Chapter 191: Million Investment
Before the premiere of "Racing", Yang Shoucheng, who came from Hong Kong Island, made an appointment to meet Gu Wei.

"It should be about the investment in the new movie. I'll go over there."

After saying something to Liu Yifei, Gu Wei drove to the agreed place.

Yang Shoucheng is quite good at choosing time and place.

When he arrived at the destination, Gu Wei discovered that this was a private club that provided one-stop services for food, drink, and entertainment, and it was also very private. Many people in the circle liked to come here.

After getting off the car, a special service staff led the way in front. The service staff was not surprised when he saw Gu Wei. It was obvious that famous people in the circle could be seen frequently here.

"Director Gu, thank you for your hard work along the way."

Jiang Wen said with a smile on his face.

In addition to Yang Shoucheng, there was also Jiang Wen present, and there was a man next to him, whom Gu Wei had never seen before.

"Director Yang, Director Jiang, who is this?"

After Gu Wei greeted a few people, he asked directly.

"My partner, Mark."

Gu Wei finally reacted after hearing Jiang Wen’s introduction.

A well-known gold medal producer in the circle, he has produced excellent works such as "I Am a Policeman", "Roses Are Blooming", and "Life and Death Encounter", etc.

"Hello, Director Gu. I've heard a lot about you."

The other party stood up and shook hands with Gu Wei.

"You're welcome."

"Don't stand anymore, everyone, take your seats."

Yang Shoucheng greeted.

Everyone knew the purpose of today's meeting, and after having a good meal and a few drinks, they started talking about business.

"I mentioned this to Director Gu before. The budget for the movie has just been worked out, so I wanted to discuss it with you in person."

Yang Shoucheng spoke straight to the point. He was unsure about Jiang Wen's new movie, and he called Gu Wei over to ask him to give him a review.

After all, Gu Wei has extensive experience in commercial films, and none of the movies he invested in lost money.

"I'll read the script first."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Wen next to him took out documents from his bag.

"Brother, you have experience in this area, so you should show it to me."

Jiang Wen shouted at the top of his voice.

The content of the script was correct, it was the same movie as I remembered, even the name was the same.

The adapted script is full of Jiang Wen's unique style, both in terms of plot and dialogue.

“What’s the budget?”

"The initial estimate is about 200 million, including the later publicity and promotion. Mark and I have raised about 50 million. The rest depends on Director Gu and Chairman Yang."

"Director Yang, what do you think?"

Gu Wei threw the question to Yang Shoucheng and stared at him.

To be honest, although this movie is a commercial film, Jiang Wen had no experience in this area before. He started out with art films. After the movie is made, no one can predict how it will perform at the box office.

"Director Gu, we can split it in half each. What do you think?"

Yang Shoucheng's move was also a way of returning the favor, thanking Gu Wei for bringing Emperor Entertainment Group to the screen with "Interstellar".

"Don't split it in half. I'll invest 70 million and Director Yang will invest 80 million. Let's arrange it this way."

Gu Wei said it with an affirmative tone and immediately decided the matter.

"Haha, then I'll listen to Director Gu."

"Happy cooperation!"

After raising their glasses, the three parties decided on the investment amount.

“When will it start?”

"According to my plan, starting from the second half of the year, some shooting scenes will require the construction of new buildings."

Jiang Wen's old habit came back again. To put it nicely, it's about striving for perfection; to put it bluntly, it's about being nagging.

"I just read the script. Some parts are too explicit and need to be cut."

Gu Wei drank tea and pointed at the script next to him.

"Commercial films are meant to be seen by the general public, so some obscure lines should be kept simple, and shots that cannot pass the review should be abandoned."

Listening to Gu Wei's talk, Jiang Wen nodded from time to time. He was indeed inexperienced in this area, otherwise he would not have been banned from coaching for five years.

"Okay, I'll listen to Director Gu."

"Also, have you decided on the roles for the movie?"

At the end of the conversation, Gu Wei asked about the casting of the movie.

Jiang Wen and Mark looked at each other, obviously prepared.

"The main roles have not been decided yet. I plan to choose one from both the mainland and Hong Kong Island."

Hearing this, Gu Wei also understood that the protagonist would definitely not be able to intervene, after all, Jiang Wen was more independent in filming.

But there must be supporting roles, after all, he is one of the main investors.

"I want two supporting roles, is that okay with you all?"

"call."

Hearing Gu Wei say this, Jiang Wen also breathed a sigh of relief. As long as it didn't involve the leading actor, everything else would be fine.

"No problem, Director Gu, the selection is up to you, but you will have to join the team in advance and receive the necessary training."

Jiang Wen is very domineering when filming, a bit similar to Hong Kong Island's Stephen Chow, but he will never go back on his promise.

"Okay, the list will be given to you in advance."

In fact, sometimes Gu Wei admires Jiang Wen very much. No matter how the domestic film environment changes, his style has not changed much.

There are many sarcastic lines and clips in the script just now. If it is filmed word for word according to the script, it will probably make some people so angry that they vomit blood.

After the investment amount is confirmed, the company’s personnel will take care of the rest of the matters. As it involves a contract worth tens of millions, it cannot be completed in a day or two.

...

After rejecting Yang Shoucheng's second arrangement, Gu Wei went straight back to the villa.

Early the next morning, the young lady came to the company.

"How did we talk yesterday? Is Director Jiang Wen's new movie an art film or a commercial film?"

As soon as she saw Gu Wei, Liu Yifei couldn't wait to ask.

"It's a commercial film, with an investment of 70 million."

When Liu Yifei heard the words "commercial film", she was a little disappointed.

"Even if it's an art film, you can't go." Jiang Wen has a characteristic when filming. He likes to let the actors expose too much. Gu Wei will not let Liu Yifei film his movie.

Of course, his wife is an exception, although Zhou Yun appears in every play.

"Well, I really want to act in an art film."

When the little sister acts coquettishly, her baby voice sounds quite nice.

"After a while, I'll take you to see an award-winning movie."

"Really."

"Realer than real gold."

After getting Gu Wei's promise, Liu Yifei was instantly overjoyed.

“This doesn’t reward one.”

"what."

Liu Yifei glanced at the office door, then turned to Gu Weixiang.

This year, Beijing Film Academy announced the list of candidates for art examinations.

The number of applicants varies greatly every year, but this year's number still exceeded the school's expectations.
In 06, there were only more than applicants, but this year the number has reached more than . The number is increasing every year, but the admission rate is getting lower and lower.

"Dean, I'm busy editing a movie, so I definitely don't have time to go over there."

Vice President Xie Xiaojing of Beijing Film Academy called and wanted Gu Wei to serve as a judge for this year's art examination.

Considering that there is still a movie to be edited and the filming of "Founding of a Republic" has to start, there is really no time.

"Forget it if you don't have time. You can ask Yifei to come over."

"Then contact her directly."

Gu Wei said lightly and then hung up the phone.

...

There have been a lot of things happening in the circle these two days.

"Super Boy champion terminates contract."

"The management company severely exploits its artists and charges sky-high liquidated damages."

Tianyu's reputation is almost ruined, but he has the support of Mango TV, and there are constant large-scale talent shows, so people who want to become famous are flocking to him.

"A TV drama version of The Myth is in preparation, with Cheng Long co-producing with Shanghai Film Group and Emperor Entertainment Group."

"Hu Ge and Bai Bing will play the leading male and female roles in the TV series."

There are many viewers looking forward to the show online. With Jackie Chan serving as the chief producer and partnering with Stanley Tong, the show has already gained popularity before filming even started.

The subsequent box office of "Red Cliff Part Two" is hard to describe. Not to mention the box office target of 400 million, it is estimated that it is far from the first part.

The premiere of "Racing" is scheduled for the 19th, the day before the movie is released.

A lot of people came to the premiere. Unlike other blockbusters, which have to start from at least second-tier films, the investment cost of this movie was not large, and many unknown actors also came.

Liu Yifei was wearing a pink long dress, looking graceful and elegant, with exquisite makeup. She arrived at the scene early with Gu Wei.

The protagonist today is Ning Hao. He is seen going in and out, constantly greeting everyone.

"Yifei, you look very beautiful today."

"Haha, thank you Director Ning for the compliment."

Liu Yifei said with a smile as beautiful as a flower.

Xing Aina's belly has grown bigger, so it's not appropriate for her to come to this occasion today, so she just stays at home to take care of the pregnancy.

"Director Gu, long time no see."

Huang Bo was wearing a black suit and looked serious for a rare time.

"Today is Director Ning's good day, so we should dress up nicely."

As he said this, he smoothed his hair, and combined with his face, it was simply amazing.

As the guests entered one after another, the atmosphere in the venue gradually reached a climax.

Han Sanping was busy with the preparations for "The Founding of a Republic" and did not come. Zhang Yimou and Chen Kai also had things to do. There were not many big directors present, but there were many celebrity artists.

The premiere was not all fancy and flamboyant. Ning Hao brought a few leading actors to the stage and took turns telling funny stories that happened during the filming of the crew, making the audience laugh from time to time.

The movie is a little over an hour and a half long, and its style continues the genre of "Stone".

"You're full of jingles. You want to take the postgraduate entrance exam?"

“Do what you love.”

"Haha."

From time to time someone laughed out loud.

"Haha, that's pretty funny."

Liu Yifei, who was sitting next to Gu Wei, never closed her mouth.

The plot is full of logic and compact, and several clues are closely connected.

"Clap clap clap."

After the film ended, the audience gave a warm round of applause.

"Thank you for your support!"

On the stage, Ning Hao took the microphone and first expressed his gratitude.

Then the reporter talked about the box office issue and waited expectantly for the other party's answer.

"Just now in the audience, I asked Director Gu for his opinion, and he gave me an estimate of around 100 million."

"Wow."

This statement caused discussion among the people in the audience.

After all, the cost is there. With an investment of less than 2 million, the box office target is to exceed 100 million, which is indeed a bit exaggerated.

Upon hearing this, the reporter quickly handed the microphone to Gu Wei.

"Everyone, tell me if the movie is good or not."

"nice."

Everyone agreed.

"What Director Ning Hao said just now is correct. I am very optimistic about this movie. It won't be a problem for it to make hundreds of millions at the box office."

Everyone at the scene kept nodding their heads. Gu Wei's prediction about "Assembly" was quite accurate. The great director's vision was trustworthy.

In addition, it is the Lunar New Year holiday and the year is coming to an end. After a busy year, the audience wants to relax. From this perspective, comedy films can still have an advantage.

After the movie, it was time for a cocktail party. There was an endless stream of people coming to say hello, and no one present wanted to miss this opportunity.

...

(End of this chapter)