Chapter 652: Chapter 643: Reaching an Agreement
As a director, Yang Jia is well-acquainted with his screenplay. The entire work tends toward realism, focusing mainly on action scenes.
Using the actorsâ movements to provide a visual feast for the audience, thereâs one move, the Flaming Sword Draw, that he feels requires special effects, as achieving the desired effect in reality is impossible.
Previously, he was prepared to use crude special effects, as itâs just one or two special effects shots; it wouldnât significantly affect the overall picture. Yet, with an additional investment of two million, he was confident that not only could he enhance the special effects but also perfect numerous details.
So when Su Qing said he could add two million to the investment, he was overjoyed.
Although itâs his first time directing, heâs no stranger to the struggles of securing investment.
Originally, he didnât even expect to receive the full eight million from the other party. He thought he might have to seek funding elsewhere, but unexpectedly, the other party was willing to add money, which seemed unimaginable to him.
Even the other two directors, Deng Wenxiong and Wang Jiang, looked bewildered. After years of directing, this was the first time they saw an investor proactively add money, albeit not much.
Usually, when they ask for ten million, the other party would want to reduce it to five million; whereâs the concept of adding more money?
Itâs like going to buy vegetables, asking the vendor how much a pound of cabbage costs, and they say three yuan, and you insist on giving them fiveâitâs absurd.
Even Wang Fan beside him shook his head, being a director himself. How could he not understand how unreasonable Su Qingâs action was?
Fortunately, Su Qing has money and doesnât care about the two million. Wang Fan naturally didnât say much, especially since his 80 million investment came about in a similar way. It started with a minimum estimate of 60 million.
Hearing Yang Jiaâs assurance, Su Qing nodded with a smile. Adding an extra two million is no issue for him since he knows this project will be profitable. Given that fact, why not extend a favor?
There might be greater returns in the future, or at least he could have someone owe him a favor.
"Okay, onto the second question. I noticed your screenplay mentions plans to release it on major online platforms, following the internet movie path. Have you considered going the theatrical route?" Su Qing asked.
He needed to know what the outcome would be if they took another route to maximize benefits.
Upon hearing this, Yang Jia was momentarily stunned, followed by a bitter smile. Though both are films, how could he not know the risks and difficulties involved?
Besides, heâs originally a screenwriter, previously worked on online series, so heâs familiar with that sector. Given the current market, he has little confidence in wuxia films performing well in cinemas, preferring the online movie route.
"To be honest, President Su, releasing in cinemas isnât impossible, but the current market might not favor wuxia films. If feasible, who wouldnât want their film on the big screen?" Yang Jia smiled wryly.
Just then, a narratorâs prompt sounded in Su Qingâs mind.
[If released in theaters, despite the filmâs consistent quality, and earning a decent reputation post-release, profits would be modest compared to movies making hundreds of millions or billions at the box office, reducing your final profit by about five million, and significantly diminishing exposure and promotional effects.]
Weighing the narratorâs prompt, Su Qing quickly made a decision. Hence, professional tasks are best left to professionals.
Both theaters and online platforms have their advantages. Simply put, itâs better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond.
This film will perform well and earn a good reputation whether itâs released on major video platforms or in theaters.
However, profits rely on their low costs.
With a ten million investment, what more can one ask for? In other productions, that might just cover an actorâs fee.
Though a theatrical release could be profitable, compared to contemporaneous films with higher box office earnings, their work might be overshadowed. Conversely, in the online production team, both the crew and actors could be considered luxurious.
If the work is exceptional, it could stand out more quickly and efficiently. Network video platforms, particularly for small-budget films, offer greater exposure.
Itâs different for major productions like âWandering Earth,â which have strong online and offline promotions, but a film like âInvisible Eyeâ wouldnât handle such high marketing costs.
"Indeed, in that case, letâs start with the online movie route. If outcomes are favorable and word of mouth spreads, a sequel might be possible. By then, with the first installment as a foundation, moving to theaters will be much better." Su Qing smiled.
He hadnât forgotten the narrator hinting at the sequel potential of this work.
Yang Jia nodded, smiling. He hadnât even completed the first installment, so why think about the second?
He wasnât even confident about the success of this one, especially as a new director.
"Alright, since the questions are over, Director Yang, may I make a small request?" Su Qing smiled.
"Please, President Su,"
Hearing this, Yang Jiaâs heart skipped a beat. Could President Su want to involve a particular actress or embed someone into the crew?
He glanced at Tang Nan beside Su Qing, thinking it unlikely. There were rumors about these two; Su Qing wouldnât be so indiscreet as to mention it in front of Tang Nan.
Even if Tang Nan were embedded into his crew, he wouldnât mind. Although there arenât any standout female roles in this play, if Su Qing wanted it, heâd revise the script. After all, sheâs one of the current popular actresses.
However, it was just a thought as Tang Nanâs fee was beyond his budget. His modest investment couldnât afford such a big star.
Sure enough, Su Qing spoke, "I noticed your cast hasnât been finalized yet, and you intend to hire Xie Miao. I really like this actor; do you think you can secure him?"
With these words, Yang Jia felt reassured, quickly smiling, "Rest assured, President Su. Although itâs not finalized, weâve worked together before, and Iâve mentioned it to him recently. Itâs certainly no problem."
As long as the investor doesnât interfere with their creation, itâs good. Earlier, he was worried that Su Qing, being young and impetuous, might meddle in his crew. Thinking more, thereâs a reason Su Qing succeeded so young.
"In that case...Director Yang, letâs have a pleasant cooperation?" Su Qing extended his hand with a smile.
Su Qingâs sudden agreement caught Yang Jia off guard. Could negotiations be this simple? Wasnât he expecting a bargaining session, consuming drinks till compelled to agree?
"Pleasant...pleasant cooperation, thank you, President Su!" Yang Jia quickly extended his hands to show respect.
Upon seeing this, Tang Nan glanced at Hu Xiaoling, who stood behind the crowd. Understanding, the secretary swiftly produced a contract. Tang Nan took it, smiling:
"Congratulations, Director Yang. Hereâs the thing, Su Qingâs company is currently handling paperwork, which should be completed in the next few days. Since he has no staff, he had me handle this. Please review the contract first. If anything is unsatisfactory, we can discuss it. When the companyâs paperwork finalizes in a couple of days, the funds will be transferred. Alternatively, if youâre in a hurry, you can proceed through my side; itâs the same thing."
"No rush, no rush, thank you, Miss Tang!" Director Yang quickly replied. He certainly didnât mind a few daysâ delay; the main thing was sealing the deal.
"Good then, Xiao Hu, guide Director Yang to our office to review the contract!"
"Yes, President Tang. Director Yang, please follow me!"
Once Director Yang left with Hu Xiaoling, Su Qing turned to the remaining pair, "Iâve read both of your scripts. Shouldnât you have already started production?"
Deng Wenxiong and Wang Jiang nodded. Their projects had begun, though they were still in need of further investment.
"Director Wang Jiang, your âLife-changing Mattersâ has about 30 million currently. Youâre seeking an additional 30 million from me, correct?"
"Yes, President Su," Wang Jiang affirmed, holding no reservations.
Su Qing nodded, "Alright, since youâve already started, thereâs nothing I need to reiterate. Iâll provide the 30 million. The process mirrors Director Yangâs. If youâre in a hurry, proceed through Nan Geâs company or through me personally; both work."
Su Qingâs straightforwardness left Wang Jiang momentarily stunned. He expected questioning, not even quicker agreement than the previous case.
"No rush, no rush, thank you, President Su!" Wang Jiang quickly extended his hand.
Su Qing nodded, "Good, my companyâs paperwork will very likely finish tomorrow. Please come back at that time."
[âLife-changing Mattersâ directed and written by Wang Jiang tells a deeply poignant tale intertwining joy and sorrow between the lead characters, steeped in the atmosphere of everyday life, ultimately garnering 1.82 billion, proving highly profitable.]
The narrator prompt in Su Qingâs mind made his smile even brighter; this was an enormous profit.
After Director Wang Jiang also received the contract and followed Hu Xiaoling out, Su Qing turned his attention to the final individual.
"Director Deng, I particularly like your script, and itâs the one Iâm most optimistic about. However, it has the largest investment requirement. Frankly, I plan to invest, but I donât have ample funds with me right now. So Iâm considering finding a partner; do you mind?"
Hearing this, Deng Wenxiong was almost terrified, thinking the investment was slipping away, only for a twist of fate.
He didnât mind, as thereâs no difference whether one or two people invest, as long as the investment is secured. After all, money is money!
"Thank you, President Su. I donât mind, not at all!"
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