Chapter 296

Two imported blockbusters have broken in.

According to past practice, *Bad Genius*, which is about to end its run, should have had its screen space significantly reduced.

But in reality, this situation did not occur; the screen space was only appropriately reduced a little.

Because at this point, *Bad Genius* is just one step away!

The authorities have already begun to intervene, and the goal is very clear.

"Break *Avatar*'s record; this is the notice just received the day before yesterday. We cannot let an imported film dominate the box office record of the Chinese film market year-round."

Hearing this explanation from Ye Ning, Lin Nan understood.

If *Bad Genius* had just grossed over 1.2 billion after a month, the authorities certainly wouldn't have thought so much. But the box office happened to reach 1.358 billion!

This figure is only 70 million away from *Avatar*'s 1.428 billion; it's not like there's no chance in a week.

"In that case, I still have to thank *Avatar*? Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten such good screen space in the final week."

Lin Nan joked with himself with a smile; he indeed took advantage.

"Peers in the film production industry should all be very jealous of Lin Dao, haha..."

Ye Ning's words are not false; the profit data of *Bad Genius* is almost transparent.

Industry media also take it out to update and report on it from time to time, which is simply glaring.

Lin Nan has also been teased many times by Wang Changtian, Han Sanping, and others because of this.

…………

The notice for open auditions for *About Time* was posted on Lin Nan Film's Weibo.

Many talent agencies and actors cast their eyes over, and the media was also forwarding and reporting.

I remember that last time, Guo Fan's *Source Code* was an open audition.

Over these years, the number of times Lin Nan Film's movies have opened for auditions has become fewer and fewer.

In the eyes of many artists in the industry, this opportunity is truly rare!

A large number of actor resumes were sent over from domestic talent agencies and agents.

Some who had decent relationships and contact information even ran directly to Lin Nan and Liu Yifei to inquire.

Neither of them promised anything, at most cutting in line, telling them to go find Guo Fan; whether it's suitable or not is decided by the director.

……

*The Dark Knight Rises* plus *The Amazing Spider-Man* easily grossed 80 million on their first day.

At the same time, *Bad Genius* indeed weakened. Relying on the advantage of screen space, it only had a revenue of just over 10 million.

Film companies were all resentful, but had no choice, and couldn't help but keep an eye on the box office of *Bad Genius*.

Because it is highly likely that it will really take back the box office record of the Chinese film market from *Avatar*.

The films to be released in September have basically all started moving, and the promotional war is in full swing.

Only *Passengers* appeared very calm, with a methodical promotional rhythm.

"A screening for *White Deer Plain*?"

Receiving the invitation for this film, Lin Nan was mentally prepared; after all, it had been hyped for two years, an epic masterpiece, right?!

But to really finish telling a literary masterpiece in one movie and make it exciting is a bit too much of a fantasy.

"Besides you, Director Zhang Yimou, Director Chen Kaige, Director Gu Changwei, and others are all on the invitation list; they only invited the top tier, haha..."

Yue Jun said, unable to hold back a laugh.

"Zhang Yimou?"

Lin Nan suddenly remembered the New Pictures Film Company these past two days; it had reached the point of being precarious.

Zhang Weiping is simultaneously fighting contract termination lawsuits with several artists, and Zhang Yimou is also suing Zhang Weiping, demanding the owed salary and the box office share of several films.

Many media outlets are already reporting that New Pictures is on the verge of dissolution.

The key is that this person, Zhang Weiping, is already notorious in the industry and everyone wants to beat him up.

Directors with a little strength and projects with a little potential all refused his investment intentions.

From a top figure in the film and television circle to a street rat, it only took half a year, which can be called a "miracle."

It is estimated that at this point, Zhang Dapao should also have realized that without the master, he is nothing!

"Reply to them, I will go when the time comes."

"Okay. By the way, Guo Dao's auditions have been set, in the third-floor conference room, starting the day after tomorrow."

Lin Nan nodded; this efficiency is quite high.

……

The boost *Bad Genius* gave to the actors has been fully reflected.

The market value, salary, and endorsement fees of all the main actors have been significantly increased.

"It is reported that Liu Yifei's commercial salary has risen to 18-20 million, reaching the highest level for domestic actresses, and her commercial endorsement fees have surged again..."

"The industry's quote for Lin Dao Nan remains unchanged, but the participation ratio in box office sharing has increased again."

……

The salary increases for Zhu Yawen, Shu Chang, and Luo Jin were also in the range of two to three million.

Unlike TV drama salaries, the increase in film salaries is the most difficult; at least one must have representative works that can be shown.

"Limited by the current ceiling of the domestic market, the highest film salary for an actress is just 20 million.

Just like when Zhang Ziyi took that film *Dangerous Liaisons*, she got a 20 million salary and even specifically released a press release to show off."

Lin Nan looked at Liu Yifei, who was bare-faced in front of him, and said with a smile.

"I always feel that if an actor takes such a high salary, will it affect the normal operation of the crew?"

Liu Yifei frowned, thinking of a problem.

"So top actors all take a base salary plus box office sharing; if you take outside films in the future, you can also sign contracts like this, I believe the producers won't refuse.

Of course, art films certainly cannot be calculated according to the salary of commercial films."

"Besides, we're just getting started. The film industry is developing rapidly, and who knows, in a year or two, salaries might see explosive growth."

Lin Nan smiled and said with implication.

…………

"Mimi, Guo Dao Fan said your temperament is more suitable for the male lead's first love girlfriend; this can be given to you directly."

Ceng Jia relayed the reply she got from Guo Fan to Yang Mi.

"First love girlfriend?"

Yang Mi muttered suspiciously; this title obviously doesn't sound like it's used to describe the lead actress?!

"Yes, first love girlfriend, it counts as a supporting role. If you want the lead actress role, you still have to audition."

Ceng Jia said truthfully. She felt Guo Fan was a bit rigid.

"Have you seen the script?"

"I have, original script, although it's very interesting, but... I still feel it can't compare to the influence of a series, even if it's the lead actress of *About Time*."

Yang Mi nodded; she understood Ceng Jia's meaning.

These past few days, she also had Ceng Jia help her check, and that *Tiny Times* really possesses a large fan base.

"Let's go talk to Director Yue."

"Hmm? Okay."

…………

When returning to the company, Lin Nan specifically went to the third floor to take a look. There really were quite a few people!

"These were all screened once by Guo Dao, and audition invitations were sent out. Some actors Guo Dao is familiar with, so there's no need to go through the interview stage."

Yue Jun introduced from the side.

At this time, many people noticed Lin Nan and the other person in the distance, and one by one they instantly became a bit nervous.

A glance over, and Lin Nan had a count in his heart. He had no impression of these people, so of course they had to come for an audition!

Some bold actors stood up to greet: "Lin Dao, hello, I am actor Deng Jiajia..."

"... I am an actor from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, Wang Chuanjun."

"... Shanghai Theatre Academy, Sun Yizhou."

……

Following the first actor standing up, others immediately followed suit in unison; for a moment, it was even a bit noisy.

Lin Nan raised his hand to press down, signaling for quiet.

There was some playfulness in his eyes; did this poke a hornet's nest of the Shanghai Theatre Academy?

The number of people from the Shanghai Theatre Academy was actually on par with the Central Academy of Drama, and there were only a few from the Beijing Film Academy!

Lin Nan nodded to greet everyone and entered the conference room.

Just as Yue Jun was about to enter, he received a call and left.

In the conference room, there was only Guo Fan and an assistant, and then... Tang Yan?

Five minutes later, the audition ended.

"Lin Dao, Guo Dao, then I'll go first, goodbye."

After bowing, she retreated.

"Which role is she auditioning for?"

"Lead actress, supporting actress."

Guo Fan replied, and remembered Yang Mi's matter again.

"Yang Mi's agent asked about the role; the supporting role can be given to her directly. But for the lead actress, I want her to come and audition again; if there are no major problems, it can also be given to her..."

Lin Nan nodded and didn't say anything more. He prepared to sit down and observe the subsequent auditions, because many actors outside were quite interesting.

Especially just now, several actors were all from the same sitcom crew.

Although it was indeed plagiarism, the national conditions are here, and it is still very popular.

And that show was invested in by Shanghai Film Group, and the exclusive online broadcasting rights were also taken by Tudou.

…………

Director's office.

Yang Mi, Ceng Jia, and Yue Jun sat face to face, the atmosphere a bit dull.

Yue Jun's expression was solemn at this time, his brows tightly locked.

He handled it personally, having stockpiled quite a few for the company, and recently began to adapt them one after another, preparing for subsequent productions.

He had come into contact with that *Tiny Times*, and the original author's image was a bit bad.

How to evaluate this one? It can indeed be described as having many fans.

But the content in the book completely does not conform to the mainstream values and morals of ordinary people, and is even a bit extreme.

Although it is also very realistic, that is the reality of a minority, material flow, money desire, extravagant style...

These contents are basically things that are not suitable to be talked about on the surface, and the influence is too bad.

"I don't suggest you take this series."

As Yue Jun's words landed, Yang Mi and Ceng Jia's bodies tensed up instantly, as if they had heard something unacceptable.

"Why? Is it not influential enough? The producers believe the box office of this film will definitely explode."

Ceng Jia asked repeatedly, and Yang Mi also nodded.

"Once this is shot, it may cause great controversy. Have you read it?"

Yang Mi and Ceng Jia nodded, "For a film, isn't it good to have controversy? It represents influence, commercial value..."

Hearing this, Yue Jun knew what these two were thinking; it was estimated that their minds were made up.

"Listen to me, you won't be wrong. Besides, since you came over today, then I'll talk about another serious matter."

Yang Mi and Ceng Jia looked at each other, having a premonition.

"Your contract expires in March next year, there's only a little over half a year left, what are your thoughts? Renew or wait for it to expire automatically? If you renew, your contract can be changed."

Yue Jun looked at Yang Mi and said seriously.

At this moment, Yang Mi's spirit was a bit tense, and all the previous conversations with Ceng Jia flashed through her mind, as well as the strong thoughts she had several times over the past year or two.

The incident was sudden, and in the end, Ceng Jia was a bit steadier; she saw Yang Mi's state, which seemed a bit dazed and hesitant.

"Director Yue, can you let Mimi and me go back and think about it carefully? The company is very good to us, but after all, it's too sudden, and we're a bit caught off guard..."

Hearing Ceng Jia's words, Yang Mi also reacted from her distraction, "Director Yue, can you let me go back and think about it carefully? In a few days, I will give the company an answer... and about *Tiny Times*."

"Okay, Shanhai Media won't be as overbearing as other companies; it's voluntary, and we won't force it. I'll wait for your reply, go ahead."

"Thank you, Director Yue."

……

The moment the two walked out of the office, Director Yue frowned, then relaxed again.

In the large office, only Yue Jun's sigh echoed.

…………

(End of chapter)