Chapter 1218 First Day Box Office
The next day, Ning Weimin, who was sleeping on his side, groggily touched his back.
The result was empty. He woke up immediately, turned around and saw that he was the only one left on the bed.
At this time, he looked at the alarm clock beside the bed and realized that it was almost eleven o'clock.
Yawned and stretched. He was really reluctant to leave the comfortable warm bed.
But there is nothing I can do, I still have to get up when I need to.
He knows that men cannot be obsessed with the feeling of eating soft food, otherwise they will lose their charm.
Qingzi must have gone to work at the office early, and he also has to go to his big sword trading company to check it out.
By the way, I also have to buy two tabloids to observe the response to the movie "Li Xianglan".
Lazily getting out of bed and walking to the bathroom naked, Ning Weimin could still feel the headache of a hangover.
After the film screening yesterday, there was a thank you party for the premiere.
Everyone connected with the crew came to support and help promote the film, so the producer naturally wanted to entertain them.
The venue for entertaining is also ready. It is most suitable to watch this movie and have Chinese food.
Ning Weimin invited all the industry insiders, film critics and reporters who came to support the event to Tan Gong Restaurant in Ginza and held a reception in his own restaurant.
As a result, Tan Gong Restaurant instantly became a social gathering place within the circle.
In fact, many people attended the premiere mainly for this reason, so that they could communicate more with colleagues and expand their network.
The key is that Ning Weimin did not expect that he himself would become one of the protagonists at the reception.
Even though his name does not appear in the film at all, including Shochiku Pictures’ President Okumoto and Yamaguchi Shuko, as well as the director and main actors of the crew, everyone knows about his relationship with Matsumoto Keiko. and role in this co-production.
Of course during the dinner, he was frequently toasted and talked happily, and because of this, he drank a lot.
That’s not all. After finishing the drink at noon, it’s not done for him, because there is still another meal in the evening.
In order to prepare for the subsequent word-of-mouth fermentation of the movie and to guide relevant public opinion, he had already made an appointment with Director He and the editor-in-chief of "Daily News" to have dinner at the Tan Palace in the evening
And after the three grown men had eaten It can't end here, and we will definitely find a few girls to continue drinking wine and relax.
So Ning Weimin drank the most wine in the evening, so he took a few people to the "Aka Club" in Ginza to continue drinking whiskey.
Think about it, beer, sake, red wine, champagne, whiskey, Erguotou...
Even Ning Weimin himself couldn't count how many kinds of wine he drank that day.
Even though it was not easy for Japanese people to drink at the same table, Ning Weimin had been taking it easy, but the taste was still unpleasant.
No problem, after draining the toilet, the first thing I do is run to the kitchen and make a cup of honey water.
As for the breakfast Qingzi prepared for him, he couldn't eat it at all, so he could only live up to her wish.
While Ning Weimin was opening the refrigerator to get honey, the phone in the living room rang.
He turned back, but as soon as he picked up the phone, before he could put down the honey in his hand, he heard Matsumoto Keiko's extremely excited voice coming from the phone.
"Amin, are you up already?"
"Yes, I also ate the breakfast you made. It's as delicious as ever. Thank you for your hard work."
Ning Weimin opened his eyes Talk nonsense.
He leaned against the wall, lazily enjoying the feeling of the warm sunlight shining on his body through the glass window.
As a result, his sense of leisure completely dissipated in the next second and disappeared.
"Amin, the box office on the first day is out. Far beyond expectations!"
"Ah!" Ning Weimin was surprised, and then he heard the clue from Matsumoto Keiko's excited tone.
“It seems like it should be good news.”
On the other side of the phone, Keiko Matsumoto seemed to take a breath, and then said forcefully, “Yeah, it’s really good news. . The box office reached 294 million yen yesterday!"
"What?"
Even though Ning Weimin was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but be slightly surprised.
Of course, he was not surprised by the figure of nearly 300 million yen.
During the golden age of the Japanese film market, there were many films that had a box office of over one billion yen on the first day.
The first-day box office of their movie is nothing compared to others.
But don’t forget, those movies that cost one billion yen on the first day are all animated theatrical versions without exception.
"Li Xianglan" is a real-life biopic.
From a commercial perspective, not to mention comparing it to animated movies, even police and gangster movies, comedies, and romance movies can't compare.
Especially in Japan, there is a rating system for movies, which divides released films into four categories: G, PG12, R15, and R18.
G is for all ages, PG12 is for those under 12 years old and must be accompanied by their parents, R15 is for those under 15 years old and is not allowed to watch, R18 and so on.
The rating system is in charge of the Japan Film Ethics Committee, which mainly considers three aspects - bloody violence, criminal induction and pornographic level.
Taking the movie "Li Xianglan" specifically, because it is an anti-war historical theme and has a certain degree of reality, it is inevitable that there will be scenes of bloody wars.
In particular, it shows that the whole country in Japan has become a war madman, and he will not hesitate to use violence in order to force his relatives to join the army and sell themselves.
There are also scenes of how brutal and cold-blooded the Japanese soldiers were during their crimes of aggression, many of which are disturbing to watch.
Coupled with the fact that a few right-wing elements are not included in the Cinematic Ethics Committee, they will naturally act as troublemakers.
It is not surprising that this movie was directly rated R18, the most restrictive audience group.
In addition, the theater chains under Songzhu have less complaints to begin with. It is far inferior to Toho in the ranking of local theaters, almost one-third less.
Even including all the theater chains of the partner Tokyu series, there are only more than 160 theaters in total, with a total of less than 600 screens.
So according to Shochiku Pictures’ expectations, if the film “Lee Hyang-ran” can get about 150 million yen on the premiere day, it will be basically qualified. If it can get 200 million yen, it will be considered qualified. It was a huge surprise.
What surprised Ning Weimin was that the figure Matsumoto Keiko told him exceeded their highest expectations by nearly 100 million yen.
Originally, according to the president, if the first-day box office could reach 150 million yen, it should be able to catch up with the box office level of "The Man on Fire".
That is, it may exceed 500 million yen in the first week, and it will exceed 1 billion yen by the end of the entire screening period.
Looking at it now, the local box office in Japan may be doubled, and the target should be raised to 2 billion yen.
For this reason, he couldn't help but asked happily, "Why is the box office so good?"
"I was also very surprised. I asked carefully and found out that it was your publicity method that worked. The Women's League we contacted is a national public organization. The demonstration organized by their Tokyo headquarters yesterday was very large and was featured on TV news. Not only TBS, Fuji TV and NHK also reported on it. Many of the people who contacted us showed their support for our movie posters and worked very hard to promote our movie, so that a large number of women across Japan were willing to respond and went to the cinema one after another. Just as you hoped, many girls who are in love also take their boyfriends or fiancés to the "test". For example, the cinema in Takadanobaba where we had the premiere yesterday showed five shows from morning to night. , the attendance rate is over 80%. You are really amazing. President Omoto just called me to congratulate me. He really appreciates your ability to strategize on this matter."
Matsumoto Keiko's praise made Ning Weimin even happier, but he was also a little surprised, "What? Five shows in one day? Doesn't that take more than ten hours?"
"A midnight show was added temporarily. , it was screened until midnight, and some people were specially invited to watch it by their friends.”
Matsumoto Keiko also became more and more cheerful on the phone, “The audience liked it very much, and the market response was very good, and even forced the president to decide to watch it! The number of screens showing "Li Xianglan" has increased from 300 to 450. We will fully promote our movie and strive to exceed one billion yen in the first week. He also said that if the momentum can be maintained, the final local box office will be better than we expected. Doubling it should not be a problem..."
"That's great. I'm looking forward to hearing what you said."
Ning Weimin was happy to hear that his speculation came true. He interjected uncomfortably.
However, he didn't expect that this was still not all good news.
Matsumoto Keiko actually told him, "It should be more than that. There is one more thing I want to tell you. In fact, someone called the office early this morning, and some people came to the office to visit in person. These people are the owners of independent theaters, and they also hope to show our movie... How many more do you think I have signed?"
"How many?"
"Seven? , even the independent theaters in Kansai have called the movie, and it’s only been one night!”
In this way, Ning Weimin was finally relieved, and felt that the movie’s reputation was going smoothly.
So he said with a smile, "It's not surprising. After all, no one wants to do anything to make money. These independent cinemas also need to survive. I think you will be even busier in the next few days. I believe that independent cinemas are willing to show our movie." There will be more and more.”
“It would be great if we could sign fifty companies, which would be equivalent to an increase of one-third in the box office.”
Matsumoto Keiko also laughed on the phone, but she was a little reluctant and said regretfully, "Unfortunately, there are still too few theaters in Shochiku. We also promised President Okimoto that this movie cannot be compared to If we cooperate with major theater chains such as Toho, Toei, and even Sunshine Pictures, the box office should be better now.”
And this is the habitual greed of women, Ning Weimin. But I don’t think it’s necessary, and I still stick to this view now.
“Don’t say that, the bond between Shochiku and you is too deep. Whether you, the office or the studio under your name, have actually been imprinted with Shochiku’s brand. And as Shochiku’s First actress, if you do something detrimental to Shochiku for profit reasons, your reputation will be completely ruined, and your fans will be disappointed in you. Everyone will think you are treacherous and selfish. Self-interested person. So no matter what, your career can only be tied to Shochiku. Don't be confused by the immediate benefits. You should also think about it. If it weren't for your relationship with Shochiku, President Omoto would not be here. They will support our movies and cooperate with us with the best resources and the best profit sharing conditions. Those other film companies you mentioned will definitely give us a heavy blow, isn't it? This is a partnership that benefits both sides. It's a matter of two evils. In fact, neither we nor Songzhu had a choice. From the beginning, it was destined that we both had to go hand in hand..."
The situation is now very good, and naturally everything Ning Weimin says is right.
Coupled with the special filter of beauty being in the eye of the beholder, Matsumoto Keiko was also willing to obey.
So she immediately changed her tune.
"Well, you're right, Amin, I was too naive. Sorry, I won't have such thoughts again. I just said it casually. You should have a good rest, and I will hand in the next Give it to me!”
There is no doubt that this film’s successful start has made her confident.
Although I don't know whether she rolled up her sleeves on the phone, but from her tone, I knew that the harder she felt, the more delicious she felt.
You should be ready to pursue the victory and have a good fight.
So Ning Weimin couldn't help but jokingly said, "President Matsumoto, you must be very happy to see your own factory logo on the movie screen for the first time. Now, others will not I’m just making fun of you, and I’ll only envy you.”
Matsumoto Keiko really took advantage of him and said happily, “Of course, who gave me the most capable and talented fiancé. I’m here to help with advice. I’m just telling you, what I’m looking forward to most now is to get the box office dividends as soon as possible. That will be my happiest moment.”
Now that I’m talking about it, Ning Weimin. People who really love money will naturally inevitably inquire in detail out of instinct.
"Ah, by the way, if we follow the contract ratio, how much can we get from last night's box office revenue?"
Matsumoto Keiko is no longer a newcomer in the film industry. Although she has just become the boss to make films for herself, these The basic knowledge is already clear.
She answered fluently, "In terms of box office revenue distribution, the National Cultural Development Fund has to take 3.5%, which is mandatory. Yinglun is a public welfare organization, and you can give it or not, but by default, you have to assist them with a sum of money. . The film industry union will also take a share of the box office, about 0.5%, and the national tax, but this will be refunded as a cultural subsidy, and finally plus the 4% you promised to the Women's League, the overall calculation is, It’s about 13%. The rest is divided between us and the theaters. Shochiku Cinema Line takes half and we take the rest, which is about 128 million yen. Don’t tell me, now I feel that we are with Shochiku. Movie cooperation is a better choice. At least Shochiku will not delay payment, and the conditions for the share ratio are also the most generous. Under normal circumstances, if Shochiku Cinemas plays other people's movies, they will require at least 60% of the box office share. "President Omoto still values friendship and gives me face."
Ning Weimin was silent for a while on the other end of the phone before he agreed.
For no other reason than because he felt that he was being taken advantage of. Others thought that film companies made money by making movies.
But in fact, cats and dogs, whether they have heard of it or not, come to share the money, which is really speechless.
But it’s okay, it seems like he can get a little more than 40% overall, at least higher than he expected.
He thought about it in his mind for a while. In this case, if the box office can really reach 2 billion yen, then he and Matsumoto Keiko will be able to earn 890 million yen.
Coupled with the sales of film copyrights in Southeast Asia and future revenue from video rentals, he may not only be able to equalize the shooting costs and publicity expenses, but also earn one to two hundred million yuan. Yuan profit.
The sales of movie soundtrack albums, movie brochures, and income from movie peripherals are pure profits.
He didn't ask any more questions. He said goodbye to Matsumoto Keiko who was already in a super excited state on the phone. He turned around and started to do his own business - put on his clothes, get rid of the poor breakfast, and then went straight to Takadanobaba. .
For no other reason, he arranged for people from Tan Palace to sell noodles, sugar paintings, candied haws, as well as Chinese snacks and tea in some of the largest movie theaters in Songzhu.
The cheapest sugar painting costs 500 yen, a small jar of peanut paste costs 1,000 yen, and a box of Kyoba pieces costs 2,000 yen.
In addition, he can also take the opportunity to arrange for people to sell various handicrafts he brought from the mainland, so you can imagine how profitable it is.
He is going to the cinema where the premiere was held yesterday to have a good look at whether these things are easy to sell.
As soon as he arrived at the place, he discovered that the situation was not a small one, but a great one.
Because his employees came over to report when they saw him, "Mr. Ning, there is not enough to sell, there is really not enough to sell! We are thinking, these things have been sold, should we go back to the restaurant, or give you a call, I didn't expect you to come here! Look, this is today's sales revenue..."
(End of this chapter)