1980 My literary era

Xu Feng was right, Lin Weimin just produced a script, but the script is not the same as the script.

The net profit of the first four parts of the "Harry Potter" series reached 2.5 billion US dollars, and the original author J.K. Rowling received 10% of the net profit share, which is 250 million US dollars.

Due to its subject matter, "Farewell My Concubine" is not as suitable for all ages as "Harry Potter", and it is impossible to achieve such exaggerated box office results.

However, the readership accumulated over several years is large enough. If it is released worldwide in the future, its box office potential will not be the same as that of ordinary literary films.

Lin Weimin wants 30% of the net profit share. Compared with J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter", the ratio is indeed a bit exaggerated.

The advantage of "Farewell My Concubine" is that its subject matter determines the investment limit and risk, which is far lower than that of "Harry Potter", a series of blockbusters distributed around the world.

After getting the film adaptation rights of "Farewell My Concubine", the possibility of Xu Feng losing money is very small. Under such circumstances, how could Lin Weimin let go?

Despite Xu Feng's lobbying in every possible way, Lin Weimin always insisted on the bottom line and did not waver at all, leaving her with nothing to do.

"Mr. Lin, this is not a cooperative attitude."

After talking for a long time, Xu Feng's mouth was dry, but Lin Weimin couldn't help but said depressedly.

Lin Weimin looked calm and said: "Ms. Xu, it is impossible to compromise on the share ratio, even if the capital from Hollywood is introduced."

When Xu Feng heard this, he looked at Lin Weimin and felt that he was exaggerating.

Although Hollywood has not yet reached its peak state of conquering cities and territories all over the world, but as the oldest unipolar film industry in the world, Hollywood's circles and rules have long been entrenched. She does not believe that Hollywood will change the rules for Lin Weimin.

A 30% share of net profits is unheard of.

Seeing that Xu Feng didn't believe Lin Weimin, he said: "Well, let's do this. I'll communicate with potential employers in Hollywood first. What do you think?"

Seeing that he was confident, Xu Feng couldn't help but feel suspicious, "Okay, then I'll wait for your news."

After Xu Feng finished speaking, he was about to say goodbye and leave, but unexpectedly he was stopped by Lin Weimin.

"Ms. Xu, just sit here and wait."

After Lin Weimin finished speaking, he ignored Xu Feng's reaction and started to make a call.

Xu Feng and Guo Feng looked at each other with strange expressions on their faces. They couldn't believe that investment matters could be communicated on the spot, but since Lin Weimin said so, they had no choice but to wait.

"Lin, do you know what time it is in the United States now?"

Michael Phillips was woken up by Lin Weimin's phone call and said very unhappy.

Lin Weimin glanced at his watch. It was two-thirty in the afternoon, which was two-thirty in the morning in the United States.

"I'm so sorry, Mike." Lin Weimin said without sincerity.

"Come on, your tone tells me that you are not apologetic at all." Michael Phillips complained, and then asked: "Tell me, why are you calling me so late?"

"I have an investor here from Xiangjiang who plans to invest in the filming of "Farewell My Concubine". What do you think? Are you interested?"

After Lin Weimin finished speaking, Michael Phillips suddenly sobered up and asked excitedly: "Lin, have you finally decided to turn "Farewell My Concubine" into a film and TV show? Why bother looking for filmmakers from Xiangjiang? As long as you give in, I will Immediately contact the six major Hollywood companies, and you can have the world's most sufficient investment, the most professional production team, and the most powerful distribution channel..."

"Stop, stop, stop! Mike, you know, there is no way I will let Hollywood dominate the production of "Farewell My Concubine."" Lin Weimin said.

In 1988, "The Last Emperor" won 9 Oscars. Major Hollywood production companies were very interested in Lin Weimin's work, but Lin Weimin offered a sky-high price of 5 million yuan, which scared everyone away.

The reason why Lin Weimin shouted such a sky-high price was simply to gain some dominance.

But unfortunately, since then, major Hollywood companies have never approached Lin Weimin.

Hollywood has its own set of rules. They can't afford the price Lin Weimin shouted, and they can even make money. However, they can't agree to Lin Weimin's "unreasonable" request, which is tantamount to breaking Hollywood's rules.

You must know that when Francis Ford Coppola filmed "The Godfather Part III", he only shared a remuneration of 2 million yuan with the original author Mario Puzo.

Unless you are like Spielberg, who has already joined the "card table" of Hollywood, no director or screenwriter, no matter how famous you are, will be able to break this rule of Hollywood.

"Lin, you are so stubborn!" Michael Phillips complained.

Lin Weimin did not answer his words and continued to ask: "How is it? Mike, are you interested?"

Michael Phillips said with some frustration: "What's the use of my interest? Which company is willing to accept your harsh conditions?"

"Who said I want to cooperate with a big company?"

Michael Phillips' mind didn't react for a moment, "If you don't look for big companies to cooperate, who will you look for..."

The voice on the phone paused, and after a few seconds, Michael Phillips said in disbelief: "You mean, me?"

"That's right, Mike, want to cooperate?"

There was a heavy breathing sound on the other end of the phone, and the huge temptation made Michael Phillips confused.

"OK, tell me your conditions!" Michael Phillips asked straight to the point.

He knew that there must be conditions for Lin Weimin to give up the big companies in Hollywood and cooperate with him as a producer.

"Smart! I want 30% of the film's net profit share, including post-production video tapes and peripheral income."

Although he was mentally prepared, Michael Phillips was still surprised by Lin Weimin's huge appetite.

"Lin, your conditions are too harsh."

"Why should I ask you if you're not harsh?"

A naked sentence once again silenced Michael Phillips.

While he was thinking, Lin Weimin continued: "The Six Hollywood Big Six have six big benefits, but there are too many constraints, and there are cultural differences between the East and the West. Even if they may bring higher profits to "Farewell My Concubine," I I don’t want to leave it to them. Now this Xiangjiang investor has some strength, and coupled with your influence in Hollywood, he is enough to manage this movie. The investment will not be too high, it will definitely be within your tolerance, and the risk will be very small. , you can also cooperate with those big companies for distribution, how about it?"

Michael Phillips understands what Lin Weimin means. Large companies are powerful and cannot transfer their interests. Lin Weimin's plan is just right for a film with an investment scale like "Farewell My Concubine". The three parties are evenly matched and each can get their own share. Part of the benefits, and relatively equal.

Xiangjiang Film has the Southeast Asian market. He can operate the market in Western countries such as the United States and Canada. Lin Weimin is responsible for producing the original work. Once this lineup is formed, it will be invincible. As for how much you earn, it depends on luck. .

Various pros and cons flashed through his mind quickly, and Michael Phillips finally made up his mind.

"Okay, as you said. How much is the investment?"

"This..." Lin Weimin hesitated, "Ms. Xu from Xiangjiang contributed 4 million yuan."

Michael Phillips said happily: "Okay, then I will also pay the remaining 70% of the profit of 4 million meters, and we will share it equally."

"Mike, please wait a moment."

Lin Weimin told Xu Feng, who was waiting, about Michael Phillips' personal information and his thoughts. She was shocked.

It was still 70% just now, but in just one phone call, only 35% is left?

Xu Feng felt like a big stone was stuck in her chest. She had never encountered anything so uncomfortable in all her years of film investment.

After a while, Lin Weimin urged: "Ms. Xu, how are you thinking? Mike is still waiting for a reply!"

Xu Feng finally understood this time that the reason why Lin Weimin had the confidence to ask for a 30% share was not only due to the influence of "Farewell My Concubine", but also because he could completely attract investment by himself.

She even felt a sense of joy for no reason. If it weren't for the fact that there was no room for private film companies in the mainland, Lin Weimin would have organized and produced "Farewell My Concubine" by himself.

After understanding this truth, she no longer struggled with the issue of sharing.

Isn’t this still 35%?

In addition, there are two more partners to share risks, one of whom is a major Hollywood producer, which is also beneficial to the later promotion and distribution of the film.

"Okay, I agree."

Lin Weimin said into the phone receiver: "She agreed!"

Michael Phillips on the other end of the phone shouted excitedly: "Deal!"

Then, he couldn't wait to say: "Tomorrow, tomorrow I will go find you to discuss it in detail."

"Don't worry, Mike, you'd better catch up on some sleep first."

Michael Phillips couldn't help laughing, "Damn it! Lin, how can you let me sleep now? I'd better sleep on the plane. Really, you should have decided earlier to save me from having to make this trip again." "

Years ago, Michael Phillips flew to Yanjing again and spent a few days on the set of "Sunny Days".

"I won't fly less in the future, and I won't miss this trip either. I'll be waiting for you in Yanjing!"

Lin Weimin joked and hung up the phone.

Xu Feng, who was sitting there, was still a little confused. Is the investment settled just like that?

"Ms. Xu, Mike should arrive in the next two days. I think you will stay in Yanjing for the next few days. We will discuss it in detail then."

Xu Feng nodded, "Okay."

Lin Weimin glanced at his watch and said, "We are guests from afar. I will greet you two tonight. How about the place is Yanjing Hotel?"

Xu Feng smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Lin."

When doing business, you should be a villain first and a gentleman second. No matter how fierce the atmosphere is during the negotiation, you must be harmonious after the negotiation is concluded.

After a brief chat, Guo Feng and Xu Feng left.

After get off work, Lin Weimin drove to Yanjing Hotel to treat guests to dinner.