Chapter 818: Seriously Considering; The Princess Series

The largest annual reserve group in the film and television industry has arrived again; registration for the art exam has officially begun.

In the morning, the hottest topic at Beijing Film Academy was undoubtedly that the new-generation idol Wang Wang Junkai confirmed his registration for the undergraduate acting program, while at the Central Academy of Drama, there was the second-generation star Zhang Zhang Keying.

As for Shanghai Theatre Academy, located far away in Shanghai, there was truly nothing noteworthy to speak of; at least during the first morning after the registration channel opened, it was all ordinary people.

By now, regarding the art exam, the entire industry and even the whole internet had long reached a consensus:

Among art exam candidates, those who are already famous or are second-generation stars are merely going through the motions;

From the moment they register, or even before, their admission spots are essentially predetermined. The three major academies are now accepting anyone, but only for such people!

Gazing at the sea of people queuing up for registration in the distance, Lin Nan couldn't help but shake his head, yet he understood.

Although online registration was available, most students still chose to come to the scene, just to feel the atmosphere;

After all, the surroundings were swarming with competitors, and this was only the portion of competitors registering within half a workday, not the whole.

"Hey, just you two, come help Lin Dao move the rice, flour, oil, and several boxes of fruit and gift boxes into the trunk of that car..."

Lao Jiang ignored Lin Nan, instead calling out to two students in the distance, and then a swarm of seven people, five men and two women, came running over.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Facing Lin Nan's smiling thanks, the group of students waved their hands repeatedly, smiling continuously, full of energy.

"Here, take your shopping card too; there's twenty thousand inside, don't think it's too little. After all, it's issued by the school, they can't possibly give you a six-figure amount." Lao Jiang smacked his lips, speaking with some envy and jealousy.

Although he was unwilling to admit it, he had to acknowledge that according to different professional titles, the year-end gifts for faculty and staff also had "small differences," especially when compared to a treasure like Lin Nan!

"Rest assured, I won't think it's too little. After all, this is my legal treatment as a full professor within the establishment."

"In some large provinces, no matter how much money you earn, it can't compare to the rice, flour, and oil brought home from the unit making the family look more respectable!"

Lin Nan chuckled as he took the envelope with his name on it, then couldn't help but tease, "Hmm, it's indeed much more than your associate professorship."

"Get lost!" Upon hearing this, Lao Jiang's face immediately turned sour.

That's right, Lin Nan returned to the school today just to collect year-end benefits. Unable to reach Lin Nan by phone, Lao Jiang directly called Liu Liu Yifei, asking Miss Liu to convey the message.

In less than three minutes, a huge pile of items was stuffed into the trunk and arranged neatly; several students immediately waved goodbye and left with smiles on their faces.

At this moment, Lao Jiang finally brought up another serious matter to Lin Nan: "I heard that you big directors were called to a meeting yesterday?"

"Who told you? I remember my teacher didn't go yesterday," Lin Nan replied with a question, smiling.

"Director Tian didn't go, but this isn't something that needs to be kept secret, so naturally, there's news circulating in the school."

After rolling his eyes, Lao Jiang instantly became serious again, his tone very solemn:

"Although I know you are particularly lazy, the kind who only turns when pushed, and the Olympics are especially energy-consuming and manpower-intensive, because it's not just about doing the job well, but more about dealing well with leaders at all levels, coordinating relationships between various departments and units, and managing overall operations...

On the surface, this does indeed seem like low pay for high workload, where doing well yields little achievement, but doing poorly takes all the blame, but... some opportunities and some matters are better fought for, because once you miss this village, the location of the next shop is truly uncertain.

The most critical point is that at your level, it's actually no longer a question of whether you are willing to compete proactively, but in the eyes of the leaders above, they absolutely do not want to see a top-tier director in the industry showing behavior and tendencies of 'avoiding trouble' in subjective willingness!"

Lin Nan looked at Lao Jiang with a complex expression, not understanding why the latter was saying these words to him.

"Director Jiang, words of such level and depth don't seem like something you could say? And what's with this inexplicable thing, why did you suddenly think of telling me all this?"

"Damn it, who are you looking down on?"

Lao Jiang's eyes filled with anger, and he directly cursed. However, two seconds later he deflated, explaining helplessly, "Director Tian asked me to convey this message this morning, alright?"

"Then where is he?"

"He flew to Berlin."

Lin Nan nodded silently, his mind racing as he pondered the words just spoken; he had to admit, it was indeed spot on.

Moments later, he suddenly stepped towards his car and waved to Lao Jiang without looking back, "Hmm, I will seriously consider this matter."

After a full two months of casting, the complete finalized cast list for Zhang Zhang Yimou's "Shadow" was finally made public at a little past two in the afternoon. Along with it was the start date, mid-March.

However, unlike the enthusiastic cheers from external film fans regarding the National Master filming a martial arts drama epic again after more than ten years, the atmosphere within Zhang Zhang Yimou's studio was much colder and more grim.

The reason was that LeEco had detected Zhang Zhang Yimou's intention to run away; although not certain, Zhang Zhao still chose to make this trip today.

For LeEco, shareholders like Guo Guo Jingming and others from the film and television industry didn't matter, but Zhang Zhang Yimou was different; the latter was a living, breathing major IP!

Plus, Zhang Zhang Yimou had just been confirmed to direct the performance segment of the flag-handover ceremony for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, with a very high possibility of continuing to take over the 2022 Winter Olympics; therefore, LeEco not only didn't want to give up but also wanted to renew the contract...

Regarding the meaning Zhang Zhao subtly expressed, Zhang Zhang Yimou appeared outwardly calm and composed, but inwardly he scoffed.

Zhang Mo, also present, clearly lacked the skill of self-cultivation; she bluntly asked Zhang Zhao back: Given LeEco's current situation, is there even a future? Whether there is a future is hard to say, let alone extending the contract and renewing!

However, for Zhang Zhang Yimou, his daughter's performance was actually appropriate, perfectly compensating for some words he was inconvenient to say due to his status, and attitudes inconvenient to reveal.

"My contract with LeEco expires in the first half of next year, and the share lock-up period ends in September this year.

Before the lock-up period ends, circulation externally is definitely not possible. But internally? Can LeEco buy back? If they can buy back early, then we can discuss other matters afterwards."

Zhang Zhang Yimou spoke to Zhang Zhao in a cold tone; this was the second time he had communicated with Zhang Zhao in this manner.

The office was unusually quiet; Zhang Zhao was left speechless. Could LeEco buy back early? Absolutely impossible! Because there was simply no money.

Since the working group from the China Securities Regulatory Commission moved in, the old method of using fake performance figures to get money from the stock market and capital circles was completely cut off.

The current LeEco is still frantically urging cinema chains regarding the box office revenue sharing of "28 Years Old and Minor" to pay wages; hmm, and also traffic revenue from TV dramas like "Empresses in the Palace."

But these can barely cover the wages of bottom-level employees... middle and upper levels have nominally stopped receiving salaries.

Even if there were money to buy back Zhang Zhang Yimou's shares early, the group would absolutely not do so; because if they bought back one person's shares early, how would they solve it for others?

Once the situation of worrying not about scarcity but about inequality arises, the consequences would be severe. Once those people start making trouble, for the current LeEco, it would undoubtedly be a disaster on top of an already difficult situation!

"Director Zhang, let's just follow the contract. Once the share lock-up period ends, you are free to sell on the secondary market." Zhang Zhao could only answer this way.

"Can it be sold? Does anyone want it? It has already fallen to a point where it can't fall any further!"

Zhang Zhang Yimou sneered; his attitude was already very clear.

"Director Zhang?" Zhang Zhao squinted his eyes. At this moment, he confirmed his guess in his heart; Zhang Zhang Yimou could not be kept.

"For 'Shadow', I will shoot it with heart. After the contract expires, we will each go our separate ways. Mr. Zhang, I won't see you off." Zhang Zhang Yimou said firmly; he had officially torn up the face with LeEco.

Zhang Zhao stood up with a frosty face, and under Zhang Mo's active escort, walked straight towards the door; however, he stopped at the doorway, turned back, and asked, "Has Director Zhang already found a new employer?"

The air fell silent for three seconds before Zhang Zhang Yimou's voice sounded: "No."

Hearing this, Zhang Zhao hesitated for a moment, then quickly departed.

"Dad?"

"Saying too much only brings trouble, and it saves them from causing us trouble!" Zhang Zhang Yimou said wearily; he had suffered two major setbacks in his life.

"Where is your aunt?"

"She seems to have gone to the court with the lawyer."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhang Yimou couldn't help but sigh again. Zhang Zhang Weiping would rather be a deadbeat debtor than return the withheld salary and profit shares; on their side, they could only go to court again and again, but the result was always futile.

From the 10th to the 14th, five consecutive days passed, and the film and entertainment industry was very lively.

Li Li Bingbing's film "The Meg," in which she played the female lead, had a high-profile wrap-up; Warner Bros. Pictures officially announced a simultaneous release in China and the US, aiming for next year's domestic summer season.

Meanwhile, Wanjia Culture resumed trading on the A-share market on the morning of the 12th; from the opening at 9:30 AM, it hit the daily price limit for three consecutive days, and today, barring any surprises, it would still hit the limit!

However, the topic that most shocked the entire internet and the film industry was undoubtedly "The Great Wall."

Everyone still clearly remembered the extension key announcement document issued by the Film Bureau, yet last night this Sino-US co-production blockbuster actually quietly ended its run?!

This incident truly caught everyone off guard; no one had anticipated this situation in advance;

but then again, this result was also reasonable, because the reputation of "The Great Wall" was simply too poor!

It was just that China Film and Chairman La Da were "suffering"; they were slapped hard by the extension key issue and "The Great Wall's" box office results, becoming the industry's laughingstock.

Of course, Director Zhang's resume now included a so-called "terrible film"!

"Counting today, there are 13 days left until the end of the run, and we are still 53.55 million short of "The Mermaid's" box office!"

"What was yesterday's daily box office?"

"Yesterday it was 8.32 million."

"Then there is still a chance, and a big one. After all, yesterday "The Great Wall" ended its run with a box office of 1.22 billion, and "Railroad Tigers" also exited early with a box office of 420 million;

from today until New Year's Eve, within these 13 days, a large portion of screening resources will be freed up, and "Operation Operation Meigonghe" will benefit from the share!"

Lin Nan replied to Wang Wang Changtian with considerable confidence.

To be honest, "The Great Wall's" box office reaching 1.2 billion was absolutely due to the glow of "Operation Operation Meigonghe" and Lin Nan.

Because "Operation Operation Meigonghe" pinned down "Railroad Tigers," and Lin Nan's remarks in front of the media kicked "The Lovers" into the abyss.

Under the contrast of same-season films, the market lost by these two films was split seven-three between "Operation Operation Meigonghe" and "The Great Wall"!

"With your words, I feel reassured; a new box office record is too important for Enlight Media's stock price. Hmm? What about the subsequent celebration banquet?"

Hearing Wang Wang Changtian's question, Lin Nan finally remembered another matter: "Chairman Wang, I must apologize to you.

Not only can I and Liu Yifei not attend the celebration banquet for "Operation Operation Meigonghe," but we also cannot attend the premiere of "Drunken Monkey" that we promised you earlier."

"Why is that?"

"On the 3rd, my father called, and Liu Yifei and I promised to return to our hometown early on the 21st. We definitely won't be able to make the premiere on the 23rd."

"Then the momentum of the "Drunken Monkey" premiere will truly be trampled underfoot by "Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back"." Wang Wang Changtian was utterly speechless, but he had no way to refute Lin Nan's reason.

"Rest assured, Han Jia will pull Chairman Han and Chairman Ren along. Besides, won't Ning Hao, Huang Bo, Xu Zheng, and Deng Chao be attending?

Moreover, Shu Chang, Tang Yan, and Zhu Zhu Yawen; Liu Yifei has already spoken to them, and they will all come to support. There are plenty of A-list actors and stars; having a few more is just the same!"

Well, Wang Wang Changtian was left completely speechless, because what Lin Nan said was indeed faultless, and the arrangements were excellent.

Shortly after, he finally hung up the call; Lin Nan glanced at the time, and it was already nearly 11 AM. He immediately got up, preparing to get off work.

"Tell Director Yue that I won't be coming to the company for these few days. Have him keep a close eye on the annual meeting matters, and also arrange the social engagements in the circle."

"Yes, Lin Dao."

"Oh, by the way, also notify Director Jiang to organize the shooting team for "Dying to Survive"; filming officially starts on the 16th day of the first lunar month."

Hollywood, at the public relations dinner for "Hacksaw Ridge."

"Next month? Or when? You'd better be clear."

"Tom, I can only tell you at most that it will be in the first half of this year, within these two or three months.

They are still preparing the plan; at that time, they will recruit and invite the main creative team globally, and screen for the female lead across the entire Asian continent... Of course, this is the only one in the Disney Princess series..."