Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years
Chapter 194 - 191 None of Them are Good (Requesting Monthly Votes)

Chapter 194: Chapter 191 None of Them are Good (Requesting Monthly Votes)

"Most of them are pretty much the same, Bern, Light, Little Bull Leaps... Although the movie market will grow, overly pursuing commercialism makes it difficult to produce good films."

Perhaps others are particularly looking forward to Penguin’s investment, but Qi Hao is not interested at all.

If Mrs. Hua is not on the same path as him, then Penguin isn’t either, and they can’t piss in the same pot.

Mrs. Hua is inhumane capital, while Penguin is even more so, with the difference being that the Wang Brothers are just stupid and bad, doing things like hippos shitting in mud while drinking water, whereas Penguin has developed well and looks down on low-level crimes.

But Qi Hao is a very simple filmmaker.

Besides making money and mingling in the industry to complete tasks, he seeks a sense of achievement and recognition.

Just like Jin Dazhou, whether or not he has the ability to become a master, he must have the heart of a master.

"What about Feiyang Media? You have no confidence in your own company?"

Sun Zhonghuai asked in surprise.

Several companies, big and small, were mentioned, but Feiyang Media was not one of them.

"Haha, that’s not it, mainly because I don’t lack money on my side, so I’m not chasing box office and stuff when making movies. From a commercial perspective, Feiyang Media is simply not worth mentioning."

Qi Hao’s reasoning is simple, leaving others with nothing to say.

I’m rich!

Yes, he is someone who doesn’t lack money.

With just Penguin stock, it’s worth 800 million, and there’s also Mrs. Hua, Apple. Although Maotai stock is not in hand yet, it’s already in the bag.

If he wants to make a movie, a small-budget one costing a few million to tens of millions can be made with just a task.

He can afford big-budget ones costing hundreds of millions too.

Of course, if he can make money, he definitely doesn’t want to lose money.

In that case, why invite a boss to come and manage himself?

Many companies acquired by Penguin have been stripped of their power, and the founding teams either stoop low or get forced into early retirement.

Financing is a double-edged sword.

Look at Sina; the founder Wang Zhidong’s shares were diluted from 30% to 3.8%, then he was dismissed from the CEO and board positions with one vote against and four in favor by the board.

Wang Zhidong, of course, was not convinced, held a press conference stating that he did not resign and questioned the legality of the Sina board.

He persistently went to work at Sina wearing the company’s uniform.

In the end, he was still kicked out of the company.

"That’s really a pity."

Sun Zhonghuai said this, but he wasn’t truly regretful.

Because he felt that Qi Hao’s mindset was wrong, not a normal business mindset.

A normal business mindset should be to integrate advantageous resources, expand the business scale, build industrial-scale effects, and enhance industry barriers...

After chatting for a while, they went to eat together.

Even if Penguin executives Ren Yuxin and Sun Zhonghuai were somewhat disappointed with Qi Hao and temporarily scrapped the plan for deep cooperation with him, it didn’t affect Qi Hao being a Penguin shareholder and also a CF spokesperson, arranging a dinner was inevitable.

When Qi Hao returned to the capital, his new company was already set up.

A film investment and production company, Zhonghao Film and Television Media.

In the future, this company will be the main investment body on Qi Hao’s side and will have a cooperative relationship with Gao Yang’s Feiyang Media.

As Gao Fei gradually grows, Qi Hao will gradually reduce his interference in Feiyang Media.

This is not about drawing lines.

Qi Hao and Gao Yang’s relationship won’t split just because Qi Hao’s wings have grown strong.

It’s mainly to train Gao Fei.

Gao Yang only has one daughter, leaving her tens of billions and a lot of family wealth in the future, just thinking about it feels worrisome.

At the beginning, he took out money for Qi Hao to help invest, so as not to put all his eggs in one basket.

But when he found out that Gao Fei was quite interested in this line of work, his idea turned into making Feiyang Media a grindstone for his daughter’s growth.

Gao Yang now is like an old man looking for his daughter to become a dragon.

Qi Hao, being wise, knows to let Gao Fei take on the responsibility early, which is more decent than waiting for Gao Yang to bring it up.

Besides, he’s about to have money.

Mrs. Hua has already set the IPO for October, when he will have at least around a billion in funds.

It might not be enough to invest in several entire films, but investing a small percentage in each film means the money goes a long way.

There’s also a Donghao Venture Capital Management Company, which is Qi Hao’s personal investment management company, focusing on global investment projects.

This investment company currently holds shares in companies like Penguin, Mrs. Hua, Apple, Feiyang Media, and Qi Hao Studio.

Of course, it also depends on whether Tongzi is powerful enough.

If he’s powerful enough, the investment projects will increase crazily, maybe Qi Feite will truly live up to the name.

Task, task, it has to be tackled.

The Qi Hao now is no longer the hesitant Qi Hao he was at the beginning.

He is now very docile and proactive.

The action film project over in Xiangjiang, Qi Hao trusted Ye Weimin to help him. Ye Weimin is the closest connection Qi Hao has over there.

Ye Weimin is also a seasoned player, nothing in the industry escapes him.

Hong Kong films started producing over 200 films annually in the early 1990s. Zhou Xingxing alone was involved in 11 movies in 1990, but now the Xiangjiang film market isn’t doing well; in the late 1990s, the output fell by more than half.

According to Manfred Wong’s column in the Southern Metropolis Daily last year, Xiangjiang’s film annual production has been around fifty films in recent years.

So, whatever films are in preparation, you can easily find out with a bit of inquiry.

Ye Weimin is determined to hold tight to Qi Hao’s leg, and specifically listed a bunch of films for Qi Hao, all of which are action films that Qi Hao required.

"Fist of Fury: Chen Zhen!"

Qi Hao’s eyes lit up instantly. If we’re talking about films related to Chen Zhen, you can’t help but mention Bruce Lee’s Martial Arts Sect or Li Lianjie’s Martial Arts Hero.

"Investment over a hundred million, directed by Liu Weiqiang, screenplay by Chen Jia Shang and Zhang Zhicheng..."

Ye Weimin shared the information he had gathered.

"Is there a candidate for Chen Zhen?" Qi Hao asked.

If he acts, he would definitely play Chen Zhen.

Liu Weiqiang is the director of Infernal Affairs, Chen Jia Shang, not to mention, is the Chairman of the Golden Image Award, Martial Arts Champion Su Qie’Er, Painted Skin are among his famous works, Zhang Zhicheng is also the screenwriter of Seven Swords.

There’s a distinct sense of the Hong Kong film circle coming together to save Hong Kong films once more.

Could this be another Infernal Affairs?

It’s just uncertain if they’ll cast from the mainland.

"Currently in contact with Zhen Zidan, Light is the main investor. If you want to compete, there’s a chance." Ye Weimin paused and added, "But personally I suggest you best not touch this film because the overall production team is lousy, with the money being taken away by a few people in plain sight."

"Damn!"

Qi Hao’s heart fell into a cold pit.

Thanks to having someone like Ye Weimin, otherwise, he wouldn’t have discovered the hidden issues.

It’s likely even the main contributor, Light, is left in the dark.

In such a broken place like Xiangjiang, a film with over a hundred million investment is a death wish, and no one knows how it died.

"I would also advise against Su Qie’Er. It’s directed by Yuan Heping, who is top-notch as a martial arts director, but a bit lacking as a director. What’s more, this Su Qie’Er is a remake of the 1993 version."

For such an industry master, Ye Weimin doesn’t easily criticize.

But now he’s conspiring with Qi Hao, there’s no need to fear Yuan Heping, it’s clear whose leg needs embracing.

"Haha, you’re right!"

Qi Hao also feels Yuan Heping isn’t reliable as a director.

These days, people can switch to directing from any industry, but few truly talented like himself make a successful move.

Actually, some of Yuan Heping’s directed films aren’t bad.

Like the Drunken Fist series, Tai Chi Master Zhang Sanfeng, Young Huang Feihong: Iron Monkey, and Wu Jing’s Tai Chi Grandmaster, Jiao Enjun’s Xiao Li Flying Dagger, etc.

"Massacre, Yip Man: The Legend Is Born, and Bruce Lee, My Brother are all rather mediocre. Fire Dragon Showdown and informant have their own characteristics. Both films are by Lin Chaoshan, who also wrote the screenplay with Wu Weilun, but if you ask which one is better, I’d probably recommend informant. Additionally, Fire Dragon Showdown is about to start filming, and the casting is almost done."

Ye Weimin genuinely planned for Qi Hao.

"What about informant, what’s the situation?" Qi Hao asked.

He knows Lin Chaoshan, the previous Witness earned Zhang Jiahui the Best Actor award at the 28th Xiangjiang Film Golden Image Award and the Best Actor award at the 46th Taiwan Film Golden Horse Award.

Winning two Best Actor titles at once, Zhang Jiahui is indeed a typical example of blooming late.

"The difficulty with informant lies in Lin Chaoshan’s plan to use the original cast from Witness, both films are Emperor Entertainment’s. In the previous one, Zhang Jiahui played the villain and won Best Actor, and in this one, Emperor Entertainment plans for Zhang Jiahui to play the informant Xie Tingfeng as a cop, giving Xie Tingfeng a chance to win Best Actor."

Ye Weimin recently co-directed the fashion unit drama Anti-Corruption Operation 2009 jointly produced by Xiangjiang Television and Broadcasting Company Limited and the Independent Commission Against Corruption with Lin Chaolian.

Qi Hao asked him to look for action film-related materials, and Ye Weimin directly inquired with Lin Chaoshan.

Lin Chaoshan reluctantly refused verbally but remarked that the key isn’t with him.

"Continue." Qi Hao knew he had more to say.

"If you want the role, two points to consider: possibly offending Xie Tingfeng, which I suppose you wouldn’t worry about much, and persuading Emperor Entertainment."

Ye Weimin only provided advice, how to persuade requires Qi Hao’s actions.

"Xie Tingfeng is now Emperor Entertainment’s main focus and the last of your Xiangjiang entertainment circle’s new generation. Emperor Entertainment isn’t easy to persuade."

Qi Hao was somewhat irritated.

This thing has so many people fighting over it.

He indeed isn’t afraid of offending second-generation Xie Tingfeng, but offending people without reason is troublesome.

"I think you could negotiate on a capital level with Emperor Entertainment, and even consider swapping roles with Xie Tingfeng."

Ye Weimin, being experienced, knows how to break through.

"That is indeed a plan, but I don’t have any decent resources at the moment."

If he could offer Xie Tingfeng a sweet deal, he could achieve satisfying Emperor Entertainment while not upsetting Xie Tingfeng too much.

But the premise is Qi Hao holds suitable resources.

Additionally, these resources must match with a film potentially winning Best Actor.