Chapter 316 Seizing the Opportunity
December 24th, Christmas Eve, is only one week away from the end of the year.
Around nine o'clock in the morning, the warm winter sun shines into the VIP room of Tengda Culture in Zhongao Building. The room is as warm as spring, and the air is filled with a light tea fragrance.
"Congratulations, Mr. Zhang!"
"Boss Zhang, when will the celebration party be held?"
In the small meeting room, several people sat on the sofa and kept congratulating Zhang Zhao.
A few days ago, on December 16th, the movie "Let the Bullets Fly" directed by Jiang Wen was released.
The box office on the first day was 21 million, and the box office in the first week was about 170 million. In addition, the movie has a wonderful plot and humorous lines. Thanks to its good reputation, the box office continued to rise.
Given the current rapid growth trend, "Let the Bullets Fly" is very likely to break the Chinese-language film box office record of "Aftershock".
As the main investor of "Let the Bullets Fly", Tengda Culture is bound to make a huge profit from this movie.
"The celebration banquet is tentatively scheduled for New Year's Day. I hope you will all come and attend it then."
Zhang Zhao's face was full of smiles at this moment. It turned out that his work this year was praised by the chairman. He did not expect to receive such a big surprise at the end of the year. This was undoubtedly the icing on the cake.
"I will definitely go."
"How can I be absent if Mr. Zhang invites me? I will definitely go to show my support on New Year's Day."
In the conference room, after some pleasantries, a few people got down to business.
Today, Tengda Culture, Huayi Company and Ning Province Film Studio held a preparatory meeting for "Painted Skin 2".
"My dear CEOs, my preliminary calculation shows that the filming cost of Painted Skin 2 is about 120 million yuan, and the cost details have been submitted to Tengda and Huayi for review in the early stage."
Pang Hong, vice president of Ningxia Film Studio, briefly introduced the preparations for "Painted Skin 2".
The copyright of the "Painted Skin" series is in the hands of Ning Province Film Studio, which is the promoter of the entire project and is responsible for overall development and funding coordination. Some of the preliminary preparation work is also handled by Pang Hong.
Zhang Zhao and Huayi Wang Zhonglei looked at each other, and both had no objection to the filming cost.
Wang Zhonglei was impatient and shouted directly: "Costs are old-fashioned topics. There is no need to talk about them again. Let's discuss the investment share directly!"
"Painted Skin 1" achieved gratifying box office results, and the original cast returned for the second part, plus the number of screens is growing rapidly every year.
Theoretically, it will be no problem for "Painted Skin 2" to make 400 to 500 million yuan at the box office, and the investors will definitely make a profit. This piece of sweet cake makes everyone eager to try.
"My Ning Film Studio wants a 30% share!" Before Pang Hong came, he had already communicated with other leaders in the factory.
Although "Painted Skin 2" has a bright future, the huge investment of 120 million yuan means that this project still has risks.
The Ning Province Film Studio was half-dead and once on the verge of bankruptcy.
Fortunately, they were able to take a breather thanks to "Painted Skin 1", but they did not dare to gamble their entire fortune. After collective discussion, the factory leaders believed that it would be safer to take a 30% share.
Zhang Zhao originally thought that as the copyright holder, Ning Film Studio would at least take a 50% share, but in the end, they only dared to accept a 30% share.
I couldn't help but shake my head slightly. In the era of market economy, these old state-owned film studios are too conservative in decision-making and lack courage, and they are indeed unable to keep up with the times.
Wang Zhonglei was delighted when he heard this. Huayi is now very wealthy and is keen on big investments and productions to boost its stock price. For it, the more projects like "Painted Skin 2", the better.
He originally wanted to directly ask for a 50% investment share, but he was concerned about Zhang Zhao's thoughts. After all, Tengda Culture's strength is even greater than that of Huayi.
So, they discussed carefully: "Mr. Zhang, how about we split the remaining share in half?"
Zhang Zhao had no objection to this: "Okay, Tengda Culture and Huayi will each invest 35%, and the publicity and promotion will also be left to us two companies."
Seeing Wang Zhonglei nod in agreement, he looked to the side and said, "Boss Pang, what do you think about the publicity?"
"No objection!" Seeing that Zhang Zhao was so strong and he and Wang Zhonglei settled the film's promotion in just a few words, Pang Hong forced a smile on his face.
But he couldn't help but complain in his heart: "Since you said so, what opinion can I have?" Although he was a little unhappy, Pang Hong had no choice because film promotion and marketing was the shortcoming of Ning Film Studio.
Moreover, in the Internet age, when it comes to film promotion and marketing capabilities, Tengda Culture is indeed unique, and the other film and television giants are slightly weaker.
Huayi Company and Tengda Culture, one is the first listed private film and television company and the other is backed by an Internet giant, neither of them can compare with Ning Film Studio.
The situation is stronger than the person, and Pang Hong has a poor family background. Naturally, he cannot stand up straight. He can only comfort himself silently that no matter what, the income from the copyright of Ning Film Studio will be inevitable.
After the core interests have been negotiated, the rest of the cake will then be divided.
Regarding the selection of actors, there was nothing to discuss since the original cast would be used. Qiao Zhengyu, Zhao Zhatian, and Zhou Xun would still be the main actors. As for the other supporting roles, the three producers were too lazy to bother with it.
"I recommend Wu Ershan as the director." Wang Zhonglei sat up straight and tried his best to recommend his own person.
Huayi is trying to get rid of its excessive dependence on Feng Xiaogang and is focusing on cultivating new directors. Wu Ershan is the new director that he and his elder brother Wang Zhongjunjun are optimistic about.
As for the Hong Kong director of "Painted Skin 1", everyone present tacitly did not mention him. Times have changed, and in today's mainland entertainment circle, suppressing Hong Kong forces is the tacit consensus of the entire industry.
Zhang Zhao waved his hands and quickly refused: "No, no, I have never heard of Wu Ershan. How can you use an unknown new director for a production worth more than 100 million yuan?"
Pang Hong also felt that it was inappropriate to use Wu Ershan as a director. He was about to recommend several experienced directors from Ning Film Studio, but Zhang Zhao had already taken the lead and put forward the candidate from Tengda: "I recommend Director Huang Lei."
Wang Zhonglei sneered: "Boss Zhang, I have never heard of this Huang Lei you mentioned! Does Boss Pang know this Huang Lei?"
Pang Hong shook his head slightly, thinking that Zhang Zhao was as unreliable as Wang Zhonglei. In order to support the new director of his own company, he completely ignored the huge investment in "Painted Skin 2". What if the new director couldn't control the film well and messed up the movie?
"Don't be in a hurry, let me introduce director Huang Lei to you." Zhang Zhao chuckled.
He seemed to be confident of winning, as if he was fully confident in convincing everyone to let this unknown new director direct "Painted Skin 2". "He is a graduate of the Beijing Film Academy's directing department."
Having said this, Zhang Zhao paused deliberately, and seeing that everyone looked disapproving, he continued:
"Director Huang Lei's father is Director Huang Jianxin, the president of the National Film Directors Association. If Huang Lei directs, I will invite President Huang to be the producer of Painted Skin 2."
Wang Zhonglei's face looked a little unhappy. Zhang Zhao obviously had a plan in advance. If he objected at this moment, today's words would definitely offend Huang Jianxin if they were to spread.
Not to mention that Huang Jianxin is already a well-known figure in the circle, not to mention that everyone in the entertainment industry knows that he is a close brother of Huaying Han Sanye.
"I have no objection, let's use Huang Lei." After weighing the pros and cons again and again, Wang Zhonglei responded in a muffled voice and could only accept the arrangement with a pinch of his nose.
The leading actor and the director are both from Tengda Culture, and Zhang Zhao is well aware of the principle that too much is as bad as too little.
The other assistant directors, production directors and other candidates did not get involved and left it all to Huayi and Ning Film Studio to arrange. This eased the expressions of Wang Zhonglei and Pang Hong a little.
While the three parties were discussing the details of the movie, Zeng Jiazheng, vice president of Tengda Culture, was talking with its artist Yang Mi.
"Jia Jie, Mr. Zhang discussed Painted Skin 2 with people from Huayi and Ning Film Studio today. Will there be any changes to my role?"
Zeng Jia looked at Yang Mi, who looked a little anxious, and couldn't help but joked: "Mi Mi, you are well-informed."
Yang Mi raised her delicate chin, looking pleased: "Of course I have my own sources of information."
She had been in the crew since she was a child, had a good grasp of the ways of the world, and had long been familiar with the people around several leaders of the company, so it was a piece of cake for her to get information.
"Since Mr. Zhang has promised you, he will not break his promise." Zeng Jia comforted him, but then he seemed to remember something and added:
"Of course, the premise is that Liu Shishi is not involved. However, she doesn't like the third female role, serving as a supporting role for Zhao Zhetian and Zhou Xun."
"This is a big production worth more than 100 million yuan. Liu Shishi doesn't like it, but I won't be picky. Now Wang Luodan is very popular, the Golden Eagle Goddess and the heroine of a 200 million yuan movie box office. I am worried that she will disrupt the situation!"
"No one is competing with you for the third female role. Not only Liu Shishi doesn't like it, but even Wang Luodan doesn't care about it. And do you still have time?"
Zeng Jia sighed. Although she planned to create Yang Mi's hard-working character, Yang Mi was too hardworking. She joined seven or eight film crews a year and took on all kinds of roles. In the long run, it would be detrimental to her acting career.
"Yes, as for the schedule, you can always find one if you squeeze it." Yang Mi answered without hesitation. She never refuses any movie role that comes her way.
Zeng Jia shook his head, frowning, “Mi Mi, with your current popularity, don’t accept random roles anymore.
Mr. Zhang is too busy this year and has no time to take care of you, otherwise he would definitely intervene. Tengda Culture's arrangements for artists have never been based on quantity.
You have to change the bad habits you developed in Rongxingda. Tengda Culture is not comparable to those small family workshops. It has reasonable plans for the artists' performing careers.
The previous few dramas you filmed were all signed before you joined the company, so we can’t say anything. Now that the previous debts have been paid off, don’t take on miscellaneous roles in the future.”
"Okay." Yang Mi agreed verbally, but she disagreed in her heart. In her opinion, if she took on more roles, one of them would become a hit.
Zeng Jia knew that Yang Mi didn't take his words to heart, but this was the other party's belief and it would be difficult to change it in a short time.
"It's a rare occasion for you to come back to the company today. I have something to tell you."
Under Yang Mi's expectant gaze, Zeng Jia took out a script from the table and handed it over: "This is a new movie invested by the company. The role of the second female lead is yours. Take the script back and read it carefully."
"Movie!" Yang Mi's eyes lit up when she heard that. She happily took the script, looked down, and whispered, "Charlotte's Troubles!"
Zeng Jia rolled his eyes and said, "It's 'Charlotte's Troubles', and the male lead is named Charlotte. The screenwriter of this movie is the chairman, so you must prepare well."
"Song Ci wrote the script!" Yang Mi was shocked. The richest man was an ace screenwriter in the film and television industry. Every work of his was a big hit and he never failed. "Then the leading actress is Liu Shishi?"
Zeng Jia nodded and said, "Hello, sister, good things are still on your side. She specifically asked you to play the second female lead. The roles of the first and second female leads in this play are comparable, so it can be considered a very high-quality resource."
Yang Mi silently gave Liu Shishi a thumbs up in her heart. She thought that Yijie was indeed loyal. When she was about to respond to Zeng Jiashi, her cell phone rang suddenly. She took out her phone and saw that it was Yu Zheng calling.
"Teacher Yu!" Yang Mi's sweet voice came into the microphone.
Yu Zheng's voice was obviously very anxious: "Mi Mi, have you read the news about "Startling by Each Step" today?"
Yang Mi was confused: "What happened to "Startling by Each Step"?"
"Scarlet Heart" has been scheduled to premiere on February 4th during the prime time of Donghai TV. Our drama "Palace" must be aired before it."
Yu Zheng on the other end of the phone was feeling anxious. He opened the Toutiao app to browse the news as usual today and found that the app had a splash screen recommendation, and the recommended content turned out to be "Startling by Each Step" produced by Tangren Film and Television.
Looking at the exquisite Qing Dynasty costumes in the splash screen poster, Yu Zheng, who knew his own worth, suddenly became flustered.
The plot of his drama "Palace" was based on "Startling by Each Step". If "Startling by Each Step", which is better produced and has better costumes and makeup, was broadcast first, it would definitely be a disaster for the ratings of "Palace".
He had originally discussed with Hunan TV and planned to broadcast the film on satellite in March, but now it has to be released ahead of schedule to air before "Startling by Each Step".
Although Yang Mi was a little confused about Zheng's anxiety, she still cooperated and said:
"Teacher Yu, you can discuss the broadcast of the TV series with the TV station. I will fully cooperate with anything you need me to do. And I'm with Sister Jia right now, so you can discuss anything with her."
"Mr. Zeng is here too! Mimi, give the phone to Mr. Zeng."
"Jia Jie, Teacher Yu Zheng wants to talk to you."
Zeng Jia took the phone and said politely, "Teacher Yu, if there's anything I can do for The Palace, please let me know."
Yu Zheng quickly poured out his worries, "Boss Zeng, I'll talk to Hunan Satellite TV. It shouldn't be a problem to change the schedule, but time is tight and the promotion of "Palace Lock Heart Jade" must be started immediately."
Zeng Jia also had a serious look on her face. "Palace" was the first film and television project she led after taking office as vice president. She was also taking the risk of offending the big boss's wife, so she couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
"I will arrange for the company's publicity department to take action immediately, but the time is too tight and the publicity effect may not reach the expected level."
Yu Zheng hesitated for a while, gritted his teeth and suggested: "Boss Zeng, this is an urgent matter, we have to use a big move!"
Zeng Jia is also an expert at hype and is well versed in this field. He instantly understood what Yu Zheng meant: "You mean hype up a scandal?"
"Yes! Let Mimi and Feng Shaofeng create a scandal. I will do Shaofeng's work, and Mimi will trouble Mr. Zeng."
"Okay, I'll talk to Mimi." Zeng Jia had no choice. If he wanted to promote "Palace" in a short period of time, he could only use special methods.
(End of this chapter)
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