Chapter 233: Allies

Still remember the 2006 Golden Rooster Awards.

That time, Ma Liwen defeated Lin Nan's *Blind Mountain* with *You and Me*.

Defeated Ning Hao's *Crazy Stone*, as well as films like *Zhang Side* and *On the Taihang Mountain*, and won the Best Director Award.

This female director was also actively transforming into commercial films.

After getting tens of millions of investment from LeTV, she filmed *The Huge Transaction* which was just released recently.

However, it is not easy for a director to transform, and the result was as expected; the box office was a complete failure.

Huayi's *Magic to Win* had 1.1 million on the first day, while *The Huge Transaction* released on the same day only had 40,000.

This means that this *The Huge Transaction* will be forcibly removed by theater chains at any time, with no room for negotiation. Giving the screening to other films is better than wasting it on *The Huge Transaction*.

"Lin Dao, LeTV's Chairman Jia invited directors and producers in the industry to attend their investment party."

"What investment party?"

Lin Nan asked with interest; this one is a "master"!

"Facing the film and television circle, wanting to win over a group of directors or producers, and also find some partners..."

"We won't get involved." Lin Nan shook his head directly and said.

LeTV has nothing; except for those in Hong Kong who are short of money, or those directors in the mainland who want to transform, who would care about them?

The key is that Chairman Jia, Lin Nan is really a bit wary.

But he heard that relying on Gan Wei, LeTV won over many stars in the entertainment circle...

*The Flowers of War*'s premiere ten days in advance became a joke in the film and television circle.

Most film and television companies sent deputies or middle management, and a few didn't go at all.

Production companies could show up, it was for Zhang Yimou's face.

Sending deputies, middle management, or not going at all, was disgust for Zhang Weiping's villainous behavior last time.

Some bold media directly asked if *I acted in a bed scene with Bale* was written by Ni Ni.

As soon as this question was asked, Zhang Yimou denied it with a dark face and a stern voice, his words carrying anger:

"The actors also knew about this afterwards; that was a despicable act by some people without bottom line, it has already been resolved..."

How sensitive are the media's noses; how could they not smell the gunpowder.

The person who could do such a thing, dare to do such a thing ignoring Zhang Yimou's opinion, could only be Zhang Weiping.

"This was done privately by an employee thinking for the company; although he was also for the company and the film, the approach was indeed wrong; I have already criticized and educated him..." Zhang Weiping said seriously.

After a premiere ended, the production companies didn't stay long and left directly.

The media discovered one thing, that is, Zhang Yimou and Zhang Weiping had almost no communication throughout the whole process, and several actors were the same.

"Director Zhang Yimou, suspected of having a conflict with his old partner Zhang Weiping, cold face and no communication throughout the premiere..."

"According to informed sources, Director Zhang Yimou intends to end the cooperation with New Pictures, and his attitude is firm."

"Zhang Weiping met with lawyers many times..."

When Lin Nan saw these reports, he was also very shocked. The news came out this fast?

But immediately after, Zhang Weiping hurriedly scolded on Weibo:

"Those who maliciously slander and spread rumors, I will pursue their legal responsibility. I have cooperated with Yimou for more than ten years and have never had any conflict..."

Mixing in the film and television circle, especially those running companies, there are no fools.

Everyone understands the principle that there is no smoke without fire. Various signs tell everyone that this matter, better believe it exists than not.

Thinking this through, a group of film company bosses instantly had green light in their eyes; that is Zhang Yimou! Which one doesn't crave?

"So fast?"

Lin Nan organized a thick stack of storyboard drawings and asked Yue Jun.

"That's right, Huayi takes the lead, Enlight, Orange Sky, Bona, StarMe, LeTV... more than a dozen companies are contacting Zhang Yimou, and it's open."

Hearing this, Lin Nan could imagine how ugly Zhang Weiping's face was. It was absolutely no different from his own father dying!

"What about Director Zhang's side?"

"With so many companies, none have given an answer; it seems at least we have to wait until *The Flowers of War* ends."

Lin Nan smiled and nodded:

"I reckon Director Zhang means this; at least he has to ensure no big news comes out before *The Flowers of War* is off the screen. The 600 million investment film is the last bond between them."

"By the way, set off for Hong Kong as soon as possible; the layout of the filming location must be done in advance."

"No problem, we can set off the day after tomorrow."

New Pictures.

"Are you sure Zhang Yimou and New Pictures can achieve a perfect cut?"

Zhang Weiping looked at the lawyer opposite and asked coldly.

"That's right, President Zhang. The cooperation agreement terminates after *The Flowers of War* is off the screen and revenue is shared. Without a new contract constraint, Director Zhang can leave at any time.

As for artists like Ni Ni and Dou Xiao, the management contract is completely with New Pictures; Director Zhang's studio has no right to appeal."

After the lawyer left, Zhang Weiping's face became even gloomier.

"Easily want to part ways? Hehe, how is that possible..."

Zhang Weiping muttered softly, a trace of ruthlessness in his eyes, "Since I can't keep you, then I'll let you be ruined..."

Although *White Vengeance*'s reputation was very bad, and the daily box office kept dropping, it still got 100 million box office after one week of release.

But on the eighth day of release, the daily box office dropped to 8 million, explaining all the problems. The downward trend of this film could not be blocked.

Once *The Flowers of War* and *Flying Swords of Longmen* are released, *White Vengeance*'s data will definitely be uglier, and there is a high possibility it will be removed directly.

Lin Nan received Wang Wei's call.

Thanks to the good foundation laid by "Tudou" in the early stage, it is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so it can hold the basic market at this time.

"Wang Zong, how is it?"

"Lin Dao, the problem should be completely solved by the end of this month. But Tudou has lost the best opportunity, I really regret it..."

"Are you still thinking about NASDAQ?"

Lin Nan spoke bluntly, which made Wang Wei's heart tremble, feeling even more uncomfortable.

"Already lost the first opportunity. Shareholders, especially several financial institutions, are not optimistic; they want to sell and exit..."

"Exit?" Lin Nan muttered in his heart.

Financial institutions are like this; when Tudou was riding high, they entered one after another. Now in this situation, seeing no hope, running away is indeed very consistent with the style of institutions...

"I should have been filming in Hong Kong at that time. Wang Zong, if you solve the problem, you can come to visit the set. How about it?"

The phone was quiet for a while, and Lin Nan's voice came.

"Visit the set?"

Wang Wei didn't quite understand; although Tudou is a video website, he doesn't mix in the film and television circle, what set to visit?

"Lin Dao, your meaning..."

"I have always not understood, Tudou's business is clearly in the mainland, why must it go to NASDAQ?

Just like Bona, is the domestic market not optimistic? US dollars, are not that easy to earn!"

Listening to Lin Nan's words, Wang Wei was thoughtful; he knew Lin Nan's record in the film circle.

"Lin Dao has suggestions for me? Tudou now needs money and direction."

"Both will have."

Lin Nan only answered four words, without any tone.

"Alright, I'll go visit Lin Dao's crew at the end of the month, see you in Hong Kong." Wang Wei said decisively.

Tudou's previous market value was not high, especially in this situation, it had shrunk quite a bit.

Lin Nan has the strength and can take out money to take over the shares in the hands of those institutions, but he cannot do it alone.

A video website, a platform that wants to go far, needs resources, various other resources.

Therefore, Lin Nan needs allies, allies with strength and resources.

Coincidentally, he really has such allies!

*The Flowers of War* and *Flying Swords of Longmen* were only a week away from release.

The gunpowder smell in the film market was getting stronger and stronger.

At this time, China Film Group released the first promotional short film of *Pacific Rim* to the outside world.

Zhang Yi and Jing Tian, wearing crimson, Chinese-style combat suits, walked towards the huge mecha and entered the combat room...

In the long shot, several mecha giants standing tall between heaven and earth suddenly lit up their eyes and walked out of the giant ship's cabin door step by step.

Outside was a stormy, dark-clouded sky, and the deep, lonely, terrifying sea.

Roars echoed, several sea surfaces suddenly rose, seawater surged in all directions, and hideous giant beasts nearly a hundred meters high broke through the sea surface...

"*Pacific Rim* is scheduled for January 1st, will land in major cinemas in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D versions, please look forward to it!"

The two-minute promotional trailer really attracted the attention of a large number of audiences.

Especially the eye-catching Chinese-style mecha giants inside, making many people excited.

"I said it, why are the ones saving the world always foreigners? We can do it too!"

"Aiming at this national style mecha giant, awesome special effects, I must buy an IMAX 3D ticket, it must be shocking..."

"IMAX 3D is afraid it's not easy to buy, right? The ticket price is estimated to be over 100, nearly 200?"

The discussion online about *Pacific Rim* soon suppressed *The Flowers of War* and *Flying Swords of Longmen*.

Visual impact can always leave the deepest impression on the audience.

Lin Nan greeted Wanda, and would leave some IMAX 3D giant screen theater tickets.

These tickets were all asked for by acquaintances in the circle for favors.

After all, domestic IMAX 3D giant screens are still too few, far from meeting market demand.

In this area, Wanda is the well-deserved number one theater chain in the country, with over 60% of giant screens in their hands.

"When New Year's Day comes, we'll watch *Pacific Rim* in Hong Kong."

Liu Yifei nodded, already arranging her and Lin Nan's New Year's Day plan.

"You also have to accompany me shopping; there is a cake shop over there that is quite good..."

"Remember, last time when you were promoting *The Forbidden Kingdom*, you were secretly filmed by reporters over there for half an hour. Good heavens, your mouth didn't stop the whole time, you were eating..."

Lin Nan teased, suddenly feeling the air was a bit murderous.

Seeing Liu Yifei staring at him "murderously," giving Lin Nan the feeling that if he dared to say one more word, she would kill him.

"Hehe, just kidding, just kidding, when we go there, I'll accompany you..."

"Hiss... don't use your mouth!"

End of chapter ===== CHAPTER 234 =====