Chapter 29

(Seeking recommendations! Thanks!)

During the post-production of the film, although Wu Cheng followed the process, he did not say much, as he had no experience in editing or composing music, and thus had no right to speak on these matters.

What he did most was to quietly observe from the side and use the unused footage to cut some bloopers, which he planned to use as an Easter egg at the end of the film.

In the past, when watching films, Wu Cheng's favorite part was always the bloopers at the end, which seemed very interesting. Some scenes that went wrong were actually more entertaining than those that didn't.

Believing that these bloopers could attract some viewers to revisit the film, he was confident they would add value.

By mid-January, after two and a half months, "The Five Lucky Stars" was finally completed.

The next day, Wu Cheng and Hong Jinbao took the film copy to Golden Harvest.

Because of their previous interaction with He Guanchang, Wu Cheng and Hong Jinbao did not have to wait long before meeting with Chow Yun-fat and He Guanchang. Wu Cheng had only heard of these two names but had never met them.

In fact, their generation was not unfamiliar with these two names, but unless there was a specific reason, who would bother to look up their information! If it weren't for being reborn in Hong Kong, Wu Cheng would not have had any interaction with them.

The first time Wu Cheng saw Chow Yun-fat, he felt that a person with such an aura was no wonder he had split from Shaw Brothers. Although he didn't know what a "heroic" aura was, he felt that this person was very strong, especially his eyes, which made people hesitant to meet his gaze.

"Mr. Chow, Mr. He!" Wu Cheng and Hong Jinbao nodded and greeted them.

"Sanmao, you did a good job!" Chow Yun-fat chuckled, but Hong Jinbao, like a child who had done something wrong, hung his head and said nothing, which left Wu Cheng speechless.

Although Hong Jinbao had mentioned owing them a favor, there was no need to act like a mouse in front of a cat! Wu Cheng felt that it was good he came; otherwise, with Hong Jinbao's current state, they wouldn't even need to talk, just agree.

Seeing Hong Jinbao just smiling foolishly, Wu Cheng took the lead and said with a smile, "Whether it's good or not, you'll have to see the film to decide. I wonder if you two are interested in watching it together?"

Chow Yun-fat looked at Wu Cheng and smiled, "Was it you who persuaded Sanmao to make this film for you?"

Wu Cheng raised his index finger and smiled, shaking it, "Mr. Chow, you're joking. Do you think I, at my young age, could persuade Sanmao? We are collaborating."

Chow Yun-fat laughed, "Sanmao, what's the point of small-scale projects? Why don't you come back? Uncle Huai will let you set up your own company, and you can have 40% of the shares. You can make whatever you like. If you don't want to come back, that's fine too. Your company is so small; why don't Uncle Huai invest five million and take 50% of the shares? What do you think?"

When Hong Jinbao heard about the five million, he was somewhat tempted and looked at Wu Cheng.

Seeing Hong Jinbao's hesitation, Wu Cheng shook his head slightly. Indeed, he was not the Hong Jinbao after he became famous! If it were in the future, he would probably curse under his breath!

Wu Cheng smiled, "Mr. Chow, we came today to discuss cooperation. If you want to collaborate with Sanmao, please find another time, okay?"

Chow Yun-fat did not expect that this young man would not only be immune to his temptation but also dare to speak to him like this, which seemed a bit presumptuous!

Chow Yun-fat smiled, "Since that's the case, let's watch the film first!"

Chow Yun-fat then asked He Guanchang to call all the senior executives, especially those from the film acquisition department, to the small screening room.

After an hour and a half, Chow Yun-fat walked out of the screening room with a somewhat unhappy expression. He could tell that this film would be hard not to be a hit. Not to mention the scenes, even the comedic segments were different from the humor of the Hui brothers but equally appealing.

A good film, for him, was not necessarily a good thing. If he wanted to poach Hong Jinbao, he would have to pay a much higher price than he initially thought.

In fact, this film had many improvements compared to the one in Wu Cheng's memory... Not to mention the cameo by Teresa Teng, which alone was worth the ticket price.

"A Cheng, you don't seem very satisfied with Uncle Huai's investment!"

Hong Jinbao, who was at the back, asked Wu Cheng in a low voice.

Wu Cheng sneered and shook his head, "Sanmao, wait and see! Even if you want to sell yourself now, you won't get a good price. Wait until the film is released, and you'll know how much you're worth. Five million to buy our company? They really think we're beggars!"

Hong Jinbao laughed, "Which beggar can ask for five million like us!" He paused and then said seriously, "I think Uncle Huai is very sincere with us. Our company was only set up with three million, and he can buy it for five million, but now he only wants 50% of the shares."

Wu Cheng smiled and shook his head, "Whether it's worth it or not, we'll know after the film is released!"

In Chow Yun-fat's office, the four of them sat down again. While Wu Cheng and Hong Jinbao were talking in low voices, Chow Yun-fat had already reached a consensus with his subordinates. Now, the only thing left was the negotiation to get the best deal.

"Since we've seen the film, it's indeed good, but how do you want to cooperate?" Chow Yun-fat got straight to the point.

Hong Jinbao was not in a position to speak, so Wu Cheng had to play the bad guy.

Wu Cheng smiled, "How does Mr. Chow plan to cooperate?"

"Fixed price, four million to buy out, including the rights to sequels!"

Wu Cheng laughed, "It seems Mr. Chow isn't sincere about cooperation. Well, we won't bother you two, then. We'll take our leave!"

He Guanchang immediately stood up and called out, "Mr. Wu, Mr. Wu, don't be in a hurry! Business negotiations always take time! Asking for the sky and settling for the earth, right?"

Wu Cheng shook his head, "Don't take advantage of my youth. We all know what we're doing. Hong Kong isn't the only place with a cinema chain."

"Heh, Mr. Wu, you're quite confident. I'd like to see what price Shaw Brothers will give you. Do you really think they're a charity?"

"Is Mr. Chow planning to make a bet with me?" Wu Cheng said with a confident smile.

The two elders looked at each other, unable to tell if Wu Cheng was serious or not.

So He Guanchang played the good cop, smiling, "Mr. Wu, we're here to do business, not to argue. There's no need to say harsh words. Since you're not satisfied with our offer, why don't you tell us your terms?"

Wu Cheng nodded, "For the Hong Kong box office, let's split it 50-50..."

"That's impossible! No cinema chain would agree to such a split!"

Wu Cheng smiled, "Then let's use the guaranteed minimum system. I'll give you a certain amount, and any excess box office revenue is ours. How about that?"

He Guanchang smiled, "No need for the guaranteed minimum. I have some confidence in the film. But 50-50 is too much. At most, 30-70."

Wu Cheng smiled and shook his head, then said seriously, "For the local box office, if you don't agree to 50-50, let's split it by time periods. In the first week, we get 70%, in the second week, 60-40, in the third week, 50-50, and if there's a fourth week, you get 60%."

He Guanchang and Chow Yun-fat looked at each other, and then Chow Yun-fat's lips curled up, and he smiled thoughtfully, "In the first week, you get 60%, in the second week, 50-50, in the third week, we get 60%, and in the fourth week, we get 70%. Deal or no deal?"

Wu Cheng thought for a moment and nodded, "That works!"

"Then let's wish for a pleasant cooperation!" He Guanchang stood up and said with a smile.

Wu Cheng smiled, "Mr. He, we've settled the local box office split, but we haven't discussed the overseas box office split yet. No need to rush!"

Wu Cheng's words made both Chow Yun-fat and He Guanchang laugh slightly, with a hint of sarcasm.

Hong Jinbao then said, "A Cheng, overseas, it's usually a fixed price, and rarely a box office split."

Wu Cheng nodded and smiled, "If that's the case, we'll handle the overseas distribution ourselves. No need to trouble Mr. Chow."

Chow Yun-fat couldn't help but laugh loudly, and after laughing, he pointed at Wu Cheng with his cigar, his face showing a hint of anger, "Young man, don't be too presumptuous!"

Wu Cheng sneered and said coldly, "If I knew my limits, would I still be a young man?"

"Fine, fine, fine!" Chow Yun-fat suddenly stood up, slapped the table, and shouted, "If that's the case, our cooperation ends here. I'd like to see what conditions Shaw Six will give you. Ah Chang, see them out!"

He Guanchang stood up and said, "Ah Huai, calm down, calm down!" He gave Hong Jinbao a look, signaling him to make Wu Cheng not act on impulse.

Hong Jinbao also held Wu Cheng back, with a pleading look, "A Cheng, don't be angry with Uncle Huai. Let's sit down and talk. I'm sure Uncle Huai and Uncle Chang won't let us down." He looked at Chow Yun-fat and He Guanchang with a pleading look.

Wu Cheng took a deep breath and said, "Sanmao, don't hold me back. I came here with sincerity and even brought a script. I thought if they were sincere, we could continue to collaborate. Since that's not the case, let's go to Uncle Shaw. I don't believe they won't be interested in this script."

Chow Yun-fat and He Guanchang looked at each other again, and He Guanchang said, "Mr. Wu, overseas box office splits are rare. Let's discuss this further."

Wu Cheng nodded, sat down, and continued the negotiation.

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