The Rise of Chinese Entertainment in 2008

Yang Mi chatted with Li Lin for a while, and only when filming started did she approach Gu Ning and say in her sweet, childlike voice, "Director Gu, I'm just checking from the back, will that be a problem?"

"It won't affect anything."

You can't hit someone who's smiling, so Gu Ning couldn't just kick her out.

Gu Ning was actually very curious whether her voice was faked or natural.

Yang Mi was unaware of Gu Ning's thoughts. Like a curious child, she quietly watched from behind without making a sound to disturb him.

After the scene was filmed, Yang Mi asked, "Isn't Director Gu's movie in pre-production? Why are you still thinking about making a short film?"

"The initial preparations will take some time, so I'm just shooting a short film to practice while I'm bored," Gu Ning said casually.

"..."

Even if you're going to try to fool them, at least come up with a better excuse. Gu Ning's next movie isn't a war movie, is this how you practice?

However, she didn't come to visit the set to find out Gu Ning's intention in making this short film, so she wasn't bothered by it.

"There's definitely a reason why Director Gu succeeded," Yang Mi said with a hint of admiration.

It has to be said that her sweet, childlike voice, tinged with a hint of admiration, was very pleasant to listen to.

"You flatter me, Teacher Yang Mi," Gu Ning said with a smile.

"Director Gu, please don't call me that. With my limited achievements, how could I possibly deserve the title of 'teacher'?"

Yang Mi smiled and said, "You can just call me Yang Mi or Mimi."

"Um."

Gu Ning smiled and nodded, saying, "I have something to attend to, so I'll go ahead and take care of it. Please make yourself at home."

"OK."

Yang Mi smiled and said, "I'm preparing to audition for Director Gu's movie. I'm really looking forward to working with Director Gu."

"I'm really looking forward to it too."

Gu Ning said something polite, then turned and left.

Da Mimi has finally revealed her true colors, but she only bought some fruit and drinks, thinking she could test the cadres?

Yang Mi stayed on set for a while, then greeted Gu Ning, said a few words to Li Lin, and then left.

…………

The next day, Gu Ning brought the finalized script to China Film Group.

"President Han, this is the final script."

"sit."

Han Sanpin took the script, asked his secretary to make tea for Gu Ning, and then opened the script to read it himself.

After a long while, Han Sanpin closed the script and praised it, saying, "The fact that an elderly man in his sixties returns to his twenties and develops his long-standing mannerisms and habits creates many comedic moments. Moreover, the script focuses on factors such as aging and pursuing dreams, making it a very good script."

"Since Mr. Han is satisfied with the script, let's talk about funding."

Gu Ning said, "According to estimates, the production cost is approximately twelve million."

Han Sanpin pondered for a moment and said, "This cost is a little high, but it's still reasonable."

From a plot perspective alone, this movie didn't have a large budget.

Of course, the actors' salaries are the biggest expense in filmmaking.

If we were to hire a few big-name celebrities, this amount of money might not even be enough for their salaries alone.

Gu Ning said the budget was 12 million, which clearly meant he didn't plan to hire any big-name celebrities; the amount depended on which celebrities he wanted to use.

"China Film Group will take 30%, which is 3.6 million. I will take 40%, of which 2 million will be for the script and director's fees, and the rest will be covered by funding. I will bring in three more people to take the remaining 30%," Gu Ning said.

Han Sanpin tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table, pondered for a moment, and said, "The three people you're talking about must be the three who invested in 'Lost in Thailand,' right?"

"That's right, they helped me before, so I definitely have to take them with me." Gu Ning nodded.

"It's a good thing to be grateful."

Han Sanpin said, "But from a business perspective, I can be listed as the producer. China Film Group can provide the greatest assistance not only in publicity and distribution, but also in other aspects. It would be inappropriate for the three of them to invest in the project at a normal ratio."

"Does President Han mean for them to contribute more?" Gu Ning asked.

"It's not much money in total, so there's no need to spend more. How about this, give them 20%, and the extra 10% goes to China Film Group."

Han Sanpin smiled and said, "This way, you repay your debt of gratitude, China Film Group gets a larger share, and they don't need to spend more money. Everyone's happy."

After reading the script, he became even more optimistic about the film and naturally wanted to get a larger share.

"No!"

Gu Ning shook her head and said, "This means China Film Group is taking too much. Whose decision should we listen to?"

"Don't worry, the contract can stipulate that you have full authority, and China Film Group will only supervise the funds and will not interfere in any other aspects," Han Sanpin said.

"Since President Han is so sincere, it's not impossible, but I have a condition," Gu Ning said.

Han Sanpin said, "Tell me about it."

"China Film Group only takes a 5% cut of the distribution revenue," Gu Ning said.

"impossible!"

Upon hearing this, Han Sanpin immediately refused, saying, "Do you know how few people can actually get a 5% cut? You're too young. China Film Group only takes 5%, so it won't be easy to do business in the future."

Five points is for big directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige; Feng Xiaogang isn't even qualified.

If Gu Ning were given these conditions, regardless of any other factors, other directors would cause trouble once word got out.

As for whether it will get out, that's inevitable.

China Film Group isn't his company. With so many people involved and funds at stake, it's not difficult to discover such a thing.

"This is the only one available; we can discuss future collaborations later."

Gu Ning said, "It's better for China Film Group to take an extra 10% share than to get a little more distribution revenue."

"Oh…"

Han Sanpin was so angry he laughed. They really thought he was the kind of leader who couldn't even do basic accounting.

Given Gu Ning's current fame, she'll get at least 10% of the distribution revenue from her next film.

Gu Ning quoted five percentage points, but the profits from an extra 10% share couldn't compare to those five percentage points.

Moreover, China Film Group does not need to invest any money in this portion of the revenue.

According to Gu Ning's logic, it's like China Film Group paid for a share, but the revenue from giving it up was not as great as the share they actually gained.

It's a completely unprofitable business.

"President Han said that business is business, isn't this a discussion?"

Gu Ning smiled and said, "Let's be straightforward. President Han, just tell us directly: China Film Group will take 40%, and what percentage of the distribution revenue will you get?"

"Minimum ten percent," Han Sanpin said.

Gu Ning shook her head: "President Han, that's not very sincere. In that case, I'll have them contribute more. They're not short of money anyway."

"Why are young people in such a hurry?"

Han Sanpin said, "Eight points is my bottom line. Feng Kuzi also wants seven points."

"Shall we follow this from now on?" Gu Ning asked with a smile.

"You're dreaming!"

Han Sanpin said irritably, "Make a few more movies before you talk to me about this."

"President Han, please don't get so angry."

Gu Ning said, "Let's do as President Han says."

"You little brat, you've been waiting for me here all along, haven't you?" Han Sanpin glared at him.

He realized at this moment that although Gu Ning was a newcomer, it was impossible for her not to know such common sense.

Moreover, he remembered that Gu Ning had others invest at a premium in the movie "Lost in Thailand".

"Mr. Han, you're overthinking it. Now that the investment issue has been agreed upon, the script submission for review will be handled by you. I'll finalize the casting as soon as possible in the next few days, so I'll be leaving now."

Gu Ning said goodbye and then made his escape.