Chapter 11

After 2000, in the Neidi film market, to achieve impressive box office results, obtaining screening advantages is indispensable.

But in Xianggang, during the golden slots of a few cinema chains' favorable schedules, the films shown are necessarily those produced by the companies themselves.

Therefore, a film's box office performance depends on quality on one hand, and on whether it has cinema chain support on the other.

A typical example is Li Lianjie; although he is dubbed the Kung Fu Emperor, during the early 1990s "double-week one-battle" contest for dominance in the film world, his films never appeared in the "Lunar New Year slot".

The reason is simple: Excellence Harmony's top star is Cheng Long, so the best Lunar New Year slot naturally goes to him, leaving Li Lianjie only able to settle for the summer slot.

During that period, Li Lianjie left Excellence Harmony, experienced his agent being shot dead, and after mediation by an intermediary reached a reconciliation with Excellence Harmony; the films shot by Zhendong Pictures still aired on Excellence Harmony, naturally still unable to secure the Lunar New Year slot.

During that period, Li Lianjie also filmed several movies for Yongsheng, but at that time Yongsheng's top general Zhou Xingxing was unrivaled in fame, and Li Lianjie still could not secure the Lunar New Year slot.

Only in 1997, when Xianggang's film industry was waning, did Li Lianjie, thanks to the film Huang Feihong: Western Region Heroic Lion, enter the Lunar New Year slot after Zhou Runfa went to Haolaiwu, launching a box-office showdown with Cheng Long and Zhou Xingxing.

Thus, in the Xianggang film market, no matter how well a film is made, it still needs a cinema chain willing to cooperate to achieve impressive box office.

Of course, if the film is strong enough to make other cinema chains' hot-screening films suffer successive defeats, then having to screen your film for profit is another matter.

But in the double-week one-battle era, it is almost impossible.

Nowadays, Zhou Runfa has left for Haolaiwu, Zhou Xingxing has cut back production, and films invested in by non-cinema chains also have a chance to be released in the Lunar New Year slot.

And the 1998 Lunar New Year slot is indeed a very good opportunity.

Cheng Long's Who Am I remains a classic as ever, but seeing the same formula too often has left Hong Kongers somewhat visually fatigued.

Originally, it only earned over 38 million at the Hong Kong box office, far less than the 1995 Red Light District and the 1996 Simple Task.

As for Zhou Xingxing's Lucky Stars, the box office was even worse, still under thirty million.

The reason is also simple: this film was also made to repay a favor.

At that time, Zhou Xingxing had already set up his own Xinghui Company and had no intention of filming other directors' works, but Wang Jing and Li Lichi found him, had no choice, so he did a cameo, which then turned into a leading role; the film's quality can be imagined.

Therefore, the competition intensity of the 1998 Lunar New Year slot has greatly weakened compared to previous years.

In this case, Excellence Harmony Cinema need not be considered; it will surely be devoted to screening Cheng Long's Who Am I, leaving only Gold Life and New Treasure as the two cinema lines.

Speaking of the cinema chain system in Xianggang's film world, one must trace it back to the 1950s.

Back then, production costs were relatively low, and a star's fee was only over a thousand dollars; screening a film in one or two theaters could let it break even, which can be considered the budding period of Xianggang's cinema chain development.

By the 1960s, it had become Shaw Brothers' domain. Of course, there was also a cinema chain called Beautiful Sound, which specialized in releasing medium- and low-budget films produced by small companies other than Shaw Brothers.

In the early 1970s, Excellence Harmony was established, forming the three domestic film cinema chains of Shaw Brothers, Excellence Harmony, and Beautiful Sound.

Entering the 1980s, Beautiful Sound was renamed Golden Princess, because New One City scheduled its films on Golden Princess and consecutively produced blockbusters, making Golden Princess the second-largest cinema chain after Excellence Harmony.

Later, New One City disbanded, Golden Princess also went out of business, and was replaced by the Gold Life cinema chain established by Chen Rongmei.

The Shaw Brothers cinema chain first became Virtue Treasure, then became New Treasure, and also spun off an Eternal High cinema chain.

And in 1993, the peak year of Hong Kong cinema, Huang BaiMing established the Oriental cinema chain, causing Xianggang to temporarily have five cinema chains, leading to supply exceeding demand, a large increase in shoddily produced films, and to some extent causing the decline of Hong Kong cinema.

The result was that Eternal High withdrew after suffering losses and undergoing personnel and name changes; in 1996, Oriental merged with New Treasure, which was equivalent to exiting the jianghu.

In the following three years of 1997, 1998, and 1999, Hong Kong cinema remained in a slump, with only Excellence Harmony, Gold Life, and New Treasure as the three cinema chains.

In this case, Excellence Harmony is difficult to cooperate with, but Gold Life and New Treasure face enormous revenue pressure, so there is still room for discussion about screening on their cinema chains.

Hung Jinbao once participated in establishing the Virtue Treasure cinema chain, which counts as part of today's New Treasure cinema chain, and he still has many acquaintances there.

Gold Life originated from the former New Princess, and the New Princess relied entirely on New One City.

Hung Jinbao also co-produced with Mai Jia of Xin Yicheng the film Best Fortune Star, which also has considerable origins.

Moreover, this person, originating from Excellence Harmony, has under his name the Treasure Harmony Company, which for a considerable period was Excellence Harmony's largest satellite company, counting as a senior figure of Excellence Harmony.

In short, the relationships among Xianggang's film world, cinema chains, and companies are complex, but when it comes to having the broadest connections, truly few can compare to Hung Jinbao.

Jiang Heng invited Hung Jinbao to watch the film, naturally to leverage his extensive connections to help The Matrix be released in Hong Kong.

And wanting him to participate and help him compete against Cheng Long naturally requires extraordinary ability.

From Hung Jinbao's reaction after watching the film, Jiang Heng succeeded.

Don't think that just because he has a solid relationship with Cheng Long he won't help Jiang Heng.

One must know that the conception and creativity of Huang Feihong: Western Region Heroic Lion came from Cheng Long; after he told Hung Jinbao, the latter directly took it and collaborated with Li Lianjie to film Western Region Heroic Lion, which was still released in the Lunar New Year slot, nearly angering Cheng Long to death.

That is, their relationship is so good that it could be resolved.

"This film, what slot do you want to choose for it?"

Hung Jinbao has collaborated with all kinds of people throughout his life, premised on the other party having ability; now seeing The Matrix's forward-looking worldview, explosive special effects, that "heart of cooperation" is somewhat uncontainable.

"I think the Lunar New Year slot is just fine!" Jiang Heng said slowly.

"Won't that be too risky?" Yuan Hua said.

Hung Jinbao waved his hand boldly, saying, "I think it can be done; now that Zhou Runfa has gone to Haolaiwu, the 1998 Lunar New Year slot only has Ah Long and Zhou Xingxing; if we hype it up, saying that Jiang Heng's new film will participate, a three-way showdown will surely attract the audience's attention."

Yuan De laughed; he agreed with Hung Jinbao's words, yet said, "Won't that be too exaggerated?"

"Not enough, then say that The Matrix used Haolaiwu's most advanced visual effects technology to replicate the impressive box office of films like Jurassic Park 2, becoming the 1998 annual box office champion!"

Hung Jinbao said this in succession, clearly well versed in the art of hype.

These, those brothers couldn't sit still.

The 1998 annual box office champion—this is going to make a big splash!

Those of them participating in this will inevitably get a share of the glory!

Yuan Biao patted Yuan De on the shoulder, saying, "If that really happens, you might not be up for Best Supporting Actor?"

Yuan De hearing this, but feeling his bones go weak, after so many years in the film world, who wouldn't want to earn an award to prove himself?

Hung Jinbao, however, said, "Those are trivial matters; I think the key is breaking the box-office myth of the double-week one-battle, letting Xianggang's film world have a new genre, which is a new way out."

Several people hearing this all let out a sigh.

Spring river water warms, ducks know first—this person, without saying he was the first to sense the decline of Xianggang's film industry, is about the same.

As a Xianggang film person, who wouldn't miss that era when everyone was frenzied, prosperous, and flourishing?

It's a pity, it's all in the past.

Hong Jinbao looked at the silent Jiang Heng and said, "You don't need to worry about the cinema chains; I'll handle talks with Jinsheng and Xinbao, and it will definitely be the golden slot of the Spring Festival period."

Jiang Heng bowed his hands and said, "Then thank you, for the cost part!"

Hong Jinbao glared, full of vigor, and said, "You say that, you look down on me! Am I helping you just for money? Do I, Hong Jinbao, lack that bit of cash?"

Jiang Heng's expression turned awkward; for a moment he didn't know how to reply.

Yuan Hua laughed and said, "In the future, if there's a suitable role or position, remember us brothers!"

He played a traitor colluding with Smith in The Matrix; his screen time was limited, fearing he wouldn't get a supporting‑actor award.

But if Jiang Heng could truly become an internationally renowned director specializing in special‑effects films, and kept thinking of using them, the benefits would be enormous.

As for distribution costs, first it's hard to calculate, and second, based on The Matrix's film quality, we can directly approach Jinsheng and Xinbao cinema chains for negotiations.

If we actually charge money, it would sound a bit unpleasant.

After a while of discussion, the few of them felt hungry and went out together for hot‑pot.

In the private room, Jiang Heng sat next to Hong Jinbao, surrounded by the other "Seven Little Fortunes" brothers; the treatment was incomparable to the last gathering.

When the wine was flowing and ears were hot, Hong Jinbao couldn't help but whisper, "In my life, I really have no ambitions left; I just have a son who isn't very upstanding. If there's a suitable role, please give me a heads‑up!"

Jiang Heng listened, gave a slight bitter smile, and then said broadly, "Brother, rest assured, when I make films in the future, if there's a suitable role I'll definitely think of using him!"

"Good brother, I'll drink one!"

Hong Jinbao, truly generous, raised his cup and downed it.

Jiang Heng hurriedly took a sip, and after setting the cup down felt a surge of emotion.

These days, it's really all about pulling strings everywhere!

Even this talent‑driven entertainment circle has become a vortex; countless star kids get in through their parents' connections and perform terribly!

But when he's inside it, he truly can't refuse!

Yuan Hua said, "Director Jiang, this film should have a sequel, right?"

Seeing everyone looking at him, Jiang Heng replied a bit shyly, "There is a sequel!"

"When do you plan to shoot?"

"It will definitely be in a few years!"

"In a few years, will it work? It's easy for others to copy!"

"Exactly, especially that kid Wang Jing, he'll definitely release a parody film!"

Jiang Heng said, "My film series isn't something others can just copy; as for Director Wang Jing, as long as the parody isn't too excessive, it's fine."

The few heard this and seemed slightly disappointed, also feeling it was too hasty; after all, the film hasn't been released yet, and the decision will depend on box‑office results.

Hong Jinbao said, "The Spring Festival slot is right before us; once the cinema chain and schedule are set, that's it. Have you thought of a new film?"

"Not yet; I plan to wait for the box‑office numbers first!"

After hearing that, the few felt Jiang Heng could stay composed, so they didn't probe his plans further.

They chatted over drinks for a while and then dispersed.

The next day, Hong Jinbao went to the Jinsheng and Xinbao cinema chains in succession.

Both were slated to screen Zhou Xingxing's "Lucky Dragon" during the 1998 Spring Festival slot, but each was somewhat dissatisfied.

Because the film was billed as Zhou Xingxing's work, yet his screen time was minimal, only qualifying as a second male lead.

Worse still, the quality was mediocre; it could make some money off Zhou Xingxing's name, but a blockbuster box‑office was virtually impossible.

During such a crucial Spring Festival period, lacking a sufficiently good film left the two cinema‑chain owners somewhat frustrated.

According to Hong Jinbao, the Jiang Heng who was once ridiculed actually produced a novel‑story, visually stunning special‑effects blockbuster, and everyone was interested.

They immediately invited Jiang Heng to bring a copy to the cinema chains; after the screening, both owners were shocked.

Because, looking at it, The Matrix doesn't even seem like something a perpetual bit‑part Hong Kong actor could produce.

Even with formulaic action, zombie, or comedy films, Jiang Heng's ability to produce them is already genius.

Creating effects like The Matrix, even a famous director might not achieve it!

Although there are doubts, nobody will turn down money.

The two cinema‑chain owners, without much deliberation, signed a distribution contract with Jiang Heng, setting dates and screen counts.

Overall, it's slightly fewer than Zhou Xingxing's Lucky Dragon, but the two guarantee…

If The Matrix's opening‑week box‑office and attendance surpass Lucky Dragon, they'll increase the screen count.

Then, Jiang Heng began the pre‑release publicity campaign.

The first move naturally was to announce to the media that Outstanding Rising Film Company's new film The Matrix would contend for the 1998 Spring Festival box‑office champion, confident it could outshine Who Am I and Lucky Dragon, ushering in a sci‑fi era for Hong Kong films.

The report shocked the Xianggang film community.

Many stars and film‑industry workers asked, "Who is Jiang Heng?"

Upon being told that he was formerly a bit‑part actor, had endured his father's death and his mother's remarriage early in the year, inherited a sizable estate, and then self‑directed films, the reaction was a flood of curses.

Some cursed Jiang Heng for not knowing his own worth, saying a person who can't even land a supporting role could have any artistic accomplishment, and wondered how he could even make movies.

Others scolded Jinsheng and Xinbao cinema chains for messing around, asking how much they paid Jiang Heng to schedule a trashy film for the Spring Festival.

Among them, the most baffling was Xiang Huaqiang, because Zhou Xingxing's Lucky Dragon was produced by Wang Jing, Li Lichi and others, released by Yongsheng Entertainment.

Earlier they were pondering how much box‑office this film could earn.

The next day we heard this news; it was incredibly disheartening!

Because that nonsensical new film had little impact on Jiahe Cinemas' "Who Am I", it couldn't get screen slots there, yet it heavily squeezed the box‑office space of Lucky Dragon!

This can't be tolerated!

Xiang Huaqiang immediately called the Xinbao cinema chain's boss, asking why they wanted to screen a film like The Matrix.

The Xinbao boss chuckled, "Mr. Xiang, everyone knows how Lucky Dragon came about; honestly, it doesn't challenge the strength of Who Am I. You also know how much pressure cinema chains have faced these years, otherwise Xianggang's chains wouldn't have shrunk from five to three! If there's a chance to make money, there's no reason to turn it away, right?"

Xiang Huaqiang was at a loss for words; how could he not know what's up with Lucky Dragon, especially after Zhou Xingxing's contract ended, they kept using 'returning favors' and 'cameo' as excuses to keep filming with him for money.

If you have to put it out in the open, that wouldn't sound good!

"What's that 'The Matrix', is it really that good?"

"I think, the 'Who Am I' that defeated Cheng Long could also win the yearly box office!"

(End of chapter)