Huayu: This producer has no bottom line.

Chapter 134: The more you invest, the more you get in return.

Teng Huatao's expression changed from surprise to wariness.

Having been in this industry for so many years, he understands one thing.

Those who invest more also demand more.

"Director Ren, please state your terms first."

Ren Pingsheng raised one finger.

"First, the company invested nine million in the entire project, becoming the primary producer. Box office revenue will be shared according to the investment ratio, with no guaranteed minimum."

This makes perfect sense; whoever contributes the most money should be ranked first—it's only fair.

Teng Huatao nodded.

"Secondly, the publicity and promotion are led by the biography section."

Teng Huatao's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't speak.

Ren Pingsheng continued, "Director Teng, the core audience of this film is the post-80s and post-90s generation. The traditional approach to theatrical films is not enough. I have connections with three platforms: Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Sohu. I have the web series team with the highest number of views across the entire network, and a Weibo matrix with two million followers. These things cannot be bought with money, and other production companies cannot give you them."

Teng Huatao pondered for a moment. He had seen Ren Pingsheng's marketing strategy for "Old Boys" before, and the scale of that campaign was indeed something that ordinary people could not come up with.

"You can take the lead in publicity, but you have to discuss the strategy with me in advance. I don't accept that kind of vulgar hype."

"Don't worry, I care about reputation more than you do."

Ren Pingsheng raised another finger.

Third, I'd like to recommend a few actors.

Teng Huatao laughed, "I knew it."

Bao Jingjing unconsciously hugged the script in her hands tightly. As the screenwriter and original author, she had a strong desire to protect every character. What she feared most was that the investors would force unsuitable actors into the cast and ruin the characters.

"Don't be nervous," Ren Pingsheng glanced at her, "I won't touch the male and female leads; you can decide that. I'll only recommend a few supporting roles."

.

"Which ones?" Teng Huatao asked.

"That vain and pretentious Li Ke," Ren Pingsheng said, "I recommend Guo Zhenni."

Teng Huatao was taken aback. "Guo Zhenni? Isn't she an actress who acts in period dramas?"

"Director Teng, have you seen her previous works? She's always playing spoiled rich girls or concubines/mistresses, pampered and willful, you can tell at a glance that she's not someone to mess with."

Teng Huatao thought for a moment and did not object, "Let her give it a try."

"And then there's Huang Xiaoxian's ex-boyfriend, Lu Ran," Ren Pingsheng continued, "I recommend Bai Ke."

"Bai Ke?" Bao Jingjing couldn't help but ask, "That guy who played the loser in 'Men's Romance'? Can he play a scumbag?"

"Teacher Bao, even a rabbit will bite when cornered, and an honest person can be more ruthless than a scumbag when pushed to the limit."

Bao Jingjing paused for a moment, and Bai Ke's slightly innocent face appeared in her mind. She suddenly felt that if he played Lu Ran, Huang Xiaoxian's arrogant and domineering attitude of bullying honest people in the early stages would be more convincing.

"I understand," Bao Jingjing quickly jotted down a note on the script.

As for the character Wei Yiran, Ren Pingsheng didn't say much.

Mature and steady, with a clear understanding of love but not indifferent; shrewd at heart, yet hiding it beneath a kind exterior.

Da Peng is that kind of person, both on and off screen.

"The last one, Feng Jiaqi, the best friend who stole Huang Xiaoxian's fiancé," Ren Pingsheng looked at Bao Jingjing, "Teacher Bao, what kind of person is Feng Jiaqi in your mind?"

Bao Jingjing didn't expect him to ask her that question in return. She paused for a moment before saying, "Gentle and quiet, very considerate of people's feelings, the kind of girl who makes people feel comfortable when they are around her."

"So what do you think of Tong Liya?"

Bao Jingjing ran through Tong Liya's face and temperament in her mind, opened her mouth but couldn't find a reason to refute it.

Ren Pingsheng didn't say anything more.

Teng Huatao smiled and shook his head, "Director Ren, you've given away four roles in one go, taking up half the roles."

"Four supporting roles for nine million, isn't that a good deal?"

"It's a good deal," Teng Huatao said, a straightforward man, but then he changed the subject, "but you might not be able to invest all nine million."

"To be honest," he explained, "Mr. Cao from Dongyang has read the proposal and is also interested in investing."

Mr. Cao from Dongyang?

Ren Pingsheng immediately recognized the name: Cao Huayi, the boss of Xinli.

He was quick-witted. New Classics Media had a mature network of artists, and the big names like Zhang Jiayi and Hai Qing who made cameo appearances in "Love is Not Blind" in his previous life were resources that he coordinated.

In addition, their experience in theater distribution and business channels means they have a ready-made system for everything from film scheduling negotiations to on-the-ground promotional materials. They are also adept at handling related business after the film's release and award applications.

These are indeed the shortcomings of the current system, and bringing Cao Huayi in is equivalent to filling this gap.

"Welcome," Ren Pingsheng said readily. "How much does Mr. Cao want?"

"He means to invest three million."

"Can."

Shengping Vision invested 500 million yuan, taking a 50% stake, and secured the position of the primary producer.

Dongyang New Classic invested 300 million yuan, holding a 30% stake.

Teng Huatao contributed 200 million yuan in the form of script copyright and director's fees, representing a 20% stake.

If there is a need for funds in the future, we will make follow-up investments in the same proportion. Those who choose not to follow will be considered to have given up their investment.

"By the way, I think there's something to consider regarding scheduling."

Teng Huatao and Bao Jingjing both looked at Ren Pingsheng.

「2011年11月11号，6个1，世纪光棍节。」

Ren Pingsheng said, "A movie about heartbreak is being released on the loneliest day of this century. Just think about how topical that is."

""

Bao Jingjing's eyes lit up. "Every single person will go see it."

“It’s not just single people,” Ren Pingsheng said, “couples also go to see it because they need a reason to be glad they’re not single.”

Teng Huatao remained silent for several seconds.

"The Singles' Day release window," he muttered, "interesting, but November is traditionally a peak box office season. Will theaters not allocate screenings?"

"That depends on our publicity and distribution," Ren Pingsheng said, stopping there. "As long as we generate enough buzz and achieve high attendance, theater managers aren't stupid. They'll give screenings to whoever can make them money."

Teng Huatao nodded, and all the fragments were pieced together, each step interconnected.

New Classics Media provides artist and cinema resources, ensures online presence through its online channels, guarantees buzz during Singles' Day releases, and ensures revenue at low cost.

"Okay," Teng Huatao extended his hand, "It's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

Ren Pingsheng grasped it, saying, "It's a pleasure working with you."

"By the way, Director Teng," Ren Pingsheng said, still shaking hands, "the female lead really hasn't been decided yet?"

Teng Huatao felt a sudden tightness in his chest as the man gripped his hand. "It's really not confirmed. We considered Hai Qing before, but she had scheduling conflicts. She agreed to a cameo role. What, Director Ren has another recommendation?"

"No, I was just asking casually," Ren Pingsheng released his grip and smiled.

The roles he recommended, whether in front of or behind the camera, would greatly influence the direction of the film. As for the female lead, who would affect the overall tone of the story, it's best not to get involved.

After leaving Fenglian Plaza, Ren Pingsheng hailed a taxi.

He took out his phone in the car and sent a text message to Wang Li.

"Tong Liya, Guo Zhenni, Bai Ke, and Da Peng may have a movie audition opportunity next month. We'll keep their schedules flexible."

After sending the text message, Ren Pingsheng looked at the street scene rushing past the car window and let out a long sigh of relief.

I finally got the rights to "Love is Not Blind" (失恋33天).

Based on the previous film's box office of 3.5 million, a 50% share would mean a revenue share of 5000 million.