Chapter 884 Director Chen’s Domineering Remarks!

Warner Building, in the chairman's office.

As the president of Warner, Kevin Tsujihara's face was so dark that he seemed to be dripping with water!

He really didn't expect that on the sixth day of its release in North America, the box office of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," which had high hopes, dropped from more than $80 million to $8.1 million today.

The gap was so huge that he couldn't even believe it!

And the most important thing is that with the sudden drop in box office, the film's reputation is also extremely poor. The lMDB score has dropped again and again, and it is about to completely fall into the pocket.

After looking at the box office data report for a while, he felt sulky again, and then he turned to look at Hamada, the head of DC Films.

"How has the film been received at the overseas box office so far?"

Hamada said solemnly: "The box office data is not bad. The overseas box office has already surpassed North America by a large margin."

Kevin Tsujihara mentioned the key point with some expectations and asked: "Where is the film's reputation?"

Overseas audiences naturally have very little understanding of DC comics compared to those in North America, so the influence of the movie itself directly exceeds the comics several times.

Facing this problem, Hamada had a headache, but he couldn't escape: "Although the film's reputation overseas is worse than in North America, I am very confident that the situation can be turned around.

And with the screening of this movie, the audience has generally accepted DC superheroes and gradually realized the charm of DC superheroes. This is also our success. Once the next "Justice League" comes out, I believe …”

"No need to say anything unnecessary." Kevin Tsujihara seemed calmer. He gently raised his hand to interrupt Hamada: "I'm curious, have you ever thought about why most viewers have a negative attitude towards DC's comic background? Not interested?"

Without waiting for Hamada to reply, he gave his own answer: "Because the audience just wants to enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable movie-watching experience in the cinema, instead of doing homework in advance and understanding the complicated plot background. This is the opposite of happiness!"

Hamada was taken aback for a moment, then nodded: "The chairman is right. The needs of the audience are indeed the focus we need to pay attention to. But fortunately, the audience base of "Justice League" is quite broad, and things like this will never happen. situation."

However, his explanation did not make Kevin Tsujihara relax his vigilance.

The latter changed the topic and suddenly asked: "Is it feasible to replace the director Zack Snyder? I specially arranged for someone to do research. Although his style is unique, it does not seem to be popular with all audiences."

Judging from the current reputation of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", relying solely on comic book fans cannot support a commercial masterpiece of this size.

That's why Kevin Tsujihara had the idea of ​​replacing Zack Snyder. His idea was to find a director who was more suitable for shooting big science fiction scenes.

For example-Christopher Nolan!

However, Hamada's face became extremely troubled when he heard this: "Boss, the preparations for "Justice League" are nearing completion. We have invested hundreds of millions of dollars. If we change the director at this time, the loss will probably be immeasurable!"

Kevin Tsujihara thought for a moment and seemed to be weighing the pros and cons.

After a while, he finally did not persist, but put forward a new idea: "You are right, changing the director is indeed extremely risky.

But I think we can try to make adjustments on the existing basis, such as sending a professional producer to be responsible for the style of the film, so that Zach can be closer to the audience's preferences while maintaining his personality. "

Hamada's eyes lit up, and he seemed to see hope of solving the problem.

He quickly responded: "This is a good idea. I will start arranging it immediately. At the same time, I will personally check the project to ensure that every step is on the right track..."

Kevin Tsujihara added: "I will contact Nolan and asking him to serve as a producer may be a good choice."

"Yes, this is indeed a wise choice."

Hamada quickly agreed. It was better to let Nolan be the producer than to let him replace Zack Snyder. After all, the former was much more difficult than the latter.

In the following discussion, the two discussed more in-depth details such as how to optimize the film production process and improve the audience experience, aiming to make the plot richer and three-dimensional.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" has become such a horrible state that even the coming of God will be unable to change it.

But "Justice League" hasn't started filming yet, and everything has a chance to be corrected, so it's important to make sure to learn from each other's strengths until it catches up with "The Avengers."

…

A new day arrived. As soon as Chen Fei opened his eyes from the bed in Hengdian Hotel, he saw a few more trending news about movies on the Internet.

"The action and military-themed script "Wolf Warrior 2" submitted by Feiyue Film and Television has passed the review. The filmmakers can come to the Film Bureau with relevant certificates to obtain the filming license and start shooting normally."

"The low-cost comedy film "Donkey Gets Water", co-produced by Feiyue Films and Happy Mahua, starring Ren Suxi, Aruna, Liu Shualiang and others, officially started shooting today."

"The third part of the "Westward Journey" series, "Westward Journey 3: The Final Chapter," directed by Liu Zhenwei and starring Han Geng, Tang Yan, Wu Jing, Xie Nan and others, has been officially announced to be released on September 14."

Several entertainment news reports that appeared one after another made Wu Jing famous again.

The script of "Wolf Warrior 2" has been reviewed, and if nothing else, he will star again. He also stars in "Westward Journey 3", plus the upcoming outdoor reality show "Running Brothers 4"...

For a time, he seemed to have returned to the audience's field of vision after being silent for several months.

It's the poster released for "Westward Journey 3" that makes people laugh.

Wu Jing, who plays the role of "Tang Monk", is wearing a cassock, has a shaved head, and his mouth is wide open, as if he is about to start "making fun".

This is quite different from the "tough guy" style he has shown in the past.

"It's not a good thing to owe too many favors. If you keep paying them back, you'll easily get yourself into trouble. It will be troublesome to get out later."

Regarding Wu Jing's participation in "Westward Journey 3", Chen Fei has always maintained a negative attitude.

After all, Liu Zhenwei's operation is too "coquettish".

In previous movie promotions, he actually used the slogan of reinterpreting "Journey to the West", and also said that the past interpretations of the two movies "Moonlight Box" and "The Marriage of the Monkey King" by audiences and fans were completely wrong. !

Chen Feite wanted to point at his nose and say: "You are a director, but you know nothing about Westward Journey?"

Also reinterpret "Journey to the West"? Do you deserve it?

I don’t know what he was thinking. The more the movie hit his head, the more confused he became, and he actually shouted such a slogan.

It would be fine if he could really satisfy the expectations of many audiences and fans over the years, but once the film makes the audience dissatisfied, then the slogans he shouts now will inevitably turn into boomerangs and come back fiercely to insert into his mouth. inside!

By that time, not only will the movie's reputation collapse, but he himself will also be scolded by movie fans!

Wu Jing was unlucky enough. When he was developing in Hong Kong Island, he owed a lot of favors. Otherwise, why would he be like this?

…

After getting up in the morning, Chen Fei rushed towards the filming location of "La La Land" while answering the call from Wang Changtian.

Not surprisingly, Lao Wang has taken a fancy to the "Wolf Warrior 2" project again and wants to get a share of the pie.

Chen Fei didn't mind. Anyway, he was ready to find a few more investors to share the "pressure" for this movie.

Bayi, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Security, which we have cooperated with before, have all stated that they can claim 10% of the investment share, which means that 30% has been lost.

As for the remaining 70%, Chen Fei is not going to hide it all. When the time comes, he will inevitably end up with the "infamy" of "eating alone".

He plans to find two or three more investors, leaving 40% for himself.

If you have money, everyone will make money together, if you have food, everyone will eat together, and make many friends, so you don't have to worry about enemies spying on you.

Therefore, when faced with Wang Changtian's idea of ​​joining, Chen Fei directly replied: "The estimated production cost of this movie is 300 million, so...how much is Director Wang prepared to claim?"

"What? 300 million?"

On the other end of the phone, Wang Changtian was immediately confused: "A military-themed movie with an investment of 300 million? What is it going to be made? Are you confident that you can make back the money?"

Chen Fei smiled mysteriously: "Don't worry about it. Since I dare to invest 300 million, I must have my reasons. Just tell me how much the light can bear."

There was a moment of silence during the call between the two.

Tens of seconds later, Wang Changtian gritted his teeth and said: "I can offer 30 million!"

"That's 10%?"

"Well, yes, 10%."

Chen Fei laughed and said, "Okay, the contract has been drawn up and is just sitting in the company. You can go and sign it when you have time."

"Okay, I'll be there in the afternoon."

After chatting for a few more words, the two ended the call.

However, before Chen Fei could put his phone in his pocket, Ren Zhonglun's call came in. Not surprisingly, he also came for "Wolf Warrior 2".

Like Wang Changtian, he was shocked when he heard the production cost was 300 million, and finally chose 10%.

After hanging up the phone, Ren Zhonglun, who was driving to the film office, couldn't help but mutter to himself: "Why does a military and action-themed movie have a production cost of 300 million? It's almost as fast as "Operation Mekong" and "Operation Mekong". "Operation Red Sea", is this guy conducting some kind of experiment? "

Like Wang Changtian, he also checked the box office results of "Wolf Warrior 1" before calling Chen Fei.

That 623 million figure was really eye-catching in the past, but looking at it now, it seems to be just that.

No matter how high the box office of the sequel is, if one billion is expected to hit the sky, is it possible that it can still catch up with "Operation Mekong"?

"10% is enough, just maintain the cooperative relationship..."

Ren Zhonglun murmured in a low voice, while turning his head to look at the assistant sitting in the front row, and reminded: "After I go to the film bureau later, I will hold back Director Tong and Director Zhang, and you can review it as quickly as possible. Go over there and make sure the finished film of "Railway Tigers" is delivered on time, understand?"

The assistant responded confidently: "Yeah, don't worry, Director Ren, I promise to complete the task!"

As Ren Zhonglun's personal assistant, he naturally understands the importance of "Railway Tigers".

After all, there is Prince Long inside, so all procedures must be done secretly, and the outside world cannot know.

The lessons learned from "The Taoist Comes Down the Mountain" are right in front of us. This "Railway Tiger" must be vigilant, vigilant, and vigilant again!

As for the issue of public opinion after the release, that is a matter for the future.

At worst, the soldiers will come to block it, and the water will come and the earth will cover it up.

…

Chen Fei spent the whole morning on the set.

From the camera position to every prop, he carefully checked it and finally felt relieved after confirming that there were no problems.

Time soon came to noon, and just as he was getting into the car and preparing to return to the hotel, a strange call suddenly came to his mobile phone.

Just when he was subconsciously about to refuse the call, he noticed that the call was coming from the capital.

After thinking for a while, he pressed the connect button: "Hello?"

"Hello, Director Chen, excuse me for interrupting you. My name is Liu Xiaobin. I am Wanda's new theater president who succeeds Ye Ning. I am also the executive vice president of the film industry..."

Following the self-introduction on the other side, Chen Fei suddenly realized that he had made the right call.

"Haha, hello Mr. Liu, I thought it was a scam call and almost hung up."

"My fault, my fault. I always wanted to find an opportunity to visit you, but because the company has been so chaotic recently, I really couldn't get away..."

Listening to Liu Xiaobin's words, Chen Fei raised his eyebrows slightly: "So the internal problems of the company have been solved now?"

"Well, that's almost it."

Liu Xiaobin did not discuss the topic of the company in depth. After all, it was better not to expose the family scandal as much as possible, even if it was already known to everyone...

After chatting for a while, the newly appointed executive vice president of Wanda Pictures smoothly brought the topic to "cooperation".

"I can be regarded as inheriting Mr. Ye's mantle, and Wanda Pictures and Feiyue Films have always had a cooperative relationship before. We definitely don't want to break this relationship because of personnel changes, so you look at this film and television project. Can we get closer?"

"certainly."

Chen Fei did not refuse. After all, it was his idea to cooperate with Wanda.

Moreover, both parties are involved in the theater industry. Once they join forces, the benefits will definitely not be just 1+1=2.

"Then let me briefly talk about the "Wolf Warrior 2" project. I believe Mr. Liu is here for this, right?"

"Haha, Director Chen still guessed it."

Chen Fei coughed lightly and explained: "The investment budget for "Wolf Warrior 2" is 300 million yuan. Currently, 50% has been allocated, and our company is planning to retain 40%."

"That means there is 10% left, right?" Liu Xiaobin said without any hesitation: "It's only 30 million. Wanda accepted it, and I can promise Director Chen that we will never be stingy in terms of distribution and film arrangement. , we must ensure that we meet Director Chen’s expectations..."

Liu Xiaobin still attaches great importance to his first project after taking over Wanda Pictures and the theater chain.

Ye Ning left halfway. He was ordered to do something in danger, and the burden on his shoulders was not ordinary.

Now besides relying on Feiyue Film and Television, he really couldn't think of any other advantages he could take advantage of.

…

In the afternoon, while Chen Fei was preparing for the filming of "La La Land" tomorrow, a piece of gossip suddenly appeared on the Internet.

That’s right: “All of the Four Danshuangbing have failed in the auditions for “Legend of the Demon Cat”!”

I don’t know who leaked the news, but this piece of gossip spread like wildfire as soon as it came out, and it seemed to have been personally confirmed by some people.

For a time, news related to "Legend of the Demon Cat" quickly became a hot search topic, triggering a lot of discussion.

Many reporters and paparazzi went outside the studios of those stars and actors to seek verification, but without exception, they were all turned away.

After all, no one wants to expose their failure to the public. Although this is indeed true, it will inevitably be a bit embarrassing if it is told.

But at this time, there was a different scene in the audition room of Shengkai Pictures.

Looking at the actress from Wanwan Province who was performing in makeup in front of him, Brother Chen Kai nodded from time to time, and at the same time, he would also give some pointers or two:

"This character has to be slow and gentle in every frown and smile. You are the most beautiful woman in this era. You must be confident and have the kind of mentality that makes you stand out..."

Listening to what his man said, Chen Hong, who was sitting aside, had a strange expression.

She really couldn't figure out why this Zhang Rongrong was favored by Brother Chen Kai. She obviously looked like that and had nothing to do with the word "powerful country"...

Except for her "voluptuous" figure, Chen Hong really couldn't connect the actress in front of her with "Yang Guifei".

Especially that face, because it is of mixed Chinese and French descent, it is not in line with the aesthetics of the Chinese public at all.

However, judging from what Brother Chen Kai means, it seems that the more auditions he does, the more satisfied he becomes!

After a few more minutes, as the audition ended, Brother Chen Kai gently waved his hand to let Zhang Rongrong go out first.

Soon, only Chen Kaige, Chen Hong, and Wang Huiling, the other main screenwriter of "The Legend of the Demon Cat", were left in the audition room.

Before Chen Hong could speak, Wang Huiling took the lead and said in a Taiwanese accent: "Director Chen, how are you? The actor just now was pretty good, wasn't he?"

"Yeah, it's really good." Brother Chen Kai crossed his hands on his chest and commented: "Her figure and posture are very suitable for the role of 'Yang Guifei', and her acting skills are also good, but her lines are not very good, but this is nothing It’s a big problem and it will be corrected slowly later…”

Chen Hong listened to the scene and couldn't help but remind her: "It's just that her appearance doesn't seem to be related to 'the most beautiful woman in the world'?"

"No!" Brother Chen Kai suddenly said seriously: "I think her appearance is very consistent with the setting of Yang Guifei, because according to historical records, this Yang Yuhuan was born in Hongnong Yang family, experienced the Five Barbarians' Invasion of China, and may have some barbarian blood in her body..."

As a producer, Chen Hong was not satisfied with this explanation.

In her opinion, it would be better to use Fan Bingbing or Gao Yuanyuan instead of Zhang Rongrong.

She subconsciously said: "But I think..."

However, before she finished the second half of the sentence, Brother Chen Kai said sternly: "I don't want you to think, I want me to think!"

This domineering statement stunned Chen Hong.

In the end, she still didn't dare to disobey Brother Chen Kai, but chose to nod and accept.

She knew Brother Chen Kai very well. Once he decided on something, he couldn't be pulled back even with eight cows.

Apart from obeying him and depending on him, Chen Hong couldn't think of any other reasons or excuses to convince him.

…

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