Chapter 309 I Want to Make a Movie
At around ten o'clock in the evening, Liu Shishi and Song Ci returned to their home in Jingyuan after attending the financing reception.
Song Ci took a short rest, drank some sobering soup that the housekeeper had prepared, and then went upstairs to wash up.
Liu Shishi was lazily curled up on the sofa at the moment, talking on the phone with Cai Yinong.
"Little aunt, what do you want to talk to me about so late at night?"
"Yes." Liu Shishi nodded slightly, her voice sounding a little depressed, as if she was losing interest.
Cai Yinong could tell that something was wrong with Sister Yi's tone, and asked with concern, "Are you worried about something? Tell me about it."
Liu Shishi did not respond directly, but hurriedly requested: "Sister K, please help me find an English private tutor with high teaching level. I want to improve my English level as soon as possible."
Cai Yinong was very surprised: "What's going on? Why are you doing this so late at night?"
"Don't mention it. My husband and I are attending Tengda's financing reception tonight."
As soon as Yijie opened her mouth, Cai Yinong interrupted her anxiously: "Is it the one that was trending on Weibo, the one that raised 60 billion yuan?"
"Yes! Sister K, please listen to what I have to say!"
"Okay, okay, you said, let's go to the cocktail party, what's next."
Recalling the bad reception she had not long ago, Teacher Liu sighed: "There were many foreigners at the reception, all of them were CEOs of the world's top financial institutions and multinational banks!
My husband introduced me to them, but my English was so poor that I couldn’t understand what they were saying. I could only laugh awkwardly the whole time, which was really embarrassing for Mr. Song.”
After Sister Yi said this, Cai Yinong understood why she was worried: "You really need to practice your English well, otherwise in the future when you accompany Mr. Song to these big occasions, you will need your husband to translate for you, which is really inappropriate.
I will take care of finding a private tutor. But there is no shortcut to speaking English. You have to practice more to improve quickly. "
"I will practice more." Liu Shishi was stimulated and made up her mind secretly.
Seeing that Yijie's mood had calmed down a little, Cai Yinong changed the subject and said, "Auntie, don't just dwell on this matter. Talk to me about how you plan to arrange your work in the future.
You don’t have many scenes in “The Founding of a Kingdom”, and the filming will be wrapped in about ten days at most.
You've been taking a two-month break since the filming of "Startling by Each Step" was completed. You can't just keep taking a break like this. You should also think about your future work plans."
As for future work, Yijie has already made plans in her mind: "I'm going to make a movie."
When Cai Yinong heard this, he asked in surprise, "Is it produced by Tengda Culture?"
Liu Shishi introduced the film enthusiastically: "The movie script was written by my husband a while ago. It's a very interesting story.
This film is mainly invested by my own studio, but Tengda will also invest a part of it, and the subsequent promotion and marketing will also depend on Tengda Culture.
Sister K, would Tangren like to participate in this? "
Cai Yinong hesitated again and again, but finally declined the invitation from Sister Yi: "The company has not yet received the funds for the filming of "Startling by Each Step".
Moreover, the company is about to shoot a web drama to test the waters. Money is needed everywhere and there is no extra money to invest in movies.
Tangren Films is not as wealthy as a little rich woman like you."
"The company is going to shoot a web drama?"
"Yes, last time I listened to Mr. Song's advice, I plan to shoot one or two low-budget youth campus-themed web dramas to test the waters. Didn't Tengda Culture start out by shooting campus dramas?
But there are so many things going on that the director has not been found yet. Director Li and Director Liang in the company are both unwilling to direct the film. "
Cai Yinong became more and more headache as he spoke. Several directors in the company were either busy or too busy to watch the online drama.
"Sister K, since there is no one available, let me recommend someone to you. He is a classmate of Director Ma Xin of Tengda Culture. His name is Jiang Wei. He was previously the assistant director of the Yitian crew. I met him when I was a guest star.
Although web dramas are not as good as those on satellite TV, it is still an opportunity for independent directing. These assistant directors should not refuse. I will send you his contact information later, please contact him first."
"Okay!" As they were short of people at the moment, Cai Yinong had no choice but to give it a try and had no time to hire outsiders.
After a small episode, Liu Shishi brought the topic back to the movie: "Sister K, I'm still in need of a producer for this movie. Are you willing to help me?"
"You don't even have a producer. I'm afraid you haven't even put together a makeshift team for this movie. Do you want me to be your laborer?"
Cai Yinong complained half-jokingly, but he was actually ready to do something.
After all, TV drama producers and film producers are very different. If Liu Shishi works as a film producer, she can interact more with theaters when the film is released and accumulate some experience.
Liu Shishi's voice was soft and she acted coquettishly: "Sister K, please help me. I trust you to do the job."
"You must be used to using me." Cai Yinong snorted in annoyance, but still agreed to Yijie's request.
After all, movies are her and Tangren’s weak point, and she is more than happy to have the opportunity to become a film producer.
"Send me the script tomorrow and have a look. Has the director been decided?"
"It's settled. My husband personally selected director Ma Xin, who is a direct descendant of Tengda Culture. My husband said that this drama has the potential to be a big hit, and this kind of good opportunity to become famous overnight must be left to our own people."
The speaker may not mean it, but the listener may take it to heart. Cai Yinong thought to himself, if a big shot with such a high vision like Boss Song says the movie will be a big hit, then the box office must be at least 300 to 500 million.
So he calmly helped Tangren Yige to find out: "Shishi, Hu Ge has been practicing hard in the drama club recently, and his acting skills have improved a lot. Is there a role in your movie that is suitable for him?"
Liu Shishi's mind quickly flashed through the images of several main characters in the script, and she thought carefully:
"The male lead, Lao Hu, is not suitable. He has a quirky, comedian-like wit. However, the male lead, Lao Hu, can play the role. If he is willing, he can meet with Director Ma and discuss the play."
Cai Yinong was overjoyed, because this was a movie written by the boss of Song Ci himself and produced and distributed by Tengda Culture.
It is a top resource that many male stars in the circle are scrambling to get. You should be thankful if you can play the second male lead. How can you be picky?
I immediately made a decision for Yige: "I will have him prepare for the audition tomorrow."
It is good to keep the wealth within the family. Liu Shishi did not care about Sister K making the decision for Hu Ge without authorization, and responded readily:
"Okay, Ms. K, if you're not busy, come to Peking next week. I'll call Mr. Zhang and Director Ma from Tengda Culture, and we can meet and finalize all the matters related to the film."
Cai Yinong responded straightforwardly: "It's settled. I will definitely arrive in Peking on time."
Liu Shishi had just finished the call and looked up, just in time to see her husband coming down the stairs. She quickly stood up and tried to help him up: "Honey, are you still dizzy?"
Song Ci had just washed up, and he felt refreshed, with the scent of mint lingering around him: "It's okay, I'm sober now, who wants to come to Beiping?"
Miss Liu was still worried and took Song Ci's arm and asked him to sit on the sofa:
"It's Miss K. I asked her to be the producer of "Charlotte's Troubles". Next week, after I finish filming "The Founding of a Great Power", I will invite her over to discuss the details of the movie."
Song Ci nodded: "It's more reassuring when it's used by our own people. Have the actors been decided?"
"No!" A trace of distress instantly appeared on Liu Shishi's delicate makeup. She was worried about the selection of the male lead, the second female lead and a host of supporting roles.
"I'll let Lao Hu play Yuan Hua, and I'm going to ask Mimi to play Qiu Ya. Mimi is pretty and has a good figure, so she's perfect for the role of the school beauty. But I haven't found anyone else yet."
Song Ci was slightly startled. Miss Liu had hit the jackpot by accident. The role of Qiu Ya was played by Yang Mi, and it seemed that she was not bad either. With Yang Mimi's explosive figure, the famous swimming pool scene was bound to reappear.
"I have a suggestion for you. When you have time someday, go watch a play by Happy Twist with the director. You may gain something unexpected."
"The Riddler is so annoying!"
Although her husband only spoke half of his words and Liu Shishi got no response despite repeated questioning, she still kept Happy Twist in mind. After all, Mr. Song would not speak without a purpose.
Time flies, and more than ten days pass in a flash. On September 11, the weather was exceptionally sunny.
Liu Shishi invited Cai Yinong, Hu Ge, Zhang Zhao, Ma Xin and others to her home. She had already finished filming her scenes in the TV series "The Founding of a Great Power", and now she was ready to prepare for the filming of "Charlotte's Troubles".
Originally, Sister Yi was planning to find a quiet and elegant teahouse to discuss things, but unfortunately she accidentally sprained her ankle the day before and was unable to move. She had no choice but to invite a few people to her home.
"Sister Li, go pour tea for the guests."
"Yes, ma'am." Sister Li replied and quickly served tea to the guest.
Except for Cai Yinong, Zhang Zhao, Ma Xin and Hu Ge were all visiting Song Ci's home for the first time. Looking at the magnificent and luxurious villa hall, the three of them were amazed.
"Master, is your foot okay?"
"It's okay, I just twisted it accidentally, just rest for a few days."
"That's good."
After Cai Yinong's greetings, the other three also asked about Yijie's health and showed concern for her injuries.
Zhang Zhao took a sip of the fragrant tea handed to him by the butler, feeling the rich fragrance spreading on his tongue:
"Madam, is Chairman Song at home?" It would be rude not to pay a visit to Song Ci when arriving at the chairman's house.
Liu Shishi understood Zhang Zhao's thoughts and explained, "He is in a multinational conference call upstairs. He will come down after it's over. Let's talk about our business first."
Since the leader was busy and it was inconvenient to interrupt, Zhang Zhao said no more and went straight to the point: "Boss Cai, has the budget for "Charlotte's Troubles" been worked out?"
Cai Yinong quickly took out the budget materials he had prepared long ago, and while distributing them to Zhang Zhao, Ma Xin and Yijie, he said:
"The budget for the film is 16 million. How to arrange the investment share is up to Shishi and Mr. Zhang to discuss."
Zhang Zhao took the materials and roughly flipped through them. With his many years of experience as a producer, he only took a few glances and determined that Cai Yinong's budget was relatively reliable, with all the expenses clearly listed and no inflated prices.
"However much share does Madam want? Tengda Culture will take care of the rest."
"My studio and Tengda Culture each contributed 8 million yuan. How about splitting it in half?"
Cai Yinong listened to the two people discussing the investment shares and felt extremely regretful. He regretted having foolishly rejected Yijie's investment invitation that day.
She had asked a professional team to evaluate the movie script. The subject matter was currently the hottest time-travel theme, and starring Liu Shishi, Yang Mi, and Hu Ge, the box office was estimated to exceed 100 million yuan, even if it was just to stir up the nostalgia of "Chinese Paladin III". She really missed a great opportunity.
Now that things have come to this, I can't go back on my word and can only feel regretful in my heart. I thought that if this happens again next time, I will try my best to get a share of the market no matter how hard I try.
Zhang Zhao nodded: "How do we arrange the income?"
Liu Shishi looked serious and handled her business impartially. She did not try to take advantage of Tengda Culture just because she was the boss's wife:
"Tengda Culture is responsible for the promotion and distribution, and takes 15% of the profits. My husband, as the screenwriter and copyright holder, only wants 5% of the box office share, and the remaining profits are divided according to the investment ratio.
Mr. Zhang, this is roughly the division, is it okay? "
"Madam is fair, I have no objection."
Zhang Zhao smiled with satisfaction, picked up the teacup and took another sip of tea. The general direction of investment and returns had been decided, and the producer and director would follow up on the rest of the matters, so he, as the producer, didn't need to worry too much.
The investment was settled, and Ma Xin knew it was his turn as the director to take the stage, so he said loudly:
"Madam, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Cai, and Mr. Hu, I have already discussed some of the preparatory work with the art department. I have also arranged everything else, including lighting and photography. Now let's focus on discussing the selection of the male lead."
Liu Shishi said calmly, "Director Ma, my husband chose you as the director of this film because he absolutely believes in your ability, and I fully respect your choice of people."
Faced with the boss lady's absolute trust, Ma Xin was both touched and nervous.
If this movie, which even the chairman is paying attention to, fails at the box office, it certainly cannot be the fault of the investors and the leading actress.
The blame can only be borne by him as the director and the leading actor he recommended. Therefore, he was very cautious about the leading actor, the core character of the entire movie.
After listening to the boss lady's advice, I went to Happy Twist to watch a few plays. After several rounds of watching, I gradually understood the chairman's deep meaning.
"I decided to use Chen Teng, a drama actor from Happy Twist, for the male lead. I also chose members of the drama club for the supporting roles in the movie."
"Chen Teng?" Hu Ge, who had been silent all the time, muttered. He felt that the name was very familiar, but he couldn't remember who it was for a while.
"It's Hao Jian who performed skits on the Spring Festival Gala." Liu Shishi seemed to be prepared for the candidate proposed by Ma Xin and directly told him the man's background.
"Turns out it's him!" When Hao Jian was mentioned, Hu Ge suddenly realized, sighed slightly, and was convinced by him. The resentment in his heart instantly disappeared.
Sister Yi made the final decision: "Director Ma, since you think Chen Teng is suitable, then let him play the leading male role."
The director nominated her, and Liu Shishi nodded in agreement, so naturally no one else had the right to object.
"Then I will contact Happy Twist in a couple of days." After saying this, Ma Xin looked embarrassed and seemed to be hesitant to speak.
Cai Yinong shook his head and said, "Director Ma, you are such a rude person. If you have any other questions, just tell me."
Ma Xin scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "There is a plot in Director Song's script that requires a heavyweight singer to make a guest appearance. I don't have an idea at the moment."
"So that's what happened. It's easy to handle." Sister Yi smiled confidently, "Next month, Queen Wang Fei will make a comeback and hold a concert at the Wukesong Stadium in Beijing. She even specially invited me to attend.
She previously covered "Because of Love" and she still owes me a favor because of the copyright issue. I'm going to invite her to make a cameo appearance in the crew, and I think she won't refuse."
Hearing this, Ma Xin was so excited that he was incoherent: "That! That's great! The diva's guest appearance, this gimmick alone can increase a lot of box office."
(End of this chapter)
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