novelraw Chapter 105 Fan Bingbing
Chapter 105 Fan Bingbing
Fan Bingbing's phone call was like a pebble thrown into calm water.
Funding is an urgent issue, but the source must be clean.
The capital introduced by Fan Bingbing undoubtedly carries a strong allure, but also comes with equally strong risks.
He needs more information and needs to make a judgment.
He stubbed out his cigarette, picked up his phone, and called Chen Yongren.
"Chen Sheng, are you asleep?"
There's something I'd like to ask you about. Yes, it's about the background of some investors who might be interested in "Bodyguards and Assassins." Please keep it low-key.
He then called Yuan Tao and briefly told him about Fan Bingbing's call.
Yuan Tao remained silent for a long time on the other end of the phone before saying:
"This woman is not simple. She is trying to find a more independent path for herself between Huayi and you, and may even be hedging her bets on both sides."
The capital she introduces must be thoroughly investigated, and it would be best to find out who the ultimate decision-maker is.
I also tried to get some information through some old connections.
Remember, no matter how short of money you are, you can't lose control.
After hanging up the phone, Li Jun felt exhausted, but his mind was unusually clear.
Composing himself, Li Jun sat back down at his computer, where the unfinished script sat on the screen. He typed a line, deleted it, and typed it again.
The night outside the window grew deeper and deeper.
The ripples caused by Fan Bingbing's phone call did not linger in Li Jun's mind for long.
He wasn't a greenhorn; in his previous life, he had struggled on the fringes of the entertainment industry and had seen the fangs of capital firsthand.
Are you excited?
indeed.
No one would be unmoved by a funding channel that can solve an urgent financial crisis.
But the greater the temptation, the more vigilant we need to be.
At the negotiating table, information is a harder currency than gold, especially when you know almost nothing about your opponent.
He did not reply to Fan Bingbing immediately.
Instead, it was through Chen Yongren's "special" connections in Hong Kong's financial circles and offshore company inquiries.
In addition, Yuan Tao utilized some exceptionally well-connected relationships he had built up in his early years working on music copyrights in Beijing.
They began to quietly investigate the so-called "investment group" introduced by Fan Bingbing.
The feedback was fragmented.
Star Capital, registered in an overseas archipelago, has indeed made some low-key but significant investments in the Asia-Pacific cultural and entertainment sector in the past two years, involving film and television production, artist management, and even new media platforms.
The sources of funding are complex, and it is rumored to be linked to certain industrial families in Southeast Asia, as well as some real estate capital undergoing transformation in China.
Their style is described as pragmatic and astute, not valuing empty fame, focusing on the long-term asset value of projects, making quick investment decisions, but often with very detailed or even harsh terms.
Most importantly, preliminary information indicates that it has no direct equity or business relationship with Huayi Brothers, and is more like an independent financial entity.
This somewhat alleviated Li Jun's concerns; at least it wasn't a blatant trap set by Wang Zhonglei.
But independence also means being unpredictable; one's true bottom line can only be tested face-to-face.
A week later, Li Jun called Fan Bingbing back, his tone as calm as ever:
"Ms. Fan, regarding the matter you mentioned last time, if it's convenient, we can arrange to meet and discuss it."
You decide the location and time, just make sure it's quiet.
Fan Bingbing seemed to chuckle softly on the other end of the phone, as if she had already anticipated this outcome:
Director Li was straightforward.
Let's do it tomorrow night, Beijing. I'll send you the location later.
It was just me and a Mr. Chen, who is the special advisor for Starway Capital in Greater China.
"Mr. Chen?" Li Jun noted down the name.
You'll know when you meet them.
Fan Bingbing kept it a secret.
"Don't worry, he's someone who's serious about discussing business."
The meeting place was a secluded private garden club in the eastern suburbs of Beijing, with blue bricks and gray tiles, winding paths leading to a secluded spot, a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The waiter led Li Jun through a bamboo path to a private room called "Listening to the Pines".
Pushing open the door, Fan Bingbing was already there, having changed into a more tailored dark blue velvet suit skirt, which made her look less glamorous as a female celebrity and more capable as a business elite.
Sitting next to her was a man in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with a refined and composed demeanor. He was Mr. Chen, Chen Zeshi.
"Director Li, welcome."
Fan Bingbing stood up and introduced the two parties with a smile.
"This is Mr. Chen Zeshi of Starway Capital."
Mr. Chen, this is Director Li Jun.
"Director Li, I've heard so much about you."
Chen Zeshi stood up, shook hands firmly but briefly, and looked calmly at Li Jun's face through his glasses.
"Bingbing has always told me that Director Li is a rare young talent with ideas and the ability to execute them. Meeting him today, I can see that he is indeed extraordinary."
"Mr. Chen, you flatter me. Ms. Fan, you are too kind."
Li Jun responded politely but firmly, and took his seat.
Without much small talk, Kent Chan got straight to the point.
He clearly did a lot of research on the "Bodyguards and Assassins" project, from the historical background of the story, its genre positioning, and its market potential.
They were familiar with Li Jun's previous work, "Love is Not Blind," including its operational model and profitability, and even his interactions with behind-the-scenes figures like Cheng Guoqiang in Hong Kong.
His questions were professional and incisive, getting straight to the heart of the matter:
The details of the budget, how to deal with the censorship and market risks faced by co-productions, and the concept and alternative plans for the core leading actors.
Li Jun answered each question one by one, without exaggeration or concealing the difficulties.
He presented a preliminary but detailed budget breakdown and showed the shooting schedule drafted after discussions with the Hong Kong team.
They frankly admitted that the biggest challenges at present are the funding gap and having a lead actor with sufficient box office appeal.
He further emphasized the core value of the project, stating that it is not merely a commercial blockbuster, but an attempt to reshape the quality of Chinese historical films through industrial rigor.
Its success will bring long-term brand value to the industry.
"Director Li's thinking about the project is more systematic than I imagined."
After listening, Chen Zeshi nodded slightly and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
"We do not shy away from risks, but we have also clearly seen the leverage points."
Starway Capital values the combination of people and business when making investments.
The matter is the logic of the project itself;
The person in charge is the one who orchestrates this whole affair.
Director Li's previous successful cases of making big profits with small investments have proven your trading skills.
Now, you want to play a bigger game.
He paused, his gaze deepening.
"We are interested."
But investing is not charity; we need protection.
StarHub can solve your funding gaps and, to some extent, even help you reach and negotiate with actors you previously thought were unattainable, by leveraging our resource network.
but."
He then changed the subject.
"We need corresponding rights."
coming.
Li Jun listened intently.
"First, Star Rivers is demanding a 40 percent stake in the project and a share of global box office revenue and all derivative profits in proportion to its investment."
Chen Zeshi's tone was calm, yet unquestionable.
"Secondly, the main financial oversight and budget overruns of the project must be handled by a representative appointed by Starway."
Third, for risk control reasons, Starway has veto power over the final selection of main actors.
There was a moment of silence in the private room. The bamboo leaves outside the window rustled softly in the wind.
Fan Bingbing picked up her teacup, lowered her eyes, and sipped her tea, as if she were just an uninvolved introducer, but Li Jun could feel that she was watching his reaction out of the corner of her eye.
With a 40% stake, plus financial oversight and actor veto rights, the investors practically become co-controllers of the project, severely restricting Li Jun's creative output.
The actor's veto right, in particular, is perhaps the most fatal clause.
Capital could easily ruin the quality of a production just to squeeze in its own cronies or pursue short-term traffic.
Li Jun did not immediately refute or bargain.
He remained silent for a moment, as if processing these conditions, before slowly speaking, his tone still calm:
"I understand Mr. Chen's sincerity and concerns."
It is only natural for capital to seek protection.
However, there are some areas where we can discuss further.
He didn't say it directly.
"No"
Instead, they began to explore.
"First, regarding the shareholding ratio."
Li Jun took out another simple form.
"It is indeed crucial for Starway to address the funding gap."
However, the core value of the project, besides funding, lies in the creativity, production, and the quality of the final film.
This portion of intangible assets is currently primarily contributed by myself and my core team.
Considering that our team will also invest significant manpower, time, and opportunity costs, I personally believe a more reasonable ratio is:
Starway owns 30% and reserves the right to share profits proportionally.
In return for the financial support, Star River will have priority in recouping its investment from the project's net box office revenue in mainland China.
The priority right to recover principal is a risk buffer design that is very attractive to investors.
This shows that Li Jun is not simply resisting capital, but knows how to make concessions at key points in exchange for more core interests.
Chen Zeshi's eyes flickered slightly, clearly surprised by the suggestion, and his gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses became more serious.
"Please continue."
He said.
"Secondly, financial oversight is crucial, and I completely agree."
Li Jun continued.
"Budgets must be strictly controlled; overspending is the biggest problem that causes projects to get out of control."
I suggest that Starway appoint a professional production finance officer to join the core production team to oversee budget execution throughout the process, have the right to know, and require joint signatures for any expenditures with significant deviations.
However, the daily scheduling of shooting and production within the budget should still be the responsibility of me and the production manager to ensure creative efficiency.
We regularly submit detailed financial reports to our investors.
It satisfies investors' demands for fund security while avoiding excessive interference from laypeople in professional production.
"As for the veto power over actor selection..."
Li Jun paused, his tone becoming extremely serious.
"Mr. Chen, film is the art of the director, but even more so the art of the actors."
A wrong protagonist can ruin tens of millions of dollars in investment and all the hard work of everyone.
I understand the investors' concerns about risk, but completely relinquishing such core artistic decision-making power could bring even greater risks.
I suggest that we establish a mechanism for joint consultation.
I will propose a shortlist of candidates for the main roles, along with detailed character analysis and actor suitability assessments, and discuss them thoroughly with the investors.
Investors can raise questions and recommend candidates, which we will evaluate together.
However, if a disagreement arises, after fully explaining the reasons, I, as the director and project manager, will make the final decision and bear primary responsibility for it.
Of course, this can be written into the contract: if my stubborn casting results in significant losses for the project, I am willing to bear a higher proportion of the losses in subsequent profit sharing.
This statement is well-organized and logical, with both retreats and advances.
It respects the rights of capital while resolutely defending the core autonomy of creation.
Especially the final proposal regarding assuming primary responsibility.
This serves as a warning to both sides simultaneously.
Chen Zeshi remained silent for a long time, his fingers unconsciously drawing circles on the table.
Fan Bingbing also put down her teacup, her gaze shifting between Li Jun and Chen Zeshi, a subtle, unreadable expression flashing across her face.
"Director Li."
After a long silence, Chen Zeshi finally spoke, a genuine smile of appreciation on his face.
"You are more difficult to deal with and more interesting than I imagined."
You're not here to ask for money; you're here to find business partners.
"I have always believed that the best investments are partnerships based on mutual trust and professional respect."
Li Jun said frankly.
"Thirty percent of the shares, priority right to recoup principal, financial oversight throughout the process, and... your jointly negotiated actor mechanism."
Chen Zeshi repeated Li Jun's conditions, as if weighing their weight.
"It's novel and bold."
I need to go back and have a detailed evaluation with the team.
However, my initial impression is that this is a foundation for further discussion.
He raised his teacup:
"Director Li, let's drink tea instead of wine, as a tribute to our potential collaboration, and also to your clarity of mind and courage."
Li Jun raised his glass in a toast.
He knew this was only the first round.
What follows is a tedious negotiation over contract terms, but the core principle framework remains the same.
He has successfully tipped the scales in his favor.
He upheld the director's final decision-making power; that was the bottom line.
Fan Bingbing also smiled and raised her glass, giving Li Jun a complex look that included surprise, inquiry, but more than anything, a more certain assessment.
Li Jun's performance undoubtedly enhanced her value as the introducer, but it also diminished her control over the situation.
The dinner ended in an atmosphere of superficial harmony, but with everyone secretly plotting their own agendas.
Chen Zeshi left first, while Fan Bingbing and Li Jun stayed a little longer.
"Director Li, you really impressed me today."
Fan Bingbing lit a slender cigarette, and wisps of smoke rose into the air.
"Mr. Chen is rarely the type to be bargained with like this and still leave with a smile."
"It's simply about being honest with each other."
Li Jun looked out the window at the night scene.
"I must thank Miss Fan for making the connection."
"I've set the stage; now it's up to you."
Fan Bingbing exhaled a smoke ring, her tone somewhat unsteady.
"However, Director Li, there's something I need to remind you of."
The world of capital is more direct and more ruthless than the entertainment industry.
What you hold onto today may be taken away in other ways in the future.
"Take care of yourself."
Is this a reminder, or some kind of hint? Li Jun remained calm:
"Been taught a lesson."
Leaving the club, the night air was crisp and cool.
Li Jun sat in the car on his way back to the hotel, closing his eyes and recalling every word of their conversation.
Chen Zeshi's reaction was better than he expected, which shows that Starway Capital does indeed value the long-term value of projects and the team's capabilities more than short-term control.
This is a positive sign.
But Fan Bingbing's final reminder was like a thorn in her side.
Capital doesn't engage in unprofitable transactions; the profits it relinquishes will inevitably be made up for elsewhere.
Where could it be?
What are the subsequent distribution channels?
Derivative product development?
Or is it bundled with other projects?
He temporarily suppressed these thoughts.
In any case, the door to funding has been pried open a crack.
He had to hurry and push forward with the other aspects of the project while negotiations were underway, especially the casting.
The formal negotiation draft with Starway Capital lasted for nearly a month.
With the assistance of Yuan Tao and a specially hired entertainment lawyer, Li Jun meticulously reviewed every clause.
The final agreement largely followed the framework agreed upon that night:
Star Capital invested 60% of the total project budget, acquiring 30% of the shares and the priority right to recoup costs from mainland box office revenue.
Financial supervision was carried out according to the plan proposed by Li Jun;
The actor selection process is structured as a tripartite consultation committee, with Lee Jun holding two votes and having the final say based on artistic judgment in case of a stalemate.
However, the reasons must be stated in writing and filed as evidence for subsequent clarification of rights and responsibilities.
This is a rather ideal result.
Li Jun retained creative control, secured much-needed funding, and did not relinquish core control.
The news spread within a very small inner circle, immediately triggering a chain reaction.
The first to take action was in Hong Kong.
Chen Yongren's phone was ringing off the hook. Veteran actors, established stars, and even agents of some has-been stars seeking a career change all extended olive branches, expressing strong interest in participating in "Bodyguards and Assassins" and offering negotiable fees.
The art direction team was also more excited, as the funding meant they could be bolder in their designs and produce higher quality work.
Next, the mainland side.
Yuan Tao's "Sound and Image Workshop" and Linda's fashion resource network have also begun to receive a large number of inquiries.
Many actors, especially those with acting skills but lacking opportunities in top commercial films, saw this as an excellent platform for potential advancement.
Under strict confidentiality, the script excerpt was sent to a few of the top talent agencies that Li Jun had chosen.
Li Jun quickly shifted his focus to casting.
He frequently traveled between Beijing and Hong Kong to personally interview key actors.
This process is complex and mentally taxing, as he has to judge not only whether the actor's appearance and acting skills fit the role.
Furthermore, one must consider their professional attitude, cooperation, availability, and even the additional resources or troubles that may arise behind the scenes.
He met the mainland actor he had long admired, known for his solid acting skills and strong temperament.
The actor was extremely dedicated to playing the role of the skilled but down-on-his-luck leader in the film, and even began practicing martial arts and old-fashioned weapons in advance.
He also met with a Hong Kong kung fu superstar who was once very popular but has faded from the limelight in recent years. The superstar said he could bring back the fighting spirit he had back then.
But controversy followed.
Star Capital, through Kent Chan, subtly recommended two popular young actors who have gained considerable popularity in recent years but whose acting skills have been controversial, hoping they could play significant roles as young heroes in the film, arguing that it would bring them attention and a younger audience.
After watching clips of their work and auditions, Li Jun directly and resolutely exercised his final directorial decision-making power and rejected their applications.
The reasons are sufficient:
The acting was unable to support the complexity and gravitas of the character, and it clashed with the overall realistic style.
To this end, he had several rounds of heated discussions with representatives of Starway.
The other party eventually compromised, but demanded compensation in other minor roles or subsequent promotional resources.
There were also unexpected gains.
A veteran actor from Taiwan, with superb acting skills but not well-known in mainland China, read the script through Chen Yongren's connections.
He took the initiative to contact her, expressing his willingness to play a compassionate old Chinese medicine doctor who secretly helps the revolutionaries in the film for a very low fee, simply because "this role resonated with me."
After the interview, Li Jun made the decision on the spot.
Besides the main characters, the film needs a large number of supporting actors and even extras with different appearances and temperaments to fill in the chaotic and diverse urban landscape of Hong Kong in 1905.
Li Jun made a bold decision:
Instead of relying entirely on casting directors' recommendations or personal connections, the recruitment and selection of extras is conducted openly and on a large scale.
The news caused a sensation as soon as it was released through the official channels of "Sound and Shadow Workshop" and some partner media.
Not only in Hong Kong and Guangdong, but also drama school students from all over the country, ordinary people with dreams of becoming actors, and even amateur enthusiasts with some acting experience flocked to the event.
Recruitment points were set up in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Chengdu, with Li Jun personally leading the assistant director and casting team.
Li Jun wanted to see the most authentic, unadorned faces, to capture the vivid charm of the old-fashioned urban life that the camera needed most.
Interview scenes are varied:
There are young people from the north who are practicing Cantonese diligently in an attempt to imitate the "old Hong Kong accent".
There was a young Hakka man who brought a photo of his grandfather in an attempt to recreate the appearance of overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia during the late Qing Dynasty.
There are middle-aged people who work in traditional industries, their hands calloused and weathered...
Li Jun looked at it very carefully.
Sometimes, applicants are even asked to improvise a scene of a street quarrel, working on the docks, or listening to a play in a teahouse.
In the process, he indeed discovered some unpolished gems.
He met a girl named Cao Xiaohua, who was originally a teahouse waitress, at a recruitment point in Guangzhou. She had a timid yet resilient quality. He took a liking to her at first glance and assigned her a role as a flower girl with a few lines, who would pass on information during a crisis.
A man I met in Chengdu, who used to be a martial arts performer in Sichuan Opera but later became a taxi driver, still had a solid foundation in martial arts and was noticed by Master Cheng Guoqiang.
If you're recruited into the martial arts team, you might even get a minor role as a Qing soldier leader.
During a break from her busy concert rehearsals, Zhang Liangying heard about the high demand for extras and called specifically to inquire, her voice filled with a smile:
"I heard your area is packed with people, even more lively than our Super Girl auditions. Have you spotted any promising talents?"
"There are actually a few, quite interesting ones."
Li Jun shared some of his experiences with her.
"Filmmaking is a huge project that requires countless realistic details to fill in."
These faces, from all corners of the country and bearing the marks of their own lives, are perhaps the best examples of detail.