Chapter 283: Return? A dream start!
If we only look at known successful projects for global export, there are actually very few options.
"Kung Fu Panda" is simply the chosen one of God. It belongs to both China and the world.
"2012" is another second-rate choice because in this movie, China can indeed play the role of savior.
In the original version, China played a decent role. In the new version, the role can be greatly increased, and the pattern can also be improved.
Therefore, it is also half a chosen subject.
Moreover, it is bound to be a huge hit at the box office.
What's next after "2012"? Lin Xiao's plan is "The Martian".
Although the movie "Interstellar" is more successful, both in terms of box office and word of mouth, it is actually difficult to localize in China.
Of course, one or two Chinese actors could be added as major supporting roles, but the leading actor, Matthew, is almost irreplaceable.
And its director Nolan is also irreplaceable.
After laying the groundwork for the two films "2012" and "The Martian", Lin Xiao is about to take the risk with "The Wandering Earth".
In other words, one of the signs that he wants to push Chinese films globalization is the success of "The Wandering Earth".
Historically, "The Wandering Earth" is far from being a global success.
As for the second part alone, the national sentiment is very strong and it may be difficult to get out.
But the first part has a grand structure and a broad vision.
In Lin Xiao's opinion, the obstacles to global promotion are not that great.
The key is whether the IP is loud enough and whether the publicity is big enough.
Of course, Lin Xiao really didn’t know whether it would succeed.
This is not even just a five-year plan. According to this step-by-step plan, the deluxe upgraded version of "The Wandering Earth" will be at least six years later.
Even the next "Graveyard Book" animation to be produced will refer to "Graveyard Book" in terms of world view, but the whole story will refer to "COCO" (Coco).
Historically, this movie is the most successful animated film in the world in terms of word of mouth, box office, and ratings.
In the background of the movie, Lin Xiao went through countless struggles and weighed the pros and cons countless times.
The original story of this movie takes place in Mexico, but it can actually be set in China.
Because China has the Qingming Festival and the tradition of ancestor worship.
Therefore, this seems to be another rare opportunity for cultural export.
Of course, this involves ghosts, which goes against superstition.
However, if it is really based on China, Lin Xiao is now confident that he can get it passed the review.
Is it just necessary? In the end, Lin Xiao gave up and still followed the success of history and chose the Mexican Day of the Dead as the background.
Because this is also the starting point of an IP.
And after "Kung Fu Panda", the production of "Graveyard Book" will begin immediately.
Neither Sony Columbia nor Oriental Fantasy can afford the failure of a $200 million project.
Moreover, if you really want to use China as the background of the story, you can put it in the second part of "Graveyard Book".
Given the success of the first season, if the second season is set in a mysterious Chinese setting, I believe it will still be a success as long as the story is good enough.
……………………
Master Zhang found Lin Xiao in the midst of his busy schedule.
Now he is not only busy, but also attracting national attention.
Because he was the chief director of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.
Although this matter had been decided in 2004, the program for the closing ceremony of the Athens Olympics, which was directed by him, was criticized.
At this time, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is getting closer and closer.
He is also increasingly attracting attention.
At this moment, he was still completely unsure.
As a result, the opening ceremony of this Olympic Games can almost be called the best in the world.
Peak level.
Master Zhang also received great honor.
Then what? New Picture couldn’t wait to make good on this honor, so it made a low-budget comedy “Three Shots Surprise”, which grossed 260 million yuan at the box office.
This is also known as the movie with the ugliest eating style.
Of course, what really made Master Zhang and Zhang Weiping part ways was after "The Flowers of War".
Because the big investments in previous movies were all paid for by other people, either Jiang Zhiqiang or Columbia, but for "The Flowers of War", Zhang Weiping actually paid a lot of money.
As a result, the box office performance of this film was not as good as expected.
Of course, there were many minor conflicts between the two sides.
In this world, this kind of friction and conflict comes earlier and is even more intense.
Master Zhang didn't want to offend the Lightning Department, but he offended Zhang Weiping to death.
Moreover, Master Zhang is also obsessed with going international. His previous films almost all failed, but he saw that Lightning Entertainment is truly globalizing.
It's not just globalization, it's becoming a global giant.
And Director He Ping is also taking off again in the Lightning Department.
"Boss Lin, I know you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point." Master Zhang said, "Have you decided on the director for 2012?"
Lin Xiao: “No!”
Next, Director Ning Hao has three projects within five years.
In the next five years, Chen Sicheng also starred in two movies and a TV series.
Director He Ping also has two major dramas and a movie.
Lin Xiao thought for a while. Judging from the picture and the majestic aura, the Master Zhang in front of him was still very powerful.
It’s just that the movie "2012" requires a lot of computer special effects.
He thought for a while and said, "Director Zhang, if you are willing to come, then I will let you direct this movie."
"Of course, this film needs to be shot all over the world, in the United States, India, China, etc."
Zhang Guoshi: "Sign with Lightning Entertainment or Dream Vision?"
Lin Xiao: "That depends on your wishes."
Zhang Guoshi: "I prefer a dream vision."
Lin Xiao said: "Okay!"
“It’s a pleasure to work with you!”
Master Zhang: "Happy cooperation!"
As for how Master Zhang would explain to Zhang Weiping, Lin Xiao didn't care.
……………………
Two days later, Lin Xiao flew back to the United States.
Because Amy Pascal held a high-end party just for him.
This time, one of the important guests invited was Nolan.
He had not yet become a god at this time. Although he had relatively successful works such as "Batman Begins" and "The Prestige", "The Dark Knight", "Inception" and "Interstellar" that would truly make him a god had not yet been released.
This guy is a pure genius. He shot "Memento" in just over twenty days.
Of course, Lin Xiao was very fascinated by this kind of movie a long time ago and watched them all.
Such as "Memento", "Mulholland Drive", "Trainspotting", "Fight Club" and so on.
This emotion is quite strange. There is a strong need to show off in my heart, so I need to watch these so-called niche movies.
It took me three or four years to watch more than 200 movies of this type.
But later on I didn't like watching it anymore, as my tastes were becoming more and more similar to those of the general public.
I don't really like this kind of Riddler pretentious movie.
Even in games, the same is true.
He also doesn't like those Souls-like games that pretend to be mysterious, with confusing plots and deliberately unclear explanations, even though he highly recommends "Elden Circle".
But games with strong narratives such as "Red Dead Redemption 2", "The Witcher 3" and "Cyberpunk 2077" are his favorites.
The two of them were chatting and talking about movies.
We chatted for more than two hours.
"I love the Interstellar script very much. It's even my favorite." Nolan said, "Amy and Susan have talked to me about it. In my heart, I am very willing to direct this work."
"Even when I finished reading this book, my whole body was shaking slightly."
"Because my mind has already started to imagine the images of those planets, and I have already started to imagine the collision of emotions."
“It’s a completely unforgettable script.”
"However, I cannot direct this work for the time being. Another work is more urgent because I have been conceiving of it for many, many years."
Lin Xiao: "Is it about dreams?"
Nolan: "How do you know? After filming Memento, I had a very vague, fuzzy concept in my mind. Then it took shape and improved little by little."
In fact, Nolan's next work was "The Dark Knight", which achieved unprecedented success due to the death of Joker actor Heath Ledger and the higher quality of the film itself.
The global box office has exceeded $1 billion.
Lin Xiao wanted to ask, "Can I see the script?" but stopped immediately.
Because Nolan should now be considered a director of Warner Bros., of course it cannot be said that they are completely tied to each other, because he later collaborated with other Hollywood giants.
Historically, "Inception" was a collaboration with Warner Bros.
As a result, the other party directly handed over a notebook.
He had been writing Inception in bits and pieces for many years, but it was not until nearly two years later that he actually started production.
So, the script is still incomplete now.
After Lin Xiao finished reading the script, he began to discuss it with him.
They almost ignored everyone around them and started discussing or even arguing about a certain plot, a certain logic, or a certain picture.
……………………
When the party was over, Amy lay lazily on the sofa.
"I didn't expect you to think so highly of him. In the current Hollywood, he is not a super director." Amy said, "Maybe he is very talented, but he has not yet fully proven himself."
It was only after the huge success of The Dark Knight that Nolan became a top director in Hollywood.
Moreover, he had been cooperating with Warner Bros. for a long time, so Lin Xiao had never thought of Inception from the beginning to the end.
"Interstellar" was released several years in advance.
"Lin, I heard that you chose Zhang as the director for "2012"? "Amy: "This may be a bit risky. The safest choice should be Roland Emmerich."
Lin Xiao: “I know.”
Roland is the real king of disaster movies.
"Independence Day", "The Day After Tomorrow", "Godzilla" and "2012" are all his works.
"I was just saying it casually, you have the final say." Amy shrugged.
Because "Kung Fu Panda" was a complete hit, the winner is king in Hollywood.
Lin Xiao was taking a risk using the success he had accumulated previously.
Once again fulfilling his dream of globalizing Chinese films.
There are some things that if you don’t do them during your peak period, you will never have the chance to do them in the future.
And some things, if you don’t do them today, you may not have the chance to do them tomorrow.
In another ten years, or even less than ten years, maybe seven or eight years, the international environment will continue to deteriorate.
By that time, you won’t be able to do it even if you want to.
Amy: "You have two months left before you have to repay that huge dollar loan. Have you saved enough money?"
Lin Xiao: "Still a little short?"
Amy: “How much?”
Lin Xiao: “About 230 million US dollars.”
Amy: “MY GOD!”
What she meant was not that there was still so much money that had not been repaid, but that Lin Xiao had actually collected so much money in such a short period of time.
Half a year ago, Lin Xiao was still penniless and had no idea where to put the more than 900 million US dollars in cash.
As a result, 700 million has been raised now.
The global box office share of "The Hunger Games", plus the purchase of all videotape and DVD copyrights from Sony, brought in more than 300 million.
The two dramas "Squidward" and "Breaking Bad" sold nearly 100 million.
"Fallout 3" was a complete hit. In just a few months, it sold more than 10 million copies, with sales exceeding 700 million. After deducting the channel share, the total revenue was more than 300 million.
Amy: "I'll try to give you the money within two months."
Lin Xiao: “Okay.”
Amy laughed and said, "Now as long as you open your mouth, there are countless Hollywood giants waving checks to beg you."
Lin Xiao couldn't help but think of what Li Lianjie said, when you succeed in Hollywood, someone will kneel down and lick your shoes, but when you fail, even dogs won't want to pay attention to you.
Fortunately, Lin Xiao did not encounter such an extreme and has been very decent until now.
…………………………………………
Next, Lin Xiao flew to Krakow, Poland.
Because over the years, the development costs of "The Witcher" have continued to rise.
The other party also kept asking him for money.
As a result...he is now one of CDPR's largest shareholders.
The two founders, Marcin Iwinski and Mika Dzicinski, did not feel anything was wrong, because until now, they were just a small game developer and were originally unknown.
In order to make The Witcher, they begged countless investors and used all their power to raise only a few million dollars.
Precisely because of insufficient technical capabilities and funds, "The Witcher" in history was strictly speaking just a semi-finished product, and it is unknown how much content was castrated.
In this world, Lin Xiao can get whatever he wants in investment.
If you want money, give money; if you want people, give people.
He turned a small company into a luxurious team.
After three and a half years of development, the game has now come to an end.
In order to help finish this game, there are currently more than 300 people participating in the final stages of the game.
Half of them were foreign players found by Lin Xiao.
Speaking of seeking external assistance, I can't help but think of Liao Feng's experience and lessons learned in seeking external assistance for "Perfect World".
Therefore, Lin Xiao made it very clear this time. No matter how strong your abilities and qualifications were on the PS platform, at EPIC, or at Ergou Game Studio, after coming here, you must obey orders completely.
Do whatever you are told to do.
This time, Lin Xiao came as the big boss to inspect the game.
The two founders stared at Lin Xiao nervously, fearing that he would say that. It would be bad and they would have to send it back for redo.
Because this is already the third version.
After Lin Xiao entered the game, he couldn't help but be slightly stunned.
Then he looked at Marcin, and then at Sawyer, the boss of Ergou Studio who accompanied him.
"Is it my illusion? Why do I feel that the graphics of "The Witcher" are even better than those of "Fallout 3"?" Lin Xiao said.
The game "Fallout 3" is already the ceiling of this year.
The point is, although its budget is many times higher than in history, it is still slightly less than that of Fallout 3.
Moreover, the development engine is the same.
There's something about these Europeans.
Historically, The Witcher 3 and Fallout 4 were games released in the same year, but The Witcher 3 has much better graphics.
Marcin: “We were a little clever about this.”
“Because ours is a fantasy work, there is a lot more room for creativity.”
"So we can be bolder in coloring, and we added a filter-like feeling similar to oil painting in the game."
“So in a single block of color, it will be more pure.”
It's just beauty! It feels real and beautiful.
Unlike Fallout 3, it's completely sharp and realistic.
Therefore, at first glance, you will feel that the graphics of "The Witcher" are better.
Next, the protagonist Geralt came to the inn, where there was a girl who could be conquered.
Then……
A familiar scene appeared.
Very explicit, but big.
All exposed.
That's exactly what I want! Yeah! The original "Witcher" had this plot, but there was no related footage.
Now there are not only pictures, but also close-ups.
In this era, a large number of MODs have not yet appeared, and there are no pornographic elements in the big-budget games.
And now... I have it! The only one! Lin Xiao played for six or seven hours, and the bosses around him sat by and watched him play for several hours.
And then, Lin Xiao stayed for four days.
I actually finished the entire game.
Wow! Satisfaction!
This is the complete version of The Witcher 1.
Especially the finale, the shocking feeling brought by the explosion of suspense.
Although it is only the first part, the plot has the epic feeling of the third part.
It is much more complete than in history.
Especially the foreshadowing of the character of Jacques de Edelsberg and the embellishment of time and space confusion are much better.
This version corrects almost all the previous shortcomings.
"We plan to release it globally in April." Marcin asked, "Do you have any instructions regarding the promotion before then?"
Because the promotion of "Fallout 3" is a classic.
Lin Xiao: "This time, the major gaming media should be objective, right?"
Marcin: “I will be objective, even very objective.”
Lin Xiao: "Using Internet video websites as the focus of publicity means editing and replaying the exciting scenes in the game, especially the erotic parts."
Back then, "Cyberpunk 2077" relied on this trick to attract countless players around the world to play the game.
This time, the gimmick is even greater.
A 3A masterpiece with such good graphics can feature several girls, all of them exposed.
This is something so pornographic, you must have never seen it before, this is probably the first time in the gaming industry.
Let "The Witcher" be awesome in advance! ……………………………………
After the data of "Kung Fu Panda" earning 290 million yuan in domestic box office in its first week came out, the entire market was completely silent.
And then...it was carnival.
Because everyone knows what this means.
Another milestone in Chinese cinema has arrived.
A new box office miracle is about to appear.
How high it can reach is up to the audience.
Moreover, it is a cartoon, so it can be enjoyed by the whole family.
In the past, the main audiences in the Chinese film market were white-collar workers in big cities, followed by college students.
This time a new group of people appeared, parents came in with their children.
Everyone seemed to have tacitly started a box office charge.
This charge lasted until around January 31st, because the Chinese New Year was just a few days away.
The domestic box office success of "Kung Fu Panda" is basically a foregone conclusion.
RMB 890 million.
This... is already an astronomical figure.
It doubled the box office record set by "The Last Days" three years ago.
Even without counting the box office revenue after 2008, the Chinese movie box office in 2007 alone exceeded 4.3 billion.
Compared with history, the market capacity has increased by nearly 1 billion.
Thanks to Lin Xiao's efforts, the Chinese box office market increased by 30%, and the box office ceiling of a single movie increased to three times the original record.
The film industry was almost completely speechless by this data.
Whether it is the Beijing circle or the Hong Kong circle, they were shocked to find out.
The Chinese film market is so big? Even if calculated in US dollars, the box office can reach over 100 million US dollars? But when Lin Xiao saw this data, he sighed softly in his heart.
Originally, he thought it could exceed 10 billion!
Can create even more brilliant miracles.
It seems incredible, the highest box office record soared from more than 400 million to about 900 million, are you still not satisfied? It is unimaginable.
In fact, in 2009 alone, Avatar was released! Then, the domestic box office soared to 1.4 billion! Lin Xiao could even feel that if he had the reputation at his peak, the box office of Kung Fu Panda would be even higher, and would definitely exceed 1 billion, or even higher.
But... this number is enough.
At this point, the North American box office has already been decided.
"Kung Fu Panda" grossed $330 million in North America.
This number shocked Lin Xiao.
It is about 120 million US dollars higher than the historical level.
He doesn't even know where the box office revenue came from?
The movie is indeed more exciting and thrilling than the historical version, and the images are also more magnificent.
But...that was the processing Lin Xiao did to please the Chinese market.
As a result, North America seemed to be his home ground.
The $120 million more than in history, after conversion, was exactly the total domestic box office, which made him a little confused.
Then this scene appeared: The Hunger Games ranked first in the North American annual box office rankings, Spider-Man 3 ranked second, and Kung Fu Panda ranked third.
Among the top three, two are works by Dream Vision.
Historically, Kung Fu Panda's global box office was $632 million.
In this world, because of the increase in the Chinese market and the increase in the American market, there was an additional 120 million US dollars.
Even the box office in the Japanese and Korean markets are much higher than in history.
In the end, "Kung Fu Panda" grossed $910 million worldwide.
Not only did it surpass the $730 million of "The Hunger Games", but it also ranked second in the global box office rankings.
Sony, what a winner.
Its animation map had a dream start.
but……
Lin Xiao’s reputation in the country has still not returned.
I just don’t know why.
Although many people went to the cinema to support "Kung Fu Panda" and it achieved unprecedented box office success, they also knew that it was the work of Master Ergou.
But... this sentiment still did not arise among countless people.
The banner of the reputation of the Ergou Sect Leader has not yet been raised.
It is just that it is no longer like before, when someone discredits him or slanders him, countless fans will rush away like a tide.
That kind of crushing situation, that kind of unstoppable momentum, still has not appeared.
There was no feeling of having thousands of troops standing behind him, fighting for him.
……………………………………
Before we knew it, 2008 had arrived.
At this time, the CCTV Spring Festival Gala program team once again invited Lin Xiao.
Because in everyone's opinion, it was time for Lin Xiao to return.
Back into the public eye.
"Kung Fu Panda" is a trendsetter and is very successful.
Not only did it bring Lightning Entertainment back to its peak, but it also doubled the box office ceiling of Chinese films.
Such a great success is enough to make you come back.
And this year is different!
2008 was not only the year of the Beijing Olympics, but also a milestone in the rise of China, ushering in a new dream era.
Therefore, CCTV Spring Festival Gala is his best opportunity.
Reappear with great honor and halo.
However, Lin Xiao still refused.
He arrived at the X Research Institute in the middle of the night. The lights were still on and hundreds of people were still working overtime.
He went straight to Wu Di's office.
This handsome guy is no longer handsome, his face is covered with beard.
It’s not that I don’t have time to shave, but I just let it grow involuntarily.
He truly found his life back.
He has already left the operating system development department, and this chief scientist has been designing a new generation of chips since a few months ago.
Because he thinks this is more difficult and challenging.
"What are you looking at?" Wu Di suddenly asked.
Lin Xiao didn't say anything.
Wu Di: "What the hell are you looking at?"
Damn, as this guy becomes more and more awesome, his temper becomes more and more irritable.
Then, he just grabbed the Coke next to him and drank it.
Lin Xiao looked at his slightly fat upper body and couldn't help but say, "Drink less Coke."
Wu Di: "Bullshit, using your brain a lot is just to replenish sugar."
Then, he suddenly raised his head and said to Lin Xiao: "I know what you are thinking? Don't even think about it!"
Lin Xiao sneered, "You are not a worm in my stomach, how can you know what I am thinking?" Wu Di: "Don't you just want me to replace you in the future and release the quantum phone? Impossible!"
"Maybe the third or fourth generation, I can take your place and conduct this press conference."
“But do you know what the first generation of quantum phones means?”
"It means you are declaring war on Google and Microsoft!"
“It means the beginning of the domestic mobile Internet revolution.”
"You must have this King's Return!"
"Aren't you just arrogant at heart? Do you think you still haven't restored your reputation?"
"Does it matter? Does it matter?"
“We only do cool things. We only do awesome things.”
"As for the others, let them die."
"You taught me this, genius!"
Then Wu Di said slowly: "Lin Xiao, you are our leader. This king's return is not only what you need, but also what we need."
"Would you like me to do a Roosevelt stand-up for you?"
Roosevelt was also paralyzed from the waist down. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he stood up from his wheelchair to express his determination to fight Japan to the world.
Lin Xiao: “Get lost!”
Then he looked at his watch. It was already half past three in the morning.
"Okay, you should go to bed." Lin Xiao: "Your mother has called me several times and asked me to supervise you and make sure you don't stay up all night. Also... she asked me to tell you not to ignore her calls."
Then he walked forward and pushed the wheelchair to take him back to the room.
At this moment, Lin Xiao's cell phone suddenly rang.
Lin Xiao glanced at Wu Di, then was about to go out to answer the phone, when Wu Lingxi's voice came from the phone.
"Dog, are you serious about what you said before?"
"Whether you are serious or not, I am officially informing you."
"You fly to the United States and spend the Spring Festival with me."
"I am ready."
“Even the date has been calculated.”
……………………
Note: I have to go on a long trip tomorrow morning, so I will seize every opportunity to write! For those who have monthly tickets, please continue to give me support and give me strength, thank you!
(End of this chapter)
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