Chapter 574: The Share of Jindun: The Early Bird Gets the Worm

Jindun, full name Jindun Film and Television Culture Center, is a public institution directly under the GA Department and one of the main fronts for publicity and culture.

Preparations began in 1993, and it was officially established in November 1994 with the approval of higher authorities, possessing the status of a public legal entity and the Class A television drama production qualification approved by the General Administration.

Although it does not have the massive influence in the entertainment industry that China Film Group does, Jindun is absolutely a very formidable unit.

At least in front of the General Administration, they have to be much tougher.

However, with Director Ma's arrangements, the treatment Wei Jin received here was excellent, even better than at the General Administration.

Just as he arrived, reception staff came over with kind smiles on their faces.

"President Wei, welcome, welcome. The Department Head and the others are already waiting for you in the conference room. Please, this way."

"Thank you."

Following the other party, Wei Jin and Meng Ying walked toward the conference room, seeing many people in uniforms coming and going along the way, who presumably were there on business.

As soon as they entered the conference room, they saw three middle-aged men inside stand up.

"Director Wei, we meet again. To be honest, I was quite startled when I received Director Ma's call. I didn't expect your efficiency to be so high, haha."

"Department Head Zhong, I wouldn't call this fast. It's been over half a year; one must always keep in mind the tasks assigned by the leadership."

Wei Jin smiled and shook hands with the lead Department Head Zhong, whom he had met previously at the project initiation meeting for Police Story 2013, and also nodded to the other two.

After some pleasantries, everyone took their seats, and Department Head Zhong spoke first.

"Director Wei, although there are no issues with the subject matter, we still need to review the script, and we will need to keep a copy on file for follow-up. Is that alright?"

"Of course. Coming here today is precisely to have experienced, veteran comrades provide their guidance, haha."

As Wei Jin responded with a smile, he signaled to Meng Ying, who immediately placed the document bag on the table and pushed it over.

The two people beside Department Head Zhong immediately opened it and began to browse through it quickly.

At this moment, staff members served clear tea, and Wei Jin did not stand on ceremony, picking up the teacup to savor it.

It must be said that the tea in these government units is quite good, only a little bit worse than what is at Han Sanping's place.

While his subordinates were browsing the script, Department Head Zhong also began to chat with Wei Jin.

"President Wei, Jindun's main business is in television dramas. If your company has related needs in the future, we can also cooperate."

The sudden change in how Department Head Zhong addressed him made his meaning very clear.

For mainstream-themed film and television dramas, if one wants to find relevant units for endorsement, the best choices are Jindun and the August First Film Studio.

Although the situations of both units are similar, administrative functions always come first, and whether they make money or not is secondary.

But if there is an opportunity to make money, why would Jindun miss it? After all, the reputation of television dramas produced by Shanhe Media is too resounding.

"No problem, Department Head Zhong. If there is a need, I certainly won't be polite. After all, as a private enterprise, we also need big brothers like Jindun to point out the direction, haha."

Wei Jin certainly wouldn't refuse this subtle overture; his emotional intelligence came online instantly, as there were indeed many crime or military/police-themed television dramas in the future.

The two of them chatted happily, but it did not affect the people next to them reading the script in the slightest; they were flipping through it quite quickly.

After about twenty minutes, the script for Operation Mekong was closed.

"Department Head, the script is excellent. It restores the authenticity of the event while possessing strong drama, and it is very positive. There are no issues."

Department Head Zhong understood his subordinate's subtext and looked at Wei Jin.

"Director Wei, Jindun has always done its best regarding film investment because we are different from other state-owned and private enterprises; our capital audits are very strict. Especially for mainstream-themed films, the pressure to break even is usually very high."

Hearing this, Wei Jin was a bit stunned, thinking he hadn't asked Jindun to provide the bulk of the funding. Just as he was about to explain, Department Head Zhong changed the subject.

"However, Director Wei's films are different; they have always been the highest-quality projects in the industry. Moreover, Dixing Yinxing even set a box office record, so we have a lot of confidence. I wanted to ask, what is the budget this time, and how much can Jindun participate?"

Good heavens, this technique of praising after first disparaging was truly masterful; Wei Jin was left feeling quite flattered.

Steadying himself, Wei Jin replied, "Department Head Zhong, the approximate budget is just over 200 million, and it won't exceed 250 million at most. For more details, I estimate we'll have to wait a while."

"No problem, having this rough range is enough. What about the share?"

Honestly, regarding this question, Wei Jin had a plan from the start. After all, Jindun is not a profit-oriented unit, so participating with a 5% share would suffice.

But looking at it now, it seems Jindun doesn't want to just be a background player? However, upon second thought, Wei Jin understood the logic.

Most of the production companies that came here before were doing task-based films, and the vast majority were losing money.

Even if Jindun's goal isn't profit, they wouldn't rush to be a sucker, so naturally, they weren't willing to take a larger share.

Now that it was his turn, he naturally had to be more proactive. Realizing this, Wei Jin made an adjustment.

"There shouldn't be few production companies this time, at least five or six. If Shanhe Media is to ensure primary control, how about Jindun takes 10%?"

"10%?"

Department Head Zhong's brows furrowed slightly, but after a moment of contemplation, they quickly smoothed out.

"Fine, this share can be considered appropriate. Let's do it as Director Wei said."

With the share finalized, both sides then discussed some further details.

However, the specific agreement would have to wait until the project initiation, when all production companies would sign together.

Outside, that film, Young Style, held its premiere a few days early.

Although the film's investment was less than five million, the lineup of red carpet guests for its premiere was comparable to a blockbuster.

Chen Daoming, Hu Jun, Liu Jialing, Li Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Yuan Quan, Xia Yu... even Zhu Yawen, who was filming with the Red Sorghum crew, specifically asked for leave to come back and attend the premiere.

Dozens of A-list stars and artists dazzled the media on the scene, and the camera flashes almost never stopped.

Shanhe Media had received an invitation long ago, but Wei Jin had no reason to go and support a newcomer; he just had Lao Chen arrange for an administrative staff member to go and socialize, which could be considered giving face to Wang Jinhua.

At this moment, he was having a meal with the creative team of About Time.

After half a month of roadshows, the crew members all looked a bit exhausted, but with the film about to be released, they were still somewhat excited.

Of course, perhaps it was also nervousness.

"In a few more days, it will be up to you. Lu Yang is already a 600-million-yuan director."

Wei Jin said while eating, chatting with Guo Fan. "President Wei, when you say it like that, I feel a lot of pressure."

Guo Fan gave a wry smile. Among all the directors signed to Shanhe Media, aside from Wen Muye, who was a complete newcomer, he was the only one who hadn't entered the Billion Yuan Club.

Although he was credited as the associate director of *Dixing Yinxing*, the achievements were ultimately not his.

Wei Jin could also tell that Guo Fan was under pressure, and the rest of the crew seemed to lack confidence as well, so he cheered them on.

"What do you all think of this script? How is the film coming along?"

"The script is great, and Director Guo is filming it very well; we have all seen the finished footage."

Bai Yu said with a chuckle; he had joined the company for several years and already knew Wei Jin's temperament, no longer having the cautious and timid appearance he once had.

"Right, Xiaobai is right, the movie is excellent, and I'm playing a role that fits my true self, haha."

Sun Yizhou had a somewhat easy-going personality, and he made a self-deprecating remark at this moment.

The others, including Song Yi, Re Yi Zha, Deng Jia Jia, and Li Xinru, all chimed in.

"And you?"

Under Wei Jin's gaze, Guo Fan nodded solemnly, "President Wei, the script is fantastic, and I am filming it with great care. *About Time* will definitely be a good movie, but..."

"There are no 'buts'."

Wei Jin waved his hand, cutting him off directly: "Don't look at the fact that Lu Yang reached the 600 million club first, or even that Lin Yufen reached the 400 million club. But I believe the performance of *About Time* will definitely not be worse than the former two."

Seeing that everyone seemed somewhat skeptical, Wei Jin gave his reasons.

"You should have seen what it means to rely entirely on the contrast of peers in this year's Summer Slot. Think about it, what kind of rotten fish and shrimp are the films released in the same period? Huh? Where else would the audience go if they don't watch our movie?"

To be honest, the word-of-mouth for the original *About Time* was quite good, but Wei Jin really couldn't judge how much box office the localized version would get.

But compared to the films of the same period, it was definitely streets ahead.

With the reputation of *Tiny Times* collapsing like this, the box office of the second installment would definitely be significantly affected, and the fan effect could not be maintained for long.

Besides, how much money could that group of middle and high school student fans have? Could they support repeated viewings? Do they all have mines at home? As for *A Story of Wind and Flower*, there is even less need to worry.

The moment Yang Ying was chosen as the female lead, the ending was already set.

Honestly, Wei Jin admired Huayi and Gao Shu Qun; they actually dared to use Yang Ying. Even ten Huang Xiaoming wouldn't be able to carry her.

As for the rest, like *Mad 2* and *Young Style*, what the hell were those? Wei Jin had no impression of them at all.

Against the backdrop of these trash films, even if *About Time* was only an 80-point film, the audience would still see it as a 90-point effect.

"So, you don't need to worry at all. Isn't that Guo Xiaosi shouting about wanting to be the overlord of August? Keep your eyes on him and beat him down!"

Wei Jin's domineering yet logical words made the group of young actors feel hot-blooded.

Even the somewhat shy Song Yi raised his glass with a flushed face, "President Wei's vision in the industry is peerless. I believe in your judgment; we will definitely become the overlords of August."

"Right, right, the overlords of August, we are destined to be!"

Everyone responded one after another, and Guo Fan also regained his confidence.

For a film produced by Shanhe Media, at the very least, the screen allocation would definitely not be lower than that of its competitors in the same period, so what did he have to fear?

Just do it!

Just like that, a welcome banquet was turned into a pledge rally by Wei Jin.

It must be said that Wang Jinhua spared no effort to promote her son, and there was no telling how much money she had stuffed into the media.

The next day, the relevant reports online were all praising that post-90s new-generation Best Actor.

It was true; at the Shanghai International Film Festival a while ago, Dong Zi Jian won the Best Actor award in the Media Awards category at the Movie Channel, but he was completely overshadowed by Guo Xiaosi. Still, calling him a Best Actor wasn't too much of a stretch.

It was just that some media actually shouted the title "Crown Prince of the Entertainment Circle," which was a bit too exaggerated.

Netizens also expressed their dissatisfaction in various ways; let alone Wang Jinhua's son, even the second-generation offspring of those veteran big-name directors couldn't live up to that title.

But regardless, the buzz for *Young Style* had been stirred up.

However, just at this moment, a piece of news from across the ocean instantly diverted the attention of the entire internet.

"Hollywood news: Universal Pictures has officially announced that the new-generation Chinese actor Zhu Yilong will join *Fast & Furious 7* to play the role of the third male lead. The film will start shooting in early September."

Once the news broke, the industry was like a pot of boiling water.

You have to know that *Fast & Furious* is a globally best-selling series, no less impressive than superhero-themed films.

Including *Fast and Furious 6*, which was still showing in the country at the moment, raking in 40 to 50 million in box office every day.

Especially this seventh installment, which was officially announced as a 160 million USD big production; even if it was just the third male lead, it was definitely an unimaginably good resource.

Zhu Yilong was also very sensible and posted a message on Weibo at the first opportunity.

"Thanks to the company for the cultivation, thanks to President Wei and Director Zhang for the recognition and recommendation, and thanks to the fans for their support. In the future, I will maintain a humble attitude, constantly improve myself, and bring better works to everyone!"

Although Zhu Yilong didn't have many works, Lin Yang in *Hello Old Times* had indeed accumulated a large group of fans for him; otherwise, he wouldn't have just narrowly missed out on the Four Young Dan last year.

Therefore, the internet was quite lively at this moment, and his fans, the "Xiaolongbao," were all overjoyed, just short of setting off firecrackers.

In comparison, male actors of the same age were simply envious and jealous to the point of madness.

"After Warner and Disney, now even Universal's projects can have people recommended by Director Wei? What about the other companies?"

"The artists of Starry Sky Culture have such good lives, don't they?"

Many actors and talent agencies had this sentiment, which led to some unrealistic ideas, especially among the actresses.

After all, they might not be able to land the female lead, but they wouldn't be picky about the second or third female lead roles.

As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm; while some were still just feeling tempted, the actress from Taiwan, Zhang Jun Ning, had already started to take action.

Honestly, Zhang Jun Ning herself hadn't expected that the phone invitation tonight would get a response so quickly.

However, at this moment, she didn't have the time to delve into the reasons behind it, because this man's strength was too great.

(End of this chapter)