I Know Everything - Chapter 46
Chapter 46: Trouble and even more trouble.
Zhu Mei indeed got into trouble.
Several film companies she worked with before didn’t agree with her film’s direction.
The main disagreement was still on the choice of actors.
The roster of Chen Qian, Chen Huan, Han Dong’er and Xu Dong couldn’t attract fans at all.
Even if Han Dong’er had fans, it was mostly for her singing and they had a view on her acting skills.
So the film companies felt that it was way below the roster with Cao Nihui and Bu Yiyi.
They all said that if Cao Nihui and Bu Yiyi agreed to play in the movie, they would give out 10 million or more for the production.
But they would not throw money with the current roster as they didn’t feel optimistic about the movie.
Not even two or three million.
Zhu Mei also used her connection with Huhai opera but even the wealthy Xuanwu Film rejected her in the end. One must know that the owner of Xuanwu Film graduated from Huhai opera with its headquarters in Lin’an while the funds came from the bosses in Zhejiang.
Moreover, they were the one who produced ‘Paper Kite’ previously.
If such a person refused to produce ‘Love Letter’, imagine what the other companies’ attitude would be.
It was enough as when Zhu Mei was down and battered, Xu Dong’s agent suddenly called and said that Xu Dong had to rest a few months after falling off the stairs so he couldn’t play his role in ‘Love Letter’.
Xu Dong already signed the contract and he would need to give out compensation if he broke his contract or failed to appear in the movie.
His salary was 300k and although he hadn’t received a penny from Zhu Mei yet, he would have to pay 300k yuan to Zhu Mei under the terms of the contract.
Xu Dong’s agent was very easy going as he called in the morning and the money already arrived in the afternoon.
Zhu Mei sat in the backyard of the small noodle shop and said to Chen Huan with a bitter smile, “I didn’t think that I couldn’t get investment anywhere but at least Xu Dong contributed 300k!”
Chen Huan shook his head, “Aunty Mei, this money wasn’t necessarily Xu Dong’s.”
“Oh?” Zhu Mei was surprised.
“Xu Dong’s exit was a bit hasty and weird.” Chen Huan said, “And his contract fee came in too quickly. I think this money came from someone who encouraged him to break the contract off.”
“He’s just a small actor, why would someone spend so much effort?” Ding Lun asked.
“Don’t need to guess, isn’t it Xie Yang?” Shi Liyou sneered, “He definitely gave more than that. Xu Dong might get a role or more money, maybe even the two of them!”
Everyone wasn’t stupid and knew what was going on after Chen Huan reminder.
“Let’s not talk about him, we can find somebody else for his role after all China has plenty of talents, it’s alright.” Zhu Mei wasn’t worried about it.
“The key point is we can’t find money, what do you think we should do?”
“I really have no idea. I asked everybody I knew to spread the news but no film company was interested.” Ding Lun sighed. “We may be from Huhai Opera but when we really encounter trouble, how can we compare against the power of the capital? Not to mention we’re facing against a supergiant like Daqi Entertainment.”
“Xie Yang is too much! Is it really worth it for him to use so much effort for Toy Entertainment?” Shi Liyou frowned as he felt a headache.
“It’s not just about Toy Entertainment.” Chen Huan said, “Entertainment industries are like that, they follow the winner or attack the loser. They have ‘Youth Rise’ and must help it. So they will try to hinder us. Anyways, this is a battle of interest.”
“Then should I thank Xie Yang for thinking us to be worthy?” Zhu Mei smiled ironically.
“Hey, Xiao Huan, you haven’t been in the entertainment industry, how can you see it so clearly?” Ding Lun was surprised by him and was amazed by his analysis of the situation.
“I will naturally know after seeing so much.” Chen Huan explained with an even voice.
No way he was going to tell them that in his original world, it was too common for them to fight like this and it was even more crazed.
“I mean, you guys have to be so nervous.” Shui Qingshan, who didn’t say a word until now, spoke up. “The question of money is difficult if you say it’s difficult, it’s easy if you say it’s easy. But it’s not the most important thing.”
“Why isn’t it the most important? We can’t start working without the money.” Ding Lun said with a bitter smile, “Brother Shan, what’s more important?”
“Let me calculate it, the production cost this time is really low.” Shui Qingshan said,
“The Leading actress Chen Qian only asked for 500k and we already received 300k from Xu Dong, which is equivalent to giving her 200k. Han Dong’er is 500k. As for Xiao Huan, you can give him some dividend if the movie makes money. The rest are Mei’s team and everybody can save a little. It shouldn’t be more than 3 million if we add everything together.”
After a pause, Shui Qingshan continued, “If you can’t find an investor, I can pay this amount.”
“It won’t take 3 million.” Chen Huan exclaimed, “If after today Han Dong’er didn’t call, we can give her a dividend on the profit like me. If she wants to back out, we can earn 500k.”
A few people immediately understood what he meant.
If Han Dong’er back out, she would obviously have to pay the same penalty as Xu Dong.
If Han Dong’er doesn’t back out, it means that she had a good personality and didn’t come for money.
In this way, whether she got paid 500k from the get go or in dividend wouldn’t be important.
“Wow, Xiao Huan, you’re a great capitalist, save us so much money!” Shi Liyou said in admiration while giving him thumbs up.
Shui Qianyu knew Chen Huan the best so she rolled her eyes at Shi Liyou, “Uncle Shui, don’t say nonsense! This movie is sure to make money! Chen Huan is actually giving her money and fame!”
They all laughed, including Shui Qingshan.
Women are more extroverts!
“If you count it like that, money indeed isn’t the problem.” Ding Lun agreed with Shui Qingshan but he was still curious, “Brother Shan, what’s the most important then?”
“Of course it’s the release!” Shui Qingshan said, “According to the situation, how are we going to release it even if we make the movie? A literacy film doesn’t have much appeal and if we want to be widely distributed, it’s very hard! If we don’t resolve the movie release problem, the production of ‘Love Letter’ can’t continue!”
Everyone’s complexion changed when they heard him.
Zhu Mei, in particular, couldn’t help but let out a huge sigh.
She originally thought that Xianwu Film would invest in it. With that second-tier company, she could get at least 500 big screens across in at least 20 to 30 cities in the region of Zhejiang.
Unfortunately, Xianwu Film stubbornly asked for Cao Nihui and Bu Yiyi otherwise there wouldn’t be any investment.
For a moment, Chen Huan thought if he should concede and at least get Bu Yiyi back.
Chen Huan couldn’t do it after thinking of Han Dong’er pure and immaculate face.
She was the best candidate for the female Fang Shu role in the movie he liked.
If he made a movie and couldn’t choose the person he wanted for the role, what was the point?
It definitely wouldn’t be a good thing when the movie gave up its soul!