Huayu: When the director changed his major

Chapter 164: Werewolf on a Moonlit Night is scheduled to be released!
As the plot unfolds, I gradually discover that this film is not as sad and dark as I had imagined.

The core is surprisingly warm, and many parts are even handled in a way that makes people smile.

Especially as you continue to watch, you will see that Xiaowen and Mo Sanmei go from being enemies to being dependent on each other.

Then let’s talk about Mr. Mo’s thoughts on death before he died.

"In life, nothing matters more than death!"

It couldn't help but cause everyone to think.

In this way, everyone gradually immersed themselves in it.

By the end, some people were crying, some were laughing, and most were crying and laughing at the same time.

After everyone finished watching the movie, when the ending theme song "The Man Who Plants Stars" came out.

I also feel that the quality of this movie has been improved.

I was even surprised to find that a funeral movie actually had a healing effect on people's hearts.

It doesn't feel like an art film at all, but rather very sunny.

It's like entering a martyrs' cemetery, giving you a reassuring feeling.

This contrast makes everyone think.

This is a different kind of funeral film, maybe it can actually be a box office hit?

After 100 minutes, "Life Events" was finished.

Han Sanping stood up and slowly clapped his hands.

He really didn't expect that a student under 20 years old could make such a good film that is both commercial and profound.

A 20-year-old is actually thinking about the meaning of life and death?
Although he thought there were some flaws in it, he was sure that it was a rare good movie.

It makes people laugh, cry and think, and it can even be regarded as a very meaningful death education lesson.

Although I don’t know whether the market will buy it, it is much better than all the other garbage released.

From Han Sanping's personal perspective, he likes this movie.

He couldn't help but look at Cheng Xi with even more admiration.

No wonder the director of the directing department, Wang Ming, contacted me a while ago and wanted me to recruit this young and talented director.

As for the quarrels and disagreements between him and Lu Chuan, he had long forgotten them.

Of course, Han Sanping is actually a professional businessman.

No matter how much you like it, you have to be business-minded.

People from the cinema also began to warm up to Cheng Xi, although they were not optimistic about the box office performance of funeral-themed films.

But there is no denying Cheng Xi’s talent, not to mention that he is so young and has a bright future.

So they started exchanging business cards and contact information.

Of course, Cheng Xi accepted all the offers, after all, he would be making many movies in the future.

These are representatives of certain hilltops.

After Han Sanding and the people from various theaters summarized their opinions, they had a clear idea.

After a brief thought, he came to Cheng Xi and said straight to the point:

"The film is good, let us at China Film Group distribute it. I won't treat you unfairly."

"The conventional box office revenue share is 5% for the cinema chain and 7% for the distributor. This is the condition we give if the film is indeed of good quality."

China's box office revenue share is excluding 5% of the total box office revenue paid to the film industry development special fund and 3.3% of related taxes and fees.

There are also four major sections: production, development, production line and institute.

Theater means showing in cinemas.

They provide broadcasting equipment, venues, manpower, etc., and bear the risks of attendance and actual operations.

Therefore, the share is the highest, generally fluctuating around 48%, and the lowest will not be lower than 45%.

Line refers to the cinema chain, which is to combine individual cinemas, such as Wanda Cinema or XX Cinema.

Schedule a movie in a unified manner, arrange the release date, set the movie ticket price and time period, etc.

The general box office share is between 4-8%.

Fa refers to the issuing company.

For example, the China Film Corporation that Cheng Xi found today, they copied the films, gave them to each cinema, and cooperated in marketing and display.

They are the middle link between film production and film screening, ensuring that your film can meet the audience.

Otherwise, no matter how good your movie is, it will be useless if a company that lacks distribution qualifications distributes it for you.

The distribution share is generally between 5-10%.

The rest after deducting the above belongs to the producers, namely Cheng Xi's Zuibai Studio and Sohu and other investing producers.

According to the conditions mentioned by Han Sanping, the cinema chain and distribution together account for 12%, and the cinema's share is about 48%.

There is also a 5% special fund for film industry development and a 3.3% box office tax.

Cheng Xi and the three investors can get a total of 32.7% of the box office share.

If the cost is 9000 million, then the box office revenue must be 2.75 million to break even.

But the actual filming only cost about 6000 million yuan, and it is estimated that including subsequent publicity it cost at most 7000 million yuan.

Then the box office must be at least 2.14 million to just break even.

After calculating this way, Cheng Xi still felt quite stressed.

Of course I was full of confidence before filming, but I was worried after filming but before it was released.

Because TV dramas don't require viewers to pay, while movies are a real vote of money.

Although Cheng Xi invested more funds, the filming was more meticulous, and the cast was stronger.

But it is difficult to say whether it will suit the audience's taste. All we can say is that this movie proved its feasibility at that point in the previous life.

But in 2011, there is no guarantee that we can achieve the previous achievements.

I have such worries, let alone others.

What's more, I am still a newcomer in the film industry.

Perhaps the combination of these reasons is why people are not optimistic about their 100 million yuan budget for making a movie.

"Third Master, can you give a little more concession to the distribution and theater chain revenue ratio?"

"As you know, this movie cost me nearly 100 million yuan, and the pressure to make a profit is enormous."

Cheng Xi started to feel miserable. This one point was worth several million, so of course he had to fight for it.

Han Sanping nodded and said:
"I understand your difficulties. Don't blame me for being blunt. Although the quality of your film is good, it's really difficult to make a profit."

"Lao Yu has also contacted me before, and this is already a concession. When other people come to me, I always ask for 10 points more."

Cheng Xi was speechless after hearing this, so he continued to ask:

"What about the theater chain?"

"I'm the one who pressured the theater chain for you. They like this movie, but they're not optimistic about the box office. So don't even think about it."

Han Sanping saw Cheng Xi's helpless look and suddenly asked:
"Cheng Xi, I think you have great directing talent. Why don't you come to our directing department?"

Cheng Xi was still calculating the box office when he suddenly heard Han Sanping ask this.

But I reacted immediately.

Han Sanping’s meaning is very clear. As someone from the management department, this is all I can give you.

But if you come to the directing department, you will definitely be one of us and can be taken care of a little.

"Third Master, are you saying that if I apply to transfer to the directing department, I can still get a share of the distribution revenue?"

When Han Sanping heard what Cheng Xi said, he shook his head and replied:
"Cheng Xi, you misunderstood. We are doing business here. No matter which department you are from, you are all members of the academy. This is the lowest commission I can give you."

"Of course, if you can join the directing department, we will definitely be closer, and maybe I can find a good schedule for you."

"Thank you, Master San. I'll go back and think about it."

When Han Sanping heard Cheng Xi say this, he knew that this young man was not someone who would compromise easily.

After all, you can tell by looking at the quarrel between him and Lu Chuan.

He said this because he was asked to do so.

After all, he was using his power to bully someone who was a junior in the academy. Han Sanping thought that he would not do that given his status.

Cheng Xi thought that one person's plan was short, while two people's plan was long.

I was going to go back and see if my three investors or Director Yu had any better ideas.

If that doesn't work, we can only put it on China Film.

After all, what they said is right. These are all market prices. It is already a favor for a new director like me to get this proportion of share.

During the conversation, he also learned that Zhang Yimou's new movie "The Flowers of War" is scheduled to be released during the National Day holiday.

I heard that the editing of "The Banquet" has been almost completed and it is ready to be released soon.

Cheng Xi knew that the National Day holiday would be difficult, as there were many competitors and the films were of good quality.

The key is that we can’t get a good time and schedule.

After all, in their opinion, your movie has low commercial value.

Maybe if you want to release your film during the National Day holiday, they may not have space for you.

Not long after Cheng Xi returned to the studio, he received a call from someone who claimed to be Wang Ming, the director of the directing department.

He said he could help discuss the release of "Life Events" and strive for better conditions.

Since you have a dream of becoming a director, you can consider transferring to our directing department.

Don't worry about the Management Department, we will take care of the procedures ourselves.

"After coming here, you can better develop your ability to be a director, and there are more seniors who are directors."

"Of course, it's not that the Management Department is bad. It's just that everyone has their own specializations, and the Management Department, after all, is a production department."

When Cheng Xi heard this, he first thanked him for the kindness, but still politely declined.

After all, I don’t really need to learn anything specific in the directing department.

If you don’t become a director yourself, it’s hard to say what kind of directing skills you can develop.

Then I might as well go to the photography department, where there are more big names.

And now the Management Department has become my root, I will leave once I become famous.

What will people think?
With Teacher Cao Jinnan and Director Yu supporting me so much, I would never do such a thing.

What's more, he wants to buy me off with just one or two points.

This price is too much of an insult to my Zuibai brand.

Cheng Xi couldn't help but smile.

The older generation still subconsciously looks down on young people.

No matter how much they suffer, they will never be able to change this bad habit.

Friday, November 2011, 9.

Cheng Xi was listening to Li Wentao's report in the office while picking up the calendar to study it.

从收集到的信息来看，目前已经确定9月30日或10月1日上映的国庆档电影就有4部。

The most popular one is "The Flowers of War" directed by Zhang Yimou.

The second is "Legend of White Snake" directed by Cheng Xiaodong and starring Jet Li, Huang Shengyi, Raymond Lam and Charlene Choi.

There is also "Painted Wall" directed by Gordon Chan and starring Deng Chao, Sun Li, Liu Yan and others.

However, at that time, Sun Li's "The Legend of Zhen Huan" had not yet been broadcast and was not so famous.

Then there is the revolutionary film "The Revolution of 100", directed by Jackie Chan and Zhang Li and starring a number of big names, which commemorates the th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution.

There are a few others, but they are obviously flopped movies and not discussed much.

"The Banquet", Lu Chuan's release date has not been set yet. I wonder if he is studying the calendar like me now.

Or do you really have to wait until your release date is set before following?

Cheng Xi couldn't be sure.

"Boss, if it's released before National Day, the competition will be too fierce. Sohu and Youkuwanda strongly advise against it."

Yes, there are too many famous directors and big-name actors, and it’s too late for a little Karami like me to try to emulate the national master.

It's really not necessary.

Of course, you can also stubbornly choose the National Day period, but you will really be squeezed out by them to make films, which will increase the difficulty for yourself.

“但国庆后上映的话，10月8号和9号又是补班，只能再拖到10月15号了。”

Cheng Xi looked at the information of various movies, then looked at the calendar time, thought for a while and said:
"Should we just move it up a week and release it on September 9rd? The Autumnal Equinox would be a good date too."

"The most important thing is that we can still enjoy it during the National Day holiday."

When Li Wentao heard his boss say this, he suggested:
"If that's the case, the second week of the National Day box office with so many newly released films will directly eat up our screening schedule."

"Boss, my suggestion is similar to Sohu's. To be on the safe side, let's release it on Friday, October 10th."

Li Wentao's idea was not wrong.

Of course, Cheng Xi's ambition does not stop there, although he is worried about the actual situation of the release.

But he is also very confident about this movie.

Since it is difficult to hit the National Day box office right away, there will be no influence without screenings.

Then find a weekend before National Day and release it for a week.

And I can take advantage of this time and use the remaining money to vigorously promote my film. In this way, perhaps with the subsequent reputation and box office, the theater chain can increase the screening time of my film during the National Day.

After all, you have 8 days to operate.

If we start the promotion from now on, we will have 20 days to prepare the release date.

If the film becomes a big hit, the theaters will come to us and ask for more copies.

At that time, the offensive and defensive situations were different.

And if the box office doesn't pick up at this time, then of course the National Day, which could have been the second week of the schedule, will have no chance at all.

This is a decision with high risks and high rewards.

It all depends on the determination of the person at the helm.

Cheng Xi is certainly a person who wants to play it safe, but he will never hesitate when it comes to taking risks.

Therefore, despite opposition from investors such as Li Wentao and Sohu, they resolutely chose September 9, the Autumnal Equinox.

As the official release date of the film.

The distribution was also carried out as previously discussed, and we finally cooperated with China Film.

There is no other way. He is the leading issuer, so you can avoid a lot of trouble by going to him.

"Son, are you coming back to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival this time?"

"Mom, I won't go back. I've been busy lately and the movie is about to be released."

"Oh, then remember to buy some mooncakes and don't work too hard. By the way, remember to accompany my future daughter-in-law."

"Okay, I'll remember that!"

Cheng Xi doesn't have time to go back for the holidays now.

Cheng Xi also asked the studio not to let Reba accept any announcements during the Mid-Autumn Festival, because someone has to accompany her during the holiday.

So on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Cheng Xi called out to his roommates and several people in the studio who had not returned home.

We spread out a few picnic mats on the Xiaoyue River side of the college and brought a lot of snacks, barbecue and beer.

Of course, there are also mooncakes and big grapefruits, which are essential for Mid-Autumn Festival.

Everyone ate and drank, admired the moon, and played Werewolf.

Cheng Xi said: "Naza is a werewolf because she keeps touching her werewolf hair."

Cheng Xi threw a water bag to Nazha to test everyone's reaction.

Unexpectedly, someone fell for it right away.

Reba said: "I think my brother is a werewolf, deliberately framing Nazha and bullying her because she is a newbie, in order to push the good people out."

Judging from the tone, this time it’s Rebannazha and the two wolves.

A small water bag started maintenance, and it was like one explosion and two explosions.

Although Nazha is indeed a novice, she has grown rapidly under Cheng Xi's training.

Finally it was Nazha's turn to speak. She thought for a long time before she began to speak:
"Cheng Xi is lying! I am not a werewolf, I am a villager."

After hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

Even Reba couldn't help it and started to hold her forehead.

Doesn’t this expose me too?

When I finished reviewing the game, I found that both beauties were werewolves.

It seems that the more beautiful a woman is, the less trustworthy she is.

But this one from Nazha is an exception!
Everyone: "One more round, one more round!"

Bai Xue: "I'm not satisfied yet. I want to use the prophet to test what kind of person Cheng Xi is."

Yes, Bai Xue has finished filming "The Flowers of War" and is back.

Reba: "I'm going to find a witch and poison my brother to death!"

Four roommates:

"Yes, let him die on the first night. He plays too many tricks and is too deceptive. It affects our gaming experience."

Cheng Xi: “.”

Cheng Xi thought, that’s not the case.

You know, my knowledge of Werewolf is more than ten years ahead of yours.

They were all players who had just started playing the game and had not been deceived by Cheng Xi.

Especially Ermei, who was often cheated by Cheng Xi and still counted the money.

No matter how much you trust him, you will be led into a trap anyway.

But unexpectedly, he was eliminated in the first round.

Bai Xue spoke: "Cheng Xi, check and kill, Iron Wolf. Everyone trusts me!"

Cheng Xi: “.”

Cheng Xi said: "I am really a good person this time!"

But he was undoubtedly eliminated unanimously, and only Nazha did not vote for him.

But no one expected that after Cheng Xi was eliminated, the last card turned over, Bai Xue, turned out to be a werewolf.

All the good people were deceived by her.

Bai Xue was still laughing like crazy as if her evil plan had succeeded.

This novice halo is really unbearable.

I am a good person, but I was carried away by the newbie wolf.

What’s even more outrageous is that no one rescued me, not even the real prophet cared about me!
Of course, the real prophet here is Nazha.

You came up and tested me as a good person!

As a result, they didn't vote yet, which exposed them.

On the second night, he was stabbed by a wolf.

Good guy collapses!

I.
Seeing Cheng Xi spreading his hands towards them, everyone started laughing again.

Reba: "Brother, it's your fault that you're so mean. Now no one believes you at all!"

Cheng Xi: "Give me a chance, I want to be a good person"

Everyone: "Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Even Nazha said quietly at this time:
"Cheng Xi, you don't look like a good person."

Good man, you, a Zhan Wuza, dare to say that to me.

See how I teach you a lesson tonight!
The Mid-Autumn Festival night ended happily in such a joyful atmosphere with "Werewolf Please Close Your Eyes".

Finally, everyone watched the moon and drank some wine together by the Xiaoyue River.

Everyone was having a great time chatting about gossip and looking into the future.

Cheng Xi also took Ermei's hand, and they spun in circles together, dancing and acting a little crazy.

This beautiful moonlit night made him feel that youth was just like this.

After a short Mid-Autumn Festival break, Cheng Xi started coordinating the film again.

I don’t know if it’s just that all the filmmakers have the same thoughts or what.

Several movies have been announced to be released on September 9.

Lu Chuan's "The Banquet" also set its sights on the period before National Day, and really started a competition with Cheng Xi to release the film at the same time.

For a while, the PK discussion on the Internet became lively again.

This is the ultimate way to take advantage of the popularity of Zuibai’s new movie.

Of course, most people are not optimistic about Cheng Xi.

This is also human nature. If Cheng Xi had not been reborn, he would have watched these two movies from an outsider's perspective.

Isn't that a sure win for "Life Events" and a sure win for "The Banquet"?

But Cheng Xi was not affected by the noisy sounds from the outside world.

During these days, he cut out promotional videos one after another and promoted them on major platforms.

Every time it caused quite a stir.

In addition to flooding, Cheng Xi also focused on targeted publicity for Jiangcheng.

After all, 90% of the filming locations were in Jiangcheng.

Baoyuanli, Tianxingzhou and Yingwuzhou Yangtze River Bridge are places that are very familiar to the people of Jiangcheng.

This movie has a natural advantage in Jiangcheng.

Cheng Xi also plans to hold the premiere in Jiangcheng on September 9.

This has been strongly supported by Jiangcheng officials, who have stated that they will send a TV station to do an exclusive interview on the film "Life Events".

He also spared no effort in promoting himself on Zuibai's Weibo.

A multi-million publicity and promotion plan launched simultaneously by the four companies has also been put on the agenda.

Projection screens can be placed on buses, subway station handrails, large screens at train stations, and various landmark buildings.

They are all covered with advertisements for the release of Zui Bai’s new movie "Life Events".

All the publicity methods that Cheng Xi used in the past, including major media, portals, Weibo, Douban, Tieba, Renren, forums, QQ groups, etc., have been launched.

Various activities are being carried out simultaneously, and the Internet is as lively as during the Chinese New Year.

It can be said that the publicity was even greater than that of "The Pancake Man" at that time.

In 2011, no one had ever seen such a publicity campaign. For a while, they felt exhausted and a little dissatisfied with the bombardment.

More of it is curiosity.

What on earth is this "Life Events"?
After all, Cheng Xi used many methods, interesting copywriting, etc., and actors of all ages in the film were promoted.

For example, You Benchang targets the older generation, and Li Xiaoran targets the middle-aged generation.

The younger generation is even more of a fan of Zuibai and Zuibai-affiliated artists.

This created a three-dimensional propaganda offensive with points, lines and surfaces.

So, whether it is grandpa and aunt, or uncles and aunts.

From white-collar workers in office buildings to construction workers.

Everyone can talk a little bit about this movie called "Life Events".

The young people and students, who have the largest number of Zuibai fans, are even more willing to act as a spokesperson to promote "Life Events".

Finally, Cheng Xi changed the song "Life is more than just the immediate" to "Life is more than just the immediate."

Xu Wei was invited to sing and he personally sang a part of the chorus.

"Life is more than just the present moment,

There are also poems and distant fields.

You came into this world with nothing in your hands,

Desperate to find that sea. "

This golden sentence said by Cheng Xi at the welcome party has long become the personal signature of many literary and artistic young people.

This is arguably the most pretentious sentence of the year.

The word "life" happens to be related to the movie "Life Events".

And it is also Zuibai’s new song.

When Cheng Xi put this song on major music platforms and Weibo.

This has added fuel to the fire of Zuibai's new movie.

"Life Events" is completely out of the circle!
Lu Chuan, a filmmaker of the older generation, had never seen such publicity before, and was initially disdainful:

"Movies are about strength, not something that can be changed by publicity."

"Jumping around won't change the essence of the movie."

Until I saw that the discussion about "Life Events" was getting more and more heated.

When even his 6-year-old nephew found out, he started to panic.

I also followed Cheng Xi and started to learn by imitating him.

But his funds were already limited, so how could he keep up with Cheng Xi's spending spree?

Not to mention that it takes time to promote new entries in many places.

The navy trained by Jin Xiaoluo will not be able to go to the battlefield and kill the enemy overnight.

In the end, he had no choice but to try his luck and failed halfway.

With the Jiangcheng premiere held on September 9.

Zuibai Studio and investors sent out invitations widely, and many stars gathered at once.

This has once again boosted the popularity of the movie.

Jiangcheng and major newspapers also began to report on the incident in a series of articles.

And the day finally arrived, September 2011, 9.

"Life Events" is officially released!
　I revised the manuscript until 5 a.m., begging for votes from the great directors!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)