Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 98 Can’t afford to offend

With all sorts of news flying around in the media, even people who don't follow the film industry have noticed these news reports. After learning about the film's profit model, they realize what a one percentage point increase means.

Especially when they learned that the cinema chain only wanted to boost Chen Shouzhe's rating by one percentage point, they all began to admire Chen Shouzhe.

A few days later, the matter escalated. The film and television industry is prone to generating news, and Chen Shouzhe is a famous director with a movie about to be released.

More and more spotlights are focusing on them, and more and more directors and actors are standing up to express their hope that theaters will treat them equally and raise the revenue share to 44%.

Upon seeing this situation, the cinema chains jointly issued a statement.

[Joint Announcement from Nationwide Cinema Chains: First, we refute the rumor that cinema chains have increased director Chen Shouzhe's share of box office revenue by 1%. Cinemas have not increased director Chen Shouzhe's share of box office revenue separately; this is a rumor.]

Secondly, we have seen the Directors Guild's appeal, and after discussion, we have decided to reject the request.

We would like to clarify that we have not offered director Chen Shouzhe a separate increase in box office revenue sharing. Specific details are a trade secret. If any other director believes they can surpass director Chen Shouzhe in the commercial film field, they may contact us privately to discuss the matter.

The announcement caused quite a stir in the film and television industry.

Chen Shouzhe did not receive 1% of the box office revenue, and rejected the Directors Guild's request for equal treatment. We didn't give him any, so naturally we rejected his request.

The last paragraph is like killing someone by attacking their spirit: you are not even as good as Chen Shouzhe, what right do you have to talk to us?
"Didn't secure a share of the profits?"

Inside China Film Group, Chairman La was somewhat surprised to hear what his secretary said. He thought they had already succeeded, and that this pressure from public opinion was a joint effort by the production companies to get the Directors Guild to take the lead. He didn't expect that this didn't happen. What was the point of them taking the lead then?

"Judging from the announcement, it seems that other agreements were reached, and no direct profit sharing was given," the secretary said.

“That’s strange. Chen Shouzhe may seem well-behaved, but he’s actually quite domineering in private, just like his godfather. In terms of mindset, he’s even closer to his master. Two old foxes raised a little fox,” said La Dong.

"Should we continue to apply pressure?" the secretary asked.

"There's no need for that. If we follow the announcement exactly, those directors will probably be cursing us out." Director La shook his head.

The last sentence was so hurtful. Although there are many directors in the Directors Guild, none of them can truly make the theaters bow down anymore. Even if the current director, known as the "National Director," were to step forward, it would be the end of his era.

Chen Shou's success stems from his continuous record-breaking efforts over the past few years, constant promotion of his films, and the synergy between him and the theaters.

Although it's unclear what exactly they reached, it's obvious that Chen Shouzhe managed to crack this nut.

"What did Shouzhe Film Studio say when you contacted them?"

“Tao Le answered the phone. He said it was a trade secret and would be made public later,” the secretary said, shaking her head.

"Then let's just leave it at that. China Film Group is their partner. They made money and we made money too, but we still couldn't achieve our goal." Chairman La sighed.

I wish he could do what Han Sanping couldn't.

Unfortunately, he is not Zhang Dapao, and Chen Shouzhe is not the national strategist. If he could control Chen Shouzhe and use him as a spear, perhaps he could break through the box office.

However, Chen Shouzhe remained unmoved. He had no desire to be the vanguard. "I'll work myself to the bone on the front lines while you guys drive big G-Wagons in the back!"
These days, it's enough to just mind your own business. Everyone thinks they're out for themselves. He was ridiculed for so long because of a sci-fi movie and a special effects company, but now they need him and everyone's calling him "Little Sweetie."

How shameless!
After seeing the announcement, the film and television industry gave up. Chen couldn't even crack one point, let alone two.

However, netizens who are following this matter are curious about what kind of agreement Chen Shouzhe reached with the cinemas.

Chen Shou couldn't get through on the phone, but he was at Xiaoxiaomeng in Huairou, while Jiang Wen, who was filming a movie there, came to the company.

"You fucking fooled everyone, hahaha!" Jiang Wen pointed at Chen Shou and laughed loudly as soon as she arrived.

"Don't go around telling everyone with that lousy voice of yours. I'm pretty sure it came from your side again," Chen Shou said, glaring at him.

Jiang Wen didn't seem to care. She squatted down next to Chen Shou and looked at the camera, saying, "Is this the new movie you're making now? Isn't this an animated film?"

"This animated feature film, which is comparable to Hollywood, is not an animated film," Chen Shouzhe said.

"I don't understand, but it looks good."

"You don't know anything, go and make your own movies."

"What exactly was the agreement you reached with the theater chains?"

"A bet."

"A bet? How does it work?" Jiang Wen immediately became interested upon hearing this.

There were no outsiders present, so Chen Shouzhe told them the contents.

"Damn, you're being too ruthless! Eight hundred million for an extra 1%? Who in the whole country can do that? You really believe in your movie that much?" Jiang Wen exclaimed, her eyes wide.

"You don't believe your movie?" Chen Shou asked with a smile.

“I believe it, and I’ll do the same for my movie,” Jiang Wen said.

“You can give it a try, after all, your last film broke 600 million,” Chen Shou said.

“I still can’t compare to you. Oh well, I’ve figured it out. When the movie is about to be released, you and I will go and talk.” Jiang Wen said.

"Yes, we'll try our best then. Even if we have to give up a little, it can improve our chances of getting more screenings."

He chatted with Jiang Wen for a while, then left again because he had other things to do with the crew.

Chen Shou continued making his animated film, and that matter was temporarily put on hold. However, Huayi was in a bind because of the variety show on Blueberry TV.

He didn't expect that Shanghai Film Studio would target him and demand a female actress's role.

Wang Zonglei has already given the spot to Huang Xiaoming, which was originally intended for Huang Xiaoming's girlfriend.

Now that Shanghai Film Group has come out and is taking a very tough stance, Blueberry TV will naturally listen to Shanghai Film Group. In addition, the other two investors, Daye and Wanda, have also stepped in and put their efforts into it, and the captain's position has also been taken away by Shanghai Film Group.

Huayi Brothers had arranged for Zeng Xiaoxian, Zheng Kai, Li Chen, Wang Baoqiang, and Wang Zulan to be their people. Now that Shanghai Film Group has come in, Deng Chao has taken away the captain's position, and the most important female role is also going to be taken away. Wang Zonglei is really angry.

"Have you found out? Which female celebrity?" Wang Zonglei asked his secretary.

"It hasn't been decided yet," the secretary whispered.

"What did Xiaoming say?"

"Brother Xiaoming said he really wants this position."

"I really don't know what kind of drug he was given. Tell him there's no way out unless he can fight against the Upper Shadow and Wanda."

"Then I went and told him the truth."

"Go ahead and explain to him that the company has done its best."

The secretary closed the door and went out to call Huang Xiaoming.

"Please thank Mr. Wang for me."

Huang Xiaoming hung up the phone and looked at his girlfriend beside him.

"You heard it too, Shanghai Film Group took action, and Huayi had no choice."

"Why? Why did Shanghai Film Group suddenly intervene? And who is competing with me for this position?" Yang Ying's eyes widened in surprise.

She originally thought the role was a sure thing, but now, Shanghai Film Group has suddenly intervened, causing her position to be taken away.

She may not be aware of her own acting skills, but people around her say that she knows she doesn't have much acting ability, so she might as well find a good variety show.

The variety show market is booming right now, and a good variety show can have a much greater impact than a movie.

When she bought the project rights to China, she used her biggest connection, her boyfriend Huang Xiaoming, who had acted in Hollywood movies, in hopes of helping her secure the only female permanent position, but she still failed.

"We don't know yet, but with Shanghai Film Group making a move, that's their territory, so no one's opinion matters." Huang Xiaoming shook his head.

He may have become a capitalist, but compared to the real big shots, he was just an infant.

Other celebrities might think highly of him, but the real bigwigs in the film and television industry still treat him as just a celebrity.

He was not even worthy of being discussed with the Shanghai Film Studio; he could only communicate with people like Wang Zonglei.

Yang Ying was filled with resentment, and she wanted to try again: "Why don't you go to Shanghai Film Studio? Since they took the spot and it's not confirmed yet, you can go to them, okay?"

Yang Ying clung to Huang Xiaoming's hand, shaking it affectionately. Huang Xiaoming, who also doted on his girlfriend, looked at her tenderly and said, "Okay, I'll go ask around for you and try my best."

"That's great, I love you, my husband." Yang Ying took the initiative to hug Huang Xiaoming and exchange lipsticks.

To avoid any unforeseen circumstances, Huang Xiaoming began contacting his connections at Shanghai Film Studio, eventually reaching Ren Zhonglun.

Huang Xiaoming's current fame and status are quite good, so Ren Zhonglun was a little surprised when he received the call. After exchanging pleasantries, Ren Zhonglun got to the point.

"Xiao Ming, what can I do for you?"

"Chairman Ren, I'd like to ask if the female lead for that variety show on Blueberry TV has been cast yet?"

Yang Ying, standing beside him, looked on expectantly. Huang Xiaoming glanced at her and smiled gently.

"You're thinking of it for your girlfriend, aren't you?" Ren Zhonglun realized immediately.

"Yes," Huang Xiaoming readily admitted.

"Forget about it, that position is already taken."

"Oh? It's already been reserved? May I ask who it was reserved for?"

Ren Zhonglun laughed after hearing this, "He specifically asked for this position, which is why Shanghai Film Studio went to fight for it. Do you think it would have been useful to ask him?"

Huang Xiaoming was dumbfounded when he heard this. This person must be someone important. They actually managed to snatch it through Ren Zhonglun. He was even cautiously calling Ren Zhonglun. The fact that the other party could get the chairman of Shanghai Film Group to intervene showed that he must be someone important. Immediately, a round face popped into his mind. That person must also be someone important.

"Don't overthink it, you know this person too."

"I know?"

“You’re famous all over the world now because of his help. Are you going to compete with him for it?” Ren Zhonglun said with a smile.

Huang Xiaoming immediately knew who it was. Looking at Yang Ying's pitiful little expression, he shook his head helplessly. He really couldn't afford to offend that person, especially since she was his benefactor.

(End of this chapter)