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

Chapter 520 Recruiting the Old Master

Tuesday, November 15.

After finishing his work in the editing room, Fu Yibai returned to his office.

"Mr. Fu, there's a news story that you might find very interesting."

Zhang Xinyu, holding her phone, came forward to greet her.

"What news?"

Fu Yibai took Zhang Xinyu's phone with a puzzled look.

The phone screen displayed an exclusive report from Sina Entertainment, with a headline in bold black font:

[Exclusive: Zhang Yimou has reportedly left New Pictures; the Zhang-Zhang duo may be parting ways]

After reading the report, Fu Yibai returned the phone to Zhang Xinyu.

"Okay, I understand."

He sat back down behind his desk.

Less than half a year after the revenue-sharing controversy surrounding New Pictures, Zhang Weiping, having offended half of the film industry, was already having a tough time.

If Zhang Yimou really leaves at this time, New Pictures will be like having its only pillar removed.

But he wasn't thinking about what the new visuals would look like; he was thinking about Zhang Yimou himself.

There's only one director in China who can be called a "national director".

Zhang Yimou's cinematic language, color control, and ability to orchestrate large-scale scenes remain unparalleled in the entire Chinese film industry.

Over the years, the film industry has wavered between commercial and art films, largely driven by Zhang Weiping's commercial judgments.

If Zhang Yimou were to leave New Pictures, he would have only two options: establish his own studio or become affiliated with a large company.

Fu Yibai immediately took out his phone and found Zhang Yimou's number.

A waiting tone came from the receiver, the phone rang for a few seconds, and then it was answered.

"Feed?"

Zhang Yimou's voice came through the receiver.

"Director Zhang, this is Fu Yibai."

"Director Fu, it's been a long time."

"Is Director Zhang available now? I'd like to invite you for a cup of tea," Fu Yibai said.

"Now?"

"Now."

Zhang Yimou remained silent for a few seconds.

"Okay. Where?"

"XX Tea House in China World Trade Center Phase 3".

"Okay, see you in half an hour."

When Fu Yibai arrived at the tea room, Zhang Yimou was already sitting inside waiting.

"Director Zhang."

"Director Fu, please have a seat."

Fu Yibai sat down opposite him.

"Director Fu is so busy, you must have something to talk about if you invite me for tea."

Director Zhang is a straightforward person.

We do have something to discuss.

I heard Director Zhang is leaving New Pictures?

Zhang Yimou paused in his teacup-holding hand, then calmly took a sip.

"Director Fu is well-informed; I do indeed plan to leave New Pictures."

"I won't ask Director Zhang why he left New Pictures."

I just want to know, what are Director Zhang's plans after leaving New Pictures? Will he start his own studio?

"I haven't decided yet."

Zhang Yimou toyed with the small purple clay teacup in his hand.

"For so many years, others have been managing the company for me; I only need to focus on filming."

To be honest, I'm not confident about running this business on my own.

"Then I won't beat around the bush."

Fu Yibai placed the water glass on the table.

"Director Zhang, come to Chenxi."

Zhang Yimou raised his head and looked at Fu Yibai through the rising steam from his teacup.

"Go to Dawn?"

What are the conditions?

"The signing fee is ten million, and the annual salary is ten million. That's fixed."

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, his tone calm.

"The actor's salary will be calculated separately, and the box office revenue share will not be lower than the highest industry standard."

The company will provide you with a dedicated production team, including a producer, cinematographer, art director, lighting technician, and costume designer. You have the final say on the selection of key personnel.

Zhang Yimou picked up his teacup and took another sip, his fingers gently tracing the rim as he fell into deep thought.

Fu Yibai struck while the iron was hot.

"In addition to these, Dawn will also provide you with award-winning scripts and award public relations services."

Morning Light has long-term public relations teams in Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, who are familiar with the judging rules and know how to accurately convey the artistic value of a film to the judges.

"At Chenxi, you only need to focus on creating; the company will handle everything else."

Zhang Yimou fell even more silent.

After a long silence, Zhang Yimou spoke.

"If I come to Dawn, will my long-time team come with me?"

Fu Yibai was surprised by the unexpected joy.

Zhang Yimou's team can be considered to have top-notch technical talent in the industry.

Dawn wouldn't have turned them away.

"certainly.

Chenxi respects the creative habits of each artist and the team's tacit understanding.

Your core team is available for Dawn to take on, with excellent compensation, if they wish.

"Okay, I'll go back and think about it."

"Okay, Director Zhang, call me once you've made your decision."

The gates of dawn are always open for you.

Fu Yibai stood up, and Zhang Yimou also stood up and shook hands with him.

"Director Fu, thank you."

"Director Zhang, you're too kind."

The two parted ways at the entrance of the teahouse. Fu Yibai took the elevator downstairs, while Zhang Yimou stood in the corridor watching the elevator doors close, then took out his phone and glanced at the time on the screen.

He didn't leave. He went back to the tea table, sat down, poured himself another cup of tea, and drank it alone for a long time.

Fu Yibai's offer was indeed very generous.

The signing fee, the award-winning film, the public relations resources—everything was precisely tailored to his needs.

But what appealed to him even more was the autonomy over the project.

He had worked with Zhang Weiping for over a decade, and the latter gradually changed from consulting him on everything to acting arbitrarily, gradually diminishing his influence.

As his status in the industry rose, the range of subjects he could film actually narrowed.

He had actually made the decision to leave New Picture a long time ago; he just lacked a place where he could feel at ease.

Chenxi has indeed demonstrated sufficient sincerity and professionalism.

Fu Yibai's proposed conditions covered almost all aspects he cared about, especially creative autonomy.

Zhang Yimou finished the last sip of tea, got up, and left the tea room.