It may be that the box office of "The Battle at Lake Changjin" since the National Day holiday has been too incredible, which has sucked away the luck of the year-end film market. After October, there has been no blockbuster movie in China.
[To Fame] had a final box office of 923 million yuan, making it the best-performing film in the last two months of the year.
At the end of November, two new films, "Door Lock" and "Railway Heroes", were released on the same day, and it was thought that both would be box office hits.
Unexpectedly, "Railway Heroes" did not exceed 50 million in two days. After winning the first day, the slightly better "Door Lock" was instantly overtaken by the highly acclaimed "Fame" on the second day!
"It's a shame about Mr. Fan and Zhang Hanyu's acting. Actually, the actors in this movie are all pretty good. It's just that the script is not so good and the directing is also average."
In the office, Wen Mu was also drinking tea and chatting about the movie released by Huayi Brothers last month.
Gu Wei nodded and said, "Railway Heroes was originally scheduled for the National Day holiday, but was later rescheduled to November.
I don’t know what Huayi is thinking specifically, but it’s nothing more than a lack of confidence in the film and feeling that the competition during the National Day holiday is too great.”
"I remember that this movie was said to have an investment of 300 million yuan. Judging from the current box office results, the Wang brothers are going to lose a lot of money again!" Wen Mu also sighed.
"Railway Heroes" grossed 140 million yuan in four weeks, leaving no room for recovery.
Gu Wei shook his head: "Exaggerating the investment is a common tactic used by Huayi. I worked with them on "Ex-Files 3" and I have a better understanding of their film operations.
It's said to be a 300 million yuan investment, and if it includes publicity and promotion, it would be considered good if it's just over 100 million yuan. The amount of water is ridiculous."
“It’s a question of how much loss you’ll suffer.
In fact, in the past two years, there are quite a few main-theme movies like "Railway Heroes" that have failed at the box office.
Everyone has seen that main-theme themes are very popular and that "The Battle at Lake Changjin" is making huge profits, but no one has thought that what really attracts audiences to the cinema to watch movies is the movie itself.
If the filming is not good, all the subject matter will be wasted!"
Gu Wei nodded and reached out to refill their tea.
"【Manslaughter 2】Are you really not going to take it?"
The post-production of [Miracle: Stupid Kid] has not been completed yet, and Wen Mu has been in the company during this period. After Gu Wei came back, he talked to him about [The Accidental Detective 2].
"I won't take it. Just like when I made Love Me If You Can, I'm not very interested in making a sequel.
And I read the script of "The Accidental Murder 2", which is a brand new story and has little to do with the first one.
After finishing [Miracle], I plan to take a break for a while.
It’s been tiring to film continuously these past few years.”
Wen Mu is definitely a prolific director. After joining Wei Ming Tian Xia, he has shot five films in succession, namely, The Love Master, Dying to Survive, Manslaughter, The Three Evils, and Miracle: The Dumb and Dumber.
Except for "Miracle" which has not yet been released, the other four films are both box office and well-received, which can be regarded as a great contribution to the company.
Of course, he also grew into a top domestic director in the process, gaining both fame and fortune.
Moreover, the scripts of these best-selling movies were provided by the company or the boss Gu Wei, so both parties achieved mutual success.
Gu Wei laughed and said, "After filming [Zhou Chu Eliminates the Three Evils], you took a break for half a year, and now you're taking another break after filming [Miracle].
"Old Wen, you're only in your thirties, at the peak of your energy and creative passion. Look at director Zhang Yimou, who's in his seventies and still maintains the pace of two films a year."
"No, no, Director Zhang's energy is beyond compare.
I feel like I've been concentrating all my energy on filming these past few years. If the projects you give me weren't so attractive every time, I would have given up long ago."
"You can't blame me for this. 'Dying to Survive' was Senior Sister Han Jianu's project, and 'Manslaughter' and 'Zhou Chu' were both projects you took the initiative to take after reading the scripts."
Wen Mu also shook his head: "So no matter what, I have to take a break this time, at least half a year.
If there is a good script, please don’t show it to me, I’m afraid I can’t help myself.”
"Okay, if you want to rest, then take a good rest. I'll leave the [Manslaughter 2] project to Cui Rui."
"Cui Rui is great. After filming the web series versions of Detective Chinatown and Love in the City 2, he has grown into a mature director.
His shooting style is actually somewhat similar to mine, so he should be able to shoot [The Accidental Murder 2] well, and he will probably retain some of the style of the first film."
Wen Mu had previously served as the producer of "The Love Master 2" at Gu Wei's request. He worked with Cui Rui for a period of time and the two had a good relationship.
"I feel more relieved when you say that. Then it's settled!"
Gu Wei finished speaking and glanced at the time: "It's noon, shall we go downstairs for lunch together?"
Wen Mu also put down the teacup in his hand: "Okay, but let me make this clear first, I can't drink alcohol. I have to continue the post-production editing of "Miracle" this afternoon. If I drink, I won't be able to work."
Gu Wei stood up and patted Wen Muye's shoulder with a smile: "Haha, since I won't let you drink, let's just have a simple bite.
Let's have a nice drink after you finish the post-production of this movie!"
At night, after finishing all his work, Gu Wei returned to Palm Springs International Apartments.
After entering the door, he took off his coat and hung it on the hanger beside him, changed his shoes and walked into the living room.
"You're back~"
Nazha was wearing pink pajamas with cartoon patterns and was curled up on the sofa, watching the show intently. When she heard the sound, she turned to look at Gu Wei.
"What are you looking at?"
Gu Wei walked over and sat next to her, put his arm around Nazha's slender waist, and asked curiously.
"Who is the Murderer?, a suspense drama that aired on iQiyi at the beginning of the month"
Gu Wei glanced at the screen of the pad: "You also like to watch suspense dramas. Don't you usually watch romance dramas?"
"I saw Xiao Yang and Zhao Liying from our company, so I clicked on it. They seemed pretty good~"
"Haha, how come I didn't know you also liked Zhao Liying?"
“I wouldn’t say I like her, I just think she’s pretty awesome.”
Nazha sniffed at Gu Wei and asked, "Did you drink a lot of wine at the dinner party tonight?"
Gu Wei smiled and said, “A little while ago, I had dinner with some people from the theater.
The company’s animated film, Yang Jian, will be released during this year’s Spring Festival, and we discussed scheduling.”
Nazha blinked her eyes and said, "[Yang Jian] should be considered the sequel to [Nezha], right?"
“Not really, I can only say that the two animated films share the same world view.
The name of the movie is "Yang Jian: The Legend of the Condor Heroes", and the protagonist is obviously "Erlang Shen".
But Nezha will also appear in it."
"I still like Nezha, and I'd like to watch the second part of Ne Zha."
Gu Wei smiled and said, "It's not surprising. Most of the audience must have the same idea as you. After all, Nezha was so popular back then.
But don't worry, according to the company's plan, this series of animated films will be structured like the Marvel Universe.
Each main character has his own series of movies, and when they are put together, it becomes [Fengshen]!
The company is also preparing the second installment of Nezha, called Devil Boy Conquers the Dragon King!
Hearing this, Nazha's interest increased greatly: "When will it be released?"
Gu Wei thought for a moment and said, "It will probably be at least three or four years from now. The animation company's main project right now is to make the first installment of Investiture of the Gods, Chaoge Fengyun.
[Ne Zha] will be released later, so it will be slower.
Actually, Yang Jian is also very good. I have watched the finished film more than once and I feel it is no worse than Nezha!
"Really?"
Nazha counted on her fingers: "Chinese New Year is on January 31st this year, which means I still have more than 40 days to watch this animated film."
Gu Wei smiled and held Nazha in his arms: "Little fool, if you want to see [Yang Jian], you don't have to wait until the New Year.
Just go to the company’s small screening room and watch it.”
"Really?"
"Of course, but you can't record it. You can only watch it in the company."
Nazha nodded vigorously: "I know, then I'll go and see it tomorrow. Anyway, I have nothing to do these few days, so it's a good time to see it first!"
"Okay, I'll tell the staff at the company."
It was already very late when Gu Wei came back. He chatted with Nazha in the living room for a while and then got up to wash up.
The night gradually deepened.
On the big bed in the master bedroom, Nazha lay in Gu Wei's arms after a comfortable rest, and she felt extremely satisfied as she hugged him sideways.
Compared to being a celebrity, she still prefers to be with Gu Wei. After all, they are not short of money and can have whatever they want. This kind of life is more comfortable for her.
"Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?" Nazar asked.
"I can't tomorrow. Aunt Liu invited me to dinner at her house."
"Aunt Liu?"
"She's Yifei's mother~" Gu Wei said normally without hiding anything.
"Ah? Why should I invite you to dinner again?" Nazha, who was in a very good mood, couldn't help but pout when she heard the news.
"Maybe it's because I took on that movie 'Where the Wind Is'."
Gu Wei lowered his head slightly and looked at Nazha in his arms: "How about you come with me?"
Nazha was a little tempted but after thinking about it she decided to refuse: "They didn't invite me, what's the point of me going?"
Gu Wei smiled and said nothing more.
"By the way, you said you wanted to see a private island. When do you leave?"
"Wait a few days, I'll finish the company's business."
"Time is a bit tight, can we come back before New Year's Day?
You're not going to attend these New Year's Eve parties this year?"
Gu Wei shook his head slightly: "This trip won't take too long, at most a week.
But this year I really don’t plan to attend the New Year’s Eve Party or the Spring Festival Gala.
Filming for John Wick 4 will begin in mid-January, and I'll have to go abroad to film, so I won't have the energy to attend these parties."
". Already scheduled for this year's Spring Festival release, in addition to our company's "Yang Jian: The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and your film "The Battle at Lake Changjin," there's also the comedy "Four Seas" directed by Han Han and starring Chen Teng, Liu Haoran, and Liu Haocun, Zhang Yimou's "Sniper," Happy Twist's "The Killer Is Not Cool" and "Super Family," as well as several animated films like "Boonie Bears" and "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf."
The most popular one is definitely the Watergate Bridge.
The popularity of "Changjin Lake" has not faded yet, and everyone is looking forward to the sequel of the box office hit.
Then there is [Yang Jian] from our company.
With the support of [Nezha], the popularity of [Yang Jian] is also quite high, and after the screening, the line selection is also more optimistic.
After that comes the [Four Seas].
Director Han Han’s previous films were all huge hits, and his current box office appeal cannot be underestimated. Coupled with the addition of Chen Teng, "Four Seas" is also one of the hottest films this year.
As for [Sniper], [The Killer Is Not Cool] and [The Incredibles], they are also considered small favorites.
In general, it is a pattern of one superpower and many strong ones."
In the office, Yang Liwen was reporting to Gu Wei about the situation of this year's Spring Festival period.
Bona is fully responsible for [Watergate Bridge], so Gu Wei doesn't have to worry about anything. He is more concerned about the future performance of the company's [Yang Jian: The Legend of the Condor Heroes].
The reputation and box office of this movie will determine the future trend of the entire [Fengshen Animation Movie Universe].
"How many screenings will [Yang Jian] have on the first day of the Lunar New Year?"
"Based on our communication with the cinema chain, we can reserve about 20% of the screening schedule for Yang Jian on the first day of the Spring Festival holiday."
"So little!" Gu Wei frowned slightly.
Yang Liwen smiled bitterly and said, “Boss, it’s already quite a lot.
A total of 10 movies were released during this year's Spring Festival.
Among them, the most popular "The Battle at Changjin Lake" accounted for 30% of the screenings, and together with "Yang Jian", the two films accounted for half of the national screenings.
"Four Seas", "Sniper", "The Professional" and "The Incredibles" are also popular, with the screening schedule of these films being around 10%.
There are even fewer animated films left."
Gu Wei nodded slightly.
According to Yang Liwen, the competition in this year's Spring Festival period is indeed fierce.
But Gu Wei had a plan in mind. He knew that "Four Seas" was a bad movie and would not perform well at the box office.
Although [Sniper] is a movie by Zhang Yimou, it was actually made by him for his daughter Zhang Mo. The two of them co-directed it, but the box office was not high.
"The Incredibles" is an even worse movie.
The only thing you need to pay attention to besides [Watergate Bridge] is [This killer is not very calm].
The Spring Festival period is a big box office, and it can accommodate three big-selling movies.
"With more than a month left, the promotion of the film is of utmost priority!"
“Understood, Boss.
After discussion, we decided to focus the promotion of [Yang Jian] on the collaboration with [Nezha].
Although animated films lack the support of celebrities, Nezha is the biggest star.
During this month, we will promote the film through various online and offline channels, and strive to get the audiences who watched "Nezha" that year to go to the cinema!
The specific promotion plan has been sent to your email."
Gu Wei nodded.
He also thinks this is more reliable.
The "Jiang Ziya" made by "Light Media" got nearly 1 billion at the box office by riding on the traffic of "Nezha". His version of "Yang Jian" who is truly linked with "Nezha" is definitely better than "Jiang Ziya"!
In fact, everything has been prepared, and the quality of the film is indeed good. The only thing that makes Gu Wei feel uneasy is that "Yang Jian: The Legend of the Condor Heroes" is a brand new movie that appeared because of him.
So he couldn't be as sure as when watching other movies.
"It doesn't matter. This day will come sooner or later. Let [Yang Jian] be the beginning of my new endeavor!"
Gu Wei tapped the tabletop with his fingers, staring out the window, thinking quietly. (End of this chapter)
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