Chapter 505 Reactions from all parties

The mainland film market is bustling, and on the other side of the ocean, the Tomorrow's Star Film and Television Company is also quite lively at the moment.

After settling the filming arrangements for "The Wandering Earth", Gu Wei took advantage of his stay in Los Angeles to directly invite the heads of several companies, including Warner Bros., Universal Studios, Disney, and DreamWorks.

After discussion, everyone decided to accept interviews from media reporters on the spot and jointly announce the number of theaters where the film will be released to generate buzz in advance.

Sure enough, when the media reporters at the scene heard that the number of stores opening for the film reached 6,000 to 7,000, many of them were stunned.

"Have you seen the finished film? Is it really that good?" asked a reporter from the New York Times.

"Uh." The heads of Warner and Universal were fine, after all, they had seen some of the finished films. Poor Disney and DreamWorks, they signed agreements in advance for two animated films. This time, Gu Wei directly asked the other party to fulfill the contract and cooperate with the promotion. Where would they get the chance to see the finished film?

Now when facing the interview with the reporter, I don’t know what to say at all.

“Well, since Gu’s movie has not been fully produced yet, Warner Bros. has only seen part of the finished film, but the effect still exceeds our expectations. I have a feeling that ‘it’ will be a very exciting work.” The person in charge of Warner Bros. said with a smile.

"Yes, the same goes for Universal. We believe in Gu's ability."

Disney, DreamWorks: "Well, yes."

"According to our understanding, in this special effects blockbuster, apart from Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and others who have some cameo shots, the rest of the main actors are Chinese. Do you think European and American audiences will recognize this movie?" the reporter from Los Angeles Entertainment News continued to ask.

Warner Bros.: "We think that special effects movies are mainly about visual effects, and have no direct relationship with whether Hollywood stars participate in the film."

Universal: "As long as the story is wonderful and the visual effects shock the audience, it is a good movie."

Disney, DreamWorks: "Well, yes."

I have to say that after the interview, the reporters felt that apart from the number of releases announced by everyone, all other remarks were nonsense.

Especially Disney and DreamWorks. After the reporters got to know them, they found out that these two companies have never even watched the movie. They are just here to serve as tools.

One reporter even complained directly, "This director Gu Wei is your dad, everyone is fawning on him and admiring him."

You know, there are six or seven thousand cinema chains, and even in Hollywood, only those blockbusters with real big investments and a large number of superstars can enjoy this treatment.

Take "Avengers" released last year for example. The advantage of this movie is that it is based on comics and it brings together the protagonists of several independent films into one film, so it is naturally popular with many fans.

Last year's annual box office champion was none other than the well-known "Avengers", which grossed $6.23 million.

But even with this movie, there are only more than 5,000 theaters opening in Hollywood. Now, "The Wandering Earth" has surpassed the opening figures of "Avengers" without making any noise. Don't many people think that these companies are treating Gu Wei like a son?

Warner: "What's the use of daddy or not? It's so harsh. I'm just making money. I'm not afraid!"

Universal: "That's right, that's right. At least I have watched part of the finished film, so I can't say he is my son completely."

Disney, DreamWorks: “…”

That afternoon, "The Wandering Earth", a movie that had not yet been released and had not even been completed, occupied the front page headlines of several Hollywood entertainment companies.

"The rise of Chinese-language films? The decline of Hollywood films?"

"How could a film that has not yet been completed have surpassed most Hollywood films in terms of opening numbers?"

"Chinese culture is invading. Should European and American audiences boycott it collectively?"

"..."

.........

On the other hand, after the news spread back to China, Xingchen Film and Television Company keenly grasped the publicity hotspot.

The news that the "Big Six Hollywood" film studios were optimistic about "The Wandering Earth" and were preparing to introduce it to the North American market broke out, instantly causing a sensation in the entire industry and among audiences.

The most shocked person was Han Sanping of China Film Group. His first reaction to the news was disbelief. But after getting Gu Wei's reply, he immediately had only one thought in his mind, "Got it, it's settled now."

At the same time, Han Sanping still felt a little emotional. The investment in this movie was so huge. He felt that even if it could be released globally, given the nature of Europeans and Americans, they would not give too many resources.

But what was unexpected was that Gu Wei directly dealt with big companies such as Warner, Disney, and DreamWorks through the exchange of interests in several movies.

Now, the door to the North American market is wide open, and judging by the quality of "The Wandering Earth", it is sure to be a big hit.

If Gu Wei knew what Han Sanping was thinking, he would definitely say, "In a capitalist society, there is nothing that money can't solve. If you have enough money, it's easy to make the other party kneel down and sing "Conquer".

The same sentiments also went to other production companies such as Enlight, Wanda, Bona Films and Emperor Entertainment Group. Now that Gu Wei had dealt with the foreigners, everyone was just waiting for the movie to be released. For this reason, Yu Dong of Bona Films even held a special meeting in the company.

"Well, after careful consideration, I have decided to give 5% of the shares of Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy to Xingchen Films. Do you have any objections?"

"Mr. Yu, we have no objection, but with this 5%, Xingchen Film and Television Company will become the third largest investor. I'm afraid other investment companies will have strong opinions." Someone said directly.

“Anyone who has objections can withdraw. It’s settled. There’s no need to follow behind and complain about dividing the money.” After leaving these words, Yu Dong directly adjourned the meeting.

Over at China Film Group, Han Sanping was also arguing with several investors.

Everyone gathered together to discuss how to get Xingchen Film and Television Company to join the investors of the epic blockbuster "The Crossing".

Unlike Bona's one-man show, Han Sanping's proposal was opposed by representatives from many parties.

Not to mention the strong opposition from Hong Kong director John Woo, even the largest investor, Pony.com, refused to allow Star Films to join.

The reason given was: "Director Han, this movie is destined to make a lot of money. There is no need to add new investors. You can't use our profits to repay Director Gu."

Seeing that the matter was not passed, Han Sanping felt a little depressed. He did have this idea.

China Film Corporation has made a lot of money in cooperation with Xingchen Film and Television Company over the years. Now that there is such a good opportunity, I cannot bring Gu Wei with me. I always feel a little guilty.

"Brother, I'm sorry." Han Sanping thought silently in his heart.

Fortunately, Gu Wei didn’t know about this, otherwise he would definitely thank Xiaoma Pentium very much.

I have to complain about Han Sanping: "Boss Han, thank you. If you have such a good thing in the future, please don't consider taking me with you. I am already satisfied after playing with that European and American giant ship. As for this domestic giant ship, forget it."

……

the other side.

Brothers Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei smiled bitterly after seeing the news.

If Gu Wei hadn't deliberately said that he would give up Europe and the United States, Huayi Pictures would definitely have invested in it! With this cooperation, the box office battle during the Lunar New Year before last year could have been more lenient, and it wouldn't have turned out like this, causing Huayi to suffer heavy losses.

Yes, Huayi suffered heavy losses during this year's Lunar New Year holiday, with "1942" alone losing over 100 million yuan.

Although "The Chinese Zodiac" had a high box office, its cost was too high and it didn't make much money. Now the only hope is "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons".

"Did Gu Wei really sign a contract with the six major film producers?" In the Huayi Company office located in the bustling CBD area of ​​Beijing, President Wang sat in front of the drawing board and listened to Wang Zhonglei's report.

"Yes, that's true. Warner, Universal, Disney, and DreamWorks have all announced the contents of the agreement. In addition, Harvey from Weinstein Company is also trying to obtain the distribution rights of "The Wandering Earth" in some regions!" said Wang Zhonglei.

Perhaps stimulated by this incident, Wang Zhonglei continued, "These companies really look down on people. When we asked to release "1942" and "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" overseas, they wanted to squeeze us dry, but when it came to Gu Wei, they just licked him. Damn, what a bunch of bastards."

Wang Zhongjun put down the paintbrush in his hand and frowned slightly: "Is The Wandering Earth really that good?"

“Who knows, I haven’t seen it, and there’s not even a trailer out.

But I think this is all hype. Maybe once this movie is released, the box office will be a complete flop. This has happened before. Many European and American blockbusters have not been well received in mainland China, not to mention that Chinese-language movies are rarely seen in Hollywood. "Wang Zhonglei said sinisterly.

Wang Zhongjun suddenly felt a little annoyed and said:
"These foreigners are more cunning than each other. I'm afraid they have made countless investigative reports in secret. If they don't think highly of this film, they won't sign the agreement."

He then said with envy and regret: "It seems that "The Wandering Earth" is going to be a global hit!" After all, he once had the opportunity to participate in it, so why did he quit halfway!
Wang Zhonglei next to him was also a little upset. One wrong step would lead to all the wrong steps.

Suddenly, Wang Zhongjun said with some annoyance: "The distribution capabilities of the six major film companies are not comparable to those of a grass-roots team like Hua Si. With so many theaters opening at the same time, it seems that Gu Wei's film is likely to set a record for overseas box office for Chinese-language films."

When Wang Zhonglei heard this, he had a lot of thoughts in his mind.

Not to mention the record of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"?

The box office record of "Hero" in North America has been talked about by Chinese people for many years!

How come the “national teacher” still retains his reputation despite repeated failures? The results are here!
The North American market is a place where you can make money from foreigners.

But once "The Wandering Earth" breaks the box office records of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Hero" in the North American market, in the eyes of some Chinese people, it will truly be "bringing glory to the country."

By then, Gu Wei's popularity and box office appeal will be raised to a terrifying level!
"Oh, why didn't I dare to take a gamble at the beginning?" Wang Zhonglei was really upset, but there is no medicine for regret in the world.

.........

(End of this chapter)