Chapter 299: Red Cliff
At present, the Chinese film market is small, the industry chain is underdeveloped, the market lacks regulation, and policy constraints have made movie financing difficult, hindering the development of the movie business.
Redfruit Entertainment currently had more than 30 million RMB in cash, so developing a regular Chinese movie was not much of an issue.
"Lin Chi-ling joined the Red Cliff production team. It's the biggest Chinese investment in films this year," Gao Yuanyuan sat on the couch, looking somewhat envious of Lin Chi-ling, who had just arrived from Beijing.
"It's a movie for men, and I don't have many scenes," Lin Chi-ling explained with a laugh.
Charles, leaning back on the sofa, pursed his lips. Lin Chi-ling seemed to have good connections.
"Red Cliff has started filming?" Charles asked.
Lin Chi-ling nodded, "Just started, but I'll join the team in July!"
"The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor has also started filming in the outskirts of Beijing," Charles said casually.
"Last year, the low-budget romantic comedy Love is Not Blind, invested by East Asia Media, made 12.6 million RMB at the box office. It probably didn't lose money," Lin Chi-ling's first film appearance was in Love is Not Blind.
"A 4 million RMB investment and a 12.6 million box office in China, plus the advertising revenue from the movie guarantees a profit," Charles nodded. Although 12.6 million RMB was significant, after revenue sharing, East Asia Media only got 4.5 million RMB.
"The theme was good, swapping one actress's fee for twelve actresses' guest appearances saved a lot on promotion," Charles valued the male lead, Xu Zheng.
Looking at Gao Yuanyuan, he reminded, "The bald actor in it is pretty good. If possible, try to sign him and invest in him!"
"Xu Zheng?" Lin Chi-ling, who had just worked with him, said, recognizing him.
"Yuanyuan, the director of Love is Not Blind is planning a sequel Love is Not Blind 2: Love All Around, about a woman and twelve men. It's set for a new year's release next year. I recommended you for it," Lin Chi-ling said. She knew Gao Yuanyuan was more professional than her.
With the success of Love is Not Blind, the advertising revenue for Love is Not Blind 2: Love All Around would be substantial, ensuring profits for Red Fruit Entertainment.
In summary, Lin Chi-ling's serendipitous discovery found a good movie project for Red Fruit Entertainment.
Gao Yuanyuan nodded. Lin Chi-ling had a role in Red Cliff and had appeared in Love is Not Blind, making her unlikely for this one.
"I'll sign Xu Zheng as our company's first contracted artist," Gao Yuanyuan trusted Charles' judgment.
"And there's Fu Dalong in Painted Skin; his acting is also really good," Charles reminded further.
"Okay!" Gao Yuanyuan nodded and then asked, "Is there anyone else in Painted Skin that you have high hopes for?"
"Can you sign them all?" Charles asked with a smile.
Red Fruit Entertainment was newly established and had no works of its own yet. While Xu Zheng and Fu Dalong were somewhat well known, their commercial value was still low.
"Take it one step at a time. Start by picking some decent-looking film projects to invest in!"
"By the way, doesn't Capet Pictures have confidence in Red Cliff? There are many big-name actors, and John Woo used to be a Hollywood director. It's a historical epic war film," Lin Chi-ling reminded.
"John Woo? Pfft, none of his recent films are profitable," Charles shook his head, "He's just wasting several million in funding!"
Lin Chi-ling and Gao Yuanyuan were shocked. To them, John Woo was a big shot, but Charles just dismissed him?
"But don't worry, this is a major investment in a Chinese film, and your role will surely make you famous. No one will really care about your acting skills," Charles pointed to Lin Chi-ling.
As long as you become famous, you'll continue to be the eye candy in movies!
"Currently, Chinese films should focus on the local market and cater to the Japanese and other Asian markets. The cultural and ideological differences with the West are too vast, making it very hard," Charles added.
"Alright, I'm heading back to Beijing. I have a film to discuss with director Wang Xiaoshuai," Gao Yuanyuan said. "While I'm at it, I'll talk to Xu Zheng and Fu Dalong about the management business too!"
Gao Yuanyuan had already spent several days with Charles in Hong Kong.
That night, Charles held Lin Chi-ling tightly in the bathtub, kissing passionately. Her 32C figure earned her the title of Taipei's first beauty.
"Hmm, isn't it enough yet? Gao Yuanyuan has been with you for days, can you still handle more?" Lin Chi-ling joked, feeling a certain part of Charles' body.
"I'm in good shape," Charles said, then asked, "Why did the Red Cliff team pick you as the female lead? It's such a big film, and you have no acting experience at all!"
"My film agent contract is with Zhong Huan Group in Taipei. This movie has investment from Zhong Huan, and director John Woo has a lot of power. Using Taipei actors is his way," Lin Chi-ling explained.
"My agent, Jiang Yi-rong, is also the spokesperson for Catwalk Modeling Agency, a subsidiary of Zhong Huan Group. Last year, when Capet Pictures' films were distributed in Taiwan, Zhong Huan was managing it. My agent knew I knew you, so they promoted me!"
Charles' eye twitched. That sort of made sense. It was clear she got the opportunity due to knowing many Taipei tycoons.
Charles, removing his hand from her 32C figure, lifted Lin Chi-ling's chin and smiled, "As long as you behave, you won't lack for anything. The shares in Red Fruit Entertainment will make you enough money."
"I know. My agent business in China has already shifted to Red Fruit Entertainment. Japan is managed by East Asia Japan. Only Taipei and Hong Kong remain under Zhong Huan Group. But once the film contracts expire, they will transfer to Red Fruit Entertainment too," Lin Chi-ling wasn't stupid. She knew who the golden ticket was and wouldn't attend those tycoon parties carelessly, risking Charles' displeasure.
"Good girl," Charles said approvingly.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.