite well with the Great Demon King Tan Jing..."

"Hmm, it is quite good, much better than 'Not A Tao'."

"Hehe."

Jing Tian covered her mouth and smiled, then stared at the screen, showing confusion, "Brother, why do I feel like Brother Xiaoming has grown taller?"

"Hmm, your feeling is not wrong, he has grown taller."

Getting Wei Jin's reply, Jing Tian was shocked: "Ah? He is over thirty, right? Can he still have a second growth spurt?"

"0.0"

Slightly admiring the little girl's imagination, Wei Jin tightened her into his arms, feeling the delicate touch from his fingers while narrating the situation.

Although Huang Xiaoming's acting skills are erratic, he often takes bad films, and his eye for women is not good, his attitude towards doing things cannot be criticized.

Especially for the scripts he likes, his attitude is very serious.

In order to film this play well, he not only specially hired a private coaching team to formulate a training plan and train six-pack abs, but also wore specially customized height-increasing boots throughout the entire play.

It was just to look more heroic and fit the image of Marshal Yue.

Of course, Huang Xiaoming's efforts were not in vain. After the script was repaired by the screenwriting department, the performance of 'The Patriot Yue Fei' was very eye-catching.

Since the simultaneous broadcast on four stations—Shandong Satellite TV, Tianjin Satellite TV, Anhui Satellite TV, and Zhejiang Satellite TV—at the beginning of the month, it could be said that good news had been coming frequently.

On the day of the premiere, three TV stations directly broke into the top five in national local satellite TV ratings, with the highest result ranking second in the same period.

You have to know that the rating pattern of current domestic first-tier local satellite TVs has basically been locked.

The three TV stations that have long-term cooperation with Shanhe Media—Shanghai TV, Jiangsu TV, and Mango TV—have dominated the top three of the domestic rating lists all year round, whether in the field of television dramas or variety shows.

And this time, it was actually overtaken by second-tier satellite TVs like Shandong and Tianjin.

One can imagine how great the influence of this drama is.

Judging from the ratings fed back by the TV stations, 'The Patriot Yue Fei' can indeed be called a blockbuster.

In less than a week, it climbed rapidly from the premiere result of 1.7% to 2.3%.

It seems that with the subsequent plot advancement, the ratings can still welcome a big climax, and even breaking 3 is not an impossible thing.

Moreover, the online playback volume and social media discussion heat are also quite high, killing dramas like 'Legend of Mulan', 'A Happy Life', and 'New Legend of Luo Shen' in the same period into a rout.

The four purchasing directors who gritted their teeth and decided to buy the TV drama at the beginning were already so happy they couldn't be themselves.

According to Wang Changtian's news, that person in Tianjin has hit the jackpot twice in a row and is about to be promoted.

Of course, the several production parties this time also made a lot of money.

This play has a total of 60 episodes, and with an additional investment in the middle, the total investment reached as high as 160 million.

But the first-round playback rights were sold at a price of 2.6 million per episode, plus online playback rights, directly achieving profitability.

The subsequent second and third-round playback rights will definitely make a big profit.

After more than half an hour, the TV drama ended, and Wakin Chau's singing sounded at the end of the episode, while an unusual flush appeared on Jing Tian's face.

(End of this chapter)