Huayu: Returned Overseas Chinese

Upon hearing Xing Aina's question, Chen Jingming thought for a moment and then said:

"Yes, it's probably a bit more difficult than the previous condition."

Upon hearing this, the two immediately looked at Chen Jingming. Although it was "a little difficult," it was better than nothing, so they figured they might as well listen.

Seeing that the two of them were curious, Chen Jingming spoke up:

"My company, Hongyuan Film and Television Company, is interested in signing a few directors. If Director Ning is willing to come, I can make the decision to sign him."

At this point, Chen Jingming paused, then continued:

"Once you become a director for the company, the company has priority to invest in your personal scripts. Directors can also invest themselves or find others to invest. The trial capital is 3000 million. After this limit is used up, if the new director being supported fails to make a profit, the contract will be terminated."

Of course, the director cannot refuse the scripts assigned by the company and must guarantee that one film will be completed within two years.

These are my initial terms for cooperation.

Chen Jingming told Ning Hao everything he had come up with on the spot. Ning Hao and Xing Aina exchanged a glance. 3000 million yuan in trial funding was no small amount. They hadn't expected Chen Jingming's company to have such boldness.

Both of them were deeply shaken.

Chen Jingming had just realized this. He didn't believe that the entire Beijing Film Academy had only produced a few famous directors in later generations; there must be many talented individuals buried within its walls. As long as they were willing to establish the reputation of supporting new talent, even if they only managed to recruit one, it would be a huge profit. Even if they couldn't recruit any, it wouldn't matter; there would be no loss.

After careful consideration, he had a complete plan in mind.

On the other side, Ning Hao was weighing two conditions and was torn. First, if he wanted to make a feature film, apart from the 30% that Chen Jingming was willing to guarantee, he would need to raise the remaining funds himself.

Secondly, signing a contract with a company grants you exclusive trial funds. If you fail to make a name for yourself before these funds run out, that's basically the end of your journey, and it will be very difficult to continue down the path of directing.

Objectively speaking, both options are quite good and relatively friendly to new directors. Xing Aina pondered for a moment before asking:

"Producer Chen, if you sign with the company, what's the contract term? You can't sign for life, can you?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingming burst into laughter, and then said:

"Sister Xing, I can't answer that question right now. After all, the second condition was something I just thought of on the spur of the moment. As for the contract term, I'll get back to you after the company's legal department discusses it. What do you think?"

Xing Aina nodded upon hearing this, then leaned close to Ning Hao's ear and whispered a few words. Ning Hao nodded and said:

"Producer Chen, thank you for agreeing to meet today to discuss the details. We'll go back and discuss the specifics, and give you an answer in the next couple of days."

The atmosphere eased slightly, and Chen Jingming nodded. Afterward, the group chatted about things in the industry, mainly focusing on the script for "Hero." This film had a huge investment, and it was inevitable that industry people would talk about it when they met.

The meal lasted until after nine o'clock before the two parted ways in front of the hot pot restaurant. Chen Jingming watched them leave in their car before taking a taxi home alone.

Meanwhile, Ning Hao and Xing Aina remained silent and preoccupied the entire way back to their rented apartment. Xing Aina poured Ning Hao a cup of tea, sat down beside him, and asked softly:

What are you thinking?

Ning Hao sighed, then shook his head and said:

"I really don't know. If there wasn't a second condition, I would probably refuse outright. At worst, I could come back and make music videos to earn money, slowly accumulate resources, and then invest in creative work. But that 3000 million yuan in trial funding is just too tempting."

"Yes, a 3000 million yuan investment for trial and error—Chen Jingming's boldness is extraordinary. Do you think he genuinely believes in you, or is he just trying to use your name to create hype and attract more newcomers?"

Xing Aina also sighed. This sum of money was indeed an astronomical figure for the two of them who had not yet made a fortune.

Are these things important?

Ning Hao gave a wry smile upon hearing this, and then said:

"Honest, trial-and-error capital is key. What do you think about us signing with this company directly? It would provide security and allow us to mutually benefit. The only uncertainty is the contract length."

Xing Aina was silent for a moment, then instantly understood his unspoken meaning and said:

"Given Chen Jingming's attitude and considering the operating costs of a film and television company, the contract term should not be less than five years. It is unrealistic to train a new director for too short a term, while too long a term also has its drawbacks."

If you become famous in the future, other companies will definitely offer you high salaries to poach you. Forcing a contract renewal will only damage the relationship and be counterproductive. What's the maximum number of years you're willing to sign?

Ning Hao lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then slowly said:

"Ten years is the longest contract I can accept."

Xing Aina nodded. Her estimated timeframe was roughly the same, so she began to speak:

"Let's wait for their response before making a decision, what do you think?"

"Okay, it's settled then." Ning Hao immediately agreed.

That same night, Chen Jingming, having just returned to his residence, immediately called Wang Shuo and recounted the events of the night in their entirety.

After careful consideration and reviewing the company's accounts and funds, Wang Shuo finally nodded in agreement, planning to notify the legal department the next day to calculate the details and finalize the most suitable cooperation plan.

Both sides tacitly agreed to put the discussion aside and consider it on their own, and this wait lasted for three whole days.

These past few days, Chen Jingming has been going out for a stroll whenever he has free time, to soak up the festive atmosphere of Beijing during the Lunar New Year.

On the 28th day of the Lunar New Year, the day before the Lunar New Year, all employees of Hongyuan Film and Television had already been given a holiday. However, Chen Jingming made a special trip to the company office. Wang Shuo and several legal department staff members who lived in Beijing and stayed on duty were also present, waiting for the two of them to visit.

A short while later, Ning Hao led Xing Aina out of the elevator and went straight to the office door, where he gently knocked.

Wang Shuo got up, opened the door, and welcomed the two inside. Chen Jingming invited them to sit on the sofa and personally made tea for everyone. After lighting cigarettes and chatting for a while, they got down to business.

"Director Ning, Sister Xing, you two must have thought this through before coming here today, so may I be frank?"

Chen Jingming put down his teacup and said with a smile.

Ning Hao and Xing Aina nodded in unison, and Ning Hao raised his hand to indicate that they should speak. Seeing this, Chen Jingming began to explain directly:

"The company has already completed the calculations. The contract is for eight years, with one feature film shooting quota allocated each year. If you do not have an original script, the company will arrange projects for you."

If all 3000 million yuan of trial funds are lost, even if the contract has not yet expired, both parties can negotiate to make up the difference and terminate the contract in advance.

If Director Ning successfully makes a name for himself during the eight-year contract period, the company will have the right of first refusal to renew the contract under the same conditions upon its expiration.

The renewal period will be shortened accordingly, and the contract terms will be revised based on current market value.

These are the main terms. After speaking, Chen Jingming pushed the contract documents in front of the two men, gesturing for them to review them. Ning Hao and Xing Aina took the documents and began to carefully read through them.

The terms are exactly as Chen Jingming said: an eight-year feature film production contract in exchange for 3000 million yuan in trial funding. It's not a matter of who loses or who gains; it's essentially a mutually beneficial arrangement.

After carefully reviewing the documents, Ning Hao found no unreasonable trap clauses. He leaned close to Xing Aina's ear and whispered a few words, to which Xing Aina nodded in response. Ning Hao then picked up a pen and signed his name on the contract.

After Ning Hao finished signing, Chen Jingming also signed, then stood up, looked at Ning Hao, and said:

"Director Ning, from now on we're family. If you have any work-related problems, feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to a pleasant collaboration."

"Mr. Chen, thank you for your appreciation and support. I will do my best to create value for the company."

Ning Hao then changed his form of address and responded with a smile.