Chapter 673: Promises on the Bed; Le Vision Pictures Shareholders' Meeting

"Though this is a film made just to lighten the mood and for fun, I already polished the outline repeatedly;

the script written by the screenwriting department has been revised several times, and I have seen them all; at least we can guarantee the story is complete, focusing on light comedy with fantasy and romance elements set in an urban backdrop.

Besides, while we are filming, if inspiration strikes on the spot, we can revise while shooting, revising and shooting anytime. My requirements aren't high; this film just needs to pass, so everyone, let your imaginations run wild!"

At the dinner table, Lin Nan brought up the matter of "A Fox Fairy Tale" with Ning Hao again. Since he and Liu Liu Yifei were going to star in it, there could be no flaws in the script.

"Good heavens, revise while shooting, revise and shoot anytime? Now I truly believe you: making this film is really just for fun!"

Ning Hao downed a mouthful of beer and laughed while roasting Lin Nan.

"Why do you two have the idea of making a light romantic comedy just to lighten the mood and for fun?" Xing Aina was very puzzled and asked the Miss Liu beside her.

Hearing this, Liu Liu Yifei first showed joy, then immediately changed her expression; after glaring "fiercely" at Lin Nan, she answered Xing Aina:

"According to the plan, this 'A Fox Fairy Tale' is scheduled to start filming immediately after the wrap of another film, 'Marriage Story', and 'Marriage Story' is very similar in atmosphere to the previous 'The Fault in Our Stars';

the two of us have to grow weary of life, weary of each other, separate, break up, divorce... Lin Nan feared that after I finished this film, I would be depressed for a very, very long time, just like after the wrap of 'The Fault in Our Stars' back then.

So we thought of using this fantasy romantic light comedy, 'A Fox Fairy Tale', to lighten the mood and state of mind; isn't that just making it for fun?"

Hearing Liu Liu Yifei's explanation, Xing Aina and Ning Hao suddenly understood.

"You two really know how to play; Lin Nan is truly thoughtful."

Producer Xing gave a thumbs-up to Liu Liu Yifei and praised Lin Nan.

Immediately, she glanced at Ning Hao; the latter felt guilty and quickly shifted his gaze to Lin Dao Da to change the subject:

"'Marriage Story', judging by the title, is an awards-bait film?"

"Yes, it's a realistic romantic art drama, very suitable for the film festival circuit. Actually, the reason Liu Yifei gave for making 'A Fox Fairy Tale' isn't complete; there's one more reason missing."

"Then what other reason is there that we don't know?"

As soon as Lin Nan finished speaking, Xing Aina pressed on. Including Liu Liu Hanhan, all three of them turned to look.

"Because I've joked many times with Liu Qianqian before, saying that in the future I'd let her play a fox spirit. Well, now that I've married her, I have to fulfill the promise, right? Hehe..."

"Oh, I'm truly envious of you, Liu Yifei.

Before I got married, someone made many promises to me too, but so many years have passed, and I haven't seen a single trace of them being fulfilled! I guess he probably treated them like passing wind long ago?"

While Xing Aina spoke with sarcasm and Ning Hao wore a smile of appeasement begging for mercy, Liu Liu Yifei stared angrily at Lin Nan with a pink face;

because the many times the latter joked about letting her play a fox spirit, the two of them were in bed... just finishing...

Lin Dao Da had thick skin and paid no attention to Liu Liu Hanhan's "anger born of shame"; he even sent over an innocent smile;

yes, Liu Liu Hanhan's current appearance, with a face flushed pink and a fierce little look, was quite beautiful!

Before long, the "grim" atmosphere inside the restaurant private room was dispelled by Ning Hao and Lin Nan working "together".

Amidst the clinking of cups and toasts, Director Ning, for the nth time, sentimentally mused about realistic-themed films; he was stimulated by Lin Nan's another awards-bait film, "Marriage Story".

Since "No Man's Land", Ning Hao's spirit and energy had been completely scattered and extinguished;

even though a longing still existed deep in his heart, he couldn't muster any enthusiasm at all; he had been hurt too deeply, and the psychological shadow was too heavy.

"Filming started in early '09, released at the end of '13, and so much time has passed until now; pull yourself together, go for the awards if you should; you were once a film director with ideals too."

"Heh, where is it that easy? It's getting harder and harder."

When talking about dreams, who isn't a youth at heart? Ning Hao smiled bitterly. Xing Aina and Liu Liu Yifei did not interrupt, but quietly ate and watched.

"Is it hard?"

"Are you speaking human language?"

"The other day I heard a rumor that Feng Feng Xiaogang's 'I Am Not Madame Bovary' has registered for the San Sebastian International Film Festival. He is already 58 years old this year and still going for awards! How old are you, and how can you give up?

We all know that in this industry, a great director cannot be without an international major award and influence to stand on; lacking these leaves one without confidence, without persuasiveness, and not fully complete! Just like Feng Feng Xiaogang, always sarcastic, sour about this and sour about that."

Lin Nan used Feng Feng Xiaogang to encourage Ning Hao.

Xing Aina nodded in agreement beside him: "What Lin Nan says is right; aren't you always sighing and full of regrets? Commercial films are just money; we don't lack money now..."

At this moment, light sparkled in Liu Liu Yifei's two watery eyes, and a smile spread across her face as she looked at Lin Nan; she was very proud. Because her family didn't lack trophies, and they were all major awards.

"Going for awards? Sigh, although I really want to, but... just thinking about it is exhausting. Pouring all one's effort in, it can easily turn into bubbles in an instant. And once there is no harvest, there is a high probability of losing a lot."

Ning Hao shook his head, looked at Lin Nan bitterly, and joked: "Going to film festivals, you are familiar with the ropes. Since you have so much insight, will you help me out later?"

Lin Nan was stunned; he hadn't expected Ning Hao to say such a plea for help, as if joking; however, he could also hear that Ning Hao was using a joking tone to cover his pride, but the desire was indeed real!

"Me? Sure, let's talk about it later then, if there is an opportunity. After all, going for awards isn't decided by the work alone."

Lin Nan spoke with implied meaning; the wind direction, the jury's preferences... these were all uncertain factors that could sway the result.

But Lin Nan would take it to heart; after all, Ning Hao was an old friend he had known for 13 years; saying they were best friends was no exaggeration!

Moreover, two years ago at the General Administration's "Opinion on Handling Artists with Bad Records" meeting, Ning Hao did not hesitate to offend the entire industry and publicly called out to support Lin Nan.

At that time, only three private companies publicly supported Lin Nan — Enlight, Wanda, and Bad Monkey!

"Haha, good, I'll wait for you to become the jury president of an International A-Class Film Festival, just like Zhang Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee back then, boosting each other!"

"That makes sense."

"Mm-hmm, I'm looking forward to it too." Liu Liu Yifei put down her chopsticks, smiling; she looked forward to Lin Nan becoming the jury president.

The people at Xi'an Film Studio were really capable; only ten-plus days had passed, and they had already started rushing the bureau to expedite the approval progress for "Pacific Rim 2".

In short, they wanted to get the approval passed and filing successful documents by early April; they were really giving the bureau only one month.

On the morning of the 20th, when Lin Nan heard this news, his whole body collapsed laughing onto the sofa;

having such a partner was indeed very "secure"; he didn't need to worry, because Xi'an Film Studio cared more than he did!

Looking at the internet again, today's focus across the entire web, no guessing needed, was naturally the information about Wu Wu Qilong and Liu Liu Shishi's wedding in Bali.

It probably started from around 4 or 5 in the morning; Weibo's trending searches were flooded.

What 3 million yuan wedding dresses, 12 million yuan jewelry, which celebrity updated Bali photos on Weibo, showing off the sunrise sea view...

Clearly such huge traffic, but the discussion volume didn't explode; this was baffling.

However, the rumors circulating in the industry yesterday all came true: Cai Cai Yinong, Hu Ge, and other Tang Ren members did not show up, not a single one.

And the crew of the once-famous "Scarlet Heart" did send six actors, including Yuan Hong, but Lin Gengxin was the sole missing one...

In the film market, "Zootopia" broke and surpassed the highest box office record for animated films set domestically by "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" in just 16 days;

The box office record of 1.366 billion was refreshed to 1.4 billion.

With daily box office receipts exceeding twenty million and overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth, it is predicted that "Zootopia" can easily surge to 1.5 billion!

As for other films, only "The Revenant" showed strong momentum; on its second day of release, daily box office rose another twenty million, closing at over 83 million.

Putting political factors aside, this film is indeed a rare good movie.

"Lin Dao, it seems 'The Mermaid' is not going to make it; yesterday's daily box office was only 1.45 million..."

Upon receiving Yue Jun's call, Lin Nan was startled.

"Is the drop that exaggerated? I remember just a few days ago it was still over sixteen million?"

"That was a death rattle! So many new films have been released, especially 'The Revenant' and 'Zootopia', causing almost all of the remaining potential audience for 'The Mermaid' to be sucked away, and online piracy has already emerged."

While Lin Nan was on the phone with Yue Jun, China Film was also discussing the matter of 'The Mermaid'.

The total box office of the film ultimately cannot reach 3.5 billion as Beside La La Peikang had hoped.

"The daily box office is dropping too fast to 'save'; otherwise it would be too fake and we would be scolded by public opinion. Both China Film and Shanghai Film are state-owned enterprises, and this is not a task film..."

Beside La La Peikang's secretary explained to Zhou Zhou Xingchi that the latter's Bona Group had seen its stock price rise significantly over the past month or so, leading to some unfavorable thoughts at this moment.

"Let it be natural then; do not do those things where the cost outweighs the gain, it is not worth it."

Although Beside La La Peikang was also somewhat unwilling, he still repeatedly instructed Zhou Zhou Xingchi. He knew Zhou Zhou Xingchi was a man who loved money as much as his life, but China Film's reputation was more important.

Zhou Zhou Xingchi opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing. In the mainland, he still needed to rely on China Film.

At this moment, a knocking sound suddenly rang out, instantly attracting the attention of several people in the office.

"Come in."

"Chairman La, Mr. Wang of Huayi, Mr. Liu of Wanda, Chairman Zhang of Alibaba... and Director Xu Ke have all arrived at the conference hall."

Hearing this, Beside La La Peikang immediately looked at Zhou Zhou Xingchi: "Let's go, Director Zhou, let's go discuss the matter of 'Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back';

Hope it can shine brightly during the Spring Festival season just like 'Journey to the West: Conquering Demons' in 2013 and 'The Mermaid' this year."

"Okay, Chairman La."

A few seconds later, Chairman La, Zhou Zhou Xingchi, and the others left the chairman's office and headed straight for the China Film conference hall.

Approaching noon, the organizing committee of the Hundred Flowers Awards officially released the full list of all films competing in this edition, drawing attention from the entire industry, with equally high heat online.

"The 33rd Hundred Flowers Awards for the Masses announced the list of all competing films for this edition this morning.

Among them, the five high-box-office, high-reputation films exclusively produced and controlled by Lin Nan Pictures—'Go Away, Mr. Tumor', 'Sword of the Third Brother', 'Goodbye Mr. Loser', 'Lost in Hong Kong', and 'The Monkey King 2'—are all included in the public notice document."

"It is understood that the military action film 'Wolf Warrior', produced by Hongxingyu Pictures and directed by Wu Jing, is also listed in the Hundred Flowers Awards registration list."

"Regarding the fact that Lin Dao Nan's film works did not appear in the Hundred Flowers Awards registration list, the media has contacted Yue Jun, the director of Lin Nan Pictures;

The latter accepted an interview stating: Since Lin Dao already possesses a considerable number of awards, he personally politely declined the invitation to submit, deciding to leave as many opportunities as possible for other film works and filmmakers."

The announcement of the Hundred Flowers Awards registration list, combined with Yue Jun's interview response to the media, directly suppressed the heat surrounding Wu Wu Qilong and Liu Liu Shishi's wedding, sparking widespread discussion online.

"What do you mean by 'already possesses a considerable number of awards... will leave as many opportunities as possible for other films and filmmakers'? That show-off act is so fresh and unconventional, I'm convinced!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, Lin Dao is only in his early thirties, and he's already starting to promote 'newcomers'?"

"You up there, are you trying to laugh me to death? Do you know that all the 'newcomers' you speak of are older than Lin Dao Nan! Haha..."

"Does no one notice? Lin Dao's attitude towards the Hundred Flowers is ten thousand times warmer than towards the Golden Rooster. Poor that chicken!"

"Did no one notice? With these five films from Lin Nan Pictures grouping together, they could almost sweep the 221 films registered for the Hundred Flowers Awards!"

"Director Chen Kaixin's 'Dear', Director Cao Cao Baoping's 'Soul Mate', 'Wolf Totem', 'Monster Hunt', and 'Old Pao'er'—these films are equally worthy of a fight!"

In the afternoon, when Lin Nan left home to go to the company, Liu Liu Yifei was on the phone with Watching Shu Chang;

The latter was chattering excitedly beyond belief, after all, she had two films registered for the Hundred Flowers Awards, both with excellent reputation and box office, with very, very high hopes...

Originally, according to the regulations for co-productions, people from Lin Nan Pictures were not qualified to join the behind-the-scenes team of 'Pacific Rim 2';

But since Lin Nan Pictures and Crystal Pictures are like Lin Nan's left and right hands, this backdoor was opened quite logically.

"Lin, Warner and Lionsgate plan to launch the project group in early May, so the departure time for the Chinese team will also be early May.

Additionally, for the Chinese actors in the co-production, you also need to finalize them by early May at the latest;

Because afterwards the team needs to design suitable makeup and costumes for them and create combat suits for each person based on their appearance and looks..."

Tom's call came at just the right time; Lin Nan had barely sat down when the phone rang.

"I understand, Tom."

"Lin, once filming starts, part of the scenes will be shot in China; I'll come find you and Crystal then, okay?"

"Then you'll have quite a wait; it's still over half a year away. Alright, I won't waste your time for debauchery."

Lin Nan vaguely heard the surrounding noise on Tom's end; it was very noisy; as for what kind of occasion, heh, no need to guess.

"Lin, say hello to Crystal for me, see you later, haha..."

After hanging up, Lin Nan saw the news online that 'Lu Yao Knows Ma Li', in which Huayi participated as an investor, was scheduled for the summer on July 15th; Zhu Zhu Yawen had also reposted it on Weibo.

Thinking about it now, it turns out Huayi had been eyeing Ye Ning's intentions as early as the first half of last year; so as one of the producers, did they invite Ye Ning to serve as one of the producers?!

After handling some trivial documents, Lin Nan stayed in the screenwriting department for a long time.

The 'The Wandering Earth' project group is currently being dismantled; the workload is quite large, and the progress is indeed slow.

But there is no rush, because time is currently the one thing we lack least; slow work yields fine products is the key point;

Moreover, Liu Dian Gong also agreed to serve as a screenwriting consultant, and will provide assistance then to make the script as close to the original atmosphere as possible, satisfying the expectations of all fans.

Arriving late and leaving early is the privilege of a boss like Lin Nan.

And when he left the company a little after four in the afternoon, many top-tier and A-list figures in the industry also received, one after another at the same time, calls that left them excited and exhilarated, including Zhang Zhang Yimou.

"Director Zhang, on the 25th of this month, you must personally attend the shareholders' meeting of Le Shi Pictures."

"What exactly is it about?"

Although he had vague suspicions, Zhang Zhang Yimou still asked, a rare smile of joy on his face.

"Regarding the company's subsequent de facto listing and the cash-out of the share values held by various celebrity shareholders, we need to inform, consult, and discuss with all shareholders so everyone can decide... You hold the most shares among individual shareholders in the industry; you must be present!"

"Good, good, on the 25th I will definitely go to the company in person."

Zhang Zhang Yimou said "good" twice, and his entire being was already in a state of exhilaration.

The shares of Le Shi Pictures in his hand, calculated by current market valuation, were worth several hundred million!

After partnering with Zhang Zhang Weiping for 16 years, he had been "poor" for 16 years; had he not put his heart into making films? He had! But... only after parting ways did he see the income!

In just a little over an hour, Guo Guo Jingming, Deng Chao, Sun Li Studio, Sun Sun Honglei, Li Xue Xiaolu, Feng Feng Shaofeng, Huang Huang Xiaoming, Yang Ying, and nearly twenty other top-tier and second-tier film and television stars and celebrities all received phone notifications from Le Shi Pictures.

Just as many listed companies hold shareholders' meetings before going public, at this moment, these industry figures all thought the same, all in a state of uncontainable joy.

In their eyes, Le Shi Pictures was one of the highest-quality unlisted companies in the film and television industry;

Once it completed the work of de facto listing and finished the process, the stocks in their hands could immediately be cashed out directly, and their value would surely surge by more than a hundredfold, causing their personal assets to explode!

…………