Chapter 569

Perhaps it is because the ratings of the Spring Festival Gala have been getting worse over the years, this year's Spring Festival Gala intends to publicly select the general director from society.

And as the number one Chinese director, Wei Jin is naturally also on the invitation list.

However, the general director of the Spring Festival Gala is not an easy job, and Wei Jin has no time to participate at the end of the year.

But if he refuses directly on the phone, it seems a bit impolite, so Wei Jin had to put down his post-production work and attend the symposium held by CCTV.

When he arrived at the CCTV building, he found that many cars were parked outside; it seems that many people had already arrived.

"President Wei, what a coincidence."

Wei Jin followed the sound and looked; it turned out to be Jiang Wen, who had also just parked his car.

"Hmm, Director Jiang, it is quite a coincidence."

After Wei Jin greeted him, he asked: "Are you participating in the selection this time?"

"No, it delays things too much. My new film is estimated to start filming at the end of the year, I don't have that spare time."

Speaking of this, Jiang Wen seemed to remember something, "President Wei, have you submitted your film 'Nomadland'?"

"Hmm, it has already been sent."

Wei Jin nodded. Generally speaking, one month after the end of one of the European Big Three film festivals, the selection for the next film festival begins.

He had already arranged for it to be sent when he was filming 'Star Luck'.

It was just that Wei Jin was a bit confused, why did Jiang Wen mention this? "Hehe, I received an invitation two days ago to be one of the jury members. I must properly evaluate your masterpiece when the time comes."

"Oh? Is that so? Then congratulations to Director Jiang, haha."

Once Wei Jin heard this, his eyes lit up. Some things don't need to be pointed out; everyone just needs to know it tacitly.

With Jiang Wen's personality, Wei Jin felt that his grasp on this Venice trip had become a bit greater.

The two chatted all the way into the lobby, and soon staff members led them all the way to the conference room.

The moment he entered the door, Wei Jin showed an 'as expected' expression; almost everyone was an acquaintance.

Chen Kaige, Gu Changwei, Feng Dapao, Zhang Guoli, Zhang Yimou, and other well-known domestic directors were almost all present. In addition, there were many academic directors.

However, seeing that guy Lu Chuan, Wei Jin really felt a bit nauseous. Isn't this just making up the numbers? Speaking of which, this guy is really shameless. Some time ago, it was revealed that he broke up with Qin Lan, and he was attacked quite a bit online.

You have to know that starting from 'City of Life and Death', Qin Lan had been supporting his films unswervingly, even playing the ugly-to-the-bone Lv Zhi in 'The Last Supper'.

Before 'The Last Supper' was released, Lu Chuan even shouted in front of media reporters that if the box office broke 300 million, he would marry Qin Lan.

As a result, the box office was not ideal, so he kicked the person away? What kind of garbage is this.

"It's a pity for such a beauty as Qin Lan..."

After some belly-aching, Wei Jin sat down next to Jiang Wen and Zhang Yimou, and Gu Changwei was also sitting next to the latter.

Looking around, Wei Jin was happy, "Hey, good guy, Director Zhang, Director Jiang, Director Gu, we are almost all gathered for the 'Red Sorghum' crew."

"Hey, it really is. The male lead, the director, the cinematographer, and you, the producer of the TV version, haha, it's really a coincidence."

Gu Changwei and Zhang Yimou were also happy; they had been roommates in the same dormitory since college, and their relationship was very good.

Jiang Wen was a bit embarrassed, "I was young and had a hot temper back then, and I didn't clash with Director Zhang less. Thinking about it, I feel a bit ashamed."

"Director Jiang, with your temper, it hasn't improved much now, haha."

Wei Jin teased, and Zhang Yimou and Gu Changwei also laughed.

Isn't that so? Jiang Wen is a well-known thorn in the circle.

After chatting for a while, a deputy station head soon walked in.

It turned out that this time it was the big shots in the propaganda department who spoke. Not only are they selecting the general director from the outside, but even the art director and programs are also to be selected.

According to the requirements, the directors participating in the selection must first provide a design plan, and then must reserve at least three months to cooperate with the preparation, rehearsals, and other pre-production work.

However, big shots within the system like to speak in circles. Things that could be explained in two or three sentences had to be dragged on for more than an hour before ending.

Subsequently, Chen Kaige, Feng Dapao, Lu Chuan, and others on the scene, as well as many academic and art film directors, all directly stated that they would participate in the subsequent selection.

After all, no matter what, the position of general director of the Spring Festival Gala is an extremely eye-catching resume.

Wei Jin, Jiang Wen, and Zhang Yimou stated that they had subsequent work arrangements and could not reserve a three-month schedule, so naturally, they could not participate in the selection.

It was just that Gu Changwei also refused, which made Wei Jin a bit surprised. He asked a question when leaving.

"Director Gu is also preparing a new film?"

"Hmm, I signed with Huayi this year, I have to do something, hehe."

"Oh? What subject matter does Director Gu plan to film?"

"Isn't WeChat quite popular now? I'm thinking of filming something young people like to watch, hehe."

Gu Changwei stopped at the point, and Wei Jin didn't ask more. After chatting with Zhang Yimou about the situation of 'Coming Home' for a while, he went directly back to the company to continue staring at the post-production editing.

That film 'From Vegas to Macau', which was rejected by Jing Tian, held its opening press conference in Beijing.

In addition to media reports, there was even a live broadcast online, which was very high-profile.

"Jointly produced by Bona Film Group and Huaxia Star, directed by Wong Jing, the co-production 'From Vegas to Macau' held its opening press conference in Beijing today. The scene was full of stars and shining brightly!"

"After many years, Chow Yun-fat continues to write the chapter of 'God of Gamblers'..."

"Central Academy of Drama's little 'Zhang Ziyi', Tong Yao, after 'Killing Commandments', once again stepped onto the big screen, partnering with Chow Yun-fat to serve as the female lead of the film..."

Looking at the news online, Wei Jin admired Tong Yao a bit.

The matter with Zhang Mo back then caused a huge uproar, lasting nearly a year, with all kinds of reversals.

In the end, Tong Yao was frozen, Zhang Mo was expelled from school, and there was even a Central Academy of Drama teacher involved.

It wasn't until the last two years that Tong Yao, Huang Bai, and others starred in 'Militia Ge Erdan' that she began to emerge, and after signing with Bona, she was even more strongly supported.

She successively partnered with Huang Xiaoming and Fan Bingbing to film 'The Bride with White Hair', and later partnered with Liu Ye to play the female lead in 'Killing Commandments'.

Even if the box office of 'Killing Commandments' was less than 10 million, losing directly to her grandmother's house, it didn't affect her continuing to obtain resources at all.

It can only be said that this woman's methods are truly extraordinary.

Lu Yang's 'Eye for an Eye 2' passed the review, and the Film Bureau publicized the information for the first time.

In an instant, countless eyes in the industry gathered.

Wei Jin was still at Shanhe Ink when he received calls from several companies one after another.

However, the total investment for this play is not large. With China Film Group occupying 30%, there is no need to continue to disperse the investment share. Wei Jin finally only picked Guangxian and Wanda, and made an appointment to meet and talk in detail at the company.

Old Wang was very active and came over in less than an hour. Upon meeting, he gave Wei Jin a hug.

"Little Brother, this period of time is thanks to your blessing, hahaha."

The smile on Old Wang's face could not be hidden at all; mixing with Wei Jin is really too cool.

'Badges of Fury' has been released for more than 20 days, and the box office has exceeded 400 million. Although the daily box office has fallen below one million, making money is certain.

Being able to achieve this result is actually very unexpected for Old Wang. He knows very well how much effort Shanhe Media's screenwriting department put into this.

And 'Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon' is even more unstoppable. In just a few days, the box office has already exceeded 300 million.

Although Guangxian only accounts for 30% and there is a lot of premium, it is definitely winning by just lying there.

Including 'The Patriot Yue Fei', which was initiated by them, the ratings also performed eye-catchingly, and the subsequent second and third rounds will definitely make a big profit.

During this period, because of these three projects, Guangxian's stock price has been rising steadily. Old Wang made at least several small targets, and at this moment, he really wishes he could worship Wei Jin.

Thus, coming here today, he had to get more shares no matter what.

However, Wei Jin had already made arrangements. After Ye Ning came over, he went straight to the point.

"You two, I have already promised 30% to Director Han this time, so the shares that can be divided are not many. How about 15% each for Guangxian and Wanda?"

Old Wang frowned and didn't speak. He didn't expect there to be so few shares.

It was Ye Ning who cared about the core issue, "President Wei, I don't know what the total investment is this time?"

"Production cost is 60 million. If you count the promotion and distribution, it's about 80 million."

Wei Jin also knew that the shares were indeed a bit small. If calculated according to the production cost, each family would have less than 10 million, so he simply included the promotion and distribution in the cost.

"Let's make it 100 million."

Old Wang suddenly spoke, "Little Brother, make the cost 100 million."

Once Ye Ning heard this, he understood. This is making an article about the gambling agreement with the cinema line.

"That's also fine. I conservatively estimate that the 500 million threshold for this play should be no problem."

Since the cost has been raised, there is no need to premium the shares, otherwise it would violate Wei Jin's original intention of maintaining the feelings of allies.

And hearing this, Ye Ning also nodded in agreement.

"Okay, then let's follow President Wei's meaning."

After finalizing the shares, the efficiency of the four parties was very high. The next day, they signed the agreement and released the news for the first time.

Many production companies in the circle could only sigh at the ocean; who told these four companies to always maintain good cooperation?

It was just that Wei Jin didn't expect that Ren Zhonglun would call after the shares had been finalized.

"President Wei, your actions this time are too fast, it's not authentic."

"That... Chairman Ren, the investment this time is really not big. After the four parties divide it, there is not much left. Next time, next time there is an opportunity, let's cooperate again."

Wei Jin brought a bit of apology. Although there is not much cooperation with Shanghai Film Group, Ren Zhonglun has indeed always supported him very much, but his sense of existence is really a bit low.

"Okay, I'll remember President Wei's words, haha."

Ren Zhonglun's voice was slightly elegant, joking, but soon the conversation turned.

"President Wei, Old Han will retire in a few months. He has been too domineering in his work these years and can only step down; there is no other way.

So if there is anything later, remember to speak up. If Old Han can help, Shanghai Film Group and I can also help solve it."

Wei Jin found it hard to answer Ren Zhonglun's words. This is no longer just wanting to cooperate, but nakedly wanting to pull himself into the camp of Shanghai Film Group.

However, Han Sanping is indeed quite domineering. In recent years, Shanghai Film Group has almost not gotten a single one of the commercial blockbusters or big director projects that can be named in the country; they are all in China Film Group's pot.

"Thank you, Chairman Ren. If I need anything, I won't be polite."

"Hmm, don't be polite with me. We have to get closer, hahaha."

After hanging up the phone, Wei Jin felt a bit emotional. They all say that when people leave, the tea cools. Old Han hasn't retired yet, and the tea seems to be cooling.

"Sigh."

That film 'Tai Chi Hero' was released, but the first-day box office made the industry drop their jaws.

"Jointly produced by China Film Group and Wanda, the 150 million investment Sino-US co-production blockbuster 'Tai Chi Hero', first-day box office 4.98 million, production party fears no hope of recouping costs."

"Co-productions are once again unacclimatized; domestic production parties should learn from 'Pacific Rim'."

Wei Jin was still at home holding a hundred-day banquet for his son when he received a call from Han Sanping.

"Your kid's eye is really poisonous. How did you know there wouldn't be a good result?"

Wei Jin thought: Does this still need to be looked at? This name is already enough of a knockoff, plus Keanu Reeves, a person with absolutely no experience, as a director, you know with your toes that it will definitely flop.

Director Han, let this be tuition for your domineering.

However, it was not easy to say this to hurt Old Han's self-esteem. After all, he is also a person approaching sixty. What if something happens? So he advised: "Director Han, look on the bright side, it's only a few tens of millions. When 'Edge of Tomorrow' is released, the losses will all be earned back..."

"..."

Han Sanping at the other end of the phone fell directly into silence. This summer slot, 'Tai Chi Hero' and 'Switch' directly lost more than 100 million.

It directly wiped out the profits of 'No Man's Land' and 'American Dreams in China' combined; it was really too painful.

Enduring the heartache, Han Sanping cared about the promotion situation of 'Edge of Tomorrow', and Wei Jin didn't hide it.

"Director Han, Warner has already made the promotional short film, and it is estimated that it will be sent over in a few days. We will cooperate when the time comes.

In addition, the promotion of the main creative team will also be arranged to come to the country this time, and the approximate time will be set around mid-November..."

After chatting with Old Han for a while, Wei Jin turned and returned to the house.

This hundred-day banquet was still not held in a big way; only both parents and relatives were invited, and even friends in the circle were not invited.

In the words of Da Meiyuan, it's enough for the family to be lively, and Wei Jin fully agreed with this.

Including Sister Li and Dudu, they also deliberately avoided it this time.

Their relationship ultimately goes against the world; it's fine to do whatever they want at home, but it's still inappropriate in front of Gao Yuanyuan's parents.

At this moment, his father is chatting with Sister Yuanyuan's parents, while his uncle is holding his son on the side, and the wrinkles on his face are all laughing out.

Seeing this scene, Wei Jin's mood was slightly complicated. His uncle is already over sixty this year, really much older than 10 years ago.

Wei Jin pondered that this time, no matter what, he must let the two elders stay in Beijing for a longer time. (End of this chapter)