How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 119 Converging Interests, Win-Win Cooperation [10,000-word update, please subscribe]

Bao Jing, the original author and chief screenwriter, began to briefly describe the character settings and plot. Guan Jinpeng held the character cards in his hand and compared them with the script, occasionally asking questions.

As a seasoned art-house film director, he asked a few insightful questions that left Bao Jing somewhat speechless.

When she wrote this book, she simply combined her own feelings of heartbreak with some short stories she found online. It doesn't have any profound meaning.
Even the inspiration came from a news story from two years ago during a heavy snowfall: a man walked for three days and three nights in the snow to find his girlfriend.

"Actually, Director Guan doesn't need to delve too deeply into the characters' backgrounds. In reality, this is a script that showcases the diversity of fast-paced love in modern times," Wang Yao said at the opportune moment, setting the tone for the script.

Bao Jing secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Stanley Kwan raised an eyebrow slightly. "Fast food love?"

"Yes, urban youth born in the 80s have become extremely materialistic or idealistic in their views on love and marriage in response to Western petty-bourgeois ideology. This is completely different from our earlier pragmatic view of marriage."

"My expectation for this script is that the female lead remains conservative, yearning for love but not idealistic or materialistic, and given the gradual development of feelings over time, the male lead isn't just a simp; he's also a pragmatic idealist," Wang Yao laughed.

The term "lickspittle" isn't popular yet, and it took Wang Yao an explanation for everyone to understand.

"The female lead is relatively rational, the male lead is relatively emotional, and the other supporting characters are either extremely emotional or rational, which is very concise and clear." Kwan Kam-pang nodded in understanding, but seemed not to quite agree.

However, his creative style is characterized by not being confined to pure art and being willing to accept commercial suggestions, because he has realized that Wang Yao needs this film to be driven by plot and have weak character development, which is the standard commercial film model.

“Actually, apart from the female lead, the second and third female leads are not exactly positive characters. They are gold diggers and backstabbers. Hmm, this description is quite subtle. Can I elaborate on it?” Guan Jinpeng asked again.

“Of course, as long as it doesn’t deviate from the plot.” Wang Yao smiled.

“Gold-digging doesn’t happen for no reason; we need to justify the second female lead’s behavior.” Guan Jinpeng looked at Bao Jing.

"Then add the element of having a poor family background in childhood?" Bao Jing frowned.

"Too rigid," Kwan Kam-pang laughed.

“Then add that he witnessed his father selling his mother to pay off gambling debts when he was a child, which made him extremely resistant to marriage and family, but he was dependent on material things.” Wang Yao smiled.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone looked at him.

Isn't this too tragic?

"Isn't this a bit too extreme?" Guan Jinpeng was also somewhat surprised.

“This could introduce the concept of the family of origin.” Wang Yao said thoughtfully. “Xiao Bao, go back and add the family factors to all the obstacles set up for everyone, and see if there will be any other effects when we integrate them into the plot.”

“What is the family of origin?” Bao Jing was taken aback.

"External factors such as the family atmosphere from childhood, traditional customs, the school partners of children in the family, and the relationships between family members will influence the views of children and their offspring on family and love."

"For example, if a child experiences family turmoil, frequent moves, or lives with relatives during their youth, they may develop an extreme dependence on security as an adult. If a child doesn't receive affirmation from their parents, they may become fixated on the affirmation of others as an adult," Wang Yao explained.

“Childhood trauma, right?” Bao Jing understood.

"I didn't expect Mr. Wang to have such expertise in gender psychology," Guan Jinpeng said in surprise.

"I've only heard rumors, please excuse my ignorance." Wang Yao waved his hand.

With the discussion of the plot and character design nearly complete, Wang Yao began to introduce the cast.

Stanley Kwan originally thought Gulnazar would play the second female lead, since she seemed quite suitable in terms of both image and temperament.

However, due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, there is currently no suitable candidate for the role of Wang Yao.

“President Yao, I think we could let Sister Jiang Yan give it a try. She has that special kind of resilient temperament, and she should be able to portray that feeling of ‘being vain but having a reason’,” Ni Ni suggested after thinking for a moment.

“Miss Ni’s description is excellent.” Guan Jinpeng’s eyes lit up.

“Okay, then go ask her. If you’re not worried about it affecting your acting career, you can give it a try.” Wang Yao nodded.

Script polishing cannot be completed in a short time, so the casting issue can be considered slowly.

In the evening, Ren Quan hosted a welcome dinner for Guan Jinpeng, and they talked a lot about the current state of the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

The decline of Hong Kong films is a foregone conclusion, and these directors are now all looking for their own way out. He has recently been in contact with investors in Taiwan, hoping to see if he can get some funding later.

Wang Yao recalls that he didn't have any breakout works after that; he seemed to mainly make art-house short films and do production work.

After all, most of the films he makes are art films, which don't make money. When the market was good, some people were willing to help him out, but now that the economic climate is bad, it's even more difficult for him to get projects. Otherwise, he wouldn't have accepted the "Lost 3" project so readily.

Wang Yao offered a very good deal: 50 yuan as a "tea money" fee plus a 5% commission on box office revenue.

"I think Director Guan is very good at shooting from a female perspective. Have you ever thought about exploring female-themed works in depth?" Wang Yao finished eating and wiped his mouth.

"My films about women don't sell well. They can't compare to that lewd guy Wang Jing. These days, commercial films are everywhere, and audiences are all looking for thrills. Nobody's going to sit down and watch a movie," Kwan Kam-pang said with a smile and a shake of his head.

“Actually, I’m quite optimistic about this track. There are many realistic themes that can be adapted into real-life stories with commercial value. Director Guan, would you be interested in joining our Spark?” Wang Yao extended an olive branch.

"Hmm? Mr. Wang is willing to invest in my film?" Guan Jinpeng raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Investment involves risks, but we can cooperate. For example, you can help me make five films, and I can invest in one of yours,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"In my style?" Guan Jinpeng's eyes lit up.

“The shooting style will certainly follow yours, but the script will follow the company’s. I appreciate your professionalism, but we still need to consider the commercial aspects.” Wang Yao smiled.

“I don’t make purely commercial films,” Stanley Kwan emphasized.

“Of course, there are other candidates for purely commercial films.” Wang Yao smiled.

"I'm naturally happy that President Wang appreciates me. Xiao Ren, I've been with Juli for almost a year now, and you haven't said anything about assigning me a job. Why didn't you recommend me to President Wang earlier? Maybe I would have started working already." Guan Jinpeng joked with a smile.

"Don't even mention you, Director Hu hasn't gotten any suitable projects since joining Juli." Ren Quan shook his head with a wry smile.

"Director Guan also has a stake in Juli?" Wang Yao narrowed his eyes.

“At the time, Yangzi set up an independent company for each of the directors they were working with, saying that they would use the group’s resources to invest in them, but nothing ever happened,” Ren Quan explained.

“Juli should still be quite wealthy,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

"If you have money but don't spend it, what can you do?" Guan Jinpeng scoffed.

“That’s true.” Wang Yao smiled thoughtfully.

After receiving news about Ni Ni's "Lost 3", Jiang Yan immediately contacted her godmother, Song Dandan.

"That's great news! A movie! And she's the second female lead. Director Stanley Kwan is a big name, with international fame. This Mr. Wang is indeed capable, managing to run so many projects at the same time." Song Dandan was delighted to hear this.

"You mean I should try?" Jiang Yan frowned. "But I don't even have much experience with TV dramas yet. What if I mess it up?"

"Nonsense, how do you know if it will work if you don't try? Besides, movies aren't necessarily more difficult than TV dramas. Wasn't the female lead Bai Baihe? She also came from TV dramas. The fact that they invited you means you're suitable," Song Dandan said with a smile.

"But why would they give me such an important role when they have so many people in their company who don't use them?" Jiang Yan blinked.

"They just let you try, they didn't say they'd give it to you. Why are you being so suspicious? But the pay is indeed hard to negotiate. If you really get selected, we'll have to show our appreciation." Song Dandan looked a little troubled upon hearing this.

She felt that this role might be Wang Yao's way of showing goodwill or testing him, since he was a businessman after all, even though he was young.

They've offered such great resources willingly. If I actually get the part, and there's a follow-up collaboration on "Gang of People," shouldn't they offer some concessions on my salary?

The intricacies of interpersonal relationships are indeed quite mentally taxing.

If only this girl could really hook up with Wang Yao.

Song Dandan suddenly had a flash of inspiration. "Kid, go. If we can really get selected, even if we don't ask for a salary, we can just consider it as making friends with President Wang. After all, it's their company's first film."

"Is it okay?" Jiang Yan's face lit up with joy.

Actually, she originally hoped to lower her fee to get this opportunity, but since she was already signed with Song Dandan's company, these things needed to be decided by the company.

"Of course, no problem. But you have to bring it up proactively. You can't wait until you pass the audition and they ask you to tell them, otherwise you'll lose face. Young people should seize opportunities; making money is secondary."

Having the opportunity to appear on the big screen is definitely beneficial for your future career. Of course, you shouldn't touch roles that are too villainous and hateful.

"My neighbor, Feng Yuanzheng, had a domestic abuser back then and almost got beaten up. After that, everyone wanted him to play psychopaths, so he could only act in plays. Two years ago, he got a role in 'Non-Disturbance' where he played an effeminate man, and that made his psychopathic role a little less extreme," Song Dandan advised.

Jiang Yan was also a little worried when she heard this. Was this gold-digging woman a good character or a bad character?

The next day, Jiang Yan went to the company for an audition and found that besides her, there were two other young and beautiful girls with extraordinary temperaments. They were obviously from a dance background, with small heads and broad shoulders that were enviable.

I felt a little disappointed, but I quickly cheered myself up.

After all, she knew very well that such a good role couldn't be reserved for her for no reason; there would still be competition for it.

"Sister Yan, you're here so early?" Ni Ni noticed her and walked over with a smile.

"I didn't sleep much last night after receiving your message. Thank you for helping me get this opportunity," Jiang Yan said with a smile, holding Ni Ni's hand. "You're really suitable, and it's good to keep the good stuff in the family. This project is personally led by President Wang, which means it definitely has the potential to be a huge success," Ni Ni said with a smile.

"Were those two girls also here for an audition?" Jiang Yan asked.

"Yes, but it's not your role, it's another supporting role, it's for a Peking Opera troupe. I'm planning to take this opportunity to sign them." Ni Ni lowered her voice.

"No wonder she has such a good temperament." Jiang Yan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"Let me take you to change your clothes first, and we'll take a couple of official photos," Ni Ni said with a sly smile.

"A makeup test photo?" Jiang Yan was taken aback. She followed her to the changing room and was stunned when she saw the gym outfit that the other person handed her.

“Hehe, the role is an online shopping model, so you can try out a set while you’re at it,” Ni Ni said with a smile.

"Mr. Wang is so lucky to have you," Jiang Yan said, both amused and exasperated.

Unexpectedly, Ni Ni even seized the opportunity to let her try shooting online model photos.

However, after hesitating for a moment, she changed her clothes and went to the shooting room.

"Wow, it's so big!" Ni Ni gasped when she saw Jiang Yan change into her workout clothes.

"Huh?" Jiang Yan felt the size was a bit tight.

"It's alright, it's alright, Xiao Hu, let's shoot some footage of Sister Jiang Yan first." Ni Ni quickly urged her to go and shoot.

"Wow, this woman has such a great figure!" Jin Chen exclaimed as soon as he entered the photography studio.

Li Yitong, standing behind them, widened her eyes and whispered to Zhang Tianai, who had brought them in, "Are all the filming scenes in our company this daring?"

"Oh? No, these sporty photoshoots all use specific models. Most of them are everyday women's clothing shoots." Zhang Tianai looked at Jiang Yan, whose white reflection under the spotlight was astonishingly large, and a hint of anxiety flashed in his eyes.

The image of Wang Yao saying she was too thin two days ago flashed through my mind.

Is this the kind of figure that Mr. Wang is satisfied with?
I've only been in charge for a few days, I hope I won't be replaced.

Ni Ni printed out several freshly taken photos of Jiang Yan on the spot and knocked on Wang Yao's office door with a delighted expression.

He slammed the photo onto the table.

Wang Yao, who was observing the stock market, was startled. He frowned and glanced at her, then paused when he saw the photo.

"See? I didn't lie to you! Isn't your figure amazing?" Ni Ni said with a smug look on her face.

"It's a good thing you didn't take the civil service exam, otherwise you would have been in deep trouble for abusing your power. They came here for an audition, and you did this." Wang Yao scolded them, but picked up the photo and examined it.

In terms of firmness and smoothness of figure, Jiang Yan is naturally not as good as Zhang Tianai, but from a visual point of view, she is indeed more pleasing to the eye. Men, after all, are always powerless against things with rounded curves.

"Tch, men." Looking at Wang Yao's honest gaze, Ni Ni let out a light scoff. "I must say, the cameo actor hook is really good. Jin Chen and Li Yitong are both here today, and I'll try to land them today."

“Okay, if we can sign it, my bonus will increase by several times in a few months.” Wang Yao smiled.

Ni Ni is indeed very proactive, and she has an overly enthusiastic interest in poaching and signing talent.

"By the way, that Taobao employee wants to treat us to dinner, should we accept?" Ni Ni returned to the main topic.

"The one that introduced Magic Formula?" Wang Yao raised an eyebrow slightly. "Has the project been signed?"

"They're still at odds; the other side thinks a 50% commission is outrageous." Ni Ni shook her head.

"Their company is in Shanghai, right? Let's go back there in a few days, and let's invite that Taobao employee along too." Wang Yao did some calculations and decided it was time to go back to Shanghai to take a look.

“Okay, do you have guests later?” Ni Ni glanced at the tea set on the table.

"Um, a client is coming. Do you need something?" Wang Yao glanced at him.

"I was originally planning to take you to the photography studio for a bit and give you some perks, but you're busy now." Ni Ni pouted.

"?" Wang Yao looked at her with a puzzled expression.

This girl is starting to look more and more like Xing Jin's eunuch lately.

As Ni Ni walked out of the office, she happened to run into a woman wearing a mask, hat, and a long down jacket. Even though the woman was covered up, the strong scent of expensive perfume emanating from her made it clear that she was a beautiful woman.

She watched the office door close and became somewhat curious.

"Your company's artists are quite beautiful." Fan Bingbing threw her down jacket aside as soon as she entered the office.

"That girl just now? The deputy general manager of the subsidiary, a very capable young lady, wait for me." Wang Yao was about to finish up the work that Ni Ni had interrupted.

"No rush." ​​Fan Bingbing poured herself a cup of tea, her foxy eyes surveying the office environment.

The house could be described as being completely destitute.

Finally, his gaze fell on the photo on the table, and he picked it up, marveling, "So Mr. Wang likes this kind of understated, refined type."

“The actors’ costume fitting photos.” Wang Yao glanced at her.

"Shh, no need to explain, I understand." Fan Bingbing smiled mischievously.

"This is your proposal for the Cannes red carpet." Wang Yao rolled his eyes at her and tossed her a folder.

"Huh? A dragon robe? Is she really going to ascend the throne and become queen?" Fan Bingbing was shocked when she saw the design drafts and concept drawings on the first page after opening the book.

"What? Scared?" Wang Yao teased.

"What's there to be afraid of? What strange and unusual outfits haven't been worn on the red carpet? I just feel that it might be a bit too undignified, after all, it's a dragon robe, you know?" Fan Bingbing touched his nose.

“I didn’t expect you to be so traditional. This can at most be called a dragon robe element. It can fit Western stereotypes and also generate domestic public opinion. As long as it can gain international attention, it will pave the way for your future endorsements,” Wang Yao explained.

"Okay, I'll do as you say, but make it look more stylish." Fan Bingbing nodded.

In fact, she had already been embracing this style with Han culture elements back in January. Her photo of wearing a dress with blue and white porcelain elements was played in Times Square, New York, which caused a stir at the time.

While dragon robes are somewhat exaggerated now, they are still acceptable.

“Yang Tianzhen has nominated you for too many awards this year. If you win them all, that’s fine. But if you don’t win any, there will definitely be a backlash against you domestically. To prevent this, we need to guide you more in terms of public welfare and moral public opinion. The ‘Labour’ music video will be released and charted around the end of the month. We can work together to boost the charts then,” Wang Yao continued.

Fan Bingbing listened attentively, occasionally raising questions, but without offering any rebuttals, seemingly showing great trust in Wang Yao.

Wang Yao's plan for her was a short-term one: to solidify her queen persona and gain enough fans who supported that persona.

"That's about it. We can talk anytime if you have any questions," Wang Yao said, finishing his introduction.

"How did you reach a cooperation agreement with Wu Kebo?" Fan Bingbing asked curiously.

"With aligned interests, we can achieve win-win cooperation." Wang Yao smiled.

"Mr. Wang is indeed a qualified businessman." Fan Bingbing stared at Wang Yao for a moment, and finally smiled. "Then I'll trouble Mr. Wang to make me the most valuable commodity."

"Artworks are only valuable before commodities become worthless, so once their value stabilizes, I hope Ms. Fan can control her personal emotions and avoid any more scandals," Wang Yao advised.

“I won 3 awards in 4 groups this year, and I have a ton of events scheduled. Do you think I have time to date?” Fan Bingbing rolled her eyes.

"The capable should do more," Wang Yao said seriously.

"Alright, I won't trouble you any further, Mr. Wang." Fan Bingbing chuckled and tapped the photo on the table with her clematis-colored fingernails.

After putting on her down jacket, she deliberately didn't wear sunglasses or a mask, and walked out casually under the amazed gazes of the office staff.

"Is it Fan Bingbing?" Jin Chen was dumbfounded.

"It seems so." Li Yitong also swallowed.

For them, Fan Bingbing is definitely a benchmark and legendary female star. Most girls may say they don't like her, but they envy her in their hearts.

"Mr. Ni, does our company still have any cooperation with Fan Bingbing?" Jin Chen asked, turning his head.

Ni Ni had just composed herself and said calmly, "Yes, she has a close relationship with President Wang."

close?

Upon hearing these two ambiguous words, countless strange and bizarre thoughts immediately flooded Jin Chen and Li Yitong's minds.

"Mr. Ni, I remember you mentioned that in addition to model contracts, there are also artist contracts, right?"

Jin Chen felt that he was starting to understand things.

(End of this chapter)