Chapter 357: Investment, Establishment, Preparation

No one expected that the first imported blockbuster in the May Day slot, *Iron Man 3*, would be attacked by mainland audiences and netizens.

It wasn't because it was filmed badly, but because this film was divided into two versions, the overseas international version and the domestic special version!

Domestic special version?

To put it nicely, it's special; to put it realistically, it's fooling ghosts, treating mainland audiences as fools and suckers!

Before the release, it was never mentioned that there would be two versions.

The production team's promotion team in the country also mentioned Fan Bingbing's wonderful performance in *Iron Man 3* many times in a high-profile manner.

The public opinion hype at that time was hot, and countless audiences and film fans were stirred up with a kind of unprovoked "sense of honor," feeling honored.

Just because the mainland first-tier big flower Fan Bingbing starred in Hollywood's top sci-fi blockbuster, the superhero series.

Looking at it now, it turned out that Fan Bingbing only had a few small shots, and they were all in the domestic special version!

Everyone instantly sobered up; what special version, this was naked humiliation.

Using your actors, harvesting your box office, and only having a few shots; you couldn't see a shadow in the international version.

Different from the silent film and television circle, the mainland audience and film fans were indignant, feeling that their feelings were played with and their intelligence was insulted.

For a time, even Fan Bingbing was pushed to the forefront, becoming the target of public criticism.

"Scolding is scolding, but the box office was only slightly affected; after all, the influence is there, and the ticket price is expensive."

Lin Nan and Lu Yang and others were drinking tea and chatting at the company.

*Iron Man 3* occupied a large number of IMAX 3D giant screens and ordinary 3D screens, and the ticket price was more than twice that of domestic films like *Kung Fu Jungle*.

Relying on high ticket prices, it forcibly supported the gorgeous data of the first-day box office of 110 million.

It was only after the first day that the special version matter was exposed.

Looking at the domestic film market again, the one that was riding high in the box office was still *So Young*.

"Quite a few media are blowing it up and reporting it, saying that Zhao Wei will be the number one person among female directors in the Chinese film circle!"

Lu Yang added tea to his cup, as if he were talking about a funny thing.

This title, Zhao Wei really didn't refuse; she was floating.

"*So Young* cut 320 million in the first week; it indeed has a great chance to surpass Director Xue and exceed *Finding Mr. Right*."

This was a fact, and Lin Nan couldn't refute it.

"But *Kung Fu Jungle* also got 255 million in the first week; the chance to rush over 500 million is not small; you guys shout more."

"No problem, Lin Dao."

Beijing Film Academy had been very prominent recently; the two domestic films leading the charge outside were both films directed by their own students.

On the school's official website, there were messages about the two films from time to time, refreshing back and forth.

However, there was also a headache, which was the notice just received from Zhang Yimou's studio.

As one of the school's signboards, Director Zhang's new film female second lead audition once again brushed off all Beijing Film Academy students.

This meant that Zhang Yimou's comeback work *Coming Home* was still the style of the past, that is, the main actors were not from Beijing Film Academy, which was very annoying.

When Lin Nan went back, Liu Yifei was on the phone.

"They all came to me to beat around the bush, wanting to know what your new film is, if there are many roles, if there will be public auditions, if they have a chance..."

Liu Yifei pouted, looking very tired; she had dealt with these people.

"Thank you for your hard work, Producer Liu."

Lin Nan put Liu Yifei in his arms, very comfortable; it was good to have a virtuous assistant.

Only after the script was completely refined would Lin Nan consider establishment and casting; it shouldn't be announced now.

"We are going to Ning Hao's side in the evening; they are treating us, and by the way, let's see his new film."

"Mm, okay."

Liu Yifei agreed sweetly, and rubbed against Lin Nan with her cheek, like a lazy cat.

For an afternoon, Lin Nan stayed at home, recharging his energy, and by the way, handling other things.

Emperor Motion Pictures side.

Albert Yeung looked at the box office data of *Kung Fu Jungle* and those news reports, and was in a good mood.

This film was already destined to make money.

"That guy is still looking for you recently?"

Looking at Huo Wenxi, Albert Yeung asked.

The former nodded and smiled speechlessly:

"He is quite persistent; how arrogant he was at the beginning, he is how humble he is now."

Ever since the news that *Ip Man 3* was going to restart was announced, Huo Wenxi had often been "harassed" by Donnie Yen and his agent.

A *Together* with a total box office of 820,000 directly knocked Donnie Yen into the mud, hitting him so hard he couldn't get up, and his commercial value plummeted.

Therefore, *Ip Man 3* became the only hope in his eyes; Donnie Yen was like crazy contacting Huo Wenxi, his attitude was respectful and humble, unfortunately...

At this time, Albert Yeung's phone rang.

"Lin Nan?"

Albert Yeung showed a trace of expectation and answered the phone.

"Lin Dao, heard that you registered for the Oscars a few days ago? If you win, you will be the first Oscar director in the mainland."

"Yang Dong is joking, haha..."

"This call today?" Albert Yeung asked expectantly.

Only hearing Lin Nan on the other side of the phone also stopped laughing.

"*Ip Man 3* can be established; announce it officially tomorrow. Yang Dong, send someone over to talk about investment, and then set the roles; the team will still use the original one."

Hearing this news, Albert Yeung couldn't suppress his excited mood.

"Good, no problem, I will let Wenxi go over..."

After ending the call, Albert Yeung laughed out loud and looked at Huo Wenxi.

"You fly to the capital company tomorrow, no, right now, and go find Lin Dao tomorrow; strive for as many shares as possible."

"Okay, Yang Dong."

In Lin Nan's view, although replacing Donnie Yen with Zhao Wenzhuo, the audience might not be able to accept it for a while.

But as long as the quality of the film is guaranteed, relying on the reputation and appeal of Lin Nan Film Industry, this is not a problem.

The box office of *Ip Man 1* was 120 million, and *Ip Man 2* was only 260 million.

Lin Nan had the confidence that relying on the momentum of *Kung Fu Jungle*, Zhao Wenzhuo's *Ip Man 3* would definitely not be bad.

At dusk, Miss Liu, looking radiant, drove her red Ferrari and took Lin Nan out for a free meal.

Under the appearance of a lady was a fiery heart, especially when driving.

"Xixi, it's a pity you didn't go to be a racer."

Lin Nan sat in the passenger seat and teased Liu Yifei.

The green light in front just jumped out, and that familiar push-back feeling came.

"Wait until when you accompany me to play go-karts; you definitely won't be able to catch up with me."

Liu Yifei pushed the wine-red sunglasses on her exquisite nose bridge and said proudly.

"Can, accompany you to try it someday."

"Humph, I will definitely let you eat dust behind my butt..."

Miss Liu smiled confidently.

There were many husband-and-wife teams in the film and television circle; Ning Hao and Xing Aina were one of the most typical representatives.

One's main profession was director, one's main profession was screenwriter, complementing each other.

These two treated guests, often at their own home, and then called the hotel chef to take charge of the spoon; this time it was still the same.

"Yo, so high-profile today?"

Seeing Liu Yifei and Lin Nan getting off the car, Huang Bo made a joke.

"Why are you here too?"

"Lin Dao, you say that, but I'm definitely here for a free meal. Besides, since there's a new script, I might as well take advantage of the opportunity."

Huang Bo was direct enough; it seemed he had already been set.

A group of people met, and Lin Nan's Oscar registration matter was taken out to tease again.

"Wait until Lin Dao wins the Oscar later, let's set a table for him."

Not long after, a few people started their chopsticks; they still had to talk about serious business later, so eat first for now.

Liu Yifei's skill in peeling shrimp was quite good; hmm, most of them went into Lin Nan's mouth.

Nearly an hour later, in Ning Hao's study.

Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Huang Bo each had a script, of course, the content was the same.

"This script is still a road theme, and it's also a comedy film; this is our first attempt to combine these two elements."

Xing Aina introduced on the side, "The script has already passed the review, and we named it *Breakup Buddies*."

At this time, Lin Nan, who had only turned to the second page, paused for a moment, and then continued to look at the script.

"This casting, I plan to use a combination of old cast and new faces; can't always be those few old oil sticks."

Ning Hao said, and smiled and pointed at Huang Bo.

Liu Yifei looked at those character introductions with an "as expected" expression; it had nothing to do with her.

Lin Nan looked at it seriously; the script was indeed quite good.

"How about it, Producer Lin?"

"Hanging name producer, no problem; by the way, how much are you preparing to ask me to invest?"

Hearing Lin Nan's answer, Ning Hao smiled and

"Damn, you're always thinking about scamming acquaintances, you stingy miser."

Huang Bo interrupted Ning Hao directly and complained.

Liu Yifei, holding Lin Nan's arm, was also amused.

Ning Hao didn't look embarrassed at all; he waved his hand at Huang Bo:

"Let me finish. Since I'm asking Lin Nan for investment, I certainly won't be targeting you guys."

"The budget has been adjusted from 35 million to 50 million. You support me with half, and I won't take a salary as producer. You're not short of money anyway, haha..."

Lin Nan listened to Ning Hao's brazen tone and thought he was really something, but he didn't refuse and agreed with a smile:

"Fine, sure. I rarely serve as a film producer for others. I'll take this script back; I haven't even finished reading half of it yet."

"One meal, and you've scammed 25 million out of him. Tsk tsk tsk, Director Ning is really ruthless!" Huang Bo teased.

"You're the one being sentimental; Yifei hasn't even said anything yet," Xing Aina teased Huang Bo.

"Me? I listen to him." Liu Yifei giggled.

It wasn't until after nine in the evening that the group dispersed and left.

…………

The next noon, the entire film and television industry had its eyes drawn to two films.

First, Bad Monkey officially announced its new film plan:

"Jointly invested by Bad Monkey and Lin Nan Film, directed by Director Ning Hao, and produced by Lin Dao Nan, the film *Breakup Buddies* has officially been approved and has begun casting..."

If the first piece of film news stirred the hearts of a large number of actors in the industry, the second one made many people feel familiar.

"Three years have passed since the release of the second installment. Lin Nan Film and Yinghuang have decided to reboot the *Ip Man* series. *Ip Man 3* has officially been approved; casting and preparations begin today..."

Actors in the industry were a bit slow to react during this period.

The big directors were all in motion, each one either filming a new movie or preparing one.

Feng Xiaogang was filming *Personal Tailor*; Jiang Wen's *Gone with the Bullets* was in the middle of casting and location scouting.

Zhang Yimou's *Coming Home* was touring major art academies for open auditions;

Ning Hao approved *Breakup Buddies*; Lin Nan had also revealed a couple of days ago that he was preparing a new film; *Ip Man 3* was rebooting...

Now, many actors were eyeing the new films of Lin Nan and Ning Hao; after all, there were no opportunities left for the others.

……

Lin Nan received calls from Han Sanping, Wang Changtian, and Ye Ning one after another.

They couldn't get involved in *Breakup Buddies* and *Ip Man 3*, so they could only pin their hopes on Lin Nan's new film.

Huo Wenxi, in a professional suit, dressed like a proper career woman, sat opposite Lin Nan.

"According to the company's budget, it's just a bit more than the last one; let's round it up to 100 million."

Hearing this number, Huo Wenxi didn't think it was much, but she was worried about how little her side could get.

"Lin Dao, how much can Yinghuang get then?"

When she came, Yang Shoucheng had instructed her to get as large a share as possible.

But Huo Wenxi knew very well that her status was not equal to Lin Nan's, and shares weren't something you could just get by asking.

"We are still splitting it 60-40. This is my biggest concession. We've cooperated very amicably with Yinghuang over these years."

Although Lin Nan's voice was soft, it carried an unquestionable tone.

After thinking for a moment, Huo Wenxi nodded, "Except for replacing Donnie Yen with Vincent Zhao, everything else remains the same; Yinghuang will choose the new characters..."

"Director Huo should know my principles?"

"I know, no one with a biased stance."

Half an hour later, Huo Wenxi left Lin Nan's office.

However, just as she stepped out of the office door, she ran into someone else.

"Director Jiang?"

"Director Huo, is Yinghuang deciding the other roles for *Ip Man 3*?"

"Yes, to maintain the style, the director and filming team are all the original crew. Director Jiang, what is this about?"

Jiang Xuerou glanced toward Lin Nan's office, then turned her head and smiled at Huo Wenxi:

"There aren't many capable actors left in the industry now. Zhang Jin is an old friend of mine; Yinghuang might want to consider him."

Huo Wenxi reacted instantly and nodded in response: "Of course, his martial arts skills are excellent; there should be no problem."

After seeing Huo Wenxi out of the Lin Nan Film building and standing for a while, Jiang Xuerou made a phone call.

"Sister Jiang?"

"Turn around and go find Huo Wenxi from Yinghuang. The second male lead in *Ip Man 3* is very suitable for you..."

"I... thank you, Sister Jiang. I will cherish this opportunity." An excited voice came from the other end of the line.

Jiang Xuerou hung up the phone and walked toward Lin Nan's office. It was better to confess to the boss when doing a favor for the first time.

…………

Hong Kong.

Donnie Yen was restless at this moment. News had already spread in both the mainland and Hong Kong circles.

*Ip Man 3*, by Yinghuang and Lin Nan Film, had officially been approved and was in preparation.

Yet, he had been waiting for a whole day, and really, no one had contacted him—no one.

As time ticked by, he felt increasingly uneasy.

"Huo Wenxi is not in Hong Kong; she went to the mainland, probably to the capital."

The agent walked over and couldn't help but speak. *Ip Man 3* had finally been approved, but...

"Besides me, who else could they choose?"

Donnie Yen's tone was low, as if he were biting out every word.

"That movie *Kung Fu Jungle* has already grossed over 300 million."

The agent didn't want to say it, but he mentioned it anyway.

If they really wanted to replace Donnie Yen, then Vincent Zhao, who was currently in the spotlight, was definitely the first choice.

Sure enough, the agent's words made Donnie Yen realize this, and his breathing became heavy.

"Now, what should we do? Go to the capital, or go to Yinghuang?"

His eyes were bloodshot as he stared at the agent, hoping for an answer.

"Forget about Yinghuang. Let's fly to the capital. If it still doesn't work, then we're truly out of options. As for how the media reports it later, that will have nothing to do with us..."

The agent said with implication.

Donnie Yen gritted his teeth, as if he had made a very difficult decision, and nodded heavily:

"Then, let's try one last time."

He knew very well that if this trip was unsuccessful, the *Ip Man* series would truly have nothing to do with him, and it would be hard to return to the status and height he had a few years ago.

…………

(End of chapter)