From Becoming Penguin's Major Shareholder to Building an Entertainment Empire

Note that this book is a slow-burn novel, and it will become increasingly exciting as the story progresses.

It starts from 2002, beginning at the Beijing Film Academy, and starting with the H...

Chapter 274: Winning over the female lead and promoting Zeng Li

Shen Fang looked at Wang Zhongjun and said, "Mr. Wang, you've approached me with this scheme, how do you plan to play it?"

Wang Zhongjun glanced at Feng Kuzi.

“Mr. Shen, I can only accept a 30% share of the investment in this film. Mr. Han has invested the remaining 20%. We Chinese need to take the lead in this film.”

Shen Fang was taken aback by this: "Uncle Han, since you've already gotten involved, why don't you just resolve it directly? That would be much better. Does China Film Group lack funds?"

Han Sanping glanced at Chen Fang.

"China Film Group certainly has money, but even if it did, it wouldn't do this."

Shen Fang put his arm around Han Sanping's shoulder.

"What's wrong? Afraid of gossip?"

Han Sanping rolled his eyes at Chen Fang, knowing full well why he said it aloud. He intentionally wanted to support the Chinese-American film industry. China Film Group's main task was to promote the domestic film industry, and supporting outstanding companies was also part of its mission. They even had a special film fund and a domestic film protection month—all for the development of the domestic film and television industry. But there were countless media companies. If you helped one but not another, there would definitely be complaints. Although no one would say it, there were no secrets in this industry.

If you help too much, what will others think? There are already some people who are unhappy with China Film Group's support for Chinese-American films. The rise of Chinese-American films in recent years is largely due to Han Sanping's help. He has helped in various aspects, including distribution, number of screenings, media, subsidies, and filming locations.

In addition, Chen Kaige approached him this time, offering to raise 40 million RMB to shoot a new movie. Shen Fang's big-budget film project also appealed to him, and he decided to use the money wisely.

"I can't easily lend a hand, and Brother Chen Kai came to me wanting to make a big production, asking for 5 million US dollars right off the bat. This year, China Film Group needs to put its money into big productions. You have plenty of spare cash, so you can get it done for 10 million. Help me out."

Shen Fang lit a cigarette and looked at Feng Kuzi, who had been waiting for a long time.

"Director Feng, you think 30 million is enough? You're asking Brother Hua for the male lead, which starts at least at 5 million. There are other actors to work with, and we're even planning to film in Hope, such a far place. What kind of actors are you planning to find?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Kuzi's eyes lit up, and he rubbed his hands together. This meant more money was coming in. He had witnessed Master Shen giving Big Beard 40 million.

"I'm planning to cast Ge You as Uncle Li, Wang Baoqiang as Sha Gen, and Rene Liu as the female lead. I haven't decided on the rest yet."

Shen Fang extended two fingers.

"I'll give you 20 million, I want a 40% investment share, and in return, I want the female lead. Is that alright?"

Feng Kuzi was pleasantly surprised to hear this, but when he realized that Shen Fang was planning to change the female lead to promote someone else, he couldn't help but turn to look at Fan Xiaopang.

"Mr. Shen, are you trying to promote Miss Fan?"

Feng Kuzi used very appropriate language. He could have addressed her as "Miss Fan" in the past, but now she has a powerful figure backing her up, while he himself is still begging for food from that powerful figure. Feng Kuzi is good at this; he knows how to read people's expressions.

Upon hearing this, Shen Fang looked at Feng Kuzi with great satisfaction. As expected of a professional shop assistant, he was indeed very perceptive, a skill honed over the years.

However, Shen Fang really didn't intend to let Xiao Pang play the role. Xiao Pang was fine as Xiao Ye, a natural little vixen with an innate allure, but not suitable for this kind of character.

They don't match, and Chen Huilin isn't suitable either.

"I'm planning to have Zeng Li from our company play the role. Is that okay? If you agree, I'll cast my vote."

Upon hearing this, Feng Kuzi was a little unsure what to do. He had originally chosen Liu Naicha (Milk Tea Liu) because she was backed by the Taiwanese market, and Milk Tea had a large fan base and was currently very popular. Most importantly, this Milk Tea Girl looked incredibly tempting, and Feng Kuzi wanted a taste.

"President Shen, I know Zeng Li. She's a great beauty, the most beautiful school flower at the Central Academy of Drama, and very famous. But she basically doesn't have any representative works in the industry, and she's not very popular. Using Liu Nai Cha (Liu the Milk Tea) is different. She's very famous and currently very popular. Moreover, using her will be a great help to the Taiwanese market."

Shen Fang raised an eyebrow, his expression slightly displeased: "Director Feng, I can't even get a leading lady with 20 million? Aren't you giving me face?"

Han Sanping and Wang Zhongjun, who were standing to the side, couldn't stand it anymore. "You have a sugar daddy investing, and you still won't agree to the sugar daddy's conditions? Do you still want the money?"

"Xiao Gang, I think it's quite good for President Shen to use Zeng Li. Liu Nai Cha is just so-so, she can't compare to Zeng Li. I agree to this." Wang Zhongjun agreed directly.

He knew Shen Fang's temper perfectly well. This time, Shen Fang was actually giving him face by investing in a film. What was Feng Xiaogang thinking, throwing a tantrum and making demands? Did he want to lose his job? Did he think Shen Fang was some kind of sucker? This was a big shot. Offending him meant that the Chinese film industry would be fighting against a multi-billionaire, and a media mogul no less! Feng Xiaogang, you're asking for trouble! Don't you dare drag me down with you!

Upon hearing this, Feng Kuzi realized that he had acted somewhat improperly. Since the matter was already settled, he decided to use Zeng Li as a cover; there were plenty of women out there.

"Mr. Shen, I was a little blinded by my own ideas. I just wanted to boost the Taiwanese market and make more money at the box office. I can use Zeng Li, it's up to you."

Shen Fang smiled and said, "The Taiwanese market? A piece of cake. Just leave the distribution there to me. I have connections there, and I'll have him help with the distribution. The film quality will definitely be high. You're giving me face, so I'll give you a reward. If you've helped me, come to me next time you need money. As long as the project is fine, I'll arrange it for you right away."

Upon hearing this, Feng Kuzi repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, President Shen."

The principle is that giving one is the same as giving two.

"Mr. Shen, the second female lead has quite a lot of screen time. How about we let Miss Fan play the role?" Feng Kuzi said ingratiatingly.

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