After rebirth, I became a great master

Chapter 526 Princess Huanzhu
These days, China's film and television industry is just getting started.

The main problem is that there are too many restrictions.

It's not easy to do things among ordinary people.

In other words, it's people from the Beijing elite circles who have connections and got involved early on, gradually forming a small grassroots force.

Although the film and television industry doesn't generate much profit, it has a significant impact.

If Zhou Haoran wants to infiltrate and build a Shanghai circle, he can't rely on Tang Shiyi's efforts alone; he needs to step in and help more.

This time, "My Fair Princess" is the opportunity.

Dong Lan said, "The initial purchase price for TV dramas nowadays is generally between 25 and 30 yuan."

"One episode?"

Zhou Haoran didn't quite understand this.

Dong Lan nodded slightly, "Yes, the price per episode. However, for some popular TV dramas, the price may be very high. Qiong Yao dramas are considered popular TV dramas. As far as I know, the price quoted by Volcano TV has reached 35."

Zhou Haoran chuckled and said, "There's not much of it!"

Dong Lan had just returned from a business trip across the strait, so she knew the whole story. She said, "Yes, that's why Qiong Yao isn't very satisfied. The show was filmed last winter, but they still haven't been able to sign a contract with Volcano TV. The show doesn't have a good reputation here, so there are potential problems. Volcano TV is afraid of the risks and doesn't dare to pay too much money."

"Take it!"

Zhou Haoran was decisive and efficient.

Since leaving Hongxingtai, Tang Shiyi has changed a bit. His aloof demeanor hasn't changed much, but he's become less talkative and less willing to make new friends... He's become somewhat withdrawn.

He was probably tricked by Lin Guiyan and developed a psychological trauma from it.

“We can’t get it anymore. The arts center isn’t optimistic either. The meeting decided that it can’t go above 30.” Dong Lan shook her head slightly. “I have little say, so it’s hard to get a higher offer.”

Zhou Haoran smiled and said, "It may not be a bad thing."

"what?"

Dong Lan was taken aback.

Zhou Haoran asked, "How did your talks with Qiong Yao go? What price does she want to sell 'Princess Pearl' for?"

“I estimate it might cost around 40…” Dong Lan was worried about this. “That price has already reached the standard for Crown TV to buy dramas. It’s not enough for ‘Princess Pearl’. But Qiong Yao seems very confident. She plans to have the drama air on the island first. Once it airs and the ratings explode, Volcano TV will have to raise the price.”

Zhou Haoran laughed and said, "She's quite confident!"

Dong Lan sighed softly, "Yes, she has a strong presence and confidence. I've heard before that filming Qiong Yao's dramas is a huge challenge for many actors, as the lines are very demanding, and you can't afford to make a single mistake."

"We have to act quickly!" After listening to her analysis, Zhou Haoran had already made his decision. "Before 'Princess Pearl' officially airs, let's finalize this deal and offer a high price to acquire it!"

Dong Lan complained, "The unit's budget is limited, unless you go to the director. But I guess it won't do any good. Red Star Observatory can't possibly offer an exorbitant price to compete with Volcano Observatory."

Zhou Haoran looked at Tang Shiyi and instructed, "Why don't you go with Editor-in-Chief Dong?"

"Row."

Tang Shiyi nodded slightly.

"Where?"

Dong Lan was somewhat bewildered.

Zhou Haoran laughed and said, "Go talk to Qiong Yao!"

Dong Lan said with a wry smile, "Did you listen to me just now? According to the procurement standards of Hongxing TV, it does not meet the requirements of Qiong Yao dramas."

"Not in the name of Red Star TV."

Zhou Haoran made a statement that left Dong Lan speechless.

After a long silence, Tang Shiyi finally spoke, "Tangren Media will talk to Qiong Yao to buy back the copyright of 'Princess Pearl' and then sell it to Red Star TV."

"what?"

Dong Lan found this hard to understand, given that people still lacked understanding of copyright operations these days.

Zhou Haoran asked, "How many episodes are there in 'My Fair Princess'?"

"24 episodes."

"It has to be a one-time buyout."

"Buyout?"

Dong Lan was even more surprised.

Zhou Haoran nodded. "Yes, we'll procure using the Crown Platform model."

Crown TV, as the flagship of domestic television stations, has a domineering and aggressive style.

Other local TV stations purchase first-run broadcast rights, second-run broadcast rights, and so on, spending money to purchase them each time they air. Crown TV is different; it's a large and powerful organization with significant influence.

There is no difference between the first round and the second round.

It's a buyout.

With the deal finalized, the film will now belong entirely to Crown TV.

For film and television companies, this model has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is reduced risk.

If the drama is poorly made and receives a bad response after airing, there will be no chance for a second run... Buying it out in one go is like getting a great deal.

The downside is that once the show becomes a huge hit, the subsequent profits will be irrelevant to the production company.

Dong Lan widened her eyes and said, "If we adopt the strategy of buying dramas from Crown TV, then the price might be too high. 40 per episode is the minimum, and a drama like 'Water Margin' can reach 80 per episode."

Zhou Haoran said decisively, "Editor-in-Chief Dong, this matter will require your help. You will represent Red Star TV, and then let President Tang represent Tangren Media. There is only one request: buy out the mainland film and television rights of 'Princess Pearl'."

"That would be an astronomical price!"

Dong Lan took a deep breath, her heart filled with shock. She had already sensed it.

Producer Zhou is very rich!

Super rich!

That's too arrogant!
Zhou Haoran laughed and said, "What exorbitant price... You mean Crown TV bought 'Water Margin' for 80 per episode?"

Dong Lan said, "Yes, this is the highest price in the industry right now. However, 'Water Margin' was produced by a film and television company under Crown TV. They're all from the same company, so it's just a matter of passing the buck. Setting a purchase price of 80 per episode is actually setting a standard for the industry. Only works of the 'Water Margin' level can be sold for 80 per episode."

“Good, very good.” Zhou Haoran was quite happy. “With a benchmark in place, things will be much easier. No matter how much confidence Qiong Yao has in her dramas, they can’t possibly reach the level of ‘Water Margin’.”

"Ah."

Dong Lan shared this sentiment; "Water Margin" was a phenomenal drama that achieved a 70% national viewership rating.

“24 episodes…” Zhou Haoran narrowed his eyes and looked at Tang Shiyi, “What do you think is a reasonable price?”

Tang Shiyi said coldly, "1500 million."

Dong Lan almost choked.

Zhou Haoran nodded, "That's about right, let's do it that way!"

"No..." Dong Lan was so shocked she almost forgot to breathe. "Producer Zhou, President Tang, you...you really want to do this?"

Tang Shiyi said calmly, "Qiong Yao and Huoshantai have been partners for many years. If the price difference isn't too big, Qiong Yao will likely continue to cooperate with Huoshantai. If you want to snatch 'Princess Pearl' from them, you have to offer a price they can't refuse."

Dong Lan swallowed hard. "Anyone would find it hard to refuse. The production cost of this drama was only 4 million. The copyright in mainland China alone sold for 15 million... almost four times the profit. If this offer were made, Qiong Yao's film and television company would be completely revived."

Zhou Haoran smiled and said, "That's fine, let's do it that way!"

"But wouldn't this be a loss for Tangren Media?"

Dong Lan found it hard to understand how Tangren Media could make a profit with such high purchase prices.

"Let's put making money aside for now, let's buy it first!"

Zhou Haoran was naturally not worried at all.

In the past, Volcano TV bought the first-run broadcast rights to "My Fair Princess" for 39 yuan per episode. Industry insiders weren't too optimistic, as the price was too high, and the show didn't receive good reviews.

Unexpectedly, it became a huge hit after it aired!

Its influence and reach even surpassed that of "Water Margin".

Then, a second round of follow-up was immediately initiated.

That's really impressive.

The second round of sales involved several local TV stations, such as Beijing TV and Red Star TV, with prices ranging from 450 million to 500 million yuan. The third round of sales then saw prices reach 200 million to 300 million yuan.

"My Fair Princess" became a hit across the country.

This has formed a cultural phenomenon.

Aside from Crown TV, which relied on its own status, almost all satellite channels broadcast it, and every winter and summer vacation, some TV stations would rebroadcast it again.

In the previous life, Hongxing TV spent 470 million yuan to buy the second-run broadcast rights of "Princess Pearl".

That's attractive enough!
Hongxing TV managed to sell a staggering 4000 million yuan worth of advertising during its designated advertising slots for a second-run drama series. While this was certainly related to the port's wealth and vibrant economy, the main reason was simply the immense popularity and success of the series.

Within two or three years, it wouldn't be a problem for "My Fair Princess" to sell its broadcasting rights for 5000 million yuan in the country!
Of course, this is only the first one.

Zhou Haoran asked, "Is the novel 'Princess Pearl' finished? Will there be a sequel?"

"I don't know." Dong Lan shook her head. "This is a newly published work. If there's a sequel, it probably hasn't been written yet."

Zhou Haoran said, "During the negotiations, we'll add an additional condition. If there's a second season of 'My Fair Princess,' Tangren Media will buy out the rights for 2000 million. If there's a third season, we'll buy out the rights for 3000 million. If there's a fourth season... that's a maximum of 3000 million."

“This price…”

Dong Lan was a little dizzy.

I feel this price is getting more and more outrageous.

Tang Shiyi remained calm. Having been by Zhou Haoran's side for so long, she had seen many outrageous things and was no longer surprised.

Zhou Haoran waved his hand and said firmly, "Okay, it's settled then! Editor-in-Chief Dong, go on another business trip later and meet with President Tang to see Qiong Yao and close this deal!"

……

Had dinner.

Zhou Haoran first took Tang Shiyi home, then took Dong Lan home.

"Producer Zhou, what is your relationship with this General Manager Tang?"

Dong Lan's gaze was intense.

Zhou Haoran laughed and said, "She used to be the producer of 'Family Matters,' and I was able to get recruited by the Lifestyle Channel because she asked Zhan Yushan to make an exception for me."

Dong Lan retorted angrily, "I was asking about male-female relationships!"

"That's just a rumor!"

Zhou Haoran was upright and dignified.

"Fine, don't admit it then..." Dong Lan immediately sensed something was off about the two of them; their relationship was far closer than that of best friends. "However, her breasts aren't as big as mine, and her butt isn't as perky as mine either."

Zhou Haoran chuckled and said, "What's there to compare?"

Anyway, think about it.

"What to consider?"

"Having an affair," Dong Lan bit her lip, determined. "Anyway, I want to have one. Let's give it a try. I definitely won't let you down."

Zhou Haoran hummed in agreement. "I'll consider it."

(End of this chapter)