BEIJING, April 7 -- Film production company Beijing New Picture Film Co. must pay director Zhang Yimou 2.46 million yuan (380,700 U.S. dollars), after a court ruled on Thursday in a lawsuit over 2009 film "A Simple Noodle Story."

In this second-instance judgement by the Beijing Third Intermediate People's Court, the sum was reduced from 15 million yuan after an appeal by New Picture.

Zhang said he had signed an agreement with the company in 2009 under which they would each get a 50-percent share of the revenue from "A Simple Noodle Story" minus the film's promotional costs. But the director claimed he never received any money.

Zhang filed a lawsuit against the company in 2014.