Chapter 652: Chapter 643: Reaching an Agreement

As a director, Yang Jia is well-acquainted with his screenplay. The entire work tends toward realism, focusing mainly on action scenes.

Using the actors’ movements to provide a visual feast for the audience, there’s one move, the Flaming Sword Draw, that he feels requires special effects, as achieving the desired effect in reality is impossible.

Previously, he was prepared to use crude special effects, as it’s just one or two special effects shots; it wouldn’t significantly affect the overall picture. Yet, with an additional investment of two million, he was confident that not only could he enhance the special effects but also perfect numerous details.

So when Su Qing said he could add two million to the investment, he was overjoyed.

Although it’s his first time directing, he’s no stranger to the struggles of securing investment.

Originally, he didn’t even expect to receive the full eight million from the other party. He thought he might have to seek funding elsewhere, but unexpectedly, the other party was willing to add money, which seemed unimaginable to him.

Even the other two directors, Deng Wenxiong and Wang Jiang, looked bewildered. After years of directing, this was the first time they saw an investor proactively add money, albeit not much.

Usually, when they ask for ten million, the other party would want to reduce it to five million; where’s the concept of adding more money?

It’s like going to buy vegetables, asking the vendor how much a pound of cabbage costs, and they say three yuan, and you insist on giving them five—it’s absurd.

Even Wang Fan beside him shook his head, being a director himself. How could he not understand how unreasonable Su Qing’s action was?

Fortunately, Su Qing has money and doesn’t care about the two million. Wang Fan naturally didn’t say much, especially since his 80 million investment came about in a similar way. It started with a minimum estimate of 60 million.

Hearing Yang Jia’s assurance, Su Qing nodded with a smile. Adding an extra two million is no issue for him since he knows this project will be profitable. Given that fact, why not extend a favor?

There might be greater returns in the future, or at least he could have someone owe him a favor.

"Okay, onto the second question. I noticed your screenplay mentions plans to release it on major online platforms, following the internet movie path. Have you considered going the theatrical route?" Su Qing asked.

He needed to know what the outcome would be if they took another route to maximize benefits.

Upon hearing this, Yang Jia was momentarily stunned, followed by a bitter smile. Though both are films, how could he not know the risks and difficulties involved?

Besides, he’s originally a screenwriter, previously worked on online series, so he’s familiar with that sector. Given the current market, he has little confidence in wuxia films performing well in cinemas, preferring the online movie route.

"To be honest, President Su, releasing in cinemas isn’t impossible, but the current market might not favor wuxia films. If feasible, who wouldn’t want their film on the big screen?" Yang Jia smiled wryly.

Just then, a narrator’s prompt sounded in Su Qing’s mind.

[If released in theaters, despite the film’s consistent quality, and earning a decent reputation post-release, profits would be modest compared to movies making hundreds of millions or billions at the box office, reducing your final profit by about five million, and significantly diminishing exposure and promotional effects.]

Weighing the narrator’s prompt, Su Qing quickly made a decision. Hence, professional tasks are best left to professionals.

Both theaters and online platforms have their advantages. Simply put, it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond.

This film will perform well and earn a good reputation whether it’s released on major video platforms or in theaters.

However, profits rely on their low costs.

With a ten million investment, what more can one ask for? In other productions, that might just cover an actor’s fee.

Though a theatrical release could be profitable, compared to contemporaneous films with higher box office earnings, their work might be overshadowed. Conversely, in the online production team, both the crew and actors could be considered luxurious.

If the work is exceptional, it could stand out more quickly and efficiently. Network video platforms, particularly for small-budget films, offer greater exposure.

It’s different for major productions like ’Wandering Earth,’ which have strong online and offline promotions, but a film like ’Invisible Eye’ wouldn’t handle such high marketing costs.

"Indeed, in that case, let’s start with the online movie route. If outcomes are favorable and word of mouth spreads, a sequel might be possible. By then, with the first installment as a foundation, moving to theaters will be much better." Su Qing smiled.

He hadn’t forgotten the narrator hinting at the sequel potential of this work.

Yang Jia nodded, smiling. He hadn’t even completed the first installment, so why think about the second?

He wasn’t even confident about the success of this one, especially as a new director.

"Alright, since the questions are over, Director Yang, may I make a small request?" Su Qing smiled.

"Please, President Su,"

Hearing this, Yang Jia’s heart skipped a beat. Could President Su want to involve a particular actress or embed someone into the crew?

He glanced at Tang Nan beside Su Qing, thinking it unlikely. There were rumors about these two; Su Qing wouldn’t be so indiscreet as to mention it in front of Tang Nan.

Even if Tang Nan were embedded into his crew, he wouldn’t mind. Although there aren’t any standout female roles in this play, if Su Qing wanted it, he’d revise the script. After all, she’s one of the current popular actresses.

However, it was just a thought as Tang Nan’s fee was beyond his budget. His modest investment couldn’t afford such a big star.

Sure enough, Su Qing spoke, "I noticed your cast hasn’t been finalized yet, and you intend to hire Xie Miao. I really like this actor; do you think you can secure him?"

With these words, Yang Jia felt reassured, quickly smiling, "Rest assured, President Su. Although it’s not finalized, we’ve worked together before, and I’ve mentioned it to him recently. It’s certainly no problem."

As long as the investor doesn’t interfere with their creation, it’s good. Earlier, he was worried that Su Qing, being young and impetuous, might meddle in his crew. Thinking more, there’s a reason Su Qing succeeded so young.

"In that case...Director Yang, let’s have a pleasant cooperation?" Su Qing extended his hand with a smile.

Su Qing’s sudden agreement caught Yang Jia off guard. Could negotiations be this simple? Wasn’t he expecting a bargaining session, consuming drinks till compelled to agree?

"Pleasant...pleasant cooperation, thank you, President Su!" Yang Jia quickly extended his hands to show respect.

Upon seeing this, Tang Nan glanced at Hu Xiaoling, who stood behind the crowd. Understanding, the secretary swiftly produced a contract. Tang Nan took it, smiling:

"Congratulations, Director Yang. Here’s the thing, Su Qing’s company is currently handling paperwork, which should be completed in the next few days. Since he has no staff, he had me handle this. Please review the contract first. If anything is unsatisfactory, we can discuss it. When the company’s paperwork finalizes in a couple of days, the funds will be transferred. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you can proceed through my side; it’s the same thing."

"No rush, no rush, thank you, Miss Tang!" Director Yang quickly replied. He certainly didn’t mind a few days’ delay; the main thing was sealing the deal.

"Good then, Xiao Hu, guide Director Yang to our office to review the contract!"

"Yes, President Tang. Director Yang, please follow me!"

Once Director Yang left with Hu Xiaoling, Su Qing turned to the remaining pair, "I’ve read both of your scripts. Shouldn’t you have already started production?"

Deng Wenxiong and Wang Jiang nodded. Their projects had begun, though they were still in need of further investment.

"Director Wang Jiang, your ’Life-changing Matters’ has about 30 million currently. You’re seeking an additional 30 million from me, correct?"

"Yes, President Su," Wang Jiang affirmed, holding no reservations.

Su Qing nodded, "Alright, since you’ve already started, there’s nothing I need to reiterate. I’ll provide the 30 million. The process mirrors Director Yang’s. If you’re in a hurry, proceed through Nan Ge’s company or through me personally; both work."

Su Qing’s straightforwardness left Wang Jiang momentarily stunned. He expected questioning, not even quicker agreement than the previous case.

"No rush, no rush, thank you, President Su!" Wang Jiang quickly extended his hand.

Su Qing nodded, "Good, my company’s paperwork will very likely finish tomorrow. Please come back at that time."

[’Life-changing Matters’ directed and written by Wang Jiang tells a deeply poignant tale intertwining joy and sorrow between the lead characters, steeped in the atmosphere of everyday life, ultimately garnering 1.82 billion, proving highly profitable.]

The narrator prompt in Su Qing’s mind made his smile even brighter; this was an enormous profit.

After Director Wang Jiang also received the contract and followed Hu Xiaoling out, Su Qing turned his attention to the final individual.

"Director Deng, I particularly like your script, and it’s the one I’m most optimistic about. However, it has the largest investment requirement. Frankly, I plan to invest, but I don’t have ample funds with me right now. So I’m considering finding a partner; do you mind?"

Hearing this, Deng Wenxiong was almost terrified, thinking the investment was slipping away, only for a twist of fate.

He didn’t mind, as there’s no difference whether one or two people invest, as long as the investment is secured. After all, money is money!

"Thank you, President Su. I don’t mind, not at all!"

...

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