Chapter 389: New Three Kingdoms: A Massive Hit, Massive Profits, Yan Boss

After the plot of "New Three Kingdoms" entered its middle phase, ratings no longer rose as rapidly as in the early stage, but remained steadily above an average of 2.

Coupled with simultaneous broadcasts on four networks and promotion by platforms like Tudou, it dominated from January through February, and even after the finale aired in March, it still retained considerable residual appeal.

The most direct impact was that the Three Kingdoms became a hot topic of the moment.

During the peak of "New Three Kingdoms," its Weibo topic volume easily surpassed 100 million, accumulating 134 trending topics, with at least four related trending topics appearing daily on the list, and promotional campaign votes exceeding one million.

Tudou's single-platform viewership broke its own record, with daily search volume surpassing two million and it held the top spot for six consecutive weeks among trending dramas.

This subsequently caused Tudou's daily active users and traffic to surpass Youku again, after a gap of about half a year.

In addition, according to statistics from online and offline platforms such as Taobao, Dangdang, and Xinhua Bookstore, sales of books related to the Three Kingdoms increased noticeably.

On web novel sites like Dianping and Zongheng, new Three Kingdoms-themed novels became major hits.

Notably, because Yan Li's portrayal of Lu Bu was exceptionally outstanding, Lu Bu became a new protagonist or major supporting character in Three Kingdoms web novels, with his activity level greatly enhanced.

Of course, other characters with significant screen time and standout moments in "New Three Kingdoms," such as Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Jia Xu, Cao Pi, and Sima Yi, also gained popularity to varying degrees.

"Baijia Jiangtan"'s analysis of the Three Kingdoms was rebroadcast and on-demand on multiple TV channels and video websites.

Moreover, netizens unleashed their creativity: some criticized "New Three Kingdoms" for continuity errors, costume or plot inaccuracies, and historical mistakes; others created derivative works, analyzing, editing, parodying, or meme-ing the main cast and plot.

Yi An did not block this—even encouraged and supported netizens.

A drama's ability to maintain long-term influence depends heavily on derivative works.

According to future intelligence, "New Three Kingdoms" becoming the most popular among the New Four Great Classical Novels would not have been possible without all the meme culture.

Thus, although these derivative works may have some negative effects, they greatly aid the work's dissemination and enhance its influence; overall, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Moreover, the dominant platforms for derivative works are currently Weibo and Tudou—both platforms hold the official online broadcasting rights and are officially authorized by the production team for promotion.

In other words, most of the traffic from "New Three Kingdoms" derivatives flows within Yan Li's own industry, moving from left hand to right hand—he naturally welcomes it.

The immense influence of "New Three Kingdoms" also spurred numerous commercial marketing efforts.

Categories that benefited most included electric vehicles, automobiles, and alcohol, all of which rode the wave of popularity to varying degrees.

Yadi achieved notable success by inviting Hu Jun as their spokesperson and giving him a red electric vehicle, subtly hinting at Guan Yu and Chi Tu.

In truth, brands most wanted to invite Yan Li as Lu Bu, but he was unobtainable, so they settled for Guan Yu instead—and reportedly, the effect was still quite good.

From these figures and real-world impacts, it is clear that "New Three Kingdoms" can unquestionably be called a massive hit.

Whether it surpasses "The Hidden Hand" and "Chuang Guan Dong" from the past two years is uncertain, but at least during the first few months of 2010, it had no rival.

Moreover, like other blockbuster dramas, "New Three Kingdoms" launched many actors into stardom.

While many actors rose to fame due to "New Three Kingdoms," the undisputed biggest winner was Yu Hewei.

This actor, who previously struggled to even be considered second-tier, became a massive star overnight thanks to his role as Cao Cao.

Although his Cao Cao, like most characters in "New Three Kingdoms," faced some criticism and controversy, overall the reception remained largely positive.

Audiences believed his portrayal of Cao Cao overturned the traditional image of the treacherous villain, instead crafting a new overlord: a charismatic, strategically brilliant, and emotionally nuanced ruler of Cao Wei.

Especially in key plotlines such as "Green Plums and Wine," "The Sash Edict," "Guan Du," "Chi Bi," "Bronze Sparrow Terrace," and the Cao Wei succession struggle, he delivered exceptionally outstanding performances.

Before "New Three Kingdoms," Yu Hewei's fee was a few thousand yuan per episode, slightly higher if he had fewer roles.

During the filming of "New Three Kingdoms," the production team offered a lump-sum payment: Yu Hewei received one million yuan, averaging less than 20,000 yuan per episode.

After "New Three Kingdoms," Yu Hewei's fee skyrocketed; his current minimum rate is 100,000 yuan per episode.

Given his current high demand, unless it's a blockbuster drama, it's unlikely he'll accept a role for less than 150,000 yuan per episode.

In the entertainment industry, one sudden fame brings worldwide recognition and both fame and fortune—this is exactly how it works.

Similar to Yu Hewei is Xin Baiqing, who portrayed Liu Bei; his Liu Bei also received widespread praise, though not as dazzling as Yu's, he too became famous and sought-after, reportedly receiving constant offers and a soaring salary.

Other actors, especially those previously obscure, all benefited to some extent, and for some, it directly transformed their careers and entire lives.

For example, Yue Qi, who portrayed Zhang Fei, was originally a Peking opera performer, earning a fixed salary with only occasional performance subsidies—his income was extremely limited.

After "New Three Kingdoms" became a hit, he became a highly sought-after actor for roles as fierce, rugged men; he also became a major star within his theater troupe, with his treatment and income soaring dramatically.

There is also Zhang Songwen, who portrayed Sima Yi.

As Yan Li's old classmate and a well-known supporting actor at Yi An, he had played many roles and held some fame, but few of his characters had broken out beyond niche circles.

In this "New Three Kingdoms," his Sima Yi was repressed, sinister, and cunningly calculating.

From a transparent figure in Cao Wei, to Cao Pi's right-hand man, and finally becoming the greatest winner of the Three Kingdoms, he was the series' ultimate Dafan Sect, successfully reaping a wave of benefits and seeing his fame surge.

Beyond these actors, Yi An reaped enormous profits.

Before this, the initial licensing revenues from "New Three Kingdoms" had already exceeded 100 million yuan; after the drama's explosive influence, profits surged even further.

As of now, the projected earnings for "New Three Kingdoms" have reached 350 million yuan; after deducting costs under 140 million yuan, profits exceed 200 million yuan.

Moreover, this figure continues to rise; it is still very likely the entire project will reach 400 million yuan in total revenue and 250 million yuan in profit (pre-tax).

This return is, without question, the most profitable television drama in Yi An's history—and the most profitable single film or television project ever.

Whether "The Wind Blows," "Crazy Stone," or "October Siege," in terms of direct project returns, none come close to "New Three Kingdoms."

After all, for a 300-million-yuan box office, the producer typically receives only about one-third; even with other revenues, it's hard to double that, and after subtracting substantial costs, actual profits are often lower than those of some TV dramas.

"New Three Kingdoms" is poised to achieve 250 million yuan in profit; even after distributing dividends to some co-producers, what remains leaves Yi An with a feast.

Not only for Yi An, but across the entire Chinese-language film and television market, the income and profit of "New Three Kingdoms" rank among the highest—in the television sector, it is utterly unmatched.

At the critical juncture before Yi An's IPO, "New Three Kingdoms" has added a solid boost of momentum.

Yan Li personally hosted the "New Three Kingdoms" victory celebration at the Grand Hyatt in Jingcheng, also serving as the final internal rallying event for Yi An's IPO.

The date for Yi An's IPO has been firmly set: April 20, 2010.

…

Jingcheng, Grand Hyatt Hotel

Considering the imminent IPO, Yan Li preferred to keep things low-key and avoid unnecessary stir; this celebration was attended primarily by Yi An staff and a few key figures from "New Three Kingdoms," with no media invited.

Yet while Yi An intended to remain discreet, too many eyes were watching.

Yi An was at the peak of its fame; everyone wanted to network or bask in its wealth and starlight—people brought others, who brought more, and many "uninvited guests" slipped in.

"Sister O."

Bai Bing waved at Wang Ou, who was speaking with a senior official from Yi'an; upon seeing this, she stepped over.

"What are you doing here?"