China Entertainment Mythology 2004

Chapter 353 The pie painted by Li Mu
Beijing city, night, a certain house.

Director Tian Xiaopeng was leaning on the bed, with his wife resting on his arm. Director Tian seemed to be worried, while his wife looked happy.

"Hey, do you think "Coco" can really break the $10 billion box office this time?"

"I can't tell. Why are you in such a hurry? You'll find out in a month."

"But now people are saying that it will definitely exceed 10 billion U.S. dollars. In just over ten days, hasn't the global box office accumulated nearly 7 million U.S. dollars?"

"Ah."

"Hmm, what, eh, let me ask you a question, can it really break through 10 billion US dollars?"

Director Tian Xiaopeng showed a somewhat conceited look on his face: "Normally, one billion US dollars would be unstoppable."

"Really?" His wife's eyebrows became even more joyful after hearing this, and she couldn't help but kiss her husband on the face. "When the box office exceeds 10 billion US dollars, I will go to the temple to burn incense for you."

"Look how beautiful you are."

"I do. The movie directed by my husband has exceeded US$10 billion at the box office. Only a few movies in the world have achieved this feat? Who can't bear to see them making one?"

"Let me tell you, madam, although your husband is one of the co-directors of "Coco", everyone knows that the biggest contributor and creator of this movie is Director Li Mu."

The wife lay on Director Tian's chest: "I don't care, the title clearly says - director, colon, Tian Xiaopeng, I'm not talking nonsense, the co-director is also the director, not the assistant."

Director Tian didn't say anything. After a while, his wife asked again: "How much can you get this time?"

"It should be more than 3000 million, certainly not more than 4000 million."

"That's great." His wife heard this with a smile on her face.

"I was just about to tell you this." Director Tian hesitated for a moment and said, "As you know, I have wanted to make an animated film version of Journey to the West for a long time, but it was just because I could not get investment and the technical conditions were very poor. I had no choice but to give up because I was immature. In the past few years, I have participated in two major projects, "Frozen" and "Coco" with Director Li Mu. I usually come into contact with the world's top animation technical teams. , now that the technology is available and the money is available, I want to devote all my energy to the "Journey to the West" project."

In fact, Director Tian's wife still hopes that Director Tian can continue to work on projects with Director Li Mu in peace and contentment.

A project costs tens of millions. Where can I find such a good thing?
But she also knew that "Journey to the West" was one of her husband's obsessions, so she didn't hesitate much and expressed her support directly.

"If you want to do it, just do it, I support you."

Tian Xiaopeng was very happy when he heard this: "One more thing, I want to invest all the money distributed this time and the money we made before."

"Put it all in?" Director Tian's wife was a little reluctant when she heard this.

It's tens of millions, what if all of it is lost?
"It's not enough to invest everything, we have to attract investment." Tian Xiaopeng took a deep breath and then said.

Somehow, Director Tian's wife felt at ease at this time.

"It doesn't matter if it's not enough, go to Director Li and ask for investment."

As we all know, no project that Director Li Mu is optimistic about will lose money!

Director Tian's wife was of course flustered as all her family's money was invested in a movie, but if the project could be approved and invested by Director Li Mu - then there would be no problem!

Tian Xiaopeng nodded. In fact, that's what he thought.

……

The next morning, director Tian Xiaopeng came to Li Mu with the project he had been preparing for many years - "Journey to the West 3D".

"Director Li, I have a project here that I would like you to take a look at."

"Sit down, let me take a look first."

Li Mu took the plan and turned it over.

In fact, he didn't need to look through the pages to know that the project he was holding was the famous "Journey to the West: The Return of the Great Sage" from the original time and space, a work that director Tian Xiaopeng had been honing for 8 years.

Because he was very familiar with this project, even more familiar than the original author of this project, Tian Xiaopeng, who was sitting in front of him now, Li Mu did not take a closer look.

I remember that in the original time and space, when director Tian Xiaopeng's team was in the most difficult financial situation, Tian Xiaopeng not only used up all his own money, but even used his parents' money and the money of his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

The project once reached the end of its rope. Later, through the recommendation of acquaintances, Tian Dao’s team began to receive the favor of some capital. When Producer Luwei took over the project with investment, Tian Dao’s team had only produced 10 minutes of content.

This shows that it is quite difficult for animation directors to attract investment.

At that time, no one in China was optimistic about this.

At this time, Director Tian Xiaopeng felt his heart sinking.

Because Li Mu saw it too quickly, it was actually difficult to have a basic understanding of the project in such a short period of time.

It seems that director Li Mu is not very interested in this project.

If Director Li Mu didn't invest and relied solely on Director Tian's own funds, he would inevitably be short of funds.

Moreover, Director Li Mu has always been known for his ruthless vision. If Director Li is not very optimistic, it will definitely affect Tian Xiaopeng's own confidence in the project.

"It is a good project and very meaningful. The Chinese people have their own superhero, and that is the Monkey King. The Chinese people can also film their own superheroes well."

Just when Director Tian Xiaopeng was a little unsure about Director Li Mu's attitude, Li Mu spoke, "Tell me how much of the funding gap there is, and I'll make up for it here."

……

Manwu Animation Studio, Beijing Base.

Today Li Mu came over to check on the production progress of "Zootopia".

In fact, most of the post-production work on the "Zootopia" project has been completed at this time. Li Mu came here mainly to provide some modification opinions on some small details.After finishing the business, the production team members of "Zootopia" surrounded Li Mu.

"Director, did you ever think that "Coco" would do so well?"

"Director, did the results of "Coco" exceed your previous expectations?"

"Director, do you think that when our "Zootopia" is released in the future, it will be able to achieve as good results as "Coco"?"

"Director, do you prefer "Dream" or "Zootopia"?"

Everyone asked a lot of questions, but anyone with a discerning eye would know at a glance that these questions actually revolve around another animated movie, "Coco". Who made this movie so popular?
The two movies "Coco" and "Zootopia" were launched almost at the same time, and the amount of investment in the projects was almost US$1.5 million. Almost the only difference is that "Coco" was produced by Li Mu and Tian Xiaopeng Co-directed, and "Zootopia" was co-directed by Li Mu and Jiaozi.

These two movies are like a mirror. When you see the other's achievements, you will think of your own.Now "Coco" is a global box office hit, accumulating an astonishing box office of nearly 7 million US dollars in more than ten days. As the team of "Zootopia" with almost identical conditions in all aspects, everyone naturally feels that they are both the same. Hot and nervous.

The conditions are similar in all aspects. It stands to reason that the results that "Coco" can achieve can also be achieved by "Zootopia"!
Is there a problem?No, very reasonable.

However, now that "Coco" has become so popular, can we really keep up? 10 million US dollars in more than 7 days, how can we catch up with this achievement?
A little less confident.

So at this moment, the "Zootopia" team is eager to hear Li Mu's opinion.

Because as we all know, Li Mu's predictions are basically accurate predictions.

"The two movies have the same place in my heart. I believe that "Zootopia" can achieve the results that "Coco" can achieve." This was the first sentence Li Mu said.

The men in science and engineering and technology around them all looked longingly.

Next, Li Mu said a second sentence: "Although the importance of the two movies in my heart is the same, I can't favor one over the other, let alone praise one and belittle the other, but I still want to say it here today. A few words that are the most true judgment in my heart, that is, the performance of "Zootopia" will surpass that of "Coco".

"Yes, the global box office of "Coco" has exceeded the US$7 million mark, and there is a high probability that it will exceed the US$10 billion mark in the future, but the performance of "Zootopia" will probably surpass it in the future!"

In an instant, various aggravated cheers and bursts of laughter rang out around Li Mu. Li Mu's words boosted the morale of the group.

……

"Walk together?"

"it is good."

After chatting with the team, Li Mu immediately extended an invitation to Dumpling, the co-director of "Zootopia".

"'Zootopia' was well done, you did a great job." Li Mu praised.

This is his true words. Although Li Mu is one of the co-directors of "Zootopia", and the most important character design and plot of the movie are almost entirely from Li Mu's hands, after all, most of the more trivial and heavy specific work is done by The dumplings take care of the finishing.

"Director, you just said that "Zootopia" will surpass "Coco". Is this true?"

Li Mu asked back: "What do you think?"

Dumpling said: "'Coco' is great, but 'Zootopia' should have a wider audience."

Li Mu smiled and said: "This is what I want to say, and it is also the basis for my judgment that "Zootopia" will surpass "Coco"."

Hearing this, Dumpling said: "I was very confident originally, but when I saw the results of "Coco" recently, my dear, this is too popular, so..."

Li Mu laughed and said: "'Coco' was a hit at the box office, so you should have more confidence in 'Zootopia'. The basic conditions for both movies are the same."

Dumpling scratched his head and laughed when he heard this: "Suddenly, this idea seems to be really reasonable."

"Director Tian Xiaopeng came to me recently. He has a project that he has been preparing for many years. It is about Journey to the West. This time he is determined to put all his wealth into it. I promised him that I will provide for the shortcomings."

Director Tian Xiaopeng listened carefully, but did not answer for the time being.

Li Mu continued: "The total investment is expected to be 1 million yuan, which is only RMB."

After speaking, Li Mu turned to look at the dumplings.

The dumplings were a little embarrassed. Li Mu continued: "No matter who has better results in "Dream Seeking" or "Zootopia", when the outside world mentions the two works, my name will always be put first, but Tian Xiaopeng The director's "Journey to the West" is different. This is a project that is truly directed by director Tian Xiaopeng. What about it, are you interested in leading a project yourself?"

"I……"

"There is no need to make a decision in a hurry. There is plenty of time for you to think about it slowly. When you have thought about it and you have a suitable project, you can come to me directly if there is any gap in funds."

……

Not long after he finished speaking, Li Mu left the animation base.

In fact, the appearance of "Coco" is really average. Maybe "average" is a more polite term.To be honest, the film's presentation was a bit poor.

First of all, the title of the movie is not very good. Even the most loyal fans who already like this movie to the point of admiration have to admit that if the director of the movie is not Li Mu, if the production team of the movie is not the miracle "Ice and Snow" The production team of "Romania", then there is a high probability that they will not watch this movie.

Secondly, the theme and style of this film are really hard to believe that it will be a big hit in China.

In the Chinese market, a cartoon with a Mexican theme, showing the world of the undead, and full of skeletons was released. Even though Li Mu had created countless box office miracles, even though Li Mu had almost never failed, it still made many people People think that Li Mu has gone crazy this time and is about to fall into trouble. Spending 1.5 million US dollars to make such a movie really feels like throwing money on the street.

However, the final result was beyond the expectations of most people. After the film was released, not only did it perform at the box office astonishingly around the world, but its reputation was also ridiculously high.

I went online to take a look, and there were voices of exclamation and recommendation everywhere. Television stations, including CCTV, took the time to report on the growing "Coco" phenomenon.

Offline classmates, colleagues, relatives and friends often hear the words "Coco" very frequently when they meet and chat.

"The poor-looking manga shows its hard power over Pixar!"

"This is the best animated feature film at the 88th Academy Awards in my mind. Regardless of whether it wins the award in the end, it is the winning film in my mind anyway."

"The reputation is incredible, and "Coco" deserves a 9.4 rating!"

……

There are also many netizens who are popularizing details in the movie that may not be well understood by ordinary viewers.

“Those points in the film that you don’t necessarily know about.”

"Visit Mexico on the ground and discover the Mexican elements in the film."

……

The issue that film colleagues are most concerned about is definitely how popular "Coco" is, and various analytical articles have emerged like a blowout.

Among them, the most mentioned one is a very, very common two words that almost everyone can say - family love!
Some people say that in the world of "Coco", even the skeletons look so tender. It is this warmth that resonates strongly with the audience, making them endure even though they have guessed the ending of the story. I couldn't help but cry for it.

After this battle, the "godliness" of Li Mu and his various film and television production companies has undoubtedly become more stable. Many viewers who have already watched the film, and even watched it twice and three times, are already looking forward to the next part of Li Mu's series. It’s even time to publish the next work.

"How long do I have to wait to see the next Li Mu-related movie? I really don't bother to go to the theater if there is no Hua Shang or Wan Wu movie."

"It should be soon. "The Hunger Games 3" has been filming for a long time. I feel like this movie should be released soon, maybe in November or December."

"Well, although I like Liu Yifei very much, can I say that "The Hunger Games" is really average?"

(End of this chapter)