Chapter 539 Applause (8,000 words update!)
When the first episode of Friends ended and the end credits rolled, everyone in the room applauded.
Lu Yanhe clapped his hands with deep emotion and turned to look at everyone around him.
At times like these, Lu Yanhe would understand more and more deeply why the film and television industry always continuously attracts the world's attention.
Their output value is negligible compared to many other industries.
However, perhaps there is no industry in the world that receives more global attention than it.
That was a world, a place where a group of people lived, and a place where stories unfolded.
We all know it's fake, but once we invest our emotions in it, it becomes real and even begins to affect our real world and our real lives.
"Fantastic! The first episode landed very smoothly." Yan Liang said to the person next to him, "We can all relax and get a good night's sleep now. Of course, I bet everyone will be too excited to sleep tonight."
As Yan Liang said, the first episode had just finished airing when Friends already had six trending topics on the hot search list.
Searches for all the actors surged.
Hu Siwei held his phone the whole time, ignoring the heated discussion around him, until he received the message he had been waiting for. He excitedly shouted, "The real-time viewership rating peaked at 2.13%, and the first episode averaged 1.65%!"
Everyone present simultaneously erupted in shouts of surprise.
Lu Yanhe smiled and looked down when he heard the number Hu Siwei mentioned.
Bai Jingnian excitedly hugged each actor and even gave each male actor a warm kiss on the cheek.
Zhan Yun burst into laughter.
Yin Xincheng said excitedly, "We definitely have to celebrate tonight! Let's have a drink together!"
"Don't forget, we're going to record a show together tomorrow afternoon."
“That’s in the afternoon,” Yin Xincheng said to Bai Jin. “Do you think you can sleep when you go home now? I swear, I will not be able to sleep before 3 a.m. tonight. I will keep checking the comments online to see what people think of our show.”
Zhan Yun: "I'm sure I feel the same way, but I don't want to drink with you guys until so late. It's okay to go for a drink now, but I have to be back before midnight. I need to take good care of my skin. I can't appear on camera looking dull tomorrow."
Bai Jin nodded: "Yes, you can be disheveled and have large pores and be made up by a makeup artist to look like a 70 on camera, but we are criticized if we are below 90."
Hu Siwei said with a smile, "I've already booked a place. Let's go. Same old rules, just have fun. Drink or juice, whatever you like. Let me know when you get tired, so I don't think any of you are drunk and passed out in the toilet. You can leave anytime."
-
The ratings for the first episode of Friends ignited everyone's emotions.
The crew consisted of dozens of people, and it wasn't easy for Hu Siwei to find a place that could accommodate so many people.
Hu Siwei contacted a friend and booked a whole bar.
Everyone gathered at the bar in a large group.
Why is everyone happy, excited, and even thrilled by this achievement?
The success of a TV series not only brings career development to creative professionals such as directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, and actors, but also enhances the resumes of technical professionals such as production coordinators, lighting technicians, makeup artists, and even production assistants.
The result of this added prestige is that everyone's salary can increase.
Similarly, a successful work is the foundation of everyone's livelihood. And there's another crucial reason why they're so happy—
In the film and television industry, they don't actually receive a fixed salary unless they sign a contract with a company and become employees, in which case they might have the possibility of receiving a fixed salary.
This means that after finishing a project and making money from it, if they don't find another project immediately, they have to stay home and do nothing for a while.
The failure of the third season of "Friends" made many of them think they were going to lose their long-term meal ticket. However, the successful return of "Friends", especially the great ratings of the first episode, has given them back their long-term meal ticket, and it is a long-term meal ticket that will obviously keep getting higher and higher.
For a TV series, the revenue only increases, not decreases.
-
"I bet Jiang Xun is kicking himself right now."
Hu Siwei whispered with a smile in Bai Jingnian's ear.
Jiang Xun was the assistant director on the previous "Friends" series and had always had a good relationship with Hu Siwei and Bai Jingnian. However, after Bai Jingnian left Jingtai, Jiang Xun spoke out in support of Jingtai and said some less-than-positive things about Bai Jingnian on set, which caused his relationship with Bai Jingnian to become distant.
When they reunited Friends, they didn't bring Jiang Xun back.
In reality, only a third of the original "Friends" production staff came to work on "Friends," because most of them were employees of Beijing TV. They couldn't possibly give up their secure jobs at Beijing TV for a single show.
Bai Jingnian and Hu Siwei both understood this point very well.
They are all ordinary working people, and no one should put their family's income at risk for such a risky dream.
We're all adults; we should understand and be considerate of each other.
Only Jiang Xun could not be let go of by Bai Jingnian.
Even Hu Siwei didn't say a bad word about his old friend despite the pressure from the station. Jiang Xun, however, stood up to accuse Bai Jingnian of being responsible for the failure of the Friends series because he was trying to gain favor with the station by taking sides.
Everyone knows what really happened, but he can still lie through his teeth.
Bai Jingnian snorted, "I don't know if he regrets it to the core, but I hope he never contacts me again. If he ever contacts me and wants my forgiveness, I will definitely humiliate him severely."
Hu Siwei smiled.
“Once we finish filming ‘Friends,’ we can start working on ‘Roommates’,” he told Bai Jingnian. “Let’s see if we can finish filming in the second quarter and air it in the summer. That way, we can film ‘Roommates’ in the first half of the year and ‘Friends’ in the second half, and the people working with us won’t have to look for work outside. We can keep filming.”
Bai Jingnian nodded and said, "Okay, but you'd better find a couple more assistant directors. I have a contract with Northern Lights, so I can't keep focusing on these two projects. I'll have to help them make one or two more films. If 'Roommates' can continue filming, the sequels might have to be made by them."
“I understand, I know that.” Hu Siwei nodded. “I’m already very grateful that you could help direct the first season.”
"Let's not be so polite between us," Bai Jingnian laughed. "But are you really sure? Using completely new actors for 'Roommates'?"
“Yes,” Hu Siwei nodded. “Only in this way can we control costs.”
"But it's very likely that it won't make a splash."
"With the production team behind 'Friends,' surely we can't be completely unsuccessful? I believe in your abilities, and I also believe that our story will gradually attract its own audience," Hu Siwei said. "If we use all newcomers, the production cost per episode can be kept under one million, which will greatly reduce our production pressure."
The production cost was one million per episode, of which 500,000 was Bai Jingnian's salary and the other 500,000 was for other filming expenses.
Bai Jingnian nodded, "Indeed, this is a very good way to control costs."
“There’s another main reason,” Hu Siwei smiled at Bai Jingnian. “We’ve already communicated with Aurora in the early stages of this project. According to the previous agreement, their purchase price for this project is around 1.5 million yuan. This is the first project I’ve independently produced since joining Linghe, and I can’t afford to risk losses.”
“You’re being too cautious,” Bai Jingnian said. “Actually, given the domestic TV drama market, if you could find two A-list actors, I believe that with the reputation of ‘Friends’ and your qualifications, you would definitely be able to find them. The purchase price of this drama could easily be increased by a zero.”
“But it’s also possible that we don’t lose money, but the show flops and Aurora Borealis loses money.” Hu Siwei shook his head. “In the end, it’s still very risky.”
Bai Jingnian: "I'll say it again, you're too cautious. You don't know how many of the dramas that Aurora Studio produces lose money each year. They only make money from a dozen or twenty dramas. It's good if the remaining few dozen can break even. There are always more loss-making dramas than profitable ones."
Hu Siwei: "There's no way around it, I've developed this kind of professional attitude, I can't accept the loss of the drama I'm in charge of."
The way Hu Siwei played games in Beijing and Taiwan was different from the way he played games in Linghe.
He was with Beijing TV, and from production to investment to broadcasting, everything was handled by Beijing TV itself. So, whether a drama was successful or not depended on the final ratings and the revenue it generated.
However, after he arrived in Linghe, Linghe was only responsible for production, not broadcasting. So, according to Bai Jingnian, as long as they could successfully sell "Roommates" to a broadcasting platform, even if it flopped, the platform would only lose money, and they would have already secured their livelihood.
Given Hu Siwei's experience and his track record built on the hugely successful sitcom "Friends," there's no need to worry about his future shows failing. As long as he releases a new show, platforms will still foot the bill. Only if he experiences three or five consecutive flops will the platforms' trust in him diminish.
Bai Jingnian hoped that he would do things freely.
In the domestic film and television industry, there are very few dramas that have become popular without the participation of stars.
Those that become popular are all rare species.
Hu Siwei understood what Bai Jingnian meant.
He patted Bai Jingnian on the shoulder and said, "Please understand the feelings of an old man like me who has just come out of retirement. I have some concerns, so I can only be cautious and take it slowly."
-
Lu Yanhe was well aware that Hu Siwei was going to make "Cohabitation Couple".
In fact, when he and Chen Ziyan poached Hu Siwei, helping him film "Roommates" was one of the conditions they offered him.
Now, Hu Siwei plans to produce the drama with only 12 million yuan, and Lu Yanhe understands his idea.
In fact, Lu Yanhe greatly admired Hu Siwei's approach.
Step by step, steadily and surely. Even if "Roommates" isn't a huge success, the losses from a 12 million yuan production would be limited. If Hu Siwei were to immediately aim for a top-tier S-level drama, Linghe simply wouldn't have that much funding to give him all at once.
"Holy crap!" Yan Liang exclaimed in surprise as he held his phone.
"What's wrong?" Lu Yanhe asked.
"Zhou Ping'an signed Meng Li!" Yan Liang looked at Lu Yanhe in disbelief. "What is Zhou Ping'an thinking?"
Lu Yanhe also showed a look of shock.
Has a news report been released?
"No, it was posted by a marketing account. But the messages posted by marketing accounts are usually quite reliable, and they were later confirmed to be true."
Lu Yanhe asked, "You followed this marketing account?"
“I’ve followed it on my alternate account,” Yan Liang said.
“Mengli…” Lu Yanhe immediately thought of Li Zhibai. “If Li Zhibai finds out about this, he will definitely explode.”
"Absolutely." Yan Liang nodded.
Lu Yanhe still finds it hard to understand.
"But why did Zhou Ping'an sign Meng Li? Doesn't he already have Fu Li under his wing? If I remember correctly, Fu Li and Meng Li are quite similar in age and style, right?"
Generally speaking, an agent will not manage two artists who would be in competition with each other at the same time.
Yan Liang: "Perhaps it's because Fu Li hasn't taken off yet, and Zhou Ping'an can't wait any longer. He wants to get a top-tier female star right away?"
Lu Yanhe: "Him and Meng Li? I can imagine how many conflicts there will be between the two of them. Has Zhou Ping'an learned nothing from his mistakes? Does he really think he can handle Meng Li?"
“Perhaps Zhou Ping’an never intended to win over Meng Li. He just needs a top-tier female celebrity to bolster his hand and allow him to create more combinations,” Yan Liang bluntly stated. “After all, the only card he can play right now is me.”
“In fact, many agents are already quite lucky to have one A-list artist,” Lu Yanhe said. “Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Although Li Zhibai and Ma Zhiyuan have their reasons for their private discord, on the other hand, it’s also because they have too much competition between them that Zhou Pingan has to make choices between them time and time again. Sister Ziyan said that she has limited energy and has arranged executive agents for me, Minglan and Tu Song. She no longer manages everything in detail like before.”
Yan Liang: "You reminded me that I could also train an executive agent and entrust him with all the specific work."
“Will Zhou Ping’an agree? He must be very worried that you will leave him. Your sudden desire to train an executive agent is not a good sign for him,” Lu Yanhe said.
Yan Liang: "He has to manage Meng Li and other artists, so he can't focus his energy on just me. In any case, my current job deserves a dedicated agent, right? If he doesn't agree, I'll talk to the company. Either he gives up on the other artists and only takes care of me, or he assigns me an executive agent."
Lu Yanhe looked at Yan Liang with some surprise and disbelief. "Wow, Yan Liang, you're using someone else's strength against them."
Yan Liang: "I don't trust him to handle all my management work. Who knows what kind of trap he might set for me later, just to prevent me from leaving him? He's capable of such despicable things. I'd like to find an executive agent. Whoever it is, I think he definitely wouldn't want to be subordinate to Zhou Ping'an forever."
Lu Yanhe gave Yan Liang a thumbs up.
"Hey, what are you two whispering about?" Zhan Yun came over with a wine glass. "Everyone wanted to have a drink with you, but since you're hiding here, they didn't want to bother you."
“We’re just chatting.” Lu Yanhe pointed at Yan Liang. “We just saw on the internet that some marketing accounts are saying that his agent, Zhou Ping’an, has signed with Mengli.”
"Who? Meng Li?" Zhan Yun immediately rolled her eyes. "That crazy woman."
Lu Yanhe and Yan Liang exchanged a surprised smile, not expecting that Zhan Yun would have the same attitude towards Meng Li.
When did you have any conflicts with her?
Lu Yanhe had never heard of this before.
Zhan Yun put down her wine glass and said angrily, "She competed with me for the lead role in the movie 'Thirty Days'. At that time, the producer had already decided that I would star in the movie, but she called the producer's wife and implied that I was having an affair with the producer. Can you believe it? She actually did such a thing to get this movie!"
Lu Yanhe and Yan Liang looked at each other in bewilderment.
"This is really—" Lu Yanhe was at a loss for words.
Actors often resort to all sorts of tricks to compete for roles, which is common in the entertainment industry. However, Lu Yanhe had never heard of anyone doing something like Meng Li.
"She went a bit too far."
"It's more than just a little excessive!" Zhan Yun said indignantly. "After I found out about this, I went directly to her, but she still denied it, resolutely denied it. During that time, she was the only one competing with me for this role. If it weren't for her, who would be so bored as to spread rumors about the producer and me to the producer's wife!"
"She didn't succeed in the end, did she?"
“Of course.” Zhan Yun smiled smugly. “You know, the reason I was invited to act in ‘Thirty Days’ is because the producer’s wife really likes me. After reading the script, she said I was perfect for the role, which is why the producer thought of me.”
There are many actors in the entertainment industry.
There are quite a few actresses who would be suitable for a romantic comedy like "Thirty Days".
Sometimes, it just depends on who they think of first.
For people like Zhan Yun, finding a good, non-pretty movie leading lady is much harder than finding a TV drama leading lady.
To make an unproven but realistic observation: if the television drama market is largely dominated by female perspectives, then the film market is largely dominated by male perspectives.
There aren't that many female characters in movies, especially good ones.
Lu Yanhe said to Zhan Yun, "In the end, this movie will still remain in your hands."
“I was lucky this time. What if it had been someone else? If it were someone with a stronger sense of suspicion, they would have caused so much trouble.” Zhan Yun said very firmly, “Just you wait and see. I will not let this go so easily. I will definitely get my revenge.”
Lu Yanhe: "Don't you want to reconsider?"
"Consider?" Zhan Yun looked at Lu Yanhe in disbelief. "Do you think it's wrong for me to want revenge?"
“Oh, no, no.” Lu Yanhe waved his hand. “We just wanted to remind you to think twice before you retaliate, because she really is a bit crazy. You should be prepared that once you retaliate, she will stick to you like a leech and never let you get away with it.”
"I'm afraid of her!" Zhan Yun snorted. "Don't think I'm someone you can mess with."
Lu Yanhe and Yan Liang both took a breath.
-
“It’s fine if the marketing accounts posted it ahead of time. Anyway, we’ll be making an official announcement in a few days,” Zhou Ping’an said to Meng Li. “The company will also hold a grand welcome ceremony for you then.”
Meng Li: "Did you tell Yan Liang about what I asked you last time?"
“It’s not up to Yan Liang to decide on ‘Friends’. If you want them to write a role for you, you need Lu Yanhe’s approval,” Zhou Ping’an said. “Given what you did with Li Zhibai before, Lu Yanhe and Li Zhibai are practically inseparable. Why would he let you play the role?”
Meng Li said, "You didn't actually mention this to Yan Liang at all, right?"
“Because it’s pointless to bring it up, and you don’t need to act in this show,” Zhou Ping’an said. “Even if it’s very popular, it’s still a sitcom. Actors who come from sitcoms become worthless once they stop playing the role.”
Meng Li: "I don't need it to maintain my value, but I need it to maintain my exposure. God, do you know how long it's been since I've had a role?"
Meng Li's previous dramas have all been shelved for various reasons and have not yet been released to the audience.
She has already had two endorsement deals expire and they haven't renewed them.
This is a very serious market signal.
Zhou Ping'an knew what Meng Li was anxious about.
"Don't worry, Lili, I've arranged a complete service for you." Zhou Ping'an said with great confidence, "Starting next week, you will frequently appear in the public eye, and your popularity will skyrocket."
"Are you saying you arranged this scandalous publicity stunt for me?"
“That’s right,” Zhou Ping’an said. “Right now, what you need most is exposure and buzz. You dated Liu Yuanting, were photographed, denied it, were photographed again, and then appeared on that dating reality show together. Until the show ended, and then you broke up, you’ve had a full six months of exposure and buzz.”
Mengli: "...Do you want me to become a variety show personality?"
“Lili, scandals will never turn an actor into a variety show personality,” Zhou Pingan emphasized. “I put you on this show not to be funny or to create a persona.”
Meng Li: "What's next? I've met Liu Yuanting once. He's just a stupid rich kid who doesn't know anything. Are you sure he'll obediently leave when we break up?"
"Wouldn't it be better if he didn't leave obediently?" Zhou Ping'an said bluntly. "Which legendary female star doesn't have an admirer who is always reluctant to part with her?"
Mengli was persuaded.
"I still need to act. I couldn't beat Zhan Yun for 'Thirty Days,' so what about other roles? Are there any other scripts for me?"
"Don't worry, I already told you, I've prepared a gift for you," Zhou Ping'an said. "The script you read last time, the one you were satisfied with, didn't you not believe I could negotiate it for you? Now I'm telling you, the director wants to meet you."
"What? Really?"
“Really.” Zhou Ping’an laughed. “Lili, you have to believe me, signing with me was absolutely the right decision.”
After hanging up the phone with Meng Li, Zhou Ping'an glanced at the trending topics list. Seeing that "Friends" occupied five of the top twenty spots, he knew that the show had succeeded and become a hit as expected.
Zhou Pingan dialed Yan Liang's number.
"Congratulations, Yan Liang! I've seen the heated discussions about 'Friends' online. You guys managed to save the show, that's amazing!" Zhou Ping'an asked. "Are you celebrating with Lu Yanhe? It seems like it's going well on your end. Please give Yanhe and me your congratulations too. I'll be glued to the TV tonight watching the show, not missing a single minute."
"Your acting is getting better and better, especially relaxed." Zhou Ping'an praised, "Really, when I saw your performance in this show, I was very moved. Your hard work over the past few years has not been in vain. I even thought about whether I should give you a role in a light comedy. I'm not talking about sitcoms. You already have 'Friends', which is enough for you."
Yan Liang listened to Zhou Ping'an's frantic rant on the phone, but his face remained expressionless.
How should I put it? It's like this: you already know exactly what a person is like, so no matter how amazing their acting is, you can only remain unmoved.
“Thank you,” Yan Liang said. “We are also very happy that the first episode of Friends broke records.”
Zhou Ping'an: "There's another piece of news I need to tell you, Yan Liang. I'm planning to sign Mengli."
"Oh, really?" Yan Liang said without any surprise.
Zhou Ping'an: "I know you had some issues with her before, but I assure you, there won't be much interaction between you and her. In fact, you know the current situation. I have you as a male actor, but I'm short of female actors. With Meng Li coming over, I'll have more resources to help you negotiate and get better scripts and better terms."
Yan Liang smiled and said, "Congratulations on signing a top-tier female star. However, Brother Ping An, I imagine you must be very busy managing both of us at the same time, right? After all, we both have a lot of work to do, and we have frequent appearances on TV."
"Don't worry, I will definitely take care of this and it won't affect your work in any way."
“Brother Ping An, I need an executive agent who can fully focus on me,” Yan Liang said bluntly. “I don’t want to hide it from you, but I don’t want to have worked so hard to get to where I am today, only to end up like a primary school student vying for the teacher’s attention. You’ve helped me so much, and I can’t do without you, but at least I need an executive agent who can be with me throughout my work, instead of just an assistant who serves me tea and water. You know, many tasks require an agent to be present; it’s much more convenient than me communicating with people myself.”
Zhou Ping'an looked completely bewildered.
Yan Liang's sudden request hit him like a snowball in the face.
It stunned him.
Yan Liang: "Brother Ping An, could you help me find someone suitable?"
After saying that, he hung up the phone.
I was just wondering when to bring this up with Zhou Ping'an.
There has to be a trigger.
Unexpectedly, Zhou Ping'an delivered himself right to their doorstep.
-
That night, Lu Yanhe didn't return to Ziyuan Bridge until 1:30 a.m.
Chen Siqi was already asleep when she heard him return, and she groggily opened her eyes.
"You just got back?"
"Oh, you're here!" Lu Yanhe said apologetically upon seeing Chen Siqi, "I thought you weren't here. I should have gone over there. I woke you up."
Chen Siqi usually sleeps at the Lingyang District headquarters.
"I have an appointment here at ten o'clock tomorrow morning to discuss some business, so I came here to sleep." Chen Siqi asked, "Have you been drinking?"
"Yes, I had a little beer, but it's nothing," Lu Yanhe said. "You go back to sleep, I'm going to take a shower."
Chen Siqi nodded.
Lu Yanhe turned off the room lights again and went to take a shower.
Lu Yanhe and Chen Siqi moved in after the renovation was completed.
When Lu Yanhe wasn't filming, they would sleep together about four or five days a week.
However, Chen Siqi has been busy preparing for the International Film Festival, and Lu Yanhe has started filming "Friends," so they haven't been staying together these days.
Originally, Lu Yanhe hadn't planned to return here tonight, but instead went back to Li Zhibai and Yan Liang's place.
Yan Liang said that Zhou Ping'an would probably rush over first thing tomorrow morning, and Lu Yanhe didn't want to see Zhou Ping'an, so he returned here.
After taking a shower, Lu Yanhe didn't rush back to his room. Instead, he sat in the living room and went online to read people's comments about "Friends".
He had wanted to see it for a long time, but couldn't find an opportunity all night.
As a creator, he enjoys reading the comments.
Good or bad, as long as it's not the kind of sarcastic or insulting that involves personal attacks, Lu Yanhe actually enjoys reading it.
Because any serious comment indicates that the other person has taken it to heart.
He also had many messages he hadn't had time to reply to.
These are all viewing experiences sent by various friends.
Lu Yanhe replied to each one carefully, expressing his gratitude.
The weight on my heart has been lifted, and I feel at ease.
Friends gained audience support by following a trajectory completely different from the original series' setting.
This seems obvious, because the show is excellent.
But throughout the entire process, Lu Yanhe was on tenterhooks, because there was no definite answer to tell him that this approach was feasible.
Lu Yanhe breathed a sigh of relief, turned off the light, went into the bedroom, got into bed, and gently hugged Chen Siqi.
Chen Siqi mumbled sleepily, "I thought you were asleep in the bathroom."
Lu Yanhe said with a smile, "I was just outside reading everyone's comments about Friends."
"See? We all like it very much." Chen Siqi said with a smile, "However, I can't discuss this with you now. I'm really sleepy, and I have to meet someone early tomorrow morning."
Chen Siqi's tone was both languid and weak.
"Okay, go to sleep."
Lu Yanhe kissed Chen Siqi on the lips.
Night has fallen, it's time for a good night's sleep.
He felt a deep sense of peace, which reminded him of when he first transmigrated to this world five years ago. At that time, he was nervous, uneasy, fearful, and unable to sleep.
Humans are truly an incredibly adaptable animal.
Lu Yanhe closed his eyelids heavily.
(End of this chapter)
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