Chapter 118 Premium
News about the Hollywood blockbuster "Interstellar" has not yet been confirmed.

This year's Oscar-winning Best Director Li An announced his next new movie.

The name of the movie is "Lust, Caution". According to information revealed by Director Li, the film will hold open casting in major universities across the country.

The influence of the international director has made the entire circle restless.

The filming crew is ready and the shooting is scheduled to start in September, but the most important female lead has not been decided yet.

In the following period, Li An received a large number of audition resumes from economic companies and film and television companies. At the same time, a large number of students from Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, and Shanghai Theatre Academy also submitted their resumes.

"After two weeks of selection, candidates from various colleges and universities who have passed the preliminary selection will soon go to the Magic City for training."

Online, various media outlets are reporting on the latest developments in the casting of "Lust, Caution" from time to time.

...

China Film Corporation has invested in one layer of "Star Crossing". I don't know if it was affected by "The Promise" but it has not given Gu Wei a reply yet.

Seeing that it was almost September, Gu Wei couldn't help but give Han Sanping a call.

"Director Han, have you discussed the investment? It's been over a month."

Gu Wei complained.

"I'm sorry, Gu Wei, the company has been a bit busy lately. The investment has been settled, no problem."

"In addition to China Film, how many other companies do you plan to invite?" Han Sanping asked.

"There is still 20% of the shares left, which is 40 million US dollars. I plan to distribute it to three or four companies, but at a premium."

Gu Wei didn't hide it.

China Film Group holds the dominant position in imported films and can invest at the original price, but other private companies do not have this treatment.

"That's very thoughtful. Let's do it this way."

"Okay, Mr. Han, when the contract arrives, China Film will send someone to sign it."

After finishing the call with Han Sanping, Gu Wei took the phone and called Reid directly.

Warner's investment contract has been signed, and it's time to release the news. The more lively the coverage, the more attention it will attract from other companies, and the higher the premium will be.

"Okay, boss, I'll contact Warner right away.

Leonardo's contract has also been signed and will be announced together at that time."

Leonardo had just finished filming "Blood Diamond" in August and signed a contract with Tomorrow's Star Films and has received the complete script.

...

The next day, a piece of news from across the ocean was pinned to the top of major portals.

"Hollywood's Warner Bros. Pictures recently announced a new film project, which will see them co-produce the sci-fi blockbuster "Interstellar" with director Gu Wei.

Director Gu Wei will participate in the production as an investor and director, and the film investment cost is as high as 200 million US dollars. "

"Hollywood Rising Star Films announced a new film plan and confirmed its cooperation with Warner Bros. The former will invest 50% and Warner Bros. will invest 20%."

"Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio has announced that he will star in the movie Interstellar and has signed the contract."

The domestic film and television industry collectively reported this news, and the news released by China Film Group earlier was confirmed.

For a time, all other entertainment gossip in the circle was suppressed by this news.

This is the film with the largest investment by a domestic director so far. Although everyone knows that the news cannot be false, we still look forward to director Gu Wei giving out accurate information.

Many film companies, whether known or not, have never heard of Gu Wei, and no one knows where they found Gu Wei’s contact information.

Companies such as Huayi, Guangxian, Wanda, Emperor Entertainment Group, and even Orange Sky all called.

Gu Wei was blocked at the company and was interviewed by reporters, in which he frankly said that this was a true story.

Less than half an hour after the interview ended, the news was updated online.

"Our reporter just received news from Director Gu Wei, confirming that the film investment situation is true."

As soon as the news came out, celebrities in the circle were excited and were all inquiring about the casting of the movie. With such a huge investment, even if it was just a supporting role, others would scramble for it.

"Boss, the company's phone is about to explode. Someone has already sent their resume to the company."

Wang Chen looked at Gu Wei with a wry smile on his face.

"Send a notice, the film will be casting worldwide, the audition time is to be determined."

Compared with the actors, Gu Wei cares more about the reaction of the film and television companies.

The next day, China Film Group took the lead in announcing that it had received an investment from Gu Wei, which added further heat to the news.

.........

"Brother, I'll contact Director Gu Wei. The company needs this investment to stabilize the situation. There is still a gap between Director Xiaogang and Director Gu."

"Okay, you go in person. No matter how much it costs, you must get the investment share. This is related to the future development of the company."

Wang Zhongjun has already prepared to bleed money, so just think of it as spending money on publicity.

...

The Starry Night Film and Television Company was established in 05. Its head is Lu Zheng. The company acquired a stake in Wanda Film and Television this year and became its second largest shareholder.

Wanda Films Company.

"Boss Ye, have you seen the news online?"

In the office, Lu Zheng said to Ye Ning. There was a young, sweet-looking girl next to him, blinking her big eyes and listening to their conversation.

"Boss Lu, actually, I talked to Director Gu about investment some time ago, but he didn't agree directly."

Ye Ning's tone was a little helpless. Compared with other film and television companies in the industry, Wanda entered the market late and did not have any big directors to cooperate with, so it could only focus on the theaters.

"Boss Ye, we have money. No matter how much it is, we must get the investment share. This is what the company lacks the most right now."

Lu Zheng looked indifferent. He didn't believe that money could not get things done.

"I thought so too. Director Gu has given a reply. We will meet and talk in the next two days."

Unlike Lu Zheng, Ye Ning has a longer-term vision. The company's development ultimately depends on investing in movies, and making friends with Gu Wei is part of his plan.

"Boss Ye, you can ask me about the role when the time comes. Tiantian has always admired Director Gu."

"Yes, Uncle Ye, I can accept any role, no matter how big or small."

The girl next to her is Jing Tian, ​​who was later known as “unpopular”. Now she has only acted in one TV series and is not well-known.

"Let's first confirm the investment. I don't think there will be much opportunity in terms of roles."

Ye Ning glanced at her. What a pity! She hadn't even learned acting, but she wanted to be in a big director's movie, with such a huge investment.

For a moment, Ye Ning didn't know what to say.

Gu Wei received a call from Wang Zhonglei on the same day. He first said some polite words and then stated his purpose: Huayi wanted to get part of the investment share of the film.

"Boss Wang, let's meet and talk. I'll be at Xingchen Films in three days. I look forward to seeing you."

Gu Wei did not agree directly. He wanted to invite other companies to come and discuss together.

Later, Gu Wei made the same statement to Light Media, Wanda Films and Emperor Entertainment Group.

As for Orange Sky, forget it. It has a deep conflict with Huayi and you can only choose one. After comprehensive consideration, Huayi is the most appropriate choice.

.........

During this period, news came from South Korea that the two films were about to be completed.

The heads of CJ Company and NEW Films invited Gu Wei to go there again, probably to take advantage of the popularity of "Interstellar".

Gu Wei agreed and promised to go there before September.

All kinds of news and speculations were flying around outside, and Gu Wei was waiting for the heads of several companies to arrive at Xingchen Film and Television.

Wang Zhonglei from Huayi, Wang Changtian from Guangxian, Ye Ning from Wanda Films, and Huo Wenxi, the representative of Emperor Entertainment Group.

Several CEOs, their assistants and lawyers filled the small conference room.

"Dear bosses, first of all, I want to say that this investment will definitely have a premium, and I believe everyone is mentally prepared." Gu Wei said straight to the point.

When a group of people heard this, they nodded in agreement. Before coming, everyone could guess this would be the result, but they didn’t know how much the premium would be.

"Mr. Huo, is everything okay on your end?"

Emperor Entertainment Group CEO Yang Shoucheng didn't come, so Gu Wei couldn't help but ask him a question.

"No problem. Director Yang asked me to take full responsibility before I came."

In front of so many people, Huo Wenxi did not give in.

"Except for China Film and Warner Bros., I still have 20% of the shares left, totaling 40 million US dollars.

These shares cannot be given to just one company. I mean, should we discuss how to distribute them?"

"Director Gu, Wanda can invest 30 million US dollars to take the first floor investment share."

When Ye Ning saw that no one came, he spoke first.

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of the people around him changed.

"A wealthy man like this, paying a 50% premium, he really has a lot of money."

Wang Changtian cursed in his heart. Compared with Wanda in terms of funds, Guangxian’s strength is indeed not good. They mainly focus on television and variety show business and have limited funds.

He originally planned to use his reputation to pay a lower premium and gain some market share, but now it seems that he can only bleed.

"Director Gu, Huayi can also invest 30 million US dollars to take another share."

Seeing Ye Ning take the first step, Wang Zhonglei became a little anxious.

"Boss Ye, Boss Wang, let's discuss this together."

Gu Wei was secretly satisfied and said with an unchanged expression on his face.

As soon as the words were spoken, the conference room was filled with the sound of discussion.

Each company wants to increase its share, and the noise is getting louder and louder. If the celebrities in the circle saw this, they would definitely not believe that the company bosses, who they think are so high and mighty, would argue fiercely over movie investment.

In the end, Huayi Company and Wanda Pictures each received an investment of 12 million yuan, but they spent 18 million yuan in total.

Light Media and Emperor Entertainment Group each contributed US$8 million, and the actual investment was US$12 million.

"Director Gu, I would like our company to announce the investment amount."

"No problem, but it has to be done as soon as possible. The movie will start in September."

After getting Gu Wei's reply, Wang Zhonglei did not stay long and left the meeting room satisfied.

Soon after, Wang Changtian of Guangxian and Huo Wenxi of Emperor Entertainment Group also left, leaving only Ye Ning of Wanda.

"Boss Ye, if you have something to say, just tell me."

Looking at Ye Ning who seemed to be hesitant to speak, Gu Wei asked.

"Director Gu, have you confirmed the role in the movie?"

Ye Ning said this with a stiff upper lip, secretly cursing Lu Zheng in his heart.

"Mr. Ye, the role in the movie doesn't seem to be within the scope of cooperation. Does Wanda intend to control the casting?"

"Director Gu, please don't misunderstand me. I'm just asking. The other shareholders of the company asked me to ask. They want to recommend an actor to Director Gu."

"Boss Ye, forget about the role. We can talk about it next time we have a chance."

Gu Wei responded directly, without being polite.

"I understand. Thank you, Director Gu."

...

After Ye Ning left the company and got in the car, he picked up the phone and dialed.

On the other side, Lu Zheng hung up the phone and said to Jing Tian:

"Tiantian, don't even think about the role. Director Gu rejected it directly. President Ye just finished talking to me on the phone."

Jingtian showed a disappointed expression on his face.

"Uncle Lu, is there really no chance at all?"

Lu Zheng didn't say anything, but nodded slightly.

After Gu Wei signed contracts with several companies, he was in a very good mood. He earned 2000 million US dollars before the filming even started.

Then I picked up my phone and called the girl. I had to celebrate after making money.

"Mom, I'm going out."

In the villa, Liu Yifei received a call from Gu Wei, packed up briefly, and prepared to go out. As soon as she went downstairs, she saw Liu Xiaoli sitting in the hall.

"Are you going to find Gu Wei?"

"Yeah, senior, come pick me up later."

"Okay, go home early tonight and don't stay out all night."

My daughter is still young. She doesn’t object to her dating, but she can’t let her spend the night outside yet.

"Mom, what are you talking about?"

Liu Yifei's face turned red instantly.

"You dead girl, do as I say and come back early in the evening."

"I got it, Mom."

After saying that, Liu Yifei trotted out the door.

Gu Wei drove the company car to the gate of the community and saw Liu Yifei jogging over.

"Why is your face so red? Are you sick?"

Looking at Liu Yifei sitting in the passenger seat, Gu Wei asked.

"Oh, no, it's too hot."

"what do you want to eat?"

"Let's have a barbecue. I'll ask the sisters if they are free."

...

In August, the Hollywood film “Live or Die” was released in China, starring Devon Aoki, Sarah Carter and Jaime Pressly.

Gu Wei was not interested in the actors, but the film's action director Yuan Kui caught his attention.

Although the Hong Kong market is declining, they still have a lot of film talent, so there is a chance to shoot an action movie.

Several companies did not let Gu Wei wait any longer. Two days later, Huayi Pictures announced that the company had received investment for Gu Wei's latest Hollywood science fiction blockbuster "Interstellar", with an investment of up to 12 million US dollars.

Soon afterwards, Wanda Pictures also issued an announcement that the company, like Huayi, would invest 12 million yuan in film production.

Soon after, Guangxian and Emperor Entertainment Group announced their participation in the investment.

Wang Zhonglei said in an interview with reporters: "Huayi has no shortage of funds or film investment, and will not fall apart just because of the departure of a few individuals."

Finally, Wang Zhonglei did not forget to use the reporters to promote the movie "Night Banquet" which will be released next month.

You should know that September is Huayi Company's home turf, and two blockbusters are released at the same time. Many viewers are looking forward to Feng Xiaogang's movies.

In late August, Liu Yifei's Mandarin album was released. The album was called "Liu Yifei" and Gu Wei also took the time to listen to it.

I have to say, the girl’s voice is pretty good, of course, there is still some gap between her and professional singers.

...

With the signing of the investment contract, Gu Wei arranged other matters of the company and prepared to go to Hollywood.

As for Liu Yifei, Gu Wei asked her to start again in October, and it would not be too late to wait until her movie role was confirmed.

(End of this chapter)