Chapter 146: Low Acting Requirements

China Film Group is a massive organization with broad shoulders.

Designing Chinese elements, selecting domestic filming locations, coordinating between various departments...

Lin Nan threw all these tasks to China Film Group, and Han Sanping accepted them gladly.

Whether during filming or for post-production and special effects, Lin Nan Film Industry would only send a small number of staff to participate.

Because the company is short-handed, and Heaven Color is also busy.

"Does that mean the Chinese personnel in the main creative team will consist primarily of China Film Group and Wanda?" Yue Jun asked.

"China Film Group takes the lion's share. Wanda doesn't have many people either; after all, they were only recently established, so their ambition exceeds their capacity."

Lin Nan replied. It is best for China Film Group to send more technical personnel.

After all, as a state-owned enterprise, they have the responsibility and obligation to support and drive the entire domestic film industry.

"Mi Mi, it's hard to say right now."

Hearing Ceng Jia's words, Yang Mi, who was in the middle of taking off her costume, stopped what she was doing.

She frowned, "Did something go wrong?"

In her view, since Liu Qianqian had clearly stated she wouldn't participate, what other problems could there be?

"I heard from Director Yue that Warner and Lionsgate have already begun preparations, and the team here in China is about to set off..."

"Hmm, and then?"

"In terms of timing, we might not be able to wait..."

For Yang Mi, this was practically a death knell!

"So soon?"

"Two major Hollywood studios, with hundreds of people working on preparations—their efficiency couldn't possibly be low."

That day, during the filming of *Palace*, Yang Mi was somewhat distracted, frequently losing focus and being forced to retake scenes repeatedly.

Everyone knows that Huayi is very wealthy right now.

It's just that Lin Nan didn't expect Wang Zhonglei to approach him about purchasing an investment share in *Pacific Rim*.

"Lin Dao, I remember a few years ago, we bought a share of *Journey to the Center of the Earth* from you."

"I wonder if there's any chance this time?"

To be honest, Lin Nan really hadn't considered this situation.

He glanced at Wang Zhonglei and asked:

"Last time, Wang Zong did it to deal with the public opinion crisis caused by Wang Jinghua taking a large group of artists away from Huayi. What about this time?"

Wang Zhonglei didn't expect Lin Nan to be so direct. "Lin Dao is also a shareholder of Huayi, so I won't hide it from you."

"It's almost been a year since we went public, and the lock-up period is about to end..."

Hearing this, Lin Nan understood.

If they obtained an investment share in *Pacific Rim*, Huayi's stock would likely rise.

So, are the Wang brothers looking to improve their quality of life? Or do they have other plans?

Lin Nan shook his head helplessly.

Back then, with *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, he had intended to sell shares at a premium from the start, so he could sell them.

But this time is different.

Seeing Lin Nan shake his head, Wang Zhonglei's heart skipped a beat. "Lin Dao, is there a problem?"

"This time it's a co-production. Because the project is quite large, there's a note in the contract."

"Any change in investment from either party requires prior communication with other producers, and the others have the right of first refusal..."

This clause was proposed by Warner, and the first to agree was Wanda!

The disappointment on Wang Zhonglei's face flashed by.

"Since that's the case, I won't bother you any further, Lin Dao. Let's get together another time..."

"Hmm, take care, Wang Zong."

Leaving Lin Nan Film Industry, Wang Zhonglei got into his car, his expression immediately turning gloomy. He took out his phone and dialed.

"Big Brother, it didn't work out..."

Some time ago, Huayi had just determined a new development path internally.

That is, to march into other peripheral industries, such as cultural real estate, mobile games, internet entertainment, hotel investment...

And the implementation of this strategy cannot be separated from capital—a steady stream of capital. Huayi's stock is the cash cow.

Originally, they had hoped to use the news of investing in *Pacific Rim* to stimulate the stock price, which was about to come out of the lock-up period. In the financial market, there are many methods and means...

But he didn't expect to be rejected, which caught Wang Zhonglei off guard...

Lin Nan had people inquire about Huayi's recent moves and reached a very interesting conclusion.

"They've already started 'de-film-ifying'?"

Honestly, Lin Nan thinks Wang Zhongjun and the others have great ideas, but once such things put the cart before the horse, it's very easy for everything to collapse.

The movies from August still have a while before they finish their theatrical run;

The movies for September have already impatiently begun building momentum.

*Under the Hawthorn Tree* has completely pulled back the curtain on its promotion, and a large number of stills have been released.

Zhang Weiping shouted to the audience and media: Zhang Yimou is a master! And this movie is a masterpiece!

However, he was immediately met with sarcasm from Feng Xiaogang: There are no masters in this era; everyone is just a commoner.

*Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame* and *Reign of Assassins* are being compared head-to-head. Tsui Hark versus John Woo—it seems quite worth watching.

Donnie Yen's *Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen* is a bit arrogant.

They shouted the slogan "Donnie Yen's Kung Fu + Number One Action Star + Super Hero," with a box office target of 500 million!

The internet is full of stills, posters, and behind-the-scenes footage of these movies, as well as quite a few gimmicks.

But many people are discussing *The Thieves*. Why is there no movement from *The Thieves*?

Even Han Sanping called to ask Lin Nan if they should start promoting.

"We're not in a hurry. Let's talk about it next month. This way, we can maximize anticipation."

*The Thieves* is scheduled to be released on the last day of September, aiming for the National Day slot. It's not on the same starting line as those other movies.

The casting for *Pacific Rim* remains a key focus in the industry.

"This movie has a female character, right?"

"Hmm, I've read the script; there is a female character. Why, do you have an idea?"

Ye Ning asked over the phone.

"Haha, I do have an idea. Besides, isn't Wanda Film Industry one of the investors?"

Ye Ning paused, then immediately reminded him: "If you have an idea, then go ask for Lin Dao's opinion."

"Hmm, I'll go ask, and you help put in a good word..."

Lin Nan was currently listening to Zhu Yawen complain about things at Shiba Culture.

Two years have passed since Wang Jinghua took people away from Orange Sky, but just these past two days, Wu Kebao sued Wang Jinghua.

Facts prove that Lu Bu is not so easy to play!

Wang Jinghua is also quite formidable; Shiba Culture actually didn't give Wu Kebao any dividends for those 3 years, citing losses as the reason.

Two years have passed, and the other party is now suing, demanding to see all kinds of meeting minutes, financial statements, and account books from the 3 years of cooperation...

"They can't provide them, right?" Lin Nan asked jokingly.

Although talent agencies might have wins and losses, for Wang Jinghua to say they were constantly losing money is indeed quite fake.

Just look at what kind of artists she had in her hands back then!

"You guessed it again."

Zhu Yawen smiled helplessly.

Fortunately, he didn't renew his contract at the beginning of the year but instead set up his own studio. The lawsuit right now has nothing to do with him.

"She's also amazing, fooling people for so long!"

Lin Nan sighed. He estimated that this matter would most likely be settled privately in the end and wouldn't blow up.

When driving back, Lin Nan noticed that things seemed quite lively over at Liu Qianqian's place.

Shu Chang, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, had run over. A group of cats and dogs were chasing her, playing.

"How do you have time today? I almost forgot what you look like, haha."

"Is it that exaggerated?"

Shu Chang rolled her eyes.

Liu Qianqian walked out of the villa wearing slippers and carrying a fruit platter, looking very domestic and a bit lazy.

"I was still sleeping, and she woke me up. It gave me a fright."

Miss Liu complained about her best friend.

"It's already ten o'clock, and you're still lying down. The sun is already..."

Shu Chang hadn't finished speaking before she was suppressed by Liu Qianqian.

A few minutes later, the horseplay ended.

When Lin Nan first saw Shu Chang, he thought she had come to ask about *Pacific Rim*, but he guessed wrong.

But thinking about it, that makes sense; this girl doesn't seem to have very high aspirations.

Going international, Hollywood movies—she isn't very interested in any of that.

"I'm not interested in that movie of yours at all. I've accepted another drama." Shu Chang seemed to have guessed Lin Nan's thoughts.

"What drama?" Liu Qianqian couldn't help but ask, and Lin Nan was also curious.

Now it was Shu Chang's turn to be a bit embarrassed.

"Oh my, why ask so much? Seriously."

"It wouldn't be 'Silly Girl', would it?"

As soon as Lin Nan's words landed, he saw Shu Chang glare at him with unkind eyes.

"Changchang, don't tell me Lin Nan guessed right?"

After Liu Qianqian finished speaking, she mimicked the lines Shu Chang had in *Magic Mobile Phone* back then, "Chinese brand 2060..."

"You two are so annoying!"

It really was guessed by Lin Nan, and now he laughed even harder.

"No more laughing, no more laughing. Actually, the acting was quite good, and the creativity was good too."

As they chatted, Shu Chang started talking.

This time it's a sequel, it's just that Jiao Enjun couldn't participate due to scheduling reasons...

Lin Nan received a phone call.

How should he put it? Lu Zheng's heart is truly big, and he dares to think of anything.

"Is *The Warring States* about to wrap up?"

"Hmm, about a week to ten days, and we'll be done filming."

Lu Zheng is a shareholder of Wanda Film Industry, but he didn't mention this at all on the phone, showing great discretion.

"Director Lin, do you think Sweetie has a chance for this role?"

Lin Nan didn't give a direct answer, only saying that it couldn't be decided now and that they would need to wait a bit longer.

"Then after *The Warring States* wraps up, let's meet in the capital. At that time, I hope Lin Dao will do us the honor..."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Nan carefully thought about the female character in *Pacific Rim*.

He had put his heart into the script settings this time.

There are quite a few ensemble shots with Chinese faces, such as scientists, doctors, engineers, soldiers, etc.

But when it comes to the female character, there is indeed only one.

"Sci-fi movie, mechs, monsters...

Thinking about it this way, it seems there really isn't a very high acting requirement!"

Lin Nan shook his head, preparing to wait until Warner and Lionsgate determined the general schedule before deciding.

Zhang Yi returned to the company in high spirits and headed straight for Lin Nan's office.

Along the way, he greeted many acquaintances and was teased about having more good news.

It was indeed good news.

Thinking back now, Zhang Yi felt incredibly fortunate for the decision he had made decisively back then when he hardened his heart.

It's just a ten-year contract; how many people envy him now.

"People, you still have to be a bit ruthless to yourself, haha..." ===== CHAPTER 147 =====