Huayu: Everyone's been reborn, who's still going to be an actor?

Does Cheng Yuan understand commercial films?

Of course I understand.

When he was a director, domestic commercial films were much more mature than they are now.

We are still living in an era where art films are all the rage.

"I know a little."

Cheng Yuan nodded.

"When are you going to make a commercial film? A blockbuster is fine too."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping immediately extended an invitation.

"Make blockbusters? I don't have that capability yet," Cheng Yuan said, shaking his head. "Making low-budget commercial films is not as profitable as making art films and selling the copyrights."

"I don't know if you're confident or not," Han Sanping said. "If art films want to sell their rights, they have to get exposure at international film festivals first, otherwise they're all money-losers."

"Making commercial films is risky too," Cheng Yuan said. "If it's a blockbuster, the cinema experience is much better than watching on DVD, so moviegoers might still go to the cinema. But for low-budget commercial films, there's not much difference between watching on DVD and going to the cinema. How will moviegoers choose? Nowadays, not many moviegoers have developed the habit of going to the cinema, and besides, piracy is so rampant these days. Just a few days after 'Buried' was released, pirated copies were already on the market."

Just days after "Buried Alive" was released, pirated copies appeared, leaving Cheng Yuan stunned. He knew piracy was rampant these days, but he never imagined it was this rampant.

When Cheng Yuan was a director in his previous life, piracy was not completely eradicated, but it didn't really have much impact on the box office after the film's release.

Han Sanping sighed. He was well aware of the impact of piracy on the film industry, but it was too difficult to eradicate it in a short time, as it involved too many issues.

"Some things have to be done step by step," Han Sanping said. "The development of the domestic film market still depends on commercial films."

Cheng Yuan nodded.

Cheng Yuan had never met Han Sanping in his previous life, but he had heard a lot about him.

There are many opinions about him within the industry, but no one denies his contributions to the development of the film market.

"Let's say 30%."

Han Sanping ultimately didn't dwell on the share; there was no need to.

This is just a low-budget art film.

"The budget is five million, and 30% is 1.5 million," Cheng Yuan said. "Screenwriter and director, I've budgeted myself two million, is that alright?"

"no problem."

Han Sanping nodded.

Cheng Yuan has achieved success, and with the film "Buried Alive" earning tens of millions in profit, asking for a two million yuan salary is naturally not a problem.

He won't dwell on this.

If it's too high, then consider it supporting newcomers.

Besides, he didn't think it was high.

"We'll have to trouble China Film Group with getting the script approved."

Cheng Yuan spoke, but Han Sanping smiled and nodded.

If this kid dragged Qingying Film Studio and China Film Group together, I wouldn't believe he didn't have this in mind.

There's nothing wrong with that.

In this industry, a naive and innocent person won't get you far.

The domestic distribution will definitely be handled by China Film Group, but Gu Hai hasn't discussed how much they'll get.

He really didn't think the movie would do well at the box office.

"Hey Du, are you free tonight? Let's grab some dinner."

After leaving China Film Group, Cheng Yuan called Du Jie.

For this film, he still planned to hire Du Jie as the cinematographer, and he also planned to bring him into the company.

He's ready to build his own team.

Du Jie is obviously unknown, but she is very capable, and more importantly, she has great potential.

"Oh? I have plans tonight. If Director Cheng doesn't mind, how about we go together? We're all in the industry, and we're both from the Beijing Film Academy."

Du Jie paused for a moment, then spoke.

He didn't know why Cheng Yuan wanted to see him, but he didn't mind taking the opportunity to introduce his friend to Cheng Yuan.

Cheng Yuan rose to fame with his film "Buried Alive" and became a hot commodity in the industry.

"no problem!"

Cheng Yuan naturally had no problem with this.

However, he didn't expect that the people Du Jie had arranged to meet were Ning Hao and Xing Aina.

This couple is really talented.

The key issue is that he hasn't made a fortune yet.

"Director Cheng!"

When Du Jie saw Cheng Yuan arrive, she quickly greeted him with a smile.

Ning Hao stared intently at Cheng Yuan.

He admired Cheng Yuan greatly.

The way it was handled in "Buried" was simply amazing.

Only those who have successfully raised investment know how difficult it is. The key issue is that his film, which had just finished filming, encountered a withdrawal of funding before it even started shooting.

too difficult.

And what about Cheng Yuan?

Without spending a single penny, he ended up with tens of thousands more in his pocket after filming the movie—it's practically a miracle!

Unfortunately, he couldn't copy it.

"Brother Du! Senior Brother Ning, hello." Cheng Yuan said quickly, "Just call me Cheng Yuan. Senior Sister Xing, hello to you too."

Ning Hao and Xing Aina were somewhat surprised; they hadn't expected Cheng Yuan to know them.

After exchanging pleasantries, the group took their seats.

"Did Director Cheng need something from me?"

Du Jie asked, "Cheng Yuan called to invite me to Venice before, but unfortunately he and Ning Hao were filming 'Green Grassland' on the China-Mongolia border and only recently returned."

"Are you available?" Cheng Yuan asked. "I'm preparing to shoot a new film and would like to continue working with you."

"Yes!" Du Jie said, "You've already started filming a new movie so soon? 'Buried' is still showing in theaters."

"I was being questioned, so I wanted to make a movie to prove myself," Cheng Yuan said with a smile. "By the way, has Brother Du signed with a company yet?"

Du Jie shook her head.

He has only directed two films at most, and it's still uncertain whether one of them will be released.

As for Buried Alive?

The film's attention was entirely focused on the actor Jiang Wen and the director Cheng Yuan.

Of course, this is also an impressive part of his resume.

"I've started a company and am preparing to form my own team. Are you interested in joining?" Cheng Yuan said. "Of course, if you're not interested, it won't affect our future cooperation."

"Of course I'm willing!" Du Jie said. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Having a company provides some level of security.

Besides, he had a good impression of Cheng Yuan.

Cheng Yuan isn't the kind of person who's stingy, and the fact that he's already starting to shoot a new film so quickly clearly shows that he's a prolific creator.

"Then let's schedule a time to talk later." Cheng Yuan turned to Ning Hao and smiled. "Senior Brother Ning, would you be interested in coming to my company? I can offer you a directing contract. We can discuss the salary, profit sharing, and investment share. Of course, Senior Sister Xing is also welcome to come. She can be a screenwriter or producer."

"this......"

Ning Hao and Xing Aina were clearly surprised that Cheng Yuan would invite them.

However, they were indeed somewhat tempted.

Cheng Yuan knew very well that now was the best time to recruit him; once Ning Hao made "Crazy Stone," it would probably be too late for him.

Moreover, Ning Hao is also an ambitious person.

When Cheng Yuan was a director in his previous life, Ning Hao was already a bigwig in the financial world.

"Of course, my company has just been established and there are only a few people. It's still in its early stages and is obviously far behind those established film and television companies," Cheng Yuan said. "However, if you come to the company, you will definitely not lack investment for any film productions, as long as they are not too big."

Upon hearing Cheng Yuan's words, Ning Hao was completely swayed.

Attracting investment is too difficult.

Especially for a director like him who isn't very famous.

The key point is that even after funding for "Green Grassland" was withdrawn, he still managed to borrow money to finish making the film.

This feeling is indescribable to outsiders.

Moreover, although Cheng Yuan did not mention the specifics of the conditions he offered, his sincerity was absolutely evident.

Even established directors may not be able to secure an investment share for their own films, and they may even receive very little in profit sharing.

The company may be small, but small companies have their advantages.