Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 185: In my place, you have to kneel down to earn money
"Card!"

"This one is passed."

Guo Fan gave Xu Ming a thumbs up.

Half a month has passed since the latter joined the group.

With "So Young" as a foundation, the filming went exceptionally smoothly, and one shot would basically pass in no more than three takes.

This kind of work efficiency made the entire crew full of energy, and director Guo Fan was also very happy.

Compared with the previous film which was shot and stopped at random times, this one is smoother.

The makeup artist was touching up Xu Ming's face, which did not affect the latter's conversation with Ni Ni next to him.

"Did you go to Director Zhang's audition?"

"Yes, the one we finally decided on was Zhou Dongyu." Ni Ni replied.

"I'm talking about Director Zhang's other film, which is set in Jinling," Xu Ming added.

"Under the Hawthorn Tree" was selected.

Even without his intervention, Zhou Dongyu was still selected.

All I can say is that the latter is indeed connected to "The Hawthorn Tree".

"Oh, that's 'The Flowers of War'. I had the audition last week. Director Zhang didn't say whether I passed or not. He just asked me to read more information about that time." Ni Ni said.

In her previous life, she was the female lead in Director Zhang’s first film, and the attention she received made her struggle for a long time.

Now, with the emergence of "So Young", the brewing of the school beauty contest and Xu Ming standing in front to attract attention, she has much less pressure.

"Director Zhang means that you have been chosen, but the role is uncertain."

Xu Ming paused, "Remember to study after you finish filming. The crew will arrange for a teacher to train you for at least a year. This is a good opportunity for you to make up for your basic skills in acting."

In his plan, Ni Ni wanted to be an acting star.

Then it is necessary to make up for the shortcoming of performance foundation, because the other party now relies entirely on talent.

"it is good."

Ni Ni nodded obediently.

In Xu Ming's eyes, her biggest advantage is that she is obedient.

Unlike Nazha next to her, who was very jumpy.

"And you, Nazha, study hard in your academic subjects. The score line for Beijing Electric Power University is so low. If you can't pass it, don't even think you are Qiming's person." Xu Ming said.

"I know, Brother Ming." Nazha looked embarrassed.

She is always scolded in front of everyone, so everyone knows that she has a low level of education.

After giving the instructions, I took a few more shots.

At noon, when it was time for lunch, Xu Ming found Guo Fan and asked him to shoot other people's scenes first. He took the afternoon off and went back to the company to meet a guest who had come from Shanghai.

Company meeting room.

Xu Ming pushed open the door and saw Lu Dan sitting inside.

Yes, it’s Xu Zheng.

Ever since he became bald in college, this guy has simply maintained a bald image.

"Hello, Teacher Xu." Xu Ming said with a smile.

"A wise man is my teacher. I should call you teacher." Xu Zheng was very humble.

He is very talented in acting.

He graduated from the Shanghai Theatre Academy in 94 and won the highest honor in the drama industry, the Magnolia Award for Best Actor in 98.

However, no matter how good his drama performance was, he could not make as much as others from a TV series. Since then, he has plunged into the film and television industry.

Although it is difficult for the other party to change his businessman nature, the quality of his work has always been online.

In Xu Ming's eyes, it is a mature cash cow.

Unfortunately, after the success of the low-budget movie "Night Club", the other party's potential was obviously seen a lot.

"No, just call me Xu Ming. Otherwise, it's easy to confuse the two Teacher Xus." Xu Ming said.

"Then I'll call you Mr. Xu." Xu Zhengdao.

That's fine, even though the other person looks more like Mr. Xu than I do.

"I read the project book. Is 'Lost in Thailand' the sequel to 'Lost on Journey'?" Xu Ming sat down and went straight to the point.

"It's a borrowed name, but to be precise, it's an independent story," Xu Zheng explained.

In fact, the character design also continues that of "Lost on Journey", but it is difficult to define in the film industry.

“But as long as the words ‘Lost on Journey’ are used, it will easily cause copyright disputes. Has the copyright holder, Huaqi Films, agreed to authorize it?” Xu Ming went straight to the point.

In the previous life, "Lost in Thailand" was ruled by the court to be infringing, and investors such as Guangxian paid 5 million yuan in compensation to the copyright owner.

Compared with the profits of "Lost in Thailand", this loss is naturally nothing.

But who else can guarantee the success of Lost in Thailand? Any risk factor could lead to the failure of the film.

Xu Zheng originally thought that the conversation with the other party was just a preliminary investigation to get to know each other, but he didn't expect it to be so in-depth.

For a moment, sweat broke out on my forehead, but my heart was filled with excitement.

Those who dislike goods are the ones who buy them.

If Xu Ming was not interested in "Lost in Thailand", he would not care about the copyright issue at all, which means that the other party has investment intentions.

"We are currently negotiating copyright licensing with Huaqi Films, and we should be able to reach an agreement soon."

Xu Zheng looked confident, without showing any sign of guilt.

In fact, he had never paid attention to copyright and was determined to act first and report later.

Anyway, the lawsuit will be fought slowly and dragged out.

"You are an old hand in the film and television industry, but you are a real newcomer in the movie industry. You directed, wrote, and starred in this movie yourself. The production cost plus publicity and promotion is at least 30 million."

Xu Ming looked at the other party, "How can I believe that you are worth this 30 million investment?"

Of course he knows that "Lost in Thailand" is good and can make money.

But in front of Xu Zheng, who was as shrewd as a monkey, he could not reveal any strong intentions. If he was discovered, he would be at a disadvantage in the negotiations.

More importantly, Qiming’s success has also attracted the attention of many peers to the company’s actions.

His eagerness may also become a bargaining chip for the other party to negotiate with other companies.

Xu Zheng didn't know that the movie investment he had dreamed of had already come true the moment he appeared.

Still trying his best to convince Xu Ming: "Although this is my film debut, I have tried directing before. I participated in the directing of "Li Wei as an Official 2"."

"And I participated in the entire preparation and filming of the low-budget movie Nightclub, so I am not a complete newcomer in terms of experience."

His eyes were earnest.

Xu Zheng's eyes also made Xu Ming realize that his worries were unnecessary.

In this negotiation, I have an absolute advantage.

The other party is a senior in the entertainment industry, but he is an absolute newcomer in the directing world, and it is not easy for him to enter the field.

In fact, the phenomenon of good actors becoming directors is prevalent in the domestic entertainment industry. It only appeared after the pay of actors skyrocketed and the status of actors was greatly raised.
Today, Xu Zheng is just a somewhat famous comedian who has just emerged in the film industry.

With this judgment, Xu Ming became more calm.

"This year's box office champion is currently Feng's Aftershock, which has a heavy subject matter. Last year's was Founding of a Republic, which was a main theme."

"Among the small and medium-budget comedies, this year only your and Wang Baoqiang's Lost on Journey broke through, and the box office was only 3700 million. Last year, there were quite a few, including Three Guns, Crazy Racing, and The Secret Agent Lingling Dog..."

Xu Ming looked at Xu Zheng, who had an unpleasant expression, and gave him the final blow: "But their directors are Zhang Guoshi, Ning Hao, and Wang Jing. Do you have their experience as directors?" The other party was silent for a moment.

This method of relying on data to calculate the trends of the film market became popular only after the entry of Internet companies.

Xu Zheng was suddenly hit in the face by this data, and even though he had already prepared himself mentally, he still felt a little confused.

Fortunately, he quickly adjusted his state and said respectfully: "What if I ask you to play the leading role?"

If the other party is the leading actor, even doubling the investment of 30 million would be a piece of cake.

Even though he felt very aggrieved, he had to bow his head.

But Xu Zheng didn't expect that the other party would not accept the meat that he had cut with great pain.

"No, I've read your script and it doesn't suit me."

Xu Ming shook his head. His image did not match the three main roles, so even though he was tempted, he refused.

Xu Zheng was stunned, and a huge sense of frustration surrounded him.

What other advantages does he have to attract the other party?

"Of course, I'm not saying this to discourage you. On the contrary, I think you have the potential."

After beating the opponent with a big stick, Xu Ming did not forget to give him a sweet treat.

Don’t let people get discouraged and give up on “Lost in Thailand”, otherwise it will be a big success.

"Low-budget comedies like "The Night Club" and "Lost on Journey" have a market that needs to be developed in the lower-tier markets. My previous film "Love Is Not Blind" is a proof of this."

"I can help you get this 20 million investment. As for the cinema chain, Qiming has signed an agreement with Wanda and Star Media to guarantee a % first-week screening schedule. As for the publicity and promotion, I think you should have known about it without my introduction."

"But you have to sign a cooperation contract with Qiming Entertainment for three films. I can't spend my hard work to train a director in vain."

Xu Ming certainly did not invest in the other party for nothing. In addition to taking the lead in "Lost in Thailand", one of his purposes was to tie the other party down.

Three movies is about the limit of what the other party can accept.

All in all, there are only four films in the Lost in Thailand series, including the opening film "Lost on Journey", "Lost in Thailand", "Lost in Hong Kong" and "Lost in Russia".

By the time of "Lost in Russia", the "囧" series was clearly losing its momentum.

Xu Zheng's mood went through a lot of ups and downs, just as he had thought before, those who dislike the goods are the ones who would buy them.

The conditions offered by the other party were indeed very attractive to him.

Qiming Entertainment has considerable advantages in terms of theaters, publicity and promotion, but as a native of Shanghai, his businessman attributes are also involuntarily aroused.

Since Xu Ming is willing to invest in him, it proves that his film project has certain value.

Don't rush to accept it, compare prices first.

After figuring this out, Xu Zheng calmed down and asked, "How much of the revenue share can my team get?"

"As a director, you can have 5%, and your team can give another 5%." Xu Ming threw out a 10% share, which meant a salary of at least three million.

In fact, based on the box office of "Lost in Thailand", 10% means tens of millions in revenue.

"Too little."

Xu Zheng shook his head. This was quite different from what he expected.

It means that he has gone from being in charge to working for the other party.

"I'm not finished yet."

Xu Ming smiled, "I've read your project book. Thirty million investment will be very tight. Qiming can make additional investments based on the filming situation."

Judging from the fact that Huang Bo exchanged his salary for profit and Wang Baoqiang made a friendly appearance in the previous film, the budget for shooting "Lost in Thailand" was obviously stretched.

His conditions were already quite generous for a new director like Xu Zheng.

Now, Xu Zhengzhen was a little moved.

If it weren't for his profit-seeking nature, suppressing his impulse to agree, he might have signed the contract on the spot.

The latter pondered and said, "I think 30% is best. The salaries of my director, screenwriter, actors, etc. can all be counted into the share."

As the saying goes, if you ask for a high price, you will pay back when you get there.

He wanted to test Xu Ming's bottom line and find a way to go back and ask other families.

"Okay." Xu Ming nodded.

Xu Zheng opened his eyes wide. Is this possible?
"The prerequisite is that you come up with five million." Xu Ming continued.

Doesn’t that mean you have to earn money on your knees?
Xu Zheng said modestly, "I'll go back and think about it. I've benefited a lot from talking to Mr. Xu for a while. I've learned a lot."

To the outside world, the biggest label attached to Xu Ming, apart from "Not Short of Money", is the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor.

For insiders, the success of Qiming Entertainment is the key to the other party's impressive performance.

Not only did his own films such as "Love is Not Blind" and "So Young" become huge successes, but his investment in "Love Apartment" and "Startling by Each Step" in collaboration with Yu Zheng Studio also made huge profits.

In just two years, Qiming Entertainment, along with Xu Ming's growth, became a small leader in the circle.

It can be said that countless actors are following the example of the former’s rise.

"Okay, take your time to think about it."

Xu Ming paused, "By the way, can you give me the contact information of Professor Wang Baoqiang? I have a project on hand and I want to contact him."

"convenient."

Xu Zheng was stunned for a moment and gave Wang Baoqiang's cell phone number to Xu Ming.

The joy that had just arisen in my heart disappeared immediately.

He had always looked down on Wang Baoqiang, but he had not expected that the other party would rather ask him for Wang Baoqiang's phone number than leave him one.

Is his own value really as great as he thinks?

Watched Xu Zheng leave.

Xu Ming said to Xiao Juan beside him in a deep voice, "How is the copyright negotiation for Lost on Journey going?"

"We're still discussing it. Huaqi Film and Television is holding on very tightly." Xiaojuan said.

Yes, the box office performance of "Lost on Journey" is not bad, even Xu Zheng can see that, there is no reason why Huaqi Film and Television cannot see the potential.

He narrowed his eyes and said, "Send Xu Zheng's new project to Huaqi Films. Also, have the Internet Publicity Department create some articles on the Internet about the failure of actors to transform into directors, calling on everyone to learn from Hollywood and let professionals do professional things."

"When there's any movement from Huaqi, we'll put Xu Zheng in the article as a negative example."

How could he allow Xu Zhengshun to negotiate smoothly with investors such as Guangxian?
Of course, we have to create some difficulties for the other party artificially.

Otherwise, how can you make the other party feel that Qiming is the final destination.

Well, don’t ask why the companies outside are so bad, just know that Qiming is the best.

"clear."

Xiaojuan has long been resistant to the evil nature of her boss.

He silently mourned for Xu Zheng for three seconds, then turned around and carried out the execution.

As for asking the other party for Wang Baoqiang's contact information, Xu Ming really had no other thoughts, he just needed it.

Li Haigen, his partner in "The Unknown", was originally played by Pan Binlong.

In fact, the partnership between Pan Binlong and Zhang Yu seems a bit awkward, as the former looks a bit old.

Then his partner has to pay more attention to image matching.

Originally Ning Hao recommended Huang Bo, but Xu Ming felt that he was still not suitable, and the other party was more suitable for his role.

It was not until he started talking about Lost in Thailand that he suddenly remembered Bao Qiang.

When it comes to being silly, no one can perform as well as Bao Qiang. His innocent little eyes make people feel silly but not disgusted at the same time.

(End of this chapter)