Hollywood, I became a legend with special effects.

Chapter 27: Making a Co-production

Just as Jiang Yu was about to press on and elaborate on his ideas for specific cooperation, Han Sanping abruptly changed the subject and asked a seemingly casual question.

"By the way, I saw the filing notice at the bureau a couple of days ago. Your company submitted a project called 'The Witch'? A sci-fi action film? The investment seems quite large. Is this your first content development project to be promoted in China?"

Jiang Yu felt a slight chill in his heart. He hadn't expected Han Sanping to have noticed this, and to point it out so directly.

This was clearly not a casual question; he quickly composed himself and answered frankly.

"Yes, Mr. Han. 'The Witch' is a project we've localized and rewrote based on a concept from a Korean comic for which we acquired the adaptation rights. It's positioned as a high-concept sci-fi action film with philosophical undertones. We hope to use it to explore the possibilities of combining our technological advantages with genre storytelling, and it's also an important practice for nurturing young domestic creative teams."

Han Sanping nodded and pondered, "Science fiction, action, and a touch of philosophical reflection. The idea is good; young people dare to think and dare to take risks."

He raised his eyes, looking calmly at Jiang Yu, then glanced at Yang Siwei, who was sitting upright beside him.

"However, this type of subject matter, involving superpowers and violence, will be quite difficult to make into a domestic film that can be approved, reviewed, and released in China under the current censorship standards and guidelines. Some boundaries and expressions need to be handled very carefully, and may even require significant adjustments, potentially resulting in something that is neither fish nor fowl."

His tone was calm, as if he were stating an objective fact, and every word struck Jiang Yu and Yang Siwei's hearts.

Jiang Yu hadn't considered this aspect before. He was reborn with foresight regarding future market trends and successful cases, and was focused on using leading technology and mature genre film models to break into the market. He subconsciously ignored the reality of the domestic film censorship environment and the sensitivity of the subject matter.

Yang Siwei also made a mistake. She was excellent at execution, but she lacked sufficient vigilance and contingency plans regarding the censorship red lines that the subject matter might trigger.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a moment of stunned silence and a belated realization of the chill in each other's eyes.

Seeing the subtle changes in their expressions, Han Sanping's eyes flashed with understanding, but there was no mockery in them. Instead, it carried the gentleness of a senior instructing a junior.

He said slowly, "So, I was thinking, since you have existing channels and experience in cooperation in Hollywood, have you considered making 'The Witch' a Sino-US co-production?"

"A co-production?" Jiang Yu quickly composed himself, his brain racing.

"That's right," Han Sanping affirmed. "According to the current co-production policy, if a film meets the relevant regulations and is recognized as a co-production, it will not only enjoy the same treatment as domestic films in mainland China, but theoretically, it will also have more leeway in terms of content censorship regarding certain themes and expressions compared to purely domestic films."

He paused, looking at Jiang Yu: "I've reviewed your filing materials. The story is set in near-future Shanghai, the protagonists are Chinese, and the core conflict has universal relevance. If you can clearly define the co-production strategy at the script stage and bring in a significant American partner, it's feasible, provided the Chinese team maintains control over the creative direction and core interests. This leverages your unique trans-Pacific advantage, mitigates certain risks to some extent, and allows you to benefit from market policies. What do you think?"

Jiang Yu secretly admired Han Sanping's shrewdness. This was not just a simple suggestion, but a highly practical solution, and even a hidden test.

Testing whether Jiang Yu truly possesses the ability to integrate resources under both sets of rules is also a bait to be thrown out; China Film Group is clearly interested in participating in this new type of project with an international perspective.

.....

Jiang Yu did not answer immediately. He thought for a moment and then looked at Han Sanping.

"Chairman Han, your suggestion has indeed enlightened us and opened up a new avenue of thought. The co-production model may indeed be more suitable for the current stage of development of the 'Witch' project. Our Light Chaser Pictures' physical presence in Hollywood and our cooperative relationships with Lionsgate, Searchlight Pictures, and Summit Entertainment can serve as a solid foundation for introducing foreign resources."

He began to reveal his bargaining chips, while also making his demands: "If China Film Group is interested in participating in this project, we would be very happy to welcome it. We can jointly form a Sino-US joint development team. In terms of production, Light and Shadow Digital can be responsible for core production and visual effects, and coordinate Hollywood's technical resources; while China Film Group can leverage its huge advantages in domestic policy coordination and market promotion."

Jiang Yu paused for a moment, then presented his specific cooperation plan: "We can discuss the investment ratio and cooperation model in more detail. My initial idea is that if the total project budget is controlled within the range of 2000 to 30 million US dollars, Light Chaser Pictures can take the lead in handling most of the financing and overseas distribution, while China Film Group can participate as an investor and the main Chinese partner, with an investment ratio of around 3000%. Specific terms, including copyright, revenue distribution, and decision-making mechanisms, can all be negotiated based on the principles of fairness and mutual benefit."

Jiang Yu's response was swift, clear, and well-prepared.

He not only accepted Han Sanping's idea of ​​co-productions, but also brought China Film Group into the cooperation framework and proposed a concrete and pragmatic preliminary cooperation plan.

Han San listened calmly, the faint smile on his face seeming to deepen slightly.

Jiang Yu didn't just talk about ideals, nor did he hesitate. He quickly found a point of convergence within the framework of the rules and demonstrated a clear approach and corresponding strength to promote implementation.

"An investment of 2000 to 3000 million US dollars is not a small amount in today's co-productions."

Han Sanping said slowly, tapping the armrest lightly with his fingers again, "China Film Group's 30% investment would amount to 6 to 9 million US dollars. Comrade Jiang Yu, I basically agree with the framework you just mentioned. We can explore the path of co-productions. China Film Group does need some groundbreaking projects to boost morale and explore new cooperation models and genre film development experience. China Film Group's 30% investment is worth considering."

His use of "can be considered" is a positive signal in official language.

"However," Han Sanping emphasized again, "the premise of cooperation is that the project itself must be of high quality. The script must be solid, the direction must be correct, and all the hard indicators of co-productions must be met. China Film Investment should not only see the market prospects, but also the industrial demonstration significance of the project. I hope that 'The Witch' can not only become a profitable film, but also become a new example of Sino-US film cooperation, and a window to showcase the progress of China's film industry and its ability to innovate genres."

"That's also our goal," Jiang Yu responded solemnly. "We will assemble the most professional team as soon as possible to refine the plan. We hope to work closely with our colleagues at China Film Group to make this project a benchmark."

"Okay." Han Sanping stood up with a smile. "That's all for today. Let the people below handle the specifics. I'll talk to China Film Group. You guys prepare a detailed cooperation plan and project implementation schedule, and submit it according to procedure."

Jiang Yu and Yang Siwei also immediately stood up.

"Thank you for your support and guidance, Chairman Han." Jiang Yu shook hands again, and this time, he felt that Han Sanping's grip seemed to have tightened a little.

"Do a good job." Han Sanping patted Jiang Yu's arm. These three simple words contained multiple meanings.

After leaving the China Film Group building and getting into the car, the cool air from the air conditioner cooled Jiang Yu's head, which had become somewhat feverish from thinking at high speed.

Yang Siwei's face flushed with excitement. "President Jiang, I never expected Chairman Han to propose a co-production and even be willing to invest! This is simply..."

"It's an opportunity, but also a test." Jiang Yu looked out the window, his tone calm. "He saw our value and the potential of 'The Witch.' By binding us to the co-production model, he not only gave us policy access and market space, but also allowed him to observe our true capabilities up close. It's a win-win situation."

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