“2012”!
This disaster film masterpiece, which has been recorded in film history textbooks, can be called the Optimus Prime of the special effects revolution!
When Roland Emmerich, the godfather of disaster films, laid out the blueprint at the beginning of the year, the entire industry was slightly excited.

This German genius who could stir up huge waves in the Pacific Ocean, from the alien fleet in “Independence Day” to the Ice Age in “The Day After Tomorrow”, was rewriting the survival rules of the film industry every time he pressed the power button.

Just when everything was ready and even the spotlights in the studio had been preheated to a white-hot state, Columbia Pictures suddenly pressed the pause button.

They counted on their fingers every penny of the overspending on “The Day After Tomorrow”, like doomsday theorists worried that the end of the world would come prematurely.

To show his sincerity, Roland, a director who could command thousands of troops, even lowered his status and simplified the script to the point where it was as simple as a space capsule design. However, the other party still sneered and shook his head while holding his coffee.

But Columbia Pictures remained indifferent and was determined not to invest.

It was not until April of the next year that another investment company emerged. Columbia Pictures saw that someone was willing to share the risk and its own investment amount was reduced, so it was tempted.

He also exercised his priority investment rights and became one of the leaders of the “2012” project.

The reason why Du Sheng pushed Lydia to join the game was not only because he calculated that this blockbuster was a box office maker and could boost the valuation of the Lianzhong platform, but also because he wanted Digital Domain special effects company to regain its glory.

If it can participate in the special effects production of “2012”, the technical accumulation will be not a small amount, which will be of great benefit to the company’s development.

The production budget of “2012” is as high as 2 million US dollars. Roland Emmerich is now busy looking for investors everywhere.

If Miracle Pictures is willing to lend a helping hand, cooperation between the two parties is almost a sure thing.

“The cooperation agreement with Roland has been basically finalized.”

Lydia shook her champagne glass, and the wine reflected billions of stars:
“Our legal department examined every frame of the devilish clauses, such as the overspending plan and the publicity and promotion share, under a microscope.

However, the official signing will have to wait until the star completes seven orbits around the Earth.”

Du Sheng tapped the crystal ashtray with his fingertips, and the crisp sound concealed a sharp edge:

“We are the only ones who are the first to speak out? Don’t you, the Hearst family, have any ideas?”

“Amanda heard that you were the one at the helm of the project, so she convened a board meeting overnight.”

Lydia pursed her lips and smiled softly:
“Now, just Director Roland’s film company, Hearst and our Miracle Pictures form a three-legged tripod.”

She suddenly winked slyly:
“However, this still depends on what Columbia Pictures wants to do. If they want to get involved, our share will have to be reduced accordingly.”

“I think there’s an 80% chance that Columbia Pictures will give up its first-look rights.”

Li Yixin added:
“Their parent company, Sony Group, has been making frequent acquisitions in the Internet sector recently, spending a lot of real money.

The new president has said that Sony Group will now focus on developing its network business and will continue to increase investment and mergers and acquisitions.

As a result, Columbia Pictures’ cash flow became tight and its investments became more cautious.”

In the past, Columbia Pictures had to wait until the second half of next year to officially launch the project due to funding issues.

“Then just wait for them to withdraw voluntarily.”

When it comes to major interests, Du Sheng can still distinguish the primary from the secondary.

Although the two companies have always cooperated well, there is not necessarily no competition.

There was a leopard-like light in his eyes:
“When the time comes, I will plant a special effects banner in Hengdian and send a group of elite people to the 2012 crew to learn from them. Lydia, you must let Lin Guohua’s Chinese employees take good care of the apprentices.”

“Yes, President Du!”

Lydia gave a playful military salute.

While chatting and laughing, the three of them had returned to the villa complex not far away.

This high-end residential area is favored by celebrities. Last year, Fan Bingbing bought another house in order to live next to Du Sheng.

Currently, two of the three villas are still vacant, but they are taken care of and maintained regularly and can be occupied at any time.

It just so happened that Fan Bingbing came here recently to promote the movie “The Warring States” which she collaborated with Liu Dehua. When she heard that Lydia was here, she planned to rush back tonight.

When she went to the Lighthouse Country to watch the “Ultimate Fighting” competition before, it was Lydia who warmly received her. Now it is considered a return of favor.

After arriving at the villa, Lydia was like a happy Persian cat. She was pretending to be virtuous in a pinched voice just now, but in the blink of an eye, she hooked Du Sheng’s tie and went into the bathroom, leaving an enchanting silhouette on the frosted glass.

Li Yixin leaned against the door frame and spat:
“When the little demon was reincarnated, he must have dropped his modesty on the Naihe Bridge!”

Before she finished speaking, she stepped in on her high heels, and a sweet laugh mixed with rose essential oil suddenly floated out from between the shower curtains.

………

In the evening, Fan Bingbing, who had rushed back, arranged a barbecue dinner in the villa yard to welcome Lydia and Li Yixin.

Lydia is a smart person. She knows the relationship between Du Sheng and Fan Bingbing, so she never says anything too much.

She was respectful and polite to Fan Bingbing, and the two got along very well.

Liu Yifei and Yang Mi heard that Lydia and Li Yixin were coming, so they came to join in the fun.

Liu Yifei felt that she was the host and had to entertain Lydia well.

After all, the other party is the domestic version of “Ye Jingzhi”, and I will have to rely on him for help in my international career in the future.

During this period, Fan Bingbing became particularly close to Lydia and often asked her for advice on the Hollywood red carpet. The two of them had a lot of fun chatting.

In contrast, Yang Mi and the two foreign daughters felt a little strange at first.

But fortunately, she was naturally eloquent and loved to be in a lively mood, so we were able to start a conversation in just a few words.

This barbecue party included food, drinks, and fun, and the atmosphere gradually became hotter.

Maybe because he was drunk, Fan Bingbing was the first to initiate the challenge.

So Du Sheng passively started the ’rounds of sparring’ session.

Lydia and Li Yixin also joined in with great interest and had a great time.

Yang Mi and Liu Yifei, who were still a little shy, were busy helping on the side and learned a lot of new skills in the process.

In the following days, Du Sheng stayed in the crew to finish the work, while accompanying a few girls to have some fun nearby.

He also took Lydia and Li Yixin to experience the ancient oriental culture, allowing them to appreciate a different kind of oriental customs.

In addition, Du Sheng also took the time to support Girls’ Generation’s new album, which can be said to be a complete success.

That day, Li Yixin ran up to him excitedly, her eyes sparkling with excitement:

“Oppa! There’s another call from North America.

The copyright price of “Wanted” has risen to 3000 million US dollars!”

Although this film is still in the late stage of production, given Du Sheng’s popularity and appeal, many distributors have approached Miracle Pictures.

As the box office of “Baby Project” continued to rise and the kung fu craze it created swept the world, the copyright price of this new film naturally rose.

Du Sheng let the makeup artist remove her makeup. When she heard the news, she just smiled and waved her hand:
“Ignore them.”

“Oppa?”

Li Yixin blinked, a hint of confusion on her face.

She is in charge of the streaming business, but at this moment she is somewhat confused about Du Sheng’s thoughts.

After all, 3000 million US dollars is not a small amount of money.

Besides, it is a business that is sure to make money!
Du Sheng looked up at her and explained gently:
“We don’t plan to sell the North American copyright of Wanted this time. We’re also taking back the copyright of the peripherals and discs.”

Li Yixin’s heartbeat suddenly quickened.

Are all copyrights not transferred?

This is no easy task.

She knew Du Sheng had this idea, but how to do it specifically?
The first is the channel issue.

Although Miracle Pictures has MGM as a partner, the scale of the reorganized MGM cinema chain is not very large. Promotion, ticketing, film scheduling, etc. all need to start from scratch.

She took a deep breath and said in a low voice:
“Oppa, have you considered the risks?

The success of “Baby Project” does not mean that the next one will be equally popular.

And Hollywood’s distribution channels… they might take the opportunity to lower the price.

I remember that last time when the copyright of “Baby Project” was sold to Sony, the profit share was cut in half.
Even if the box office breaks 1.2 million US dollars now, the actual amount we get will not exceed 3000 million.

But if I release it myself, I have to bear all the risks myself…”

Du Sheng listened to Li Yixin’s analysis and a smile appeared on his lips.

He took off his light green coat and looked out the window:

“I know your concerns, but this time we are still cooperating with Sony and just taking back the distribution rights…”

Li Yixin nodded. It seemed that the company would take the dominant position this time.

Du Sheng wants Miracle Pictures to gain a firm foothold in Hollywood and establish its own brand.

Just like Li An and John Woo, let their own Hollywood companies build relevant connections and channels.

“We don’t need this little money right now, and in the long run, we can’t rely on others for every movie.”

Du Sheng continued:

“If we want to make a series of movies and create IP in the future, we must have our own distribution system.

Just like when you run a streaming platform, you always have to accumulate experience step by step.”

Li Yixin nodded thoughtfully.

This is not a one-time deal.

What Obama wants is to take root in Hollywood and build his own empire.

She suddenly remembered that when Du Sheng discussed cooperation with Sony, he asked to retain part of the distribution rights. It turned out that he had planned it long ago.

“and–“

Du Sheng stood up and said calmly:

“In the future, the films produced by Interstellar Media will most likely go international, so participating in the promotion and marketing process is a must.

You can’t always rely on others, or you won’t be able to protect your own work.”

Li Yixin finally fully understood Du Sheng’s intention.

She knew that this was not only a business decision, but also the first step for Huayu to expand its territory in Hollywood.

Although there are many difficulties ahead, it will not be difficult to make a mark in Hollywood if there are more people like Du Sheng who have courage and wisdom.

“So…how do we do it specifically?”

Li Yixin asked, with anticipation glittering in her eyes.

“First, let Hearst and MGM help build a distribution network to break the monopoly of the six major film studios.”

Du Sheng said lightly:

“For example, in terms of exploring local culture, developing diversified types, and strengthening marketing and promotion, TVING and LME are needed to provide protection…”

Li Yixin silently wrote down these key points.

She knew that this would be an important step in turning Miracle Pictures into the Hollywood Big Seven.

Time flies, and in a blink of an eye it is the morning of September 9rd.

Du Sheng accompanied Lydia and Li Yixin to the Lemon International Airport, ready to send them back to the Lighthouse Country.

In the VIP lounge of the airport, Lydia was the first to break the silence:

“Columbia Pictures has made it clear that it will not exercise its right of first refusal.

The investment for 2012 has been finalized and will be led by Miracle Pictures.”

After that, she changed the subject, her eyes gleaming with anticipation:
“I remember you mentioned another American TV series before, called “The Big Bang Theory”. When will this project start?”

There was a hint of reluctance in Lydia’s words.

In her heart, she still hoped that Du Sheng could go to the Lighthouse Country to film.

Du Sheng shook his head and responded with a smile:
“Let’s wait until Gossip Girl airs and see the market response.”

After hearing this, although Lydia had expected it in her heart, she still reluctantly suggested:
“So what do you think of Game of Thrones and The Dark Knight?
The rights to Game of Thrones are now in our hands.

The screenwriter of “The Last Witch” is also credited with AMC Radio, but they are short of funds now. We can definitely get him if we offer a good price.

Our company’s team is basically still there, and the filming time is only three or four months. If we are well prepared, we can even take over Gossip Girl.”

“Game of Thrones” is adapted from the world-renowned fantasy novel “A Song of Ice and Fire”, and it cost millions of US dollars just to change the copyright.

Although “Breaking Bad” is an original show, its ratings, praise and popularity surpassed those of its previous show.

Lydia thought Du Sheng was worried that the drama produced by Miracle Pictures would not be popular in the local area, so she tried to convince him from this perspective.

Du Sheng pondered for a while and said:
“Let’s first see how ‘Full House’ performs in terms of viewership. I don’t know yet how well European and American audiences will accept Chinese protagonists.”

In the future, Miracle Pictures will not use only Hollywood artists in its American TV series, otherwise it would be giving people free star status.

He is considering gradually inviting some artists from Star Media to join the group, so as to have a subtle influence and increase the number of Chinese people’s faces and impressions around the world.

“Full House” has not yet been released in Europe and the United States. This time it was tested on the LME streaming media, which can also be regarded as using its popularity in North America to observe the reaction.

Lydia knew what he was worried about, and said confidently:

“I grew up in New York, and I can tell you responsibly that the aesthetics of the East and the West are actually not that different.

Handsome men and beautiful women, everyone has the same aesthetic standards.

You are a handsome man with extreme masculine charm. There are no Chinese superhero movies in Hollywood. That’s all because of the manipulation and guidance of capital and has nothing to do with the audience’s preferences.

Think about it, would Eastern audiences mind handsome guys from Europe and America?
By the same token, European and American audiences won’t mind Chinese artists too much.”

As she spoke, she also cited several successful examples of Chinese directors and actors to encourage Du Sheng.

Du Sheng touched Lydia’s head and said with a smile:
“Being an entrepreneur is different. My eloquence has become more and more fluent.

If you can buy out the rights to Game of Thrones, I’d consider it.

We can expand the framework of Game of Thrones, such as the seven major families and the Night’s Watch, and replace the former with the seven races of the real world, which is quite innovative. “

For example, the Targaryen family that ruled the eastern continent of Westeros was directly replaced by Dongsheng Shenzhou and the Eastern Kingdom.

This way, Chinese people will feel more involved.

It can also squeeze in many artists from Star Media.

For example, girls like Girls’ Generation, Liu Tao and others, improve and expand their international image and pave the way for subsequent overseas performances.

This drama is a global hit and the money-making effect is very obvious.

The investment cost can be recovered through advertising placement alone.

Moreover, it has been filmed for eight consecutive seasons, and its popularity remains unabated. The eye-catching effect is absolutely guaranteed!

………(End of chapter)