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

Chapter 63 Han Shanping's Goodwill

Han Shanping took a sip of wine, looked at Fu Yibai, and spoke in a casual yet weighty tone.

"Yi Bai, besides celebrating your success, I also have a great project opportunity and would like to hear your opinion."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Han."

"You know about Chen Shiren's new film 'The Promise'? It has a large investment, and China Film Group is one of the main investors."

The film is currently in full swing of preparation and is expected to begin shooting in the middle of this month.

I see that Chenxi is developing rapidly, and with your prestigious reputation, I'm thinking about whether we can strengthen our cooperation.

China Film Group can transfer 10% of its investment to Chenxi, allowing you to participate as well.

Old Chen's film, being a commercial blockbuster, will definitely garner a lot of attention, which will benefit your company's brand image.

Han Shanping spoke with great sincerity.

In his view, this is not only an opportunity for Chenxi to participate in a top-tier production, but also an olive branch to further bind Fu Yibai, this "rising star," to the China Film Group system.

There was a moment of silence on the table.

Fan Binbin, Hu Jing, and others held their breath, knowing the reputation and scale of "The Promise".

Zhao Qi frowned slightly, quickly calculating in his mind the amount of capital corresponding to a 10% share and the possible risks.

Fu Yibai remained calm, but he understood perfectly.

How could he possibly jump into "The Promise," a "blockbuster" that was highly anticipated but ultimately failed in both critical acclaim and box office, and even sparked a frenzy online?

A 10% share requires a significant investment, but the returns are likely to be extremely limited. If the losses amount to hundreds of millions, Fu Yibai will be heartbroken.

More importantly, being too closely associated with this film will not benefit the "high-quality and reliable" reputation that Chenxi has just established.

He put down his wine glass, revealing a perfectly measured expression of consideration.

"Thank you for your kindness and support, Mr. Han."

Director Chen's talent and influence are beyond doubt, and "The Promise" is definitely one of the most anticipated big-budget productions of next year.

First of all, this is certainly a matter of politeness.

"but."

He changed the subject slightly, his tone becoming somewhat apologetic.

"Mr. Han may not know this, but Chenxi has recently launched several new projects and made several external investments."

The company's cash reserves are already stretched thin.

So thank you very much, Mr. Han, for your kindness this time.

When Han Shanping heard Fu Yibai's impeccable refusal, his smile remained, but a subtle hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He originally thought that given Chenxi's current booming momentum, the young man Fu Yibai would gladly accept this offer.

After all, "The Promise" is a big production that Chen Shiren has been preparing for many years, and the investment share is so high that no matter how many people want to grab it, they can't.

But Han Shanping was, after all, a seasoned veteran, and having said all that, he naturally wouldn't press the matter further.

"Tight on funds? Then we really can't force it."

He picked up his glass, his tone still warm.

"However, for the Morning Light project, we should prioritize China Film Group."

"The Nameless" isn't quite right.

Han Shanping made a witty remark with a smile.

When "The Unknown" was first conceived, China Film Group was not notified, and the script was submitted under Ning Hao's name.

When Han Shanping learned that this was Chenxi's project, he was too embarrassed to sit down at the table anymore.

"The Unknown is a low-budget comedy, a test film for the company's newly signed director."

Han Shanping didn't press the matter further, after all, Ning Hao wasn't famous at all. "Crazy Stone" hadn't been released yet, and he was still a nobody in the industry.

"Oh, right."

Han Shanping suddenly thought of something and spoke again.

"The Golden Rooster Awards want 'Black Fireworks in the Day' and 'Caught in the Web' to participate in this year's awards. What are your thoughts on this?"

Han Shanping put down his wine glass, his gaze gentle yet probing, clearly waiting for Fu Yibai's clear stance.

Both "Black Coal, Thin Ice" and "Caught in the Web" were released in 2003, and according to the award cycle, participating in this year's Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in September is just right.

The former, with its Berlin Silver Bear accolade, is undoubtedly a work of art.

The latter's box office exceeded 100 million, demonstrating its market influence.

Both films are strong contenders for awards, regardless of which one is nominated.

But Fu Yibai knew all too well what kind of place it was.

In his previous life, over the past twenty years, he had seen far too many great films fail and be crushed by those rules.

It's not that we lost to art, but to human relationships, to resource exchanges, and to the "balance" that was set at the dinner table.

The Golden Rooster Award has never been a golden rooster for filmmakers; it's a golden rooster for a select few.

Was the Berlin Silver Bear sent in?

This will add a prestigious label to this year's awards season. The judges will be happy to use the name of "Black Coal, Thin Ice" to prove their "international vision" and then give the Best Picture award to some mediocre film produced within their own circle.

This is like being carried in a sedan chair, not receiving an award.

"Black Coal, Thin Ice" cannot be sent.

That film represents the dignity that Chenxi has won on the international stage. It's not worth sending it in to be mocked by that set of rules.

But we have to give Han Shanping face.

China Film Group is one of the most important strategic resources for Chenxi at present. Han Shanping's initiative to deliver the message was not an order, but a gesture of goodwill.

By giving the choice to Fu Yibai, he was demonstrating the respect an elder would show to a younger generation.

Complete rejection; ungrateful.

"The Search" can be sent.

With box office earnings exceeding 100 million yuan, realistic subject matter, and sufficient social relevance, this is the business card that Chenxi presents to the domestic award system. The attitude is there, the result is not important.

Losing is normal, winning is a surprise, and neither will diminish the brand value of Chenxi.

More importantly—"The Search" doesn't have the Berlin halo, so it can afford to lose.

"Mr. Han, you are too kind. The Golden Rooster Awards are the highest honor for filmmakers in China. Being nominated is an affirmation in itself."

only……"

He paused, looked up at Han Shanping, and spoke sincerely.

"Mr. Han also knows that 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' won the Silver Bear in Berlin last year, and the domestic media has reported on it several times."

If we participate in the Golden Rooster Awards again this year, it will inevitably...

Therefore, my idea is that "Black Coal, Thin Ice" should not be included in the selection.

The search could be reported.

I think the judges of the Golden Rooster Awards should see "Caught in the Web".

I'm not aiming for an award, although it would be great if I could win one.

I'd rather be examined by my domestic professional peers.

Han Shanping's smile deepened.

"Yi Bai, I really admire your personality."

He raised his glass, his tone now tinged with genuine appreciation.

"At such a young age, he sees things more clearly than many old guys."

Okay, I understand.

"Thank you for your understanding, General Han."

Fu Yibai also raised his glass, and the two gently clinked glasses before each drinking it down.