Chapter 29 Negotiate
Early the next morning, Xie Changhua went to the Peninsula Hotel 30 minutes early. Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the door, he was called over by Miss Fang's secretary.
"Miss Fang, I didn't expect you to come earlier than me." Xie Changhua greeted politely.
"Haha, Ah Hua, it's not that I'm early. I usually take the time to come here and sit here. If I meet the right person, I will invite him to film. It's because you are early." Fang Yihua is obviously very satisfied with Xie Changhua's attitude of attending the appointment in advance.
, said with a smile: "You should come here more often in the future. To be a director, it's definitely not enough to work alone. It's good to come here and get to know more people. You see, as soon as you sit down, someone will look over to you."
The more you come, the more friends you will have."
Since a group of filmmakers such as Run Run Shaw and Li Hanxiang developed the habit of having afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel, it has replaced the Hong Kong Hotel and become a new gathering place for filmmakers, relying on connections to find producers who are sponsors and directors.
There are many actors and actresses introduced and big stars coming to show off, and speculators are keeping a close eye on the important visitors.
"Miss Fang is joking. I have been here a few times. If I hadn't sat with you today, no one would have looked over." Xie Changhua deliberately turned his head to look at the people around him, revealed his face, and said with a smile.
It would be an idiot not to take advantage of it. Regardless of whether Fang Yihua is here to beat her or has other plans, using her reputation to show her face will attract the attention of some caring people.
"Ahua, you are too humble. When your new movie is released, no matter how well you disguise yourself, these people will recognize you." Fang Yihua took a sip of coffee and smiled.
She put down the cup and said: "This is the second time we have sat down and talked. I hope I won't come back in vain today."
"I don't think so." Xie Changhua picked up the spoon and stirred the coffee that was just served, thought for a while and raised his head.
"I hope so." She stretched out her hand and waved away the secretary beside her: "Ahua, let me ask you a question, why are the martial arts movies we make becoming more and more unpopular?"
Xie Changhua thought for a while, put down his spoon and said: "Miss Fang is joking, it's not that martial arts movies are unpopular anymore, but they need to be repackaged. Audiences who watch too many movies of the same format will have epiglottis, even if they have been passed down for hundreds of
Not many people watch the classic dramas of 2008, let alone the martial arts films that have just started, so we need to change to cater to the audience."
"Change, packaging." She thought for a while and said: "I also understand this. We all know that we are going to make a comedy martial arts film. Brother Six recently invited Jackie Chan here for dinner, even though we offered 5 million and wanted to use it.
We signed him at a higher price than Jiahe, but he still went to Jiahe. Tell me, why is he not optimistic about us?"
Of course you are too picky... Although Xie Changhua knew it in his heart and Fang Yihua himself knew it, neither of them would mention it, not to mention he didn't think Miss Fang was really asking for his opinion.
"It's not a comedy martial arts movie, it's a fashion action movie." Xie Changhua immediately shook his head and changed the topic.
"Fashion action movie?"
"Yes, life is changing day by day. It changes too fast. The tastes of the audience are becoming more and more complex. If you want to be a hit, you have to satisfy them. The reason why comedy films are a hit is because it can make people laugh.
It makes people happy, and more importantly, it makes people unconsciously bring it into their own real life for comparison, which resonates. If martial arts films want to be successful now, they must either add comedy elements to make people happy, or they must bring it into reality.
The plot must be realistic and the fighting must be good-looking, so it will definitely sell well. When we move the background from ancient times to modern times, the audience will have a sense of involvement. There are too many martial arts movies, which are too far away from modern society, so the box office
It’s getting worse and worse, that’s inevitable.”
"Move to modern times!" She sat up straight and thought seriously: "I understand what you mean. I will carefully consider what you said when I get back."
"Miss Fang, believe me, fashion action movies will definitely dominate the world in two years." Xie Changhua took a sip of coffee and said.
She frowned and asked: "I understand, Ah Hua, according to your understanding, your next film will be a fashion action film?"
"No, I still plan to make a traditional martial arts film. Filming on the streets requires too much, and they don't help with road closures. They have to apply for venues in advance, and there are many people watching. I haven't been exposed to it yet. I will talk about it after I understand more about it.
"Xie Changhua explained immediately.
"This is not a problem. I think your analysis is right. If you have an idea, you should do it immediately. The opportunity is fleeting. If you want to make a fashion action film for your next film, let me know if you need to. I will support you.
." Xie Changhua originally wanted to ask her to clear the way first, so that he could learn from his experience and avoid taking the wrong path, but he didn't expect that she actually wanted him to clear the way first.
Xie Changhua forced a smile: "What a coincidence, Miss Fang, I already have an idea for the next film. I have been thinking about it for a long time. When I finish filming this one, I will definitely film this category. It will definitely be indispensable by then.
Looking for your help!"
"I didn't expect that you would already have new ideas before the film was released. Changhua, I think you are a talented person with ideals and vision, so this time I want to spend money to participate in the production of your film. I wonder if you agree.
Agree?" she said immediately.
Xie Changhua looked at her for a while, gritted his teeth, and hesitated: "Miss Fang, if you want to invest in me, it's no problem. With your participation, I don't even have to worry about theaters. But I can make movies as I please. You
You should have listened to what the two of them said. When I make a movie, I waste a lot of film. I will change the scene at any time. I know your rules. If we don't get along, please stop thinking about it. I don't want to end up in trouble.
It’s unpleasant.”
"I know, but this is my personal investment and has nothing to do with the company. I am very disciplined and will abide by the company's rules myself. I will not have any privileges. But you do not belong to the company and I have no control over you.
"Yes." She smiled and said: "I'm just a pure investment. You have the final say in filming. As long as you don't make false accounts, I don't care about you."
"If you have any opinions, you can put them forward. If there is no problem, we can sign the contract as soon as possible."
It doesn't matter what you say. This is simply lying. Xie Changhua bit his lip: "You have said so. Of course I welcome it, but I have to sign a contract with you. You are not allowed to interfere with me during the filming. Everyone is welcome."
If you want to listen to me, I still need some necessary help from Shaw Brothers. If you violate the regulations, I have the right to make you withdraw your investment, and you have to ensure that I can go to theaters!"
"No problem, I will abide by the agreement, but I have to contribute half of the capital and half of the profits."
"Okay, the last condition is that I must ensure that the copyright is my own!"
"Ahua, there is no such thing as doing business. If I pay half of the money, I can get half of the copyright." She smiled.
"Miss Fang, I can repay it with other things, such as choosing someone from Shaw Brothers for the male lead."
"Not enough!" She smiled brighter.
"I will cast Shaw Brothers for both male leads. I can also consider Shaw Brothers for other supporting roles. I can also hand over the distribution rights of Nanyang to you. This is my final bottom line!" Xie Changhua thought for a while and stared at her.
Say it decisively.
Seeing Xie Changhua's firm expression, she tapped her fingers on the table and said after a while: "I can promise you, but I also have conditions. I want all the distribution rights, and if you fail this time, you have to replace me within three years."
If you make two films, you won’t be allowed to film for Jiahe within three years; if you succeed, you won’t be allowed to film for Jiahe within one year!”
It turns out that this is your idea... Xie Changhua thought for a while and said: "Except for the first condition, I can agree. Miss Fang, you are investing privately this time. Investment is about making money. You don't have to think about Shaw Brothers!
"
"I said I want them all, and the price will be fair. Ah Hua, you can't beat the hospital business alone. It's enough for you to bear the low price offered by others, and I won't let you suffer.
I will fully cooperate with you to promote your two films!" She solemnly advised; "You have to become famous as early as possible. This is beneficial to all of us. Why should you refuse? If you go to Jiahe to cooperate, you may not be able to make money.
Even if you succeed once, no one knows the result next time. Moreover, Jiahe will definitely praise its own people and leave good schedules to their own people, either Jackie Chan who has just signed a contract or Sanmao and others. For example, from
John Woo in the past of Shaw Brothers, even if you sign a contract, you have to fight for it. Can you compete for other people's favors? That's not necessarily the case here. If you are good, then you will be ranked the best. You think about it."
After saying that, she held the coffee in both hands and stopped talking.
"Okay, but I don't understand why you value me so much?" After a long silence, Xie Changhua finally compromised, because Jiahe's overseas income has always been a trap.
"On the one hand, you have a vision, and on the other hand, Shaw Brothers are too old now. Also, if there is any opportunity to cause some trouble to others, why don't I do it? The Shaw Brothers that Sixth Brother entrusted to me must not let me fail.
, I have confidence in your vision, do you have it?"
That means using me as cannon fodder for experiments... Xie Changhua smiled: "Who knows about this kind of thing? You have to give it a try, Miss Fang. As far as I know, if you don't shift your focus to TVB, Shaw Brothers
It may not necessarily decline, don’t you think what you are doing now is strange?”
"We have not given up completely. You have to know that we have been working hard, otherwise we would not have tried in Hollywood several times. We have the ability to do both, so why not do it together. People have no choice but to make movies.
, As for what you know about reducing film costs, I don’t want to explain it. You will understand it yourself when you become the boss of a company.”
Xie Changhua forced a smile: "What you said makes sense, I understand. Let's sign the contract when we have some time."
It is true that Jiahe still cannot compare with Shaw Brothers. Not only does he have a title, but his network of contacts is not on the same level. Ever since Run Run Shaw made his achievements, he has been drinking tea, chatting and exchanging feelings with the upper class people every day. How can this successful man still be like this?
Chapter completed!