Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 271 Huayi's Trouble

When Fu Yibai arrived at the company at 10 a.m., Zhao Qi was already waiting at the office door.

She was holding a folder in her hand, and her expression was neither serious nor smiling.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Fu."

"Happy New Year. What's up?"

"Let's go inside and talk."

The two entered the office, and Zhao Qi placed the folder on the table and opened it.

Two things.

She spoke a little faster than usual.

"First, Deng Chao has successfully terminated his contract and will sign with Chenxi Artist Management Company in a couple of days."

Secondly, Chairman Han called this morning, saying that there has been some trouble with the approval process for the co-production of "Interstellar."

"What's the trouble?"

"For the qualification review of co-productions, complete proof of investment ratio and a list of the main creative team are required."

There's no problem with Franchise Films, and there's no problem with China Film Group, but Huayi Brothers' 10%...

Zhao Qi's tone became more cautious.

"It seems like Mr. Wang's cash flow is in trouble; they might not be able to handle a 10% share."

Fu Yibai remained silent for a few seconds.

Although the 2008 financial crisis mainly impacted the European and American markets, domestic film and television companies were also affected.

The box office performance of several films that Huayi Brothers invested in last year was not ideal. Although "The Forbidden Kingdom" featured Jet Li and Jackie Chan, it received poor reviews and did not meet box office expectations.

In addition, Huayi followed suit after seeing Chenxi build its own cinema chain, investing too much in its construction. It was to be expected that its cash flow would become tight.

"What did President Wang say?"

He said he wanted to talk to you in person.

Fu Yibai nodded.

"Okay, you arrange the time."

Zhao Qi wrote it down, closed the folder, and stood up.

"Then I'll go make the arrangements."

"etc."

Fu Yibai called out to her.

How's the preparation for "Divas Hit the Road" going?

"The team is still being assembled, but the team that is surveying the routes has already set off."

As for the guests, six female celebrities have been confirmed: Hu Jing, Zeng Li, Yang Mi, Qin Lan, Yan Danchen, and Jiang Yan.

The male celebrities chosen were Jing Boran and Zhang Ruoyun.

"Oh? You didn't choose Chen Xiao?"

"Chen Xiao's English is not very good. Lin Wei asked him to start preparing this year, and he will be included in the recording of the second season."

Fu Yibai nodded.

After Zhao Qi left, Fu Yibai called Han Shanping.

"Oh, it's Yibai. What's up?"

Happy New Year, Mr. Han.

"Yes, Happy New Year."

"But you didn't call just to send blessings, did you?"

"Indeed, Mr. Han, is there something wrong? Besides Huayi Brothers' funding issues, are there any other obstacles to the approval of 'Interstellar'?"

"Nothing else."

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) attaches great importance to this project. After all, it's the first time a domestic director has directed a sci-fi blockbuster with a budget of over $200 million, and given the success of "Gravity," the qualifications for a co-production are not an issue.

Han Shanping paused for a moment.

"However, changes in investors require resubmission, which will take some time."

"That's fine, as long as no other problems arise."

If Huayi Brothers can't handle the share, I can have Franchise Pictures take it back, or find other partners.

Do you have alternatives?

Wanda.

Fu Yibai put it simply.

"President Ye has always wanted to deepen cooperation, and Wanda should be able to take on a 10% share."

"Yi Bai, I can always trust you to do things right."

June 3th, 1 PM.

Fu Yibai and Wang Zhongjun arranged to meet at a private club on the East Third Ring Road.

The private room was small and decorated in a simple and rustic style. Several ink paintings hung on the walls, and a set of purple clay teaware was placed on the coffee table.

When Wang Zhongjun arrived, Fu Yibai had already brewed a pot of Tieguanyin tea.

"Mr. Wang, please have a seat."

Wang Zhongjun took off his coat and hung it on the hanger, then sat down opposite Fu Yibai.

"Mr. Fu, I won't beat around the bush."

Wang Zhongjun picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down.

"Huayi really can't handle 10% of Interstellar's market share."

Fu Yibai didn't say anything, but simply refilled his tea.

"The films that our company invested in last year did not perform well at the box office. 'The Forbidden Kingdom' lost tens of millions of yuan."

Adding in the investment from the cinemas, the cash flow is indeed stretched too thin.

Wang Zhongjun's tone carried a hint of helplessness.

"A 10% share, calculated at 200 million US dollars, is 20 million US dollars, which is equivalent to 140 million RMB."

Huayi can afford this money, but once they do, all other projects will have to be halted.

"I understand."

Fu Yibai picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"So, Mr. Wang called me here today because he wants to—"

"I'm not giving up this share."

Wang Zhongjun interrupted him, his tone becoming serious.

"Mr. Fu, I wanted to ask you if it's possible for Huayi to participate in other ways?"

Fu Yibai looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

Huayi can provide publicity and distribution resources.

Our relationships with domestic cinemas, media outlets, and on-the-ground promotion channels can all be converted into investment shares.

Regarding the funding, we'll contribute half, and the other half will be exchanged for resources.

Wang Zhongjun paused, his gaze fixed on Fu Yibai.

"Mr. Fu, I don't want to miss out on this project."

To be honest, Huayi Brothers is currently preparing for an IPO. If Huayi could participate in a major project like *Interstellar*, worth two hundred million US dollars, even with a small share, it would be significantly more meaningful.

Fu Yibai remained silent for a few seconds.

His relationship with Huayi was not harmonious. He had agreed to let Huayi join the project before, but it was also for Liu Yifei's sake.

If he doesn't help the other party now that they're facing financial difficulties, they could very well be kicked out of the game.

And Huayi couldn't blame him for this.

But Fu Yibai had no intention of doing that.

Although he wasn't exactly a gentleman, he wasn't a scoundrel who would kick someone when they're down either.

The film and television industry is inherently volatile, so having more partners is always better than having more enemies.

"Mr. Wang, I can consider your proposal."

Fu Yibai put down his teacup.

"But there are two problems."

First, the change of investors in co-productions requires resubmission, with participation through resource swaps. Whether the approval process will be successful depends on Chairman Han's communication with the relevant authorities.

Secondly, Franchise Studios has rather strict requirements for investors, so I need to discuss this with Margaret.

"As long as Mr. Fu is willing to push it forward, I will communicate with Chairman Han about the approval process."

Wang Zhongjun's tone became more urgent.

"Please also ask Mr. Fu to put in a good word for us with Franchise Films."

"Of course, of course."

"Thank you for your help, Mr. Fu."

To express our gratitude to President Fu for his help, Huayi is willing to offer 2000 million shares for internal subscription.

What is Mr. Fu's opinion?

Wang Zhongjun's words made Fu Yibai raise an eyebrow slightly.

Those in the industry are well aware of the value of Huayi's original shares. Once the IPO is successful, it will be a considerable fortune, and it is indeed a significant asset.

"How much would you like to quote, Mr. Wang?"

"0.53 yuan per share, what do you think, Mr. Fu?"

At 0.53 yuan, the total price of 20 million shares just exceeded 10 million yuan.

Although the appearance of dawn in this world may affect Huayi's stock price, Fu Yibai is clear that even if there is some impact, the increase in Huayi's stock price after listing will still be very considerable.

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Wang's sincerity is evident; I have no reason to refuse."

"Then it's settled."

Wang Zhongjun breathed a sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face.

"I'll have someone deliver the contract to Chenxi in a few days."

"Okay, it's a pleasure to work with you."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

The two purple clay cups clinked together, producing a crisp sound.