Chapter 484: Share Allocation; Snowflakes Drifting, North Wind Whistling

The first imported blockbuster of June, *Edge of Tomorrow*, was officially released.

Immediately following it, a week later, would be the Hollywood sci-fi monster movie *Godzilla*.

This month would undoubtedly be the most brutal month of slaughter in the domestic film market in the first half of the year, comparable to a large meat grinder.

Because from the beginning of the month to the end, there would be several Hollywood big productions like *Maleficent* and *Transformers 4* entering the field one after another, sharpening their knives, coming aggressively.

The domestic film circle already had little confidence in *Ip Man 3* and *The Breakup Guru*.

Many people even thought that these two movies might become Lin Nan Film's first Waterloo in commercial film investment.

"Lin Dao, the flight ticket has been booked, for the morning of the day after tomorrow."

"Mm, I know."

For the trip to the Shanghai Film Festival, the official side hoped Lin Nan would attend the industry exchange summit because he was one of the representative figures in the domestic film and television circle.

However, in Lin Nan's own heart, he treated this trip entirely as going to play, strolling around, and shopping.

"Hm? Should I go to Disneyland with Qianqian? She likes these things more. Anyway, it's all for fun, being happy is the most important."

Muttering in his heart, Lin Nan was about to send a message to Liu Qianqian. Miss Liu still had an engagement scheduled today, a brand activity.

A knock on the door sounded abruptly, "Come in."

"Lin Dao, the budget for *Mojin: The Lost Legend* has been made."

Hearing this, Lin Nan looked up and asked: "How much?"

"Between 150 million and 180 million; it mainly involves a large amount of outdoor special effects and virtual shots, the budget can't be more precise."

Lin Nan nodded; this budget range was already very reasonable.

After all, in *Ghost Blows Out the Light*, those magnificent and magical scenes and things all have to be made with real money, and they must be made as perfectly as possible.

"Better high than low, give me a written budget report."

As soon as Lin Nan's words fell, his own employees understood in a second; the budget starts at 180 million, and the written budget report is for Zhongying and the others.

"No problem, Lin Dao. I'll go back and prepare it now, it can be done before noon."

"Mm, go, get it to me as soon as possible."

After the person left, Lin Nan picked up his phone again.

Originally, his arrangement for the afternoon was just to go to Enlight and meet with the entire *Running Man* team.

But it seems now, he can also take the opportunity to invite the other companies out and handle the investment share matter for *Mojin: The Lost Legend*.

The day before the Shanghai International Film Festival opened was the Magnolia Awards ceremony.

Until today, the circle and the internet were still feeling sorry for the national son-in-law, and also feeling regret for Gao Yuanyuan.

If it weren't for that incident more than twenty days ago, he, who was nominated for Best Actor by virtue of *Let's Get Married*, would almost have already secured that trophy.

But now, there is absolutely no chance anymore.

Even Gao Yuanyuan was affected to a greater or lesser extent, and the probability of winning Best Actress dropped significantly.

You have to know, this *Let's Get Married* is the hottest TV series from last year to date, produced by CCTV and Mango TV.

It has background, it has influence, and it was even named and praised by the ministry. Can only say everything is fate, what a pity!

"What the hell, so ugly?"

"Truly outrageous, actually still a hermaphrodite?!"

"At that time, it was absolutely a state of unconsciousness, otherwise how could it be possible, normal people wouldn't be able to do that thing!"

As time passed, more and more inside stories were exposed, and netizens had their eyes opened. More and more people firmly believed that he was set up.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Lin Nan arrived at Enlight.

In the huge conference room, besides the seven resident guests of *Running Man*, there was also the project team composed of Lin Nan Film, Enlight, and the South Korean team.

As the only girl among the *Running Man* members, and also someone from Lin Nan Film, Reba was treated differently, like stars holding the moon.

Deng Chao, Wang Baoqiang, Chen He, Zhang Jin, Sha Yi, and Zheng Kai were all extremely enthusiastic, with an attitude of chatting and laughing.

"Lin Dao, thank you for the opportunity you gave me."

Zhang Jin was the last one to be finalized, and he was the first to rush up to thank him at this moment.

"You're welcome, later you can invite your 'Empress' to be a guest star. Of course, there's also Captain Deng's 'Imperial Concubine'."

Lin Nan joked with interest, drawing a burst of laughter from everyone.

"Good idea, I'll promise on her behalf," Deng Chao said happily.

"I think it works, she has time anytime."

"Brother Chao, at home, you make the call?"

"This question, I guarantee with my chest..."

A group of people chattered and started chatting.

Wang Changtian raised his hand, and everyone immediately quieted down.

"Everyone knows *Running Man* is very popular, and the market for *Running Man* is dozens of times that; you should understand what this means."

Everyone nodded slightly, all with smiles on their faces, with a hint of excitement.

"Whether it's the previous *Dad, Where Are We Going? * or the recent *Divas Hit the Road*, they are ready-made examples, explosive hits!"

"Our *Running Man* doesn't have their limitations, and its potential is countless times theirs."

"So everyone should understand, this will be a hit variety show without a full stop, a golden rice bowl that can be held up forever..."

Lin Nan also nodded on the side. Wang Changtian is very right; one example after another is right in front of our eyes; reality shows are the vent for the film and television entertainment circle!

"On the 25th of this month, the first season of *Running Man* officially starts recording... the first episode is planned to premiere in October..."

Nearly an hour later, a group of people in the conference room were chatting hotly, getting familiar, making dinner appointments, while Lin Nan and Wang Changtian had already set off for Zhongying.

"Currently, investment attraction is progressing smoothly, already over 100 million. But the TV station side is stuck."

Lin Nan knows about this matter; several TV stations want to see the first episode before bidding.

"It doesn't matter, this is the first season after all; the request to bid after seeing the finished product is very reasonable. If it's still like this later, then change to another one," Lin Nan said very decisively.

"That's what I think too."

As the two chatted, they arrived at Zhongying.

As the true helmsman of the domestic film and television industry, there are many people in the circle entering and leaving Zhongying every day.

After Lin Nan and Wang Changtian got off the car, they saw many "old" faces.

"Oh, quite a few people!"

"Isn't it. It's been so many years, and it's still these people who are shamelessly eating support funds."

"Filmed for a lifetime, couldn't film anything famous, just occupying the position and not moving their butts, all for that bit of money," Lin Nan complained.

Young directors, especially those from grassroots backgrounds, have drive and ideas, but no capital support.

The reason lies right here; the quota for applying for support funds is occupied by the older generation.

The film and television circle is a place that talks about seniority, relationships, and connections.

If you want to find funds from the state-owned enterprise side, there's no way, and it was already divided up clean long ago.

If you want to pull investment from private film and television companies, you have to have achievements, but where do newcomers get achievements?

The result of this situation is that a large number of talented people are buried; if they are lucky, they accumulate for a few years and have a chance to stand out, but more often they become dust and disappear.

Those engaged in this industry will inevitably slowly tend toward the second generation, third generation, and disciples with backgrounds...

"Let's go, this kind of problem, Han Dong, Chairman La, and the others can't solve it, let's not worry about it blindly."

Wang Changtian urged Lin Nan; this is a fundamental problem, very difficult to solve.

Many "old thieves" in the circle at Zhongying saw Lin Nan and Wang Changtian, but ignored them, because everyone is not on the same path.

"You two finally came."

Ye Ning stood far away at the entrance of the tea room and waved.

"How long has Chairman Ye been here?" Lin Nan asked with a smile.

"Forty minutes, maybe. Look, in Chairman La's office, it's very lively right now," Ye Ning smiled meaningfully.

"Who is inside?" Wang Changtian became interested.

"Should be the representatives of that group of people outside, right?" Lin Nan guessed.

"Heard that this year, the special film support funds allocated from above have doubled."

Hearing this, Lin Nan was stunned. No wonder so many people came today; they are all old cats who smelled the fishy scent.

In less than ten minutes, Chairman La's secretary ran over and invited the three to the chairman's office.

Lin Nan saw the five or six old men standing outside Chairman La's office from far away. Hm? There's also a young one, Lu Chuan!

"Truly a rare thing!"

"Although Lu Chuan still has a few international film festival awards, he really can't pull investment anymore. Who dares to invest in him? Look at how StarMe was set up by him!" Ye Ning mocked in a low voice.

The group of people over there also saw Lin Nan and the others; after a glance, they turned their heads away indifferently.

Lin Nan dared to bet that he saw Lu Chuan's biological father. Being brought by a parent? Taro, you can do it!

In Chairman La's office, he looked a bit exhausted.

"Sit down, all of you; just got annoyed for a long time. Sometimes I really admire Han Dong, hehe..."

This sentence, everyone heard and understood, and held back from laughing.

When Han Dong dealt with these old guys, he wouldn't grind with them at all.

Once a fund came down, he would first cut 30%, and if they didn't listen, he would cut it in half again.

In the end, he might not even give a dime, taking it all to invest in movies for newcomers; losing money is better than giving it to these people.

But this kind of thing, only Han Dong dared to do; after all, it was against the rules.

"Why do I see Lu Chuan came too, he shouldn't be eyeing those special funds, right?" Wang Changtian teased.

"Not just that, he was brought by Screenwriter Lu, wanting 10 million to film some realistic subject matter."

Chairman La's tone was a bit displeased; it seems it wasn't approved.

"Forget it, let's talk business. Lin Nan?"

Being named by Chairman La, Lin Nan took out the budget he brought, and several people immediately surrounded him.

"180 million?"

"Is it enough?" Ye Ning asked.

"This is the budget; if it's not enough, we'll talk about it later."

"Then might as well round it up to 200 million; I'll learn from Han Dong too," Chairman La smiled.

Good guy, that's right, this is indeed Han Dong's old style!

For the next half hour, after Lin Nan took the lead and took 50% of the share, the three companies Zhongying, Wanda, and Enlight started a tug-of-war.

Lin Nan had said before that he would take more this time, and the three companies had no objections.

But they didn't give an inch to each other, because this is a recognized money-making project—*Ghost Blows Out the Light*!

The final result was not beyond Lin Nan's expectation; Zhongying still took advantage.

"Lin Nan Film, 50%, responsible for production."

"Zhongying share 20%, responsible for distribution."

"Enlight share 15%, responsible for promotional business."

"Wanda share 15%, hm, can guarantee the screening rate."

After the four companies reached an agreement, today's business was considered done.

"The approximate start time is around late July or early August; Yue Jun will serve as the producer."

Lin Nan gave the approximate filming time; as for the things later, he wouldn't care.

In the second half of the year, he still has real serious business. The relatives of both sides have to sit together and have a meal.

The domestic media's business ability is getting stronger and stronger now.

The next morning, a piece of film information from across the ocean mixed into the front-page headlines of entertainment news and quickly became the focus of heated discussion in the entire film and television industry.

"Reprinted from Hollywood Film Daily:"

"Produced by Crystal Film, directed by Lin Dao Nan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Chastain, Matt Damon, and others."

"The drama film *Manchester by the Sea* will hold a one-week screening ceremony in a small Hollywood town three days later..."

"It is reported that *Manchester by the Sea* will only conduct small-scale screenings, and there is no plan for public release!"

"Following *The Invisible Guest*, Lin Dao Nan will likely take his new work *Manchester by the Sea* on a second journey to chase the Oscars!"

"The imported blockbuster *Edge of Tomorrow* was released on Friday, with a first-day box office of 41.2 million, and audience reviews are overwhelming."

The film and television circle was indeed shocked, because anyone who understands the Oscar registration mechanism can see it clearly.

Holding a screening before July, and with no public release plan in the short term, this is aimed at registering for the Oscars!

The most terrifying thing is that Lin Nan is chasing the Oscars for two consecutive years; it's fiercely unbelievable.

Most people online are watching the spectacle, while those in the industry are truly focused and discussing it.

"Is Lin Dao Nan infected by Leo?"

"Have to say, Lin Dao is awesome! Hope he can go further this time and take the Best Director award!"

"Lin Dao is the only one in the mainland film circle! Not only the first mainland winner of a little golden man, but also the first big director to chase the Oscars for two consecutive years."

"Waiting for him to win the award, then ask him to invite me to film, I can consider forgiving the *Mojin: The Lost Legend* matter," Zhou Xun's message was a bit arrogant, making many people gossip.

"How about directly @ Lin Dao and ask him if it's true?"

"Mm, based on my understanding of him, it's absolutely true!"

"Brother Lin Nan, come on!"

Just when a group of industry acquaintances were using Weibo as a chat group, Liu Qianqian jumped out.

"Ask him? Then you have to wait; Lin Nan is helping me feed the cat, let me say it."

"That's right, *Manchester by the Sea* is indeed for registering for the Oscars, so it's conducting screenings. Mm, only saying this much."

Behind the Weibo post Liu Qianqian sent out, she also added a winking and tongue-sticking emoji, indicating that her mood was very good.

Many people instantly surrounded her, @-ing her one after another.

"Since the director's wife has spoken, then there is no doubt. Emphasize again, Lin Dao is awesome!"

"Qianqian, what do you mean by 'only saying this much'? Could it be there's something else not said?"

"Hahaha, wouldn't it be that he didn't just register for the Oscars? Uh... wouldn't it?"

After Lin Nan finished portioning out a whole bag of cat food, he saw Liu Qianqian holding his phone, not knowing who she was talking to.

After walking closer, he heard clearly.

"Your Lin Nan is too much of an animal, wouldn't it be better to rest for a while? Going on like this makes us other directors seem a bit unenterprising."

"Director Ning, you actually have the nerve to say that? Does Sister Ai Na know? Haha..."

Liu Qianqian was laughing, and the light beside her suddenly dimmed a bit.

She looked up, then happily handed the phone to Lin Nan, blinked her eyes, and teased in a low voice: "Director Ning's face is getting thicker and thicker."

"Hey, talking about whose face? No matter what, I'm your senior, give some face, okay?"

On the phone, Ning Hao's protesting voice came.

"I think our Producer Liu is right, Director Ning is getting more and more unreliable now."

Lin Nan also added a knife, then laughed.

"Speak, why did you suddenly call, it absolutely can't be for my movie screening."

"Golden Horse is registering next month, they are inviting me over there, what do you think?" Ning Hao talked about serious business.

"Ask me? They didn't invite me to be a judge, I can't help you either. Besides, I'm not familiar with this year's chair and jury members," Lin Nan said speechlessly.

"Isn't it because you have experience? Come to consult you, should I go to Golden Horse or Hundred Flowers? Anyway, our horoscope definitely clashes with Golden Rooster."

"If you ask me, you just want the award too much. Draw lots; the moment you open the note, you will know what you want."

Lin Nan gave an old-fashioned suggestion, to avoid nagging if he doesn't win in the end.

"This, can it work? Alright, alright, I'll try."

After Ning Hao hung up, Lin Nan shook his head at Liu Qianqian:

"*No Man's Land* is in trouble. It doesn't fit Golden Horse's taste at all. As for Hundred Flowers? In the past years of Hundred Flowers Awards, this kind of depressing movie has never won an award!"

"Then wouldn't he be hit again? When he came back from Berlin, he said he regretted not listening to you, should have brought the original version over, to gamble for the Golden Bear, even if he was banned, it would be worth it."

Liu Qianqian looked at Lin Nan and sighed.

"If he's hit, he's hit; film commercial movies well in the future."

Lin Nan said indifferently, and remembered the Shanghai matter, "By the way, my flight ticket is the morning of the day after tomorrow, the hotel has been booked."

"Mm, I still have activities during the day, setting off in the evening, you come to the airport to pick me up at night."

Liu Qianqian grabbed Lin Nan's hand and shook it gently, her eyes full of deep love, her smile very sweet.

"No problem, we'll have a good time for a few days then."

Lin Nan held Liu Qianqian's hand and added the last sentence: "Then prepare for the engagement ceremony in the second half of the year."

Hearing this, a layer of blush instantly appeared on Miss Liu's face, pink and tender, very alluring.

She nodded gently, smiling like a fool: "Mm, at that time, engagement..."

As for the most important thing, Lin Nan has to plan well... how to propose.

Honestly, thinking about this matter, he was actually a bit nervous? After all, it's the first time getting married!

Happy Mahua's external casting for *Goodbye Mr. Loser* had been going on for half a month, and this half month was truly "suffering white eyes."

Because actors who are slightly famous and relatively popular don't look down on their own crew.

These people, one by one, are arrogant; either they dislike Happy Mahua for being a small company with no movie production experience, or they dislike main actors like Shen Teng and Ma Li for having low status and are unwilling to play supporting roles.

Even if they put out Lin Nan's banner, the other side just had an extremely good attitude, but still refused the movie invitation.

"I talked and talked with the boss to invite Lin Dao to watch the audition. He is going to the Shanghai Film Festival tomorrow; he originally planned to rest at home for a day."

Yan Fei exhorted Shen Teng, Ma Li, and others. In order for the audition effect to be more intuitive, these two had to act directly with the auditioning actors.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the audition for Happy Mahua officially started.

All the actors who came to audition didn't have anything to do with the word "popular," but there were also many professional actors.

Lin Nan couldn't resist Zhang Chen's invitation, so he drove to Happy Mahua.

Just as he was brought upstairs, he ran into an old acquaintance head-on.

"Oh my, it's really been a long time, Senior Brother Tian."

"Haha, it's been seven or eight years. Lin Dao is quite busy, and I've been running between the theater, home, and the crew all day, haven't really gone out much."

The person in front of Lin Nan was exactly Tian Yu.

Since the public release of *Space Cruise*, the two hadn't really met; the last time they met seemed to be during the casting for *Lust, Caution*.

Lin Nan clearly remembered that Tian Yu was very decadent at the time and asked him a question: Is fame really that important?

At that time, Lin Nan didn't answer directly, because for most actresses, the female lead in an Ang Lee movie is truly a chance to reach the sky in one step!

Since then, the two had only chatted a few times via text and online.

"Senior Brother Tian came to audition?"

"Right, came to audition for a big supporting role, it's a teacher's role, already finished auditioning."

"Then it must be a success, after all, you've been acting in stage plays for years," Lin Nan said with a smile.

"Lin Dao is too kind, no result yet, I'll go back and wait first," Tian Yu said happily.

"I think it's absolutely no problem."

"Borrowing Lin Dao's lucky words, you came to watch the audition, right? I won't delay your time."

"Alright, Senior Brother Tian, take care."

Standing by the window watching Tian Yu's departing figure, Lin Nan felt some emotion.

In today's film and television circle, how many people still remember that the currently red-hot Tang Wei was once his girlfriend? And it was the kind that lasted for several years.

Following the Happy Mahua people, just as he walked to the door of the audition conference room, he heard a roar inside:

"No! No! This question is too hard, I can't do it! Can't do it!"

Lin Nan was startled, dazed for a moment, "You guys are auditioning, and you're doing questions?"

"Lin Dao, this should be the lines."

Hearing this answer, Lin Nan realized that he had just been distracted, still thinking about Tian Yu's matter.

At this time, the conference room door opened, and an actor walked out.

The moment he saw Lin Nan, he was stunned, then immediately bowed and greeted: "Hello Lin Dao, I am Yin Zheng, here to audition for Yuan Hua in *Goodbye Mr. Loser*..."

"Mm."

Nodding, Lin Nan entered the conference room.

Don't know why, a lyric suddenly popped into his head: "Snowflakes drifting, north wind whistling..."

Inside, Shen Teng was arguing with Yan Fei, "I think Wang Ning is more suitable for Yuan Hua."

"But I think the Yin Zheng just now is better."

"I also think the one just now is not bad."

Lin Nan's voice was small, but it made everyone present instantly quiet down.

"Then, then let's go with Yin Zheng. Lin Dao, sit here."

Zhang Chen made the final decision, and Yan Fei and Shen Teng stopped arguing.

"I just saw Tian Yu, how is he?"

"Hm? Lin Dao knows him? Oh, right, remembered. He acted in *Space Cruise*!"

Yan Fei patted his forehead, "No problem, he acted very well, will notify him of the casting later."

Wang Zhi's audition made everyone at Happy Mahua's eyes light up.

Her figure and appearance were both very good, more than enough to play a school beauty; Yan Fei and the others unanimously felt there was no problem.

Lin Nan glanced at the information and didn't say anything.

He had promised not to interfere before, and just now he was just pushing the boat with the current.

At this moment, he couldn't just inexplicably speak out to deny it because the other person was from Zhao Yanzi's studio. The current Zhao Yanzi is closely following Alibaba's pace and can be considered a person in the circle who is in the prime of her life.

"How does Lin Dao feel?"

"Not bad, figure is good, appearance is quite pure. Haven't you all already decided to use her."

Lin Nan said with a smile, giving an objective evaluation.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 485 =====