Chapter 314

"Christopher, I must remind you that 3D movies are nothing new. They are..."

Michael Slane gestured at the bridge of his nose, a somewhat comical action, and the rest of the people in the conference room smiled with mutual understanding.

"Many people don't like wearing those ridiculous red and blue things; for example, me, even if I died, I wouldn't hang those crappy glasses on the bridge of my nose."

"Christopher, I don't know what kind of medicine that guy James fed you, but 3D, that's a joke! It's a little trick for kids to watch at Disney and Universal theme parks."

"If it's in a movie theater, besides the high costs, it doesn't bring a more pleasant viewing experience, nor does it have a way to attract more people to pay."

"I really don't think the second option you gave is rational."

"So, sorry, I refuse. Let's just follow the previous contract and shoot the movie properly."

In Chen Nuo's eyes, Michael Slane was as argumentative as ever, and also as stupid as ever.

In fact, most of the executives among the Big Six were of this sort.

Short-sighted and stuck in their ways.

But it couldn't be helped that their bosses were awesome.

Warner Bros.' Barry Meyer, Universal's Ron Meyer, including that 20th Century Fox guy with the unique vision who invested in 'Avatar', Jim Gianopulos.

Which one of them wasn't a hero of their time?

Sigh, looking at the others...

Christopher Nolan said: "No, Michael, you are wrong. I used to think the same as you. But this time James convinced me."

"He invented a brand-new 3D camera and a brand-new virtual camera system; the movies made from this are completely different from those previous 3D films, and it gave me quite a shock."

"If it weren't for this, I wouldn't have given up on film."

"Currently, his company is preparing to rent out his equipment; if we need it, we can rent the relevant camera equipment before filming starts..."

Nolan patiently explained to the Warner vice president and a room full of executives.

It looked like Nolan wasn't preparing two plans; in fact, he had already completely leaned toward the 3D dream option.

Chen Nuo pretended to listen carefully, but in reality, his mind had long since drifted elsewhere.

Could the exchange between Christopher Nolan and James Cameron be called the peak forum for commercial film directors?

He really hadn't expected that a casual remark of his would actually be taken to heart by Nolan.

As things stood, it had become an unexpected joy that left him dizzy.

In the development of 3D movies over the next few years, James Cameron couldn't possibly be clearer than him.

This December, 'Avatar' would descend like a god, and in a very short time, with an overwhelming momentum, change the way the entire film world viewed 3D movies and IMAX theaters.

Starting next year, anyone, ghost or human, making a movie would label themselves as a 3D movie.

For the whole year of 2010, the commercial film market would have countless pseudo-3D movies shot with ordinary cameras and one or two 3D scenes added in post-production. For example, that thing called 'Monster Hunt'.

However, audiences would still open their wallets generously.

"Even if everything James Cameron created is really that great, I must remind you that it has high production costs. Christopher, I bet you, this will eventually make 20th Century Fox suffer..."

Michael's chattering noise slid past Chen Nuo's ears, not disturbing his train of thought.

What was the specific box office of 'Inception' in his previous life?

He couldn't remember the exact number.

If a 2D version were shot in this life, how much might the final box office sell for?

He had even less way to predict that.

800 million?

1 billion?

However, no matter how much, Chen Nuo felt that if it were equipped with the wings of 3D and IMAX,

'Inception' could be like the giant dragon on the planet Pandora.

Even if it were already standing on the mountaintop, it could still spread its wings and soar toward the sky.

Because 'Inception' is really, really, really suitable for 3D narrative.

And when it is released, it will probably be toward the end of 2010.

By that time, audiences all over the world will have been fleeced over and over again by those fake, inferior 3D movies.

When they are feeling disheartened,

Suddenly, 'Inception', which inherited the authentic 3D bloodline of 'Avatar', appears before the whole world; what kind of effect would that have?

When the plot of 'Inception' is combined with the 3D visual effects of 'Avatar', what kind of concept is that?

Let's put it this way,

Is there any other movie in the world more worth going to the cinema to watch three times than it?

From 2004 to 2024.

Is there?

After a while, the argument between Nolan and Michael Slane finally came to an end.

Whether it was Nolan or the Warner executives like Michael Slane, they all cast their gazes over.

Michael Slane smiled: "Chen, what is your opinion? This matter was caused by you, and now Christopher has given us options, so what about you? Will you choose the safe and smooth A, or the inexplicable B?"

Chen Nuo also started to laugh, but didn't speak.

Laughing and laughing, he stopped laughing, and with a serious expression, he was silent for a while.

Afterward, under the gaze of the whole room, he said faintly: "Michael, I suggest we adjourn the meeting first and take a break."

Five minutes later.

In a small conference room at Warner.

Qi Yuntian was guarding the door outside.

Chen Nuo stood in front of the window, looking at the street scene of Los Angeles outside.

His mobile phone was at his ear, and the sound of the call connecting came through the receiver.

At this time, President Zhang hadn't slept yet.

Why hadn't he slept after 1:00 AM?

That was, of course, because of work.

In the past few months, President Zhang worked as a bank president during the day, and at night, he also tirelessly found a part-time job.

Every few days, he would go to plow the fields.

President Zhang was very dedicated; he really loved whatever job he did.

Even as a part-timer, he was sweating profusely at this moment, like an old ox that could endure hardship and work hard.

Not only because that half a Viagra gave him powerful motivation,

But also because not long ago, an internet technology company called Yike opened a basic account at his Asian Games branch.

With this, President Zhang once again became a favorite in the eyes of many leaders,

At this moment, President Zhang was just doing it, when suddenly the phone rang.

A buzzkill? Of course.

However, President Zhang's first reaction was to be startled, because the phone ringing now was his private number.

Except for various leaders and extremely important clients, only the old hag at his home knew it.

So regardless of the land's complaints, President Zhang pounced like a vicious dog, rushed to the bedside table on the other side, and grabbed the phone.

Looking at the screen, he was stunned for a moment, then immediately forgot about his part-time job and picked it up.

"Chen Zong, hello, hello, hello. This is Zhang Liangyong."

"President Zhang, it's very late, I have some urgent matters I want to consult you about, I didn't disturb your rest, did I?"

"No, no, I was already working overtime anyway. What's the matter, Chen Zong, tell me."

To be honest, although President Zhang held multiple positions, he was just a low-to-mid-level cadre in the vast system of the Bank of China.

Things like taking 1% of the shares of Facebook, the hottest social networking site in the world today, to the bank for collateral—as I said before, he usually only saw such things in certain financial weeklies or newspapers.

Could the Bank of China do this business?

What method should be used to do it?

How much money could finally be made out of it?

Chen Nuo's questions came one after another; President Zhang actually had no clue in his heart, but this didn't delay him from answering.

"Yes."

"Definitely yes."

"Definitely no problem."

"Of course, it's not absolutely no problem, but I think there's 90% no problem."

The land on the side seemed to be attracted by the decisive, bull-like scent of President Zhang at this moment, and was a bit restless.

But President Zhang glared with his bull eyes, and the land didn't dare to act rashly, so it could only let the plow go.

"I won't wait until tomorrow morning, I will report it now, I will report it now, Chen Zong, please wait a moment."

Chen Nuo hung up the phone.

He stood in the conference room and was dazed for a while.

Choose A or B?

If I have money, I choose B; if I don't have money, I choose A, it's that simple.

He roughly calculated that if it were finally changed to 3D filming, an additional 80 million USD would be added to the original 160 million USD production cost, which would be 40 million allocated to him, plus the 50 million USD promotion budget for post-production.

His current gap had reached as high as 90 million USD, and that was in cash.

Even if he went back and hugged his old man's thigh and cried, he couldn't cry out that much money.

Although Chen Bicheng's house sales had been good recently, Chen Nuo estimated that according to the real estate developer's operating model,

The cash he could take out to lend him now would at most not exceed 300 million.

To immediately scrape together 50 million USD for him at this time, he would have to have a wave of discount promotions for the houses.

90 million USD?

Old Chen would have to go bankrupt and sell the land!

Right now, it shouldn't have reached that point yet.

The first choice was still to find a way through the bank.

Fortunately, he opened his mouth like a lion and used the art of negotiation to trick them into giving him an option for 1% of FB shares.

Zuckerberg said that if he really needed money, Sheryl Sandberg could find financial support for him from Bank of America.

But Chen Nuo felt, putting this option in the hands of Americans?

If the collateral period really arrived and he couldn't come up with the money, these shares would become the bank's. Wouldn't the Yankees be laughing their heads off in three years?

Chen Nuo was not some Empress Dowager of the late Qing Dynasty.

His view was that even if the meat is rotten, it should rot in the pot. It's better to benefit the Bank of China than to benefit an American bank.

Only if the Bank of China couldn't do it would he consider the second option.

So his first call was to an old acquaintance.

After a while, President Zhang's call came back.

The situation on the phone sounded pretty good.

President Zhang's answer was that it was too late now, and the leaders couldn't give a definite answer without an in-depth understanding. However, President Zhang was asked to convey a message to Chen Nuo, which was that the thinking was open and the pace was firm.

Having said this, every Chinese person understood. Chen Nuo felt a bit more confident in his heart.

Even if 90 million couldn't be loaned, 70 million shouldn't be a big problem.

There might still be a small gap of about 10 to 20 million USD.

This amount of money was actually simple to solve.

Asking Old Chen for support shouldn't be any problem at all.

However, Chen Nuo thought for a moment and felt it was better to forget it.

Because after the wind had passed, he had truly gotten rid of the bad habit of eating alone.

So he dialed another phone number.

Compared to President Zhang, Han Zong Sanping actually had more part-time jobs, but tonight he happened to have unloaded his burdens and was having a day of recuperation at home.

When he received Chen Nuo's call, he inevitably had some morning grumpiness from being woken up from his sleep.

"... So, sorry Han Zong, it's indeed a rather urgent matter, which is why I'm disturbing you so late. So, what do you think on your end, are you interested?"

After hearing the ins and outs, Han Sanping chuckled: "Little Chen, thank you for still thinking of our China Film Group at this time. Thank you, no matter what, I will remember this favor on behalf of the China Film Group. However, we won't participate in the matter you mentioned. After all, our board of directors already passed a resolution last time. Why don't you ask someone else?"

"......... Hey, no, no, no disturbance, just sorry, this matter really can't help you... Alright, alright, alright, goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, the old partner sleeping on the side asked in a daze: "Who is it, so late, is there something wrong with the white?"

Han Sanping said: "Young people, don't know better. Alright, sleep."

Han Sanping also lay back down.

Lying on the pillow, he couldn't help but find it a bit funny.

You push and pull when asked to return to the country to attend a premiere. Now that you've encountered something and lack money, you know to call me, Han San, in the middle of the night?

You were bold enough to cooperate with Warner, hehe, now you know how tough it is?

They wanted to add investment, but you had no way out, so you came to find me for help, but your tone wasn't soft at all, not at all like you were asking for a favor, as if you were letting us take advantage of you.

Asking if China Film Group had any intention to invest again, and saying something about being willing to take out a few tens of millions in shares, making money for everyone.

Hehe.

Making money for everyone?

Forget it, as for this money, China Film Group won't earn it. If you have the ability, go earn it yourself.

With a hint of insight, Han Sanping drifted back into his dreams.

On the other side of the ocean, Chen Nuo sighed.

Even though Han Zong had stood him up once before, the two sides actually got along quite well later, including the joint investment in 'No Man's Land' and the reaching of a strategic cooperation agreement between the two companies, so he felt it wouldn't hurt to ask again.

As a result, he didn't expect...

The other party had a tone that treated him like a beggar.

It seems he should go back and find Old Chen for money.

Chen Nuo was just about to go out to a meeting, his hand on the doorknob, when he suddenly thought of another company and another person.

However, he wasn't familiar with this person. But he knew that this person actually had a good relationship with Warner Bros.

And this company could be considered the true capital giant in the domestic film and television circle. Besides film and television, there were other businesses spread across all walks of life. Compared to its scale, China Film Group could only trail behind.

Companies like Huayi and Tang Ren weren't even fit to carry their shoes.

Is it a bit too late now?

It should be fine.

That group chairman should also be a diligent person.

Then let's just strike while the iron is hot and ask.

"I suggest that today's meeting ends here."

The crowd gathered in the conference room again, before their butts were even settled, heard Chen Nuo say this out of the blue.

Facing the gazes of the people in the conference room, he said without changing his expression: "Michael, I have already decided. Please tell Mr. Meyer that on this matter, I choose Plan B. I want to produce a 3D 'Inception'."

Michael Slane was stunned, "Chen, do you know what you are saying?"

"Of course."

"Even if it adds 80 million USD to the production cost?"

"80 million, yes."

Michael Slane said in disbelief: "Chen, for that pile of junk from James Cameron? My God, you have 40 million more on your side. If you have that much money, why don't you go buy a small island in the Caribbean? Instead of throwing it into the water!?"

"Perhaps it's because islands are also in the water."

Chen Nuo smiled, "Don't be angry, I'm joking, Michael. Actually, if you at Warner are not willing to take such a big risk, I have also found a Chinese company for you that has this intention. After they heard about our plan, they were very interested in it and are also willing to participate as an additional investor."

"Who? It wouldn't be the China Film Group again, would it?"

"No, no, no. However, it is also your partner in China, the China Hengdian Group."

"China Hengdian Group, Huanran Yixin Film and Television, and Warner Bros. Pictures signed a cooperation agreement yesterday in Los Angeles to jointly invest in the new sci-fi film starring Chen Nuo, which is about to start filming."

"Afterward, Hengdian Group Xu Dong Yongan stated in an interview with reporters that Hengdian Film and Television Company is very honored to have this opportunity to participate in this film. This means that Hengdian Film and Television has officially stepped onto the international stage..."

When Han Sanping saw this news in the newspaper, the mouthful of tea he was holding in his mouth didn't go down for a long time.

Hesitating for a while, he still picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Xu Dong, hello, hello, there's a matter... have you returned to the country?"

The voice on the other end of the phone was full of energy, "Han Dong, I'm back. I just landed, I'm still on the plane. Tell me what's the matter... Hey, Xiao Li, come over and clear this plate."

Han Sanping said: "Hehe, nothing. I just saw the news that you went to the United States and signed an agreement with Warner and Chen Nuo and the others. Did you invest in that film?"

"Yes, we invested!"

Hearing the unhesitating voice on the other side, without even an explanation, Han Sanping chuckled: "Hehe, so Xu Dong, you actually had different opinions back then?"

"No. Actually, I have always felt that this film could be done. But you at China Film Group didn't want to do it. I am also willing to accept the bet and lose, since it was said that Han Dong you are in charge, then you are in charge, so that was that. I didn't expect that there would be another opportunity now, so I didn't want to be outdone. Hahahaha."

"Han Dong, you wouldn't blame me for this, would you? I heard from Chen Nuo that he was the first one to call you, and you even told him to ask someone else. Right?"

Han Sanping forced a smile: "Yes, he told me. I felt the risk was too great, so I didn't dare to act rashly. The production investment scale was already not small, and now to make it into some 3D movie, they are actually preparing to increase it from 160 million to 240 million. Hehe, I really can't understand, I don't understand..."

Before he finished speaking, he was interrupted, "Han Zong, hehe, your information is outdated, in the end, the production budget for our film increased from 160 million to 260 million."

"... 260 million!?"

"Yes, an increase of 100 million USD."

"However, in the end, we at Hengdian only invested 60 million, and 40 million was additional investment from that young man Chen Nuo himself."

Han Sanping was suddenly shocked, "He put in another 40 million USD?"

The voice in the receiver was also quite emotional, "Yes. Didn't expect it? Neither did I."

"The day he called me, I thought Warner wanted to increase investment and he had no money, so he came to me for help."

"And guess what?"

"It turned out he wanted to add investment, but Warner Bros. had no money. He came to us to help Warner Bros."

"Such a young actor, in such a large-scale movie, has already become the largest investor. He alone now holds a 45% share, we hold 15%, and Warner holds 35%."

"Judging by this financial strength, I think this young man is truly the number one person in the country among actors."

"The production cost of this movie is already the highest in history globally."

"Han Zong, to tell you the truth, I am very anxious, I don't know what the final result will be. My 60 million USD won't really go down the drain, will it? Hahaha..."

Hearing Xu Yongan's laughter, Han Sanping couldn't help but feel sour and bloated.

The movie with the highest production cost in history globally.

Although this title doesn't mean anything, it just reveals a sense of being foolish and having too much money.

But why is it so uncomfortable?

Chen Nuo was actually finding funds for Warner? Where did he get so much money?

Han Sanping was full of doubts, but still tried hard to smile, saying polite words: "Xu Dong, it shouldn't lose too much. After all, Chen Nuo's box office appeal is still pretty good."

"Sigh, I hope so. After all, this is also the first step for our Hengdian Group's film and television capital to go overseas, I hope we can make a good start, otherwise it won't be easy to talk to our old man at home, if he says I'm a spendthrift, what should I do? Hahahaha..."

Saying he was afraid of losing money, but Xu Yongan's laughter never stopped.

Han Sanping really felt that the sound of this person laughing was so piercing.

He felt a wave of irritation after another, and even vaguely had some regrets.

However, he thought about it carefully again.

This movie, especially after the additional investment, could be said to have a 100% chance of losing a lot of money.

Because with a little mental calculation, one could know that with such a high production cost, plus the later promotion expenses,

Maybe it would need a global box office of 1 billion USD to break even.

To really talk about making money, it would at least have to be another 'Dark Knight', or even have to surpass 'Dark Knight'.

Hehe, is that possible?

Can even the most powerful director and the most peak-period actor really break records and shock the world one after another?

Especially since this time it's some 3D movie?

So, what exactly is he feeling uncomfortable about?

He should feel happy.

Rationally avoiding a big pit, avoiding the loss of national funds, and adding another achievement to his career.

When this film is released and it's not satisfactory, it will be the critical period for him to move up or down, and it will be a heavy contribution.

Thinking this way, Han Sanping finally felt much better.

The tone on the phone also returned to calm, and he said with a smile: "Xu Dong, no matter what, I wish your Hengdian Group success in this overseas investment. I hope it was my misjudgment. Haha."

"Thank you, thank you Han Zong, I'll go to Beijing to find you for a meal in a while. After all, if it weren't for you, we wouldn't have this opportunity, haha."

Hearing the other party say this, Han Sanping felt uncomfortable again, and said indifferently: "Xu Dong has such a tone, it seems you are very confident?"

Xu Yongan said with a smile on the other side: "No, no. It's just that when our old man handed over the shift to me in 2003, he said one thing."

"Doing business is like playing baccarat, the most important thing is not what cards you have in your hand, but betting on the winner."

"And if I remember correctly, this young man Chen Nuo hasn't lost yet, Han Dong, right? Hahaha."

PS:

I fell asleep while editing last night. Sorry.

(End of chapter)