Chapter 191: Investment

In six days, the box office of "Beginning of the Great Cause" had surged to 150 million.

This figure had absolutely no chance of surpassing "Let the Bullets Fly."

But the slump that had hung over domestic films in the first half of the year had been swept clean away.

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" held a high-profile premiere in the capital, with an overwhelming number of industry insiders showing up to support it.

As planned, Ur Shan brought Huang Huang Xiaoming and the other key cast and crew back to the capital.

The promotion for "Painted Skin 2" was completely wrapped up — now they just waited for the premiere and theatrical release in ten days!

…………

"Passengers" was a romance film set against a grand sci-fi backdrop; for the male and female leads, Lin Nan hoped for A-listers who could carry the weight.

Also about interstellar migration, among the rights he had bought there was another, even more spectacular film — Lin Nan planned to wait a few more years and produce it himself!

"Let's lock down the male lead first."

Lin Nan took out his phone and pulled up a phone number.

He had originally planned to call directly, but on second thought, what if the other person was working? In the end, he sent a text message.

Out in the world, there were still plenty of actors waiting eagerly for news from Lin Nan Pictures.

After all, the movements of the five artists under Lin Nan were crystal clear to the industry.

Two women were on a film set, two men were also currently shooting, and the remaining newcomer could never play the female lead!

Besides, it was said Liu Liu Yifei would not act but serve as producer instead.

Wasn't this a ready-made golden opportunity? Unless, before filming started, one of Shan Hai Media's artists wrapped their shoot and came back.

Actors and talent agencies in the circle all wanted to know the casting and start date for "Passengers," so they could tell whether they had a shot.

The results from Tiangong Color were in.

"How much?"

"Lin Dao, which tier would you like?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Haha, not bad — that's exactly how it should be.

What's the quote for the top tier?"

"We've done a detailed estimate for all the VFX shots in the film.

If you want the best, the rendering alone will run at least 150 million in effects costs!"

Lin Nan nodded — this was far cheaper than "The Martian" back then; New Line had made him quite a bit!

Then Lin Nan asked, "Profit margin included?"

"It's all already included."

"Alright then. Once they send me the production cost estimate, we can greenlight the project."

…………

"Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" had been released.

From the moment it was greenlit, this film had been the talk of the entire movie industry.

After all, with so many same-sex themed films out there, none had ever dared to be so openly promoted and released in China.

Yet this "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" had done what no other film of its kind could!

8 million on opening day!

This figure made the film — in which Li Li Bingbing and Jun Ji-hyun respectively played two pairs of "old friends" in the Qing dynasty and modern times — the focus of discussion across the entire internet.

Netizens began to joke and roast it.

"When have we ever seen this kind of subject in theaters before?"

"Speaking of which, Liu Ye's 'Lan Yu' back then — they wouldn't even let the rights in, let alone get it into theaters…"

…………

Lin Nan hadn't seen the film, but he had noticed something quite astonishing.

Whether internet media, film critics, or industry filmmakers —

these people's reviews of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" were strikingly unanimous: a moving story, finding stillness amid the noise, outstanding performances, surprises everywhere…

A hundred percent rave reviews — that was a bit alarming!

Online, the reviews weren't so eerily unanimous — instead there was huge controversy and intense polarization!

The men all said it was boring, incomprehensible, and against ethics;

the women, on the other hand, were quite moved, many wiping away tears…

Day two box office: 5.5 million. Day three: 3.5 million. The opening weekend's three-day total came to 17 million.

On day four, the daily box office dropped to around 2 million.

In just four days, the fate of "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" was already sealed — a bloodbath.

Lin Nan estimated that the film's final box office might not even reach the 6 million US dollars it cost to produce!

Among the remaining June releases, only Wang Jing's "Fortune Inn" had any buzz.

…………

"On July 1st, 'Painted Skin 2' will be released simultaneously across all of Southeast Asia. I'd like to set the premiere for June 29th."

Ur Shan had come to the office specifically to discuss this with Lin Nan.

"That's fine. China Film and Wanda will help organize it."

Lin Nan nodded.

He hadn't been very involved with this film — he'd just show up on the day to show his support, sitting in the guest seats.

"Any news on that 'Wu Xia'?"

As a film competing head-on with "Painted Skin 2," Ur Shan had also paid close attention to "Wu Xia."

"They're releasing on July 4th, with the premiere on the 2nd."

Hearing this, Lin Nan felt relieved. "You can tell China Film and Wanda on our side—make the premiere a bigger affair."

The moment his words fell, Lin Nan didn't bother with Ur Shan's nod; something had occurred to him.

"Painted Skin 2" would definitely have a huge impact on "Beginning of the Great Revival" at the box office—only hoping Han Han Sanping wouldn't bottle it up and hurt himself inside!

The shooting budget estimate had come out as well.

"Lin Dao, on actor costs this time, we can save a great deal.

But that portion of the spending will also go toward the rental of the China Film digital production base, and toward the manufacture of the gear designed by Aviation Science and Industry…"

Aviation Science and Industry moved fast—a team of twenty-five finished all the designs in just ten days.

A thick stack of blueprints had already been sent off to a professional factory for prop production and manufacture…

"Just say how much, straight out."

"The preliminary budget is eighty million."

Lin Nan frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's round it off."

The employee understood instantly. "Then the total budget comes to 250 million."

"Good."

…………

China Film, small conference room.

Five people sat around a round table, discussing the investment split for "Passengers."

Although Lin Nan had said this film couldn't compare with the thematic conception of "The Martian," it definitely wouldn't lose money either.

He would accept the attached ads.

Lin Nan Pictures, China Film, Wanda, Aviation Science and Industry, Enlight—only these five.

As for whether to bring in Shanghai Film, Lin Nan and Han Han Sanping had discussed it.

To be honest, with the "Painted Skin 2" incident last time, Shanghai Film had been too hurtful.

At the very least, Wang Wang Changtian had told Lin Nan straight out that he wanted to invest, but Enlight at the time had greenlit several films in one go and had no money!

Of course, this matter was plain for all to see—couldn't be faked.

The final outcome of the discussion was that five companies were enough.

Maybe Ren Ren Zhonglun's side would have objections, but so be it.

After a morning of negotiation, the five finally settled on the investment allocation plan.

"Lin Nan Pictures, 30%."

"China Film, 20%."

"Wanda, 20%."

"Enlight, 15%."

"Aviation Science and Industry, 15%."

…………

"Honestly, we're very willing to support domestic sci-fi films, especially space-themed ones. But up to now, Lin Dao, you're the only one who's come to us…"

After signing the investment agreement, the man from Aviation Science and Industry shook his head and said with feeling.

"There'll definitely be more in the future. Setting aside others, I myself definitely have more film plans in this area coming up! When the time comes, I'll still come to Aviation Science and Industry for help."

Lin Nan said, thumping his chest.

"Good—as long as there are good sci-fi projects, we'll definitely provide technical support."

Once the main business was done, it was time to wrap up.

Lin Nan didn't rush off, but instead pulled Wang Wang Changtian aside and asked about "Zhao Zhao Jingzhong Loyal Yue Fei."

"After so many years, this is the only TV drama about Loyal Yue Fei—it's embarrassing to even say…"

Wang Wang Changtian began to prattle on.

Lin Nan felt a bit uncomfortable listening—the director and screenwriter of this TV drama were both from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

The project had been initiated over there too; they'd been looking for investors for several years already.

But mainland film and television companies almost all refused without a second word.

A few companies agreed, but later on, for some unknown reason, they inexplicably backed out, not even giving a reason.

Until not long ago, when the project was brought up again, everyone decided to co-produce it—after all, the investment was quite large.

Even so, someone still sent word over…

Wang Wang Changtian refused to buy into the superstition either; he had someone send an investment invitation straight to Lin Nan Pictures, and called China Film in as well!

Just one idea: many hands make light work!

With so many big companies co-producing, who'd dare cause trouble?

"So many roles—if you want any of them, just say the word later. But Huang Huang Xiaoming playing Loyal Yue Fei, that can't be changed."

Lin Nan nodded—that was for sure.

Huang Huang Xiaoming taking zero pay and bringing his own money to the production, all while bearing pressure from certain people—that kind of boldness was beyond reproach.

…………

Andy Lau's call had come back through.

"Lin Dao, I really have to thank you properly—for thinking of me again this time, hahaha…"

Among the whole crop of male actors, Andy Lau's condition was absolutely top-tier.

Think of "What Women Want" at the start of the year—he looked and carried himself exactly like a man in his early thirties.

"What do you think, Wah-ge? Do you have the schedule for it?" Lin Nan asked with a smile.

Back then, Liu Liu Dehua had been hung up on *The Martian* for a long time.

"Can you tell me when filming starts, and roughly when it'll wrap?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan had a bad premonition.

"What, Wah-ge already has a film commitment?"

Liu Liu Dehua didn't hide it. "Right, I'm joining the set at the end of October."

Hearing this, Lin Nan was immediately relieved.

*Passengers* actually wouldn't take that long to shoot — at most two months, possibly even just one.

Counting slowly, building props and setting up the studio in July, and it could be wrapped in August and September.

"Starting cameras by mid-August at the latest, wrapping by the end of September is no problem. The location will be right in the studio at the China Film Digital Production Base."

"Then no problem — should I come by later to sign the contract?"

"Sure, I'll treat Wah-ge to a meal when the time comes."

"Hehe, then thanks, Lin Dao."

"By the way, Wah-ge, what's the film at the end of October?"

Lin Nan asked curiously.

"A treasure-hunting one…"

…………

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan smiled and shook his head.

Back then, Liu Liu Dehua had wanted to play an astronaut in *The Martian*, but missed out.

This time, let's just send him to space and have him fall in love.

There'll be chances later!

But thinking of the film Liu Liu Dehua mentioned, Lin Nan sighed again.

(End of chapter)