Chapter 190

Seeing Lu Kuan did have this thought, but it was also because the Inquiry Realm was in dire need of female artists.

*Love is Not Blind* had been auditioning for more than a week, and they couldn't find a suitable female lead.

It refers to the kind of conditions that are suitable in all aspects, and can be signed back to develop deeply.

Su Chang's conditions are good, she is a seedling that can be cultivated.

Liu Yifei thought thoughtfully: "Oh, I see."

She was determined to communicate with her best friend first and expose Seeing Lu Kuan's shameless face.

Actually, it was overthinking; the two of you were the ones listening to the bed in the *Golden Powder* crew...

"And *Condor Heroes*, you go to talk to Zhang Jizhong, the salary should be 150,000 per episode."

Yang Siwei was surprised: "150,000? Can it be done?"

"You just talk; go after tonight."

Yang Siwei was bright-eyed and instantly understood the former leader's intention.

Joke, 40 episodes of *Condor Heroes* count as 6 million in salary; this money is not small either!

September 15, 2003, evening, Beijing Xindongan Cinema was full of stars.

The star guests who came to the Inquiry Realm press conference at the beginning of the month were basically all there.

In addition to the massive media, there were also lucky viewers drawn from internet media such as the blog network, most of whom were fans of Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing, and others.

*Shoplifters* winning the Jury Prize and Best Director at Cannes was already a matter of the end of May.

At that time, in order to avoid the withered movie market after the boiling point, and to avoid overlapping with the company's *Crazy Stone*, Seeing Lu Kuan thought about it and set the release date on the National Day holiday.

Han Shanping and Gao Chengsheng had both kindly urged him to avoid *Warriors of Heaven and Earth* in the same period; this is a blockbuster invested heavily by Columbia and Yanda Huayi.

But it was rejected by Boss Lu with the courage to be the first.

Just kidding! If I don't step on this flop movie to get to the top, how can I harvest the market?

Seeing Lu Kuan led the crew to greet guests, then set off to the VIP room in the backstage; Han Shanping, Zhang Yimou, and others were drinking tea inside.

Today, all the big shots in the film industry came: Han Shanping, Jiang Zhiqiang, Zhang Weiping, Dong Shuangqiang, Zhang Yimou; any one of them is a figure who can make the mainland film world tremble.

Zhang Weiping met Seeing Lu Kuan for the first time and smiled as he stepped forward to shake hands.

"Heroes come from youth! Director Lu, nice to meet you!"

"Hello, Boss Zhang, I've heard a lot about you."

Don't hit a smiling person; even if you have a bad impression of him, as long as he hasn't offended you, it's fine.

Han Shanping smiled: "Little Lu, look at you sitting among us old men, it's too abrupt."

"I think you can start growing a beard; it looks more mature, haha!"

Dong Shuangqiang pretended to be unhappy: "Director Han, I'm only in my forties; don't drag me in too, hey."

Zhang Weiping thought he was familiar with Dong Shuangqiang and patted his shoulder jokingly: "Old Dong, this time you really have dog shit luck, being able to hug Director Han's thick thigh."

This is about the Travel Channel; it's just that Seeing Lu Kuan looked at Dong Shuangqiang's expression and it was unnatural; he shouldn't be happy to hear him talk to himself like this.

This kind of talk is harmless between friends, but Zhang Weiping, in order to flatter Han Shanping, was a bit low in emotional intelligence to use others to step on here.

I don't know what he will think when he remembers today when he can't help but scold Old Han as a vulture later.

Zhang Yimou is still more concerned about the situation of the movie.

"Little Lu, why is the theater release so late? It's been more than 4 months since Cannes."

"Harm! This can't be said; if it's said, won't it offend people!"

Jiang Zhiqiang knew he was going to joke again: "You're still afraid of offending people? Everyone thinks you're Sun Monkey!"

Boss Lu waved his hand modestly: "*The Matrix 2* in July, *Terminator 3* in August, *Warriors of Heaven and Earth* from the end of September to October, *The Matrix 3* in November."

"Leaders, bosses, you say it; if you want to pick the softest one to pinch, who do you pinch?"

Everyone laughed, and Old Han reached out and pointed at Seeing Lu Kuan, feeling a bit helpless.

This means the softest one is Yanda Huayi's *Warriors of Heaven and Earth*, right? How can it compare with Hollywood blockbusters?

Han Shanping knew about his disagreement with Yanda Huayi, but still kindly reminded him.

"*Warriors* will have a global premiere at the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City on September 23; this time it's aimed at the big scene like *Hero*, and it's coming aggressively."

China Film didn't directly participate in the *Warriors of Heaven and Earth* project, but Han Shanping couldn't help but care about it.

This movie and Zhang Yimou's *Hero* were filmed almost at the same time, but it was delayed for more than ten months.

The reason stated externally is that Columbia was dissatisfied with the movie score, and later asked Sony to remake and release the movie soundtrack, which is also a part of the profit of Hollywood movie companies.

But Han Shanping has his own little calculations; he is very optimistic about both movies and thinks they both have the strength to rush for the Oscar, so isn't it fighting to put them in the same year!

Therefore, he discussed letting *Hero* test the water first, and Columbia also pushed the boat along to prepare for the remake and release of the soundtrack.

Only the capital party Yanda Huayi and Xi'an Film Studio were more injured, and the funds could not be recovered.

Seeing Lu Kuan was naturally bright-eyed: "Advance screening on September 23, presumably to rush for the Oscar, right? Is *Warriors of Heaven and Earth* reported for foreign language films this year?"

Different film festivals have different requirements for film declaration.

The Hong Kong Film Awards and the Oscars both have conditions for public screening in commercial theaters within the selection period.

The requirement for the Film Awards is "screening no less than five times in more than 50 theaters within seven consecutive days";

The Oscar is "the film must be released between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, and the screening time must be no less than 7 days".

So some films will conduct small-scale screenings in order to rush for awards.

Han Shanping was not surprised that Seeing Lu Kuan knew these film rules, but this topic aroused Zhang Weiping's resentment.

"Hey! Don't mention rushing for the Oscar; we were pitted by Harvey last year!"

Zhang Yimou also smiled bitterly and waved his hand to indicate not to mention it.

But in all fairness, this matter is not entirely Harvey pitting domestic filmmakers.

The *Hero* rushing for the Oscar pitted by Harvey mentioned by Zhang Weiping is because Harvey refused to release *Hero* in North America during the Oscar rushing period.

This indeed had an adverse effect on rushing for the Oscar: even the North American audience who watched it didn't have it, how to rush for the Oscar?

However, Harvey also has his own reasons.

One is that Zhang Weiping screened *Hero* in Pengcheng at the end of 2002 for the sake of rushing for the Oscar, disrupting the North American promotion that was going on at the same time;

The second is that time came to the summer of 2003, and Jackie Chan and Emperor and Columbia's *The Medallion* collided with the schedule, and Harvey decided to avoid the edge.

Therefore, until now, North American audiences have not seen *Hero* in theaters.

In this life, with Seeing Lu Kuan's *Exotic Land*, maybe Harvey will have to delay...

Zhang Yimou has cognitive awareness of Seeing Lu Kuan's global film vision.

"Little Lu, what do you think of the prospects of *Warriors of Heaven and Earth* rushing for the Oscar this year?"

Han Shanping, Dong Shuangqiang, Jiang Zhiqiang, and others all looked at him, wanting to hear the opinion of this young director.

Or "metaphysical prediction".

Boss Lu smiled: "Generally it can't be counted, it can be said to be very poor!"

Han Shanping teased: "You kid wouldn't look down on it just because it's Yanda Huayi's movie, right?"

"There is this part of the reason!"

Everyone was stunned and laughed; no one sitting in this room is a Yanda Huayi person.

Han Shanping has a transcendent status, Zhang Yimou disdains the "Capital Cultural Circle", Zhang Weiping and Yanda Huayi are in a competitive relationship, and Jiang Zhiqiang doesn't care.

Only Dong Shuangqiang, because his own connections and social circle are too large, has cooperated with Yanda Huayi.

But now he and Seeing Lu Kuan are strategic partners.

Boss Lu smiled: "Truth is truth."

"After Jiang's *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*, the country has declared costume films for three consecutive years, and the judges are already very bored with the same topic essay."

"Hollywood's themes are a cycle; since *Gladiator* won a complete victory, film epics have become popular again, like Tom Cruise's *The Last Samurai*, etc."

"*Warriors of Heaven and Earth* has a certain similarity with *Hero* in terms of theme and tone. Is it possible that just one year later, Hollywood judges can have a 180-degree change in this theme?"

"What's more, Director Ping also advertises its western style. Everyone, in Hollywood, is it reasonable to sell western-style movies to Americans?"

Playing with a big knife in front of Guan Gong, right!

"I even doubt now whether it can retreat completely in the domestic market!"

Everyone was lost in thought, especially Old Mouzi.

Zhang Yimou has no interest in the three major European festivals; the Oscar is his only goal now.

Han Shanping frowned; he didn't care about the box office situation of *Warriors of Heaven and Earth*; China Film didn't invest or distribute it, but rushing for the Oscar is his political achievement!

Gao Chengsheng pushed the door and came in: "Director Lu, that Jiang Beichun you mentioned has arrived."

Boss Lu's eyes lit up, and he temporarily parted with everyone and followed Gao Chengsheng to the small room next door.

Jiang Beichun is the founder of Focus Media.

In the distribution process of *Whiplash*, Seeing Lu Kuan demonstrated to domestic filmmakers what "deep distribution" mode is from the perspective of a hanger.

Before the formulation of this China Film distribution plan, Han Shanping strictly ordered the distribution department and the Inquiry Realm to discuss the distribution strategy together, and the focus was to do it according to what Seeing Lu Kuan said.

It's just that he directly targeted this new type of advertising company that only started in 2003.

"Director Lu! I've heard a lot about you; your *Whiplash* is so wonderful, I've watched it three times!"

The first thing that came was a flattering remark, and Boss Lu smiled and asked him to take a seat.

"Boss Jiang, your elevator advertising model idea is great; to what extent has it developed now?"

Jiang Beichun undertook part of the advertising business of *The Thief* this time; Seeing Lu Kuan is the Party A father, and he is naturally boasting now.

"Boss Lu, let me report to you."

"Now the company's business basically covers 45 cities across the country, more than 25,000 buildings, and the daily average coverage population exceeds 30 million!"

Boss Lu didn't commit, this number sounds astonishing, but it's hard to tell true from false.

"Well, this time the *The Thief* advertisement, I asked the distribution team to find you; I am very optimistic about the future of elevator advertising."

Jiang Beichun had heard of the name of this domestic director, and it was a lie to say he had watched *Whiplash* several times, but the "deep distribution" in the distribution process was very enlightening to him.

All roads lead to Rome; they are actually doing the same thing!

In 2002, Jiang Beichun accidentally came up with the idea of elevator advertising while waiting for the elevator.

That year, he spent all his family wealth to buy the first batch of LCD TVs and put them into 50 buildings in Shanghai, and got 1 million in advertising revenue in the first month.

This new type of advertising model also emerged.

"Thank you, Director Lu, very honored to get your recognition."

Hehe, you are honored too early, it's too early to meet this hanger.

"Boss Jiang, I'll just say it straight."

"This time, part of the *The Thief* advertisement was handed over to you to test your current coverage and market penetration level."

"I also have an immature idea myself."

Boss Lu paused and looked at Jiang Beichun with a smile; the latter felt a chill on his back for no reason.

"Does your company accept acquisition?"

Jiang Beichun was shocked: "This! Director Lu, where does this start?"

He begged for mercy, but his heart was as clear as a mirror.

It is said to be an innovative advertising model, but is there any threshold for such an idea that can be copied without any effort?

Shortly after Focus was founded, Ju Zhong was also established, and the two fought fiercely in the market, competing for precious channel resources.

At this time node, except for first and second-tier cities, where are there so many buildings with elevators?

Today's blue ocean is tomorrow's red ocean; now Jiang Beichun has basically exhausted the 50 million funds in his hand and is preparing to contact venture capital.

After Focus went public on NASDAQ in 2005, the first thing it did was acquire Ju Zhong, occupying 96.5% of the market share in the country and increasing the competitive barrier of this industry.

"Okay, don't play dumb, I don't feel guilty."

"50 million, I want 60% of Focus's shares."

This number is what he considered.

The first financing Focus got from SoftBank in later generations was also 50 million, taking 30% of Jiang Beichun's share.

Actually, this has already taken a big advantage of Jiang Beichun; the timing is when Focus and Ju Zhong are competing for market resources and entering the white-hot stage!

But Boss Lu is more greedy when others are greedy, and the extra 30% naturally has a reason!

Jiang Beichun changed color; after a business talk, Party A father is going to become a real father, and even the controlling stake is gone; where the hell is the reason to talk about this?

"Boss Lu, if you talk about business like this, I still won't accompany you."

Seeing Lu Kuan crossed his legs and threw the cigarette box on the table to signal him to take it himself.

"You can walk out of this door, but your opponent Ju Zhong will come in later; you can try it."

"You!"

Boss Lu stopped teasing him: "Okay, saying these is not to scare you, listen to me."

"First, you and Ju Zhong are at a critical node of competing for channel resources; this 50 million is your life-saving money. Whoever gets more market share first and goes public earlier can wave the money stick to dry the other party!"

Jiang Beichun didn't commit; this person obviously came prepared, and it's not strange to know the current competition situation.

"Second, Inquiry Realm's investment is more favorable to you than other single capital and venture capital!"

"We are a film and television company; just this year, the company has produced and is doing five movies and TV series, with an average investment of more than 20 million each. You can think about the share of advertising fees here."

"And most of what we do are urban films and fashion films, and the target group is compatible and complementary to your advertising channel resource type."

Jiang Beichun was told by him with glowing eyes; such an investor who can provide business is undoubtedly more suitable than one who just pays money.

But 50 million for 60% is still too exaggerated; he spent less than 60 million before and after to lay down this piece of country!

"Boss Lu, I admit that I am moved by you, but please understand the persistence of every entrepreneur to firmly grasp the controlling stake!"

Seeing Lu Kuan also knows that his condition is strong, but this is just a negotiation strategy.

Where can you give a reasonable valuation at the beginning.

"How about this, 70 million, I want 55% of your equity, but allow you to exercise 51% of the voting rights."

"I am a movie director, doing an entertainment company; I am not interested in your business, you can operate the market according to your own ideas."

Jiang Beichun sneered, saying it nicely, which investor doesn't say that?

"Sorry Boss Lu, it seems I'm going to spoil your interest today."

Seeing Lu Kuan frowned; do you really want me to use means?

He took out his mobile phone: "Afei, bring Boss Yu of Ju Zhong in."

Jiang Beichun looked at him in disbelief.

Are you still an artist?

The movie you filmed is called *The Thief*, I think you are a robber!

"Wait! Wait Boss Lu!"

Boss Lu repeated a sentence to the receiver with a smile and slid it into his pocket.

Where the hell is Boss Yu of Ju Zhong, just lied to him.

Jiang Beichun looked at the plain-faced Seeing Lu Kuan and hated him; he regretted it so much!

Why did he take the order of *The Thief* and cause such a devil who manipulates people's hearts!

He didn't think that if Boss Lu contacted Ju Zhong, it is estimated that in this life, it would be Ju Zhong who would eat him back.

"Boss Lu, why must you control?"

This is Jiang Beichun's biggest doubt in his heart, and also his biggest hidden worry; he is worried that he will be swept out of the house one day as a founder.

Boss Lu also saw the crux of his hesitation.

"I repeat, I am not interested in intervening in your company's business, but I must ensure that my public opinion tools serve the Inquiry Realm."

"If I don't control, what if a competitor offers a higher advertising fee one day and uses my own sword to kill me?"

Jiang Beichun made a final struggle: "Boss Lu, 70 million, you control 51%, but except for marketing matters involving your company, I require equal decision-making power for other matters."

Seeing Lu Kuan stared at him indifferently for a few seconds and took out his mobile phone.

Jiang Beichun was terrified! Thought he was going to call Ju Zhong again, and just wanted to leave angrily!

"Wenwen, prepare to pay."

Jiang Beichun was overjoyed: "This? Boss Lu, did you agree?"

Reborn people are not omnipotent; at least Seeing Lu Kuan has not made much achievements in the advertising business.

Jiang Beichun's business ability is enough; with him, he just needs to pay and collect money.

Jiang Beichun took Focus to NASDAQ in 2005 and became the first domestic entrepreneur to ring the bell.

Calculated at the issue price of 17 US dollars, Focus's net worth reached 680 million US dollars overnight.

According to the investment share initially agreed tonight, the shares in Seeing Lu Kuan's hands will be worth at least 340 million at that time, and with the blessing of the Inquiry Realm, the valuation will only be higher.

For the current Seeing Lu Kuan, intervening in 2003 is a perfect time point.

The two agreed on a time to talk in detail, and Seeing Lu Kuan went to the front desk to host the premiere ceremony.

Inquiry Realm's old friend host Jin Wei connected the premiere process, and Seeing Lu Kuan didn't talk nonsense, directly entering the screening.

The dragon mark flashed by, and the Shoplifter family opened.

Liu Yifei and her best friend Su Chang sat together in the second row.

She really wanted to quietly enjoy Seeing Lu Kuan's second work, but now there are more important things to do!

The young girl quietly poked Su Chang next to her.

(End of chapter)