Chapter 624: Confidence

Xu Feng was right. Lin Weimin only produced a script, but one script is not the same as another.

The net profit of the first four Harry Potter books reached 2.5 billion US dollars, and the original author JK Rowling received 10% of the net profit, which is 250 million US dollars.

Due to the limitations of its subject matter, "Farewell My Concubine" is not as suitable for all ages as "Harry Potter", and it is impossible for it to achieve such exaggerated box office results.

However, the readership accumulated over the years is large enough that if it is released worldwide in the future, its box office potential will be by no means equivalent to that of ordinary art films.

Lin Weimin wants a 30% share of the net profits. Compared with JK Rowling's "Harry Potter", the proportion is indeed a bit exaggerated.

The advantage of "Farewell My Concubine" is that its subject matter determines the upper limit of investment and risk, which is far lower than that of a series of blockbusters released all over the world such as "Harry Potter".

After obtaining the film adaptation rights of "Farewell My Concubine", it is unlikely that Xu Feng will lose money. Under such circumstances, how could Lin Weimin give in?

No matter how much Xu Feng lobbied, Lin Weimin always stuck to his bottom line and did not waver at all, leaving her with no way out.

"Mr. Lin, this is not an attitude of cooperation."

After talking for a long time, Xu Feng felt dry in the mouth, but Lin Weimin refused to listen, so she couldn't help but say depressedly.

Lin Weimin looked calm and said, "Ms. Xu, we can't give in on the profit sharing ratio, even if we bring in capital from Hollywood."

Hearing this, Xu Feng looked at Lin Weimin, thinking that he was exaggerating.

Although Hollywood has not yet reached its peak state of conquering the world and being invincible in the future, as the world's single pole, the American film industry, Hollywood's circles and rules have long been deeply rooted. She does not believe that Hollywood will change the rules for Lin Weimin.

A 30% share of the net profits is unheard of.

Seeing that Xu Feng didn't believe him, Lin Weimin said, "How about this? I'll talk to potential investors in Hollywood first. What do you think?"

Seeing that he was so confident, Xu Feng couldn't help but feel suspicious. "Okay, then I'll wait for your news."

After Xu Feng finished speaking, he was about to say goodbye and leave, but unexpectedly he was stopped by Lin Weimin.

"Ms. Xu, just sit here and wait."

After Lin Weimin finished speaking, he ignored Xu Feng's reaction and started making a call.

Xu Feng and Guo Feng looked at each other with strange expressions. They couldn't believe that something like investment could be communicated on the spot, but since Lin Weimin said so, they had no choice but to wait.

"Lin, do you know what time it is in the United States now?"

Michael Phillips was woken up by Lin Weimin's call and said very unhappily.

Lin Weimin glanced at his watch. It was 2:30 in the afternoon, 2:30 in the morning US time.

"I'm so sorry, Mike." Lin Weimin said insincerely.

"Come on, your tone tells me that you have no apology at all." Michael Phillips complained, and then asked: "Tell me, why did you call me so late at night?"

"I have an investor from Hong Kong who is planning to invest in the filming of Farewell My Concubine. What do you think? Are you interested?"

As soon as Lin Weimin finished speaking, Michael Phillips suddenly became sober and asked excitedly: "Lin, have you finally decided to make a film version of Farewell My Concubine? Why bother looking for filmmakers from Hong Kong? As long as you make some concessions, I will immediately contact the six major Hollywood companies for you, and you can have the most sufficient investment, the most professional production team, and the most powerful distribution channels in the world..."

"Stop, stop, stop! Mike, you know I can't let Hollywood dominate the production of Farewell My Concubine." Lin Weimin said.

In 1988, "The Last Emperor" won 9 Oscars. All major Hollywood production companies were very interested in Lin Weimin's work, but Lin Weimin asked for a sky-high price of 5 million US dollars, which scared everyone away.

The reason why Lin Weimin asked for such a sky-high price was simply to gain some control.

But unfortunately, since then, no big Hollywood company has contacted Lin Weimin again.

Hollywood has its own set of rules. It's not that they can't afford the price Lin Weimin asked for, and they can even make money from it, but they can't agree to Lin Weimin's "unreasonable" request because that would be tantamount to breaking the rules of Hollywood.

You have to know that when Francis Ford Coppola made "The Godfather 3", he only shared a salary of 2 million US dollars with the original author Mario Puzo.

Unless you are like Spielberg, who has already made your way to the "table" of Hollywood, no matter how famous the director or screenwriter is, he or she cannot break this rule of Hollywood.

"Lin, you are so stubborn!" Michael Phillips complained.

Lin Weimin ignored him and continued to ask, "How is it? Mike, are you interested?"

Michael Phillips said somewhat dejectedly: "What's the point of me being interested? Which company is willing to accept your harsh conditions?"

"Who said I'm looking for a big company to cooperate with?"

Michael Phillips was unable to react for a moment. "If you don't cooperate with a big company, who else can you find..."

The voice on the phone paused for several seconds before Michael Phillips said in disbelief: "You mean, me?"

"That's right, Mike, wanna work together?"

There was a heavy gasp from the other end of the phone, and the huge temptation made Michael Phillips' mind confused.

"OK, tell me your conditions!" Michael Phillips asked straight to the point.

He knew that Lin Weimin's decision to give up those big Hollywood companies and work with him as a producer must have certain conditions.

"Smart! I want 30% of the movie's net profit, including the post-production videotapes and peripheral revenue."

Although he was mentally prepared, Michael Phillips was still surprised by Lin Weimin's big appetite.

"Lin, your condition is too harsh."

"If you're not demanding, why would I look for you?"

The naked words once again silenced Michael Phillips.

While he was thinking, Lin Weimin continued, "The Big Six in Hollywood have their own advantages, but there are too many constraints, and there are cultural differences between the East and the West. Even if they could bring higher returns to Farewell My Concubine, I don't want to hand it over to them. Now this Hong Kong investor has some strength, plus your influence in Hollywood, it's enough to manage this movie. The investment won't be too high, it's definitely within your tolerance range, the risk is very small, and you can also find those big companies to cooperate with you on distribution. How about it?"

Michael Phillips understood what Lin Weimin meant. Large companies are too powerful to give up their profits. Lin Weimin's plan is just right for a movie with an investment scale like "Farewell My Concubine". The three parties are evenly matched and each can get their own part of the profits, and it is relatively equal.

Hong Kong films have the Southeast Asian market, and he can control the markets in Western countries such as the United States and Canada. Lin Weimin is responsible for publishing the original work. Once this lineup is formed, it will be invincible. As for how much profit it will make, it depends on luck.

Various pros and cons flashed quickly through his mind, and Michael Phillips finally made up his mind.

"Okay, let's do as you say. How much is the investment?"

"Well..." Lin Weimin hesitated, "Ms. Xu from Hong Kong invested 4 million dollars."

Michael Phillips said cheerfully, "Okay, then I'll also pay 4 million Midao and the remaining 70% of the profits, and we'll split it equally."

"Mike, wait a moment."

Lin Weimin told Xu Feng, who was waiting, Michael Phillips' personal information and his ideas, and she was stunned.

It was 70% just now, but after one phone call, it’s only 35% left?

Xu Feng felt like there was a huge stone blocking her chest. She had been investing in films for so many years, but she had never encountered anything so painful.

After a while, Lin Weimin urged, "Ms. Xu, how are you thinking about it? Mike is still waiting for a reply!"

This time, Xu Feng finally understood that the reason why Lin Weimin had the confidence to ask for a 30% share was not only because of the influence of "Farewell My Concubine", but also because he could easily attract investment on his own.

She even felt an inexplicable sense of relief. If there were no room for private film companies in the mainland, Lin Weimin would have probably formed his own team to shoot Farewell My Concubine long ago.

After understanding this principle, she no longer worried about the profit sharing issue.

Isn’t this still 35%?

There are also two more partners to share the risk, one of whom is a big Hollywood producer, which is also beneficial for the later promotion and distribution of the film.

"Okay, I agree."

Lin Weimin said into the phone receiver: "She agreed!"

Michael Phillips on the other end of the phone shouted excitedly: "Deal!"

Then, he couldn't wait to say, "Tomorrow, I'll come and talk to you in detail."

"Don't worry, Mike, you should catch up on some sleep first."

Michael Phillips couldn't help laughing. "Damn it! Lin, how can you let me sleep now? I'd better sleep on the plane. Really, you should have decided earlier so that I don't have to make this trip again."

A few years ago, Michael Phillips flew to Yanjing again and stayed with the crew of "Sunny Days" for a few days.

"I'll fly a lot in the future, so this one trip won't make a difference. I'll be waiting for you in Yanjing!"

Lin Weimin made a joke and hung up the phone.

Xu Feng, who was sitting there, was still a little confused. Was the investment settled like this?

"Ms. Xu, Mike should be here in the next two days. I think you should stay in Yanjing for the next few days. We can discuss the details then."

Xu Feng nodded, "Okay."

Lin Weimin glanced at his watch and said, "You are a guest from afar. I will host a welcoming party for you two tonight. How about setting the venue at Yanjing Hotel?"

Xu Feng smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lin."

When doing business, you should be a villain first and a gentleman later. No matter how intense the atmosphere during the negotiation, you must be harmonious after the deal is done.

After a brief chat, Guo Feng and Xu Feng said goodbye and left.

After get off work, Lin Weimin drove to Yanjing Hotel to treat his guests to dinner.

(End of this chapter)