Chapter 429 Setting up a stage to perform
In early July, Zhang Chen suddenly received a call from Zhang Weiping, wanting to discuss the issue of increasing the box office share.
The current share of the producer is 43%, which is what Zhang Weiping has won.
Initially it was only 35%, but later with the help of "Heroes", Zhang Weiping increased the share of the account to 40%, and with the help of "Ten-Ambushes", it increased to 41%.
This time I went to Zhang Chen to join forces with Zhang Chen and increase the accounting ratio.
The place where the two met was a private club.
Zhang Chen came with someone, and he could not go to the meeting alone. His relationship with Zhang Weiping was not good, and he even had a grudge. The insulting nickname of "The Man Behind Zhang Yimou" was the first one to call him...
Zhang Weiping was still the same hooligan, sitting opposite the table with a big golden sword.
Zhang Chen fully believes that if this was not China, but the United States, the guy on the other side would definitely shoot himself in the head. "I'm calling you here to join forces with you. Let's force the theaters to increase the accounting ratio?"
"How much do you want to mention?"
"45%!"
Wow, it was really a lion's mouth.
In my impression, at this time in the original time and space, Zhang Weiping also used the power of "Golden Armor" and asked theaters to mention the account share to 43%. A few years later, he raised 45% with "The Flowers of War" and later encountered "The Dragon Gate Flying Armor" and the domestic account share ratio finally remained at the number 43%.
"It's not necessarily the theaters that have mentioned so much at once~"
"I care whether they want them or not. If you and I unite, they have to be willing even if they don't want to, otherwise there will be no movies in the New Year holiday..." Zhang Weiping has a kind of temperament of being willing to do things. With this temperament, he will do everything well.
Zhang Chen had other concerns.
He is not only the boss of a production company, but also the boss of a theater chain. Jiahe also has a theater chain.
He encouraged his father and those coal bosses to invest in cinemas because this industry has been a sunrise industry for ten years.
The development of the Chinese film market is inseparable from the rapid construction of theaters. However, if the profits of cinemas are reduced, the construction of theaters will undoubtedly slow down. It is hard to say whether the Chinese film market can still rise like in future generations. "What else can you think about this? You won't want to mention it, right?" Seeing that Zhang Chen was not talking, Zhang Weiping felt agitation.
Before coming, he was sure that Zhang Chen would agree, because it would be good for him.
Why should you object if you can spend more money?
This has nothing to do with personal friendship, it is entirely profit.
But looking at what Zhang Chen means now, it may not be as he thought.
Once Zhang Chen rebelled, his idea of increasing his share of the accounts would definitely be ruined.
When I think about it, I know what the theaters will do, so I must use Zhang Chen to check and balance him.
Don’t you want to increase the account share? OK, let’s reduce your schedule and give more schedules to "Painted Skin" that do not increase the account share.
After pondering for a while, Zhang Chen raised his head and said, "I want to increase the proportion of accounts, but I don't want to use it in one size fits all~"
Zhang Weiping stared at Zhang Chen's eyes, and after a while, "Then tell me your plan~"
As if he was afraid that Zhang Chen would go to the theaters, he also reminded him specifically: "Don't forget, your "Pacific Rim" cost is 800 million yuan. The higher the proportion of accounts, the less pressure you will have to pay back the money~"
Zhang Chen certainly knew this, but in fact he had been planning this matter long ago.
Even if Zhang Weiping doesn't look for him, he is still going to look for Zhang Weiping.
"I want to divide the accounts with theaters according to the steps, just like the United States."
After talking about this, Zhang Weiping became interested. He also knew a little about this. The proportion of accounts sharing in the United States is much higher than that in China.
"The US issuers and theaters generally divide the accounts according to the time ladder. For example, the share ratio between the two parties in the first week is 9:1, the split ratio of the two parties in the second week is 8:2, the third week is 7:3, and the fourth week is 6:4...
The distribution ratio of the distributors at the beginning is high, and as time goes by, the opposite is true for theaters.
This is conducive to the producers recovering their costs quickly. At the same time, if theaters want to make more profits, they must extend the screening time and schedule more films...
Of course, in actual application in China, it is definitely impossible to use this proportion. How to allocate it in detail needs to be discussed~"
"You think beautifully, how do you make sure to propose such a way to divide the accounts, they will accept it~"
Zhang Chen spread his hands, "I can't be sure, so why do we need to set up a stage to perform a show together, for example, at the beginning we both acted like a lion's mouth.
Just as in that little story, you said you wanted to open a window on the wall, and they would definitely disagree. But when you first said you wanted to lift the roof, they didn't agree. If you said you would open the window, they would probably agree..."
"Hehe~"
Hearing Zhang Chen's bad idea, Zhang Weiping also laughed.
The people brought by the two couldn't help laughing out loud.
Zhang Chen really has a clear understanding of human nature.
"This way it can be higher than 45%?"
"No."
Zhang Chen shook his head: "But they will definitely not agree to 45%. I estimate that the final result is that everyone will make a move, 43% is almost the same...
As for the share ratio I mentioned, we can be higher in the first week, 45%, 43% in the second week, 41% in the third week, 39% in the fourth week...
According to my past experience, the box office in the first week accounts for about one-third of the total box office, and about half of the first two weeks.
In other words, the first two weeks is basically enough for us to make a return, and the later screenings are pure profits.
In this way, we can quickly make a return. In order to make more profits, theaters will prolong the screenings and schedule more films. The more they show, the more we make. Isn't this a win-win situation..."
"What if they deliberately scheduled low-scheduling films in the first two weeks?"
"Never mature theaters do this~"
Zhang Chen raised his finger and waved it: "The movie is for promotion. Only when the momentum in the first two weeks is very popular can the attendance rate be guaranteed later. Unless the theaters want to deal with you specifically, it is impossible to do such a stupid thing~"
Zhang Chen thought about everything, Zhang Weiping thought about it for a while, and felt that what he said made sense.
A hint of fear arose in my heart.
Zhang Chen didn't know that Zhang Weiping had already had the feelings of "Shengyu He Shengliang", and continued to say: "There is no need to stick to one form of the accounting method. You can discuss it according to the size of your own movie.
It can be divided according to the date, or according to the total box office or the stage box office. For example, the total box office exceeds 100 million, the account is divided according to one proportion, exceeding 200 million, and the account is divided according to another proportion, or within 100 million is a proportion, and 100 million to 200 million is another proportion. This depends entirely on their respective positioning..."
Zhang Chen dared to propose this method because it has been implemented in history.
Original time and space, "1942" uses step-by-step accounting according to box office results, and the box office sharing ratio between the issuer and theater chain is divided according to the stage total box office. If the box office is within 300 million yuan, the share ratio is 43:57, if it exceeds 300 million yuan, it is 45:55, if it exceeds 800 million yuan, it is 47:53...
In order to deal with "1942", "The King's Feast" released at the same time chose to divide the accounts according to the time period.
The first week is 43:57, the next week is 41:59, and the next week is 39:61, until the next picture is drawn;
To put it bluntly, this method is actually to give benefits to the cinema and theater chain, so that the other party can provide more support for their films and screening time.
Everyone also took a strange move.
Zhang Weiping lowered his head and thought to adjust some questions, but he didn't find them in the end. Zhang Chen had already considered it very comprehensively.
"Okay, just do what you said."
Zhang Chen's proposal is more flexible and easier to be accepted by theaters, and Zhang Weiping has no reason to refuse.
Anyway, this ratio can be negotiated. As long as the film is good, the producer will be in a strong position.
"Then when will we show up with them? Do we need to bring other producers in?"
"Forget it for others, it is easier to get things done if there are fewer people. As long as we don't have a rebellious boy, this will be done~"
In later generations, the share ratio was completely possible to reach 45%, which means that Bona reversed the box office for "Dragon Gate Flying Armor", and finally the official ended up setting the proportion at 43%.
The more people, the less unification of ideas is, it is better for them to end up directly and become a fait accompli. "Tsk, don't forget that this alliance is what I've been looking for. As long as you don't rebel, no one will rebel..." Zhang Weiping was very dissatisfied with Zhang Chenqiku.
Zhang Cheol no longer struggles with this: "As for when to showdown, it will take two days. I will use this method for this "Silent Land", which can be regarded as exploring the road for the Lunar New Year holiday at the end of the year..."
Three days later, representatives of 35 domestic theaters gathered in the capital.
Zhang Chen invited them to watch the movie "Silent Land", but what everyone said was strange is why Zhang Weiping was there at the movie "Singchen Entertainment".
Watch the movie first. Only when the movie is of good quality can they have a basis for negotiation.
After the film was played, everyone smiled on their faces when the lights were on.
Wanda's Ye Ning said first: "Director Zhang still brings us an audio-visual feast. Such a film has never appeared in China. The setting is very novel. We Wanda will definitely support this "Silent Land"..."
Ye Ning was found by Zhang Chen.
On the surface, Wanda and Star Entertainment have a very average relationship, and they have only had some collaborations in the recent Pacific Rim.
But in fact, Wanda is on Zhang Chen's side.
This is probably because he has handled Da Tiantian's invisible benefits.
Lu Zheng is the director of Wanda.
Ye Ning started to stare, and the others agreed.
Managers of large theaters like Wu Hehu, Zhao Jun, and Gao Jun do not need to hold Zhang Chen, but other small theaters still rely on large directors like Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen smiled and said, "Thank you for your support, but there are other things to discuss with you this time..."
After saying that, he looked at Zhang Weiping in the back row.
The others noticed his movement and felt an unknown premonition.
They had already guessed something vaguely~
After all, Zhang Yimou made a blockbuster, and Zhang Weiping raised the share ratio once. Last year's "Riding a Thousand Miles" was an art film, not counting. This year's "Golden Armor" happened to be the third commercial blockbuster. They all guessed that Zhang Weiping would definitely bring up the old things again, but they didn't expect that this time they were with Zhang Chen...
Sure enough, after Zhang Weiping exposed a 45% share ratio, the scene was in a mess.
This is not a negotiation, this is a table lift~
And then there is endless quarrel.
In the end, it was Ye Ning from Wanda: "Director Zhang, you also have Jiahe Cinemas in your hand. You should know the profitability of the Cinemas. Our profit is very thin.
Cinemas are all heavy assets, and the rent and equipment are rising year by year. In the past, a set of screening equipment has increased by 190,000 yuan, but now it has increased to 390,000 yuan. It is a continuous loss and it will not take long to replace it..."
Ye Ning's words have successfully resonated with other Cinemas representatives. Yes, it is not easy for us.
Wu Hehu and other three musketeers were recommended as representatives to speak: "Two, the 45% share ratio is too high, we cannot accept..."
Zhang Weiping immediately glared: "Which theater does not accept this ratio, we refuse to provide copies to it~" On stage, Zhang Weiping sang a white-faced sing, and he has a scoundrel character, so he doesn't need to act, he is.
Seeing the excitement of the crowd, Zhang Chen came out to blush: "Don't be anxious, discuss it carefully. I also know that theaters have difficulties, but the current situation is that the producers who invested a lot of money have taken the biggest risk, but the benefits obtained are not equal. In comparison, theaters bear too little risks.
But I don't want to be too radical. Only by being kind can we make money. Otherwise, we will modify the accounting method..."
Zhang Chen immediately announced his ladder accounting plan, and the accounting according to time and the box office~
Sure enough, the representatives of theaters did not veto it this time and began to think about this matter carefully.
The discussion lasted for two days. Finally, it was decided to use "Silent Land" as the sample experiment, and the release time was divided into stairs. The ratio of the producer and theater chain to the first week was 45:55, and then the production transfers two points to the theater chain every week...
This plan was the final result after discussions between multiple parties.
Zhang Chen initially preferred to share accounts according to the stage box office, but after discussions between theaters, he believed that "Silent Land" did not have the possibility of exceeding 200 million, so he chose to share accounts according to time that is more beneficial to them. The compromise was to increase the share ratio of the first week to 45%.
…
July 11, 2006
"Silent Land" held a grand premiere.
This is the first time that Xingchen Entertainment has held a premiere in the Magic City. In the past, although the venue is different, it has always been held in Beijing.
No mistakes, one poem, one post, one content, one in 6, one book, one bar, one read!
At Wu Hehu's request, the premiere was set at the No. 1 Hall of Shanghai Cinema, which is also the home unit of the Shanghai Film Festival.
"Silent Land" is a Sino-US co-production, but it only has a premiere in China.
Dong Jianqiang invited more than 100 media and leaders of various theaters.
Generally speaking, the premiere is part of the promotion, but it is more for theaters to watch, so that theaters can see the producers' confidence in the movie and hope to give them more screenings.
But Zhang Chen doesn't need it.
[Zhang Chen's work] The four words are now the loudest sign. Since its debut, they have never failed and no theater chain can refuse.
Not to mention that this is an attempt to divide the accounts. Everyone wants to see which of this form is very beneficial to, or is it really a win-win situation?
"Uncle Guoli, Uncle Daoming~"
After walking the red carpet, the guests entered the venue one after another, and Zhang Chen greeted everyone repeatedly.
Zhang Guoli looked full of spring breeze. When "Search" was released in mid-last month, it sold a total of more than 40 million yuan, which really shocked a lot of people's chins.
Although the box office of movies is always 100 million, it is all blockbusters.
A normal movie can exceed 30 million, which is already a big deal.
Original empty, "Crazy Stone" was released in June and has been called a box office dark horse after only selling more than 20 million yuan.
So the more than 40 million in Search is really not small.
The cost of this film is only more than 7 million yuan. Including the box office share, overseas copyright plus the film channel copyright, the profit is at least 10 million yuan.
And this movie is mainly invested by Zhang Guoli, and Xingchen Entertainment does not have much share.
A movie made millions of dollars and made her son famous. What else is there to be dissatisfied with it?
Zhang Guoli was very happy. Sure enough, there was still a future in cooperation with Zhang Chen.
"Search" is the first film project that Zhang Guoli handled after Feng Xiaogang left Taihe people.
The original Taihe people, the two of them had a division of labor.
Zhang Guoli is in charge of TV series and Feng Xiaogang is in charge of movies.
Later, Feng Xiaogang became increasingly distant with Zhang Guoli because of the movie.
Feng Xiaogang withdrew, and Zhang Guoli took over Taihe people in full.
He is already invincible in the field of TV dramas, so he wants to get into the field of movies.
But this move is not easy to insert.
I tried it several times before, but all failed without exception.
Then I thought about working with Xingchen Entertainment, and it was indeed successful.
Director Chen smiled and said, "Zhang Chen, don't forget that you still owe me a movie "Sanction Agent"~"
He just finished guest-starring "Lonely Agent" two days ago, but he couldn't hear the news of "Sanction Agent" project. It is obvious that "Sanction Agent" is the first in the agent universe.
"Uncle Daoming is patient and wait, it will be almost done after "Lonely Agents"..."
This is indeed a fault with him, but it is not a blank check.
After the release of "The Lone Agent", the agent universe will take shape, and "Sanctions Agents" can also increase its agenda.
The three of them were chatting, and a voice came from a distance: "Haha, it turns out that you are here~"
The special voice, you don't need to look back, it's Zhao Benshan. "Uncle Benshan, teacher, you are here too~"
Fu Donglai also came with Zhao Bonshan. The box office of "Fallen Leaves Return to the Roots" they worked together was also 40 million, which was comparable to "Search". Speaking of which, the two movies were still competitors at that time.
Zhang Guoli and the others also met each other and greeted each other.
"I heard that your "Silent Place" caused a sensation in Cannes this time, I have to take a good look today~"
"It's easy to say, it's easy to say~"
"Director Zhang, you're here~"
After saying a few words, Wang Jinghua arrived again.
Since establishing Shijiu Culture with Zhang Chen, Wang Jinghua has been strong in his army and horses. Although he has left the big tree of Huayi, his development has been better than before.
This made her feel more and more that her decision was not wrong.
Zhang Chen kept greetings. Today's premiere was his home court. Everyone must say hello to him when they come.
Zhao Bonshan seemed to have something to look for him, but when he saw Zhang Chen being so busy, he only said, "You are busy first, and let's talk after you are not busy~'
Zhang Chen was indeed busy today. Many people came for his face, and he had to greet him.
"Director Zhang, I wish the movie a great success~"
"Binbin, Xiaoming~"
Fan Binbin and Huang Xiaoming appeared together, and the two were obviously walking on the red carpet together. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you~"
There are more and more celebrities entering the market, and the main creators of "Wulin Waizai" are also here this time, but they are all in the TV series field and do not know most of the people present.
Zhao Bonshan suddenly came to them and started chatting~
"Teacher Zhao~"
"Don't be polite, everyone is a comedy person, and if there are common topics, I'll come to talk to you~"
Zhao Benshan is a comedy celebrity and a nationally recognized sketch king, but it's not comparable to these little Karami.
"Your drama is quite interesting. We people from Gada always like to watch~"
"Thank you for your praise."
"I heard that the second season has been sold?"
"Well, it was sold last month and should be broadcast next month~"
"Okay, I can't miss it~"
Zhao Bonshan has no airs. After a few words, everyone who was originally nervous was no longer nervous, and gradually there were smiles on his face. "Your drama is so good. The brand has been established. As long as the script does not collapse, you can keep shooting in the future..."
The few people are honored, and they think so too.
Participating in "Wulin Waizai" is equivalent to finding a job. As long as there are still people watching this drama, the company will definitely continue to film it. "Are you going to film the third season?"
There is no concept of season in domestic TV series at this time. They are all called the first and second movies, and they are all done in this way in "Liu Laogen" and "Ma Dashang". "Well, not yet. The company asked us to wait first in the second half of the year, as if we were going to make a movie "The Great Movie of Wulin Waihe"?"
"Wulin Wai Chuan Movie"? Make the story of "Wulin Wai Chuan" into a movie?" "It seems that this is the case. I heard from Manager Dong that Director Zhang seems to mean this~"
I was very excited when talking about this. Movie, they finally want to make a movie too.
The chain of contempt exists in all industries. It is generally believed that movie actors are more advanced than TV actors, and even TV actors themselves think so.
However, Zhao Bonshan was moved after hearing the news.
He has always wanted to blossom more, sketches, movies and TV series go hand in hand.
The field of TV dramas is still smooth, but the film industry has never been able to open up.
Until this year's "Fallen Leaves Return to the Roots".
Zhao Bonshan reviewed himself:
The acting skills he contributed in "The Falling Leaves Return to the Roots" are similar to those he contributed in other previous movies, but only "The Falling Leaves Return to the Roots" was successful.
What does this mean?
Show that the success of "Fallen Leaves Return to the Roots" has little to do with him, or it also has something to do with him, but it is not decisive.
This conclusion is disheartening, but it may be true.
He wanted to continue to cooperate in this model and consolidate his position in the film industry. But after asking, he learned that Fu Donglai had no plans for the next film.
And Fu Donglai clearly stated that the success of the movie actually has little to do with him. This book was forced to him by Zhang Chen. In fact, the biggest contributor to the success of the movie is Zhang Chen.
This is definitely modest, but it also makes sense.
Zhao Bonshan also admitted that the success of "Fallen Leaves Return to the Roots" is first because it is a work of Xingchen Entertainment, and secondly because of Fu Donglai and Zhao Bonshan.
Originally, he was going to talk to Zhang Chen about the movie today, but Zhang Chen was too busy and could only find an opportunity in the future.
But the news that Zhang Chen was going to play "The Great Movie of Wulin Waihe" made Lao Zhao think.
"Wulin Waizao" itself is a comedy, and it is naturally the same channel as himself. Lao Zhao was wondering if he could get Benshan Media to get involved.
I'm just not sure about Zhang Chen's attitude.
After all, this is someone else's project or a mature IP, it doesn't make a difference whether Benshan Media has or not.
(This chapter ends)