Chapter 244: A $150 Million Blockbuster
At 10 a.m., in the bright hall of the museum, Jiahe Chairman Zou Wenhuai and Chen Lin jointly unveiled the bronze plaque with the words "Huang Hong Kong Museum" covered with red cloth.
It took a year and cost 500 million Hong Kong dollars. It was the largest film museum in Asia and the only film museum in Hong Kong.
At the following press conference, Jiahe and Yuhuang Entertainment announced the news of an explosive surname - starting from the beginning of Yuhuang Entertainment's official acquisition of Jiahe Movie.
Although the reporters and guests who watched the ceremony understood that Jiahe would close sooner or later, they were shocked and sighed when this day really came.
Jiahe was founded in 1970 by Zou Wenhuai, He Guanchang and Liang Feng. It is one of the most influential film distribution companies in Hong Kong's films during its prosperous era. It has cultivated internationally influential film superstars such as Bruce Lee, Chen Long, and Zhang Manyu, and wrote a brilliant chapter for Hong Kong films.
Today, Jiahe re-sells Yuhuang Entertainment. The two companies merged and renamed Yuhuang Jiahe (Group) Film Co., Ltd., ending a legend in Xiangjiang.
The reporters asked questions excitedly.
"Old Zou, why did you think of transferring Jiahe?"
"Thank you for watching me," Zou Wenhuai sighed: "There are talents in the generation of the country. Mr. Chen Lin is young and promising, and has the style of my back then. Haha~~ I am old, I feel relieved to hand over Jiahe to Mr. Chen Lin."
"Mr. Chen, can you say a few thoughts?" Ming Pao reporter asked Chen Lin a question.
"I have a lot of thoughts, and I don't know where to start for a while." Chen Lin's expression seemed to be recalling: "I remember that year was 1985, I was only 8 years old, and my family had the first TV. I remember very clearly that I didn't want to eat that night, so I stayed in front of the TV and watched the first movie in my life, Mr. Bruce Lee's "Jingwumen".
"Since then, Hong Kong movies have never left my life. In my world, there was no network in the 1980s and 1990s, and there was no colorful entertainment like now. Only Hong Kong movies are accompanied by it."
"At that time, almost all Hong Kong movies I've watched would have the word "Jiahe" at the beginning. At the beginning, I didn't know what these two words mean, I just knew that it should be very awesome, otherwise why would it appear on all the videos I've watched?"
"Later, when I went to college, I realized that Jiahe was the largest film company in Hong Kong. From then on, the word "Jiahe" left a deep mark in my heart. When one day I had the ability to make a movie, suddenly the two words "Jiahe" buried in my heart popped up. A voice in the dark said to me, what should I do?"
"In 1999, I met Mr. Zou, and suddenly I understood what I was going to do. I thought I wanted the word "Jiahe" to continue to appear at the beginning of all movies. I hope my next generation will also have the mark of these two words in my heart."
"This is my thanks at this moment. I'm done. Thank you everyone, thank you Mr. Zou." Chen Lin bowed to the reporters and Mr. Zou while speaking, but was not grateful.
"Good words." Some guests couldn't help but applaud Chen Lin's sincere feelings. Chen Lin hoped to continue the glory of Jiahe. His confession won thunderous applause.
Next, Chen Lin introduced the other two important directors of Yuhuang Jiahe Film Company, namely Liu Dehua and Chen Long.
When people watching this scene, they all have the possibility of Jiahe making a comeback. If Chen Long alone cannot save Jiahe, then plus a superstar Liu Dehua? It is not enough. Add to a young richest man in the mainland who keeps creating miracles?
"Dear guests and friends from journalists." At this time, Liu Dehua took a step forward and read out the 10 billion movie plan on behalf of the new company: "I know you really want to know what this so-called "10 billion movie" plan is. Let me explain it to you below."
"The 10 billion movie means that we will invest a total of 10 billion yuan in the five years from 2001 to 2005, filming 10 international blockbusters, 10 domestic blockbusters, and a new Asian star guide plan."
"What is an international blockbuster? The standard is to align with Hollywood. The investment in each of the 10 films is no less than $100 million."
As soon as Liu Dehua said this, everyone was in an uproar. His hand was so big that it was unbelievable that the reporters wanted to ask questions. "Please be careful, please be calm. When I finish speaking, I will naturally give you a chance to ask questions." Liu Dehua comforted the restless reporter and continued to say.
"The investment for each of the 10 domestic blockbusters is no less than 50 million yuan. I want to say a few more words to the last Asian new star guide plan."
"Everyone knows that there are many excellent new directors who don't have the opportunity to show their talents. After all, they are newcomers, no box office influence, appeal, and commercial value. Investors and bosses are unwilling to invest money on them, for fear of not having money to make money. And our "new Asian star director" is here to support these new directors, give them funds to shoot, give their film production team, let them make more excellent movies, and make the Chinese film market more prosperous."
"We will select 10 young directors from Chinese around the world, and give each director no less than 5 million to 0 million filming funds to support them. In addition, we will also customize all-round and distinctive learning plans for these 10 directors. For example, you can participate in international blockbusters and participate in Hollywood's top teams. Our goal is not only to cultivate excellent domestic film directors, but also to cultivate directors with international standards."
After hearing the "Asian New Star Director Plan", the reporters immediately remembered the "1.2 billion star-making plan" under the Jade Emperor. It seems that Jade Emperor Entertainment still likes to cultivate newcomers as always, from artists to directors.
Moreover, from the previous style of Jade Emperor Entertainment, this plan should be real. It turns out that the 1.2 billion star-making plan that some people think is a gimmick is actually real. Jade Emperor Company has really invested huge resources.
The reporters were thinking that this new Asian star director plan might attract all new directors.
"Andy Lau, please tell me whether you can specifically disclose your company's filming plan this year? Is it so difficult that you plan to enter the international market this year?" A reporter from Phoenix TV News Channel snatched the opportunity to ask a question.
"In February, after the Spring Festival, the first Mandarin blockbuster in Jade Emperor Jiahe, starring Brother Chen Long, will officially start filming." The reporter was not surprised by the news that Liu Dehua said. They had known that "The Secret City" has repeatedly delayed its shooting plan due to financial issues. Now that the new owner has money, he will naturally have to shoot it.
"This reporter mentioned whether we plan to enter the international market this year. My answer is yes. Originally, this is the company's secret, but you will know in two months. I will reveal it to everyone in advance." Liu Dehua smiled mysteriously and said: "In March, Jade Emperor Jiahe will shoot the first large-scale magic blockbuster, with a total investment of US$150 million."
150 million US dollars, isn’t it 150 million RMB? Everyone thought they heard it wrong.
"You are right that it's $150 million, and $1.2 billion."
"1.2 billion yuan?" A reporter suddenly jumped out and said excitedly: "Andy Lau, what you said is incredible. The total box office of domestic films last year was only about 1 billion. I really doubt that a 1.2 billion movie can make a profit?"
"Haha, I don't believe it either." Liu Dehua smiled softly: "But I just said that the film is aimed at the global market, so even if it is 1.2 billion, it is still possible to make money as long as the film is excellent. Hollywood's current blockbuster investment has exceeded the threshold of 100 million US dollars. In other people's eyes, 150 million is an acceptable number."
"Andy Lau, do you mean that your film is based on Hollywood?"
"Of course, otherwise do you think $150 million is a joke? I will reveal that the film has invited top Hollywood directors and top special effects teams to join."
Wow—Many reporters couldn't help but feel excited when they heard this, but they still questioned: "I want to ask where your confidence comes from with such a huge investment?"
"Well--" Liu Dehua looked at Chen Lin, who was still alive next to him, and smiled: "To be honest, I asked the same question at the beginning. Our boss, Mr. Chen Lin, answered this way: 'I have never lacked confidence. Besides, it's nothing great if I lose money. All I have left now is money. I'm really not interested in films that invest tens of millions of dollars. If you want to shoot blockbusters like Hollywood, I feel uncomfortable if I don't spend billions of dollars."
"Really, this is his original words. Since the boss doesn't care about money, I have nothing to say, so I will accompany him to crazy."
"Fuck--" A reporter couldn't help but swear: "I understand what the concept of the richest man in the mainland is. I don't take it seriously with the combined 100 billion?"
"I'm convinced, I'll worship you."
The reporters were amazed, looking at their courage and work, either they would not make movies, but they would have to spend about 1 billion yuan on one shot.
"Andy Lau, don't be too fucked. I can't help but wonder, what is your first magic blockbuster? You should be able to reveal the title." At this time, Zeng Zhiwei, among the guests, couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Brother Zhiwei, I don't want to fill you up, but the boss said that it is strictly forbidden to leak important information, including the title of the movie. Sorry, please wait patiently, and you will naturally let everyone know in March."
"Okay, friends, I have set up a banquet in the hotel in front. Please let everyone go over and let the press conference end here." Chen Lin did not allow everyone to ask questions again, and asked the press conference to announce that it had ended.
Seeing this, the reporters knew that they could not find any more news, so they had to give up regretfully and move to the hotel.
Chen Lin invited Mr. Zou and the two directors to go to the hotel together.
Chapter completed!