Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 201 Is this guy trying to get something for nothing?

Shaw Brothers ceased film production a few years ago, and now only theatrical releases remain of Shaw Brothers films.

Now, he has handed over the company's main business to his second wife, Mona Fong, and has also focused on television dramas and television stations.

This is also why he wanted to meet Cao Jian.

Of the Four Heavenly Kings, only Cao Jian is currently willing to act in TV dramas; the other Heavenly Kings mainly sing and act in movies.

"Sixth Brother, are you really agreeing to cooperate with this Cao Jian?"

In Shaw's office, Fang Yihua, who was helping her husband with his work, frowned and asked a question as she looked at the several contracts on the table.

"It all depends on his capabilities."

With his silver hair, Shao Yifu had a sly look in his eyes.

Fang Yihua said, "I've met this young man a few times. He's definitely got something. The movies he edited and directed all did well at the box office. He also has talent in music. He just seems very ambitious."

"It's good to have ambition; ambition makes things easier to utilize."

Shaw said calmly, "A talented young man who doesn't have ambition is just a mediocre person."

"It makes sense."

Mona Fong trusts her husband completely; even the most ambitious man should be easily controlled by him.

As the two were talking, the secretary knocked on the door and came in: "Chairman, Ms. Mei Yanfang and Mr. Cao Jian have arrived and are just outside the door."

"Bring them in."

When Shao Yifu heard that Mei Yanfang had also arrived, he sneered, "He even knows to drag Mei Gu into this. But that's all he's good for."

He couldn't help but feel a little underestimating Cao Jian.

"Then I'll go to the back."

Fang Yihua stood up and went to another room.

She usually doesn't disturb her husband when he has guests.

Soon, Cao Jian and Mei Yanfang were led by the secretary to Shao Yifu's office.

"Hello, Mr. Shao."

When Cao Jian arrived, he greeted everyone with neither arrogance nor servility, glancing casually at the surroundings.

TVB is actually very wealthy. Over the years, Shaw has donated billions to the mainland alone. This office looks simple, but it is actually luxurious in every way.

The tables, chairs, and benches are all made of precious wood, and even the porcelain and calligraphy on display are genuine works.

In comparison, using the same rooster bowl all the time is a bit...
That's too frugal.

However, the old man in front of us, although over eighty years old, looks remarkably energetic.

This is a true big shot in the entertainment industry; compared to him, Yong Sheng is a bit lacking.

"Hello, Mr. Shao."

Mei Yanfang had met Shaw Yi-fu several times, and her attitude was naturally much closer than Cao Jian's: "It's been a few months since I last saw you, and the old gentleman looks even more energetic."

As he spoke, he sat down directly next to Shaw.

"You're getting better and better at talking."

Shaw praised Mei Yanfang, then turned his gaze to Cao Jian and looked him up and down.

He was twenty-two or twenty-three years old, looked quite dashing, was good-looking, and was also very talented.

That's how it is; I'm born to be an actor, and it would be best if I could make use of that talent.

After looking Cao Jian over for a while, he nodded and said, "Sit down."

After his secretary poured him tea, he continued, "I heard you want to collaborate with TVB on a film? There's no precedent for that, and our company has no shortage of talent."

At this moment, Mei Yanfang said with a smile: "Mr. Shao, Cao Jian is very talented in acting, directing and screenwriting. You should have seen the movie he directed. If you work with him, the ratings will definitely be good."

"hehe."

Shaw just smiled and said, "What's your relationship with him? Why are you speaking up for him like this?"

"He is my sworn brother."

"Oh?"

This relationship surprised Shaw Yifu for a moment; no wonder he came to act as an intermediary.

However, he did not agree to Mei Yanfang's request. He smiled, looked at Cao Jian, and asked, "Tell me your thoughts."

"Mr. Shao, my film and television company doesn't want to only make movies. I think TV series are also a good direction because I think TV series are closer to the audience, which is why I write TV series scripts."

Before revealing his true intentions, Cao Jian first expressed his opinion: "But if I want to make TV dramas, I must cooperate with TV stations."

These words indeed made Shaw nod in agreement.

This young man is indeed different; his thoughts are quite similar to mine.

This is also why Shaw Brothers stopped making movies and focused its efforts on TVB.

The slightest bit of contempt he had for Cao Jian vanished instantly.

He smiled and said, "Your idea is excellent. Actually, your idea of ​​making TV dramas is very good. How about this, I can invite you to join TVB and give you a project manager position. That way, you can film more efficiently without having to work with others." "Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Mr. Shao, but I prefer my freedom."

Cao Jian has a contract with TVB, but it's a top-tier foreign aid contract. He doesn't receive a salary; he just acts in dramas.

Joining TVB just for that meager salary?

Is a year's salary more than what I earn selling VCDs?

If TVB weren't the leader in Hong Kong dramas, I wouldn't have come to you.

"That's true."

Shaw knew in his heart that Cao Jian's love for freedom was just an excuse, and he smiled and said, "Actually, it's not impossible for us to collaborate on a film, but I have a few conditions."

"You say."

“Since you are confident in your script, we can co-produce it. But if the average viewership rating does not exceed 25%, then you must return all the funds invested by TVB.”

Shaw was like an old fox, thinking about how to make money without spending any money.

He continued, "Besides these, if the co-produced drama doesn't meet my requirements, you'll also have to formally sign an eight-year contract with TVB and work for the company."

"Mr. Shao, isn't this request a bit too much?"

Before Cao Jian could speak, Mei Yanfang spoke first.

A 25% viewership rating is a really high bar. Generally speaking, TV dramas that achieve this level are considered hits of the year.

In the past two years, only a few series, including "The Greed of Man," "Giants," and "The File of Justice," have reached this number.

Shaw Yi-fu ignored Mui Yen-fong's words and instead said to Cao Jian, "Mr. Cao, since you are confident in your script, are my requirements too high?"

"It's not that high."

Cao Jian smiled confidently and said, "If I were to direct, a 25% viewership rating would really be nothing."

Back then, "Armed Reaction" had an average viewership rating of around 35%.

"Are you confident about this?"

Shao Yifu was taken aback. Where did this young man get his confidence from?

Many veteran and famous directors wouldn't dare to say something like that.

"Isn't it good to have confidence?"

Facing this bigwig in the entertainment industry, Cao Jian was not intimidated at all: "If I didn't have confidence, I wouldn't dare to sit here."

"Ha ha."

Shao Yifu laughed and asked, "So you agree?"

Although Mei Yanfang admired Cao Jian's confidence at this time, Shaw Yifu's request was really a bit excessive.

"Ah Jian, why don't you think about it?"

She gave Cao Jian a wink, signaling him not to agree rashly.

Cao Jian certainly wouldn't agree rashly. "You make the conditions, and I won't make them?"
Since you want to get something for nothing and take advantage of me for free, why don't I take advantage of you?
He smiled and said, "Since Mr. Shao has put forward his conditions, then I also have my conditions."

"What conditions?"

Shao Yifu realized he had underestimated Cao Jian.

Young actors are usually very cautious and timid when they talk to me, but this young man actually dared to make demands of me.

Cao Jian laughed and said, "Since it's a collaboration, I don't want to work on just one drama. I want to collaborate with TVB for three years. Within three years, we will jointly produce three to five dramas. I will be the screenwriter and director, and I can use all of TVB's resources. I guarantee that the average viewership rating of each drama will be 25%, and the profits will be split 50/50."

At this point, Cao Jian paused and added a condition: "Moreover, these dramas have received good reviews and high ratings in mainland China. If even one drama fails to meet the requirements, I will cover all the costs and officially join your company. How about it?"

"Ah Jian, be careful."

Mei Yanfang was extremely anxious.

A TV series, if made well, might become a success.

It's incredibly difficult to have three to five successful dramas.

Wang Jing's film "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" not only featured Jet Li but also the beautiful actress Zhang Min, yet it suffered a box office flop.

Even a director like Fatty Wang wouldn't dare say that every one of his movies will be a box office hit.

Now you dare to say that every TV series you direct has a viewership rating of over 25%?

Do you really want to be trapped by TVB for eight years?

This is gambling.
However, after hearing the condition, Shaw stroked his beard thoughtfully.

This young man's confidence has exceeded his own expectations.

The yield in Hong Kong is good, and it's also quite impressive to achieve good results in mainland China.

Last year's hit drama "The File of Justice" was a ratings champion in Hong Kong, but it was not introduced to mainland China.

Is it really possible for your "Armed Reaction" to be imported to mainland China?

He asked, "What other dramas do you want to film?"

(End of this chapter)