Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 202: Not in the Pool

"I plan to film other martial arts dramas, namely 'The Return of the Condor Heroes,' 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,' and 'The Deer and the Cauldron.'"

These three TVB dramas are Cao Jian's favorites, and he has watched them many times. They are also a memory for three generations of people in mainland China born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Of course, Cao Jian had another reason: there were many beautiful women in these three dramas.

Lin Xinru, Chen Hong, Li Xiaoran, and even Zhang Baizhi, who are close to him, all have the opportunity to participate in the film.

"Wuxia?"

Shao Yifu looked at Cao Jian. This young man, does he like martial arts so much?
He quickly remembered the novel "A Step into the Past" written by Cao Jian, and said, "Then I also have a request. If you agree, we can try to cooperate."

"You say."

TVB plans to buy the copyright to your book, "A Step into the Past".

"I think it's better to film in collaboration."

According to Cao Jian's original plan, "A Step into the Past" was to be co-produced with Taiwan Television (TTV) in Taiwan.

Since TVB likes it, we can film here ourselves.

As for TTV, there are shows like "Little Li Flying Dagger" and "Wind and Cloud" that we can collaborate on.

Boss Cao has no shortage of scripts.

"it is good."

After hesitating for a moment, Shaw finally nodded in agreement, though he was actually very satisfied.

Including "Armed Reaction", "A Step into the Past", and three martial arts films, that makes a total of five series.

The main point is that as long as a show has poor ratings, it can keep this young man tied up for eight years.

Partnering with you can save you half the cost.

Although he would have to take 50% of the profits, as long as the viewership ratings of these dramas all exceeded 25%, he wouldn't lose money no matter how he calculated it.

Thinking about this, I felt a sense of satisfaction mixed with pride.

Cao Jian was naturally satisfied.

Those dramas he mentioned must have made TVB a lot of money.

If they can take 50%, the number won't be small.

Besides, Hong Kong films have been declining in recent years, and television dramas are just the last hurrah.

After these dramas are finished, and a few blockbuster movies are made to rake in some money, then I'll have both fame and fortune, and it'll be time to go back to the mainland.

Having reached an agreement, Shaw took out the prepared contract and placed it on the table.

"The contract is already prepared?"

Cao Jian couldn't help but glance at Shao Yifu and smiled to himself.

However, the contract only covered "Armed Reaction," but soon the secretary printed out the contracts for the other four dramas.

"Mr. Shao, you can't bully my adopted brother."

While Cao Jian was carefully reviewing the contract, Mei Yanfang wanted to help him out again.

"How could I bully a young man? It is precisely because of his confidence that I am willing to cooperate with him. This is also the first time that TVB has ever done so."

Shaw responded with a casual smile.

However, I can't say I'm bullying them; I even think I'm showing them respect for their talent.

After signing the co-production contract, Shaw Brothers said kindly, "Kin, since we're starting this collaboration, I'll give you the title of project manager, specifically in charge of these five dramas, and I'll also give you a salary. Our TVB managers don't have low salaries."

"Then thank you, Mr. Shao."

Cao Jian understood that the other party was letting him get used to things first, so that he could officially become a TVB employee and make money for him later.

But since you're paying me, I might as well take it.

Besides, having the title of project manager makes things much easier.

Holding five contracts and TVB work permits, Cao Jian and Mei Yanfang bid farewell to Shaw Brothers.

"Sixth Brother, this young man is a bit arrogant."

After Cao Jian and the others left, Fang Yihua came out from the back.

"He is a bit arrogant, but this Cao Jian is a bit like me when I was young."

As he spoke, Shaw recalled his two sons who had severed ties with him.
As a woman who had been with her husband for over forty years, Mona Fong could see what Shaw was thinking.

She laughed and said, "If this kid loses and joins TVB, you can recognize him as your godson."

"Heh, he won't agree."

Shao Yifu chuckled. He had already realized that Cao Jian was no ordinary person and that his ambitions were greater than he had imagined.

Outside the door, Cao Jian and Mei Yanfang had just left the TVB boss's office when the latter said worriedly, "Jian, are you so confident? It's not easy to succeed with five dramas. If you lose, you'll be tied up here for eight years."

"Only eight years."

Cao Jian seemed indifferent.

He thought to himself that if all five films were successful, he would be highly sought after, whether he returned to the mainland or stayed in Taiwan.

If I am fragrant, butterflies will come. But he didn't want to talk about this topic. Anyway, the contract had already been signed. He smiled and said, "After my concert, the script I gave you last time, 'Rumble in the Bronx,' started filming in the United States."

“I haven’t taken on any other projects recently, just to make room for you. I also want to see if Director Cao can create another box office miracle.”

The film "Drunken Master II," starring Anita Mui and Jackie Chan, did not perform well at the box office.

Therefore, she actually had some expectations for Cao Jian.

As the two were talking, before they even left the building, they ran into Lee Tim Sing, the director of "The Legend of the Condor Heroes".

"Director Li, has filming wrapped on 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'?"

When Cao Jian saw him, he felt a little embarrassed, thinking that he had taken all of this man's films, including "The Return of the Condor Heroes," "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," and "The Deer and the Cauldron."

"Filming wrapped up yesterday."

Li Tiansheng nodded, greeted Mei Yanfang, and then said to Cao Jian, "You look so happy, what good news is there?"

"I just met with Mr. Shao and secured a co-production contract for five films."

"In sync?"

Li Tiansheng asked in shock, "You really succeeded in the deal?"

Actually, when filming "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", Cao Jian said he wanted to co-produce with TVB. At the time, I thought this young man was daydreaming.

I never expected it to actually happen?

Could it be because of Anita Mui?

That doesn't make sense either. The boss is notoriously stingy. Even with Mei Yanfang's intervention, it would be difficult to get him to share the profits.

Although curious, I didn't ask too many questions: "That's truly something to congratulate you on."

"Thank you."

Just as Cao Jian was about to take his leave, he suddenly said, "Director Li, I plan to shoot five films in the next three years, and I would like to ask you to be the producer."

"Me? I might have other things to do."

Lee Tim-shing instinctively wanted to refuse. He'd heard that this guy was a tyrant on set, and being his producer would be asking for trouble.

Besides, with my qualifications, how could I possibly be your producer?
Unexpectedly, Cao Jian suddenly pulled out a work ID and said with a smile, "I am still the project manager for five dramas. According to the contract, I can allocate TVB's resources. Director Li, we have worked together before, so please help me assemble the crew first."

"I"

Looking at the work ID, Li Tiansheng knew that since Cao Jian could say such a thing, it must be true.

It seems I have no choice but to accept it.

On second thought, although there are rumors that this kid is a tyrant on set, he also has real skills, so I might as well help him.

However, not long ago, I was the director and he was the actor.

Now, he's the director, but I've become his assistant.

This change is really fast.

Leaving the building, Anita Mui asked again, "When you make TV dramas, are you doing it to make money or to pick up girls?"

"Sister Mei understands me best."

Cao Jian smiled and said, "But these are only two of the reasons, because Hong Kong films have started to decline in the last two years."

"really."

Mei Yanfang hadn't expected Cao Jian to be so perceptive. In the past two years, Hollywood blockbusters had begun to vie for the Hong Kong film market, making it difficult for Hong Kong films to survive.

Cao Jian, who is standing before us, has already made plans in the United States. It seems that he is not only talented, but also has a better vision than many others.

It seems that he has gambled eight years of his youth on the surface, but in reality, he is very confident.

Cao Jian took Mei Yanfang home and began preparing for his trip to the United States.

"Rumble in the Bronx" was filmed in the United States, which coincided with the time when Wang Fei was sent to the United States to give birth.

Before he went to the United States, he needed to appease the other women.

"Let's go to Chen Hong's place first."

Chen Hong, who is very radiant, is actually Cao Jian's favorite right now.

"Honey, you look great today, is something good happening?"

When Chen Hong saw Cao Jian, she noticed that her man looked radiant and asked him about it out of curiosity.

"Honey, I'm going to be famous, and you're going to be famous too!"

Cao Jian hugged Chen Hong, kissed her, and then said, "Today I signed a co-production contract with TVB for five dramas, three of which are martial arts dramas. Would you like to play Su Quan, Li Mochou, or one of the 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'?"

He suddenly realized that there really wasn't a suitable role for Chen Hong in the TV series "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils".

Are you suggesting she play Kang Min?

He couldn't bear to let his woman play that poisonous woman who liked to make people eat mooncakes.

"Can I play Wang Yuyan in 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils'?"

Unexpectedly, Chen Hong set her sights on the number one beauty in "Tian Long".
(End of this chapter)