Chapter 64 Top-Tier Treatment
Chapter 64 Top-Tier Treatment
"The scene where they fight the brothel gang, I think..."
Jackie Chan sat down next to Shen Qing with the script in hand and began discussing the details of the film, making no attempt to hide his excitement.
Shen Qing and Cheng Long discussed for a few minutes, then turned to Thomas Thurman and said, "The English version of the script should be translated within two days."
With an investment of tens of millions of US dollars, it's impossible for the client to sign a contract and make payment without even understanding the script.
Shen Qing has acquired Spielberg's abilities; English is like his native language, and translating scripts is a piece of cake for him.
Tull waved his hand readily and said, "I've invested in this play; there's no rush for the English script."
Normally, it's necessary to first see a script that you can understand, since the investment in this film can't be small. Shen Qing's salary alone is $10 million plus 1000% of the initial total box office revenue. What about Jackie Chan's salary?
But how excited was Jackie Chan after reading the script? With Jackie Chan so eager to act in this project, and Shen Qing personally overseeing it, bringing together these two, how could this project possibly not find investors?
Is Legendary Pictures such a powerful entity that it can control both Shen Qing and Cheng Long?
Anyway, Tuer had absolutely no confidence; he was even worried that he would be kicked out by Shen Qing and Cheng Long.
So you want an English script? That's a minor issue; let's make sure we can get on the table first!
Such a large project cannot be finalized in a short time. In a few days, Legendary Pictures will send people, and Chen Zhixi, the vice president of Shen Qing's Magical Pictures, will also be involved. China Film Group will definitely acquire part of the film's distribution rights, and the details of Jackie Chan's salary need to be discussed. There are also issues with the filing process. It will definitely be a Sino-US co-production, and co-produced films will enjoy the same 43% box office revenue share as domestic films in mainland China. In short, there will be a lot of negotiation meetings coming up.
Cheng Long stayed with Shen Qing at China Film Studio to discuss the details until the studio closed for the day before letting Shen Qing leave.
After returning home, Shen Qing began writing the English version of the script.
Two days later.
Shen Qing received a phone call from Han Sanping at home.
"Jackie Chan and Tull have reached a preliminary agreement on a $1000 million fee."
"No dividends?"
"No!" Han Sanping said with certainty.
So, Shen Qing's salary for this film exceeded Cheng Long's? That's incredible treatment!
"Did Cheng Long refuse, or did Tu Er refuse to give it to him?" Shen Qing asked curiously.
Han Sanping said, "Tuer said he wanted to give Jackie Chan the same treatment as in 'The Forbidden Kingdom,' and Jackie Chan immediately said yes."
The total investment for "The Forbidden Kingdom" was $7000 million, and Jackie Chan and Lee Lianjie each received a $1000 million salary, with no profit sharing.
"Jackie Chan loves this script so much that he doesn't care much about anything else," President Han added.
Shen Qing himself was quite surprised. He never expected that in a movie, he would be treated better than Jackie Chan so naturally!
Even he himself felt it was somewhat unreal; what about the others?
……
That afternoon, Tuer contacted Shen Qing by phone, and the two arranged to meet at Shenqi Film and Television.
The next day, Tuer arrived at Magic Films with Vice President Jojasini and several followers. Shen Qing, Chen Zhixi, and others were responsible for receiving them.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, everyone took their seats in the conference room.
"Director Shen, I have a new idea regarding your $1000 million base salary and box office revenue sharing," Tull said cautiously.
Shen Qing raised an eyebrow, becoming wary, and asked, "A new idea?"
Could it be that this Tuer also wants to cut his share of the profits?
Seeing this, Tu'er quickly explained, "It's adding a completely new option. Whether you choose the old version or the new version is entirely up to you, Director Shen."
Shen Qing then suppressed her slight displeasure and asked, "Tell me more details."
"The 10% share of the initial total box office revenue remains unchanged. For the $1000 million base salary, we will add an option to choose between the Greater China copyright and the other option."
The $1000 million is currently worth 7300 million RMB. Assuming the production company takes one-third of the revenue, the film would only be worthwhile if it grossed 2.19 million RMB in Greater China and Shen Qing acquired the Greater China rights.
But that's not how it works. The Greater China region can also sell DVDs, as well as TV and online copyrights, so normally it's not necessary to actually get 2.19 million to make a profit.
Considering the rapid pace of cinema construction in China and the ever-expanding box office ceiling, with several films expected to gross over 3 million yuan next year, if Shen Qing chooses the Greater China rights, he has a better chance of making a fortune.
However, there is also the possibility of huge losses, such as the film only grossing 1 million yuan or even less in the Greater China region after its release.
However, since Shen Qing wrote the script and was also the director, if the domestic box office flopped and Shen Qing received less money as a result, he couldn't blame anyone else. Therefore, he actually preferred to choose the Greater China region rights.
"Mr. Tull, filming for The Forbidden Kingdom has just wrapped up. The Greater China rights to the film happen to be held by a Chinese company. As far as I know, Huayi Brothers only paid $600 million to acquire the Greater China rights."
Shen Qing's meaning is very clear: Huayi Brothers gave the Greater China rights to "The Forbidden Kingdom" for $600 million, so why should I use a base salary of $1000 million to exchange for the Greater China rights to "Little Girl's Kung Fu Uncle"?
He does indeed prefer to choose the Greater China region's copyright, but he also needs to point out the things that need to be pointed out.
Tudor said: "The Greater China rights to 'The Forbidden Kingdom' are only worth $600 million because its director is not Shen Qing. The Greater China rights to 'Little Girl's Kung Fu Uncle' are worth $1000 million because its director is Shen Qing."
Upon hearing this, Chen Zhixi, who was also attending the meeting, was completely disillusioned with the famous Hollywood film company. It turns out that the chairman of such a large American company is just as good at flattering as the Chinese!
He turned his head and secretly glanced at his boss.
At such a young age, he suddenly received a base salary of 10 million US dollars, plus 1000% of the initial total box office revenue, and had to accept the respectful flattery of the other party's chairman!
The world has become more and more wonderful since I met Shen Qing.
Shen Qing laughed heartily, "Since we've come this far, shall I choose the Greater China region's copyright?"
Tu Er breathed a sigh of relief and shook hands with Shen Qing: "I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
"Wishing you a pleasant cooperation."
……
After reaching a cooperation agreement, the specific signing process will take some time.
Thomas Tull finally got his hands on the English version of the script, and then made a small request: the female lead had to be an American actress.
The request is reasonable.
Shen Qing spoke with Cheng Long by phone, and after several discussions, they finally decided to add the character of an American female tourist.
An American female tourist was almost raped while traveling in India, but was rescued by Jackie Chan, who was also a tourist. She then witnessed Jackie Chan taking the little girl back to Pakistan.
……
"Taken 2" was a huge hit in China and North America, making Fan Bingbing an instant sensation and one of the most sought-after actresses in the country.
A weekly magazine interviewed her, asking, "Some people now say you are the most internationally influential Chinese actress. What do you think?"
"I am undoubtedly the most internationally influential Chinese actress, now and in the future. The name Fan Bingbing is a golden brand."
The reporter asked, "Perhaps a more precise statement would be, 'One of the most internationally influential Chinese actresses?'"
"There is no other, I think I am the best." Fan Bingbing actually replied.
After reading the report, Shen Qing shook her head and made a phone call to Fan Bingbing.
"That's too arrogant. You should think twice before you speak."
When Fan Bingbing answered the phone, he was chatting with Yang Tianzhen in his office. After hearing Shen Qing's words, "Take care of yourself," he was stunned for a moment, and then panicked.
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