In the entertainment industry, I only like making movies.

Chapter 49 The Male Lead's Problem

.......

Poly!

A decent investor, definitely worth courting.

A flash of understanding crossed Fang Yi's eyes; barring any unforeseen circumstances, the matter was settled.

really..

Upon hearing the name "Poly," Wang Zhongjun's displeasure vanished instantly, and he pursed his lips, saying, "Alright, let's add another investor; we'll go with Poly."

"Okay, add another 1000 million for production funding. Zhong Lei, you should make an appointment with the head of Poly Culture Group. Remember, don't contact that cultural businessman Dong Ping."

"Don't worry, brother."

Wang Zhonglei smiled slightly and accepted the task.

Then, he raised an eyebrow at Fang Yi: "Director Fang, how about it? I didn't brag at the celebration banquet, did I? I said 5000 million, and I meant 5000 million. If that's not enough, I'll add more for you."

Damn it...

There are widespread rumors that he loves to boast and that he often makes empty promises in front of the media.

Did I brag?

It must be some bastard spreading rumors behind my back. Don't let me catch him.

Fang Yi couldn't see through Wang Zhonglei's ulterior motives, but that didn't stop him from despising the other party's nonsense and boasting.

5000 million is nothing!

Okay, that's quite a lot. Enough to buy a dozen or twenty high-end apartments in Beijing.

"Director Fang, are you interested in starring in this role?"

At this moment, Chen Hui suddenly spoke, drawing everyone's attention.

He thought for a moment, then emphasized, "I carefully analyzed the male lead in the drama. He is either a retired soldier or a special agent on leave, and his age is between 35 and 40."

For this kind of role, the actor needs to be tall and rugged in appearance, and also have good acting skills.

There aren't many male actors in mainland China around 40 years old who meet the above criteria.

As soon as he finished speaking, the sofa area fell silent, with only the sound of the man smoking.

Fang Yi had considered the issue of casting.

Due to script revisions, the male lead, Jiang Fang, is now younger and requires a tough-guy image as well as considerable experience in action scenes.

Besides the male lead, the female lead and daughter roles also cannot be played by just any two actors.

The female lead is young, beautiful, and incredibly charming.

My daughter is fair-skinned, well-behaved, innocent, and adorable.

Only when the two are combined can the plot be logical.

A young and beautiful wife took her 5 or 6-year-old daughter to Hong Kong Island for a trip. Because of the wife's beauty, she was targeted by a local triad organization.

The criminal organization kidnapped them and smuggled them to Southeast Asia, which led to the male protagonist's pursuit, where he fought his way through.

To be honest, after looking around at actors from mainland China, Fang Yi really couldn't find many suitable ones.

Difficult!

Fang Yi shrugged, looked at everyone, and prepared to brainstorm ideas.

For example, Wang Zhonglei. Little Wang has a wide network and has contact with many actors, so he might have a suitable candidate.

Wang Zhonglei's mind raced, and a few seconds later he uttered a name.

"How's Jiang Wen?"

Grass!

Do you want me to become the next Lu Chuan?

Fang Yi shook his head and refused, telling him to look for something else.

If Jiang Wen is cast as the male lead, will the movie even be released? Forget about releasing it during the 2006 Spring Festival, it's unlikely to even be released in 2007.

No, absolutely not.

"Where is Jiang Wu?"

Wang Zhonglei then thought of Jiang Wen's younger brother.

So you've gotten into a fight with someone surnamed Jiang, haven't you?

Fang Yi rolled his eyes, too lazy to pay him any attention, and turned to Chen Ran to hear her opinion.

Got it!

Chen Ran was also thinking about suitable actors when she suddenly had an idea.

"Director Fang, what do you think of Chen Daoming?"

"I guess I'm getting on in years."

Before Fang Yi could reply, Chen Hui frowned and spoke up, secretly laughing at how unreliable she and Xiao Wang were.

One is looking for handsome men, the other only looks for rough and tough guys!

Fang Yi's eyes narrowed, and he thought Chen Ran's suggestion was good.

In 2005, Uncle Daoming was 50 years old, at the peak of his career as a male actor, possessing both good looks and acting skills.

They are too upright and refined, unlike soldiers and secret agents.

Um..

It could also be portrayed as an emperor's procession.

Forget it, let me think about other people.

If all else fails, learn from Feng Xiaogang and issue invitations to many people; I don't believe you won't find a suitable "father" and "husband".

"Everyone, we'll talk about the actors later. Let's get the production crew sorted out first."

Fang Yi interrupted everyone, skipping the question about the actors, and started talking to Chen Hui about the formation of the production team.

Previously, the "Sniper Phone Booth" crew was just a makeshift operation, content with simply filming, and they lived a very frugal life.

With 5000 million yuan in funding, they naturally want to go all out and turn all the money into film production.

This time, Fang Yi was full of confidence and set higher requirements for Huayi Productions.

"Director Chen, this time it will be at least a medium-sized production crew, and we've contacted the insurance company in advance to insure all crew members."

"In addition, I have already found Master Yuan's team to be martial arts instructors, and he has agreed to be available in September and October."

"I plan to start filming on August 15th and try to wrap it up before the end of the year."

"Please rest assured, Director Fang, I will assemble the crew as soon as possible and will not delay filming."

Chen Hui looked serious, as if he were about to face a tough battle.

Next, the group discussed the script.

Around 11 a.m., Poly Culture responded, expressing great interest in Fang Yi's new film and willingness to invest.

Before lunch, amidst laughter, everyone signed the investment agreement for the film.

[Taken], with a total production budget of 5000 million.

Huayi Brothers, the main producer of the film, acquired 45% of the market share for 2250 million.

The second investor, Yi Dong Ren Xin Studio, invested 1250 million yuan, accounting for 25% of the investment. Hua Yi paid this amount in advance.

China Film Group invested 1000 million yuan, accounting for a 20% stake.

The remaining 10% was taken away by Poly Culture, which will later sign a supplementary contract with Huayi.

In addition, Huayi Brothers and China Film Group, as the joint distributors of "Taken", will take 8% of the distribution fees.

As the director and screenwriter, Fang Yi would personally be entitled to 10% of the net box office revenue if the box office recovered its costs and even generated a profit.

For example, after deducting distribution fees and production costs, there is still 5000 million in net box office revenue. He can personally receive 500 million, and then the four investors will share the profits.

The specific marketing and distribution costs will be determined after filming wraps and the final cut is shown.

With the investment matters settled, Chen Ran took her leave first, politely declining Wang Zhonglei's invitation to dinner.

She still had to go back and report to Chairman Han; she didn't have time to engage in bureaucratic banter with Xiao Wang.

Fang Yi didn't stay at Huayi for long. He took advantage of the lunch break to leave the office building and drove to the vicinity of Sanlitun.

.....

"Her graceful demeanor leaves a lingering fragrance; the moonlight shines softly in the mountains, and the evening breeze carries away sorrow...like ocean waves..."

Come on, come on, let's fill our cups with bitter wine, no one can stop us, let's drink and sing our hearts out!

Just as Fang Yi parked his car and was about to head to the Yuzhang Restaurant where Fan Bingbing had treated him to dinner last time, a captivating cell phone ringtone came from his pocket.

He locked the car door, hummed softly along with the ringtone, and took out his phone to answer the call.

"Wandering the world... Hey, Xixi."

"Senior brother, have you eaten yet?"

Liu Yifei's clear voice rang out on the phone.

"Looking for a restaurant. What about you? What delicious food did Aunt Liu cook for you?"

"A main dish, braised pork belly and pork rib and lotus root soup."

The little girl waved her hand, her voice cheerful, clearly in a good mood.

"Really? When will you invite me to try it? I love braised pork."

Fang Yi stopped at the traffic light, and when he mentioned braised pork, he subconsciously swallowed.

It's similar to how people in later generations are tempted by pictures of delicious food at mealtimes or around 10 pm.

Depend on..

I haven't had meat in so long, I'm craving it!

"whee.."

Liu Yifei smiled, imagining Fang Yi devouring the meat.

Overjoyed, she didn't forget her business: "Senior, my mother and I would like to invite you to my coming-of-age ceremony."

"Okay, when?"

Fang Yi smiled and agreed, feeling a little emotional.

The little girl of yesteryear has grown into a beautiful young woman, like a fairy descended to earth.