Chapter 593: Lei Jiayin, Wang Baoqiang

The next morning, the entire film and television circle paid attention to the announcement issued by Hong Kong's Edko Films.

After dragging it out for three and a half months, they finally couldn't drag it out any longer.

"According to relevant document policies, the company has decided to re-shoot the fantasy film *Monster Hunt*, which starred the disgraced artist Ke.

Actor Jing Boran will serve as the male lead to complete the filming of all live-action shots... It is estimated that the film can land in theaters and meet the audience within the year."

Although this news came abruptly, the industry actually had psychological preparation long ago.

After all, it was the male lead who had the incident; it wasn't something that could be solved by deleting scenes;

and a film with an investment of two or three hundred million couldn't be abandoned, so they had no choice but to bite the bullet and replace the actor for a re-shoot.

But the actor's salary cost would inevitably double, and the pressure to break even would instantly skyrocket!

Quite a few companies and countless artists in the circle were a bit envious, because this *Monster Hunt* had already become a cake for the "Huayi system," with both the male and female leads being pocketed.

In the eyes of peers, Edko Films was truly acting a bit like a sucker this time.

"The 27th, right? Hmm, okay, I will arrive on time. I haven't congratulated Wang Zong yet; Huayi's market value is about to exceed 70 billion."

Lin Nan said a rare compliment, which made Wang Zhonglei feel a bit uncomfortable. After a second, he spoke:

"Congratulations to you too. Doesn't Lin Dao also hold six million shares of the group? This time, there will be an additional increase."

"Then I will look forward to the day of the shareholders' meeting."

"Lin Dao can reconsider the previous proposal. Huayi is the largest listed company in the film and television industry, and 100 billion is in sight... If you really must leave, I can buy it all in a package..."

"No need, I don't like giving discounts to others."

Lin Nan refused directly, causing the other party to choke.

"Alright then, I won't disturb you."

The other end of the phone instantly became more "indifferent," losing the enthusiasm from just a moment ago.

After ending the call, a trace of disdainful smile couldn't help but appear on Lin Nan's face.

Wang Zhonglei actually still thought about taking advantage? Isn't this daydreaming?

"This is the last time I will attend Huayi's shareholders' meeting. In a few months, we can say goodbye completely.

100 billion in sight? Hehe. 100 billion in sight relying on real estate and financial businesses?

You have completely forgotten that when Huayi was listed, it was listed as a film and television cultural industry! Or, were you pretending to be confused while knowing the truth?"

Looking at Huayi's market value and stock price online, Lin Nan couldn't help but mutter in his heart. The "transaction" with Huayi back then was truly not a loss; he earned dozens of times over!

However, remembering Yue Jun's call yesterday afternoon, Lin Nan felt a bit of a headache again.

"Better wait for him to call me. Missing one resident guest, there are definitely plenty of people in the circle fighting for it..."

……

Having just returned from Hollywood a few days ago, he had to arrange the itinerary for Berlin again.

Liu Yifei even valued this trip to Berlin more than Lin Nan, and even took the initiative to ask when they were departing, so she could have someone notify the brand side.

Lin Dao originally thought she was concerned about the two of them flying to Paris during the Berlin International Film Festival.

But the answer he heard was another very sweet kind.

"Going to Paris is something you, the prospective son-in-law, should take the initiative to worry about.

As for me caring about going to the film festival? Who told you that you didn't bring me the first two times you went to Berlin to attend the film festival and won awards?"

Liu Yifei sat there, raising her chin slightly, raised her eyebrows at Lin Nan, and then pinned a "crime" on him!

"Xixi, heaven and earth are my witness! When I won the Silver Bear for Best Director for the first time, you were with the *Return of the Condor Heroes* crew, and we hadn't confirmed our relationship yet;

the second time I won the Silver Bear for Best Director, you were training at a martial arts school, preparing for the start of *The Forbidden Kingdom*. What do you mean I didn't bring you?"

Lin Nan laughed and shouted injustice; it was too unjust.

"Hmph, I don't care. In any case, the fact is that I wasn't there and you didn't bring me."

Miss Liu looked at Lin Nan with a playful expression of "I'm not prepared to reason with you," and the meaning was very clear: this time, I am going to Berlin with you with a "special status"!

How could Lin Nan not see Liu Yifei's proud little thoughts? He couldn't help but nod and plead guilty in a hurry:

"Hmm, hmm, my fault, my fault. It was only the third time I went to the Berlin International Film Festival to compete that I remembered to bring you, my girlfriend and fiancée. With Producer Liu holding the fort this time, it's definitely not going to be a Silver Bear."

"I'll let you pass, hee hee..."

Miss Liu's shrewdness passed, and a silly smile appeared on her face again; she could truly switch freely.

"Then let's book the flight for the 2nd? Xixi."

"Okay."

……

The film circle has been missing Han Sanping for more than 15 months.

Whenever there is a major imported blockbuster to be released in the mainland during a major slot, everyone especially misses this "Vulture" who was once "gritted teeth" and cursed behind his back by most of his peers in the circle.

Unfortunately, no matter how much they miss him, it's useless. The one in charge now is La Peikang.

In the January He Sui slot, the first imported blockbuster to be released is *The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies*.

When the entire crew of this film ran to the country to attend the film conference and showed that they attached great importance to it, the audience had already been conquered by more than half.

There's no need to think about the box office; it definitely won't be bad. And the producers of a crowd of domestic films can only be full of anger, speechless and helpless!

In the afternoon, when Lin Nan went out for an appointment, Yue Jun was also meeting with Lei Jiayin at the company.

On the side of Shanhai Media, usually only a few artists and their logistics teams would come over.

At this time, Lei Jiayin was sitting in the office looking slightly constrained, with his agent beside him, while opposite him was Yue Jun, who was in charge of all Shanhai Media business.

"Is Director Yue talking about my contract today?"

Lei Jiayin asked knowing the answer, but he had to ask knowing the answer. Because his heart was actually very uneasy, and he just happened to use this to cover it up.

"Hmm, that's right, your contract has two months left. I won't beat around the bush..."

Both the agent and Lei Jiayin looked at Yue Jun, their hearts drumming.

"There are three development models for actors and artists in the film and television circle now.

First, be a pure actor, signed under a film or brokerage company;

Second, open a studio or company to work alone, like Zhu Yawen, Shu Chang, Yang Mi, and the others;

Third, the company supports the artist to open a studio, hanging under the company's name. Of course, in this model, both sides are in a cooperative relationship, and the company will hold shares."

After Yue Jun finished speaking, he looked at Lei Jiayin.

The latter had a vague guess in his heart; the company didn't want him to choose the first one, or rather, the company didn't want to renew the contract, letting him pick between the latter two!

"You also know the current environment; salaries are constantly rising... You will earn more..."

Listening to Yue Jun's supplementary words, Lei Jiayin's brain turned rapidly. The company had made up its mind; they wanted him to stand on his own feet?!

"Director Yue, when their contracts expire, will they also have this step?"

"Hmm. Lin Dao said, it doesn't even exclude talking about this matter in advance."

Hearing this, Lei Jiayin swallowed his saliva.

Choosing the second one, meaning he is his own boss, is the one that earns the most among the three options. But the third one...

"Director Yue, I have decided..."

"Good, then let's do it this way. Keep Lin Dao's words confidential from the others."

"Director Yue, we, we understand."

…………

Don't say, Wang Baoqiang wearing black-rimmed glasses actually looked quite the part.

Lin Nan was keeping an appointment with Wang Baoqiang; the latter invited him for afternoon tea; as for what it was about, he had an idea in his heart.

"Speak up. Yue Jun called me, but he only briefly mentioned your matter."

Wang Baoqiang was a bit embarrassed, but he still spoke.

"Lin Dao, the company previously accepted other announcements for me, and the time conflicts with the recording of the second season of *Running Man*..."

"*Running Man* is recorded while being broadcast; if this still conflicts, then it seems your other announcement is very busy?"

Lin Nan analyzed, and added: "That's fine, an actor with pursuits really shouldn't be a resident on variety shows."

For this actor from a grassroots background, Wang Baoqiang, he still appreciated him very much, and the other party was also very good at conducting himself.

Wang Baoqiang's expression was a bit awkward:

"Lin Dao, actually, actually that side is also a variety show. It's a variety show with military colors, with the participation of the troops. Eating, living, and recording are all in the troops, and I can't leave during the period.

I have to enter the troops in early February and can only come out in late March... I can't say the name of the variety show; I signed a confidentiality agreement... And the second season of *Running Man* is planned to start recording in early March..."

Lin Nan was stunned for a moment, then nodded.

With Wang Baoqiang's personality, he would indeed prefer this "tough guy" style of variety show; after all, his breakout work was *Soldiers Sortie*.

Lin Nan understood that this kind of thing couldn't be forced, "Alright, I respect your choice. It's just that we have to find someone to replace you within a month and a half."

Suddenly, Lin Dao thought of another important matter, "Is the schedule after your variety show recording ends still available?"

In an instant, Wang Baoqiang's eyes widened, his tone quite excited: "Yes, yes, it is, Lin Dao?"

"There is a film that might start filming in April; I need a male lead, hehe..."

"I, I, no problem, I am at your beck and call. Even if there are other contracts, I will terminate them immediately and pay the liquidated damages..."

"Hmm, then wait until you come back in late March and come to the company to talk."

"Don't worry, absolutely no problem, thank you Lin Dao, thank you..."

…………

Last year at the end of August, after Wanda announced a 1 billion box office guarantee for the distribution of *Gone with the Bullets* produced by Bu Yi Le Hu Film Industry.

LeTV Pictures decisively withdrew *The Rise of a Tomboy* from the December 18th New Year slot, which was highly favored by big data, and rescheduled it for release on January 16th.

This move had a clear purpose: to avoid *Gone with the Bullets*, which would definitely receive special care from Wanda theaters in terms of scheduling.

But what about now? It did indeed avoid *Gone with the Bullets*, but it didn't live up to expectations; it flopped as it should have. 4.86 million on the first day, rotten to the extreme.

First *Gone with the Bullets*, then *The Rise of a Tomboy*, two films favored by "big data" both suffered crushing defeats, which caused great confusion in the industry.

Sometimes, one has to admire these internet people; after some analysis online, they reached a conclusion for everyone:

"Big data" has already done everything it should do, and if the film is still rotten? That is entirely the director's and the script's problem, a "software" problem; the "hardware" of "big data" won't take the blame!

Don't say, this point of view is truly persuasive! Quite a few people in the circle feel it makes sense. *Gone with the Bullets* was Jiang Wen floating, and *The Rise of a Tomboy* was the director's level being problematic...

Flipping through the film information, Lin Nan only felt that the industry was probably hopeless, because everyone had already started to persuade themselves?!

…………

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 594 =====