Chapter 779 Three Requests
[Changjin Lake] is a typical mission film. The real producer is the National Film Administration, and the project was approved as early as the end of 2019.
Originally, Bona did not plan to make it into a blockbuster film, but the crew was busy with various things during the preparation stage.
First, there was a YI situation, and the team that was originally building the location was forced to stop. Then the original director Liu Weiqiang was temporarily transferred to the crew of "Chinese Doctor".
The director is gone, and preparations for the film have come to a standstill.
But the initial investment has already been spent a lot.
Yu Dong communicated with the film bureau and explained his difficulties, and together they all decided to make a super large-scale production to compete with "Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth".
So China Film, Shanghai Film and Bayi Film Studio joined in one after another, becoming one of the producers second only to Bona.
[Changjin Lake] It is not just talk about making a super large-scale production.
Professionals at Bona have calculated that in order to achieve the ideal effect, at least thousands of staff must cooperate, and tens of thousands of group performers must be mobilized, including various military uniforms, firearms, aircraft and tanks, etc. The number of props is even greater.
Preliminary filming requires at least one billion in funds to complete.
Even Bona is very cautious when investing at this level.
Yu Dong hesitated again and again, feeling that only by working with Gu Wei and Wu Jing could the film not lose money.
He knew that Gu Wei had been busy with filming work, so he went to Wu Jing first. Everyone in their relationship circle knew that if Wu Jing accepted the offer, it would be easier to persuade Gu Wei.
When he found Wu Jing, he had just finished leg surgery and was recovering.
Wu Jing's legs have always been injured. Action actors like him work very hard in filming and often suffer from injuries.
The leg injury was from the filming of "Wolf Warrior 1". I never recovered well. It was even more serious when I was filming "Wolf Warrior 2" with Gu Wei. After the movie was over, I didn't wait for the injury to recover before I went back to filming. [Climber].
When Yu Dong approached him, Wu Jing didn't want to take the job at first, but he became interested again after reading the script.
Wu Jing has never resisted playing the role of a soldier, and the script of "Changjin Lake" was particularly well written. Through the tragic war, it highlighted the steely will and heroic and fearless fighting spirit of our volunteers.
Yu Dong saw that Wu Jing was wavering and struck while the iron was hot, promising that he would wait until his leg injury healed before starting the machine, and also promised him part of the investment share, and Wu Jing agreed.
".I have already made a reservation for the evening, and Mr. Gu will not hesitate to show my favor.
See you that evening."
In the office, Yu Dong just hung up the phone to Gu Wei.
After sending the script to Gu Wei, he contacted him twice. From his words, he could feel that Gu Wei was also a little moved, so he decided to try harder.
Although Wu Jing has agreed to star, he alone is not safe.
"Wolf Warrior 2" and "The Wandering Earth" put Wu Jing on the altar, but last year's "The Climber" made his reputation drop a lot.
Although the box office appeal is still strong, without Gu Weihou, his cooperation with others cannot satisfy the audience.
[Changjin Lake] is essentially a group drama, but only with the participation of Gu Wei and Wu Jing, Yu Dong can feel completely at ease and not have to worry about unsatisfactory box office performance in the future.
“Boss, I received a letter from the Film Bureau. Domestic theaters will probably open around the end of next month. Should we consider releasing some of the films that our company is working on in the second half of the year?”
In the company's small conference room, Gu Wei and a group of senior executives were having a meeting.
Since the beginning of the year, domestic movie theaters have been in a state of shutdown. Without screening channels, the films that have been made can only be shelved.
[Wei Ming Xia] currently has 3 completed movies to be released, [Tang Detective 3], [Life Events] and [Zhou Chu Removes Three Evils].
“[Tang Detective 3] is definitely not available. With the appeal of this movie, the benefits can only be maximized if it is released during the Spring Festival.
If cinemas can stay open in the second half of the year, I plan to Let [Tang Detective 3] be released during the Spring Festival next year”
Gu Wei first decided on the most important project in the company.
[Tang Detective 3] is the only comedy among the three movies, and it is also the third part of the super big IP [Tang Detective]. Judging from the previous films, [Tang Detective 3] can earn at least 4 billion at the box office, which is The real top blockbuster in China.
“There is a high probability that the market will recover in the second half of the year and there will be a wave of retaliatory movie viewing.
However, in my opinion, audiences who have not watched a movie for more than half a year may like some more exciting and audition movies. A film with better effects.
[Life Events] is a feature film, although I am very confident about it, but I still don’t want to make it this year.”
Gu Wei has always believed that, In addition to the quality of the movie itself, the time of release is also very important for a movie's box office.
For example, Wu Jing's "Wolf Warrior 2" was released at a very good time. It happened to be released at a time when the domestic people's self-confidence was gradually growing, and it reaped a huge wave of patriotic dividends.
If it had been two years earlier or two years later, it would not have achieved such a high box office.
With the starring role of Gu Wei and the excellent quality of the movie, [Life Events] can have a good guaranteed box office no matter when it is released. However, since it has the potential to be a big hit, we still have to consider giving it 【Life events】Choose a suitable schedule.
“Mr. Gu intends for [Zhou Chu to Eliminate Three Evils] to be released in the second half of the year?” Yang Liwen asked.
Gu Wei nodded.
"The plot of "Zhou Chu's Elimination of Three Evils" is actually very exciting, especially the scene at the end of the movie that reaches the climax of the plot.
But the specifics are as to whether it should be done and when it should be done. Let’s see how the market fares after cinemas are opened.”
At this point, Gu Wei hesitated.
“The market is actually very difficult to grasp. I think there will be a wave of retaliatory movie viewing, but it may also be because of the general environment that the market will still be cold even after theaters resume.
If it is In this way, the government will most likely focus on supporting some movies to "rescue the market"
[Zhou Chu] can be released if he can be selected."
As he said this, he looked at Yang Liwen aside, and the other party immediately understood.
"In the past two months, I will meet with the film bureau and China Film. Communicate actively and always pay attention to the trends over there."
Gu Wei nodded with satisfaction.
In fact, in addition to these three films, he also has another film to be broadcast [Send You a Flower] Little Red Flower].
It's just that the main producer of this drama is Han Yan's team, and it is jointly produced by China Film, Tengxun, Hengdian Pictures, Ruyi Film and Television, Maoyan, Taopiaopiao and other companies.
Although Gu Wei has a 30% share, he only helps promote the film when it is released, and he is not responsible for other things.
After discussing the company’s upcoming movies, manager Zhao Mingcheng, who is in charge of film and television production, spoke.
“Currently, the company has three ongoing projects, and [Lovers 2] has started filming in Shanghai.
[The Crowd] and [Qing Yu Nian 2] are still in preparation.
Among them, the preparatory work for "The Crowd" is almost in progress, and we are just waiting to start filming early next month.
[Qing Yu Nian 2] was originally scheduled to start later, probably after [The Crowd] was completed, so there is still some work to be done.”
[Love Saint 2] is a The second part of the company's IP series "Love Saint", but although it is the second part, the plot has nothing to do with the previous film. It is somewhat similar to the relationship between several movies in the "Predecessor" series
This film is a remake of the Argentinian film "Finding Friends for Wife". It is a comedy film that "Wei Ming Xia" started preparing very early
It will be directed by new director Cui Rui and directed by Xiao Yang and Zhang Tian. Starring Ai, Zhang Songwen, Clara and others.
The Original Time and Space [Love Saint 2] brought together two failed artists, Wu Xiubo and Bai Baihe, and it has not been released since it was withdrawn. It is most likely buried, and all the investment of the producer Wanda was wasted.
However, [Wei Ming Xia] will have their own artists in this edition, so there won’t be any problems.
With the foundation of the first film, coupled with the current fame of Xiao Yang and Zhang Tianai, it will still have good results even if it does not make a big hit at the box office.
"Has Director Wen joined the team?" Gu Wei asked.
“After completing [Zhou Chu’s Elimination of Three Evils], I joined the group in the later stages.”
Wen Mu is also the director of "Love Saint 1". With him as the producer, even if Cui Rui is a new director, the quality of "Love Saint 2" can be basically guaranteed.
"Manager Yang, have you bought the copyright of the American movie I told you before?"
When Yang Liwen heard the boss ask herself, she thought for a moment. "Some time ago, we completed the [imminent] copyright transaction with New Line Cinema, and I was about to report it to you."
"Yeah"
Gu Wei nodded slowly, then looked at Chen Xiang in the screenwriting department.
“Manager Chen, this [Imminent] is the next project of your department. I plan to make it the second part of [Manslaughter], and the script style will be as close to the first part as possible.
There is also the script for [Qing Yu Nian 3]. After the second part is launched in the second half of the year, the script for the third part will also start to be put on the schedule.”
“Understood, Mr. Gu.”
[Wei Tianxia] was established in 2011 and has developed from [Gu Wei Studio] into a large-scale group company. It has now become one of the giants in the mainland entertainment field.
Even without the support of Gu Wei, the superstar boss, the company can now move forward very well.
Not to mention other things, just in the film field, after years of development, the company has accumulated three high-quality IP film series: "Tang Detective", "Love Saint" and "Manslaughter".
As long as they are done well, these are the hens that truly lay golden eggs.
After leaving the company in the evening, Gu Wei took a car to Yu Dongding's hotel.
“Mr. Gu~”
Pushing the door open and entering the private room, Yu Dong was already in the room smiling and greeting Gu Wei.
"Yu Dong, Director Lin"
Gu Wei replied, and then looked at another familiar figure next to him in surprise.
“Brother Jing, why are you here?”
“Yu Dong didn’t drag me here.”
Yu Dong smiled and said: "Wu Jing has already taken over [Changjin Lake]. He was brought in as a lobbyist by me, as was Director Lin.
Mr. Gu doesn't have to give me face, but their face will always be Give me some."
Gu Wei walked in and sat down: "Yu Dong, you are so determined that I must join you."
Yu Dong smiled bitterly: "It's not me who is embarrassing Mr. Gu. , the investment in [Changjin Lake] is really too big.
The estimated total investment is 1.3 billion, which is unique in the country.
I would be really afraid of such a big investment without Mr. Gu joining in to help support it."
Yu Dong is also sincere. Counting this time, this is the third time he has invited Gu Wei to star in "Changjin Lake".
Gu Wei hesitated a little.
In fact, he did not object to filming [Changjin Lake]. Although the investment in this film is large, the return is even greater
There are two parts of the original time and space [Changjin Lake], [Changjin Lake] and [Changjin Lake Shuimen Bridge].
The two films were filmed together, which means that 1.3 billion is the total investment of the two films.
However, the total box office of these two films is as high as 9.777 billion yuan, making them the series of films with the highest box office performance in Chinese film history.
Compared to this exaggerated box office performance, the investment of 1.3 billion is nothing.
“It’s okay to pick up [Changjin Lake], but I have no schedule this year.”
Gu Wei still relaxed.
"No problem, because there are too many things that need to be prepared in the early stage of the movie, we can postpone the filming until early next year. Wu Jing also needs time to recuperate."
Meet Gu Wei Saying this, Yu Dong was overjoyed.
"Also, Yu Dong also knows the rules for me to take on roles, and the old rules cannot be changed."
Yu Dong hesitated slightly.
"I understand this. We can do it according to the way we cooperated before.
However, although [Bona] is the main controller of [Changjin Lake], China Film, Shanghai Film and Bayi Film Studio are also Important producers.
There is definitely no problem in terms of share, but the specific proportion must be discussed with other parties.
Of course, no matter what they do, Mr. Gu will definitely not be disappointed in terms of share. , at worst it will come out of Bona’s share”
Yu Dong speaks with great language skills.
What he promised to Gu Wei would not change, and he would definitely get his share, but it was hard to say whether it would come from Bona or from China Film and other companies.
After the matter was settled, several people began to eat and drink.
Gu Wei and the others can be said to be one of the people with the highest status in the domestic entertainment industry. They are the bosses of film and television companies, great directors, and top actors.
Of course, in addition to being actors, Gu Wei and Wu Jing are also directors and company bosses respectively.
Gu Weiyou [Wei Tianxia], Wu Jingyou [BJ Dengfeng International].
During the chat, Gu Wei learned that Wu Jing's [BJ Dengfeng International] was also one of the production companies of [Changjin Lake]. Needless to say, it was naturally Yu Dong who gave him a share in order to invite him to star.
Gu Wei didn't ask the specific share, and it was hard to ask. Even if we have a good relationship, such questions are personal privacy.
Just like Yu Dong promised him a share of investment but did not specify how much, there is a tacit understanding between the two, and the specific number will not be revealed in the presence of outsiders. There will naturally be company personnel later. Go talk.
"Brother Jing, how are your legs?" As everyone drank and chatted, Gu Wei asked about Wu Jing's health.
“I had surgery at the beginning of the year and am still recovering.”
"Is it the same leg that had an accident when filming [Wolf Warrior 2]?"
"Yes, that's the one. It's been an old problem for many years, it doesn't matter."
Wu Jing smiled Xiaoxiao didn't take his injuries seriously.
Gu Wei looked at him and smiled: "I guess my sister-in-law must have told you not to drink in bars before we came out today?"
"Yes, but you have to listen to what women say. If you can’t get anything done, don’t worry too much.”
Wu Jing waved his hand and then changed the topic.
“Let’s not talk about this, I didn’t expect that we would work together again so soon.
When [The Wandering Earth] was finished filming, I thought there would be no chance in a short time”< br>
Gu Wei smiled: "It depends on the box office of [Wolf Warrior 2] and [The Wandering Earth]. Whenever there is a chance, others will think of bringing us together.
Isn't that right? , Yu Dong?”
Yu Dong smiled and said: "Haha, that's right.
The powerful combination of Mr. Gu and Wu Jing is a guarantee for domestic films to be successful at the box office. No director or producer can refuse."
< br>"We played the role of master and apprentice in [Wolf Warrior 2], father and son in [The Wandering Earth], and this time we play brothers in [Changjin Lake]. There is not much relationship left for us," Gu Wei said with a smile.
Wu Jing also joked: "We play brothers. Standing together, you can tell that the parents of this family prefer their younger son. Who makes you tall and handsome!"
He After saying that, Yu Dong and Lin Chaoxian also laughed.
(End of this chapter)