Chapter 830 Summary and Outlook
In the afternoon, Gu Wei held a meeting with the company's senior executives. Everyone summarized the work in the first half of the year and reported on the work to be carried out in the second half of the year.
".[The Crowd] has been released for four weeks and has grossed 2.4 billion yuan so far. It has been announced that the release will be postponed for one month. Tao Piaopiao predicts that the final box office of the film is 2.6 billion yuan.
The copyright of "Joy of Life 2" was sold for a total of 980 million yuan, with the majority going to Tencent Video.
Originally, the company wanted to discuss a profit-sharing agreement with Tencent, but they were willing to pay a higher price to purchase the full copyright of Joy of Life 2.
Yang Liwen first reported on the company's achievements in the first half of the year. Among them, "The Crowd" which is currently in theaters and "Joy of Life 2" whose copyright has been traded but not yet broadcast are undoubtedly the most eye-catching.
The production cost plus publicity and promotion of "The Crowd" is about 300 million yuan. According to the current box office, the net profit will be about 600 million yuan.
The revenue of "Joy of Life 2" will only be higher than that of "Raging Fire".
"Geely seems to have plenty of money," Gu Wei sighed.
After the cold winter of the film and television industry, the transaction price of TV drama copyrights has been declining, especially for TV stations, where the purchase price has almost been cut in half. Now the only real big players are the platforms.
Yang Liwen continued, “Tengxun Video has always had great vision and courage.
Of course, we can pay such high copyright fees because they trust the boss and have had a good cooperative relationship with our company for so many years.
As far as I know, after purchasing the copyright, Tencent quickly started the investment promotion activities for "Joy of Life 2".
So far, it is said that preliminary negotiations have been completed with 32 advertisers and hundreds of advertising spaces, with the total transaction amount exceeding ten digits.
The TV series has already made a profit before it was even aired.
And this does not include the new members brought to the platform after the broadcast of "Joy of Life 2".
Including the income from advanced on-demand will also be a major profit point for Tencent! "
Gu Wei nodded.
"They make their money, and we make ours; win-win cooperation is the long-term solution.
I just hope Tencent doesn't go too far. Too many ads will give viewers a bad impression of Joy of Life 2."
"In addition to these two dramas, some TV series co-produced by some companies and major platforms were released in the first half of the year.
Although there were no particularly big sales, the results were still pretty good.
The main artists at the agency are developing very well. Among the female artists, Meng Ziyi, Zhou Ye, and Tian Xiwei are becoming increasingly famous, and the profits they bring to the company are also increasing.
Among male artists, Xiao Zhan and Zeng Shunxi have the highest income. Since the hit of "The Untamed", the traffic of these two has been very high, and the income from various endorsements, advertisements, and commercial performances is extremely exaggerated.
If you are excluded, the revenue generated by these two people already accounts for more than half of the total revenue of the agency."
When talking about the development and income of the agency, Yang Liwen was a little excited.
This part is the work she is in charge of and the one she pays the most attention to.
As the general manager of the brokerage company, the higher the company's profits, the more money she personally gets.
"They are both top stars now, so it's normal for them to have this kind of money-making ability.
But don't just focus on taking advantage of these two people.
We also need to pay attention to their long-term development in the film and television industry. Since our agency receives a share of the artists' income, we naturally have to consider their careers and future."
Gu Wei thought about it.
"Bona will be shooting a major new drama in the second half of the year and needs a young actor to partner with Liang Chaowei. Yu Dong and I recommended Xiao Zhan and Zeng Shunxi.
I'll send the script to their agent and ask them to prepare well as they need to audition.
I am very optimistic about this play, it is definitely a rare opportunity for them."
Yang Liwen smiled and nodded.
"clear."
Bona's main theme movies are definitely the top resources in the circle now. As soon as Gu Wei said this, Yang Liwen understood that this opportunity should be given to Xiao Zhan and Zeng Shunxi, who were recommended by the boss after being rejected.
After she finished speaking, Manager Zhao Mingcheng, who was in charge of film and television production, spoke.
"In the second half of the year, the company will start filming three dramas as a producer: The Wind Chaser, The Journey Home, and The Wandering Earth 2.
Among them, "The Wind Chaser" is our independently produced TV series, with the largest investment.
Although the main creators of [A Thousand Miles Back] are Rao Xiaozhi's team, many people from [Guo Fan Pictures] and [Freedom Cool Whale] participated in the film.
As for The Wandering Earth 2, there are even more participants. China Film Group is the main force, and only some of our staff are on the crew."
Gu Wei nodded: "Just carry out these already scheduled projects step by step.
Director Wen Muye has a new play called "Miracle Stupid Kid". I read the script and it's very good.
Mr. Zhao, please contact Director Wen after the meeting and work with him to make a budget for the film to see how much investment is needed and then make a report for me.
If there are no problems, the project will be established, prepared and filmed as normal.
This film will also be the company’s key project in the second half of this year.”
"clear."
There was a notebook in front of Zhao Mingcheng, and he nodded while writing down the tasks assigned by Gu Wei.
After the two companies' main managers finished speaking, managers from other departments also spoke. Gu Wei listened most of the time, saying a few words from time to time, some assigning tasks, some making suggestions.
After the meeting had lasted a while, Director Jiaozi, who was in charge of the animation company, asked, "Boss Gu, when does the company plan to release Yang Jian: The Mountain Devil Conquers?"
Gu Wei crossed his hands on the conference table in front of him and said with a smile, "Is Director Yang worried?"
"Jiaozi"'s real name is Yang Yu. His stage name is Jiaozi, but everyone still calls him by his real name in the company.
“To be honest, there is a little bit. [Yang Jian] started production in 2018 and took three years to complete.
Not only me, but the entire production team is also looking forward to the effect of the movie’s release.”
Gu Wei smiled and nodded.
“I know everyone is anxious, but don’t worry.
[Yang Jian] is a large-scale animation production in the same series as [Nezha]. The company has invested a huge amount of money and the pre-sale price for this movie is also very high. It must choose a suitable schedule for its release.
My plan is to schedule "Yang Jian" during next year's Spring Festival.
I believe that with the reputation of [Nezha] laid, [Yang Jian] will definitely achieve good results."
After hearing what Gu Wei said, Jiaozi nodded slowly.
Although there are still 8 months to go before the Spring Festival, the anxiety in my heart has subsided with the anticipation.
"By the way, Director Yang, how's the new task I assigned to the animation company going?"
After the Jiaozi team finished producing "Yang Jian: The Legend of the Condor Heroes", Gu Wei pointed out to them the next step in the development of this series of animated films.
It's not about Jiang Ziya or Lei Zhenzi. Compared with Nezha and Yang Jian, the other characters in "Fengshen" are too thin when taken alone. Even Jiang Ziya is not good enough because his fan base is too poor.
So after completing the production of "Yang Jian", Gu Wei thought about starting to officially shoot the story of "Fengshen".
“I’m still in communication with the screenwriter department about the script of [The Legend of Chaos], and some parts still need to be revised.
However, the team has already started designing images for the main characters, such as Jiang Ziya, King Zhou, Daji, etc.
Unlike [Nezha] and [Yang Jian], there are too many characters in [Investiture of the Gods: Chaoge Storm]. Just determining the images of these characters is a huge workload." Jiaozi talked about the current progress of his team.
For him, creating animated films is both his job and his hobby. After filming "Nezha" and "Yang Jian", building an animated version of the Fengshen Universe has become a goal he strives for.
Gu Wei nodded slowly.
“Don’t be in a hurry, slow work makes finer work.
All you need to do is to make each film in this series as perfect as possible, create a magnificent and dreamy Fengshen animation universe, and give the audience the best viewing experience.
[Nezha] took three years to make, and [Yang Jian] took another three years. [Chaoge Fengyun] is the first time that the main characters of this series gather together, so there is no time requirement.
The company won't rush you, and neither will I.
I will not set any upper limit in terms of funding or manpower, and you can raise any difficulties.
Just to make the best domestic animated film!"
Gu Wei's words made Director Jiaozi's blood boil, and he couldn't wait to go back to the animation studio of the company downstairs to continue working.
"Manager Chen, please pay attention to the script for [Chaoge Fengyun] and work with Director Yang to come up with a perfect script."
"Understood, Mr. Gu."
Manager Chen Xiang, who is in charge of the screenwriting department, immediately agreed after hearing what his boss said.
After Gu Wei finished speaking, he thought of something: "One more thing, have you finished revising the script for [Joy of Life 3]?"
“We are working on it, but it is not finalized yet.
I’ve already published two versions and I’m not satisfied with both,” Chen Xiang explained.
"I plan to start filming the third part next year, so can the script be out before the end of this year?"
"No problem, there's still half a year left, and we'll definitely be able to get it done!" Chen Xiang assured confidently.
After the afternoon meeting, Gu Wei walked out of the conference room and headed towards his office.
Yang Liwen followed him into the office.
"Mr. Yang, is there anything else?" Gu Wei asked curiously.
Yang Liwen's face was full of smiles.
"Mr. Gu, I have something I want to ask you.
In the movie "John Wick 4" that our company co-produced with Lionsgate, there's a role for the protagonist's sister. Who are you going to cast?"
Yang Liwen participated in the entire negotiation between the company and Lionsgate. She also read the script of John Wick 4 and learned that her boss recommended Dilraba Dilmurat from Jiaxing to play one of the roles.
Gu Wei is a major shareholder of Jiaxing Media, so there is nothing wrong with recommending Dilraba Dilmurat. However, there is another character with a yellow face in John Wick 4, who is the sister of the protagonist who is captured by the villain and threatens the protagonist. She hopes that this role can be left to the artist under the company.
"I haven't thought about that yet. Lionsgate can arrange it."
Yang Liwen quickly said, "The decision on the Western faces in the film is definitely up to Lionsgate. Since it's a co-production, I think we can just recommend the actors with Asian faces."
Gu Wei nodded: "Then who do you think is suitable for the role?"
He also understood what Yang Liwen meant, that the benefits should be kept within the family.
Moreover, his first Hollywood blockbuster starring role will surely attract a lot of attention in China, and it will not be a problem for it to sell well. It will also have a certain influence internationally.
In other words, the news of this movie has not spread yet, otherwise the female celebrities in the domestic entertainment industry would be desperate to get involved.
"I think Zhou Ye, Tian Xiwei, and Yang Chaoyue are the most suitable in terms of age and appearance."
Gu Wei thought for a moment and said, "Let's give this role to Yang Chaoyue."
Zhou Ye and Tian Xiwei's development after joining [Wei Ming Tian Xia] is better than in their original time and space.
Zhou Ye starred in "Zhou Chu Eliminates Three Evils", and Tian Xiwei became famous with the role of "Fan Ruoruo".
Although Yang Chaoyue has a high popularity now, Gu Wei did not pay much attention to her and only gave her the role of "Ye Ling'er".
The role of his sister in [John Wick 4] doesn't have many scenes and doesn't require high acting skills, but it's a rare opportunity and happened to be given to the young assistant.
In the first half of this year, a number of popular costume TV dramas emerged in the domestic entertainment industry.
For example, "Legend of Fei" starring Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, "The Long Ballad" starring Reba and Wu Lei, "Douluo Dalu" starring Xiao Zhan, and "Word of Honor" starring Gong Jun, etc.
It’s a pity that although the popularity and playback volume are very high, this wave of costume dramas generally have low ratings, and "Legend of Fei" and "Douluo Dalu" were even criticized by netizens.
In contrast, major satellite TV stations have released several dramas with high reputation and ratings since the beginning of the year.
For example, Dragon TV's opening drama of the year "A Flowing River 2", the rural-themed TV series "Mountains and Seas" broadcast by multiple TV stations, and the major revolutionary historical TV series "Awakening Age" broadcast by CCTV.
Among them, the popularity and ratings of "Awakening Age" were not high when it was first broadcast, but as the TV series was broadcast, the ratings increased rapidly and the popularity of the TV series also soared.
By the time the TV series was finished, the Douban score had risen from 8.2 to 9.3, and all kinds of positive reviews flooded the internet.
In the past, serious dramas, no matter how high the ratings were, had limited popularity, as most of the audiences were middle-aged or elderly people. However, "Awakening Age" has both good reputation and popularity, and has especially won the favor of many young audiences.
Almost all the actors in this drama are talented actors, and many famous scenes have sparked widespread discussion online.
Not to mention the older generation of actors, Zhang Wanyi, who played "Chen Yannian", went viral on the Internet because of a scene where he smiled with blood on his face before being executed. He was hailed as the acting champion among young actors.
However, no one expected at that time that Zhang Wanyi, who had a good background in serious dramas, would be stuck in idol dramas in the future and even be criticized by the audience for his regressive acting skills.
"Who's your favorite character in a TV show?"
After returning to his residence in the evening, Gu Wei accompanied Nazha to watch "Awakening Age".
"I definitely like the teacher. 'The land is filled with grief and blood, but the only thought is to save the people.' He is truly a ray of light."
"Then which actor do you think performed the best here?" Nazha snuggled in Gu Wei's arms.
"Yu Hewei, his acting is really good, if nothing unexpected happens, he will win many awards for "Awakening Age".
"I like 'Chen Yannian'." Nazha said.
"Zhang Wanyi
His performance here is truly spiritual.
The cast of Awakening Age is filled with veteran actors with explosive acting skills, so it's rare for him to be able to perform like this." Gu Wei nodded.
"Right, I almost cried when I saw the part about going to the execution ground!"
Gu Wei smiled and touched Nazha's hair.
“The director used a montage shooting technique here.
Originally, the two brothers were going to France and were seen off by their father. They were wearing leather shoes and walking in the sunshine. But the scene changed to a picture a few years later where the two brothers were imprisoned, shackled, and walking in blood to the execution ground.
Then, the scene of Yannian and Qiao Nian looking back at their father and smiling is intertwined with the scene of them smiling with blood on their faces before being executed.
It’s hard not to be moved by this scene.”
Gu Wei finished his explanation and said, "In fact, there are many scenes in this play that are worth the audience's careful appreciation. My favorite is the one where Gu Hongming gives a speech."
Nazha turned her head and listened to Gu Wei obediently.
“He said my braids are visible and on my head, while your braids are invisible and hidden in your heart.
Don't ever think that if we cut our hair, wear suits, and speak English, foreigners will look up to us.
On the contrary, when a Chinese person westernizes and becomes a foreigner, he or she will arouse their contempt.
Only when they see that we Chinese have a civilization and spirit that is different from theirs, will they truly value us in their hearts!
This passage is still very advanced and useful today, as it talks about national and cultural confidence.
You can see that in recent years, mainstream films in our film industry have been selling well. It is precisely because of the strength of our country that we have regained this confidence."
"Is this also the reason why Hollywood blockbusters aren't as popular as they used to be?"
Gu Wei smiled and said, "That's one of the reasons."
(End of this chapter)
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