Huayu: From an ordinary person to a happy director

Chapter 53: Mr. Han’s Ambition

After leaving DreamWorks Animation, Shi Lei felt much better. In his previous life, he liked "Kung Fu Panda" very much, but when he heard that "Kung Fu Panda" was made by foreigners, he felt uncomfortable. Now he feels better.

After returning to the company and handling some company affairs, he set off to return home. Han Sanpin had already urged him several times.

After leaving the airport, Shi Lei got on the car back to the company.

The driver Fang Junyi said to Shi Lei who had just sat down, "Boss, there are reporters stalking the company. I saw the paparazzi while I was waiting for you just now."

Shi Lei frowned. He naturally knew what the reporter wanted to do. He just wanted to interview him.

But he didn't want to be interviewed. His original intention was to make a fortune in silence. However, after he became famous, his every move was watched by people, and his overseas Peach Company was also exposed.

In fact, he wanted to keep it secret, but the people at Columbia insisted that he be listed as a producer on "Saw". The entire film was made up of amateurs, which was not acceptable.

So as soon as "Saw" was released, he and his Peach Company were exposed.

"Saw" has grossed over 100 million yuan worldwide, causing a stir in the domestic circle.

Major domestic media also want to interview Shi Lei.

However, apart from making people jealous, these interviews did not bring any benefits to the foreign Peach Company and "Saw", and he did not want to deal with the reporters.

"Go to China Film Group. I want to talk to Mr. Han about investment."

----

Office of Han Sanpin of China Film Group.

When Han Sanpin heard that Shi Lei was coming, he stood up and warmly welcomed him.

"You didn't even tell me you were coming. I happened to be free, otherwise you would have to wait."

In his position, many people visit him every day, and generally an appointment is required.

It’s just that Shi Lei is a successful director. If Shi Lei had told him in advance that he was coming, he would have made time for it.

"It's only right to wait." Shi Lei told the truth.

It's really not appropriate to make a surprise visit.

More importantly, due to objective reasons, he couldn't afford to offend China Film Corporation.

First, Taolin Film and Television’s distribution license has just been obtained, and the distribution department has just been established, so there is no distribution experience, and now the distribution still needs to rely on China Film.

Second, China Film Group is his biggest backer in the country. As long as his films have investment from China Film Group, other private film and television companies would not dare to use means outside the rules.

As for normal competition within the rules, he is really not afraid.

With China Film Corporation taking the lead in publicity, the competition is naturally about the quality of the films. If we compare the films alone, the company is really not afraid of other private companies.

Currently, the only competitor in the mainland is Huayi, which poses no threat to Taolin Film and Television.

"You're joking, no. How can I let a big director like you wait?" Han Sanpin said with a smile.

"Let's not talk about this. I came here today to ask Mr. Han for investment. How much investment can China Film give for "Sword Rain"?" Shi Lei went straight to the point.

I don’t know how long we will continue to exchange pleasantries.

"The cost is still 2000 million?" Han Sanpin asked.

"Yes, the cost is too high and we can't make much money!" Shi Lei told the truth.

China is not like North America. North America has a disc market, and making a blockbuster and making a profit from the box office is a success.

For this Sword Rain, he does not expect the overseas market, because "The Banquet" will be released this year, and overseas countries soon discovered that "The Banquet" was a big pit, making it difficult to sell the copyright of the martial arts film.

If the film relies solely on the domestic market to make money, the cost of 2000 to 3000 million is just right. "Who are you going to ask to star in the film?" Han Sanpin did not say how much the investment was, but asked about the casting.

Shi Lei was a little confused as to why Han Sanpin went off topic, but he still replied: "Liu Tao will play the female lead Zeng Jing, Zhao Wenzhuo will play the male lead Jiang Asheng, Wang Xuexin will play the Wheel King, and the rest of the actors are to be determined."

"Why not find a Hong Kong actor for the male lead? For example, Chou Zhaolong." Han Sanpin asked tentatively.

Shi Lei shook his head and explained, "Zhou Zhaolong's current salary is not cheap. According to international prices, his salary for commercial films is between 100 and 200 million US dollars."

“This movie is not for him.”

"Why not? We can raise our costs a bit." Han Sanpin still did not give up his plan to make a blockbuster film.

After a pause, he continued, "Neither Zhao Wenzhuo nor Liu Tao are well-known internationally. Do you want to use their international box office?"

"I think it would be more appropriate to use Li Lianjie."

With the current strength of Shi Lei's company, it can now afford Li Lianjie.

Shi Lei refused and said, "Boss Han, we have argued about this. We really cannot afford Jet Li. If we use him, the cost will not be 2000 million RMB, but 2000 million USD. It will be too difficult to make a profit. I will definitely not agree to this."

"Then use Zhou Zhaolong. The higher the pay, the higher the cost. The cost will be increased to 3000 million."

Shi Lei fell into deep thought. His salary must be five times that of Zhou Zhaolong. If Zhou Zhaolong's salary was 100 million US dollars, then his salary must be at least 500 million US dollars.

The cost of filming is at least 1000 million US dollars. Considering that the copyright is not easy to sell abroad, this is a loss-making business.

Only a fool would agree to increase costs if they know they will lose money.

He is different from other directors. Other directors get paid for making movies and have a bottom line, but they will not insist on it. He is different. He is also the boss of a company and one of the company's signature brands. He cannot destroy the brand.

Shaking his head, he firmly refused: "Boss Han, this is really not possible. I have to be responsible for my company and cannot raise costs recklessly."

There are many films that blindly increase production costs, causing a profitable film to lose money, so he will not make such a mistake.

Han Sanpin looked at Shi Lei who had a firm attitude and sighed. Shi Lei's "Saw" made money, and he wanted Shi Lei to do something bigger, but now it seems that it is not possible.

"Okay, 200 million is million! But you should still contact Chou Zhaolong and see if he's willing to play the male lead for million."

"I'll be in touch." Shi Lei replied, but he didn't hold out much hope. Reducing the pay is not a casual decision. 200 million RMB does not fit the identity of a leading actor with a global box office of over million USD.

He did not discuss this issue with Han Sanpin, but brought the topic back to the point: "This time, Taolin Film and Television accounts for 60% of the investment. I can give 30% to China Film and the remaining 10% to Emperor Entertainment Group."

The reason for giving Emperor Entertainment Group a share is for the box office in Hong Kong Island.

The box office of "The Matrix: Keeper" in Hong Kong Island was over 3000 million Hong Kong dollars. Based on the exchange rate of 1.06, this is more than 3000 million RMB. A box office of million is not a small amount.

Last time he was an art film director, and since he hadn't proved his ability in commercial films, it was understandable that he didn't seek investment from people in the Hong Kong circle. But now if he doesn't bring in people from the Hong Kong circle, the box office in Hong Kong Island will be in trouble!

There is China Film Corporation in the mainland, and Hong Kong Island also needs to find a local boss.

"Okay! After the contract is signed, I'll let my subordinates transfer the money." Han Sanpin was a little unwilling.

Shi Lei is still too young and too timid. "Saw" has earned 3000 million US dollars, but domestic film investment is still so stingy.

Unlike Feng Dapao and Chen Kaige, whose "Night Banquet" cost 1.2 million and "The Promise" cost 2.4 million, they are both blockbusters with big investments!

After leaving China Film Group, Shi Lei let out a long sigh. He really didn't know what to say. He must be crazy about wanting to make a blockbuster!

Forget it, never mind. After China Film hits a wall a few times, it will calm down.

After getting in the car, Shi Lei did not choose to go back to Taolin Film and Television, but chose to return to his big villa.

The car stopped at the gate of the villa. Before Shi Lei got out of the car, he saw a beautiful woman waiting for him at the gate.

(End of this chapter)