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

Chapter 93 Preparations

The doorbell rang just as the phone call ended.

He went to open the door, and Margaret stood outside, holding a document in her hand, her face beaming with undisguised joy.

"Yes, Leonardo has replied."

Fu Yibai stepped aside to let her in.

Margaret handed him the documents.

"He read the script and was very interested. His agent has arranged to meet with us next week, and if things go smoothly, he's willing to take the role."

Fu Yibai took the document and quickly glanced at it; it was a letter of intent from Leonardo DiCaprio's agency.

"He said it was the most interesting script he had read in the past two years, and he especially liked the concept of multiple layers of dreams."

Margaret added, her voice tinged with excitement.

Fu Yibai closed the file and nodded.

"Then let's arrange to meet next week."

"By the way, Mr. Han from China Film Group will be coming tomorrow. Please arrange for someone to receive him."

Remember, don't reveal my relationship with Franchise Entertainment.

"clear."

Although Margaret didn't understand why Fu Yibai had made this arrangement, she still nodded in agreement.

Fu Yibai concealed his identity and that of the franchised film company mainly because he didn't want to get into trouble.

If he reveals that he controls an independent Hollywood production company with overseas distribution channels.

Those guys in China will definitely be trying to borrow a boat to go to sea every day.

He'll definitely be in big trouble then.

The next day, Han Shanping arrived at Los Angeles International Airport at 6 p.m.

The head of China Film Group personally led the team, accompanied by a legal counsel and a financial specialist.

The scale wasn't large, but it was enough to demonstrate the importance attached to this cooperation.

Margaret personally picked him up at the airport.

"Mr. Han, welcome to Los Angeles."

I'm Margaret from Franchise Films.

She stepped forward, her manners impeccable.

"Director Fu is waiting for you at the hotel. He asked me to tell you that he's hosting a welcome dinner for you tonight."

Han Shanping nodded with a smile.

"Ms. Margaret, you're too kind."

"That kid Yi Bai has really made something of himself now."

The car left the airport and drove along the highway towards Beverly Hills.

7 p.m., a private club in Beverly Hills.

Fu Yibai booked the innermost private room, which offered a private environment and a view of the Los Angeles cityscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

When Han Shanping arrived, Fu Yibai was already waiting.

"Mr. Han, you must be tired from your journey."

Fu Yibai stood up to greet him, and the two shook hands.

"What's so hard about it? I'd love to experience this kind of hardship more often."

Han Shanping pulled Fu Yibai down to sit and asked enthusiastically, "Tell me properly, how did you manage to squeeze so much money out of those misers?"

"What's so difficult about that? The script is mine, and I've also reached a strategic partnership with Franchise Films, so I'll be making a few films for them in the future."

A consensus was reached very easily.

As for Warner...

If they disagree, we can certainly cooperate with other companies.

Paramount is also very interested in this book.

Fu Yibai explained the reason to Han Shanping with ease.

Dinner was held in a relaxed atmosphere.

Han Shanping was quite impressed by Fu Yibai's casual remark about such a large project, but he didn't ask for too many details.

In business, everyone has resources they are unwilling to share; knowing when to stop is the wise thing to do.

The following morning, in the conference room of the franchise film company.

Kevin Tesuhara and two Warner Bros. production executives sat on one side of the long table, while Fu Yibai and Han Shanping's team, who had arrived overnight, sat on the other side.

Margaret, on the other hand, sat in the main seat.

"Now that everyone is here, let's get straight to the point."

Kevin opened the file in front of him.

Warner Bros. is very interested in the Inception project.

However, several issues need to be clarified before the investment shares are officially determined.

He looked at Fu Yibai.

"First, the director's authority."

This is Director Fu's first time directing a production with a budget of over $100 million, so we need to establish a clear communication mechanism for the creative process.

Fu Yibai remained expressionless.

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight.

"I need the final say on creative decisions."

You can send producers to the set and participate in budget oversight, but when it comes to artistic creation, I have the final say.

Kevin was silent for a few seconds, his gaze lingering on Fu Yibai's face.

This request isn't unreasonable—most top Hollywood directors have this right.

But this young man in front of us is only twenty-four years old. It's his first time directing an A-list production, and he dares to make such a request. He's certainly got some nerve.

Kevin glanced at Margaret, but only for a second before looking away.

Because he knew that Margaret was definitely on Fu Yibai's side.

Sure enough, Margaret spoke up the next second.

"Charter Studios has no objections."

After Margaret spoke, Han Shanping also spoke.

"China Film Group also agreed."

Upon hearing that Franchise Entertainment had agreed, Kevin could only nod in the end.

"Yes, but there's a condition."

The budget must not be exceeded. If uncontrollable cost overruns occur during filming, Warner Bros. reserves the right to intervene.

"Can."

Kevin nodded and then looked at Han Shanping.

"Mr. Han, China Film Group's involvement this time shows how much we value the Chinese market."

But there's one question I'd like to confirm—what resources can China Film Group provide?

Han Shanping was prepared.

"Green channel for approval, publicity and distribution resources, and support for film scheduling in theaters."

Furthermore, if filming requires locations in China, China Film Group can coordinate all the necessary procedures.

Kevin hesitated for a moment, then finally stood up and extended his hand: "Then I wish us a pleasant collaboration."

The subsequent negotiations went much more smoothly.

The allocation of shares was finalized according to the previously communicated plan.

Franchise Pictures 40%, Warner Bros. 30%, China Film Group 15%, and Sunrise 15%.

In order not to affect domestic development, the 15% of funds used by Chenxi were borrowed from Xinghui.

The signing ceremony was simple and low-key, with no media, no flashbulbs, and only the scratching sound of pens moving across the documents.

Han Shanping spent two days in Los Angeles, had a few hours of private conversation with Fu Yibai, and then flew back to Beijing satisfied.

After seeing Han Shanping off, Fu Yibai's life entered a new rhythm.