Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 99 Share Allocation, Dog Walking Movie

"To be honest, I'm willing to stand with everyone regarding the issue of share allocation."

Inside the private room, Cao Zhong looked at everyone with a warm smile and a beaming face.

"Those who know me know that I don't like money, I have no interest in money. My happiest moment is the sense of immersion I feel when making a movie, the sense of accomplishment of bringing the images in my mind to life."

Cao Zhongdao said, "For example, Director Shen and Xu Zheng can vouch for me. Also, Chairman Han knows that I haven't touched any money since I started filming 'Nanjing Photo Studio.' I strictly require that all the money be put into Han Zheng's production team to ensure that every penny is spent wisely."

Han Sanpin was taken aback when his name was called out. He hadn't expected Cao Zhong to start like this, but he nodded in response.

"Yes, at that time, the funds were indeed managed by Han Zheng."

Shen Ao and Xu Zheng also felt Cao Zhong's call and nodded frequently.

They could indeed see the dedication Cao Zhong put into making the film; he didn't seem to care about money at all.

Jing Tian recalled the scene where Cao Zhong praised her in order to get money, and nodded in agreement, saying that Director Cao was genuinely contributing to China's film and television industry.

She cautiously glanced at the various CEOs in the room, only to find that everyone's expressions were somewhat tense.

Why do you look like you want to laugh but are afraid to?

Only Han Sanpin's expression remained relatively calm.

Han Sanpin was thinking about what Cao Zhong had told him on the way to the victory banquet:
"Chairman Han, I will definitely invite private companies to participate in the film's share of revenue, after all, I want to earn some hard-earned money."

"He's got a real knack for sweet-talking people."

Han Sanpin once again realized that this little eagle was quite experienced.
They'll say anything to get a premium.

Cao Zhong looked at everyone and got straight to the point.

"My first film was a family comedy, 'My Disqualified Daughter,' and I wrote the script myself."

The script is currently listed with Mr. Lu's Starlight Brilliant Company, but we have already negotiated and Mr. Lu is willing to authorize Chengying Co-production for this film.

I had already chosen the director for this film, Shen Ao, who was my assistant on "Nanjing Photo Studio." He's very talented. I specifically selected Xu Zheng, who comes from a comedic background, to be the assistant director to assist me.
Of course, I will also serve as a producer on this film and assist in ensuring its quality.

Cao Zhong looked at everyone and said, “My estimate for the script cost is 24 million. Before coming to the celebration banquet, I had already discussed it with Chairman Han and President Lu. The three of us will only take 5 million each. I am willing to give up the remaining 9 million to everyone at my insistence.”

This was the first time Shen Ao had heard about the production cost of this film, and his pupils constricted slightly.

When he was at the Beijing Film Academy, Cao Zhong told him that this was a low-budget film.

I never imagined that my first time directing would involve managing such a large project.

My breathing became somewhat heavy.

Cao Zhong looked at everyone. Of course, this movie wouldn't cost that much, but "The Knot" still required a production cost of 30 million.

Asking for too little would make people underestimate Cao Zhong.

In fact, Cao Zhong estimated that the cost of this film would be at most 12 to 13 million.

Chengying not only didn't need to invest, but by selling the nine million investment at a 1.5x premium, they had already made a profit of one or two million. Not to mention the five million from China Film Group and Starlight Brilliant, which was also pure profit.

The executives were well aware that given Cao Zhonghe and Chengying's current reputation, getting him to agree would inevitably require them to be prepared to pay a premium.

They might consider projects by other directors.

With Cao Zhong's box office of nearly 400 million yuan standing out, who wouldn't be tempted?

Wang Changtian acted most quickly; he needed to collaborate with Chengying, as "Enlight Media wanted half of the shares."

He didn't even ask how much the premium was; he just wanted it.

Enlight Media has just entered the film production and distribution industry and urgently needs someone to guide them onto the path.

The two films produced and co-released this year, "Flash Point" and "Triangle," have already seen their first installment released.

The box office was only 3450 million, and the little profit made by the distributor was lost on production costs.

"Triangle" will not be released until October.

He values ​​opportunity more than making money.

But Wang Changtian was also clever. There were three private companies on the field. He first tested the waters and asked for half of their shares to see if he could get a piece of the pie.

"How much of a premium is Director Cao asking for?" Wang Zhonglei asked.

"1.5 times is fine," Cao Zhong said. "This is my first time working with everyone, so I want to make some friends."

This was the first time Han Sanpin had ever seen business discussed like this in a private room, and he was quite taken aback.

"Why don't you give it a shot, Mr. Yu?" Wang Zhongjun did the math. It was a huge gamble, essentially betting that the film he was directing for the first time on the Olympic bid would gross over 100 million yuan just to break even. Seeing that Yu Dong didn't react, Wang Zhongjun said, "How about Huayi takes what's left?"

Yu Dong, on the other hand, was in great distress and showed no reaction.

He felt that Cao Zhong still had a major role to play, and he trusted Cao Zhong more than the Olympic bid.

The share was thus determined.

Cao Zhong estimated that Cheng Ying had already earned more than ten million yuan before the movie was even filmed. He would give Starlight Brilliant a script licensing fee of two million yuan as a way of repaying Jing Tian's investment.

He also brought the "Starlight Splendor" into the car and gave it to the female lead, Jing Tian.

Everyone was happy and joyful.

"The second film is a continuation of the patriotic films like 'Nanjing Photo Studio,' titled 'Li Yannian, a man of both literary and martial talents.' Cao Zhong showed the script to everyone."

Compared to the first book, when Han Sanpin heard this name, he couldn't help but sit forward a bit.

"The system is here!"

Han Sanpin thought to himself that this might be the perfect opportunity for him to join the department.

"Who is Li Yannian?" Han Sanpin asked.

"When I was researching stories about the Korean War, I came across the story of Instructor Li Yannian,"

Cao Zhongdao,
"At that time, Political Instructor Li Yannian faced the elite 1st Cavalry Division, the most capable fighting force of the US Army. In order to launch the main attack on Hill 346.6, he carried a rifle and fought tanks head-on. At the critical moment when the 8th and 9th Companies were completely wiped out, the battalion and company commanders were either wounded or killed, and the command was temporarily interrupted, he was on the verge of life and death."
Li Yannian emerged out of nowhere, carrying a megaphone and running to the front line. He gathered the remaining soldiers together, shouted tactical commands under the cover of bullets, and held the position for eight days straight, never retreating an inch. He repelled the fierce attacks of the American forces time and time again. Afterwards, he was awarded the honor of First-Class Combat Hero and Special Merit.

I think this story is great; it really captures the fearless spirit of the Chinese people.

He took it upon himself to write a script, and later wanted Chairman Han to help him contact the relevant military region and General Li Yannian to obtain their approval.

"That's easy to do," Han Sanpin said after carefully reading the script for a while.
"I've discovered that you're really good at writing scripts by starting with small details within a grand context. This script, whether it's the dialogue or the scenes, I can practically picture it all. It clearly explains why we were able to win back then!"

Han Sanpin was somewhat anxious and excited. He clenched his right fist and slammed it on the table.
"You've explained the special role of building combat effectiveness at the grassroots level. Excellent, excellent, that's wonderful!"

Han Sanpin was very excited. If the film he was preparing, "The Founding of a Republic," was a gift to the motherland, then this script was a wonderful gift to the Party.
The excellent qualities of political workers are described so well!
Han Sanpin sensed the presence of the advanced department.

Moreover, Cao Zhong's research was very thorough. The details, such as the explanation of various landmines on the battlefield, the straw dummies, the flashlights with red cloth tied to them for signaling, and the whistles during attacks... Han Sanpin had never seen them before, but he could feel that this script was indeed full of sincerity.

"How much do you expect to invest in this?" Han Sanpin, the Mountain Eagle, was now exuding an air of authority. He could tell that if this movie was well-made and properly promoted, it should be no worse than "Nanjing Photo Studio".

"The initial estimate is 60 million."

Cao Zhongdao.

“We can take all of this from China Film Group!” Han Sanpin said, “After you get your share from Chengying Film Group.”

Cao Zhong looked at Han Sanpin speechlessly: "Chairman Han, let me make a little profit."

Han Sanpin said, both amused and exasperated, "Twenty-five million, that's the lowest I can go."

“Twenty million is acceptable.” Cao Zhong looked at the other three this time. “Chengying will also take a share of twenty million, so the remaining twenty million can be chosen by the three of you, with the same premium.”

Yu Dong didn't hesitate this time. He gritted his teeth and took a gamble, looking at Han Sanpin and saying:

"Old boss, Bona also wants to eat something good. Director Cao, could you spare me a share of ten million or so?"

Wang Changtian's main focus today is getting on board and immediately grabbing tickets.

Naturally, Xingguang Canlan Road Administration wouldn't let this opportunity pass by. To this end, the road administration pulled out all the stops, bringing up its relationship with Wanda Cinemas.

The four of them chatted for a while and finally settled on the profit sharing: Starlight Entertainment got six million, Bona and Huayi got five million, and Enlight Media got four million.

Cao Zhong made another ten million out of thin air.

Everyone was happy, except for Yu Dong, who was waiting for Cao Zhong's third film.

Cao Zhong looked at the expectant gazes of the crowd.

“For the third film, my budget is twenty-five million…” He looked around at everyone, “US dollars.”

Everyone was immediately dumbfounded.

Han Sanpin immediately sat up straight, and the DNA in his body began to stir.

"A blockbuster?"

he asked shakily.

Cao Zhongdao said, "Compared to the previous two films, this is definitely a blockbuster."

"Big is good, I like big ones."

Han Sanpin finally couldn't help but widen his eyes. He'd been tricked by Chen Kai twice already.
But he still has a special fondness for blockbusters, especially those that cost two or three hundred million.

He also invested in "The Warlords" and "Red Cliff," one costing 300 million and the other 600 million, respectively, which were also large investments.

Filming for "The Warlords" has already wrapped up, and it will be released during the Lunar New Year holiday!

If Cao Zhong keeps making movies that cost tens of millions, Han Sanpin wouldn't find it interesting.

Two hundred million is great.

That sounds exciting!

"Where's the script?" Han Sanpin asked.

"Mr. Han, I'll film it myself. You still need to read the script? Let's talk about it later."

Cao Zhong turned to the others and explained,

"To maintain secrecy, only the movie's title will be given. Chengying will take 38% of the $800 million investment, plus my director's fee. Mr. Han, how about 37%?"

Cao Zhong turned to ask Han Sanpin.

"Since you've put it that way, how can I say no?" Han Sanpin said, both amused and exasperated. "I'd like to round it up for you."

Cao Zhong ignored those words, did some calculations, and turned to look at everyone: "Then there's still $775 million left, which accounts for 25% of the share. But everyone, this time the movie won't have a 1.5x premium, that's too high. However, you can choose the remaining share, but the highest bidder wins."

Cao Zhong looked at everyone and said, "And I've made it clear beforehand that I've also decided on Jing Tian as the female lead for this movie. After the pre-production work is done, she will seamlessly join the cast after filming 'My Disqualified Daughter' is finished."

Finished saying this.

Jing Tian was completely stunned!

The pupils involuntarily dilate.

The road administration official was also taken aback, and then his breathing became heavy.

He was well aware of his mission: to make Jing Tian a star.

It's a blockbuster film, directed by Cao Zhong himself, and he even cast Jing Tian as the female lead.

He can afford any amount of money.

The road administration gritted its teeth and said, "I'll still offer a 1.5 times premium."

These words stunned everyone around, and even Han Sanpin was taken aback.

An investment of over 11 million US dollars can only account for 25% of the revenue; the film will only break even if its box office and copyright fees exceed one billion.

China Film Group broke even with just over 500 million.

However, Han Sanpin didn't care whether he broke even or not.
But... this road administration has really gone mad.

More than 90 million, is it all a gamble?
The remaining private company executives were completely stunned.

Yu Dong's lips moved a few times, but he didn't mention the share. Da Wang, Xiao Wang, and Wang Changtian also remained silent.

How cruel.

They can't keep up.

Only the road administration officer's eyes were filled with determination.

"Director Cao, what's the name of this movie?"

Cao Zhongdao: "We Live in Nanjing!"

Han Sanpin's eyes lit up.
Dog walk, dog walk to the movies!
He immediately thought of the phrase Cao Zhong often used.
And naturally, he was also feeling extremely anxious.

He wanted to know what kind of show this was!

Judging from the title, this movie doesn't seem like a blockbuster!

Look at movies like "The Warlords" and "Red Cliff," they look so grand!

Han Sanpin, having forgotten the pain of his past wounds, automatically dismissed the grand titles "The Promise" and "Jing Ke Assassinating the King of Qin" from his mind.

(End of this chapter)