Chapter 160: Let the Bullets Fly, Lin Nan with a Narrow Mind, Copyright

Many people in the industry knew that the film selector for the Berlin Film Festival had gone to find Lin Nan.

But everyone never expected that the latter would ultimately reject the film festival's invitation.

"Lin Dao Nan politely declined the film festival's invitation and promised that he would definitely bring a work to Berlin in the future."

"'The Fault in Our Stars' will miss the Berlin International Film Festival."

"Liu Yifei lost an opportunity to impact the Best Actress award at the three major film festivals..."

The film circle knew that if Lin Nan was willing to go to Berlin, he would definitely be shortlisted for the main competition unit.

Many directors were both jealous and helpless.

Because this step of being shortlisted, although easy for Lin Nan, was a hurdle that many domestic directors couldn't cross.

It truly lived up to the saying: the dry die of thirst, the flooded die of drowning.

…………

Film and television companies and star studios in the industry were all posting on Weibo, showing off photos of annual meetings, gifts, and year-end bonuses.

Studios like Fan Bingbing's and Huang Xiaoming's were all sending laptops, cash, and a small number of cars and diamonds.

Lin Nan Film wasn't idle either; they specially spent a day finishing the annual meeting.

Ordinary employees were given three months' salary as a bonus, and management had extra bonuses and gifts.

……

Shanhai Media level.

Zhang Yi was with the "Pacific Rim" crew, and Yang Mi was heard to still be recording a song; of the four artists, only two arrived.

Lei Jiayin sat beside Especially Reba, boasting about his past glory at school.

It wasn't known how much was true and how much was false; anyway, the latter nodded from time to time, looking very serious in cooperating.

"Zhang Yi can't come back from the crew; how about I collect his share for him?"

When distributing red envelopes, Lei Jiayin said jokingly in a carefree manner.

"I'll dial the phone; you tell him?"

"Haha, let's forget it..."

Especially Reba was a bit embarrassed; up to now, she hadn't earned a single cent, and what she usually spent at school was all the company's...

"For you."

"Tha, thank you, Sister Yifei."

"You're welcome..."

Liu Yifei said with a smile.

Being called "sister" for the first time, Miss Liu was still a bit unaccustomed, but this feeling was quite good, very nice!

Not long after, the two girls started chatting...

…………

The box office of "Sacrifice", amidst a chorus of bad reviews, broke through 100 million.

What was very interesting was that as the negative news about the "Sacrifice" crew became more and more, the daily box office actually stabilized!

It even caught up with and exceeded the total box office of "Just Call Me Nobody".

But everyone in the industry knew that Chen Kaige probably didn't care about any box office anymore.

What he cared about was reputation and honor, and these two things had once again fallen to the bottom!

The New Year's Eve slot had actually just begun.

Jiang Wen treated "Let the Bullets Fly" as his comeback work; the premiere was held more than a week in advance, on the 10th.

Everyone was very curious why such a film name was chosen, and it was heard that it was named by Lin Nan.

Liu Yifei had also always wanted to know why Lin Nan had rejected Jiang Wen's film invitation to her last time.

"After watching this film today, you will know why I didn't agree to you taking his play."

Lin Nan leaned against the door, waiting for Liu Yifei while saying.

"Since you say so, I'm even more looking forward to the premiere in a while."

Half an hour later, Liu Yifei finished her makeup, and the two got into the car and set off.

…………

Jiang Wen could be said to be an old person in the circle, with extensive friendships.

The guests who arrived today, one could imagine, would definitely not be few.

A red carpet of tens of meters, also equipped with a red signature wall, and a large number of usherettes, played quite flashily.

When Lin Nan helped Liu Yifei get off the car, Han Sanping had just arrived.

The latter was wearing a Zhongshan suit, glanced at the two, and smiled:

"Shall we walk together?"

"Walking the red carpet with Han Dong, I couldn't ask for more." Lin Nan agreed immediately.

Reporters saw the three people walking on the red carpet, and the cameras in their hands instantly became busy.

Taking the pen handed over by the usherette, the three signed their names.

"This project is mainly invested by Emperor Motion Pictures, and China Film Group only occupies a tiny bit; I don't know what the final profit situation will be?"

Han Sanping muttered a sentence and looked at Lin Nan.

"This will have to wait until after the release to know."

Lin Nan answered. He held Liu Yifei's hand, and the two followed half a body behind Han Sanping, following into the venue.

There were quite a few big names today!

Yang Shoucheng was surrounded in the center, with Jiang Wen, Chow Yun-fat, Jackie Chan, Feng Xiaogang, Ge You, and others on the side.

On the side were Gu Changwei and his wife, Xia Yu, Yuan Quan, Carina Lau, Na Ying, and a large number of mainland and Hong Kong actors and stars.

The originally orderly venue, with the appearance of Han Sanping's figure, instantly shifted its focus.

"Han Dong, you've come..."

"Han Dong..."

"Han Dong, Lin Dao..."

……

In less than a minute, Han Sanping became the new center of the whole venue.

Liu Yifei lowered her head, trying to hold back her laughter; this scene was too interesting.

"Lin Dao, Yifei."

Jackie Chan walked over with a smile on his face.

"Big Brother, long time no see."

"Hello, Big Brother Jackie."

"Yifei is developing really well now; that film of yours is great!"

"Thank you, Big Brother."

"To tell you the truth, I really regret rejecting that 'Thieves' of yours back then; it was cheaper for those two."

Lin Nan couldn't see through whether the other party was speaking his true thoughts or just being polite; after all, he was an old actor of decades.

"It's all in the past; there will be opportunities in the future, right?"

"Yes, next time there is a suitable role, you call me directly."

……

Lin Nan was pulled over to Han Sanping's side, and Liu Yifei was also dealing with a group of actresses.

She was now not only a top commercial film actress but also a producer, so naturally, she was the object of the actors' acquaintance.

After a round, Lin Nan had seen the "inheritance" in this circle.

Jackie Chan brought his son, Jiang Wenli brought her niece; counting them up, there were no fewer than 10 second-generation stars!

"Lin Dao..."

Yang Shoucheng held a wine glass, giving people a refined look, with Huo Wenxi and Bai Bing behind him.

"Yang Dong, I wish your film great sales."

"Thank you. Lin Dao, can we find a time to chat?"

"Chat about what?"

"Is there really no chance for 'Ip Man'?"

Yang Shoucheng lowered his voice, and the sound wasn't loud.

Lin Nan shook his head. "I said back then that this project was shelved; in the short term, I have no intention of restarting it."

"Then can Lin Dao name a price?"

At this moment, Lin Nan even admired Yang Shoucheng a bit; he was quite good at having designs.

"I have no intention of selling it; Yang Dong doesn't need to talk about this matter.

If one day I restart it, I will inform Emperor Motion Pictures."

There was one sentence Lin Nan didn't say: at that time, he would probably change the actors.

The scene was a bit awkward for a moment, and Huo Wenxi smoothed things over in time:

"Does Lin Dao still remember her? She also has a performance in 'Let the Bullets Fly' this time; you can comment on it in a while."

"Mm..."

……

……

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei sat in the first row.

The stage had already started interviewing; the producers, directors, and lead actors spoke one by one.

"This film was filmed very coolly; I seem to have found a new direction. Everyone, give me some suggestions after watching."

Jiang Wen spoke last, with an implication.

The feature film began.

Facts proved that Jiang Wen had truly broken through this time.

He wasn't a commercial film director before; this film was a successful transformation.

From the laughter that rose and fell at the scene, one could see the quality of this "Let the Bullets Fly".

Liu Yifei grabbed Lin Nan's hand, her eyes carrying cunning.

"I know why you didn't let me take Director Jiang's play."

"Why?"

"Hmph hmph, you are narrow-minded, afraid that I would have revealing shots and other scenes..."

Lin Nan smiled and leaned over, almost face to face.

"Yes, the mind is not big, just enough to fit you."

The breath hit the face, and there was a moment of silence...

"Mm, Director Jiang's film is indeed not suitable for me..."

Liu Yifei nodded and said, the smile on her face almost overflowing; she was very, very satisfied with this answer from Lin Nan.

…………

The people below laughed non-stop; this film was truly great.

In Lin Nan's view, it was truly fantasy that "Let the Bullets Fly" could pass censorship!

Otherwise, with so many vulgar, obscene lines, massive metaphors, bed scenes, violence, and revealing shots, it was really hard to say.

"He is dancing on the tip of a knife this time."

Han Sanping on the side couldn't help but sigh.

"But thinking about it, the audience should like it." Lin Nan added.

"Mm? It's rare to see you so affirmative about someone else's film!"

Han Sanping looked at Lin Nan. "How much do you think Jiang Wen can sell this time?"

"Not a little."

Before Han Sanping could continue to ask, deafening applause had already erupted below.

Jiang Wen picked up the microphone.

"First, thank Lin Dao Nan for the name given to this film; it is very fitting for this piece."

"Thank Yang Dong of Emperor Motion Pictures again for the investment."

……

"Let the Bullets Fly" would compete head-on with "If You Are the One 2".

When asked about the box office, Jiang Wen glanced at Feng Xiaogang sitting on the stage and stretched out a hand:

"Still the same sentence, I have confidence in a guaranteed 500 million, and by the way, finish off Director Feng..."

Many people who had been to the premiere of "Sacrifice" were happy; it was said the same way over there, but Jiang Wen should have more hope.

…………

"After passing 500 million, remember to send me a red envelope."

At the banquet, Lin Nan teased.

"Borrowing Lin Dao's auspicious words, there will definitely be a red envelope, haha..."

"Yifei, my film, not bad, right?" Jiang Wen thought of something and asked Liu Yifei.

"Mm, Director Jiang's film is very good."

"Then do you want to consider my next play? As long as you open your mouth, I'll write you a female lead."

"Not considering it; I'm not suitable." Liu Yifei smiled and refused flatly.

"Ah? Then that's truly a pity!"

Jiang Wen shook his head and sighed.

Pulling in Liu Yifei was equivalent to getting Lin Nan for free; the box office bonus would be at least 100 million, right?

…………

"Let the Bullets Fly" was about to be released.

Chen Kaige's "Sacrifice" looked like it had reached its end.

Released for 14 days, it reported 175 million, as if it had squeezed out all its reputation and potential, and the daily box office dropped to 300,000.

Looking at the domestic film market, there had never been a great director's film that had appeared in this situation.

Less than half a month, potential exhausted, reputation lost!

Director Chen had set a record again.

……

……

The matter of the "Ip Man" project being shelved spread in the circle.

Starting from the morning, one call after another was made to Lin Nan's side.

For such a project that was a sure win to be shelved, there were quite a few curious people and people with designs.

"I haven't even written the script; where would 'Ip Man 3' come from?"

"I also don't know what the situation is yet; wait for me to understand it clearly before talking..."

"Lin Nan, you look at the news first."

……

Hanging up the phone, Lin Nan hurriedly went to flip through the morning news.

Twenty minutes later, he figured out the reason.

The 3D live-action "The Monkey King" over there had been shooting for more than a month, and a press conference was held this morning.

A media outlet asked Donnie Yen a question, asking when "Ip Man 3" would start shooting.

The other party sneered and replied directly to the reporter:

"After 'Ip Man 2' was taken off the screen, my team communicated with Emperor Motion Pictures, and the final reply received was that the project was stopped..."

Originally, everything was fine up to here.

As a result, after Donnie Yen's agent came down, he said another word to the reporter.

The subtext was: Emperor Motion Pictures didn't want to raise the salary, not even willing to pay 10 million...

Everyone in the circle knew that for the "Ip Man" series, Lin Nan only provided the script and funds, and the filming and everything else were all the responsibility of Emperor Motion Pictures.

But once this matter came out, it was inevitable that everyone would pay attention to his side.

…………

Yang Shoucheng was furious at this moment.

"10 million, this has become 10 million again? Is he looking for death?"

A buzzing vibration sound rang out; the caller ID was the two words Lin Nan.

Yang Shoucheng instantly adjusted his mood and answered the phone.

"Hello, Lin Dao?"

……

Ten minutes later, the call ended.

"Yang Dong, what did Lin Dao say?"

Huo Wenxi asked hurriedly.

"Go and issue an announcement, with two meanings.

First, 'Ip Man 3' currently has no script;

Second, Donnie Yen is not worth 30 million, and it's not the 10 million they said."

"Alright, I'll go immediately."

……

In less than half an hour, the announcement issued by Huo Wenxi appeared on the official website and Weibo of Emperor Motion Pictures.

Everyone in the circle wasn't a fool.

Donnie Yen really might have opened his mouth for a quote of 30 million.

After all, at that time, "Ip Man 2" was really too popular.

As for saying the script wasn't made, it seemed to make sense. After all, Lin Nan Film had films released in the second half of the year.

Two months ago, Lin Nan also wrote the script for "The Fault in Our Stars" and directed, acted, and filmed it with Liu Yifei...

……

Donnie Yen's agent returned with a worried face, having just been pointed out.

"We were reckless this time; from now on, don't respond to this topic anymore..."

"Mm, good."

……

The media soon discovered that Donnie Yen's side was silent; wanting to book an interview was also refused on the grounds of filming.

Now, who was right and who was wrong seemed clear...

Lin Nan looked at the gossip online and admired this group of people; they really could write anything.

Reaching Donnie Yen's step, unless he offended the bureau, it was impossible to be banned; Emperor Motion Pictures didn't have that ability yet.

"Only let the market abandon him!"

……

The requirements for Zhang Yimou's "The Flowers of War" crew could be said to be very strict.

Lin Nan saw that four actors had been fired just because they posted photos of the training base classroom on Weibo, and were found by reporters.

One of them was the one who played Chang'e in "Prelude of Lotus Lantern".

"Thirteen Flowers" instantly had four empty positions.

Before the actresses in the circle could react, the substitute actors had already arrived; the competition was fierce, which could be seen.

……

"Sacrifice" should be the most embarrassing film for Chen Kaige so far.

Released for 14 days, the box office was 175 million, and then it was taken off the screen a few days later because the daily box office was only tens of thousands.

The media's report didn't leave Chen Kaige any face.

"'Sacrifice' withdrawn from the screen early, box office reported 180 million!"

"Has Director Chen Kaige already exhausted his talent?"

"'Just Call Me Nobody' has reached 150 million, achieving the expected box office target!"

……

There were quite a few people watching the fun of Chen Kaige, but Director Chen was still quite strong.

Chen Hong posted on Weibo to the outside world, which could be considered as representing Director Chen in making a response:

"Director Chen has already begun to invest in the adaptation of 'Legend of the Demon Cat'. At the same time, he will also conceive and create another film..."

……

"Lin Dao, the special effects for 'Mural' are completed."

Hearing someone call him, Lin Nan closed the news page.

"Notify Enlight Media, let them send someone over to accept it."

The special effects for this film really only earned a hard-earned money.

In the afternoon, Enlight Media sent Gordon Chan over directly.

Originally it was to see the special effects, but in the end, it turned into a tour of Tiangong Color.

"Director Chen, don't go over there."

"Is it inconvenient?"

"That is the project team for 'The Warring States'; I have to consider the client." Lin Nan said with a smile.

Hearing this, Gordon Chan realized that he had been reckless.

"Lin Dao is right; I was fascinated. You really have a lot of equipment here."

"It's all smashed out with money." Lin Nan made a joke.

"There are also some special effects companies in Hong Kong, but the equipment is still from many years ago, very outdated..."

Gordon Chan said with emotion.

"Enlight Media's films in the future will probably all be brought to Lin Dao's side; everyone will see each other often."

"There will be no talk of discounts in the future; Chairman Wang cannot be too stingy."

Lin Nan teased, but this wasn't a joke.

……

"Let the Bullets Fly" was released.

The first-day box office reported 30.18 million, and this was still under the condition of insufficient copies.

China Film Distribution Company worked overtime overnight to wash and print copies...

The cinema line unanimously determined that Jiang Wen's commercial film was going to become famous in one battle.

All kinds of flashy lines instantly spread across the internet. The audience's evaluation was almost overwhelmingly good!

"In public, and still letting the husband watch from the side..."

"The master is high, the county magistrate is hard..."

"Let the bullets fly for a while longer..."

……

Lin Nan knew that this film had already gained momentum. Jiang Wen was about to successfully step into the ranks of great commercial film directors and would play even flashier in the future.

Yue Jun returned to the company with the latest harvest.

"Lin Dao, this time it cost a bit much; the key is that quite a few copyrights are separate, which is time-consuming, laborious, and expensive."

"Let me see."

Yue Jun handed the detailed list to Lin Nan.

The latter's eyes lit up in an instant. "You really have a good eye!"

"Lin Dao is too polite; we are just doing this, haha."

Lin Nan didn't say a word and signed it.

"Get it done as soon as possible; not one on this list can be missing."

"Don't worry, I've already talked to them..."

After Yue Jun left the office, Lin Nan let out a long sigh of relief.

In terms of novel copyrights, although quite a few had been hoarded, they still couldn't stop in the future.

"Actually gathered and bought back 'Hu Bayi' for me; it seems a lot of effort was spent. This money is worth spending."

Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, it should return to normal. ===== CHAPTER 161 =====