Chapter 417: What are art films?
Can an 800 million movie really recoup its cost?
This is a topic that has been hotly debated online recently, and has even risen to the level of the loss of state-owned assets.
Many people felt that Zhang Chen's steps were a bit too big and he might get hurt.
"The cost is 800 million. According to the current account sharing ratio of 41%, if we only count the domestic box office, it will take 2 billion to recover the cost.
What is the concept of 2 billion? Last year, in 2015, the total domestic box office for the whole year was only 2 billion.
In other words, even if "Pacific Rim" is successful, it will not be able to recover the cost domestically.
Then we can only rely on foreign markets.
But the overseas market is in the hands of Hollywood. Does Star Entertainment have global distribution channels? ”
The scene suddenly became quiet, and the reporter's words were like a basin of cold water.
Zhang Chen looked at the person who spoke, and it turned out to be the one he claimed to blast out just now.
At this moment, there was a faint sneer on the guy's face, seeming to be sarcastic about Zhang Chen's overestimation of his abilities.
The media reporters all looked at Zhang Chen, who seemed to be stuck there.
However, there was no trace of nervousness on this guy's face.
He smiled and looked at the man: "I can't tell. I did my homework. Ordinary people don't know what the total annual box office is in 2015~"
The man looked embarrassed, but said nothing, which was regarded as acquiescence.
The smile on Zhang Chen's face became heavier: "But, who told you that we don't have channels in Hollywood?"
"Warner Bros. is also one of the investors in this "Pacific Rim" project and is also responsible for the global distribution of the film project."
"How is it?
Is it surprising?
Surprised or not? ”
Zhang Chen looked at the other person with a smile, and the reporter's face suddenly turned red.
How confident I was just now, now I feel so embarrassed.
"Impossible, you must be lying. There is no relevant news either at home or abroad..."
Zhang Chen's smile grew wider: "I haven't announced it yet, so of course you won't receive the news. If you don't believe it, you can call Warner to verify and see what they say..."
The man was speechless. If Zhang Chen dared to say that, it was probably true.
All I can say is that I am extremely embarrassed today.
Zhang Chen was too lazy to pay attention to him, looked around at the crowd, and said loudly: "Eight hundred million makes a movie. Not only do you think I'm crazy, but I also think I'm crazy sometimes."
"But someone has to do it."
"Since everyone is in this industry, let me ask you a question, which movie has the highest box office record for Chinese movies?"
The crowd listened quietly, knowing that Zhang Chen didn't need their answer at all.
Zhang Chen asked and answered: "Some people may think that I want to brag about my "Hurricane Rescue", but no.
The 270 million earned by "The Rescue" is the box office record for a Chinese-language film, but if counted as a whole, it can only rank second.
The first is James Cameron's big ship. Hollywood used a big ship to blast open the door of the Chinese film market, easily taking away 360 million, and dominated the Chinese film market for nine years..."
In an instant, the atmosphere became different.
Zhang Chen's eyes became much more solemn this time: "We claim to be a great country, but the domestic film box office champion is a foreign film. Isn't it ironic?
Some people may say that the scale of the promotion of Big Ship that year was world-class and set box office records in every country, so Cameron dared to say that he was the king of the world.
Yes, Big Boat did break box office records in many countries back then, but what about now?
Filmmakers in other countries are working hard to break the record of big ships. South Korea has "The Flying Taegeuk Flag" and Japan has "Spirited Away". But what about us?
Our movie box office champion is still the big one, with an unshakable 360 million.
Domestic filmmakers, what are you doing?
Have you been fishing for the past nine years?
Shameful~
If you don't come, then I will have to come.
I can't afford to disgrace that person. When I went abroad, I talked with Korean filmmakers about the movies of their respective countries. They said that their box office champion was "The Flying Taegeuk Flag" produced by their country. They asked me who is the record holder for Chinese movies? Movie, I can’t accept this~
Shameful~
Lost it to grandma’s house~”
Zhang Chen patted his face:
"Don't tell people it's still a big ship ten years ago?
Or should we tell people that there is no one in our country who can fight?
So I had to do Pacific Rim and beat magic with magic.
Is it difficult to achieve a box office of 360 million?
Disaster!
It’s so difficult!
But it has to be done.
China has always been obsessed with making costume blockbusters, but no one has ever done special effects blockbusters.
If you don’t do it, I will do it~
I am a young man, I am not afraid of failure, I can afford the cost of trial and error, and I have to start over again in the worst case.
People in the media were ridiculing me, saying that I was crazy about money, and that I even expected to make a science fiction movie and achieve success in one fell swoop.
All I can say is that they don’t understand anything, and they have lived as long as dogs.
If I want to make money, why don't I make "Pacific Rim" and continue to make "Taken"?
"Taken" is a universe. According to my plan, it can spawn at least three series and ten movies.
I dare to pat my chest and say that the total box office will be at least 2 billion.
This is just the "Hurricane" universe. I also have the "Shark Tank" series and the "Dark Invasion" series. As long as I want, these can be quickly realized.
I can make money lying down, so why should I be so shameless as to make myself suffer, like filming "Pacific Rim"?
Because I want to find a place for myself~
Recover face for all Chinese people~
I want to break the record of big boats~
I want to fill the gap in domestic science fiction films~
I have been planning the "Pacific Rim" project for a long time. When I was still writing the script, I was thinking about how to prepare, how to shoot, how to promote and how to release the movie...
There has not been any film of the same type in China, so a lot of work had to be started from scratch.
But I think it makes sense.
I want to use the success of "Pacific Rim" to drive the domestic science fiction film market. After "Pacific Rim" is completed, related supporting packages will be available. I will also record the entire filming process and share it with others. Directors and producers, please prevent everyone from taking the same detour again..."
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, there was a brief silence, and then someone applauded.
They admired Zhang Chen's broadmindedness in his speech.
Yes, if people want to make money by filming "Pacific Rim", it's a thankless effort. Wouldn't it be better to make "Taken" while standing and earn money?
Zhang Chen smiled and cupped his hands, then pressed his hands softly, and the place became quiet again.
"After saying so much, it seems like I am a lonely fighter, but in fact I am not alone.
Film and television companies such as China Film, Shanghai Film, Haixin Film, Enlight, and Wanda are my partners. When I go crazy, they accompany me crazy.
When the outside world was badmouthing the movie, they resolutely decided to invest.
I told them that this was a gamble, and I wasn't that sure myself. If I didn't do it right, I might lose 800 million in capital, but they all believed in me and wanted to do something for Chinese movies.
At the same time, I would also like to thank the Hengdian Group, especially Mr. Xu. After learning about the project, they decided to provide the shooting venue for free and built two large studios specifically for this purpose. Thank you for your support~
Here, I also make a promise to everyone that "Pacific Rim" will definitely be a good movie. I will try my best to sharpen my sword for two years and make it a masterpiece~"
The audience burst into applause again, and Han Sanping on the stage secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
In his opinion, the press conference was almost done here. Today's press conference was a success. Zhang Chen was obviously prepared, and the obvious difficulty was skillfully resolved by him.
However, just when everything was going in the right direction, a sudden change occurred.
In the crowd, a voice suddenly sounded: "Director Zhang Chen, I would like to ask, there are rumors that China Film invested 200 million in "Pacific Rim". Is it true?"
Zhang Chen looked at the person who came. He didn't recognize him, but the media people around him were whispering, it's Wang Xiaoshuai~
Zhang Chen knew this person, but he had no love for literary films and had never paid attention to this person.
He looked at Han Sanping beside him and saw the latter's eyes staring at him. It was obviously Wang Xiaoshuai.
Seeing that Han Sanping didn't give any hint, Zhang Chen nodded and admitted: "Yes, China Film Investment invested 200 million..."
Wang Xiaoshuai looked at Han Sanping after seeing Zhang Chen admit it.
"Then I would like to ask Mr. Han Sanping to answer my second question. I would like to ask Mr. Han, why would China Film Group prefer to invest 200 million in a science fiction film with an uncertain future rather than allocate some to a literary film?
Science fiction films are domestic films, aren’t they literary and artistic films?
Not to mention 200 million, which is not enough to make one science fiction film, but can make dozens of literary and artistic films. Can't the market for literary and artistic films flourish?
China Film under the leadership of Mr. Han is so determined to bet on "Pacific Rim", which reminds me of the previous "The Promise". I am afraid that Mr. Han also made the same bet at the beginning. Isn't it afraid of repeating the same mistake? ”
For a moment, the quiet sound of a pindrop could be heard below.
How dare Wang Xiaoshuai?
Questioning Han Sanping in public~
Immediately, the media reporters all showed excited expressions, and the show was about to begin~
Seeing that the cameras were all focused on Wang Xiaoshuai and Han Sanping, Zhang Chen couldn't help but frown. Wang Xiaoshuai was here to cause trouble for Chi Guoguo.
Comparing Pacific Rim, which is still in preparation, with the failed "The Promise", isn't this just a waste of time?
Also, this guy chose today's occasion to question Han Sanping in front of many media. Is this obviously aimed at ruining Han Sanping's reputation?
There is definitely support behind it~
Zhang Chen knew that Wang Xiaoshuai was very dissatisfied with China Film Group's reduction of film support funds recently, and he once shouted from a distance that Han Sanping should pay more attention to literary films.
Han Sanping ignored him, so he came here to make trouble, and everyone knew that he was planning to make trouble~
Looking at the third master again, his face was livid at this time, and he was obviously very angry.
"Pacific Rim" seemed to be a knife piercing Han Sanping. Under such circumstances, Zhang Chen certainly could not let him be further targeted.
"I think it is most appropriate for me to answer the question you asked."
Zhang Chen paused and saw that Han Sanping had no objection, so he said loudly:
"Director Wang Xiaoshuai, right? You have said so much, so let me ask you, those of you who make art films, dare you tell me where your usual filming funds come from?"
Wang Xiaoshuai hesitated, and Zhang Chen gave the answer first without waiting for him to answer: "Ning Hao used to make art films. He once told me that in the art director circle, when you win some second-category awards, you will There will be foreign funds coming to him, claiming to be willing to fund his next work, but there are subject requirements, and the requirement is that human issues or social issues in poor areas in the country must be photographed...
At that time, he no longer wanted to make literary films and found them boring, so he refused. When we talked about this later, I was thinking, why are foreign countries willing to provide funding but also have requirements on the subject matter?
Have you ever thought about this problem?
If you haven’t thought about it, then think about what our country’s image is internationally. The answer is self-evident. They did it on purpose, but our artistic film directors thought they were pursuing art and exploring human nature, but little did they know that they had become a knife in their hands. Of course, they might also know..."
As soon as Zhang Chen said these words, the venue immediately exploded.
They had never heard of similar remarks, but looking at Zhang Chen's expression, it didn't look like nonsense.
Especially the last sentence, it can be described as heart-breaking words~
Zhang Chen looked at the reactions around him. This wasn't the end of the story. With his character, he would definitely kill the snake if he hit it.
"You should all know that I have always had conflicts with the Hong Kong community and I don't think highly of them.
But even in Hong Kong circles, I have to admit that they have at least one advantage - Hong Kong circles are sincerely making commercial films.
For commercial movies, the most important thing is that they have to be commercial enough, look good, and make money.
This has caused many people who make art films to always feel that art films are more noble than commercial films. Come on, where is the nobility?
It’s the 21st century, please open your eyes and look at the world. All over the world, art films are a niche.
What people like to watch has always been commercial movies, even in Europe, which is known as the base of art films. European local art films are still beaten to the ground by Hollywood commercial films.
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Ask those European audiences whether they prefer to watch artistic films or Hollywood commercial films?
If you really like art films, you don’t need to hold a local film protection month~”
The words coming out of Zhang Chen's mouth were merciless. He pointed at Wang Xiaoshuai in the audience: "Now, you keep saying that China has 200 million yuan, why did you invest in "Pacific Rim" but not art movies? I just want to ask, why invest in art? Movie?
Is there any difference between investing in you and wasting money?
Can you recoup your costs?
Investing in movies is a business activity. Not to mention helping investors make money, you can't even protect your capital. Why are you so embarrassed to say this with a smile on your face?
If investors don’t make money investing in movies, they won’t have money to invest in the next movie.
If there are too many cases like this, no one will dare to invest in movies anymore.
This is already destroying the entire movie ecosystem.
When no one invests in movies, the Chinese film industry will be finished.
At that time, you will jump out and feel sad again, saying that the state's support for the film industry is not enough. ”
Zhang Chen is going to put Wang Xiaoshuai on the fire:
"Originally, what we were talking about today was about movie projects. I didn't want to talk about all of them, but since you mentioned China Film and President Han, I have to stand up and say something fair.
China Film Group has always encouraged commercial films, which is actually promoting the reform of the film industry.
They do this because they do not want to become a Hollywood slaughterhouse like Europe after the domestic market is fully liberalized.
Everyone has seen Hollywood blockbusters and knows how powerful they are.
Now, there are still quotas for imported films, and only a few Hollywood films can enter the mainland market every year.
Just here, there are still people who have been shouting "Wolf is coming, wolf is coming". After full liberalization, will domestic films really be able to outperform Hollywood blockbusters?
I would like to ask director Wang Xiaoshuai, can he stop Hollywood by relying solely on literary and artistic films?
Have you ever thought about why China gives Hong Kong teams such good treatment?
Catfish effect.
The country hopes that domestic filmmakers will grow up quickly so that they can cope with a more complex international environment.
Now, do you still think China Film should not invest money in "Pacific Rim"?
To be honest, I was very angry when I heard your accusations against Mr. Han.
I have one principle:
Those who collect firewood for others should not be allowed to freeze to death in the wilderness.
He is a public official and there are things he is embarrassed to say, so I have to say it for him.
You say that China Film Corporation favored "Pacific Rim" but was dismissive of art films.
I would like to ask Mr. Han what role art films have in promoting the film industry.
Can it promote the development of film and television technology?
Or can it give rise to new film techniques?
Can it create jobs?
Or can it drive the development of other industries?
Art films serve no purpose other than to express the director's humble personal thoughts.
Let me put it bluntly, Japanese AV has at least led to the prosperity of the video tape and DVD market. What contribution have art films made?
You will only cater to the West, photograph many backward places, and look for the so-called human nature.
Even if a movie like this wins an award, it will send the wrong message to the world. ”
Zhang Chen is really hard to hear. Wang Xiaoshuai doesn't know what to say anymore. Zhang Chen has one big theory after another. Compared with him, he is simply uneducated.
However, a reporter asked: "Director Zhang, are domestic art films hopeless?"
"Of course not~"
Zhang Chen calmed down: "Director Feng Xiaogang once said that the director is like the cook, and the movie is the dish he makes.
Since you are a cook, your cooking skills must be different. Some people cook delicious food, while others cook bad food.
What to do, it’s easy~
If a kind of food is unpalatable, there are usually two ways to deal with it:
One is not to eat~
The second is to improve the method and make it delicious~
This truth is very simple~
You don’t have to make a movie so that people can’t understand it to be called an art movie~”
Zhang Chen hates that iron cannot become steel.
In front of the computer, Feng Xiaogang, who was watching the Sina live broadcast, unconsciously said "Mom sells batches". I said this to the cook, but why did it come out of your mouth as if you were standing up for you...
After Zhang Chen said this, the media reporters were really looking forward to "Pacific Rim". Zhang Chen's approach was simply to make a movie for the rise of China.
At the same time, some people are worried about the first domestic science fiction film: "Director Zhang, is it really possible for "Pacific Rim" to lose money?"
Zhang Chen immediately put on another smiling face: "It's possible, but it's unlikely. Let me tell you why~"
“Let’s talk about the total domestic market first.
In 2002, the total box office nationwide was 800 million, and in 2003 it rose to 1 billion. In 2004, as my journalist friend just said, it was 1.5 billion, and in 2005 it became 2 billion...
According to this growth trend, it is about 25%-50% every year. Let’s take an average value, even if it is 35%, then the total box office this year will be about 2.7 billion, it may be 3.6 billion in 2006, and it may be 4.8 billion in 2007. In 2008, it was 5.2 billion..."
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he waited for the reaction below.
Sure enough, the reporters were in an uproar~
Not bad, after Zhang Chen calculated this, the people below couldn't sit still.
It was only 800 million in 2002 and 5.2 billion in 2008, an increase of nearly 600%~
Did Zhang Chen think too wonderfully?
“A 30% increase for six consecutive years is too exaggerated?”
Someone couldn't help but ask.
Zhang Chen snapped his fingers: "That's a good question. Normal people will have such questions, but what I want to tell you is that it is entirely possible, because behind the increase in total box office is the increase in the number of theater chains and cinemas. , the growth of the screen..."
“In 2002, we carried out cinema chain reforms and built 11 inter-provincial cinema chains and 19 intra-provincial cinema chains. These cinema chains were basically cinemas owned by the old film factories and were state-owned assets.
According to statistics, by the end of the year, a total of 35 theater chains were registered across the country, with 1,024 cinemas joining the chain and a total of 1,843 screens. ”
"In 2003, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Culture (No. 21) jointly promulgated the "Interim Regulations on Foreign-Invested Cinemas", which will be implemented from January 1, 2004."
“In April, the State Council issued “Several Decisions on Non-Public Capital’s Entry into the Cultural Industry” to encourage and support non-public capital to enter cinemas, cinema chains and other fields, and to allow non-public capital to invest in state-owned cultural companies in the field of film production, distribution and screening. Enterprise.”
"With the support and encouragement of such policies, Wanda Cinema Line was officially established in early 2004, becoming my country's first cinema chain company completely dominated by private capital."
“Since then, private capital has successively invested in the construction of cinema chains. Just this year, another private cinema chain, Dadi Cinemas, was established. My Jiahe Cinemas also tried to expand its business in the mainland. Just this year, multiple cinemas were built at the same time. ”
"According to the figures I got, the number of theaters nationwide in 2004 was 1,188, and the number of screens increased to 2,396. By 2005, this number had become 1,404, and the number of screens was 2,733. By this year, the number of screens may be Breaking through 3,000 yuan, there will only be more in the future..."
“Judging from the above situation, the growth in the number of cinema chains may slow down, but the construction of cinemas will definitely increase. Each cinema is laying out the market, and the newly built cinemas are generally multi-hall models.
This also means that more films can be screened, the theater usage rate will be higher, the movie box office will further increase, and the domestic film industry will definitely usher in great strides in development! ”
Numbers came out of Zhang Chen's mouth one by one. Some people hurriedly found paper and pen to write down the data. Some people couldn't wait to ask questions, but Zhang Chen told them to be patient.
Theaters, screens, and box office totals are the three most intuitive figures.
"In the next ten years, the film industry will be a sunrise industry. With the entry of private capital, this industry will definitely develop significantly.
This is where my confidence in Pacific Rim comes from.
The movie market is a standard winner-take-all market, and the head effect is very obvious.
The box office of "Heroes" accounted for a quarter of the total box office that year. "Pacific Rim" cannot reach this level, but with a market size of 5.2 billion, there should be no problem in taking 500-600 million box office. The first small goal was achieved - breaking the record of the big ship. ”
When the reporters around heard what Zhang Chen said, they all smiled knowingly as if they had seen the scene.
Zhang Chen continued: "This is just the most basic. If it triggers a phenomenon that breaks the circle, such as a phenomenal movie like Big Boat, the screening time will definitely be extended, and the box office will be more.
Taken together, although "Pacific Rim" still cannot recover its cost, it can already alleviate a lot of pressure.
This is domestic, let’s talk about foreign countries.
The mecha and monster elements in "Pacific Rim" are the most popular movie elements in recent years, and they all have references. The mecha is a reference to "Transformers", and the monsters are a reference to "King Kong".
Both movies are big hits in Hollywood. "Pacific Rim" has these elements and should be highly recognized in the European and American markets.
Moreover, this kind of subject matter is very suitable for DVD and movie peripheral licensing. If calculated in this way, the possibility of recovering the cost is still very high. If it can achieve good box office results in North America, it will serve as a demonstration in foreign markets such as Europe. The box office should not be bad either. ”
(End of chapter)