Chapter 312: Hard Pressure, If There Is Only One Award

Huayi's *Tai Chi 2* has arrived.

Wang Zhonglei brought Feng Delun and others to carry out a bluff-style promotion in front of the media, which felt a bit eager for quick success.

"*Tai Chi 1* is like an experimental and sowing process full of hardships; *Tai Chi 2* is the time for harvest."

"Different from the previous one, *Tai Chi 2* is an IMAX 3D blockbuster, not to be missed!"

"Even if the general audience hasn't seen *Tai Chi 1*, it doesn't matter; it won't affect watching *Tai Chi 2*."

"We guarantee that this one is definitely more exciting than the first, and the box office will definitely be better because the lead is Feng Shaofeng!"

Don't know how the audience sees it, but industry insiders almost all don't look favorably upon Huayi's *Tai Chi 2*.

Even the film promotion seems so perfunctory, uninspired, and without the slightest highlight, just like the plot of *Tai Chi 1*. How many audience members can this "bluff"?

Just mentioning Feng Shaofeng's name and changing him to the lead can result in a better box office? What an international joke, do they think he is Zhou Xingchi?

Many people in the circle can see something from the importance and intensity Huayi places on film promotion.

Actually, Wang Zhonglei and others don't have much confidence in this sequel either, or one could even say they have zero confidence.

The media reports and the evaluations of online audience members slapped Huayi hard in the face, tearing off the fig leaf.

"*Tai Chi 2* first-day box office 8.2 million, lower than the first one..."

"The 3D effect is extremely poor; there is absolutely no difference between wearing the dedicated glasses and not wearing them, and it doesn't affect viewing at all."

"Liars, f*** you, refund!"

"What kind of trash director and dog-blood plot is this? Under the banner of 'chivalry' and 'defending the country', in the end, they actually pin their hopes on the Qing court's righteous law enforcement! Begging them to punish the Western powers?"

The first domestic film of November, after being released for two days, predicted its flop ending just like that.

"Huayi was obviously prepared; at this moment, all promotional resources have been transferred to *Back to 1942* for the end-of-month New Year slot."

No need for Yue Jun to say much, Lin Nan has already seen the news.

At this moment, the outside is full of press releases for *Back to 1942*, claiming it to be a modern epic blockbuster.

In Feng Xiaogang's mouth, films like *Life of Pi*, *The Last Supper*, *Lost in Thailand*, etc., in the same slot, are not in his eyes; he is full of confidence in his *Back to 1942*.

"Understandable, but no need to pay too much attention to it.

The film promotion for Xu Zheng's side can be increased; the New Year slot is a chaotic battle."

Lin Nan instructed on his own. Sometimes, a good movie and a high box office don't necessarily equal each other.

"Hmm, I'll go arrange it later."

Lin Nan's thoughts drifted to the Golden Horse Awards.

There are still more than two weeks until the film festival opens; this is what he is most concerned about this month.

The action time for the China Film companies was moved up to the first ten days of the month.

A document titled *Notice on Adjusting the Revenue Sharing Ratio for Domestic Films* shocked the entire domestic film circle.

The alliance of the five major distribution companies—China Film, Enlight, Bona, Huayi, and StarMe—unilaterally and forcefully "issued a notice" to all cinema chains.

It wasn't an application, nor was it a negotiation, but a notice and an order.

The content of the document was made public online by the media, and the core requirement was:

"Starting from the 9 domestic films released in the 2012 New Year slot, such as *Back to 1942*, *The Last Supper*, *Lost in Thailand*... *The Grandmaster*, the box office sharing ratio between the distributor (film party) and the cinema chain must not be lower than 45%: 55%!"

The entire industry seemed to have ushered in an abrupt earthquake.

The distributors used the New Year slot films as bargaining chips, taking the lead in applying pressure, and the production industry immediately voiced its support.

This year's battle formation is many times larger than last year's!

Because this means that the middle and upper reaches of the film industry are simultaneously attacking the downstream cinema chains.

Perhaps it was being provoked time and time again that ignited the anger.

Originally, everyone thought that the cinema chains would continue to compromise just like they did with Zhang Weiping back then, but this time everyone guessed wrong.

This time, the cinema chains had a very tough attitude, adopting a resolute rejection of the distributors' notice.

Major media outlets are paying attention at all times, and there isn't an industry insider who isn't concerned.

"Lin Dao, we gladly accepted your two gambles, and everyone cooperated very well. But this time, shooting a cold arrow and launching a surprise attack is a bit ungentlemanly, isn't it?"

Lin Nan originally thought the first one to contact him would be Wanda, but he never imagined he guessed wrong; the first one was actually Dadi Cinema Chain.

After dealing with each other several times, everyone has contact information and can be considered acquaintances.

"This is an industry matter; I am a member of it, and now I can only tell you this.

Just like if all other cinema chains made a decision to take unified action, could Dadi Cinema Chain refuse?"

Lin Nan said with a chuckle; the other party couldn't possibly not understand his meaning.

Public business is public business, private friendship is private friendship; at this moment, one must distinguish clearly, and we can still be friends afterwards.

Only hearing the other side of the phone be quiet for two seconds, then responding:

"Understood, but I will also give Lin Dao a firm word: this time we cannot retreat; at least the large cinema chains will absolutely not retreat."

Yes, retreat once, retreat twice, what is being given away is cake and meat.

For cinema chains, it's not like all movies can be like Lin Nan's movies, making the whole cake bigger and achieving a win-win.

For most films, the sharing is: you eat one more bite, I eat one less bite.

Feng Xiaogang, Chen Kexin, Wang Jing, Lu Chuan, Xu Ke...

Over a dozen directors took the lead, and directors and producers in the industry voiced their opinions one after another, hoping the cinema chains would retreat to alleviate the pressure brought by the constantly rising production costs.

The result was that everyone was ignored and received no response, because the status was completely unequal; what was there to respond to?

"Lin Nan, there's another call."

"Tell him I'm taking a nap, don't... forget it, give it to me."

Lin Nan frowned and took the phone Liu Qianqian handed over.

It's Xu Zheng!

During the film promotion these past two days, he has been constantly asked about the distributor and cinema chain matter, because *Lost in Thailand* is one of the bargaining chips.

And although he is the director, he doesn't know anything, and it's not convenient for him to express his stance, but the promotion still has to be done; this question cannot be avoided.

"Hmm, no problem, just say you don't know and push it to the company..."

Lin Nan hung up the phone and leaned on the sofa, his head aching.

He was dragged onto the boat by Han Sanping and others, and he is also the first director and film company boss in the country to successfully gamble with cinema chains twice in a row.

A large number of industry insiders called him to ask this and that, inquiring about news. It's not good not to answer the phone, but once you answer one, you can't stop; it's very annoying.

Cold, smooth fingers pressed on his temples, very comfortable, and there was a faint fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose, hair brushing against his cheeks...

Lin Nan didn't open his eyes, quietly enjoying Miss Liu's "service"; ten minutes later, he became increasingly sleepy.

"How is it?" A crisp voice sounded.

"Hmm, very comfortable, that's enough." Lin Nan grabbed Liu Qianqian's hand and let her sit back on the sofa.

"Eh? Where did the book come from?"

Lin Nan unintentionally scanned a new book on the table and asked.

Only to see Liu Qianqian smile and shake her head, "The classmates in the class all received it; it's a book written by Jiang Yiyan, with a preface by Chen Daoming, and it's being sold in Shanghai these two days."

"Impressive!" Lin Nan sighed.

Running out to sell a new book during the filming of *The Four*, and it's in Shanghai?

It seems Wang Jinghua has already helped Jiang Yiyan resolve all the pressure from Sun Li and Hairen.

"Still with a preface by Chen Daoming? Tsk tsk..."

Lin Nan couldn't help but tease; this "father" from a play many years ago is also quite useful outside the play.

Liu Qianqian rolled her eyes at Lin Nan, knowing what he was teasing about.

Back then, Zhu Yawen was very bored and often told Lin Nan, Luo Jin, and others some gossip, including quite a bit about Jiang Yiyan. How can a man be such a gossip?

It's very noisy outside.

13 cinema chains led by Wanda and New Film Union issued a joint statement: If the distributors forcefully demand an increase in the sharing ratio, then these 9 films will not be screened.

The five China Film companies also didn't retreat at all: If you don't agree, then we won't supply the films.

The Film Bureau stood out once again, calling for both sides to sit down and negotiate a solution. The result was that both sides expressed at the same time that they would not accept negotiations.

The filmmakers, directors, and actors in the circle were all dumbfounded.

Good fellow, this is the first time the Film Bureau's face has been rejected and not worked.

"Lin Dao, if they really can't talk it out in the end, and both sides are stubbornly holding on without retreating, what should we do about *Lost in Thailand*?"

As the company's chief steward, this is a question Yue Jun must be concerned about; it's his duty.

Lin Nan smiled helplessly.

What can he do at this moment? He can't just go to Han Sanping and Wang Changtian and say, *Lost in Thailand* won't participate?

"To say something unpleasant, you know the style of our people; it's impossible not to leave room for maneuver. They are all old foxes, the kind with hundreds of schemes."

Lin Nan complained, but actually, he wasn't worried about *Lost in Thailand*.

With his weight on the cinema chain side, *Lost in Thailand* won't be killed with one blow.

Lin Nan remembered Lu Zheng's invitation, looked at Yue Jun, and instructed:

"For the premiere of *New Mama, Love Me Once Again*, you go represent the company."

"Hmm? Okay, Lin Dao." Yue Jun responded.

As the saying goes, foreign monks are good at chanting scriptures.

This movie of Jing Tian's is directed by a South Korean director, and the post-production is also being done there; the gimmick for promotion is very sufficient.

After all, South Korean and Japanese literary and artistic romance films have always been filmed very well and have a reputation abroad.

That movie *Tiny Times*, which has been watched by a large number of netizens since its project initiation, has officially started filming.

Don't say, the film's opening press conference was very grand.

Mainly because this short "director" has a very high topic degree, and most of it is negative—plagiarism, showing off wealth, incorrect values, these are all light...

Anyway, people in the film circle all looked at this *Tiny Times* movie that was about to start filming as if they were watching a joke.

If just anyone can be a director, doesn't that make everyone else look very inferior?

Among the actors, Yang Mi is the biggest star, almost surrounded by all the media reporters.

"Mi Mi, Director Yue Jun said *Tiny Times* is a movie you took on yourself, not connected by the company, is that true?"

Yang Mi didn't think much and nodded with a smile, "Yes, but still have to thank the company for cultivation, otherwise Director Guo Jingming might not have come to find me, haha..."

Few of the other actors on the side were asked; the looks they gave Yang Mi were more or less filled with envy.

"As far as we know, your agency contract with Shanhai Media is for three years, and now there are only 5 months left; have you talked about contract renewal yet?"

Hearing this question, the expressions on the faces of Yang Mi and Ceng Jia on the side both froze for a moment, but then they covered it up very naturally.

"We are talking about the contract; when there is a result, it will be announced." Yang Mi said with a smile.

"Then after this renewal, according to the introduction on Shanhai Media's official website, the sharing ratio and treatment should increase quite a bit, right?"

The media continued to pursue, but Yang Mi just nodded with a smile and had no other words.

When the reporters surrounded Guo Jingming, who is both director and screenwriter, for an interview again, Ceng Jia and Yang Mi went to a quiet place.

"Currently, we really can't reveal the fact that you won't renew after your contract expires. For the remaining few months, if the media asks again, just brush it off."

Ceng Jia instructed very seriously.

Currently, for some of Yang Mi's commercial endorsements, the Shanhai Media brand has quite a significant blessing effect.

If it is revealed in advance that she won't renew, it is very likely to cause some variables.

"Of course I know this point." Yang Mi nodded and said.

"You can choose the most favorable time to announce it, for example, when *Sleepless in Seattle* is released. At that time, the public opinion attention will definitely reach its peak..."

Ceng Jia gave her own suggestion. Although the slot for *Sleepless in Seattle* hadn't been reported or announced to the outside world, she had heard about it from Yue Jun before.

The last imported revenue-sharing film this year is *Life of Pi*.

Li An specifically ran to the capital to hold a film press conference.

Lin Nan and quite a few big directors were invited to show their support.

"Heard that the production side and cinema chains in the mainland are wrestling; I wonder if there is a result?"

"Both are very tough and are still in a stalemate. However, *Life of Pi* is an imported revenue-sharing film, so there's no need to worry about these."

Lin Nan said somewhat helplessly.

Bad news travels fast, and this matter in the country has already spread to Hollywood and is being constantly reported by foreign media.

"My movie is released on the 22nd; I think by then, Lin Dao and I will be drinking coffee together at the Golden Horse, waiting for you."

"Thank you."

The box office of Huayi's *Tai Chi 2* is much inferior to the first one.

The bad reputation from before really greatly affected the second one. Of course, the second one is also very bad.

"*Tai Chi 2* first-week box office closed at 38.4 million, lagging behind the first week's results of the first one by over 4.7 million."

"*The White Haired Witch of Lunar Kingdom* officially started filming, Huang Xiaoming and Fan Bingbing interpret a story of one righteous and one evil, loving and killing each other."

"This movie of hers, how should I put it? A romance movie wearing the coat of family affection, relatively fresh and literary, a passing work. But in this slot, the box office probably won't be too good,"

This is Yue Jun's evaluation of Jing Tian's *New Mama, Love Me Once Again*.

"The production cost is only over 10 million; I guess Lu Zheng won't value the box office too much."

Lin Nan made a joke; this movie was originally a low-cost film for Jing Tian to practice with back then, and at that time, two were started in a row.

Although the distributors and cinema chains were arguing endlessly over the revenue sharing, it didn't affect the promotion of domestic films in the New Year slot at all; these were set long ago.

But the tough attitude of cinema chain giants like Wanda, Dadi Cinema Chain, and New Film Union without any retreat still made people in the industry panic.

The situation this time seems a bit different from last year, and it's not as simple as the five major distribution companies thought.

At this point, simple stalemate and tough talk are obviously no longer enough.

"Then break them one by one. First, we lead by example; our own cinemas are definitely fine, then start from those small cinema chains, one by one... after taking down most of the small cinema chains, then target those big ones..."

Lin Nan admired these few people a bit; they even told him after having a plan. Actually, he didn't want to continue getting involved; it was too troublesome.

Just at this moment, Ye Ning's phone call also came.

"Lin Dao, let's talk?"

Hearing this, Lin Nan didn't know what to say; he was actually chosen by the cinema chain side as a point to break one by one!

"How to talk?"

"*Lost in Thailand* withdraws from the distributor camp, and we can offer a choice of tiered revenue sharing; the specific number of tiers can be discussed again."

"Like Hollywood?"

"Yes, but it definitely won't reach their ratio. And the director of *Lost in Thailand* isn't you, so we don't accept gambling."

Lin Nan shook his head gently and said:

"At my stage, reputation and character in the industry cannot be compared to that one or two points of revenue sharing. President Ye, you are splitting hairs."

From the moment he was put on the "pirate ship" by Han Sanping and Wang Changtian, Lin Nan couldn't get off.

He won't learn from Zhang Weiping, seeing success halfway and quitting, throwing away teammates to protect himself; that would be too damaging to his reputation.

Lin Nan's words were resonant; Ye Ning on the other end of the phone was stunned for a moment, then realized and smiled, feeling a bit embarrassed:

"Sorry, almost forgot, Lin Dao is not only a film company boss but also a big director in the circle; reputation is indeed very important...

But there are quite a few turncoats in the circle. We believe that the closer it gets to the 29th, the more those companies that are both distributors and producers will waver.

Our promise to Lin Dao will always be valid. If they persist until the 29th with such a tough attitude, then we can only say that these movies won't be screened in this year's New Year slot.

However, when the time comes, Lin Dao can still come to find me; everyone will give this bit of face, *Lost in Thailand* can be released normally as scheduled on December 1st..."

Lin Nan opened his mouth and finally only said two words, "Thank you."

Public business is public business, private friendship is private friendship; public first, private second.

Wanda is really good at doing things; this partner was chosen very worthily!

Red Star Dock has been a bit busy these days.

Because the Golden Horse Awards are about to open, lasting for more than a week until the awards ceremony ends at the end of the month.

As a top actress, Liu Qianqian was nominated for Best Actress again this year.

Her brand parties, one by one, all came looking for her, temporarily arranging work.

Red carpet gowns, jewelry, bags, watches, cosmetics...

Anyway, whatever can be brought to the scene, they all hope she brings it, at least one set per day.

In addition, there are quite a few brand activities at the film festival to attend.

By analogy, Zhu Yawen, Shu Chang, and Luo Jin must be the same.

"Commercial film director, seems like only you refuse endorsements; even Director Zhang Yimou has accepted ads."

Liu Qianqian tried on clothes, shoes, and jewelry for a day, and at this moment, she was huddled on the sofa, listlessly talking about Lin Nan.

"I think it's quite good, very free. Not as hard as actors and artists, having to pay attention to outfits in public, and not being able to have similar products from brand competitors."

Lin Nan sat next to Liu Qianqian, and Miss Liu naturally leaned over.

"I think you are talking about me."

Liu Qianqian nudged Lin Nan with her head, expressing dissatisfaction.

"How many actresses outside are envying you, my Princess Xixi."

Lin Nan stroked her cheek and said.

"Then tell this princess, how many awards can we get?"

"This question? I really don't know. If we can only get one award, I hope it will be Best Actress."

"How can there be so many ifs and coincidences..."

Liu Qianqian's voice was crisp, with a trace of joy, very much enjoying it.

However, she immediately raised her head again, looking at Lin Nan:

"If we can really only get one award, I hope it's Best Film or Best Director..."

"You silly, I already have many awards."

"The more the better."

After speaking, Liu Qianqian changed her posture again, lazy like a cat.

Have to say, the slot for *Cold War* was chosen very well.

While staying away from the New Year slot, it wasn't too far.

It's half a month away from *Life of Pi* and 22 days away from movies like *Back to 1942*.

Facts have proven that the production companies in the mainland before had misjudged.

*Cold War* was released in the first ten days of November, not only of superior quality but also almost without a single competitive opponent.

"15 million on the first day, 80 million in the first 4 days of the weekend; a bumper harvest of reputation and box office.

Cinema chains are still constantly increasing the screening rate, because there really isn't anyone who can fight, so they can only give it all to it.

The Hong Kong media is already crazy; this is the best-performing Hong Kong police and gangster film in the mainland in many years."

"It's very good; after all, they have been pondering police and gangster films for decades."

Lin Nan noticed that movie of Jing Tian's; the reputation is okay, but literary and artistic romance films are indeed niche, and the two leads don't have much box office appeal. Running into *Cold War*, the result can be imagined. Don't count on the box office, at most 10 or 20 million.

Lin Nan began to arrange the work on hand, the focus being *Lost in Thailand*.

"Let's put the premiere of *Lost in Thailand* on hold for now, wait for the result."

Currently, the distributors and cinema chains are fighting; if there is no result for one day, the movies for the New Year slot will be hanging in the air for one day.

It's unwise to hold a premiere rashly; I believe most production parties for New Year slot films have this idea and decision.

"Then what about promotion? Keep running like this?"

Lin Nan thought for a moment and nodded:

"You tell Xu Zheng and the others that the situation this time is indeed special, so the promotional cycle will aim for the end of the month.

Because the premiere might be canceled due to time being too tight. It just depends on when the two sides get a result..."

"Okay, I will notify them later."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 313 =====