Chapter 649: Chapter 640: Did You Steal My Xiao Yi’s Script?

Actually, having a project that can be presented makes Su Qing very happy; at least it’s not a total loss, right?

After all, it was an excellent work that he discovered after reading half of the script. You could say it was a lucky find, which was quite a pleasant surprise for him.

He certainly didn’t want to establish a film investment company only to have no projects to invest in; that would be too embarrassing. In the early stages, he definitely needs to get his company’s name out there.

As long as he invests in a few more outstanding films, the public will eventually associate Su Qing’s investments with guaranteed hits.

Once this effect takes hold, excellent scripts will continuously come his way.

"The title ’In Your Face’ sounds a bit arrogant. Let me see, oh, it’s a wuxia film. Xiao Su, are you sure you still want to invest in wuxia films now?

It’s been a long time since there’s been a wuxia film with a good reputation in the industry, especially since the older generation of action stars is getting on in years. Even Jackie Chan is taking the stairs now. These days, fight scenes rely heavily on special effects, and fantasy films seem to be the norm. Wuxia... seems a bit hopeless!"

Tang Nan commented while looking at the script, with a tone full of concern.

But this is understandable. After all, as she said, it’s been a long time since there’s been a purely good wuxia film in the domestic market.

Firstly, the pace of society has changed, and wuxia can’t quite keep up. Everyone enjoys grand scenes of flying and leaping; wuxia seems a bit too modest. Secondly, there are too few action stars, and today’s young actors, well, they’re sweet as fruit.

They’re all quite delicate, and they don’t have a martial arts foundation. Hanging on wires, they just go up and down, which takes you out of the scene.

As for finding older action stars, they’ve already achieved their successes, and typical productions can’t afford to invite them.

Even if they could be invited, they may not fit the role in the script, and the end result might not be satisfying.

In recent years, wuxia films have occupied an awkward position in the domestic market, caught in between.

Unlike hard sci-fi like ’Wandering Earth,’ there’s still a large audience for wuxia, but it’s been a long time since a decent wuxia film has surfaced. It’s either a bad script or the actors’ own issues, with fight scenes not being fluid enough, making it look too dry.

Wuxia is about martial arts; if the fight scenes fall short, it can already be classified as a bad wuxia film. Can it still be called wuxia without martial arts?

But hearing Tang Nan’s words, Su Qing remained confident and smiled as he said, "I actually have high expectations for this film. The story isn’t grand, just about a small character, without needing too much explanation. The key point is the story is simple, without logical loopholes, the dialogues are good, and the settings are nice. Although the production team has just been established and the actors haven’t been finalized, I really like the director’s proposed actors."

At this, Tang Nan flipped through the script and found the actor section: "Xie Miao? Surprisingly, though he’s been lukewarm in recent years, he’s genuinely one of the best young actors for action roles. I thought they’d get some young idol to play this part again."

As Tang Nan marveled, Su Qing shook his head with a smile, "Not only that, take a look at the expected investment amount!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Nan quickly turned to the end, and then let out an exclamation: "Only 8 million? This is a low-budget film!"

"Exactly, while big productions have bigger budgets, how much of that actually goes into the filming? Low-budget films have their own advantages; at least they’re focusing on storytelling, and I really like that."

"That’s true, but it seems the other side isn’t looking to go the theater route, but rather online, aiming to release on major streaming platforms, which..." Tang Nan seemed a bit worried.

Online films are notoriously packed with bad movies, and those that succeed are few and far between. Although theaters have their share of bad films, they’re generally better than online films.

The current impression with audiences is that movies coming from online platforms are generally of lower quality.

"Have you forgotten what I do for a living? Whether playing the stock market or investing in films, taking small risks for big rewards is the most exhilarating," Su Qing said with a smile, shaking his head.

Seeing his confidence, Tang Nan opened her mouth but didn’t say anything further, having been proven wrong by Su Qing several times before. She definitely couldn’t speak out of turn this time; what if this film became a hit too?

She’s just an actress, she’ll just follow along and cheer him on. The best part is, the investment isn’t big, only 8 million. Even if it loses, the loss wouldn’t be much, since it’s not her money anyway. Besides, she also wants to see Su Qing create another miracle.

Moreover, she noticed that during decision-making on investments, especially when there’s opposition, Su Qing’s unwavering determination and attitude of "though a thousand may stand in my way, I will press forward" is incredibly charming.

She definitely couldn’t be the dissenting background noise. Take Xiao Yi, for example, who was so supportive, investing 80 million at a go. Striking such a chord!

"Go ahead and invest, I believe in you, brother!" Tang Nan switched her tone, patting his shoulder and giving a thumbs up with a smile.

Su Qing:...

"You actually didn’t oppose me? That’s unexpected. Did you snatch Shen Yi’s script from my house?"

Tang Nan: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

"Get lost, I also think this project has potential. Plus, the setting is quite interesting—Bone-Dislocating Hand, Wind Listening Blade. A protagonist who’s blind but sharp, risking everything for a bottle of wine to seek justice for the people against the noblemen. It’s got a thrilling feel to it.

According to the script, it should be pretty decent at least. As long as the filming is done well, it shouldn’t turn out too bad."

Hearing Tang Nan’s evaluation, Su Qing chuckled. Of course, that’s not all. This script was the only one among many he read that didn’t have a romance—women would only slow down my blade!

Romance, what’s with that—isn’t it just a stumbling block for wuxia films?

[If it goes the route of revenue sharing from online releases, the box office revenue share could exceed 40 million, exemplifying small risk for big reward, with potential for sequels]

Listening to the omniscient narrator in his head, Su Qing nodded. This was the main reason he was determined.

An investment of 8 million that he could put out himself, meaning, when the time comes, except for a minor part, the revenue share would mostly belong to him. Worst case, he could add another 2 million to round it up.

If it were released in theaters, although the box office could potentially reach hundreds of millions, subtracting the share wouldn’t be as profitable.

But the time for a face-to-face discussion would come, and that would be the best chance to discuss the matter more thoroughly, seeing how the narrator guides him then.

Then, Tang Nan took the scripts he was interested in and went off to chat with Shen Yi.

An hour later, it was a double achievement, Su Qing was reborn once again.

At 10 o’clock at night, came a hat-trick.

The two chattered away, with the occasional exclamation, making Shen Yi on the other end of the video call breathe noticeably heavier due to frustration.

Finally, at her persistent request, Su Qing nudged Tang Nan out.

"Hey, tone it down a bit. Are you really this concerned about a comedic actress?" Inside the bedroom, Su Qing lay on the bed, holding his phone to video call as he spoke.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yi gave him a sideways glance, "Isn’t it because she’s never got the sense to leave late at night? Plus, I heard her mentioning that some female artists around her have been asking about you, so you better behave yourself!"

Su Qing: ???

"Is that a thing? How come I don’t know about it?"

He felt wronged; he’d been so busy these days, he hadn’t seen any female star!

"I’m just giving you a heads up, so you don’t get any bad ideas!"

Su Qing:...

Alright then, you’re always right. He’s already realized that reasoning with a jealous woman is a foolish decision.

"Brother~~ Sister’s out of battery!" Suddenly, Shen Yi cooed in a sweet voice.

Su Qing: "Uh... so you want..."

He hadn’t even finished his sentence, and Shen Yi was already nodding excitedly.

"Mm-hmm, take your clothes off, quickly~~ be good~"

...

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