Note that this book is a slow-burn novel, and it will become increasingly exciting as the story progresses.
It starts from 2002, beginning at the Beijing Film Academy, and starting with the H...
This film, "Hero," grossed 1.65 billion yuan at the box office, with an investment of 30 million US dollars, plus 10 million US dollars in distribution costs and 12 million US dollars in public relations expenses. The total investment was close to 470 million yuan. Adding the domestic promotional expenses in Asia, the total cost approached 520 million yuan.
Overseas revenue sharing is roughly 50/50, meaning that 50% of the box office revenue is the profit margin.
Subtracting the 500 million from domestic sales from the 1.65 billion, there's still 1.15 billion in box office revenue, which translates to a profit of 575 million.
Domestically, the 500 million yuan only yields a 47% profit margin. After deducting the 5% film special fund, 40% to 45% for theater distribution, and 1% to 7% for media promotion, the remaining amount is only 235 million yuan, which is the company's own.
Total box office revenue: 235 million + 575 million = 810 million.
It is also necessary to discard a total investment of nearly 470 million.
The total profit was 340 million RMB, plus an additional 30 million USD in DVD revenue, bringing the total revenue of the hero to around 610 million RMB.
Because Shenfang later added $22 million in investment and promotional expenses, in addition to the previous investment share.
The main investor in Heroes has been identified: Longteng Media, which holds a 50% stake and will receive nearly 300 million yuan in revenue.
China Film Investment received 30% of the revenue, amounting to nearly 180 million yuan.
Zhang Weiping's personal investment accounted for 15%, with a profit share of nearly 90 million yuan.
The remaining 5% will go to Hong Kong investor Sil-Metropole Organisation and Zhang Yimou himself. That's about 30 million.
It was a huge victory no matter how you look at it; the film earned nearly 600 million, much faster than robbing a bank.
It's true, when a movie becomes a global blockbuster, it's incredibly lucrative!
Before Shen Fang could jump a few times, his phone rang. He opened it and saw that it was Han Sanping calling.
A slight smile played on his lips; he couldn't sit still any longer. The moment the call connected, he heard Han Sanping's joyful voice.
"Xiao Fang, you won an Oscar!!!"
"Uncle Han, we've got it! Best Foreign Language Film, Best Director, and a global box office of $1.65 billion. The DVD rights also sold for $30 million and were acquired by Universal Pictures. China Film Group will make at least $200 million this time. Uncle, I told you, this is all yours, I'll get it done. What do you say?"
Han Sanping's hearty laughter came from the phone.
"I knew I hadn't misjudged you, kid. You've really made us Chinese proud this time. Director Zhang, come back to China soon, I'll personally welcome you."
"Tomorrow at noon, Uncle Han, you're in charge of finding a place to hold a celebration banquet. One place for each person. We can't let you eat all the benefits. Our Longteng also wants to make a name for itself."
Han Sanping chuckled: "You've really made a fortune for me, and now that I'm famous, you won't even let me have it?"
Shen Fang curled his lips: "Uncle, the one who made the lion's share was the one who invested the most. I was the one who decided on the later publicity and distribution costs, and I directly spent nearly 25 million US dollars. You were all unwilling, so I took the risk. The lion's share is what I deserve."
"Ahem, well, you're famous enough already. It's not easy for your uncle either. I finally get to show my face, so I'll be there for the welcoming ceremony and the celebration banquet. You can come along too, okay?"
"Alright then, I'll fly to Beijing tonight, you can make the arrangements first. I'll have Sister Hong arrange the welcoming ceremony, make it as grand as possible, and please help me out with the media."
"Okay, no problem, I'll take care of this. Let's talk when we meet."
"Okay, let's talk when we meet."
The call had barely ended when Ivanka's phone rang.
"Chen, how was it? I put in a lot of effort this time, running around doing everything. Remember to give me a raise!"
"No problem, beautiful Miss Ivanka, the bonus is doubled, and the salary is doubled too. How's James Wan's Saw coming along?"
"Filming has already started, and I'm personally serving as the producer."
“Beautiful Ivanka, take care of yourself. Let me know when the movie is finished.”
"Don't you have anything else to say to me?"
Sinking Square.....
"Ahem, let's talk about it in person. Some things are just not worth saying over the phone."
"Tch, how's Little Crystal doing?"
"Sissi, she's filming with me. I'll have her send you some stills from the show."
"OK, send me more photos of yourself. I want to see what you look like when you're filming."
"No problem, bye Ivanka."
"Bye-bye, dear boss."
The call ended.
Shen Fang noticed that Zhang Da Hu Zi, who had been eavesdropping for a long time, and the rest of the crew nearby had also perked up their ears to listen to the gossip.
Oscars, Zhang Yimou, 1.65 billion yuan—the crew was stunned. What was going on?
Huang Xiaoming swallowed hard. As an artist under Longteng, he naturally knew that Hero was a project controlled by his own company.
"Mr. Chen, Director Zhang, you won an Oscar???" Huang Xiaoming asked incredulously, with a hint of anticipation.
The reason for this anticipation is that if Zhang Yimou wins an Oscar, he will become a world-class director, and I will still be the company's main artist. Wouldn't that give me the opportunity to collaborate with a world-class director? If we did, I would not only become famous overseas, but I would also be a top star in China. Just kidding, that's how awesome the prestige is!
The easiest way for an actor to become famous is to work with a big-name director. The more famous the director, the more likely they are to promote their work, and their films will attract a lot of attention. Naturally, the artists who work with them will also benefit from the director's collaboration.
Like the truck driver, any ordinary person starring in his films could potentially rise to the ranks of Hollywood's second-tier or even A-list actors if they succeed. For example, his goddaughter won an Oscar for Best Actress for starring in one of his films. "Switch" beat "Life Is Beautiful," "Saving Private Ryan," and "The Truman Show" to win the Oscar for Best Picture. Although it was the least acclaimed Best Actress award, she directly entered the $20 million theater club.
Aside from Saving Private Ryan, the other three films are rare masterpieces. Saving Private Ryan and The Truman Show are simply divine works. Yet, they were defeated by a very ordinary film. This is the prestige of a world-class director.
Shen Fang nodded and smiled, "That's right, we won Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film, both major awards. Tonight, Producer Zhang, I, Qianqian, Xiaoming, Hu Jun, and Shishi will all have to take leave and fly back to Beijing. Tomorrow, when Director Zhang returns to China, all the artists from Longteng will be there."
"No problem, Mr. Shen, it's the right thing to do. If it's not too much trouble, I'll go with you too."
Shen Fang glanced at the bearded man. He could tell what the bearded man was up to at a glance. It didn't matter. The media present tomorrow would definitely be a sensation. After all, Zhang Yimou had won glory for the country. Not to mention the national media, most of the media would be present. The bearded man going to ride the wave and promote Tianlong was just his usual practice.
Smiling, I said, "No need to bother you. Let's rest for a bit, pack our luggage, and Xiaobai, you go book the tickets."
"Yes, Mr. Shen," Xiaobai nodded in response. This was Chang Jihong's personal assistant who stayed behind.