Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 119 Boss Lu Eats Both Sides

Boss Lu drove away his employee Xiao Liu and went to the bar alone.

It’s not that we can’t bring her here, but Tianshang Renjian doesn’t allow minors in!

Ah Fei drove to the den of brothel located on the west side of the Great Wall Hotel on the East Third Ring Road, parked the car and followed the boss in.

The ticket price of 160 yuan per ticket surprised even this cold-blooded parking attendant from Hong Kong.

What's so expensive? Are women's private parts made of gold?

Boss Lu was not in a hurry to go up. It was Yu Dong's appointment, so why should he be in a hurry? He asked the fat man to wait for a while.

The two of them sat near the bar for a while, and Boss Lu looked around with interest.

An ordinary fruit plate costs three to five hundred yuan, and the cocktails prepared at the bar range from 200 to 1000 yuan.

There were charming and sweet girls everywhere, and those in the hall were probably of the lowest class.

Inside is a paradise of wine and meat, while outside is a world of people freezing to death on the streets. You are not kidding me!
The openness of policies and society, the vigorous development of the market economy, and the gradually emerging liberal environment and atmosphere have all created a broad stage for entrepreneurs and business people who have become rich first.

Everyone's dreams and ambitions can be released, and this is just a corner of the ocean, the tip of the iceberg.

The two walked into private room 999.

"Mr. Yu!"

"Director Xiaolu, today I finally got to see your style!"

"Hey~ No, no, I'm showing my weakness, I'm showing my weakness!"

Lu Kuan let A Fei sit wherever he wanted, then he picked up the Remy Martin that he had prepared and took a sip with Yu Dong.

The purpose of the two people's meeting today is very pure.

Drink, chat, play with women, and discuss releases!
Boss Lu said in the afternoon that Concubine Liu Yi was Granny Liu. Now he also seemed like Granny Lu, and was very curious about this gentle land that had been famous for a long time in his previous life.

In the 1980s, the nightclub craze blew from Tokyo to Hong Kong, and from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, and then northward, flourishing everywhere.

This place was formerly a dance hall run by a local boss in Peking. After several twists and turns, it was taken over by businessmen from Taiwan Province. Finally, it welcomed the young Qin Hui who brought this "treasure land" to the top of the club entertainment industry.

It is called a young man because that year the Dazhou businessman, who was less than 27 years old, spent a fortune, bought the nightclub for 180 million US dollars and carried out the crazy renovation he had in mind.

Yu Dong said with a smile: "Director Lu, is this your first time here?"

Lu Kuan looked at the former Beijing Film Studio employee who was only in his early thirties and smiled, "Yes, I longed for it before but couldn't get there. Today I finally got to see it."

"Please don't laugh at me, Mr. Yu!"

Yu Dong gave him a look that all men understood, and he had prescribed the right medicine.

Ever since this person suddenly appeared in the entertainment industry, many people have known and studied him. Otherwise, how would Xiaoyanzi find him?

It was not until Lu Kuan won the Golden Lion in Venice in a groundbreaking manner that the film industry's attention turned to him.

There is no doubt that "Whiplash" will be a hot commodity for the distributor.

According to the information published by Wenjie Culture Media on its blog, the North American copyright of this film has been purchased by Miramax.

This further strengthened Yu Dong's determination to contact him before China Film.

How to grab it? Give it to the person who likes it!

There is no wall that is impenetrable. The story of Jiang Qinqin may not be known to the public yet, but there have been rumors about the romantic affair between Dong Jie and him in the crew of "The Story of a Noble Family".

This is not anyone else's fault. The two were indeed about to commit adultery, but were accidentally discovered by Concubine Liu Yi.

After three rounds of drinks, Yu Dong saw that the atmosphere was right and prepared to call for a servant.

"Boss Yu, let's talk business first!"

There's no other reason. Bingbing called me on the way here. He must have arrived at the Rose Garden by now.

The Golden Lion Award has become a symbol of the emergence of young directors, and it has also become an aphrodisiac for this famous actress.

He has been pestering me several times since he returned to China!
Yu Dong said a few polite words, and seeing that he really didn't mean that, he didn't force it anymore.

"Director Lu, you should know what I mean. We're not too far apart in age. Can I call you my younger brother today?"

Lu Kuan pointed to a pile of wine bottles in front of him.

"Hey, Brother Dong, this is not right. Look at these beer bottles, I can't even count them all, and I've almost finished two bottles of Remy Martin. Why are you still saying such polite things?"

Boss Lu is naturally experienced in the bar scene, and this body has been tested by alcohol over the past year. I didn't expect that Yu Dong seems to be a worthy match!
He didn't know that Yu Dong's heart and stomach were also churning.

The family knows their own affairs.

After graduating from Beijing Film Academy in 94, Yu Dong was assigned to Beijing Film Studio to run distribution. He carried copies and treated theater managers across the country to drinks, and managed to drink his way into good performance. He also became the youngest deputy chief of the distribution department in the history of Beijing Film Studio.

But look at the guy opposite, he's so familiar with toasting each other, could it be that he's been drinking since he was in his mother's womb?
Yu Dong is a 30-year-old old fox. He thought he was facing a 20-year-old young fox. In fact, he underestimated Boss Lu’s 20 years of experience!

"Brother, let me get straight to the point. How about letting you distribute Whiplash?"

Boss Lu naturally needs to take a stance first and wait for the right price.

"Mr. Yu, Bona was only established last year, almost a year ago. The distribution capabilities of the national theater chain..."

Yu Dong's eyes widened: "Brother, what are you talking about!"

"Polybona has only been established for a year, but I've been in charge of distribution for almost ten years. Apart from the Beijing area, I know every cinema owner in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen!"

Boss Lu agreed with this statement. In fact, in 2002, there were not many distribution options before him.

In 2001, the state promulgated the "Film Distribution Business License", and Bona became the first licensed private distribution company.

Guangdian is still the largest producer and distributor of TV programs in China. They are the producers of "Music Billboard" and "Film and Television Billboard".

He is a know-it-all in domestic entertainment, but the optical fiber distribution business was not expanded until after 2005.

The same is true for Huayi. Their trial of distribution business will not begin until next year when they collaborate with Xi'an Film Studio on "Heroes of Heaven and Earth".

For Boss Lu, the only private option is Berna, and the only state-owned option is China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group. He will not consider other local distribution agencies.

Before coming, Lu Kuan had already spoken to Gao Chengsheng on the phone, and he was also waiting for a response from China Film.

"Brother Yu, to be honest, China Film Group is also interested. You know, Mr. Han..."

Yu Dong's face turned pale. Under normal circumstances, he would not dare to compete with his old leader for this business.

However, Berna has been established for almost a year and still has no outstanding business or well-known brand.

Faced with the increasingly withered domestic film market, he, the boss, is a little exhausted, not to mention his employees.

For Bernard now, it is almost a matter of life and death, to exaggerate a little. Not to mention his own leader, even if it is his own father, he has to grab it!

"Brother, China Film Group has always been very aggressive. We won't bargain with you for a 15% distribution fee. Our Bernardo is of high quality and low price. How about 13%?"

Boss Lu pondered in silence. He pretended to be embarrassed and left the private room to make a phone call.

This involves a calculation problem of domestic box office. (Note 1)

While Lu Kuan and Yu Dong were toasting each other in the 999VIP room, there was also a lively drinking party in a private restaurant near Xiaoxitian.

"Boss Han! This is a toast to you. Thank you for your support of Lu Chuan!"

The crew cut said politely, "Old man, that's not possible. Please sit down!"

In fact, Han Shanping didn't really want to attend the banquet today. He was a decisive person and was most afraid of sitting at the same table with pedantic intellectuals like Lu Tianming.

Even the senior screenwriter, who was more than ten years older than him, felt uncomfortable drinking.

He glanced at the man beside him and said in a feigned anger, "Jiang Wen, are you raising fish?"

"Hey, Xiao Lu, hurry up and toast! Can't you see that your Master Jiang is almost drunk and falling asleep?"

Lu Chuan's face froze. What he hated most now was hearing the word "Master". It always reminded him of the little bastard who had slapped him in the face in Venice.

Zhao Wei smiled and said, "Let me do it. Director Lu seems to be a bit drunk, haha."

Jiang Wen had no choice but to raise his cup and clink glasses with her. The two were partners in "Heroes of Heaven and Earth" and "Green Tea" and had a good relationship.

Also at the table were the Wang brothers from Huayi and Han Shanping's secretary Gao Chengsheng.

Today's party was actually organized by Jiang Wen, and the reason is very simple.

Almost a month ago, Liu Xiaoqing was imprisoned.

In fact, the investigation against her started in May, but the person involved was lucky enough to think that she could pay the back taxes without any problems.

Unexpectedly, at the end of July, news came out that she was detained at Pengcheng Customs and no news was heard from her since then.

By the time Jiang Wen asked people to find out the details, this top lady had already begun to experience life in a single cell in Qincheng Prison.

Today he gathered a large group of leaders and friends, hoping to get more advice on how to help his ex-girlfriend.

It happened that Wang Xiaolei and Lu Chuan had just finished discussing the overseas copyright of "Looking for a Gun". Lu Tianming proposed to treat Mr. Han to a banquet to express his gratitude, so the two tables were merged into one to have a lively occasion.

Han Shanping suddenly frowned: "Xiao Gao, how about going to the Beijing Film Academy to watch a movie this morning?"

Gao Chengsheng smiled and said, "Although Director Lu Kuan is young, he is very thoughtful. I also had a brief chat with him about the distribution of Whiplash this afternoon."

He adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, considering how to lift them.

Han Shanping, a shrewd leader, squinted at him and asked, "What's wrong? You don't want to distribute for China Film?"

"No, sir. Lu Kuan said he almost solely invested in this film, costing over 1000 million yuan. After deducting taxes on overseas copyrights, there wasn't much left."

Well, two of the three pieces of information in one sentence are false. "He wants to discuss whether we can discuss the publishing fees..."

Wang Xiaolei and his brother looked at each other. It was the first time they heard of anyone daring to talk to Han Shanping about publishing costs. The young man was quite brave.

The 15% issuance fee is not negotiable, but it depends on the people involved and the time.

In 2002, the domestic film industry was in a period of transition, with China Film Group essentially dominating the market, and you were a young, fledgling director.

If China Film Group charges less for distribution, it will make less money. Han Shanping naturally doesn't want to hear these words.

Although the extra money will not go into his pocket, it is a political achievement!
Yes, Lu Kuan did win the award and brought honor to Chinese films, but does an award-winning movie necessarily do well at the box office?

There are countless precedents.

Zhao Wei felt uncomfortable when she heard the name Lu Kuan. She could still vividly remember the latter's words in the teahouse that day, mocking her that her movie would flop next year.

"Boss Han, Lu Kuan is actually quite interesting. He's more than just a director."

Everyone at the table looked at him with doubt.

Zhao Wei laughed and said, "It is said that this Lu Kuan was a small Taoist priest on Mount Mao in Jiangsu Province before he was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy. He entered this industry because he was chosen by Zhang Jizhong to play Yin Zhiping."

"Rumor has it that he's also skilled in face reading and fortune telling. It's said that he was the one who diagnosed Hong Kong girl Mei Yanfang's serious illness."

Or maybe it could be said that this person is a person who has a deep understanding of the world and has high emotional intelligence.

People at the table were talking about Lu Kuan’s film distribution, his professional abilities, and the film’s profit expectations.

What is your intention in suddenly making a joke and revealing Lu Kuan's charlatan side?
Han Shanping comes from an old revolutionary family and has always looked down upon the evil tendencies of these city scumbags and despicable people.

"Xiao Gao, go check his background. How is he related to a charlatan?"

Lu Tianming had already heard his son talk about the conflict between him and Lu Kuan, so he interrupted at the right time.

"Secretary Gao, I didn't expect there are still so many remnants of feudal superstition. China Film Group needs to keep an eye out. This is a taboo!"

Han Shanping's face became even uglier when he heard this, and he waved his hand.

"How about this, you talk to him. If he agrees to the 15% maximum issuance fee, we'll come to Xiaoxitian to discuss it in the next few days. If he doesn't agree, forget it."

"Didn't we discuss the release of 'Together With You' with Chen Kaige these past two months?"

“They are all art films, and this one is no exception.”

Gao Chengsheng secretly groaned.

Since Han Shanping asked, he couldn't keep silent.

But he was not willing to talk about this matter in this situation.

Firstly, leaders tend to make impulsive and unbalanced decisions when they are drunk.

Secondly, what was the grudge between this Zhao Wei and that old bastard Lu Tianmin and Lu Kuan in their previous life?

Why do so many people want to kill him?
Zhao Wei smiled sweetly and clinked glasses with Jiang Wen again, determined to give the rude little charlatan a hard time.

If you can really calculate it, let’s see if you can pass this level!
"Old Jiang, don't look so gloomy. I have an idea for you."

Jiang Wen perked up: "What?"

"Lu Kuan is still the right one. Isn't it said that Zhang Tianshuo was trapped by his methods? What should we do about Teacher Liu's matter and ask him to settle it?"

Han Shanping glanced at her with dissatisfaction and said to Jiang Wen in a serious tone, "Jiang Wen, don't be foolish and seek these evil ways. Don't break the law at any time and don't go against the government."

"I'll help you find out about this, but there's one thing: she needs to raise the money. She can't pay a single cent less in taxes to the country!"

Jiang Wen smiled and said, "Old leader, I'll listen to you!"

Gao Chengsheng looked at his leader's unfriendly face and could only drink a sip of bitter wine by himself.

Suddenly the phone in his pocket vibrated, and he said goodbye and left.

"Hello? Director Lu, what can I do for you?"

"Secretary Gao, I wonder what the rules are with President Han of China Film Group?"

"Boss Yu and Boss Ren from Shanghai Film Studio are also pressing us hard. Secretary Gao, please take a look..."

Gao Chengsheng didn't know whether what he said about Shanghai Film Studio Ren Zhonglun sending someone to contact him was true or not, but Yu Dong must have taken advantage of the situation.

The reason is simple: I can't live happily anymore.

"Director Lu, I'm really sorry, regarding the distribution costs at China Film..."

Boss Lu felt a sinking feeling in his heart. His best solution was of course to let China Film Corporation be responsible for the distribution. Not only would it have abundant cinema resources, but it would also allow him to establish a relationship with Boss Han.

If the course of history had not changed, this relationship would have lasted until 2014, almost spanning the climax of Chinese-language films.

"Okay, then we'll contact each other. Thank you, Secretary Gao!"

If you don't make a decision when you should, you will suffer the consequences. Boss Lu didn't waste any more time talking to him and hung up the phone directly.

If you seek peace through war, then peace will exist; if you seek peace through compromise, then peace will die.

He must not intervene in the relationship between him and China Film Group and Han Shanping in too low a posture. It's not just you who can do the distribution, right?
"Brother Dong! Come, let's continue drinking!"

Yu Dong was anxious in the private room, eagerly awaiting Boss Lu's return.

Seeing him return to his seat with a cheerful face and drink with him, Yu Dong's heart sank. Could it be that he had already reached an agreement with China Film Group?
"Brother, this release..."

Lu Kuan sighed heavily.

"Brother Dong, it's not that I don't care about your business, it's just that the points given by China Film are too much!"

"How many?"

"China Film only needs 12 points!"

"Seize the young master?"

"And he even promised to advance my publicity expenses!"

The so-called advance payment of publicity expenses means that the issuing company pays the publicity and distribution costs in the issuing process in advance, and finally deducts them from the share of the accounts.

Some producers who are short of funds usually give up some points to the distributor by advancing the publicity fees.

But for Yu Dong now, these costs are too heavy for Bernardo to bear.

Yu Dong was horrified, fuck you Han...

Mr. Han, how can you be so unkind? Don't you even care about the industry rules?

"Boss Yu, don't tell anyone. This is what Secretary Gao told me privately."

"He said on the phone that he would not admit his identity no matter who asked him."

"Similarly, once I leave this room, no matter who asks me, I won't admit it's 12 o'clock, and I'm even paying for the publicity!"

Fatty Yu had a fierce look on his face, gritted his teeth and stomped his feet!

"Brother, I'm going to lose money on this one. 10% of the issuance fee!"

"It's just that we're just paying for the publicity. We're a small family..."

Lu Kuan pondered for a while and said, "How about this, Brother Dong, you have made such a big concession, I will not be ungrateful."

"I accept 10 points. We'll cover the publicity and promotion costs ourselves, but I have only one request!"

Yu Dong's face flushed and he stared at Boss Lu.

"For the next two months, you can only distribute Whiplash, because this time I'm going to personally design a distribution plan that covers the entire country, not just first-tier cities!"

"With your manpower and scale, if you make other films, it will definitely not meet my requirements."

Yu Dong put down his wine glass tremblingly.

Forget it, I'd rather die than let my friend die. I'll just be sorry to Director Chen.

Anyway, he was still hesitating with me, so I just followed his wish and let China Film Group produce "Together with You".

"Brother, do it!"

"Dry!"

　Note 1: Briefly describe the box office revenue sharing.

　　A film work from production to consumption by the audience
　　It is composed of production, distribution, theater chain and cinema.

　　(1) Now let us assume that the final box office of Whiplash is 100 million yuan. First of all, the national "special fund office" and business tax will take up 8.3% of the share, that is, the remaining 91.7 yuan can be shared by these four parties.

　　(2) Next comes the distribution among the four parties. In 2002, the distributors and producers generally accounted for about 41% of the share, while the cinema chains and theaters accounted for 57% of the share.

　　Note: This distribution ratio is not static. In 2000, the distribution ratio was around 35%. In 2002, due to the popularity of "Hero", Zhang Weiping personally forced the palace to increase the ratio to around 41%. The subsequent distribution struggle will be discussed later.

　　（3）在这91.7万的可分配票房里，属于出品方和发行方的41%还需要继续往下分，发行方一般会拿走5-15个点数，这里指的是91.7万的5%-15%，而并不是41%的5%-15%。

　　（4）如果按照顶格的15个点，那么91.7万的可分配票房，路宽一共能分到91.7*（41%-15%）=23.842万的票房，这才是出品方的最终收入。

　　(The agency fees and the issuer's advance publicity expenses are not taken into account)

　　PS: After the next few battles for revenue sharing, the 41% ratio will be adjusted. Now it is generally three times the box office revenue to make back the investment.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)