Abstract Art Award Winner

Chapter 211 My greatest strength is my stubbornness
In his opinion, Zhou Le was simply crazy.

If the person sitting opposite him has heavy investment capital, he might still consider it.

But at this moment, he just felt that Zhou Le was just a young boy.

Before coming, he actually checked the information of Zhou Le's company and found that this company has just risen in recent years and may have some funds on hand.

But if you really give up the control of your company, you will undoubtedly be handing the company over to someone else.

"Mr. Zhou, I know you want to start a business, but this is really hard for me to accept."

Zhou Le shook his head and said, "Boss Tian, I've actually been thinking about this for a long time. This isn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision."

When Jiaozi heard this, he knew that Zhou Le was going to start talking nonsense again.

He knew better than anyone that Zhou Le had just made the decision during the interview that morning.

"I really want to start my own business, and the agency is just one part of it. I love animation, but I also know that my understanding of the animation industry is limited to investing in "Nezha" directed by Jiaozi.

But now, I want to try my hand at the Three-Body Problem project, which other companies wouldn't dare to get involved in. But I'm also a science fiction fan, and I've discussed this with Liu Cixin before. The success of The Wandering Earth has opened my eyes to the potential of Chinese science fiction film and television, so I'm going to give it a try."

After hearing this, Tian Xiaopeng became more convinced that Zhou Le was a young and inexperienced person.

"The Three-Body Problem" - can it be done just by saying it?

But to be fair, if he could really get the project of "The Three-Body Problem", he would actually be willing to give it a try.

"Mr. Tian, I'm going to bet my entire fortune on this project. Director Guo Fan and I have a very good relationship. The success of the first film, The Wandering Earth, is enough to prove that there is a market for Chinese science fiction, but people are very resistant to shoddy production.

I can ask him to endorse us then. Based on my current market research, October Culture's current situation isn't optimistic. The spin-off development of 'Monkey King: Hero is Back' wasn't successful, and up until now, October Culture has been able to release at most one more title. If that title isn't profitable, the company's future will only become increasingly difficult."

Although Tian Xiaopeng nodded, he was obviously not very interested in the acquisition.

But since everyone was sitting together, he still mentioned the company's current plans. What if there was no need for acquisition and Zhou Le only participated in the investment?

"We are preparing an animated film. The subject matter is more realistic, but the content and expression will continue my usual style. In addition, the film will use very advanced technology in the planning."

"Mr. Tian, can you tell me what the specific subject matter is?"

“It’s a story about depression.”

Zhou Le sighed after hearing this.

Although he doesn't understand animation, he still understands the market conditions.

This subject matter may be successful in terms of art and word of mouth, but it will never be a complete commercial success.

Because the subject matter is too niche.

"Mr. Tian, this project itself is great, but I don't think now is the best time to do it. The company urgently needs to solve the problem of profitability. The prerequisite for dreams is to have enough food to eat first, otherwise people will run away in the middle of the project."

"Currently, the value of October Culture's 67% stake is approximately 3 million yuan. A normal acquisition would have yielded a 35% to 50% premium.

But after all, 67% of the shares means absolute control. Ideally, 5 million is about right for this portion of the shares. I'm willing to bid 6 million to acquire them and bring the "Three-Body Problem" project to us. By then, both Liu Cixin and Guo Fan will be able to endorse the project."

When Tian Xiaopeng heard the offer of 6 million, he was really tempted.

He has been harboring dreams all these years, but the company's current situation has made him anxious.

On the one hand, the company urgently needed to fill the internal deficit with funds; on the other hand, he wanted to make a movie that was both profitable and well-received, so that the company's funds could flow again.

In fact, he also contacted some big companies for negotiation, but those companies basically tried to lower the price, such as Guangxian, Tencent, etc.

Tencent also has internal investment plans, but compared to October Culture, Yihua Kaitian has a higher priority.

Once he sells the company to these big companies, even if he still retains nearly 30% of the shares, he will completely lose his voice.

After all, big companies have many means and there are plenty of ways to kick him out.

But what he is worried about now is Zhou Le's lack of experience.

The reason why he previously held absolute control over the company was because the works produced by the company were extremely dependent on his personal style, and he did not want capital to interfere with his own creations.

Zhou Le saw the other party's concerns and said, "Mr. Tian, I can bring the "Three-Body Problem" project over. I have only one request, that is, you can retain your own style while being absolutely faithful to the original work.

After all, this is a big IP. If we mess it up, we will all become sinners in the industry. That's all I ask. You can form your own team, and I will find a way to raise the funds. I also have resources on major platforms, so broadcasting will definitely not be a problem. As for peripheral derivatives, although I haven't personally sold any products on the platform, I'm just waiting for the right price. However, my reputation among the manufacturers I've endorsed is still very good.

After the Three-Body Problem project is completed, I will fully support you in making your own film project. This can all be written down in black and white in the contract."

Tian Xiaopeng was really excited.

If "The Three-Body Problem" can be made while remaining faithful to the original work, it will definitely leave a significant mark in the history of Chinese science fiction animation.

In this line of work, who doesn’t want to be remembered in history?
"Teacher Zhou, I still need to reconsider this. After all, this is a major decision for the company. I definitely can't just decide to sell the company over a dinner table. That would be unfair to the company and all the employees of October Culture."

"It's okay. Of course, such matters require careful consideration. You should have heard of my reputation anyway. I dare to do what others dare not do, and I dare to say what others dare not say."

"I understand." Tian Xiaopeng thought for a moment and asked again, "But if I sell these 67% shares to you, the company's existing projects..."

"Everything is up to you. I can take a small share of the subsequent revenue from the copyrights of your previous works. You can also go ahead with that depression-themed movie you want to make. I can also provide financial support and publicity, but the prerequisite is that we must first make "The Three-Body Problem" a success."

"Well, I'll think about this carefully."

After finishing the meal, Zhou Le returned to the hotel and immediately called the secretary of Mr. Cheng from Tencent Pictures, saying that he wanted to discuss an important collaboration with Mr. Cheng.

The secretary naturally passed the message on.

Not long after, Zhou Le received a reply. Either they could have lunch together for the interview tomorrow at noon, or they would have to wait for half a month.

Zhou Le naturally didn't want to wait, so he made an appointment to meet at noon tomorrow.

The next day at noon, Zhou Le met Mr. Cheng as he wished.

He knew that Mr. Cheng was very busy, so after a few brief greetings, he reiterated his plan to make an animated version of "The Three-Body Problem".

"Mr. Cheng, 'The Three-Body Problem' is a project that no one dares to touch lightly. Currently, only Tencent has the ability to do it, but it probably won't do it internally. But I want to take over this project and make it into an anime version."

Mr. Cheng already knew why Zhou Le came.

The copyright of this project is indeed currently in the hands of Tencent, and Tencent is also considering advancing the project by acquiring Yihua Kaitian.

"Zhou Le, I've always been optimistic about you, including the agency you founded. However, given the company's current development strategy, if we want to produce 'The Three-Body Problem,' we absolutely must maintain control. To be honest, we're already planning to acquire Yihua Kaitian. Actually, if you have more experience in this area, we could certainly work together, but this is a major project after all."

Zhou Le shook his head and said, “Mr. Cheng, perhaps you have also asked someone to investigate Yihua Kaitian. I have also made a detailed understanding of this project before. I even had someone contact me some time ago from Yihua Kaitian, and I have considered their situation.

It may not even be as good as Jiaozi's cocoa beans. If "The Three-Body Problem" were given to them, I think it would be difficult for them to do it well. Even if they could do it, the probability of word-of-mouth success would be very slim.

My idea is to set up a separate company first, and then you can take a stake, similar to how Color House, a subsidiary of Guangguang, participated in October Culture's projects and share in the project dividends. After all, the copyright is ours, so we will have a higher share. However, externally, Tencent will definitely be one of the main producers. And you are undoubtedly aware that this project has significant risks, but the risk-reward ratio is actually much better than Shanghai Fortress. Now that I am willing to take this risk, it is like an additional layer of protection for you, which will make it easier to pass the risk assessment.

Mr. Cheng was a little curious and asked, "Actually, with your current development direction, future success is a high probability. Why take such a risk? If you fail, you might never recover."

"Because I have confidence in myself. Even if I lose, I have the ability to fill this hole. After all, I have been poor before. Even now, I always tell myself not to forget my roots. But if I win, it will be a win-win situation for both sides."

Mr. Cheng thought for a moment and said, "You've always had good vision. 'The Wandering Earth' was a success, and now the probability of 'Nezha' failing isn't high either. So you want to give it a try?"

"There is an element of struggle, but I believe I will not fail this time because I want to shoot it according to the original work."

Mr. Cheng laughed and said, "To film according to the original novel, do you know how many steps have to be completed?"

"I know."

"Are you really determined to do this?"

"real."

"Well, let me make a note of this. I'll have the risk control department do a risk assessment later. After all, this kind of decision isn't something I can make alone. I have to apply to the head office."

"clear."

Later, during the meal, Zhou Le explained all his thoughts in detail.

Mr. Cheng did not express his agreement on the spot, but he still expressed his appreciation for Zhou Le's idea.

This kind of thing does not harm Tencent. It is a good thing that someone is willing to take the biggest risk in the middle.

After the meal, the two agreed to meet again in half a month to discuss in detail.

Mr. Cheng also said that since Zhou Le is willing to do it, he would rather trust Zhou Le than Yihua Kaitian.

After all, for a boss, building a team can be done as long as he is willing to spend money. The key is how to control it later to ensure that it does not deviate from the track.

Moreover, since Zhou Le joined Tencent Pictures, his biggest characteristic has always been his stubbornness.

It doesn't matter who does it. If Zhou Le can really take over October Culture, it wouldn't be a bad idea to give the project to him.

Zhou Le alone is actually not much worse than the small team of more than 30 people at Yihua Kaitian.

What's more, there is October culture.

In terms of seniority, October Culture is one of the earliest in the industry; in terms of strength, Tian Xiaopeng is an experienced animation director.

Besides, most actors want to get involved in the capital field in the end, so it’s okay to let Zhou Le give it a try.

Tencent wants to do the "Three Questions" project with the goal of implementing it. Usually, the first person to get involved will not have too high expectations, and even if it fails, they can at least find a way forward.

After all, what he didn't say is that Tencent now also has plans to make a TV series version of The Three-Body Problem.

What's more, if Zhou Le really fails, Tencent Pictures will be able to take advantage of the situation to keep Zhou Le under firm control.

And what Zhou Le wanted was what Mr. Cheng said.

After the chat, Mr. Cheng went straight to the airport as he had to go on a business trip to another place.

Zhou Le returned to the variety show recording site.

This time his partner is Zhang Guoli, and Zhou Le has just received an invitation to the Spring Festival Gala, and the two will perform in the same show.

"Congratulations, Zhou Le. After so long, you are finally going to be on the Spring Festival Gala." Zhang Guoli said happily as soon as they met.

"Teacher Zhang, this is my first time on the Spring Festival Gala. Do you think our first performance will be cut?"

Zhang Guoli smiled and said, "Don't worry. Since we can put together this first program, it must have been reviewed by many departments. If anything needs to be cut, it will be from other programs. There's nothing more stable than our first program. As long as you submit your list and nothing goes wrong in the next few months, it will definitely be on the air."

"That's good, then I'll feel relieved."

July this year is destined to be the hottest month of the year in the entertainment industry.

In addition to the release of Jiang Wen's new movie "Hidden Man", Zhou Le also brought in a lot of friends in the circle to help promote the movie "Nezha".

At the same time, "The Untamed" also chose to officially launch on Tencent Video this month.

In addition to fans of Xiao Zhan, Wang Yibo and Meng Ziyi, many book fans also went to Weibo to show their support.

The fans have clear division of labor. Some are responsible for collecting data, some are responsible for spending money to get on the charts, and some are responsible for creating topics and making comments everywhere.

Therefore, even before the show was aired, it was already very popular and was on the hot searches every day.

Although it is currently ranked low, Su Yingxia told Zhou Le that fans of the two male protagonists are planning to make a big move recently. On the day of the broadcast, they want "The Untamed" to be the number one hot search, and the second and third hot searches must be Wang Yibo and Xiao Zhan.

As of now, they have reached a consensus on this. As for who ranks second and third between Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, it depends on the ability of each fan.

"Well, that's great. Let them promote it. But I still have to call Sister Meng later."

After the rehearsal in the studio that day, Zhou Le just walked out of the studio and saw a lot of people waiting outside.

They were armed with cameras and were obviously reporters from various platforms.

"These people..." Zhou Le turned and looked at Su Yingxia in confusion.

"I don't know either. It wasn't arranged by me." Su Yingxia immediately denied it.

Zhou Le nodded and said, "He must have come here by smelling the scent."

Then he strode out and was instantly surrounded by reporters.

There was a chattering sound, and all kinds of questions came one after another.

Zhou Le didn't know which one to answer first for a moment.

"Everyone, please be quiet for a moment. I know you have a lot of questions, but can we take them one by one? I can't answer them if you keep asking like this. And please don't put the microphone in my mouth. Although I'm very hungry, I'm not to the point of eating the microphone."

Everyone laughed.

They didn't say hello when they came, but judging from the attitude Zhou Le used when talking to them, they thought that at least they could bring back some news this year, so their trip wouldn't be in vain.

Because they were at Zhejiang Satellite TV's home turf at the moment, Zhou Le asked the Zhejiang Satellite TV reporter to ask questions first.

But the reporters from Zhejiang Satellite TV definitely asked questions about their own affairs.

(End of this chapter)