Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Yang Chen was somewhat like Louis XVI, completely baffled.

He didn't understand what his boss meant by those words.

But you must be satisfied with your job... right?

Ignoring Yang Chen, who was deep in thought, Zhuang Huai'an looked at Du Hua, who immediately understood and began to report.

"Based on your usual practice of casting actors, I have compiled a list, but considering that things may change, I have not yet contacted them."

Du Hua's words were very skillful; the variable was Zhuang Huai'an's approval.

Zhuang Huai'an took the list and glanced at it. Tsk, no wonder she's the future godmother of the Korean wave, her eye for talent is indeed quite good.

Among the male actors are Li Jie from the 97 class of Beijing Film Academy, Yu Bo from the 99 class, and Cui Peng from the 00 class.

Li Jie played Lin Pingzhi in The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, Yu Bo played Tong Bo in Water Moon Cave, and many people are not familiar with Cui Peng, but his role as the monk Wuhua in the F4 version of The Legend of Chu Liuxiang can be said to be the white moonlight of many people.

The actresses include Yan Danchen and Miao Pu, with whom I have worked, as well as Dong Xuan, who was born in 00.

They are all outstanding students from the Beijing Film Academy.

Zhuang Huai'an put the list aside without saying anything, but glanced at Du Hua, who immediately understood.

"Boss, I have another shortlist here."

Well, with that attitude, you deserve to succeed.

Zhuang Huai'an inwardly praised the list, but outwardly remained calm as he took it and glanced at it.

really,

The three boys from the Shanghai Theatre Academy are Yan Kuan, Hu Ge, and Guo Jinfei, and the two girls are Tong Rui and Wan Qian.

The three boys need no introduction: Yan Kuan, the epitome of the charming and arrogant novel character; Hu Ge, the epitome of the fantasy drama character; and Guo Jinfei, the epitome of the gossipy character.

The female characters are also familiar, including Wan Qian, a representative of short-haired goddesses in mainland China, and Yan Xuan, the beloved wife of Li Yunlong, who played General Yuwen.

Another interesting thing about the latter is that as soon as this person registered a Douyin account, some netizens followed the trend and started queuing up in the comments section of his videos. It was because of this incident that he completely withdrew from the internet and even rarely appeared in TV dramas anymore.

Zhuang Huai'an nodded. "Your judgment is indeed excellent. Why didn't you choose anyone from the Central Academy of Drama?"

"That's the kind of boss he is."

Du Hua explained, "I personally visited all three schools and watched their plays. The students there are all quite outstanding. As for the Central Academy of Drama, well, that's a different story..."

Zhuang Huai'an had also heard about this. There were also rumors that the reason why the 96 class of the Central Academy of Drama's acting department was so outstanding was because they absorbed the school's good fortune for the next ten years, resulting in a shortage of talent at the Central Academy of Drama now.

Only Zhuang Huai'an knew that this rumor was indeed true; it was not just ten years, but twenty years.

Du Hua continued, "Of the people on the list, only a few from the Beijing Film Academy and Yan Kuan have actually debuted. I heard that Tong Rui has been chosen to play an original role in the TV series 'Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties,' apparently as Qin Shubao's wife."

None of these individuals are currently signed with a talent agency.

"I see."

Zhuang Huai'an thought for a moment, then took out a pen and marked an X over the names of Li Jie, Cui Peng, and Tong Rui. "Besides these three, you can try to contact the others, with a focus on Hu Ge."

It's not that other people aren't important, but according to the timeline, he should have already been in contact with Sugar Man, but the official signing should be next year. Given his current reputation, he's unlikely to be rejected if he says he wants to sign him.

Is it even necessary to consider whether it's a movie or a TV series?

"Oh, by the way, have you reached a conclusion regarding the artists' compensation?"

"Zhang Songwen and the others are offering 64," Yang Chen replied. "That's already the ceiling for their revenue sharing. If we're signing new talent, it depends on your decision."

The company's share is 6% for the artists and 4% for the artists, which is indeed very high. However, considering that 91 Company and Madou Media are both owned by the company and are essentially self-producing and self-selling, this small amount of money is not worth worrying about.

"Change their contracts to 55, and the newest member's to 64."

Zhuang Huai'an thought for a moment and added, "Remember one thing: as a brokerage firm, we're there to complement the company's operations, not to bleed them dry. Yang, you need to carefully review the contracts; there are three fundamental principles..."

First: The company is responsible for tax issues. They can only receive after-tax income. The company will make a copy of the tax payment record, stamp it with the company seal, and keep it for their records.

Second: We have a firm stance that they cannot touch pornography, gambling, or drugs, but we will not interfere with their normal romantic relationships.

Third: The company has many resources, and everyone has a chance. Competition should be harmonious, and there should be no private slander.

The above are not only guidelines for artists, but also the core of the company's future development. Regardless of who it is, if they cannot accept these guidelines or violate any of them, the company reserves the right to pursue legal action, but is not obligated to dismiss them.

Yang Chen agreed with Zhuang Huai'an's rules; otherwise, how could such a stingy general manager possibly agree to Zhuang Huai'an's 55 split?

Yang Chen nodded and replied, "I know."

Zhuang Huai'an then looked at Du Hua, who was the person in charge. Du Hua quickly nodded and replied, "I know the boss."

"it is good."

Zhuang Huai'an pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhong Lifang.

"As for the film and television production department, let's wait until the artists join the company before starting the project. That way, I can ensure that they fit the roles as well as possible."

"No problem, boss."

Although Zhong Lifang is willing to do things, she currently has nothing to show for it, so there's no point in thinking about it.

"In addition, Brother Yang, you should also pay more attention to those popular IPs, such as the copyrights of Jin Yong, Gu Long, and Liang Yusheng's novels, or the original story posts that are popular on online forums like Tianya."

"I will. Using martial arts novels to break the ice is indeed a good choice."

Yup!

Zhuang Huai'an slapped his forehead, realizing with a start, "Who says that The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Deer and the Cauldron have to be written by Zhang Da-huzi?"

I can do that too!

Without hesitation, Zhuang Huai'an took out his phone and made a call, ignoring the awkward looks from the three men.

"Boss Yang, this is Zhuang Huai'an."

"Oh no, the movie is still in preparation. Yes, as for the budget, Mr. Yang can handle it with you."

"Yes, I'm calling to ask you for a favor."

"Yes, Jin Yong's works, which one? I'll say The Return of the Condor Heroes and The Deer and the Cauldron."

"Yes, I didn't direct it; it was directed by a contracted director, but I will be credited as the producer."

"Okay, then please tell the old man that I really like these two books. Alright, I'll wait for your call."

After hanging up the phone, Zhuang Huai'an couldn't help but smile. He looked at Zhong Lifang and said with a smile, "If nothing unexpected happens, you're going to be very busy from now on."

"Being busy is good," Zhong Lifang joked. "We all started at the same time. Seeing Director Du working so hard for the company, I'm so jealous. I don't even dare to speak loudly when I chat with my colleagues, for fear they'll laugh at me for being a lazy bum."

The group chuckled softly after hearing this.

Yang Chen defended her, saying, "Li Fang is also very good at administrative matters. She has helped me a lot during this time. I think I will feel a little uncomfortable after you leave."

"You won't be able to slack off anymore," Zhuang Huai'an retorted with a smile.

Chung Lai-fong is quite the joker, saying, "If you could get the boss to apply for an extra salary for me, I'd help you out."

While the group was chatting,

Zhuang Huai'an's phone vibrated; it was a call back from Boss Yang.

"Director Zhuang, I have not failed you. When Mr. Jin heard that you wanted to make the film, he gave you a good figure for the two films combined: 88 yuan in licensing fees, and also gave you a copy of Liancheng Jue as a bonus."

Ok?

Zhuang Huai'an was somewhat surprised, as this old man was not known for his generosity.

Regardless of what the other party was thinking, Zhuang Huai'an didn't want to take advantage of the situation. He had heard that Zhang Dahuzi paid 60 for Tianlong, so he would add another sum. He would rather use money to solve the problem than do favors.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Yang."

Zhuang Huai'an laughed heartily, "Old Master Jin has given me face, so as a junior, I can't just shamelessly accept it. I'd appreciate it if you could pass on a message to him, saying that I accept the old master's kind offer of 88 yuan for two books."

But I can't take advantage of Liancheng Jue. I'll return the same 88 to the old man and ask him to accept it.

Zhuang Huai'an originally wanted to get 99, but worried that the old man would misunderstand. This person's book is very well written, the others…

It's better to avoid trouble.