2001 Media Godfather

Chapter 109 The Heart is Black
On July 13th, with nearly half of the episodes aired, "Honor of Kings" reached another climax in its storyline, as Qiao Jingjing and Yu Tu joined hands to participate in an offline "Honor of Kings" event.

It truly gave the audience a taste of what it means to be fed dog food (a Chinese slang term for witnessing public displays of affection) and the charm of a science and engineering man.

The statistics from CSM Media Research the following day made Sun Jianyi even more uneasy.

"How much? 20.87%??" The old man was completely stunned. "It's already broken 20%?"

It's worth noting that even during prime time on CCTV, very few dramas can break 20 ratings.

Old Sun's blood pressure spiked. He simply couldn't understand how a youth idol drama with a patriotic theme could achieve such a result.
Then, Sun Jianyi immediately realized a problem: Lu Mingze's directing and Chu An's screenwriting were about to rise in popularity.

The two collaborated on two dramas. "With You," an ordinary youth campus drama, became a hit on local TV stations and even set a record of over 100 million yuan in first-run sales.

Then there's this show, "You Are My Glory." They managed to get over 20% viewership ratings just by using a patriotic theme. How could Mr. Sun not be alarmed?

After hesitating for a long time, he finally couldn't resist and made a call to Chu An.

Yes, Old Master Sun didn't go to Lu Mingze, but went directly to Chu An.

The old man knew that Lu Mingze was indeed quite capable, but the success of the two dramas was thanks to Chu An.

Just think about it, a male lead with terrible acting skills can still make a movie a hit, mainly because the story is well-written.

"Hey, Xiao Chu, are you busy?"

Chu An was flattered and immediately replied, "Please wait a moment!"

Old Sun thought he was really busy, but Chu An's next sentence made the old man laugh, "I'll talk to you after I kneel down properly."

"You brat!" Old Sun chuckled teasingly. "Stop trying to talk your way out of this."

Chu An chuckled, waiting for Old Sun to continue.

Just from the old man's opening remarks, you could tell that this phone call was either a bad omen or a good one; in any case, something was definitely going on.

结果
"Come over to my house tonight, I need to talk to you about something."

Chu An, "."

It's over. It's either a major disaster or a major stroke of luck, and the chances of a major disaster are higher.

Sun Jianyi lives alone. Her husband passed away four or five years ago, and her children are not around.

When Chu An arrived at the old man's house, there was no meal served, only a cup of tea.

"What are your plans for the next project?" Old Sun asked bluntly. "Should we show it to CCTV first?"

Upon hearing this, Chu An felt a huge weight lifted from his heart and downed his tea in one gulp. "You scared me to death! I thought something terrible had happened!"

Old Sun chuckled at his eccentric behavior, "What are you afraid of?"

"Stop talking nonsense. You and Xiao Lu will still be working together on the next project, and it will be broadcast on CCTV. We'll give you a good price."

This time, it was Chu An's turn to be in a difficult position.

Selling the premiere to CCTV is certainly a good idea; the price is high, and the viewership is guaranteed.

But the problem is
Mr. Sun said, "It seems like my next drama might not be suitable for CCTV!"

At that moment, Chu An briefly explained his plans for his next film.

Old Sun frowned deeply as he listened. "Love, Death & Robots? And it's just a collection of short films?"

After pondering for a moment, he thought, "It's indeed not very suitable for CCTV."

CCTV, being a state-owned television station, considers more than just the quality of the dramas when purchasing content; audience preferences also play a role.

Numerous considerations were taken into account, and the process was extremely rigorous.

To be honest, CCTV wouldn't have dared to broadcast a youth idol drama like "Glory" if it weren't for the keen eyes of those senior scientists at the space agency.

And Love Death Machine
That's so avant-garde!

This kind of subject matter, this kind of concept, and this kind of short film collection format are extremely rare, not only in China, but also in the whole world.

He gave Chu An a deep look and said, "I didn't expect you two to get so cocky as you filmed."

Chu An didn't hide anything and said sincerely, "Lu Mingze and I don't have a vision that's limited to the TV drama industry; we want to go further."

Old Sun nodded, "Having ambition is a good thing."

He gave a wry smile. "I was hoping to use my old face to save face and keep you two, this golden duo, on CCTV!"

"Now it seems that this script is indeed not suitable for CCTV."

Mr. Sun is not a rigid person, but he still doesn't dare to try using an iCrypto system.

So they simply dropped the subject and just told Chu An that the next project must be a good one, suitable for CCTV to broadcast.

Chu An readily agreed, and the two then discussed some details about the computer crashing.

Chu An remained forthcoming, saying, "My idea for this show is to have Director Lu transition into a producer role. Each segment will be overseen by a different director, and the content will be presented using a combination of 3D animation and live-action stories."

Old Sun nodded and commented from time to time, "Science fiction is a weak point in China. Your film is a good opportunity for many directors to practice, and maybe a few good directors with science fiction talent will emerge."

Chu An said, "Actually, the best advantage is that short films require a very short production period. Even for segments featuring live-action performances, it's easy to find people. So, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the cast and director lineup will be very interesting."

With a hint of boasting, he said, "Anyway, several people I know well have already promised to act in it."

Old Sun nodded again, "Who are they? Tell me."

Chu An listed them off, "For example, Xu Shu, Zou Qingsong, Lin Wanxing, and Tong Meng have all agreed to act."

"Besides that, there's Su Manqing and Nicolas Cage."

Sofia Coppola has also agreed to direct one segment.

“Wait a minute!” Sun Jianyi interrupted him.

What is all this about? It's one thing for Su Manqing to agree, but why are there two foreigners showing up?

Nicholas Kay.
"Who?!" The old man sat up abruptly.

Mr. Sun might not be familiar with Sofia, but Nicolas Cage...
Staring wide-eyed at Chu An, she asked, "How...how did you manage to invite him?"

Chu An smiled sheepishly, "Actually, I also wrote the script for 'Heart Fire'."

Sun Jianyi, “.”

My cerebral blood vessels almost burst.

"You, you, you, you are Harry Potter!?"

It's widely rumored that the screenwriter of "Heart Fire" is Chinese. Mr. Sun also guessed it, and always thought that it was more likely that it was that old child Ruan Wenlin.

Now you're telling me, Harry Potter is Chuan?

How could Old Master Sun possibly accept this?

Chu An hadn't finished speaking yet, "Actually, I've also talked to Christopher Nolan about this. He thinks it's very interesting, and if he has time, he'll direct a segment of it."

Sun Jianyi, “.”

He stared at Chu An for a long time, then looked away and pondered aimlessly for a while.

"Tomorrow, have Lu Mingze bring the iCrystal notebook to my office."

He spoke slowly and deliberately, "After thinking about it, it's not like we can't accept CCTV."

Chu An, "Isn't it risky?"

Mr. Sun said, "CCTV needs to have a pioneering spirit!"

Leaning back on the sofa, he closed his eyes and concentrated, "We must dare to be pioneers! If CCTV doesn't try such a creative project, who will?"

Chu An pretended not to notice the old man's condescending tone, and rolled his eyes, "Then, how about you give us some advertising revenue share?" "Hmm!" Old Sun opened his eyes and glared at him sideways.

Chu An wasn't the first to dare discuss advertising revenue sharing with CCTV, but he definitely had the best timing.

Sun Jianyi pondered for a moment, "It's not impossible."

Chu An was delighted as he left Grandpa Sun's house.

CCTV's status is unquestionable; no local TV station has the prestige of CCTV, so of course he wants to premiere on CCTV.

The problem is, with such a big production, it would be a huge loss to just sell the premiere episode as usual.

Therefore, advertising revenue sharing is not unreasonable.

The next day, Lao Lu delivered the script to CCTV early in the morning and personally handed it to Sun Jianyi.

Sun Jianyi watched it three times before finally deciding, "Broadcast it!"

I called Zhang Zhi, the purchasing director, into my office and threw the script at him. "You follow up on this project. CCTV bought it."

Zhang Zhi is currently riding high, with his latest "Glory" rating soaring to 22%.

Although the advertising slots for this show have already been sold, it doesn't matter whether the data is good or bad, but good data will definitely have a real impact on future advertising rates.

When CCTV bought the rights to premiere "Glory," he thought it was a political task that might result in a loss, and he, as the purchasing director, would have to take the blame.

The result was such a big surprise for him. These past few days, Director Zhang has been walking on air.

Upon taking the script, I realized it was yet another project with only a script?
I glanced up at Old Sun and thought to myself, "Is Sun Tai getting a little too cocky? He made a fortune with 'Glory,' and now he's got another project that's just a script?"
Upon opening the script, I discovered that the screenwriter was Chu An, and the producer was Lu Mingze.

That's okay.

He asked routinely, "Does Sun Tai have any instructions? Or should we offer them the maximum price for the premiere?"

Sun Jianyi: "A top ranking is certain, given Honor's achievements. Besides that..."

Although it hurt a little to let that kid surnamed Chu get away with it, he still said in the end, "Give them a share of the advertising revenue based on the increasing viewership."

"You can negotiate the specific amount."

Zhang Zhi was taken aback, thinking he had misheard. "Divide...divide?"

CCTV has never done what local TV stations do, let alone share advertising revenue? Who has the nerve to do that?
To put it bluntly, airing your show is already doing you a favor, and you still dare to ask for a share of the profits?
"Sigh!" Old Sun sighed. He didn't really want to make this move, but he had no choice!
When Chu An revealed the cast and director lineup he had prepared for the play, Zhang Zhi was also quite excited.

He not only recruited all the top domestic film and television actors, but also Hollywood stars and directors.

However, "Sun, isn't that asking price too high? Even if he doesn't get a share, he won't find a higher offer than CCTV!"

Old Sun smiled wryly, "It wasn't like that before, but it might not be in the future!"

He put down his work, leaned back in his chair, and said, "Don't forget, that kid also has a premiere channel!"

It sounded like a self-reflection, and also like an explanation to Zhang Zhi: "If I hadn't agreed last night, he really would have abandoned CCTV and turned around to replicate 'The Best of Us' again, selling the first broadcast rights to county and city-level TV stations across the country!"

Looking at Zhang Zhi, he thought, "This 'Love, Death & Robots' is perfect for the weekly drama format."

Zhang Zhi was taken aback. Old Sun clearly saw things more clearly than him and understood Chu An better.

"Then I'll go negotiate!" With a determined look, since he couldn't gain an advantage in terms of profit sharing, he decided to work on the profit sharing ratio!
Based on his years of experience in buying films, he didn't believe he couldn't outmaneuver a mere young man.

I arranged to meet Chu An at a courtyard house in Shichahai.

Zhang Zhi started by flattering President Chu, saying, "Teacher Chu's scripts are becoming a gold standard, and Glory has already broken 23%!"

"At this rate, you can even sell second-round broadcasts at prices comparable to others' first-round broadcasts."

Chu An didn't mince words, "It's already been sold. Three local TV stations, for a total of over 5000 million!"

"How many?"

Zhang Zhi was stunned. The price for the first round of CCTV broadcasting was less than 5000 million!

But that wasn't all. Chu An continued to show off, "Although the third and fourth wheels aren't that expensive, the sheer number of TV stations we bought adds up to 4000 million."

"Furthermore, as word-of-mouth spread, the copyrights for Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia were sold in large numbers. South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam even bought the adaptation rights."

"In short, thanks to CCTV, 'Glory' earned a good income, and we have to thank Director Zhang for his discerning eye back then!"

Zhang Zhi didn't hear what was said after that; he was too busy doing mental calculations.

I thought to myself, "That's over a hundred million!!"

This doesn't even include the sponsorships and product placements he received!
It's important to understand that "Glory" is not "The Best of Us," and a campus drama has limited advertising placements and sponsorships.

In fact, the filming of "With You" was rushed, and there wasn't a single penny spent on product placement.

But if you look at "Glory," it's a drama starring female celebrities in the entertainment industry, and it's well-prepared with various luxury product placements.

Adding all of this to the copyright revenue, it must be worth at least 200 million, right?
Zhang Zhi couldn't help but sigh, those in the know all said that Teacher Chu was a money-making prince, and it was indeed true.

Coming to her senses, she didn't back down and started setting a trap for Chu An, "Just based on how fast Teacher Chu makes money, you have to give us a friend's price for your next drama, so that CCTV can also benefit!"

Upon hearing this, Chu An replied earnestly, "Hey! Absolutely! I've never cared about money!"

"Money means nothing to me!"

Zhang Zhi, “.”

So generous! It made Director Zhang embarrassed to even mention the incredibly low price he'd haggled over.

He was embarrassed, but Chu An was quite shameless, clearly displaying a generous and lavish attitude.

"If Director Zhang trusts me, I'll help your advertising department with the production of this show. I guarantee you'll earn back three years' worth of advertising revenue with just one show!"

Zhang Zhi, "Really?"

Chu An: "Of course it's true!"

With a straight face, he said, "Look at your advertising investment. You sold the TV series ads a year in advance. Did you lose money this time?"

"The advertisers who managed to get a picture of 'Honor of Kings' must be laughing all the way to the bank now, right?"

These words are a bit harsh, because they are all true.

The advertising fees during CCTV's prime time slot are based on the average viewership rating of prime-time dramas from the previous year, which is about 10%, and then a starting bid is set.

Although there is a premium in the auction, it is ultimately limited.

Honor's viewership ratings have now broken 20, and are about to reach 30.

The base price alone is far higher than the auction price.

Zhang Zhi became interested. "Teacher Chu, tell me, how should this advertising sponsorship be handled in the case of advance bidding?"

Chu An slapped his thigh. He was a god, generous in his words, but his heart was black. "How about this!"

"Leave the advertising sponsorship for 'Love, Death & Robots' to me. We'll split it 50/50, a win-win situation!"

Zhang Zhi, “.”

One family.
half!?

He really dares to speak up!

but
Why did Director Zhang feel an urge to agree?

……

.

(End of this chapter)