Chapter 384: Sister Yi's New Drama
At the beginning of February, the Spring Festival atmosphere gradually fades away, and people end their holidays and return to work and study.
At the Four Seasons Hotel, a waiter in a well-dressed suit extended his hand to guide them: "Please come this way, Mrs. Song is waiting in the VIP room in front."
Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng followed closely behind, looking at the interior decoration of this international luxury hotel from time to time. They walked through the long corridor with carved beams and painted buildings on both sides of the wall and soon arrived at the VIP room at the end.
The waiter opened the carved wooden door and said, "Come in."
When Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng walked into the room, they saw Liu Shishi, wearing a beige turtleneck sweater, leaning against the window railing, looking at the streets of Peking in the distance.
Sister Yi heard the footsteps, turned around and looked over, smiling slightly: "Boss Hou, Director Kong!"
"Mr. Liu!" The master and his disciple exchanged a few words with the first sister and sat down opposite her.
Liu Shishi waved to the staff at the door and said, "Mr. Hou, Director Kong, the Italian food at the Four Seasons Hotel is very authentic. Let's eat and chat."
The two of them naturally followed the host's wishes.
"A Florentine steak and a sea bass in tomato sauce!"
Liu Shishi ordered the dishes, while Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng ordered pasta and Margherita pizza.
While the dishes were being served, the three of them started chatting.
"What are Mr. Hou and Director Kong busy with recently?" Sister Yi was curious. It seemed that Noon Sunshine Film and Television Company had not made any moves since its establishment.
"Last year, my teacher and I took on the TV series "A Family in Wenzhou" invested by Zhejiang Radio and Television Group. It just wrapped up not long ago, so it's a good opportunity for us to use this drama to get the team moving." Hou Hongliang quickly replied, reporting the company's recent work to the major shareholder.
Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi asked, "So, do Mr. Hou and Director Kong have any free time at the moment?"
"Yes."
"Great!" Sister Yi nodded happily. "I invited you two here today because I have a new drama that I plan to entrust to Noon Sunshine to shoot, and I would like to trouble Mr. Hou and Director Kong."
Hou Hongliang was very surprised. He didn't expect that Yijie would ask him to be the producer. Everyone in the circle knew that Cai Yinong from Tangren was her exclusive producer.
Kong Sheng was also curious: "Why didn't Mr. Liu ask Tangren to film it?"
"This is a spy war drama, not the costume theme that Tangren is good at." Liu Shishi explained, took out a script from her bag and handed it to the two.
Kong Sheng took the script, excited at the sight of prey, and began to read it carefully: "Silent Shorthand, written by Song Ci."
When Hou Hongliang heard that the screenwriter was the richest man, he immediately turned around and focused his eyes on the script: "I didn't expect it to be Mr. Song's new work. No wonder it's worth Mr. Liu's personal lead. I'm sure the story is very exciting."
The richest man is well-known for his talent, and the scripts he wrote can be called a hit-making machine in the entertainment industry. The currently box office hit "Charlotte's Troubles" was written by him.
"I almost forgot to congratulate you. The box office of 'Charlotte's Troubles' has reached 850 million, and the 1 billion mark is just around the corner." Hou Hongliang knew that at this stage of the movie, a box office of 1 billion was a foregone conclusion and it was a general trend.
Liu Shishi was smiling happily. "Charlotte's Troubles" has been released for 19 days and has grossed 850 million yuan, breaking various records for domestic films. Tengda Culture and the director are already planning to hold a celebration banquet on the Lantern Festival.
"The film market is advancing by leaps and bounds, with the box office reaching new heights every year." Hou Hongliang sighed softly, saying that the entertainment industry is now flourishing and countless hot money is pouring in.
"Great!" Kong Sheng, holding the "Silent Shorthand" in his hand, couldn't help but applaud when he saw the plot twist.
Seeing that the great director Kong Sheng was deeply attracted by the plot, Liu Shishi showed pride and said, "Director Kong, how about the script written by my husband?"
"Very good, very good! Mr. Song is worthy of being a leader in the literary world. The plot is full of ups and downs and is heart-wrenching. It is truly one of a kind." Kong Sheng praised three times in a row, put down the script with an unsatisfied look, still savoring it.
Hou Hongliang couldn't wait to take the script and quickly read the outline.
The script framework of "Silent Shorthand" is based on Ms. Anna, a legendary secret agent on the covert front.
The film tells the story of Song Hongling, an underground party member who lurked around the top leaders of the Kuomintang from 1942 to 1949 and worked as a stenographer. With the help of her superiors, she passed on important intelligence many times. The plot coincides with many historical events.
Kong Sheng suppressed his excitement and said seriously, "Boss Liu, you will naturally play the leading female role Song Hongling. Do you have any arrangements for other roles?"
"The male lead, Lu Chengyu, the contact person for Song Hongling and the manager of Kong's department store, will be played by my master Li Xuejian. As for the other roles, Director Kong can arrange them on his own."
After deciding on the male and female lead actors, Yi Jie confessed: "To be honest with you, I have high expectations for this drama!
Master Xue Jian also has high hopes for the role of Lu Chengyu, hoping that he can win the "Three Major Television Awards", so the filming must be done to perfection. "
Kong Sheng was slightly stunned. He didn't expect that Liu Shishi was so ambitious. From the beginning of its preparation, this "Silent Shorthand" had been aiming for film and television awards.
He instantly felt a little pressure on his shoulders. Although the TV series he directed have always been well-received and won numerous awards, he was not sure whether "Silent Shorthand" would win the award.
Hou Hongliang looked deeply and thought to himself, Liu Shishi is already a top actress in the entertainment industry, and the movies she starred in were all huge hits. It seems that she is planning to transition to acting in serious dramas to make it easier for her to win industry awards.
"Mr. Liu, I just took a rough look at the script. The subject matter is indeed very potential for winning awards. However, there are many variables in the film and television industry. No one dares to guarantee that we will win a trophy. My teacher and I can only do our best."
Liu Shishi nodded: "I understand this, we just need to keep striving for perfection. My master and I will also spend more time and effort to polish our acting skills. I'd like to trouble Mr. Hou and Director Kong to take care of the preparations for Silent Shorthand."
Hou Hongliang was secretly relieved by Yijie's considerate attitude, but there was still a trace of worry in his heart.
After all, Yijie has a noble status and is also a major shareholder of the company. If "Silent Shorthand" fails to win any of the "Three Major Television Awards", it will inevitably affect her trust in herself and her teacher.
"Mr. Liu, how are the budget and investors for this drama arranged?"
"This drama is fully funded by my personal studio. I asked the production department of Tangren Film and Television to calculate the budget, which is about 30 million.
In order to ensure that the quality of the costumes and props reaches the top level, I decided to add another 20% of the funds, with a total investment of 36 million yuan. "
"Mr. Liu is very generous." Kong Sheng complimented. Based on his many years of experience, he believed that a production budget of 36 million yuan could fully support high-quality production.
Whether it is the texture of the picture or the language of the camera, it can shock people. With sufficient funds and a wonderful story, he has more confidence in his bid for the award.
At this time, the waiter served exquisite Italian specialties, and the three continued to discuss while enjoying the food.
Liu Shishi held a knife and fork, cutting the steak elegantly: "Director Kong, please let me know when the second male and second female are selected."
Kong Sheng quickly put a piece of pizza into his mouth: "I'm going to organize an open audition, do you want to participate?"
Liu Shishi thought for a moment and said, "If I have time on the day of the audition, I'll go and take a look. Mr. Hou, Director Kong, would you like some red wine?"
“No, no.” Hou Hongliang waved his hands repeatedly, “We have to go to CCTV this afternoon, so we can’t drink if we want to discuss things.
In the second half of the year, CCTV TV Drama Management Center and Tengda Culture have a cooperative project called "Parents' Love", and my teacher and I would like to take it on."
The first sister looked puzzled and said, "Boss Hou, if you and Director Kong continue to take on external film and television projects like this, and Noon Sunshine does not participate in the investment, it will be difficult for the company to develop."
Hou Hongliang patiently explained: "In fact, the company's first film and television project is already in preparation. The teacher took a fancy to a novel "Nirvana in Fire" on Qidian Chinese website and wanted to adapt it into a TV series. Unfortunately, the copyright of this novel is in the hands of Tengda.
Moreover, after the new year, Tengda plans to integrate its Singularity Chinese Network and other platforms into a subsidiary, Reading Group, so the purchase of copyrights has been put on hold for the time being. "
"I see!" Sister Yi nodded slightly, "I am also a shareholder of Noon Sunshine. If you need any help, just let me know."
"Then we'll rely on Mr. Liu!" Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng smiled at each other. Having such a powerful and well-connected shareholder as a backing does bring a lot of convenience.
When approaching to purchase the copyright, the other party agreed without hesitation as soon as they heard that the shareholder of Noon Sunshine was Liu Shishi. They only needed to wait for the integration of the Reading Group to be completed before they could acquire the copyright of "Langya Bang".
The three of them were chatting happily in the executive cafeteria at the headquarters of Tengda Group.
Song Ci was eating lunch leisurely, and sitting opposite him was Liu Rong, the president of Tengda Culture who had rushed to the headquarters temporarily.
"Boss Liu, you seem to be in a hurry. Have you not had lunch yet? Jian Ning, go get some food for Boss Liu and bring it over."
"Okay." Jian Ning, the secretary sitting at the next table, stood up, put down the bowl and chopsticks in her hands, and hurried to get the food.
"Thank you, Secretary Jian." After Liu Rong thanked him, he went straight to the point and began to report on his work.
"Director Song, we received news from the United States that Lionsgate plans to acquire Summit Entertainment and has reached a preliminary agreement with Summit Entertainment's management. They are now seeking our opinion."
"Lionsgate! The most successful independent film company outside of the six major Hollywood companies." Song Ci muttered in his heart, "What do you think about this?"
Liu Rong said solemnly, "Mr. Song, although the business situation of Summit Entertainment has improved after receiving the capital injection from the company, the debt pressure is still huge and there is still a risk of bankruptcy and liquidation. I personally suggest agreeing to Lionsgate's acquisition."
After saying that, he carefully observed the boss's reaction, but Song Ci's expression remained the same, without any change.
At this time, Jian Ning stepped on high heels and brought the food over with a tray in her hands: "Boss Liu, I don't know your taste preferences, so I just ordered a few special dishes for today."
"Thank you, I don't have any dietary restrictions."
"You eat first, let me think about it." Seeing that Liu Rong didn't move his chopsticks, Song Ci gestured. After all, it involved a merger of hundreds of millions of assets, so there was no room for haste. He had to think it over carefully.
"Lions Gate! Big Six!" Song Ci weighed the options again and again in his mind.
If Summit Entertainment is destined to be sold and changed hands, he would prefer to choose a buyer from the Big Six in Hollywood. After all, the Big Six are backed by large media groups that control public opinion in the United States.
"Has Summit Entertainment ever had any contact with the Big Six Studios?"
Liu Rong put down his chopsticks and said helplessly, "I have had contact with them, but the six giants either lowered the valuation of Summit Entertainment to an outrageous level or simply didn't care about it."
“What is Lionsgate’s valuation for Summit Entertainment?”
“4.5 USD. Lionsgate is valued at $1 billion and is willing to acquire Summit in a cash-and-stock deal.”
"Such a big difference." Song Ci was a little surprised. Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment are both the most successful independent film companies outside of the Big Six in Hollywood, but their valuations differ by as much as twice.
Liu Rong hurriedly explained: "The valuation gap between the two companies' film sectors is not big, but Lionsgate's TV drama business has always been doing well, and the paid dramas it broadcasts are very popular in North America."
Song Ci frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. The original investment in Summit Entertainment was out of strategic needs. Tenda needed to establish overseas channels. In addition, the appeal of the cooperative development of the "Twilight" series IP made Tenda invest 120 million US dollars to revive Summit Entertainment.
However, if Summit Entertainment is acquired by Lionsgate, based on the valuations of the two companies, Tengda could own 12.4% of the shares of the merged new Lionsgate, but would not have operating rights. This amount of shares would not mean much to Tengda Group.
"But there doesn't seem to be a better choice." Song Ci shook his head helplessly, "12.4% of the shares is not too small, it can at least give me some say.
As long as Tengda can be guaranteed to have the rights to develop the Twilight series IP, we will agree to Lionsgate's acquisition."
Liu Rong took the boss's instructions to heart: "Director Song, Lionsgate has expressed that they very much hope to develop in-depth cooperation with Tengda. They will only increase the conditions promised by Summit Entertainment before."
"Anyone can say nice things. Let's just settle this. You can communicate with the Industrial Investment Department for follow-up matters."
"Okay." Liu Rong responded, and suddenly remembered something, so he asked Song Ci for instructions: "Mr. Song, Ma Xin asked me to ask you that he wants to adapt your novel "Left Ear" into a movie. Can you give him the authorization?"
"Okay, just take a picture of him." Song Ci agreed readily.
"Charlotte's Troubles" was a box office hit and Tengda Culture made a fortune. Although director Ma Xin cannot be said to have made the greatest contribution, he also put in a lot of effort. It would be unkind to refuse the request at this time.
"I thank you for him."
"Once the main cast is decided, show it to me."
After all, "Left Ear" is his first published novel, the source of his first pot of gold, and the starting point of his career, so Song Ci is looking forward to the novel being adapted into a movie.
"Of course you decide who will be the lead actress." Liu Rong asked, "I would like to recommend Yang Zi for the second female role. What do you think?"
Song Ci readily agreed: "Sure. As long as the role is suitable, I will definitely give priority to using our company's artists."
Seeing that the chairman was in a good mood today, Liu Rong simply brought up the backlog of matters: "Director Song, Yang Mi is very popular now. I plan to set up a personal studio for her. What do you think?"
Song Ci did not comment, and said in a calm tone: "Isn't Zeng Jia trying to win her over? Planning to open a film and television company together when her contract expires?"
Liu Rong's pupils slightly dilated: "Is this true?"
"You are not as good at controlling the company as Zhang Zhao. He has already reported this to me. You have been at Tengda Culture for more than half a year. You should not be unaware of it."
Song Ci bluntly said, “Zeng Jia, Yang Tianzhen and others all have the idea of starting their own business.
But it doesn’t matter. Even if they set up their own business, they still need the support of Tengda Culture. I had predicted this a long time ago, so I have never been interested in the artist management business. ”
Hearing that his employees were planning to leave and start their own businesses, Liu Rong was shocked: "I was negligent. I will sort out the company thoroughly when I get back."
(End of this chapter)
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