Chapter 118: Selecting the Release Window

Lin Nan agreed to invest a portion, not because the script was particularly good, but out of personal favor and to save face.

When it came to the script, "No Man's Land" and "Crazy Racer" were superior to "The Big Robbery."

The former was even derived from "No Man's Land."

Lin Nan could tell that Ning Hao and Xing Aina had written the script while feeling emotional.

Since that group claimed "No Man's Land" didn't align with their values, he would give them "The Big Robbery" with its positive, uplifting ending.

……

Not two days later, news spread through the industry that Ning Hao was preparing a new film.

It was said that many production companies and investors had visited Bad Monkey, though the specific results were unknown.

Lin Nan, along with Guo Fan, Lu Yang, Xu Zheng, and others, continued to hole up at Tiangong Color.

Xu Zheng had a similar idea to Lu Yang, hoping to nudge "Lost on Journey" toward the summer release window.

All of them hoped the films they directed would achieve good results.

"You all focus on finishing the post-production first, then we can talk about these other things."

Lin Nan had confidence in himself; if "The Thieves" set its release date, many films would likely consider avoiding it.

But Xu Zheng, Lu Yang, and Xue Xiaolu probably wouldn't have that luxury, and might even have films specifically trying to challenge them.

"Director Zhang's 'A Simple Noodle Story' has been shortlisted for the Golden Bear Award?"

Guo Fan saw a news item and exclaimed softly.

Berlin had announced the final list of films for the competition section, and Zhang Yimou's "A Simple Noodle Story" was prominently included.

Never mind the uproar online; even Lin Nan found it incredible.

However, realizing that this year was the 60th anniversary of the Berlin festival, he understood.

This nomination was likely not for "A Simple Noodle Story" itself, but aimed at Zhang Yimou as a person.

The connection between Berlin and Zhang Yimou was quite deep.

Sure enough, only half a day later, a congratulatory short film shot by Zhang Yimou for the festival's 60th anniversary appeared on the official Berlin Film Festival website.

Personal favors—you really see them everywhere.

News about big directors always attracts extra attention from the media and the industry.

While Zhang Yimou was busy casting for "Under the Hawthorn Tree," Chen Kaige took the initiative to announce information about his new film to the media.

He didn't announce it until everything was ready.

"Director Chen Kaige's new work, the historical epic 'Sacrifice,' has finished final casting and will begin filming today."

"'Sacrifice' has a powerful cast: Ge You, Wang Xueqi, Zhang Fengyi, Huang Xiaoming, Fan Bingbing, Hai Qing..."

"Director Chen's young son will make a guest appearance..."

"At the same time, Director Chen Kaige will adapt the Japanese fantasy novel: 'Legend of the Demon Cat'..."

The media's coverage of Chen Kaige's new film was entirely positive, even using the term "workaholic" to describe him.

Most netizens weren't buying it; "The Promise" and "The Case of the Steamed Bun" were brought up again, and it even extended to the photo scandal...

To be honest, Lin Nan hadn't paid attention to Chen Kaige's "Sacrifice."

But if they met in the same release window, he definitely wouldn't be intimidated.

Furthermore, hearing that the script this time was written by Chen Kaige himself, there was even less to worry about.

……

The editing speed for the post-production of "The Thieves" was the fastest, as it involved both Lin Nan and Guo Fan.

Next was "Lost on Journey," which had the simplest plot.

But if one had to guess which film would finish post-production first, it would likely be "Lost on Journey."

Because its plot was indeed the most minimal, and unlike "The Thieves," it didn't have as many special effects shots.

"Director Lin, it's up to you."

Lin Nan had to make a trip to China Film Group; his own "The Thieves" didn't matter, but the other three films really needed their release dates carefully selected.

During this time, China Film Group was also very busy.

"Avatar" had forced several state-owned enterprises to the forefront of the pressure.

It was said that Han Sanping had cut many projects, with funds being prioritized for large productions, theater expansion, and equipment upgrades.

"Director Lin, what a coincidence."

Seeing Huo Wenxi at China Film Group, Lin Nan didn't feel surprised.

Emperor Motion Pictures and China Film Group had jointly established a talent agency and a film company, and Huo Wenxi was the person in charge on the Emperor side.

"Hmm, Director Huo, have you finished some business again?"

Lin Nan looked at the document bag in her hand and asked curiously.

"We are planning to start a TV series, 'The Legend of the Pearl,' which involves an actor's comeback, so I came to report to Chairman Han."

Lin Nan nodded; he had no impression of this series.

"Then I wish your series high ratings; I still have important business..."

Huo Wenxi had originally wanted to recommend some actors, but now it wasn't easy to bring it up.

"Then I won't disturb Director Lin."

Watching Lin Nan's retreating figure, Huo Wenxi was thoughtful. The casting of "The Thieves" had given Emperor hope, but she wasn't sure if Lin Nan also accepted other Hong Kong actors...

…………

"I figured you'd have to come sooner or later."

Han Sanping looked up, pointed to the sofa nearby, and continued writing something with his head down.

"I couldn't not come; those three films are different from 'The Thieves'."

"See for yourself. But I still suggest you pick a good time for 'The Thieves'."

Han Sanping took out a spreadsheet and stopped paying attention to Lin Nan.

The latter sat on the sofa and began to browse.

"Ocean Heaven," "My Belle Boss"... there were quite a few familiar names.

Lin Nan saw Feng Xiaogang's "Aftershock."

How to put it, this subject matter, combined with its investors, had an inherent advantage, and many people would be organized to go to the cinema collectively...

This year's domestic films would become more concentrated as time went on, with many big directors having works.

Lin Nan carefully deliberated and decided to place "Lost on Journey" at the end of June; "Brotherhood of Blades" could go to August...

After more than half an hour, Han Sanping stopped his work, and Lin Nan returned the spreadsheet.

The former looked at it and asked, "Why isn't 'The Thieves' on here?"

"My film isn't in a hurry; others will be more anxious than me," Lin Nan laughed.

"That makes sense. You're already different from a few years ago, haha..."

After chatting with Han Sanping for a while, Lin Nan learned something.

Han Sanping had declined the investment in "The Big Robbery" yesterday because "No Man's Land" was still a bad debt on the books.

"In a situation like this, even if I wanted to invest, I couldn't, not to mention that the group's funding direction has changed this year."

Han Sanping specifically explained.

"It seems his budget should be quite a bit more than his previous films..."

Lin Nan muttered. Ning Hao had only asked him for ten million, and wouldn't take more even when offered, saying that if it flopped, he could lose a little less.

…………

Leaving China Film Group, he returned to the company.

Once Xu Zheng got the confirmed release date, he accelerated the post-production speed again.

This was his first time as a director, and the box office results were very important; they would determine how far he could go on this path in the future.

Xu Zheng prepared to finish the final cut after the New Year and watch it several more times, ensuring it was as perfect as possible.

Lu Yang was the same; "Brotherhood of Blades" was his first theatrical film...

Ning Hao called Lin Nan, asking him to meet with the other investors.

Lin Nan was quite curious; which company would it be?

When he arrived at the agreed-upon teahouse, he felt a sense of irony.

Ning Hao and Xing Aina were both there, and beside them was a woman.

"Director Lin, it's an honor to work with you this time."

The other party reached out, and Lin Nan shook her hand.

"Sit down, quickly," Xing Aina greeted.

Enlight Pictures, Shanghai Film Group... Lin Nan had guessed many companies, but he had missed EE-Media.

"President Zhong promised not to interfere with the film's production at all, and will only send one producer to the set."

Ning Hao explained, while Zhong Lifang beside him kept a smile on her face.

"I still don't know your budget yet?" Lin Nan quipped.

"Haha, that was my oversight. This time the budget is set at fifty million; you and I each put in ten million, and EE-Media puts in thirty million..."

Lin Nan nodded; he had no objections.

He was investing out of personal favor to Ning Hao anyway; whether it made money or not was a secondary matter.

Besides, even if it made money, he didn't think it would be much; the script for "The Big Robbery" still hadn't jumped out of the circle of his previous few films.

After some conversation, Lin Nan discovered that this President Zhong could really talk.

She even brought up the philosophy of Xiao Ma and expressed her hope for frequent cooperation in the future. After saying what she wanted to say, she did not stay long, making an excuse that there were still matters at the company, and then left...

"Do you think she has a good sense of propriety? That she handles things just right?" Xing Aina picked up her teacup and said slowly.

Lin Nan nodded; it was indeed so.

"This is also the reason why I chose her among so many companies."

Ning Hao said with a serious face, completely unlike his usual unreliable self.

"Xiao Ma is new to the film industry, so even if they provide the majority of the funding, the initiative still remains with me..."

Ning Hao spoke very logically; it seemed he had indeed given it deep thought.

…………

The script for "Great Robbery" was sent to the Film Bureau.

The news that Xiao Ma would participate in the investment for Ning Hao's new film spread quickly.

No one expected that it would be this company, which had only just stepped into the film production business a year ago, that secured this opportunity.

"The film 'Golden Great Robbery', the script has been submitted for review."

"Director Ning Hao's new film, the investors include Bad Monkey, Lin Nan Film Industry, Xiao Ma..."

Zhong Lifang was indeed a marketing professional; she took the initiative to reveal this news to the media, attracting quite a bit of attention for Xiao Ma.

……

Yue Jun took a document and entered Lin Nan's office.

"Director Lin, the proposal for the talent agency has been completed."

Lin Nan took the document, feeling a hint of anticipation.

Having hesitated before and waited for so long, the artist management business was now finally settled.

"Director Lin, we need both newcomers and established artists.

I plan to visit the three major art academies in a few days."

Lin Nan was stunned for a moment, then nodded, "The art exams are starting in a few days, so it is indeed a good time to go take a look. This is a good opportunity to find new talent..."

Lin Nan spent over half an hour reading through the talent agency proposal that Yue Jun had brought. This plan was very comprehensive and detailed; the latter must have put a lot of thought into it.

"Hmm, that's fine, just do as you said..."

"Alright, Director Lin."

…………