Chapter 911: Disney's Salary? 1.2 Billion!

The premiere of "Pure Hearts · Chasing Dreams in the Entertainment Circle" ended "low-key." To ask how low-key it was, on Weibo you could hardly find any reports about the film's content after the premiere began;

nor was there a single on-site guest or industry insider who offered even a word or two of commentary on the film.

In other words, before the premiere began the film was extremely high-profile online, then suddenly came to an abrupt halt, and finally ended in silence. Mm, a complete case of starting strong and ending weak, a thoroughly sheepish showing.

And the only press release online that made a big deal of the premiere was Bi Bi Zhifei leading a group of actors to talk about their own bitter creative journey:

He wore a look of having endured great hardship, frankly stating that he had begun writing the script in 2005, spent eight years before finally completing it, immediately set it up for production in 2013, then spent another two years on location scouting and casting, and only formally started shooting in 2015; all in all, twelve years from start to finish, before finally completing this "epic blockbuster" of the film and entertainment industry!

He even joked on site, comparing himself to Tang Seng on the journey to the West — once "Pure Hearts · Chasing Dreams in the Entertainment Circle" officially hit theaters on the 22nd, he would be able to achieve complete merit and become a Buddha on the spot.

"Based on my many years of experience, filmmakers and films that boast about themselves as 'epic blockbusters' are, in most cases, 'truthful and realistic' — they won't deceive the audience. Because what gets served up after release is, with high probability, truly 'shi-shi' (shit-soaked)."

At two in the afternoon, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Feiren saw Yan Fei off at the manor villa.

That's right, the two of them had kept Yan Fei for lunch, except that this lunch happened a bit too far past noon.

"Watch your language, we just ate lunch." Liu Liu Feiren couldn't help but roll her eyes at Lin Nan and reminded him.

Hearing this, Yan Fei — who had still been dumbfounded by the "epic blockbuster" — instantly had a revelation: so it was that "shi-shi"!

"Lin Dao really is well-informed and experienced, words of wisdom, hahaha.

Alright, you two can leave it here, I'll head back to the company first. In a few days, we'll submit the script for review directly, and at the same time begin full casting and preparation…"

Lin Nan and Liu Liu Feiren waved as they watched Yan Fei's car slowly drive away.

"Let's go, back home to keep being homebodies." Fingers interlocked, the two of them turned around to head home, all lovey-dovey.

"We still need to arrange time to go out again soon, Ceng Jia keeps nagging us to visit the set." Liu Liu Feiren pouted and fretted to Lin Nan. The next half month was actually very busy, with several events that couldn't be turned down, especially that one important matter, the big one.

"Then we'll make a trip at the end of the month, and rush back before National Day. Then the two of us will quietly prepare for the meeting and negotiations with the Disney team!"

Lin Nan naturally understood the reason for Liu Liu Feiren's worry — her getting the role was already a near-certainty; but as for the director, especially Lin Nan's demand to redo the script, the other side clearly still had something to say, and she was worried about that.

"Director Zhang didn't have the rights on 'The Great Wall,' and you've asked Disney for all of them. Even Tom complained, saying you're asking for too much this time. But of course, I'm definitely on your side, hehe."

Clinging to Lin Nan's arm, Liu Liu Feiren's brow had already smoothed out. Her long ponytail swinging back and forth, paired with her gorgeous, captivating smile, even the sunlight at this moment seemed a touch more radiant.

"…Final cut privilege, script revision rights, the crew being director-led… I don't think I'm asking for too much, do I? And it's obviously them getting the better deal! Haha."

……

Time once again silently turned a page, arriving at the morning of the 20th. By this point, it meant the National Day slate had officially begun its countdown.

But amid the intense, white-hot promotional battles of the various National Day films, in the morning hours, the film and entertainment hot topic across the entire web was forcefully snatched away by "Blind Way."

Only because the lineup of the film's production companies was publicly disclosed in detail for the first time.

"Directed by and starring director Li Yang, the realist-themed film, the third installment of the 'Blind' series, 'Blind Way,' successfully wrapped filming this morning.

The film is officially scheduled for next year's May Day holiday, hoping to make more Chinese citizens pay attention to social dark events such as child abduction and criminals deliberately disabling children to force them to beg for profit…"

"Director Li Yang accepted his first media interview and revealed:

'Blind Way' began shooting in early 2015. Due to his own lack of funds and other issues, this low-budget film was forced to halt shooting multiple times mid-production; at one point he even couldn't hold on and wanted to let it die.

So today, he must especially thank producer Liu Liu Feiren; it was her 2-million-yuan investment at this year's Capital International Film Festival that allowed 'Blind Way' to successfully wrap filming two and a half years after starting production."

Producer: Liu Liu Feiren, 2 million yuan!

It was these three points that pushed "Blind Way" to the top of the trending searches for film and entertainment news across the entire web.

Because five months ago, Li Yang publicly "denied" and "mocked" the Houston International Film Festival Best Actress honor, and afterwards fans cyberbullied him, and Lin Nan stepped forward to speak up in support (continuing to slap Yang Mi's face) — a whole chain of events seemed to fully link up today?! No, it should be said they closed the loop completely, making even more sense!

"Good lord, no wonder Lin Dao, while filming 'The Wandering Earth,' still had the time and energy to be distracted: posting a long Weibo giving us a detailed introduction to the categories of North American film festivals, and stripping the Houston International Film Festival down to its underwear! So the most important reason was right here?!"

"Oh ho! Poor little bees, from the very beginning they were destined to screw over their own idol, because they never knew who they had really offended!"

"Don't even mention the fans, probably even Yang Mi only just realized it this morning, right? The reason she was 'caught in the crossfire' by her former boss Lin Dao wasn't just because Director Li Yang and Lin Dao are old friends from over a decade ago, but more because this film has Red Star Studio's investment! Tsk tsk tsk…"

"One is 'Blind Shaft' from fifteen years ago, the favor has been repaid; the other is a junior from school, the company's former top worker. I said so, why didn't he consider the latter's face at all? Turns out it was those brainless fans who messed with a Red Star Studio project!"

……

Jiaxing.

Ceng Jia looked at Yang Mi in the distance, smiling as she talked on the phone. She wanted to approach but forcibly held herself back.

This industry is like that — although Red Star Studio's side could let it go, or even forgot about it long ago, she and Yang Mi couldn't treat it as nothing; and calling to apologize was absolutely necessary.

Still, fan groups really are a double-edged sword!

"…You absolutely must come, otherwise I can only go to Shunyi to apologize to you and Lin Dao in person…"

A few minutes later the call ended, and the polite smile on Yang Mi's face disappeared along with it.

"She agreed?"

"Mm, she reluctantly agreed to attend our financing celebration banquet. But I could tell, she actually didn't want to. It was just that the conversation led there, and she couldn't bring herself to refuse." Yang Mi nodded wearily, her brow furrowed the whole time.

"That's just like you — after apologizing, you took advantage of her sympathy while she had it, and 'kidnapped' her on the fly…"

"Don't put it that way, I hate the word 'kidnap.'

She, she really is just too good a person. But this kind of thing can only happen once at most, because she's smart too — once she discovers her goodwill has been 'used,' she'll completely ignore you from then on, she'll become a total stranger. So, that night's banquet needs to be sincere, a bit more enthusiastic."

The more Yang Mi spoke, the quieter her voice got; she felt a bit ashamed of her own inferiority. After all, Liu Liu Feiren is different from her — the other's principles in how she conducts herself and handles matters are very strong; of course, she has the qualifications and the backbone to act that way.

"Of course I know what to do. But I still can't help complaining about Lin Dao for a second — that 'science popularization' Weibo of his directly slapped away more than half of our film's reputation and box office. And Li Yang, he really can keep things hidden — got Red Star Studio's investment and didn't even make a peep, who was he waiting for? Serves him right for being a small-time director, can't even pull in a few million in investment…"

The more Ceng Jia spoke, the more aggrieved she felt, her tone unconsciously rising in agitation. Yang Mi just glanced at her and didn't respond.

……

"The documents will be made public in a day or two. The actors in those studios under you are all high-pay artists, so keep an eye on it — handle things according to policy, and it's best not to harbor any thoughts of feigning compliance while secretly going your own way.

Also, the matter I mentioned to you earlier — you'd better think it over. Once we turn the page into the new year, I'll be reporting over there, and I'll be able to liaise seamlessly with industry representatives like you all…"

Lin Nan was at home teasing about "A Chinese Odyssey: Loving You Ten Thousand Years" when Tong Gang's call suddenly came in.

The latter's main purpose was still to get Lin Nan to follow along — starting next year, every year, going into the CPPCC Great Hall for meetings with the likes of Zhang Zhang Yimou, Chen Chen Kaige, Jackie Chan, and a whole bunch of them!

"Don't worry, the first half of next year I'll definitely give you a satisfactory answer. I'll strive to remain a soldier under you!"

"Don't 'strive,' say 'definitely' — this is a mission! It's different from previous years, you're already in your early thirties, and for a director in the film and TV industry, this age is just the beginning of your prime…"

After humoring him for a while, the leader finally hung up the phone.

Lin Nan looked at Liu Liu Yifei, who was watching the spectacle nearby, and said self-mockingly, "Looks like I really can't run away."

"But Director Tong is something else; he hasn't even left the bureau yet, and he's already recruiting people for the next stop. Doesn't that count as violating discipline?"

"Then why didn't you question him just now?" Liu Liu Yifei blinked provocatively.

"I was afraid he'd scold me," Lin Nan shrugged, not caring about saving face at all. After all, when he was still a lowly underling, Tong Gang had been his direct superior and had looked out for him many times over the years.

"Hmm, then just go. Consider it progress."

"Progress? Haha, let's talk about that next year."

"For now, let's think about the salary issue and decide on it as soon as possible."

"Do you want a lump-sum salary, or salary plus profit sharing? Or just pure profit sharing? That's what Disney's email said to you yesterday, right?" Lin Nan looked at his own beauty and decisively steered the conversation back to business.

Sure enough, Liu Liu Yifei instantly became much more serious. Leaning on Lin Nan's shoulder, she murmured, "Mm, that's what they said. They asked me to choose first, and then we'll discuss the detailed contract terms later. As for you, they want to talk face-to-face..."

"In the morning, the sci-fi blockbuster 'Shanghai Fortress', led by China Film, Northern Film, and Huashi Entertainment, directed by Teng Teng Huatao, and starring Lu Han, Shu Qi, and others, held a high-profile media conference and opening ceremony at the National China Film Digital Production Base."

"It is reported that the sci-fi blockbuster 'Shanghai Fortress' was in preparation for six years, with a total investment of up to 400 million RMB..."

"Director Teng Teng Huatao spoke at length at the opening press conference, stating that he would surely write a new chapter in domestic sci-fi blockbusters, that 'Shanghai Fortress' would not be inferior to 'The Wandering Earth', and that he looked forward to competing with Lin Dao Nan in the future!"

"Bona Film Group released an announcement: the group submitted its initial IPO prospectus to the main board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange this morning. Bona Film Group's 'return to the A-share market' process has taken a key step!"

To be honest, when Lin Nan woke up naturally on the morning of the 21st, he deeply sympathized with China Film.

Such a grand opening press conference, yet the news of Bona submitting its prospectus diverted more than half of the traffic and attention.

After all, the whole internet knew that the film and television industry was at its peak; especially for big companies, going public always led to a surge in market value. Instead of paying attention to a sci-fi movie that no one knew when it would be seen, people might as well pay attention to the movements of the 'God of Wealth'!

"Lin Dao, Light & Shadow called. The occupancy rate this morning has dropped to the lowest. According to this box office trend, 'The Great Wall' should probably break through in the next couple of days."

Yue Jun's abrupt phone call directly ruined Lin Nan's good mood from watching the online spectacle.

"How much is it now?" Liu Liu Yifei, holding a cup of brown sugar water, asked listlessly.

"As of last night, the total box office was 1.197 billion, but yesterday's daily revenue has already dropped below 500,000." Yue Jun, obviously hearing Liu Liu Yifei's inquiry, quickly replied.

"Does that mean there's still hope for a total box office of 1.2 billion?" Before Lin Nan could speak, Liu Liu Yifei murmured again.

"Understood. I'll go coordinate with Light & Shadow shortly, add one last round of promotion, and definitely break 1.2 billion."

Yue Jun's reaction speed was somewhat beyond Lin Nan's expectation. He stared dumbfounded at the phone that had already been hung up, muturing in his heart: Director Yue, get it straight! I'm the boss, and I haven't said anything yet!

Liu Liu Yifei nestled into Lin Nan's arms, appearing somewhat weak. Of course, this was all an external illusion; Liu Liu Qianqian in this state was even more untouchable, or she would really get beaten. Hmm, sometimes she just glares at you without saying a word, turning the cold violence up to the max.

"Oh, by the way, Xin Pian Zhang said she wants to visit the set of 'The Untitled' with us at the end of the month. I've already agreed. You'll have someone buy tickets for them later, on the same flight as us."

"No problem. As you say."