diymy Chapter 94 No Negotiable Price for Job Hopping
Chapter 94 No Negotiable Price for Job Hopping
Chapter 93 No Negotiable Price for Job Hopping
On December 8th, David burst into Jiang Yu's office like a cannonball, waving reports in his hand so frightening the cat, who was dozing on the windowsill, that it immediately jumped onto the filing cabinet with its fur standing on end.
"Boss! It's exploded! It's fucking exploded again!"
Jiang Yu had just put the last bite of his blueberry bagel into his mouth when he was so startled by the sudden "war cry" that he almost choked.
"David, how many times have I told you to knock before entering? And what burst? Was it a blood vessel or the company's water pipe?"
"Twilight! After seventeen days in theaters, it has grossed $1.82 million in North America and $3.7 million worldwide!"
David slammed a stack of reports onto the solid wood desk. Jiang Yu picked up the reports and slowly flipped through them.
This result was about 5% better than his performance at the same stage in his previous life, as he remembered.
It seems that thanks to the special effects of the spotlight and more precise marketing to teenagers, the film's word-of-mouth spread faster than expected.
"The daily box office is still 2.37 million, breaking 400 million is indeed only a matter of time." Jiang Yu put down the report, his tone calm. "What new plans does Peak have? Besides the obvious idea of making a sequel."
David slumped into the chair opposite him, took out a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"They want to start filming the third movie right now! Rob said the audience can't wait, we have to strike while the iron is hot! He even suggested we write the script as we film, which I firmly refused!"
"A wise decision." Jiang Yu nodded. "So what's Hollywood like now? I bet it's quite lively."
"Lively? Boss, that's not lively anymore, that's madness! That's insane!"
David gestured excitedly, "All the independent studios are on a buying spree of teen fantasy romance novels this week! Warner Bros.' development department bought the rights to nine similar titles this week, spending nine and a half million dollars! Disney is even more extravagant; I heard they've created an internal 'Twilight Response Team,' codenamed 'Operation Moonlight,' specifically to study how to replicate our success!"
Jiang Yu couldn't help but laugh: "So they discovered that we already owned the rights to 'The Hunger Games'?"
"Hahaha!" David slapped his thigh and laughed. "That's the best part! Yesterday, the head of development at Fox invited me to afternoon tea at the Peninsula Hotel, subtly inquiring about *The Hunger Games*. I innocently replied, 'Oh dear, we bought that IP last year and it's already in development. How come you only just found out?'" Guess what his expression was? His face scrunched up like a lemon that'd been sitting out for a month!
As they were talking, an email notification popped up on Jiang Yu's computer.
David's eyes lit up: "Goldman Sachs' analysis report! It's here!"
The email subject line was eye-catching: "Light Chaser Pictures Valuation Update: A Reassessment Based on the Phenomenon of Twilight and Its Unique Business Model".
Jiang Yu opened the email and quickly browsed it.
The report uses a large amount of data to analyze the success model of "Twilight", from IP selection to marketing strategy and global distribution layout.
The conclusion is as follows: "—Based on Light Chaser Animation's unique advantages in IP reserves (Twilight series, The Hunger Games, etc.), special effects technology (Digital Light & Shadow), and production capabilities (2012, Black Swan), we believe the company has established a vertically integrated business model rarely seen in Hollywood. Based on this comprehensive assessment, we are raising Light Chaser Animation's valuation to $50 billion, a 400% increase from pre-release levels."
"Fifty billion dollars!" David's voice trembled. "Boss, our company has only been established for a few years?"
This valuation is growing faster than a rocket!
"It's just a numbers game." Jiang Yu closed the email, his expression indifferent. "Wall Street loves stories of disruptive business models. But if *Twilight 2* or *The Hunger Games* flops, this valuation will evaporate like morning dew."
Just then, Jiang Yu's phone rang.
The caller ID shows a number from Beijing.
"It's Third Master Han on the phone." Jiang Yu gestured to David, then answered the phone, "Third Master, good morning."
It should be 9 PM in China, right? Still not resting?
At the same time, in a luxury suite on the 16th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills, sisters Li Binbin and Li Xue were sitting cross-legged on the living room carpet.
Three newspapers, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and the Los Angeles Times, were spread out in front of him, along with a half-eaten plate of potato chips and two bottles of Coke Zero.
This kind of "snack meeting" has been a habit of the two sisters for many years. Important conversations must be accompanied by snacks, and the seriousness of the conversation is directly proportional to the amount of junk food in the snacks.
"Sis, look at this." Li Xue, munching on a potato chip, pointed to an article in *The Hollywood Reporter*. "Light Chaser Animation's success isn't accidental; it's a replicable business model: a keen eye for IP + top-notch special effects technology + a global production perspective. This Chinese-founded company is rewriting the rules of the game in Hollywood, and rule-breakers often reap the biggest rewards."
Li Binbin, holding a tub of ice cream, scooped out a large spoonful and put it in his mouth, mumbling, "A few months ago, Light Chaser Animation was just that Chinese special effects company in Hollywood. Now they're the rule-makers."
"That's right!" Li Xue put down her potato chips, wiped her hands, and said seriously, "I had dinner with Emma Thomas yesterday at that Italian restaurant on Sunset Boulevard. She said it herself: now when the six major Hollywood studios have a meeting, they always mention Light Chaser. Not just as a competitor, but as an object of cooperation and study that we must study."
"What else did Emma say?" Li Binbin asked, scooping up another spoonful of ice cream.
Li Xue picked up her Coke and took a sip: "She said that Warner Bros. was initially hesitant to invest in the *Inception* project because the budget was too high and the risks too great. It was Light Chaser Animation Studios that brought in the money and special effects technology, allowing the project to start smoothly. Nolan appreciated it, saying, 'This is a true partner.'"
Li Binbin nodded, the ice cream slowly melting in his mouth: "So, the opportunity to act in 'Inception' was actually given to me by Light Chaser Animation Studios?"
"Yes," Li Xue said decisively. "Although on the surface we used domestic resources to get this project, in reality, if Light Chaser didn't agree, Huayi wouldn't have gotten in at all. Sister, you have to understand, in Hollywood, Light Chaser's word carries more weight than Huayi's. No matter how powerful Huayi is domestically, here it's just a Chinese company. Light Chaser is different; they're Hollywood players."
The room was quiet for a while, with only the sound of the two sisters chewing snacks.
"So what do you want to do?" Li Binbin finally spoke, his voice sounding somewhat tired. "Just switch jobs and go to Chasing Light?"
Li Xue had been waiting for these words: "Your contract expires at the end of 2010, so you still have two years left. My advice is to perform well during these two years and part ways with Huayi amicably. Then try to sign with Light Chaser Pictures."
"Does Light Chaser Animation Studio still sign artists?" Li Binbin frowned. "They signed Wang Zhi and Zhu Yilong before, but it seems like they haven't made any moves since. I heard their entry requirements are extremely high."
"That's because they're picky! And their picks are justified!"
Li Xue analyzed, "Wang Zhi is an action star, filling the gap in domestic action actresses; Zhu Yilong is a rising star with potential. They don't conflict with established actresses of your age. Moreover, Light Chaser Animation Studios is having more and more projects now, like '2012,' 'Black Swan,' and I heard from Hollywood that they have a monster movie in development—they need more actors. Crucially, they have international resources, which Huayi Brothers can't provide."
She paused, leaned forward, and said seriously, "Sister, let's be honest. You're a top-tier actress in China, but how many good scripts do you get in a year? For a project like *Inception*, if it weren't for Light Chaser Animation, you wouldn't even have a chance to audition. Hollywood, if you succeed there, is a completely different world. Look at Zhang Ziyi, how far did *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* take her?"
Li Binbin remained silent, his fingers unconsciously stirring the ice cream.
She recalled the period drama "The Phoenix's Cry in the Nine Heavens" she filmed last year. She stayed in Hengdian for four months, getting her makeup done at four in the morning and finishing work at ten at night. The temperature in the studio was as high as forty degrees Celsius, and her costumes would get wet and dry repeatedly.
She recalled the set of "Inception," where the professional creative atmosphere and Nolan's rigorous demands on every shot made her truly experience the charm of filmmaking for the first time.
"Look at Liu Yifei," Li Xue continued, "She used to film TV dramas and movies in China."
After taking on "The Forbidden Kingdom," she's now landed "Black Swan"—a Darren Aronofsky film! How could she have gotten such a role if it weren't for Light Chaser Animation's investment?
"Is Liu Yifei an actress signed with Light Chaser Animation Studios?" Li Binbin asked.
"Not yet, but I heard—" Li Xue lowered her voice, as if sharing some major secret, "Emma let it slip that Light Chaser has a new project, directed by Luc Besson, and Jiang Yu seems to have recommended Liu Yifei."
Li Binbin's eyes widened slightly, his ice cream spoon hovering in mid-air: "Luc Besson? The director of 'Léon: The Professional'?"
"Yes! World-class directors!" Li Xue said. "So you see, this is the resource of Light Chaser. If we can get on this train, your career will take a qualitative leap. No matter how many domestic dramas you make, they're just circulating domestically. Hollywood is different; it's a global stage."
Li Binbin finally put down the ice cream bucket and let out a long sigh: "So what should we do now? We can't just run up to Jiang Yu and say we should sign him, can we?"
Li Xue smiled and grabbed a potato chip: "The first step is to build a good relationship. This Twilight celebration party is a good opportunity; Jiang Yu will definitely be there. We need to find a way to strike up a conversation with him and leave a good impression."
"How do we strike up a conversation?" Li Binbin asked with a wry smile. "Should we just go up to him and say, 'President Jiang, I'd like to sign with your company'?"
"Of course not!" Li Xue said, both amused and exasperated. "We need to be natural. There will definitely be a lot of people looking for him at the celebration banquet. Let's wait for the right opportunity."
Li Binbin thought for a moment and finally nodded: "Okay, I'll listen to you. But—"
She glanced at the mess of snacks in front of her. "Can we clean this up first? It wouldn't look good if the hotel staff saw two female celebrities' rooms in such a mess tomorrow."
"That makes sense." Li Xue smiled and stood up. "Come on, let's divide the work."
Unbeknownst to the sisters, at the same moment, Jiang Yu was in his apartment conducting a phone negotiation with Master Han, a negotiation "worth $300 million".
In Jiang Yu's office, Han Sanye's voice was loud and clear on the other end of the phone; his excitement could be felt even from thousands of miles away.
"Mr. Jiang, amazing! Absolutely amazing!" Han Sanye's opening remarks were always enthusiastic. "The success of 'Twilight' would rank among the top in Hollywood history, right? I checked the data, it's a sure thing for the top five this year, isn't it?"
Jiang Yu leaned back in his comfortable office chair, turned around to face the night view outside the window: "Third Master, you flatter me. It's just that our performance has been a bit better this year. There are currently few similar competing products in the North American market, so we've benefited from the favorable timing of the release."
"You're too modest! Too modest!" said Third Master Han. "I looked at the data; the audience reviews are great, and it has staying power. It has a 78% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2 on IMDb, which are high scores for a teen movie! This shows that the film itself is of excellent quality! Xiao Jiang, I'm truly impressed by your judgment!"
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Han Sanye changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of "big brother's grievance": "But Mr. Jiang, I have to say something to you. Such a big project as '2012,' why didn't you bring China Film Group on board? We've been working together for so long, you should think of your old brother for such a good opportunity!"
Jiang Yu was well-prepared and handled the situation with ease: "Third Master, the investment structure of '2012' is quite complex, involving Universal,..."
With Lionsgate, Light Chaser, and the other two leading investors, there's simply no room for more. But rest assured, I'll definitely leave domestic distribution and promotion to China Film Group. Hasn't Mr. Ye from Wanda contacted you? I told him I'd be working with you on that."
"I've contacted them, I've contacted them." Han Sanye's tone softened a bit, and the Peking Opera music in the background was turned down. "That kid Ye Ning called me yesterday, saying Wanda will be in charge of scheduling, and China Film Group will be in charge of distribution, working together to build up the market. That makes sense. But Xiao Jiang, next time you have a project like this, give your older brother a heads-up beforehand, and China Film Group can invest some too."
"6
Jiang Yu smiled: "Definitely, definitely. By the way, Third Master, is there anything else you wanted to discuss with me today?"
"Haha, you figured it out." Master Han laughed. "I have something important to discuss with you today, business matters."
Jiang Yu got up and walked to the window. "Third Master, please speak."
"What are your plans regarding the domestic rights to 'Twilight'?" Han Sanye cut to the chase, his tone becoming more formal. "Are you planning to self-publish it, or find a partner?"
Jiang Yu knew exactly what was going on, but deliberately asked, "What suggestions does Third Master have?"
"Buy it outright!" Third Master Han said decisively. "China Film Group wants to buy out all domestic media rights, including cinemas, television, online, and DVD. Name your price, let's get this over with. I know this film is valuable; name a reasonable price, and I won't haggle!"
Jiang Yu didn't answer immediately. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Third Master, this film is so popular in North America, it almost completely covers the teenage audience. Although domestic audiences' tastes are still developing, you know the potential of the teenage market better than I do. I think—"
"Just name your price!" Master Han interrupted him with a smile, probably while sipping his tea. "No need for beating around the bush. I know this film is valuable, name your price!"
Jiang Yu cracked the eggs into a bowl and stirred them: "300 million US dollars."
There was a three-second silence on the other end of the phone.
"Little Jiang, your asking price—" Han Sanye's voice carried a hint of amusement, but he sounded like he was seriously considering it. "300 million US dollars, which is over 2000 million RMB at the current exchange rate. You know the revenue sharing ratio for imported films; the production company only gets 25%. That means it needs 8000 million RMB in box office revenue to break even. You're really that optimistic that this film can gross 8000 million RMB domestically?"
"I'm very confident. Third Master, think about it, the target audience for 'Twilight' is young people aged 12-24, especially girls. This group is expanding rapidly in China, has strong purchasing power, and is willing to spend money on content they like; they buy movie tickets, merchandise, and the original novel. More importantly, the movie has already generated a lot of buzz and become a social phenomenon. As long as the promotion is effective and the release date is right, the box office will be good."
After a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, you could hear him tapping on the table, a habitual gesture he made when he was thinking.
Then he suddenly burst into laughter: "Fine! 3 million it is! I refuse to believe that I, Han Sanping, have made a mistake in distribution after all these years. If this film doesn't gross 80 million domestically, I'll change my mind!"
Jiang Yu laughed, "Third Master is straightforward. I'll have David send over the contract. Also, I suggest releasing it as soon as possible, while the hype is still there, and also avoiding the protection period for domestic films during the Spring Festival."
"Great minds think alike!" Han Sanye laughed, and the Peking Opera music in the background started up again. "That's what I thought too! It'll be released on January 4th, and I've already reserved the slot! Alright, I won't keep you any longer. How's the celebration banquet going? I heard it's going to be a big event?"
"I've invited everyone I should." Jiang Yu ladled the cooked noodles into a bowl. "Most of Hollywood will be here. We'll see tomorrow night."
"Okay! Have fun! I'm hanging up now, I need to get on with the contract stuff!"
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu carried the bowl of noodles to his desk.
A copyright fee of $300 million was indeed an astronomical price in the Chinese market in 2008.
My phone vibrated. It was a WeChat message from David: "Boss, the final guest list for the celebration party is confirmed. Almost half of Hollywood is here, and 65 media outlets are attending. Should we prepare some bombshell news?" This message was sure to shock the entire room.
For example, announcing the lead actors for "Lucy"?
Jiang Yu replied, "According to the original plan, we'll just announce the start of 'Twilight 2' and 'The Hunger Games.' The rest will wait for the right time. Also, has Liu Yifei confirmed anything?"
"It's confirmed! She agreed to go in with you. However, she said she's a little nervous, having never attended a Hollywood event of this caliber before."
Jiang Yu looked at the message and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
On the eve of the victory celebration, the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel was on high alert.
David had been in the banquet hall since 2 p.m., directing every detail like a general, with a walkie-talkie in his hand and a work badge around his neck. He looked more like he was filming a war movie than preparing for a party.
"That white orchid! Move it three centimeters to the right! No, two centimeters! Yes! Right there!"
"Wipe all the champagne tower glasses again! I want each one to be crystal clear! Not a single fingerprint allowed!"
"Secure all the power cords in the media area with carpet tape! Then wrap them with black electrical tape! If any reporter trips and breaks a $50,000 camera tomorrow, I'll reassign the person in charge of this to the Alaskan branch!"
The hotel's banquet manager was a Frenchman in his fifties named Pierre, known for his meticulousness.
But at this moment, David was pushing him so hard he was sweating profusely: "Mr. David, we've checked every detail four times. We've hosted Oscar dinners, Golden Globe dinners, and even White House correspondents' dinners; we're experienced."
"Then let's do it again with the same standards as hosting a White House dinner!" David said without turning his head, his eyes scanning the venue like searchlights. "This is Light Chaser's first major public event in Hollywood, and there can't be any mistakes!"
Pierre, do you understand? This concerns the company's image!
"Understood, understood." Pierre wiped his sweat. "I'll personally adjust that potted plant."
Meanwhile, in another suite at the hotel, Jackie Chan and Gong Li were chatting over tea, with a fruit platter provided by the hotel on the coffee table.
"Are you going to the celebration banquet tomorrow?" Cheng Long asked, picking up a slice of watermelon.
"Go ahead." Gong Li took a small sip of her tea. "We have to give them face. Besides, '2012' is currently filming, so it's always good to maintain a good relationship with the investors. What about you?"
"I'm going too." Jackie Chan laughed. "Although these kinds of occasions are quite boring, with a bunch of people faking smiles, exchanging pleasantries, and testing each other. But when you're in Hollywood, you have to follow Hollywood rules. You see, most of the people showing up tomorrow aren't there to celebrate the success of 'Twilight,' but to see Light Chaser Animation, this upstart, to test the waters."
"That's right." Gong Li put down her teacup, her tone calm. "I felt the same way the first time I attended a dinner party in Cannes. Everyone was wearing a mask, and every word had a hidden meaning. But Hollywood is more direct and more commercial than Europe."
"Jiang Yu will definitely be the main character tomorrow," Cheng Long remarked. "We're just going to show our support and chat with some acquaintances. Those Hollywood bigwigs won't come looking for us unless we have a project to collaborate with them on."
Gong Li laughed, a hint of helplessness in her smile: "I'm used to it. In Cannes and Venice, we're VIPs, surrounded by the media. In Hollywood, unless you're Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts, you're an outsider. That's reality."
Cheng Long nodded, "But tomorrow at the party, we'll probably just chat with Ge You and Li Binbin. Those Hollywood bigwigs won't come looking for us unless we go to them ourselves."
Gong Li took another sip of tea and looked out at the night view: "Then let's be more proactive. Since we're here, we can't just leave empty-handed. At least say hello to Ron Meyer, after all, '2012' is a Universal project."
In Jiang Yu's apartment, the protagonist is trying on the suit he will wear tomorrow.
The tailor just delivered it yesterday. It's a custom-made piece by LoroPiana of Italy, dark gray, made from a material that only produces 200 pieces a year.
Mi's "King's Cloth" is so perfectly tailored that it feels like a second skin.
Jiang Yu stood in front of the dressing mirror, his posture upright and his eyes calm, showing no trace of the immaturity or impetuosity of his peers.
In this life, he walked faster than he had imagined, but also more steadily.
The phone rang; it was Liu Yifei.
"Jiang Yu, I have a question." Her voice came through the receiver, tinged with hesitation and nervousness. "What color dress should I wear tomorrow? Would white be too bridal? Would black be too somber? Would red be too flashy? And silver? Would it be too sparkly?"
Jiang Yu smiled, walked to the sofa and sat down: "You look good in anything. But if I had to suggest something, silver would be nice. It's simple, elegant, and has a good texture. It suits your style and isn't too flashy."
"Okay, whatever you say." Liu Yifei paused, her voice even lower. "So, what topics do I need to prepare? What if I don't know what to say when chatting with those big directors and producers? My English is okay for everyday conversation, but when it comes to professional topics—"
"No need for special preparation," Jiang Yu said gently. "If someone asks about 'Black Swan,' just tell them honestly about your experience filming it; about Director Darren's demands, the hardship of training, and your understanding of the character. If someone asks about your opinion of Hollywood, just say you're still learning and that you find it very professional. Remember, listen more and talk less, and smile more."
Hollywood likes confident but understated actors, and newcomers who have ideas but aren't aggressive.
"It sounds like a subject that requires practice." Liu Yifei smiled, her tension easing somewhat.
"Hollywood is a science in itself," Jiang Yu said. "Don't overcomplicate it. I'll pick you up tomorrow at 6:30 sharp. You..."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu continued trying on clothes.
Fate is so wondrous that it makes you laugh and sigh at the same time.