Chapter 538: Outsmarting Weihu Mountain and dominating the Lunar New Year season
Zhou Yutang keeps a low profile, but the news that the film by a top-tier commercial director in the industry has been completed cannot be hidden at all.
As soon as I returned to the capital, various media reported on it.
Artists are very busy at the end of the year, and Zhou Yutang is no exception. He is fully following up on the post-production work of the two movies in hand.
“Mr. Huo.”
"Well, hello."
Huo Wenxi was wearing a professional skirt and high heels, and she walked with full aura.
Now her work focus is on maintaining her relationship with Zhou Yutang in the Mainland, and she often comes to Jiangdong Building.
After going back and forth, I became familiar with the two girls at the front desk: "Xiaoxue, is your boss in the company?"
"Yes, let me ask."
One of the receptionists, Xiaoxue, called Ni Ni diligently and received a response quickly.
Leading Huo Wenxi directly to the 9th floor, Ni Ni took her into the president's office. Huo Wenxi always had a smile on his face.
She glanced around and saw Liu Shishi and Shi Nansheng talking in the office, and was slightly startled.
Huo Wenxi naturally knew about the relationship between Liu Shishi and Zhou Yutang, but Shi Nansheng's appearance here surprised her.
“Sister mani, come and sit.”
Zhou Yutang waved, and Ni Ni had already poured her a cup of tea. Shi Nansheng and she were also old acquaintances, and they greeted each other very familiarly,
"A Tang, congratulations on finishing your new drama. "
"Sister mani, what's the matter with you coming here?"
"There's something wrong if you don't go to the Three Treasures Hall for nothing."
Huo Wenxi laughed softly: "The script of "Cold War 2" has been completed and is ready to be launched in the first half of next year."
"Sister mani."
Zhou Yutang nodded: "You can just call Ni Ni directly about this matter. There is no need to come over here."
When people are wandering in the world, there is always something inevitable. Humanity and sophistication.
The funding for the "Cold War" project is too large, and Boss Jiang is planning to rope in Yinghuang to do it together. Zhou Yutang had previously promised Boss Yang to make a guest appearance in "Cold War 2", and he will definitely not break his promise.
"Actually, I was passing by here too and brought you some tea."
Huo Wenxi took out a hardcover box that had been prepared in advance from his bag and said with a smile: "I'll trouble you then."
"Where to say it."
"Shi Shi, you have time. Let’s have afternoon tea together in Shanghai. I know there is a newly opened store that sells very good cakes.”
Huo Wenxi held Liu Shishi’s hand enthusiastically, and Zhou Yutang didn’t know why the two had such a good relationship. .
Some time ago, Liu Shishi finished filming "Return", attended a business event, and took a photo with Huo Wenxi, and even took a group photo to post on Weibo.
After exchanging a few words, Huo Wenxi still had work in hand and didn't stay long.
Shi Nansheng also signed the contract in the conference room.
The specific details have been discussed many times before.
La Pei Kangcai took over and wanted to make a name for himself. This commercial blockbuster with the main theme, led by a talented director and joined by Zhou Yutang, is exactly what he wanted.
I nodded readily.
It's just that the director had countless meetings to hold at the end of the year, so he asked a vice president of China Film to come over and sign the contract.
The project "Taking Tiger Mountain by Wisdom" has a cost budget of 200 million and will be jointly produced by Jiangdong Entertainment, China Film Group, Enlight, and Xu Ke Studio.
Among them, Jiangdong Entertainment took 30% of the share, China Film also took 30%, and the remaining two companies took half. Xu Ke’s director’s salary was calculated separately.
Xu Ke serves as the director, Zhou Yutang supervises the producer, and La Pei Kang and Wang Changtian are both producers.
“A pleasure to work with.”
Zhou Yutang shook hands with Shi Nansheng, saw her read the contract again, and asked: "Sister Shi, is there any problem with the contract?"
"No."
Shi Nansheng signed the contract The wrinkles were smoothed and put away, with a relieved smile on his face: "This movie is probably the last project I will do here. I hope it will leave a good memory by then."
Liu Shishi vaguely felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite figure out the situation and winked at Zhou Yutang frequently.
Zhou Yutang was slightly startled, nodded and said with a smile: "I am honored to cooperate with Sister Shi."
Shi Nansheng worked neatly and agreed to help run "Chi Ling", which was her bargaining chip.
It can be seen that her marriage to Xu Ke is peaceful on the surface, but in fact there is an undercurrent and it has almost come to an end.
Zhou Yutang suddenly remembered an interesting story. Shi Nansheng's best friend Lin Qingxia once visited her home and happened to see Xu Ke playing with the dog on the sofa.
At that time, Xu Ke suddenly thought of eating mangoes, but he was too lazy to do so.
I don’t even want to wash my hands.
Shi Nansheng asked his assistant to cut the mango while looking for wet wipes to wipe Xu Ke's hands.
And Xu Ke was sitting on the sofa, waiting leisurely to eat mangoes.
Zhou Yutang can feel that this movie, which Xu Ke has been thinking about wanting to make for many years, is most likely a witness to the couple's decent separation.
Women are probably the most amazing creatures in the world.
Sometimes, you are extremely smart, but sometimes you are very stupid.
"Husband, I suddenly feel so stupid."
Liu Shishi wrinkled her face and sighed worriedly.
Just now Huo Wenxi and Shi Nansheng were discussing a movie project, and she couldn't get in the conversation. She felt like she was not from the same world.
"My dear, I won't allow you to talk about Bingxue's smart self like this."
Zhou Yutang quickly held her in his arms and spoke softly, soothing her: "I'll wait until the new show starts next year. , you are going to be a producer on the set. When the time comes, I will let Chen Xi take you. From now on, when old K sees you, he will have to address you as "Producer Liu"
"Isn't this not good?"
Liu Shishi was a little moved, but hesitantly asked: "Will it cause trouble to the crew?"
Although she is already a shareholder of Tangren, But I don’t have any practical experience in film and television projects.
"No, when the time comes, Chen Xi will be watching and will familiarize you with the entire film and television production process."
"My dear, you are so kind to me."
Being close to her face, he could smell the orchid-like fragrance on Shi Shi's body. Zhou Yutang's heartstrings seemed to be touched. He picked up his light body and walked towards the inner lounge.
“Wait a minute!”
With the arrow on the string, Liu Shishi suddenly held Zhou Yutang’s chest with both hands, his expression changing slightly.
Seeing the first sister holding a long hair in her hand and suddenly transforming into a famous detective, Zhou Yutang felt a little sweaty.
This is unscientific. How come Liu Shishi, who is usually quite naive and cute, suddenly became so smart?
However, the Governor of Jiangdong has experienced many battles and is still as calm as ever: "During this period, I have been on the set, and Ni Ni has been cleaning this room. How does she do things?"
"Shi Shi, don’t get me wrong.”
One phone call later found out the situation. When Zhou Yutang came out with Liu Shishi, Ni Ni was full of apologies: “I fell out of love some time ago, and I lost a lot of hair. "
"You fall in love every day, but do you put your mind on work?"
Zhou Yutang spoke in a slightly serious tone, and Ni Ni instantly blushed and bit her lip.
The two of them met each other perfectly.
Seeing that miserable look on the verge of tears, even Liu Shishi couldn't help but feel pity. He tugged at the corner of the man's clothes next to him and whispered:
"It's nothing. , I overreacted a bit."
To be fair, for a beautiful woman like Ni Ni to be Zhou Yutang's secretary, there were a lot of rumors in the circle, and Liu Shishi was a little worried.
Hearing that she had just fallen out of love, she felt uncontrollably relieved. At the moment, she ignored Zhou Yutang and pulled Ni Ni to comfort her.
Ni Ni vomited bitterness.
Zhou Yutang has been working very hard during this period, and has been very nervous. He has also been criticized a lot by those around him.
Liu Shishi felt a little guilty.
When he thought that Zhou Yutang was so busy with filming some time ago that he still didn't forget to talk on the phone with him, Liu Shishi couldn't help but reflect inwardly and became more gentle.
"Reply 1988" is scheduled to be broadcast in February, and the "Tuner" project has also begun preparations. It will be directed by Cao Baoping and is expected to start filming after the year.
She is not very ambitious, but her professionalism is unquestionable.
Zhou Yutang has long said that this movie is for awards, and she has to show convincing enough acting skills.
So during the period after the filming of "Return" was completed, except for the necessary announcement schedule, Liu Shishi spent most of his time in the capital, receiving special training on the role from several acting professors at Yamashita Academy .
Over in America, the Oscar shortlist will be announced in January. Harvey's confidence is a bit inflated and he only says that he is waiting for good news.
"With $10.29 million in box office opening weekend in Dallas, you made a lot of money."
Just after communicating with Zou Zhongyan, Bob, the old wall lamp, also made a video call, his voice full of envy: "If you have such an opportunity in the future, you have to take me with you."
This achievement is not too explosive. , but the total production cost of this film, excluding public relations expenses, was only more than 5 million.
According to the current situation, at least it is a small and steady profit.
"Definitely next time."
Zhou Yutang thought that when he had just picked up this movie, the old wall lamp had a look of disbelief on his face, probably thinking that he was a prodigal.
Looking at his expression now, it perfectly explains what reality is.
"There is something going on with James' "Fast and Furious 7". Paul Walker died in a car accident, and now Universal is discussing a replacement."
"Several companies have projects After contacting him, our plan for "The Conjuring 2" is scheduled to be in the second half of next year at the earliest. This guy's schedule is really too full."
"Then the second half of next year, and "The Purge" "Plan 2" and "Fifty Shades of Grey""
Zhou Yutang is not surprised by this.
Top directors are so in demand, almost everyone has several projects in hand.
Poet Chen in China started preparing "The Ghost Banquet of the Tang Dynasty by Samana Kukai" a few years ago.
The same is true for Zhou Yutang himself.
After communicating with Warner, "Super Body" is scheduled to be released in the first week of May, which is also one of the most popular schedules there.
As for "The Purge 2", I still want to watch it again. The starring role is the villain in "Wolf Warrior 2". This guy is an old unlucky guy who broke his bones and delayed a lot of filming time. .
The news that "Charlotte Trouble" is scheduled to be released in December has triggered a series of chain reactions.
On the released promotional poster, the big characters of Zhou Yutang as producer and screenwriter are placed in front of the leading actors, which is particularly conspicuous.
Not to mention, the publicity effect is very good. A considerable portion of the Jiangdong Navy is ready to go.
Some viewers who have watched the Happy Twist drama performance in the theater expressed their expectations.
There are also many passerby viewers, who are basically attracted by the traffic of Zhou Yutang and Yang Mi. There is a lot of discussion on the Internet:
“Da Mimi must have received another bad movie.”
< br>"Isn't Shen Teng the funny brother of Zhang Ruojun in "Introduction to Architecture"?"
"It's still Guo Baokun in "Celebrating More Than Years", which is quite funny."
"Zhou Yutang Fallen, looking at the title, it is undoubtedly a bad movie.”
"Why did the boss arrange the schedule? This is going to be a direct confrontation with Feng Xiaogang's "Private Customization"."
Faced with the publicity campaign of "Charlotte Trouble", the comments on the Internet are mixed.
Yang Mi has followed the black-red route. In the past two years, in order to make money, she has made "Wu-Tang" and "Tiny Times", but neither of them has been successful.
It brings a lot of traffic, but there are a lot of black fans making trouble.
Some people took a second look because it was produced and written by Zhou Yutang, and some compared it to "Private Customization".
Feng Xiaogang returns to direct the Lunar New Year comedy. He and Ge You have been a gold medal team for more than ten years, and Wang Shuo, an ace screenwriter of the older generation, personally writes the script.
Even Zhang Ruojun, Bai Baihe, and Li Xiaolu are all popular niches and flowers in the industry.
Looking at "Charlotte Trouble" again, except for the producer Zhou Yutang and Yang Mi, who has received many bad movies, among the Happy Twist group, Shen Teng is the only one who is slightly famous.
The other leading actors, including Mary and Alan, were walking casually on the street, making sure no one recognized them.
The cast lineups of both sides are not on the same level at all.
The Lunar New Year movie is starting to get smokey, in the large conference room of Huayi Company,
“There are only 20 movies in this year’s Lunar New Year movie. Judging from the production cost of the movie, the main competitor is "Police Story 2013" ", "Famous Catchers 2", and "The Storm" "
"The second is "Waiting for the Wind" directed by Teng Huatao. Regardless of the genre, chick flicks occupy a certain position because of their differentiation. "
"Then there is the low-cost comedy "Charlotte" from Jiangdong, and Director Feng's "Private Order" are both comedy-type movies, and they are both scheduled to be released in mid-December."< br>
The manager of Huayi Film Department is reporting on the detailed schedule layout of the entire Lunar New Year season.
This sounds like good news. Mr. Wang held a cigar in his mouth and said with a hearty smile: "If it's Xu Guangtou's "囧", I'm a little worried. I heard that Zhou Yutang sold the "囧" series. Such a one The golden rooster that can lay eggs is willing to cash out, but his situation is still too small."
"Anyway, this year's Lunar New Year film is missing a strong opponent, and Director Feng's "Private Customization" has great potential. , what kind of twist did Zhou Yutang throw in?"
"Mr. Wang, it's the happy twist."
The film department manager added.
“Ah, yes, yes.”
Mr. Xiao Wang dusted off his cigar and was full of confidence: "Acting in sketches is okay, anyone can enter the film industry?"
"Director Feng has decades of skill, what kind of happy twist is this? Can you compete with Director Feng?”
“Mr. Wang, thank you very much.”
Everyone in Huayi’s film department in the conference room had a winner’s smile on their faces.
Everyone with a discerning eye knows that according to the "囧" series that exploded at the box office and reputation, as long as the quality of the sequel is passable, it will definitely make money.
Wang Baorong has extremely high national popularity, and Xu Guangtou is also a popular Mesozoic actor. With the box office appeal of these two people, if the sequel of the "囧" series is placed in this year's Lunar New Year period, it will really be a strong enemy of "Private Customization".
But now this happy twist, a bunch of unknown people whose names have never been heard, is unlikely to become a thing.
Mr. Xiao Wang pointed his finger at the table and said, "Manager Li, go and make arrangements for the premiere first, and book a hotel by the way. The celebration banquet can also be arranged in advance."
The film and television companies in the industry have different attitudes.
Huayi was going to open the champagne in advance. Wang Changtian from Guangguang had made a special trip to Jiangdong Entertainment to watch the finished movie.
After returning, he moved the schedule of "Famous Catchers 2" to early December.
We also specially asked several variety shows on Guangguang's side to fully cooperate with Zhou Yutang's promotion.
"Mr. Wang."
The manager of Guangguang's publicity department reminded him responsibly: "In this case, subsequent publicity plans will not be used."
" Haha.”
Wang Changtian pushed up the glasses on the bridge of his nose: "If it were released at the end of December, I wouldn't even be able to drink soup at that time."
"That movie is so great?"
Lao Wang usually doesn't praise people much. The manager of Guangguang's publicity department was a little surprised, but when he thought of the names of producer and screenwriter Zhou Yutang, it seemed understandable.
"Just wait and see, this movie will not be worse than the "囧" series."
Wang Changtian smiled slightly: "By the way, sending an invitation letter to Zhou Yutang for the premiere does not count. Yes, I’ll give him a call.”
Zhou Yutang will definitely go to the premiere of "Famous Catchers 2".
The later stages of this movie were all produced by Vision Media, so Lao Wang’s money cannot be wasted.
Wang Changtian is very courageous in his work. By moving this film to early December, he is leaving the battlefield to "Charlotte" and "Private Custom".
There is no conflict between the schedules of the two parties, and Ray suddenly rushed away in order to capture the film market in the early Lunar New Year period.
In this way, when the two comedy-themed movies collide, the basic box office of Raytheon will be stable.
Wang Changtian's judgment is very accurate. The sudden release of "Famous Man 2" really had a miraculous effect. The box office revenue on the first day was 25 million, which was beyond expectations and made a small profit.
This movie is far behind "Xiu Chun Knife" in terms of quality and reputation, but it is the only one with the theme of ancient costume martial arts films in this year's Lunar New Year season, and has no similar competitors.
What was surprising to Zhou Yutang was that on the other side of the light, animation movies had also begun to be laid out.
The "Qin Shi Mingyue Movie: The Dragon Soars Ten Thousand Miles" was produced in one step before "The Return of the Great Sage" and is expected to be released next year.
“I have to say, ginger is still spicier when old.”
Before the premiere of "Charlotte", "Private Customization" was launched first.
Huayi made it very grand, with a bunch of celebrities coming, just like a red carpet show.
Zhou Yutang did not go to the scene, but it did not prevent him from seeing Feng Xiaogang’s amazing speech on the news:
“Young directors are very powerful in the industry recently. Director Zhou Yutang set a new box office record for Chinese movies. , Xu Zheng’s first movie had a box office of over 1 billion. I always feel that my time has turned.”
“In fact, I have been with the movie for so many years, and I even feel a little disgusted with it. I have been lonely for too long. , I have thought about retiring early.”
"There are talented people from generation to generation, but since I am still here, I still have the final say in the Lunar New Year period. No one can do it."
The little steel cannon has been silent since "The Great Earthquake" For a long time, "1942" was well-received but not a hit, causing Huayi Brothers' stock to plummet, and more than a dozen small targets evaporated.
This time I return to the field of comedy commercial films, and I love to see it.
At the same time.
Guo Shi, one of the three major directors, also officially announced the completion of "Return".
Poet Chen is not willing to be lonely. The studio officially announced that the male lead in "The Taoist Comes Down the Mountain" is Wang Baoyu. He was photographed by passers-by and met with Lin Chilin to discuss playing the female lead.
""Private Custom" grossed 80 million at the first-day box office, surpassing the first-day box office of "Tiny Times". The film schedule remains high and will continue to work hard!"
First-day box office After the movie was released, many netizens lamented that Feng Xiaogang’s sword is still young.
“Look at this, are you really going for 1 billion?”
Ni Ni has followed Zhou Yutang for so long and has a deep understanding of the entire film and television industry.
Under normal circumstances, the first-day box office accounts for 8% to 10% of a film's total box office, so "Private Custom" has a real chance of hitting one billion at the box office.
"Have you paid attention to the stock price of Huayi before the movie was released?"
"It seems to have dropped a lot." Ni Ni looked confused.
Zhou Yutang chuckled: "The stock price plummeted that day, which explains the problem."
Before the movie was released, Huayi held an exclusive screening for institutional investors. Yes, after reading the results, the stock price dropped to the limit.
It can only be said that those who play capital are not satisfied with the quality of this movie.
After four days of explosive growth, the first weekend box office of "Private Customization" reached 315 million.
This is already a quite astonishing figure. At this time, the box office of "Four Famous Catchers" was only 162 million.
But behind the box office figures, there are questions from countless netizens.
“The chapters are too fragmented and the rhythm is loose, like jokes pieced together.”
"Teacher Fan Wei's part is really good, but I don't quite understand the rest."
"Are you sure this is not a commercial?"
"Has Feng Xiaogang exhausted his talent?"
>On his way to the premiere of "Charlotte", Zhou Yutang read the online comments on his tablet and couldn't help but laugh.
Xiaogangpao is also a talented person, and he has already earned more than 80 million from advertising placement alone.
Huayi coveted Mingjie Company's variety show business, and cooperated with Beijing Satellite TV to create a reality show related to the movie, and received a share of the profits.
This does not depend on the box office, but on the derivative business, which can cover all the costs of the entire movie.
Compared to Huayi's fanfare, the premiere of "Charlotte Troubles" was relatively simple.
But there were also many big names and celebrities present. After all, Zhou Yutang’s status was here. Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao and his wife came to support him.
Zhou Yutang naturally attracted interviews from most media,
"Director Zhou, what are your expectations for the box office of this movie?"
"As for the box office."
Zhou Yutang pondered for a moment and made a joke: "Director Feng said he was very lonely. , I hope it can bring him a little surprise by then."
"Then you mean that the box office of "Charlotte Trouble" can exceed that of "Private Custom"?"
"The market will give the answer then."
The entertainment reporters were still trying hard to pull the trap, but Zhou Yutang did not fall into the trap.
Bringing the topic lightly, an entertainment reporter suddenly asked: "Director Zhou, what do you think of the marriage between Wang Lihong and Li Jinglei?"
"I wish him happiness. .”
Zhou Yutang had already seen the gossip forwarded by Mao Xiaoyu in the internal group.
Wang Lihong, a popular singer in Bay Area, registered his marriage in America with Li Jianglei, who is 10 years younger than him.
Countless female fans were heartbroken.
The key is that some media revealed that this female doctoral student at Columbia University is suspected of having a fiancé.
Pu Bajia, the long-lost brother, is really confused.
(End of this chapter)