Chapter 384: Ambition and Risk

Huayi's ambition is truly not small.

After a series of mergers and acquisitions in the first half of the year caused their stock price to soar, they actually issued an acquisition intent to Xiaoma this time.

Once this news spread, it immediately touched the nerves of all film and television companies in the entire industry.

When Wang Zhonglei accepted an interview, he was even more outspoken, revealing a sense of dominance:

"What we value is Xiaoma's production capability in the TV drama field, as well as the Digital Domain they hold in their hands.

In addition, if Ms. Zhong Lifang is willing to join the Huayi family, we will definitely welcome her with open arms..."

The circle was waiting for Xiaoma's reply. Would they accept the merger? Or continue to seek an independent listing?

"There is only half a year left. According to the gambling agreement Xiaoma signed with the bank, if they cannot complete the listing before December 31st.

Then they will have to buy back the 750 million shares previously invested by China Construction Bank at a premium, and it will be a one-time cash buyback. Calculating it, it should exceed 1 billion."

This is the biggest news in the industry right now, and there isn't a single film and television company that isn't paying attention.

"Xiaoma's financing parties are not just China Construction Bank; their financing amount over the past 5 years is the highest in the industry, more than Huayi and Bona combined..."

Lin Nan muttered, and Yue Jun also nodded.

A few days ago, Xiaoma's IPO banquet had invited Lin Nan, but he politely declined, and in the end, it was Yue Jun who attended.

But just two days later, Lin Nan received word from Xiaoma, asking if he had any intention to invest, just like when he bought Huayi shares back then.

Lin Nan had spent 24 million back then to buy 8 million original shares of Huayi.

Now, adding the additional shares, calculated according to the secondary market stock price, it's about 500 million, a bloody profit.

It can't be said that Lin Nan took advantage, after all, Huayi also used his reputation.

But Xiaoma, that is almost a family business; I heard that even the chairman cannot make decisions alone. Lin Nan would have to have a problem with his brain to invest!

"Huayi's offer is not low. This news has only been out for less than half a day, and the stock price is rising again. I just don't know what attitude Xiaoma has." Yue Jun sighed.

Lin Nan revealed a smile at the corner of his mouth and said: "Rising is good. Maybe Xiaoma's senior management is holding a meeting right now."

On one side is being acquired, getting money and shares, and becoming the second-in-command on Huayi's big ship;

On the other side is continuing to take big risks to list independently; once successful, one is a giant.

One has to say, between these considerations, it is all a test and temptation of ambition, risk, and profit.

Enlight Media's *Badges of Fury*, although it hasn't been released for a full month, the box office has already fallen at 260 million, with no further progress.

The money earned by the previous film *So Young* has been lost again, making many people in the circle sigh.

In comparison, *Tiny Times* was released a week later than *Badges of Fury*.

Although the former started high and ended low, taking 13 days to stumble past 400 million, and its box office potential is almost exhausted, it is already highly profitable!

Moreover, sometimes one really cannot underestimate the fanaticism of fans, which is also the degree of brainlessness.

Guo Jingming and *Tiny Times* fans launched an initiative online.

They called on all fans who like Guo Jingming and *Tiny Times* to enter the cinema again and contribute to the film's box office.

Don't say it, once this initiative came out, a large number of fans really responded.

Immediately, *Tiny Times*'s box office was like it had taken medicine, showing a trend of a flash in the pan.

Its daily box office rushed back to 20 million, leaving the industry dumbfounded; I just don't know how many days it can last?

Everyone has always heard of fan films; this is probably the most straightforward fan film in the country so far!

Liu Yifei has been a bit busy these two days, almost always leaving early and returning late.

Besides her own announcements, she also took on public welfare advertisements; I heard it's about caring for small animals.

She just posted a photo on Weibo, with a black nose and whiskers drawn on her face, cat ears on her head, dressed as a cat, very cute, and she even tagged Lin Nan.

Many people in the circle left comments and likes, and there were even more fans.

"Wait until I go back this afternoon, I'll wear it for you to see."

Liu Yifei in the video call was in the same outfit as in the photo, pink and tender, like a cat.

"Okay, I'll wait. Better record your public welfare song first."

Lin Nan nodded lightly and responded gently.

"Is Director Lin not coming to visit Yifei on set?"

Several actors on Liu Yifei's side who were also recording public welfare ads greeted Lin Nan through the phone.

"No, if I go, I'll just be in the way and affect you all."

It seemed the director was calling people on that side; although Miss Liu was reluctant, she still decisively wanted to hang up the phone.

"I won't talk to you anymore, I have to start working."

"Okay, Producer Liu, you go ahead, call me if you need anything, hehe..." Lin Nan joked.

From the announcement of the project to the casting hype, *Swords of Legends*, which had been hyped for several months, finally started filming.

This game-adapted Xianxia drama, in the eyes of the industry, satisfies all the elements of success.

"The large-scale costume Xianxia drama *Swords of Legends*, controlled by H&R Century Pictures and co-invested by Enlight Media, China International Television Corporation, etc., starring Yang Mi, Li Yifeng, Ma Tianyu, Qiao Zhenyu, etc., officially started filming today at Hengdian World Studios."

"After 5 years, Yang Mi once again stars in a Xianxia drama; *Swords of Legends* will surpass the *Chinese Paladin* series..."

"Facing reporters' questions, Yang Mi refused to answer questions related to *Tiny Times*."

Returning to the office from Tiangong Color, Lin Nan was browsing the news while answering the phone.

Tang Mu is a night owl; choosing to call Lin Nan at night is just right, because it's daytime in the country.

"Lin, the registration for the regular Oscars awards has ended."

Lin Nan understood what this meant. That is, the public relations for the nominated films can start to be planned, or even carried out.

"The Appian Way side believes that we need to set the film's release schedule first, so that public relations and the theatrical release don't delay each other."

"What about the time?"

Honestly, this is the first time a film directed by Lin Nan has been distributed and released in North America.

The previous two foreign-language films had their copyrights sold directly at film festivals, and he hadn't paid much attention to the subsequent situations.

"Lionsgate's suggestion is to release it on December 1st; that time is also when the awards season officially begins."

Lin Nan thought about it; this time is indeed appropriate, and it's also when the nominated films are being evaluated, and the nomination list will be announced in mid-January.

"The time is fine, I will come over."

At this moment, Lin Nan already had a plan in his heart; after taking a trip to the Golden Horse Awards ceremony, he would have to go to Hollywood.

"Lin, there is still the most important thing." Tang Mu joked.

"Hmm?"

Just as he said it, Lin Nan slapped his own forehead; he had been negligent. Public relations, the most important thing is money.

"Haha, sorry Tang Mu, I forgot. What did the PR company say?"

"Crystal Pictures and Appian Way have contacted a total of three veteran PR companies. The budget quotes they gave are 12 million dollars, 13 million dollars, and 15 million dollars respectively.

They are all veterans of Oscar PR, with both successes and failures. Lin, I must remind you, this is just the budget!"

Tang Mu emphasized the last sentence.

According to Crystal Pictures' system, such a large sum of money, even if shared equally with Appian Way, still requires Lin Nan's consent, because this is not the film's production investment.

"I guess Leo will choose the 15 million dollar one, right?"

Lin Nan ignored Tang Mu's reminder and changed the subject.

"Haha, yes. He decisively chose the most expensive one and asked me to ask for your opinion."

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

I guess if there were another quote of 20 million US dollars, Little Leo would definitely prioritize the 20 million dollar one.

"Reply to Leo for me, I agree with his choice, let's choose the 15 million dollar one."

"Okay, Lin. I really look forward to you becoming the Oscar Best Director. In that case, the company's influence will be even greater."

Tang Mu's tone carried a hint of excitement and agitation; obviously, he was already looking forward to it.

"Is it to make it convenient for you to hook up with actresses?"

"My dear Lin, don't slander me like that, I just purely hope you succeed, hahaha..."

This laughter fully exposed the real thoughts of this guy Tang Mu; it was exactly what Lin Nan thought!

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan was also thinking about the matter of *The Invisible Guest* entering the country.

"Let's do it in the form of a quota film..."

Entering July, big news in the film circle came one after another.

*The Crossing*, which Han Sanping had been thinking about while on the set of *The Taking of Tiger Mountain*, finally started work.

This should be the most anticipated film project in the Chinese-language film circle in the second half of the year!

"The epic blockbuster *The Crossing*, jointly produced by China Film Group, Xiaoma, LeTV, and Huayi, directed by John Woo, starring Zhang Ziyi, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Song Hye-kyo, Huang Xiaoming, etc., officially started filming today."

"China Film Group Han Dong Sanping, accompanied by Huayi's Wang Zhonglei, LeTV's Zhang Zhao, Xiaoma's Li Ming, etc., arrived to deliver a speech!"

"It is reported that the initial investment for the epic blockbuster *The Crossing* is as high as 400 million, and it will be filmed and produced in two parts..."

"Director John Woo bluntly stated that *The Crossing* will be the *Titanic* of the East!"

The industry was like a pot exploding; more than half of the actors and artists in the film and television circle were posting online to promote *The Crossing*, and the sedan chair was carried very high!

"The last big stone in my heart has finally landed. If there are any projects in the next two months, I will push them to others."

When Han Sanping was on the phone with Lin Nan, a hint of relief could be heard in his voice.

Lin Nan thought about it and didn't say anything discouraging: "Then congratulations to Han Dong, for being light and free."

"Light and free? Hehe, *Man of Tai Chi* is not light. You kid refused me back then; now it seems you were indeed right to refuse!"

Han Sanping self-deprecatingly remarked again; this film was finished.

With an investment of 150 million, it only got 10 million in box office in three days; what else is there to play with?

Lin Nan really couldn't respond to this kind of bad film and bad box office, so he simply changed the subject.

"Han Dong, are there any quota film spots left this year?"

"Quota film? Do you want to buy a film to bring in?"

"My film *The Invisible Guest* will be released in North America in December, and I want to introduce it to the country in the form of a quota film." Lin Nan didn't hide it.

"There are still spots left this year, but I suggest you go find La Peikang at the end of the year and ask him for next year's quota film spots."

Han Sanping paused here, "You understand what I mean, right?"

Lin Nan was just stunned for a moment before he understood Han Sanping's intention: "I understand, thank you, Han Dong."

It really is necessary to thank Han Sanping; even at this point, he was still pointing out matters of interpersonal relations to Lin Nan.

Cooperation with the new chairman can completely start from asking for quota film spots, getting more and more familiar!

(End of chapter)