owlsbooks Chapter 370 Stephen Chow's New Project
Chapter 370 Stephen Chow's New Project
In recent years, Zhang Weiping has frequently clashed with theaters, relying on his access to the films produced by the renowned director.
From "Hero" to "Curse of the Golden Flower" and then to "A Simple Noodle Story," Zhang Weiping would stage a "coup" before the release of each of the director's works.
He held the prestigious title of "National Director" in his hands, knowing that cinemas across the country depended on his films for their livelihood, so he always demanded exorbitant profits in the revenue-sharing terms.
The initial percentage was over 30%, which was raised all the way to 43%. Every negotiation caused a great uproar, and on several occasions, the Film Bureau even had to intervene to mediate.
Theaters hate him to the core, but they can't do anything about it, since the director's films are a sure-fire box office guarantee.
But Fu Yibai looked down on such things.
It wasn't because he didn't care about money, but because he felt that doing business couldn't be based solely on his own calculations.
The cinema chain bears all the costs of land rent, labor, and equipment maintenance. The film distributors take their money, but they still have to leave some money for the downstream companies.
Pushing cinemas too far will ultimately backfire on the entire industry.
Furthermore, Fu Yibai has more than one card in his hand; he owns Xinghe Cinemas, which is an important industry under the Chenxi Group.
How many movies does Chenxi release in a year?
How many movies are released in China each year?
Even if every film by Chenxi is a blockbuster, the few percentage points increase in revenue sharing cannot outweigh the stable revenue that Xinghe Cinemas receives from other film studios.
Moreover, this would alienate those cinema chains.
Only a profit-driven, short-sighted businessman like Zhang Weiping would repeatedly antagonize cinema chains in order to maximize his own interests.
"I understand what Mr. Zhang means."
However, the cooperation between Chenxi and major cinema chains has been very smooth, and Xinghe Cinemas itself has also benefited a lot.
Regarding the profit-sharing terms, we'll execute the contract exactly as it's written. A little more or less won't make a difference.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Weiping felt a sense of inadequacy.
"Director Fu is a big and wealthy man, so he doesn't care about that little bit of money, but you should also contribute to the industry."
Every time I, Zhang Weiping, negotiated that 43% share of the box office revenue, it was through sheer hard work and risking my life.
"If I hadn't repeatedly stepped forward to push up the profit-sharing ratio, we'd all still be struggling to scrape together a meager 30-something percent!"
Zhang Weiping became more and more excited as he spoke.
The Imperial Advisor stood to the side, his brows furrowing slightly.
He reached out and pressed down on Zhang Weiping's shoulder with great force.
"Alright, today is Director Fu's celebration banquet."
Let's not talk about these things.
Zhang Weiping opened his mouth, but seeing the Grand Preceptor's expression, he swallowed back the words he was about to say.
Fu Yibai saw all of this and his opinion of Zhang Weiping dropped even further.
This person mistook the achievements of the imperial advisor for his own abilities, thinking that he could challenge the world with just a few contracts.
It was only a matter of time before the Grand Preceptor left Zhang Weiping. The brilliance of gold cannot be concealed; Zhang Weiping's cloak can only cover things up temporarily, not forever.
He withdrew his gaze, turned to the Imperial Advisor, and spoke with a much more sincere tone than before.
"Master, the nationwide auditions for 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' are really lively."
I wonder if the female lead has been cast yet?
Fu Yibai smiled and raised his glass in acknowledgment, naturally shifting the topic to the creative process itself.
The Grand Preceptor's expression visibly relaxed, and a gentle light appeared in his eyes.
"Still choosing, no rush."
I want to find a truly pure girl, like a mountain spring.
Director Fu, to be honest, this time I want to slow down and keep things simple.
The market is too noisy; sometimes we need something quiet.
Fu Yibai nodded in deep agreement.
He understood the meaning behind the Grand Preceptor's words and appreciated this pursuit of remaining clear-headed amidst the noise.
The two chatted about film casting and cinematic language, their conversation relaxed and focused, as if the tension from just moments before had never occurred.
Poet Chen and Han Shanping also joined in the conversation.
Zhang Weiping was left standing aside, his face turning red and white in turns. He could only drink in silence, unable to utter a single professional word.
Just then, a thin man in a black Zhongshan suit walked through the crowd alone, carrying a wine glass.
His hair was gray, his eyes were sharp, and his face was expressionless, giving him a very serious look.
The person who arrived was none other than Stephen Chow.
"Director Fu, congratulations!"
Do you have a moment to talk in private?
Stephen Chow's appearance made the surrounding air quiet for a moment.
Fu Yibai was somewhat surprised, but he quickly put on a polite smile, nodded to the Grand Preceptor and others, and then followed Zhou Xingxing to the relatively quiet terrace on one side of the banquet hall.
Stephen Chow got straight to the point.
"Director Fu, I'm here today not only to congratulate you on your box office success, but also to talk to you about something else."
I have a new project called "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons," I wonder if you'd be interested?
Fu Yibai was somewhat surprised.
Given Stephen Chow's star power, as long as he hints at making a new film, major film companies in China will be scrambling to get him, throwing money at him. It's unclear why they would approach him.
"Who in the industry wouldn't want a movie by Stephen Chow?"
Fu Yibai spoke the truth.
"I'm just a little curious. With your reputation, you shouldn't lack investment."
Why did you decide to come find me?