Entertainment, I just like making movies

During this year’s Lunar New Year, a strange phenomenon occurred.

Mainland's major film and television companies did not pay close attention to the movies released during the Lunar New Year as in previous years, but instead focused on two new films.

The targets of competition are "A Good Show" and "Havoc in Tianzhu" just launched by Hengyu Media.

Directors, Huang Bo, Bao Qiang!

There are successful precedents for actors turning into directors, and Huang Bo and Bao Qiang are very popular and popular with the audience.

No one from the major film and television companies wants to miss these two big pieces of meat!

Of course, the contenders are all big companies with big names, and small and medium-sized film and television companies are not competitive at all.

Hesong Media, like the Li Lianhua sisters, has a very clear goal. It took 7% of the share of "Havoc in Tianzhu" and then stood aside.

He had no idea about the release of the movie, but instead helped Baoqiang analyze the pros and cons and select the best among the best.

Small companies like Huanrui, Ciwen, and Huanyu focused on TV series when they were first established, and they were very self-aware.

Although small companies are coveting the new films of Huang Bo and Bao Qiang, they also know that they are being beaten by large companies in terms of channels and publicity. Joining the competition is a dead end, and they might as well just stick to TV dramas.

Some medium-sized companies also participated in the competition and offered guarantees to the two movies one after another, but the prices quoted were very low.

Most of them were 200 million or 300 million, and no one offered a guarantee of 400 million. They were rejected by Huang Bo and Bao Qiang’s team in the first round.

On the contrary, Alibaba Pictures was the first to quote 500 million, which made the two people's eyes light up. They were nervous about starting a movie and suddenly became excited.

In terms of pure financial resources, in the current film industry, there are only four companies that truly have the qualifications to be big players.

Hengyu Media, Huayi Brothers, Alibaba Pictures, and Tengxun Pictures.

Although the first two companies have money, they will make various assessments in advance when investing in projects, and follow up on the progress of the project later to ensure that the project is on the right development path.

Alibaba Pictures and Tengxun Pictures are different. They are more ugly. They dare to invest as soon as they know big data or the reputation of directors and actors, and they are not afraid of losing money.

At the end of last year, Alibaba Pictures bought the distribution rights of "One Step Away" from Wanda Pictures with a guarantee of 1 billion, and won "Dear" from Guangxian with a guarantee of 500 million.

The total box office of "Dear" reached 540 million, and the distribution effect was satisfactory. Alibaba Pictures made neither profit nor loss.

However, the stock price of Alibaba Pictures, thanks to the promotion of Alibaba-affiliated media resources, took advantage of the release of "In Person" to make a fortune.

The two successes of "To Youth" and "Dear" also made Alibaba Pictures' executives feel complacent and felt that making movies was not difficult.

In the words of chairman Fan Luyuan, Alibaba Pictures is not short of money. If it can successfully invest in two future blockbuster directors, the extra money and premium will be worthwhile.

Maybe Huang Bo and Bao Qiang are the next Xu Zheng and Wu Jing!

Alibaba Pictures Headquarters in Imperial City.

In the high-end conference room, Fan Luyuan held a meeting of group executives to discuss the two projects "A Good Show" and "Havoc in Tianzhu".

In fact, there is nothing to discuss. The guaranteed price has been quoted and we are waiting for responses from Huang Bo and Bao Qiang, as well as other companies to bid.

In the meeting, Fan Luyuan sat in the center and said straight to the point: "Everyone, please tell me how we will increase the price in the future?"

"Let me tell you, since Hengyu Media decided to support Huang Bo and Bao Qiang, it must have taken a fancy to their strengths and their new films, and the 500 million guarantee is definitely not the end.

We don’t even think about buying Huang Bo and Bao Qiang with a guarantee of 500 million! "

Fan Luyuan had a clear mind and figured out Hengyu Media's attitude towards Huang Bo and Bao Qiang.

It's one thing if Ali has money, but it's another thing whether he can bribe two new directors.

That guy Fang Ziheng would not watch as Alibaba snatched away the distribution rights for a project controlled by Hengyu.

Major film and television companies are not afraid of Alibaba Pictures.

The distribution rights of the two movies still have to be fought for based on ability!

On the left, CEO Zhang Qiang thought for a while, knocked on the table to gather everyone's attention, and said in a concentrated voice: "Chairman, everyone, I think our quotation is already very high. Those small companies are quoting 200 million or 300 million. , we directly doubled it, which is enough to show the sincerity of our Alibaba Pictures."

“Is it too early to discuss follow-up quotes now?”

"Yes, Chairman!"

On the right, Chief Financial Officer Zhang Wei also nodded and analyzed: "Let's first look at the opinions of Hengyu, Huayi, and Bona on the two movies. After all, they are traditional companies and have their own set of evaluation methods. .”

"Furthermore, I think the cost of these two movies is not high. The cost can be recovered at a box office of 300 million yuan. We offer 500 million yuan, and it is not certain whether they will follow it or not!"

Having said this, Zhang Wei gave Fan Luyuan a thumbs up and smiled and praised: "Chairman, how did you come up with the idea of ​​quoting the same price for the two movies? I guess Huang Bo and Bao Qiang will be against us. Alibaba Pictures is very popular."

"This is simple. The two of them have almost the same fame and status!"

"Bao Qiang is slightly better at the box office. Huang Bo has participated in "Extreme Challenge" for two years, and his national popularity is increasing day by day. Regardless of his acting skills, our first offer from Alibaba Pictures must be a bowl of water."

Fan Luyuan smiled and talked eloquently, accepting Zhang Wei's small flattery.

really

Two movies were launched at the same time, and actors of the same stature turned to directors. If one quoted a higher price and the other lower, wouldn't it offend people?

Here, the value of the director is reflected!

If Huang Bo and Bao Qiang were still actors, Fan Luyuan would not have held a meeting today.

But directors, especially directors with box office potential, are already somewhat qualified to talk to capital on an equal footing in the current market environment.

Before knowing more about the movie, an equal offer is the best way, which can not only show strength but also win people's hearts.

Subsequently, several executives made remarks.

After summarizing all the suggestions, Fan Luyuan made a decision: "500 million has been quoted, and they both insist on this price!"

"Boss, Mr. Zhang, you will personally visit Huang Bo and Bao Qiang to bring the sincerity of our Alibaba Pictures.

If other companies also quote the same price, you can just increase the price. I will give you two the authority of 700 million.

More than 700 million, come and report to me again! "

"clear!"

Zhang Qiang and Zhang Wei looked at each other and agreed.

Alibaba Pictures is so tyrannical. As long as it can be solved with money, it is not a problem.

If money can't solve it, then add more money!

Whether Fan Luyuan or Zhang Wei, they all believe in the same truth, that profit is king.

Imperial City, a high-end restaurant near Huang Bo's home.

Huang Bo invited two friends, Ning Hao and Xu Zheng, to have a drink.

At the same time, he told Ning Hao and Xu Zheng about Alibaba Pictures’ quotation and asked them to help analyze it.

"Five billion!"

"Okay, buddy, you're about to send it!"

Not surprisingly, Ning Hao and Xu Zheng were also shocked by Alibaba Pictures' arrogance.

Ning Hao picked up the bottle of wine and took a sip. Looking at Huang Boxi's expression, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

After so many years, Huang Bo, the buffoon who played "Crazy Stone" in the past, has reached this stage, almost catching up with him and Xu Zheng.

Xu Zheng couldn't help but marvel: "500 million guarantee, this is the first time I've quoted, Bozi, "A Good Show" is definitely guaranteed, just wait for it to be popular!"

Compared with Huang Bo's surprise, Ning Hao and Xu Zheng saw it very clearly. Someone quoted 500 million for the first time, and it will definitely rise to 600 million or 700 million in the future.

However, the two of them are not too envious. Now that they are releasing a movie, major film and television companies have offered a guaranteed box office of more than 1 billion.

The two of them don't want to sell a guaranteed release, and prefer Hengyu Media to make the decision. Once the movie is a hit, they will get more.

Of course, it would be different if they produced the script themselves, and they could sell it at a price.

But no matter what, they already have a closer relationship with Hengyu Media. Whether it is rational or emotional, they prefer Hengyu at a similar price.

Ning Hao finished the cup, watched Huang Bo pour the wine for himself, and asked: "Bozi, the price of 500 million is very high, what do you think?"

"I"

Huang Bo was speechless for a moment, frowned and thought for a while, with an awkward smile on his face.

After a while, while Ning Hao and Xu Zheng were waiting, he slowly spoke out.

"I'm telling the truth. To be honest, I'm very excited about the guaranteed 500 million yuan, very excited. If no other company is quoting, I will choose Alibaba Pictures."

"But I still want to wait and see what Hengyu Media thinks. Director Fang Dong treats me well. I have always had a place in the "Secret of the Dragon" series. This time he supports me to change my career as a director. I can't be ignorant. Choose profit over the director based on conscience.”

"You mean, if Hengyu quoted the same price, you would definitely choose Hengyu?" Xu Zheng raised his eyebrows and asked further with a smile.

"certainly."

Huang Bo's face became solemn, he put down the bottle and said solemnly: "It doesn't have to be the same price, as long as the quotation is not too different, such as 480 million, I will choose Hengyu Media!"

"Besides, among private enterprises, Hengyu's distribution capabilities have always been this!"

After saying this, Huang Bo paused, gave a thumbs up, and said with a sly smile.

After the listing of Hengyu Interactive Entertainment, Hengyu Media has become the largest film and television company in China.

Apart from authority, China Film Group can only suppress Hengyu Media if it goes public and its market value skyrockets.

With Huang Bo's shrewdness, he naturally knows how to make the right choice.

As for whether Hengyu Media will quote a price, he is not worried at all.

Fang Ziheng met with him in person to discuss the script and investment of "A Good Show". He would definitely not give up the distribution rights of the film to Alibaba Pictures easily.

Wait... Huang Bo thought.

On the other side, Baoqiang looked at his new brokerage partner Li Xue with wide eyes, and said in disbelief: "500 million, Sister Xue, is it real or fake!"

"It really can't be true. I just received a call from Zhang Wei, vice president and financial officer of Alibaba Pictures. She asked you to have an interview tomorrow!"

Opposite Baoqiang, on a single sofa, an intellectual lady who was very similar to Li Lianhua said with a cheerful smile.

Li Xue, general manager of Hesong Media.

Hesong Media was born out of Li Lianhua's studio. After capital came in in 2012, Li Xue discussed with her sister to expand the size of the studio.

In the past two years, Li Lianhua has focused her work on Hollywood, and she has seen the booming career of her good friend Ren Quan. After several discussions and preparations, Hesong Media was officially established at the beginning of this year.

Li Lianhua is the co-founder of Hesong Media and the largest celebrity shareholder, or simply a sister store.

At present, Hesong Media has not received any capital injection and has only four shareholders in total.

Li Xue, Li Lianhua, Bao Qiang, and Li Lianhua’s good friend Ren Quan.

The personal studios of Li Lianhua and Bao Qiang were also transferred to Hesong Media, with a clear shareholding structure.

Li Xue owns 15%, Hua Yi owns 30%, and Li Lianhua and Bao Qiang each hold 55% of the shares in their own studios and have independent autonomy.

Hesong Media has successfully upgraded to a new partnership company with two top stars, and its business scope covers artist management, film and television production, and distribution.

Bao Qiang and Li Lianhua, a man and a woman, have no conflict in resources and have become the two pillars of Hesong Media.

According to Li Xue's plan, as long as "Havoc in Tianzhu" is successfully released next year and achieves good box office results, Hesong Media can take advantage of the trend to further expand artist management and enter the field of film and television investment and production.

By then, Song Media’s valuation will have doubled.

Bao Qiang's new film received an offer of 500 million as soon as it came out, which made Li Xue feel an inexplicable ambition.

This time, I really found a treasure!

"Haha, 500 million, really 500 million!"

Baoqiang was immediately excited. He stood up and walked around the room, his brows filled with joy.

After a while, he suppressed his inner excitement.

Bao Qiang returned to the sofa and asked with a trembling smile: "Sister Xue, do you think we should accept Alibaba Pictures' offer?"

At this time, Baoqiang was far less stable than later generations. When he heard 500 million, he unconsciously felt a little carried away.

Fortunately, Li Xue has rich experience and has been at the helm of the studio for many years, so she has already developed a shrewd mind.

She shook her head firmly and said in a manly voice: "There is no rush now. This is just the first round of quotations. Just wait and see. Once Alibaba Pictures makes a move, other companies will also participate."

"Yes, yes, Hengyu Media is the producer, and the director will not watch the films invested by the group be distributed by others."

Bao Qiang was shaken violently, as if a skylight had opened above his head, opening up new wisdom.

"Yes, Hengyu is also optimistic about "Havoc in Tianzhu", otherwise he would not support you as a director, so we can't rush. Don't worry, Baoqiang, I have everything under my control. I am confident that the price can be raised to 700 million!"

From here, we can see the importance of Li Xue, who is not at the same level as Song Zhe, Baoqiang's manager in his previous life.

"Yeah, sister Xue, I listen to you."

Bao Qiang nodded, showed a standard honest smile, and agreed with Li Xue to control the release of "Havoc in Tianzhu".

At the same time, there was also a murmur in his heart, wondering how Hengyu Media viewed this incident.

I hope the director will not be overly concerned and think that he does not want to hand over the film to Hengyu for distribution.

Baoqiang thinks too much!

Generally speaking, as long as a movie has more than two investors, or it is a sub-project produced by a certain director or actor, guaranteed distribution has become a necessary means.

Even Fang Ziheng himself, as the chairman of Hengyu Media and the producer of "A Good Show" and "Havoc in Tianzhu", will not refuse guaranteed distribution from other companies.

The reason is simple. Guaranteed release means recovering costs in advance, which means making money before the movie is even shot or released.

Only a fool would refuse this kind of deal!

Fang Ziheng seemed to have heard the shouts of Huang Bo and Bao Qiang, and issued follow-up instructions to Zhong Lifang, the executive vice president of the group.

[Follow up two movies, the same quotation is 500 million! 】

However, before Zhong Lifang could take action, the top executives in the film and television industry heard angry comments from Huayi, Guangguang, Bona, and Wanda Pictures against Alibaba Pictures and Tengxun Pictures.

Bona Pictures Headquarters.

Bang!

In the chairman's office, Yu Dong slapped his hand heavily on the desk and cursed loudly: "Fan Luyuan, the Japanese uncle, what on earth does he want to do? He doesn't understand the rules anymore. How can he offer such a price!"

"I offered 500 million for the first time, why didn't he offer 1 billion!"

As one of the few CEOs of filmmakers, Yu Dong hates this method of forcibly raising prices. Alibaba Pictures' approach is simply disrupting the market.

"What a shame, Ali is the only one with the money, right?"

Yu Dong became more and more angry as he spoke. He looked at the director of the distribution department in front of him and said in a deep voice: "We at Bona are also offering 500 million. Go and negotiate in person. No matter how much they add, you will keep up with me!"

"I want to see if Alibaba Pictures and Tengxun Pictures have many talents!"