Chapter 82: All Worried

Seeing Shang Jin's gloomy face, Wang Jing couldn't help but smile and said, "Don't worry, it's a good thing. Director Shang of Southern Cinema knows, right?"

Shang Jin looked up at Wang Jing and didn't answer her angrily. It wasn't like he had just come out of the mountains and forests.

As a famous director in the circle, he naturally knew about the newly-launched second largest cinema chain in China. He secretly complained in his heart, what are you bragging about, it’s great to have a cinema chain!

Wang Jing had her own plans in mind, and she elaborated on the company's grand blueprint:

"We at Tengda Culture have completed our industrial layout for the film and television industry. With the existence of Southern Cinemas, the company no longer has any shortcomings.

In the second half of the year, we will be entering the big screen. The company is preparing to launch a director support program. I wonder if Director Shang is interested?"

Happiness came a little suddenly. Shang Jin was naturally interested in making movies. He asked in disbelief, "Why did you choose me?"

Seeing that Shang Jin had some doubts, Wang Jing explained to reassure him.

“Because we have worked together before, we use the familiar ones instead of the new ones. Of course, the company will not only support you, but also give some opportunities to young directors.

But you are a famous director after all. At least you have proven yourself in the field of TV dramas. We recognize your directing ability, and the company's resources can be tilted towards you first."

Shang Jin was very interested. He moved his wooden chair closer to Wang Jing and asked curiously, "What specific resources can be provided by this director support program?"

Wang Jing showed a smug smile. She knew Shang Jin would definitely take the bait, so she tempted him, "A lot. A good script, investment amount, publicity, and even theater scheduling and award public relations."

"Can I shoot whatever subject I want?" Shang Jin's eyes sparkled, and his heart, which had been silent for a long time, became restless again.

Wang Jing knew that these big directors all wanted to make art films to win awards, but Tengda Culture did not want to support art film directors. There were only a few art films that could make a profit, and what the company needed was a director who could make money.

"If you want to choose the subject matter yourself, that's a privilege you can only get after you become a billionaire director. In the early stages, consider the revenue and give priority to making small-budget commercial films."

Shang Jin was extremely disappointed and remained silent. It was true that there was no free lunch in the world. This was not support from Tengda at all. It was clear that Tengda just needed a tool to help the company make movies and make money.

Wang Jing naturally understood Shang Jin's thoughts, but she was honest and sincere, so she advised him sincerely: "Director Shang, if the movie doesn't make money, no one will invest in it. Is it all based on your passion for art?

Maybe you think that such a director has little autonomy and will limit your pursuit of film art, but there are at least 800 people in the industry who want such an opportunity.”

Giving Shang Jin some time to think, as she felt a little dry in the mouth from talking, Wang Jing unscrewed the bottle cap and drank some mineral water to moisten her throat.

After taking a breath, Wang Jing said sincerely: "Director Shang, it is because we have worked together before that you have this opportunity.

Maybe what I said is more realistic, but now the film industry is becoming more and more market-oriented. You have to have box office to have a say. If you can't make money, you will be abandoned. Think about it. "

Although Tenda's support certainly has many restrictions, the opportunity to enter the big screen is rare, and Shang Jin hesitated after thinking about it.

"Boss Wang, let me think about this carefully. You know my identity. I still need to report to the organization and ask for instructions. I will give you a reply as soon as possible."

Wang Jing showed a confident smile on her face, knowing that Shang Jin was already tempted, otherwise he would not have brought it up and reported it to the organization. This matter was most likely to be successful, and it would also be a credit to help Tengda Culture recruit a big director.

Wang Jing didn't push him too much, "No hurry, I just mentioned this today. For now, we still need to finish filming "Wulin Wai Zhuan"."

Shang Jin nodded, "I know."

The higher the ratings of "Wulin Waijia" are, the better conditions he can get for making movies in the future. He is determined to raise the requirements of all actors in the future filming, striving for excellence and producing good works.

"I have something else to do, so I'll leave first."

After saying that, Wang Jing went to deal with the crew's recent financial audit, leaving Shang Jin alone in front of the monitor, thinking with his head down.

"Oh!" After a long while, Shang Jin came to his senses. Looking at Wang Jing's receding back, he sighed helplessly.

The April sunshine is bright and soft, shining through the glass on our bodies, making us feel comfortable and warm.

In the spacious and bright office of the chairman of the Tengda Group, Zhang Zhao sat upright, looking directly at Song Ci, who was more than 20 years younger than him and was standing close to him. He couldn't help but sigh that heroes emerge from young people.

Song Ci was looking down at a document that Zhang Zhao had sent over early in the morning. It was a plan suggesting that Tengda Culture speed up its entry into the big screen.

Zhang Zhao's plan measures are very detailed and reasonable. Each one is in line with the market and strengthens Tengda Culture's operational capabilities. Song Ci read it very carefully, reviewing it one by one, and closing his eyes to think from time to time.

After about a quarter of an hour, Song Ci finished reading the plan and felt that there was indeed a reason for his reputation. In his previous life, Zhang Zhao was able to establish LeTV Pictures. Although he had the support of boss Jia, who loved dreams, he himself had real talent.

"Regarding the several development plans you listed, I agree with all of them in principle. The idea of ​​cooperative investment and risk sharing is correct.

But for film and television projects like "My Deskmate" and "Fleeting Time" that are basically certain to make money and promote people, don't divide them up. If you are short of funds, you can apply and the group will provide appropriate support."

"I understand, Mr. Song." Zhang Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

Song Ci casually placed the document in his hand on the desk, leaned back on the comfortable bench, and asked Zhang Zhao lazily: "Have you read the script I wrote?"

Ever since Zhang Zhao reported to him and suggested speeding up Tengda Culture's plan to enter the big screen, Song Ci was very interested and wrote a short script to be the company's first film.

Zhang Zhao came back to his senses and quickly praised: "I've read it. Mr. Song is very talented. It's a very good script."

Song Ci nodded, "Then the company's first movie will be "Night Club" which I wrote. The cost should not be high. The main purpose is to test the waters first and train the team."

"I estimated that the production cost would not exceed 1.8 million. If we reduce the cost, we can shoot it at 1.6 million."

As an excellent producer, Zhang Zhao can basically estimate the shooting cost after seeing the script, demonstrating a high level of professionalism.

Song Ci was very confident about "Nightclub". He thought that with more publicity, the box office would not be less than in his previous life, so he arranged things out of habit.

"We should be able to get some more sponsorship and the cost will be even lower. Then let's settle it. Xu Zheng will play the male lead, Qiao Zhengyu will play the second male lead, and I have someone else to play the female lead."

Zhang Zhao was different from Wang Jing. He was not used to Song Ci's pace when they first talked about work. He did not expect the chairman to be so strong and to decide everything in just a few words without asking for his opinion at all.

Although the cost of this movie was only 1.8 million, and as a comedy with a wide audience, the discs can still be sold after the movie is released, so even if the box office is poor, the movie will not lose money.

However, Tengda Culture has its own artists, so why not use their own people to make movies? Zhang Zhao feels that some things cannot be left to the boss' discretion, and what needs to be mentioned should still be mentioned.

Zhang Zhao couldn't figure out Song Ci's personality, so he could only cautiously and tactfully say, "Mr. Song, the company has signed artists and there are opportunities to make movies. Should we give priority to our own people?"

Song Ci stared at Zhang Zhao, not understanding what was going on. "Didn't Qiao Zhengyu get the second male lead?"

Zhang Zhao was speechless for a while, not knowing whether his boss was really confused or just pretending to be confused. After hesitating for a moment, he continued to remind him, "Boss Song, there are also female artists in the company."

Song Ci suddenly realized, "You mean the female lead will also be played by a female artist in the company, right? I have arranged the female lead. My girlfriend is also an actress, and the role of Tang Xiaolian is just right for her." Speaking of his girlfriend, Song Ci showed a warm and gentle smile on his face.

Zhang Zhao looked strange. He didn't expect that his boss, who was so young, would also flatter women like the coal boss. It really shows that you can't judge a person by his appearance.

Song Ci saw Zhang Zhao's expression and was puzzled at first, but then he realized what was going on and snorted unhappily, "Do you think I'm playing with a female star? She's my childhood sweetheart, and we're planning on getting married."

Zhang Zhao was a little surprised. The chairman was so handsome, young and rich. He thought he would be a carefree and romantic person, but he didn't expect that he would have the idea of ​​getting married so early. Love is indeed a wonderful thing.

"Her name is Liu Shishi. She is currently filming the company's "Wulin Waijia" these days. I'll introduce her to you when I have the chance."

After a little thought, Song Ci decided to tell Zhang Zhao directly about Liu Shishi's identity. After all, Wang Jing was no longer the general manager of Tengda Culture.

From now on, Zhang Zhao will be in charge of Tengda Culture's projects, and I can't be involved in everything. Maybe Shishi will need Zhang Zhao's help in the entertainment industry in the future.

Zhang Zhao was also a very smart person. He understood Song Ci's intention very well. He immediately patted his chest and assured her, "Don't worry, I will give priority to Miss Liu for the company's future projects."

After explaining the heroine’s story, Song Ci returned to the topic and continued, “You can ask Xu Zheng if he is interested in directing and acting in the film himself.

"If you are a good actor, you can become a director. The company's director support plan should not only focus on young directors, but also provide appropriate support to outstanding actors who are interested in transformation."

Song Ci felt that Xu Zheng was, after all, a famous comedy director in his previous life. Instead of trying and erroring to find some unknown new directors, it would be better to support him.

By taking over the "囧" series later, the company can not only cope with the current situation of lack of directors, but also make money, killing two birds with one stone.

Zhang Zhao couldn't quite keep up with Song Ci's train of thought and was puzzled by his boss's wild ideas. Even if it was a low-budget movie, it would be fine to give the leading male role away for free, after all, the role adaptation needed to be considered, but what kind of idea was it to let Xu Zheng be the director?

Zhang Zhao thought he had a misunderstanding and asked again, "Mr. Song, are you serious? Let Xu Zheng direct and act in the film himself!"

Song Ci frowned slightly and looked at Zhang Zhao with some displeasure, "Do you think I'm kidding you?"

Zhang Zhao replied with a bitter face: “That’s not what I meant. Although the cost of “Night Club” is very small, there is no precedent like this in the industry.

Would it be too risky to let Xu Zheng direct and act in the film? If the company's first film fails at the box office, the financial loss will be small, but it will be a huge blow to the company's reputation and employee morale, so please think twice and carefully choose Xu Zheng as the director."

Upon hearing this, Song Ci suddenly realized that he had been misled by his past life's thinking. In his previous life, Xu Zheng, Zhao Zhatian, Su Youpeng and others had all successfully switched from being actors to becoming directors.

But now it is 2005, and there is almost no such precedent. To outsiders, my decision does seem a bit bizarre, radical and risky.

"I understand what you mean, but don't worry, I'm not making a fuss. The cost of Nightclub was only 1.8 million, so even if the box office is bad, it won't lose much money.

If it works, it will be a new model in the industry. If it can yield a potential director, this risk is totally worth taking.”

Song Ci has said so. The boss is stubborn and self-willed. What can Zhang Zhao do? You are the boss and you have the final say. He has said so much. It seems that the loss of "Nightclub" and the damage to the company's morale cannot be blamed on him.

In this case, Zhang Zhao obeyed Song Ci's wishes and said, "Then I will contact Xu Zheng first."

Song Ci was full of confidence, “Well, as long as Xu Zheng is not stupid, he will definitely seize this opportunity.”

He remembered it clearly. Xu Zheng was determined to get rid of the audience's impression of him playing Zhu Bajie. If he had the chance to be a director, he would probably wake up laughing in his sleep.

The two discussed for a while, and then Zhang Zhao stood up to say goodbye. He had always respected Song Ci for his capable talents, so he personally saw him out the door.

Zhang Zhao was flattered by Song Ci's respectful attitude. He had disagreed with his boss several times today and thought he had left a bad impression on Song Ci, but he didn't expect that his boss had no grudge at all.

"Mr. Song, please stay. I will implement the matters reported today as soon as possible."

"I'm waiting for good news from Mr. Zhang." Song Ci nodded, stood at the door of the office, watched Zhang Zhao leave, and couldn't help comparing him with Wang Jing in his heart.

Maybe because Wang Jing was an editor by profession, she didn't know much about the film and television industry, so most of the time she just carried out her orders meticulously.

Zhang Zhao has rich work experience, is opinionated, and dares to think and act. It seems that he and I need to work together to get used to each other.

Song Ci returned to his seat, picked up the phone and dialed a number to call the director of the group office.

"Director Liu, please ask Song Xueying from your office to come to my place."

"Okay, Chairman, I'll have her come to your office right away."

A moment later. "Chairman, you are looking for me!" After receiving the notice from her leader, Song Xueying rushed to the chairman's office.

Song Xueying was wearing a well-tailored professional suit today, which made her look capable yet feminine. Her exquisite makeup and neat short hair exuded the charm of a highly educated woman of the new era.

Song Ci nodded slightly and said politely, "Sit down, Senior Sister Song."

Song Xueying sat upright with her clothes straightened, only half of her body resting on the chair, her expression looking a little restrained.

She came to Tenda Technology for an internship since the start of the first semester last year. Song Ci has never contacted her for such a long time. I don’t know why he suddenly looked for her today.

After all, she was an acquaintance from the same school. Song Ci smiled and said in a gentle manner:

"Don't be nervous, senior sister. I haven't talked to you for such a long time since you joined the company. Let's chat when we have some free time today."

(End of this chapter)