In the office, Li Tang, Zeng Jia and Yu Dong were sitting and looking at each other.
Originally, today was supposed to be the premiere day of "The Surprise", but "The Surprise" had no choice but to be withdrawn just a few days ago.
In fact, Li Tang felt quite self-blame when talking about this incident. After all, he knew about the epidemic that was getting worse now, but he didn't pay attention to it from the beginning.
In his previous life in the United States, he was not affected by the epidemic, and it did not last long. In addition, he was still in middle school at the time, so he did not have a deep understanding of it, and even his memory was a bit blurry.
To put it bluntly, it means that you can’t empathize with things if they haven’t happened to you.
Every few years, an epidemic occurs on this earth, such as the Zika virus in Brazil, Ebola in Africa, and so on. However, these epidemics are far away from your living environment and occur on the other side of the world. You cannot understand the difficult situation of local people at all, and it is even easy to forget them as time goes by.
Unless it happens to you and you have experienced it personally, such as the more than two-year epidemic he experienced before traveling through time. The epidemic directly led to the depression of Broadway, which gave him the idea of returning to his home country for development. Unfortunately, before he could make the trip, he was shot by the unethical Zero Yuan Nico. But at the same time, the proliferation of zero-dollar purchases in the United States at that time was not the economic depression caused by the epidemic.
He did not expect that the situation in Beijing would be so serious this time, because before it was only serious in the South, Hong Kong, Bay and Southeast Asia. At the beginning, there was always some luck, especially since the May Day Golden Week implemented this year is coming soon. In addition, the government has always emphasized stability and there has been no large-scale shutdown of production.
But even so, the people are afraid and stay at home and dare not go out. Even if your cinema is open as usual, who dares to go to the cinema to watch movies now. Not to mention Li Wei who plays Zhu Bajie, even Uncle Ge is not good at it.
So when he received a call from Zeng Jia, he immediately agreed to withdraw the film. As soon as the script reading was over, he immediately returned to the company to discuss follow-up matters with Yu Dong.
Among the three, Yu Dong was the most depressed. Although there was no guarantee for "Surprise Victory" this time, Bona's early investment in publicity was all in vain.
This is not the worst part. The worst thing is that Bona’s focus in the past two years has been on the business of distributing and distributing Hong Kong films for release in the mainland. During the Golden Week in May, including the following summer releases, he has a backlog of several films. . Now the May Day prime time slot is definitely out of the question. If it extends to the summer time slot, then he may be left with one path to bankruptcy.
In contrast, Shengtang Film and Television is not under so much pressure. Although the withdrawal of "Surprise" disrupted the company's work plan, it has a limited impact on the overall situation. Not to mention that the two films invested by the company were both shortlisted for Cannes and could make a fortune. More importantly, the film "Conquest" acquired from Gao Qunshu last year sold extremely well.
Especially now that everyone is staying at home, the demand for TV series has become strong. "Conquest" has been broadcast on major TV stations since the beginning of this year, and has received quite good ratings and response. At the same time, the starring role in the drama, Gong Li's former mistress, has also become famous. It is said that he is now being asked to film TV series to play gangsters and bosses, and his salary is even more than 1,000 yuan when he was filming "Conquer". One episode, it rose to a staggering 80,000 per episode.
Just kidding, Li Tang’s current TV drama salary is only 100,000 per episode!
But no matter what, the biggest winner from the popularity of "Conquer" is Tang Dynasty Film and Television. It is estimated that the drama "Conquer" will bring more than 10 million in revenue to the company this year. And if a TV station wants to continue broadcasting it in the future, it will continue to bring benefits to the company.
Li Tang hasn't seen or contacted Gao Qunshu for a long time. He heard that Lao Gao is currently filming an anti-corruption drama in Chongqing. The popularity of "Conquest" also made him famous as a director. However, thinking back to the fact that he originally sold this drama to Shengtang Film and Television for a mere price of more than 4 million to less than 5 million, Lao Gao wonders if he will Crying faintly in the toilet.
"I think so, just to be on the safe side, we'd better postpone it until the National Day season." Li Tang said first.
As the saying goes, one learns from one's mistakes. Even if the virus disappears as soon as the weather warms up in one's past life memory, there will still be a delayed effect for the public. Even if the virus disappears, you still have to adapt slowly before you can get back on track with your life.
"The National Day schedule will be the National Day schedule, but let me make it clear first that there are many films that have been withdrawn this time, and they may all be released in the National Day schedule. Then the competition will be quite big." Yu Dong said with a grimace.
Rather than worrying about "Surprise", he is actually more worried about the few Hong Kong films that he has already signed agency distribution contracts for. Just like the first agency release of "Legend of Tianmai" last year, he has already spent the money first. If the box office is not satisfactory, he will lose all his money.
Li Tang glanced at Zeng Jia, who was asking for his opinion with his eyes, shook his head and said, "The competition is fierce, so be it. You can't wait until the end of the year to compete with Feng Xiaogang's New Year's comedy, right?"
Fung's Lunar New Year comedies have now formed a brand. If a movie of the stature and scale of "The Surprise" competes with Feng Xiaogang's "Mobile Phone", which is also a comedy, I'm afraid it will be crushed to pieces by then. Don’t forget, movie box office competition is always winner-take-all.
Zeng Jia nodded in agreement at this time: "I think it can only be done during the National Day. Then we can add part of the publicity expenses."
After all, Bona cannot let Bona lose the expenses incurred during this period in vain, and the cooperation between the two companies has been quite pleasant so far.
Although this little money is nothing more than a mosquito bite to Yu Dong now, it is still a help in times of need. He quickly thanked him and said: "Thank you, Teacher Li, thank you, Mr. Zeng."
Li Tang waved his hand: "You're welcome."
Then he pondered for a moment and then said: "If you really have difficulties here and need help, just ask."
He was quite sympathetic to Yu Dong's situation, but he was more concerned about Mr. Han behind Yu Dong. With Mr. Han's support, no matter how difficult Bona encountered, there would most likely be no problems, and In the future, as the domestic box office market picks up momentum, Bona will surely achieve great things. It's better to take advantage of the current situation when people are in trouble and help them to the end and form a good relationship.
Doing business means having many friends and few enemies.
Sure enough, when Yu Dong heard this, his eyes widened immediately. First he looked surprised, and then his face was full of gratitude. He stood up from the sofa, clasped his hands and said sincerely: "Teacher Li, I won't say thank you. I To be honest with you, if I can get over this summer holiday, I guess it won’t be a big problem, but if I can’t, I may really have to ask you and Mr. Zeng for help, and I hope to be able to lend a helping hand then.”
At this time, Li Tang and Zeng Jia also stood up. When Li Tang said these words, Zeng Jia had a strange look in her eyes. At this time, she immediately jumped in front of Li Tang and smiled at Yu Dong: " Mr. Yu, don’t worry, our boss has just spoken, and we will definitely help whoever we can when the time comes.”
As she said that, she turned her head and made eye contact with Li Tang, and then said: "I'll give you the real deal here, uh... five million, within five million, it's definitely no problem."
When Yu Dong heard this, he was overjoyed and said quickly: "That's enough, that's enough. Teacher Li, Mr. Zeng, thank you for your kindness! No matter whether we, Bona, can pass the test this time, I understand your thoughts."
This is how it is in the business world. Sometimes the nice things you say sound better than the songs you sing, but when you really need help, you just push back. If what Li Tang said just now was just a promise, then what Zeng Jia added later basically sealed the matter.
Although five million is not enough to make up for his current hole, it is enough to help Bona tide over the difficulties.
Of course, while Li Tang valued Mr. Han's background behind Yu Dong, Zeng Jia valued Yu Dong's connections in the domestic distribution field more. Shengtang Film and Television is in the film and television industry, but it currently does not have the ability and qualifications for independent distribution, so it must have a reliable partner.
China Film Group is too big and may not necessarily take small Karami like them seriously, or in other words, when both parties cooperate, one side is naturally at a disadvantage. But Bona is different. We are all in the initial stage, so we can stay together and grow together. At this time, it is most appropriate to sell Bona a favor to win the other party's friendship.
"Okay, okay, sit down, don't be so sensational, okay? I haven't helped you yet. In fact, I really hope that I can't help you." Li Tang smiled and pressed his hands.
After sitting down again, Yu Dong no longer felt like he was mourning for his heir just now. At least Shengtang Film and Television had left him a way out. So after this guy breathed a sigh of relief, he started talking and laughing again.
However, he didn't sit there for long. After all, in these extraordinary times, the company still had a lot of things to do. After seeing that the atmosphere was about the same, he stood up and left.
After sending Yu Dong away, Li Tang and Zeng Jia looked at each other and couldn't help laughing at the same time. In fact, this matter was just a sudden thought of Li Tang. There was no communication beforehand, but it only took one look to understand what each other was thinking.
"Brother, when are you leaving?"
According to the original shooting plan, filming would start directly after the script reading was completed. However, the current tense situation in Beijing forced the crew to adjust the shooting plan. The parts originally planned to be shot in Beijing after filming could only be temporarily postponed. The crew flew to Ningxia in the northwest first. Filming scenes at Zhenbei Fort, Helan Mountain, Xixia Royal Tombs and Shahu Lake.
And unlike other martial arts dramas, more than 50% of the scenes may be shot in a studio. After all, this can save time and effort. However, director He Qun insisted on shooting in real locations, minimizing the traces of artificial construction in the studio, in order to maximize the artistic conception of the original work.
This kind of shooting method meant that the crew had to travel here and there, and the whole shooting process was very hard.
"I'll leave tomorrow. The flight will be to Yinchuan tomorrow afternoon. My departure time may be a bit long this time, and I'll have to work hard for you again." Li Tang smiled at Zeng Jia.
"Anyway, it's just as hard for me whether you're here or not." Zeng Jia said in a rare coquettish voice, looked at Li Tang and opened his mouth, but hesitated.
Li Tang saw this and asked, "What's wrong? Is there anything else I need to tell you?"
"Well……"
Zeng Jia hesitated and then said vaguely: "Now is a special period. Although there is no situation in Ningxia for the time being, but no matter what, you should take it easy when you go out."
"Don't worry, Yaoyao will be with you." Li Tang smiled without doubting his presence.
In fact, what Zeng Jia is more worried about is his relationship with Gao Yuanyuan.
Zeng Jia had long seen through his romantic nature and liked the new but never got tired of the old. Even a fool can tell that Gao Yuanyuan is interested in him. They all say that if a woman pursues a man's jacket, as long as the woman is willing to go out of her way, there is no man she can't win, not to mention that Gao Yuanyuan is so beautiful. If there is any gossip again on the set, it will be another troublesome matter.
Seeing that Li Tang was confused, Zeng Jia just smiled and said, "Be careful anyway."
She doesn't want to interfere in her boss's private life, nor does she want to get involved. Now that the company is booming, she enjoys her current working status. If the relationship between the two changes, it may not be easy to talk about in the future. Therefore, she is more willing to be the woman behind Li Tang, assisting him step by step towards success, and at the same time realizing her own ambitions. As for the rest...
She didn't dare to ask for anything too much now, so she could only leave everything to time.
Of course, she had to give Zhao Luoyao a few words, at least before the boss caused those gossips, she should take countermeasures in advance and not be caught off guard like last time.
…
"Hello, Teacher Mao Neng!"
In the hotel where the Yinchuan crew stayed, Li Tang met the singer Mao Nuan and another actor Xu Huanhuan who had arrived first.
The same two singers were hired by the Literary and Art Association Audio and Video Publishing House. Mao Nian is obviously much more famous than Sun Hao, and they have more than one masterpiece, such as "The Sound of the Waves Are Still", "Late Autumn", and " "Whisper from the Heart" and "Blue Night Blue Dream", which were co-produced by Sweet Song Girl, were all hits.
"Hello Li Tang, please take good care of me."
After all, this was his first cross-border film and television drama appearance, and Mao Neng acted very politely. However, compared to the first time he met Li Tang, he and Gao Yuanyuan were old acquaintances, and they immediately started chatting enthusiastically.
"Hello, Teacher Li!"
At this time, Xu Huanhuan also took the initiative to walk over and greet him.
"Oh, hello, Xu Huanhuan."
"You can just call me Huanhuan, everyone calls me that." Xu Huanhuan said gracefully.
Although it was their first meeting, they were both actors and had seen each other's performances on screen.
Speaking of which, everyone is familiar with it. Xu Huanhuan, Xiao Yanzi, Chen Kun, and Huang Xiaoming are all classmates. Speaking of which, this girl became famous relatively early. She was once a main actress in the hit drama "Three Images". In just two years, she now plays a small supporting role in "The Shadow", which seems a bit incredible.
(End of chapter)
