Chapter 429

"In the morning, Lin Dao Nan, representing the production companies of the film 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy'—China Film, Wanda, and Light Media—signed a total box-office wagering revenue-sharing agreement with national cinema chains."

"This agreement continued the total box-office wagering revenue-sharing ratio established by 'The Genius' and 'Pacific Rim'."

"That is: when the total box office of 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy' falls into three different ranges—below 800 million, between 800 million and 1.2 billion, and above 1.2 billion—the production company, according to the revenue-sharing agreement, will receive 43%, 44.5%, and 46% of the distributable box office, respectively."

"Another eye-dazzling news item!"

"The entire production industry couldn't help but sigh; only Lin Nan could tackle these cinema chains."

"Other film companies, including the two industry leaders, Star Media and Huayi Brothers, had all previously tried to curry favor with cinema chains by lowering their revenue-sharing ratios in exchange for increased screening quotas."

"Compared to Lin Nan, the behavior of these two companies was undoubtedly inferior."

"Thinking about it, Lin Nan was far stronger than Zhang Zhang Weiping, who two years ago had used Zhang Zhang Yimou to bully the cinema chains."

"Otherwise, he could not have made the cinema chains willingly sign total box-office wagering revenue-sharing agreements one after another."

"In contrast, Zhang Zhang Weiping was directly removed from the scene after a complete defeat."

"The root cause lies in the fact that the box office speaks for itself, and in this regard, Lin Nan is far superior to Zhang Zhang Yimou."

"..."

"The New Year's film season is like a large battlefield, with several films released and participating every day."

"But most films will inevitably become cannon fodder, serving as foils and backdrops for a few select movies."

"And these few select movies are almost all directed by major directors or are major productions."

"They come with built-in topics and traffic, possess a certain audience base, and have stronger box-office appeal; this is an advantage that other films find difficult to surpass!"

"As a mainstream commercial blockbuster directed by Lin Nan and released during the Spring Festival, 'Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy' will only be even more impressive!"

"But even so, Lin Nan hoped to make the film's promotion as extreme as possible."

"'Storm', 'Private Custom'... don't ask me about these films; at most, I'll squeeze in time to attend the premiere of 'New Police Story 2013'."

"Looking at the stack of invitations in Yue Jun's hand, Lin Nan said wordlessly."

"These people had sent invitations specifically naming him, but where could he find so much time and energy? He didn't even have the mood."

" 'In the end, it's because Lin Dao, you've had too much news recently, and all of it has been the kind of shocking big news, so everyone is keeping an eye on you. Haha...' "

"Yue Jun said with a chuckle, looking as if he shared in the glory."

"Lin Nan gave no definite answer; weren't these people exactly thinking along those lines?"

"He had been back for two days, yet many media outlets still wanted to schedule interviews; right now, some were already camping out downstairs at the company building."

" 'You handle it; I'll head back first. Tomorrow I still have to go do promotion with Guo Fan and the others.' "

"As he spoke, Lin Nan stood up and walked out; Yue Jun followed him out of the office."

"............"

"At noon, Li Li Bingbing posted a group photo with Deng Deng Wendi."

"Just like that, the attention of the mainland entertainment industry, after a six-month gap, was once again drawn to this Ms. Deng."

"From the 'divorce' announcement mid-year to the completion of the procedures these past two days, Deng Deng Wendi made no fuss, behaving with unusual calmness and cooperation."

"This attitude of humility and obedience allowed her, despite having a prenuptial property agreement, to receive compensation described by the media tycoon as 'a drop in the bucket'."

"That is, Deng Deng Wendi received real estate worth hundreds of millions of US dollars, including a Sihe Academy in the capital, as well as a breakup fee of hundreds of millions of US dollars."

"These were actually secondary; what the entertainment industry cared about most was that Deng Deng Wendi simultaneously posted on Weibo:"

"She stated that she would invest in the film and television media company of the Li Li Bingbing sisters, providing assistance and a bridge for domestic films and actors to go global."

"It must be said, this was a precise grasp of the domestic film and entertainment industry."

"Even though she had divorced the media tycoon, relying on her years of connections and wealth, she remained a big shot in the industry, a capital force! She could make countless actors and artists bend over backwards to flatter and fawn."

"At eight-something the next morning, Lin Nan met several long-unseen key crew members."

"Han Han Sanping, Zhang Zhang Hanyu, Fan Li Bingbing, Luo Jin, Guo Fan, Han Jia."

" 'Eh? Where's Huang Jiaozhu?' Lin Nan asked."

" 'Lin Dao, you've forgotten so quickly? He's very busy. 'The Spoiled Woman is the Best', 'The Splendid Romance of Jinxiu', and I heard there's still a bit of filming left on 'The Crossing'.' "

"Fan Li Bingbing reminded him with a smile, not forgetting to tease Huang Huang Xiaoming."

" 'Fortunately, he returns every three or four days to cooperate with promotion, and so far, no mistakes have been made,' Guo Fan explained."

"Lin Nan patted his forehead; he had indeed forgotten that matter."

" 'His schedule is indeed quite tight, what with all these overlapping roles.' "

"It was only because Huang Huang Xiaoming had good relationships and was still a top-tier leading actor and Golden Rooster Best Actor that he could overlap with Ang Lee's film; if it were anyone else, they couldn't have done it."

"Thinking of this, Yang Mi's image unconsciously popped into Lin Nan's mind; she had also been out of her mind back then, deliberately walking straight into Chen Chen Kaige's line of fire!"

" 'Where's Lu Feifei? She isn't here today either?' Han Jia looked around and asked Lin Nan."

"A few days ago during promotion, she and Liu Lu Feifei were the only two girls of similar age in the crew who could chat; not seeing her today felt a bit strange."

"Lin Nan couldn't help but smile; Miss Liu was still sleeping at home right now, and her reason was quite legitimate:"

" 'She said that since I'm back, she'll let me handle it; she's giving herself a few days off to rest properly.' "

" 'Tsk, just being lazy, with so many excuses...' "

" 'Let's go, hurry up and set off. We've already arranged with the Central Academy of Drama to hold the film promotion meeting this morning,' Han Han Sanping urged."

"Let's go, hurry up and set off—we've already arranged with the Central Academy of Drama to hold the film promotion event this morning," Han Han Sanping urged.

"On the seventh day of 'No Man's Land' release, the daily box office dropped below twenty million, ending at 17.2 million."

"The large number of positive reviews online showed that this road crime film demonstrated considerable box-office potential and vitality."

"In contrast, 'The Four II' was different."

"After three days of intense heat, it had accumulated a box office of 89.34 million."

"But on the fourth day, the daily box office was directly halved from the previous day's 26.4 million to 12.2 million."

But on the fourth day, the daily box office revenue plummeted from the previous day's 26.4 million to a mere 12.2 million.

This drop in daily box office made the entire film circle wince. This wasn't a normal decline anymore — it was the posture of an avalanche!

The situation of "The Four Great Constables 2" also made the production industry once again develop some resistance toward traditional martial arts films.

Maybe there's really no saving it.

Director Lu Yang was still polishing "Brotherhood of Blades 2," and he had also seen this news.

But in his eyes, the "Brotherhood of Blades 2" in his hands was different from "The Four Great Constables 2," and he himself was different from Chen Chen Jiashang.

"Even Xu Ke has found a new style. By contrast, Director Chen Chen Jiashang still hasn't broken through — he's fallen behind…"

After muttering that, Director Lu Yang once again buried himself in the script of "Brotherhood of Blades 2."

He was confident that within half a month, he could absolutely nail the final draft of the script, and then it would be time to greenlight the project!

……

During this period, if you had to ask which actor in the circle was the most aggrieved, or the most mocked.

Then it would probably be Yang Mi.

Since leaving Shanhai Media at the beginning of the year, she had been the subject of discussion in the circle.

A large portion of fans supported her going independent, while another portion felt she shouldn't have left the big tree of Lin Nan Pictures.

Plenty of competitors and companies were probably waiting to see her make a fool of herself.

Fortunately, over the past year, the box office of several films and TV dramas had sent her fan count soaring, and her pay and market value had been climbing all the way, firmly placing her at the front of the top-tier young actresses.

But the news during this period truly made her the object of mockery in the industry — the kind she couldn't refute!

Even the crew members of "Tiny Times 3" looked at her with a hint of complexity in their eyes. Was that pity? Sympathy? Or Schadenfreude?

"Who would have thought Lin Dao hid it so deep. He's not a minor shareholder of Crystal Pictures — he's the big boss with more than half the shares…

He owns a famous Hollywood film company! 'The Invisible Guest' has already crossed 100 million USD at the box office…"

Yang Mi murmured softly, her face extremely gloomy, her heart aching as if bleeding.

She knew what she had lost. Unknowingly, she had lost her chance at Hollywood.

"Zhang Yi even got into the 'Pacific Rim' crew… It proves all of us had a chance. Why didn't I just wait a little longer?"

"Mimi, are you thinking about all that nonsense again?"

Ceng Jia walked over at just the right moment. Where in this world is there a regret pill to take? Even if there were, she couldn't take it…

"Deng Jiajia?"

"Think about it — looking across the mainland entertainment circle, apart from those award-winning big actresses who've starred in foreign-language films, among the young actresses, who else can compare to you?"

Seeing Yang Mi still wearing a face of grievance and entanglement, Ceng Jia continued: "Don't overthink it. You're already the most outstanding young actress.

Those big actresses, even Liu Liu Yifei — don't they all rely on big-name directors or giant companies? From that angle, you don't have their backing yet you've fought your way to where you are — you're truly a model of inspiration!"

Yang Mi forced out a faint smile. Ceng Jia's words were right, but she still couldn't let go.

"One more thing — according to plan, after the New Year our studio will upgrade into a company. As for the name, I'm preparing to keep using 'Jiaxing' — we'll call it 'Jiaxing Media.' What do you think?"

"Mm, up to you, it's all the same…"

Yang Mi nodded and said casually. She didn't care about these things.

…………

Central Academy of Drama. The theater auditorium.

Han Han Sanping held the microphone, lecturing on stage about the educational significance of the film "The Taking of Mount Mount Weihu."

Actually, there was no need to go into such detail, because among the plays Central Academy of Drama normally rehearsed, there was already "The Taking of Mount Mount Weihu."

But the nearly two hundred-plus students, teachers, and department leaders below still listened very attentively.

After all, the person standing on stage was Han Han Sanping!

"Senior Lin, my dad clearly plays a villain, but the way he's carrying on now, he looks more like Yang Yang Zirong?!"

Han Jia was the assistant director, so she sat beside Lin Nan. By leaning slightly to one side, she could whisper.

Lin Nan glanced at Han Han Sanping again.

Mm, wasn't that just the case?

Han Han Sanping, gesturing expansively and speaking with easy confidence, looked every inch a heroic figure.

This was exactly the tone he used when giving speeches in public back when he was chairman!

In less than five minutes, Han Han Sanping finished speaking, and warm applause immediately erupted from below — no less than the applause Lin Nan had just received.

"Why do I feel like coming to Central Academy of Drama this time gives me the feeling of being back at Beijing Film Academy? We're so popular!" Guo Fan also said softly.

"Mm? It should be because of Lin Dao…" Fan Li Bingbing chimed in with a smile.

Lin Nan took the microphone again. As was customary, the next step for him as director was to answer some questions about the film.

He had originally expected the Central Academy of Drama students to ask some fairly professional questions, but the result was not that.

"Lin Dao, 'The Invisible Guest' has been out 11 days and earned 140 million USD. How much can you get?"

This tacky question instantly livened up the atmosphere on site, and even Han Han Sanping and the others were amused.

"Haha, I can only say that Crystal Pictures can get half of the distributable box office." Lin Nan gave half an answer.

"Lin Dao, the school previously invited you to teach at Central Academy of Drama. Why didn't you agree?"

Goodness — once this question was asked, all the Central Academy of Drama students seemed to prick up their ears, while only the teachers and department leaders in the front rows laughed helplessly.

"Central Academy of Drama has more than enough outstanding teachers. It doesn't need an inexperienced newcomer like me — wouldn't you agree?"

Lin Nan still did not publicly state that he would be teaching at Beijing Film Academy.

His news had been plentiful enough lately. In the headlines, he should leave some space for others.

"The art exams are about to start. Can Lin Dao come to Central Academy of Drama and serve as an examiner for once?"

No one knew which student had asked that, but even the department leaders in the front rows widened their eyes, clearly tempted.

"So you see, we just don't have the fate. During that period, besides the Oscar campaign, I also had film plans to work on…"

"A film project?"

……

These people really wouldn't let Lin Nan go, firing off questions for nearly an hour.

Fortunately, the Central Academy of Drama leg of *Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy* wrapped up successfully.

After the crew had a "hospitality banquet" at the Central Academy of Drama, it wasn't long before everyone headed home.

Still, the media moves fast — what Lin Nan had said at the Central Academy of Drama had already been reported.

"Lin Dao Nan is rumored to be greenlighting a new film early next year. Specifics are still pending further details…"

………

"Haha, 'further details'? Why does that sound like a matchmaking setup!"

Liu Liu Yifei hugged Lin Nan's arm, her head resting against his shoulder, laughing nonstop.

"Alright, what's so funny. Back then I really was starting to think about making *Manchester by the Sea*."

Lin Nan slipped an arm around Liu Liu Yifei's waist and said with a soft laugh.

"It's just that the media are so funny — you only said the four words 'film project,' and they put you on the front page, all proper and serious about it."

"That's their job, haha…"

Before Lin Nan finished speaking, his phone on the table buzzed.

"Director La?"

Liu Liu Yifei instantly let go of Lin Nan, letting him take the call, while she stood beside him with a smile, not interrupting.

"Hello, Director La?"

"Let me tell you — you two lovebirds are about to become competitors…"

Five minutes later, Lin Nan said goodbye to Beside La La Peikang and hung up.

"What is it?"

Liu Liu Yifei leaned in, asking curiously.

"Mm, Liu Qianqian, the two of us might have to throw down."

"Huh? Why?"

Seeing Lin Nan's dead-serious look, Liu Liu Yifei frowned and pressed him.

"Look at that silly face of yours — it's about a movie. The animated film *Frozen* you voice-starred in: China Film and Disney have already locked in the release schedule."

"When?"

Hearing this, Liu Liu Yifei's eyes went wide with excitement.

This was her first time voice-acting for a major animated feature — and in both Chinese and English, no less!

"The sixth day of the New Year, just five days after *Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy*. Different tracks, sure, but still competitors! Because they'll use you in the marketing!"

Lin Nan laughed and pinched Liu Liu Yifei's cheek — so smooth and soft.

That kind of publicity wasn't a bad thing; in a way, it was promoting Liu Liu Yifei too.

The mainland media were sure to get even more worked up.

Because "Liu Liu Yifei's *Frozen* and Lin Nan's *Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy* are going head-to-head in the same release window" — now that's a juicy headline, isn't it?

………

(End of chapter)