I'm just trying to ride the wave of popularity!

Chapter 144 This movie is amazing!
2003 October.

It was a crazy month for Chinese filmmakers.

The Hollywood film "King of the Monsters" has grossed an astonishing 2.8 million RMB at the box office, officially topping the Chinese box office charts!
Despite the overwhelming criticism, "Love Ferris Wheel" didn't fare too badly at the box office. It grossed 750 million yuan on its opening day (September 9th) and 515 million yuan on its opening day (September 10th). Although the box office gradually declined afterward, it eventually surpassed 2700 million yuan in the following ten days. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, reaching the 4000 million yuan box office target after the film's run should be no problem…

However, the Chinese film industry is not limited to Tianyu Media, and Hollywood movies are not limited to just one film, "King of the Monsters"...

In early November, Huasheng Brothers acquired the Chinese rights to a Hollywood film called "Digital Empire." The film, produced by Warner Bros., one of Hollywood's eight major film studios, cost $60 million and tells a science fiction post-apocalyptic story about awakened humans fighting against AI in an attempt to revive human civilization.

On November 12th, the first trailer for "Digital Empire" was released, instantly igniting the anticipation of countless movie fans, and the hype exploded on the [Movie House] website...

On November 19th, "Digital Empire" premiered, grossing over 27 million RMB on its opening day, instantly breaking the opening day record of "King of the Monsters." The following day, the box office surpassed 29 million RMB, breaking the daily box office record once again after "King of the Monsters."

Although the film's box office revenue subsequently declined slightly.

But it held onto the 20 million mark for a remarkable 5 days, and then 7 days, raking in an astonishing 1.56 million RMB at the box office, becoming one of the fastest films in Chinese film history to surpass 100 million RMB…

"Love Ferris Wheel" faced stiff competition from "Digital Empire" and the still-popular "King of the Monsters"...

On November 23rd, it was pulled from theaters early, and its box office grossed only 32 million...

Despite the impressive figures, which broke box office records for this genre, the film even received an award in Tianyu Media's year-end financial report!
However, the film had signed a box office revenue sharing agreement of 4000 million RMB. Since the box office revenue did not reach 4000 million RMB, the film received no revenue sharing beyond the most basic income.

..............................

"This movie was born at the wrong time!"

"If it weren't for the sudden emergence of 'Digital Empire,' or even Zhou Yang and his team, we would have already broken 4000 million in box office revenue..."

"This is not your problem..."

"..."

11 month 24 day.

Zhang Jingya, who was constantly watching the movie "Love Rollercoaster," quietly walked into Zheng Yichen's office.

She stood opposite Zheng Yichen.

Zheng Yichen's eyes seemed to be filled with complex emotions and a touch of melancholy. After putting down the final data of "Love Ferris Wheel", he sighed.

Do I own Blu-ray discs?

Zhang Jingya gritted her teeth and looked at Zheng Yichen.

Zheng Yichen didn't answer the question, but instead smiled and said, "Actually, in a sense, you're already a core director of our [Tianyu]'s younger generation. I've heard that the company has some projects and movies in which I also act. I'll apply to the company to let you direct them. You didn't get into the Golden Horse Awards this time, but you'll definitely get in next time..."

“Senior, this movie had a total investment of 435 million, and I invested 235 million of it myself…” Zhang Jingya’s face didn’t smile; instead, it grew increasingly complicated: “You said that if the box office wasn’t enough, you would make up the difference… You made me sign an agreement, made me set a target of 4000 million, to make a name for myself in the eyes of the higher-ups, to make them remember me…”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yichen's expression changed slightly, but he quickly smiled and said, "I told you, you've already caught the attention of the higher-ups. Moreover, not a single penny of your film director's fee has been deducted. Junior sister, Tianyu Media is about to go public. Judging from the current situation, its market value won't be low after the IPO. Your future is limitless. You will definitely be a leader among the sixth generation of female directors. In ancient times, joining some organizations required a pledge of allegiance. Your investment is the company's pledge of allegiance..."

in the office.

Zhang Jingya stared blankly at Zheng Yichen.

Her eyes were slightly red, and she bit her lip: "But... the director's fee is 20! I..."

Did you really direct this movie?

"I..." Zhang Jingya was about to say something when she was interrupted.

Cheng Yi-chen still had a smiling face: "For this movie, from the initial direction to the casting and even the financial expenditures, we were the ones who did everything. During the months of filming, you were always standing in front of the camera and didn't do anything..."

"But, but..."

Zhang Jingya trembled slightly.

Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She just felt suffocated!
She felt that the entire company was like a beast that devoured people's hearts. Even though everything was a fraud, they said it so openly and honestly!
She produced the agreement.

Seeing the words "betting" on the agreement, it turns out she was the investor!

"There are no 'buts'... Entering the industry isn't as easy as you imagine. Many directors start out without anyone to mentor them... You've actually done very well. So, don't rush, wait a little longer. In the meantime, I'll apply to the company... Next month, when the box office revenue sharing is released, I'll help you apply for your share..."

"Will I get my share next month?"

“Tianyu Entertainment is very humane, and I have some influence within the company, so don’t worry. You can go back now… Um, here’s another 100,000 yuan. I’ll give it to you on behalf of the company…” Zheng Yichen took out a wad of cash from the drawer and handed it to Zhang Jingya.

"Can I really get it?" Zhang Jingya didn't look at the money, but stared at Zheng Yichen.

"can!"

“I recorded it!”

"You, you, you..." Zheng Yichen's expression changed slightly, then turned very gloomy. He stared at Zhang Jingya intently, and after a moment shook his head: "You have broken my heart!"

"You've also deeply disappointed me. From the very beginning of our film, you've gradually dragged us into this cage, you..."

"..."

Zhang Jingya stared at Zheng Yichen.

Zheng Yichen remained silent, neither ordering security to seize the recording nor saying anything else.

After a long silence, a complex expression finally appeared on his face. "I've been pushing you step by step, but my good intentions have been taken for granted! Fine, I won't explain anything. Next month, I'll apply to the company for box office revenue sharing. At that time, we'll be even. From now on, I won't use any resources to promote you anymore!"

"Okay, I remember it!"

"..."

When Zhang Jingya heard this, she nodded and then left the office.

After she left, Zheng Yichen's expression grew even colder.

He dialed the Ministry of Justice.

....................................

October has passed by in a flash.

December arrived in the blink of an eye.

In December, the earth gradually turns cold, and the cold wind is filled with a chilling atmosphere.

The Chinese film industry is buzzing with news about the Hollywood movie "Digital Empire"...

It was like a giant beast, instantly devouring all the box office revenue in the Chinese film industry.

On December 8th, in just nineteen days, the box office exceeded 280 million RMB, once again breaking the box office record set by "King of the Monsters" in November, and once again topping the Chinese box office chart.

On December 11th, "Digital Empire" officially surpassed 300 million RMB at the box office, becoming one of the most phenomenal box office hits of 2003...

On December 15th, as the box office performance of "Digital Empire" showed signs of decline and lacked staying power, another Hollywood film, "Mech Warrior," was acquired by Shengshi Entertainment, one of China's five major film companies, and immediately received significant attention...

On December 20th, "Mechanical Warrior," the last film imported into China in 2003, still managed to gross 24 million yuan on its opening day, much to the anticipation of countless viewers, despite not achieving the same phenomenal success as "Digital Empire."

December!

Hollywood blockbusters were devouring all of China's box office revenue, while three Chinese dramas were released at the same time. Unsurprisingly, almost every one of them was brutally crushed, with none managing to gain traction...

Countless filmmakers are looking back at the Chinese films released this year!

To my shock, I discovered this!

Apart from "Undercover Detective" released at the beginning of the year, almost all mainstream Chinese films were wiped out.

And in 2004...

Some filmmakers insiders got wind of it!

In 2003, China imported 20 films, 12 of which were Hollywood movies!
In 2004, the number of imported films allowed in China will be increased to 24, with the number of imported Hollywood films increasing to 14!
And unsurprisingly, they are all Hollywood blockbusters with investments of over fifty million US dollars!

After everyone saw this message...

They all exclaimed in surprise!
The Chinese film industry is about to become a colony of Hollywood movies!

..............................

12 month 25 day.

Digital Empire grossed 3.2 million RMB in China before officially ending its run.

While countless people were discussing how Chinese films fared in 2004…

A film titled "Love Rollercoaster" has officially wrapped up filming in Yanjing.

There was no wrap party...

There was absolutely no advertising!
They seem to be being excessively low-key.

In fact, Zhou Yang has been unusually low-key for the past two months.

I once thought Zhou Yang had really been blacklisted!
However, some media outlets familiar with Zhou Yang always felt that Zhou Yang was holding back something big.

evening!

A knock came from the door of [Xuan Shi Entertainment].

Immediately afterwards...

Zhang Jingya lowered her head and silently walked into the office.

She met An Xiaoshi.

An Xiaoshi's expression was complicated; it seemed that the movie "Love Rollercoaster" had caused her considerable trauma, and something seemed off about her...

And Zhou Yang.

Zhou Yang's face was full of smiles, even a little delighted.

"They're not paying, are they?"

"Damn, this is great!"

"I'm afraid they'll give me money!"

(End of this chapter)