The director starts by learning from the abilities of renowned directors.

Chapter 20 Divergence

As soon as Shen Qing returned to Beijing, he was immediately summoned to China Film Group. China Film Group received the news almost immediately that he had filed two new films, so he was specifically reminded on the phone to bring the scripts.

"Did you have a great trip? Where did you go?"

Han Sanping sat down opposite Shen Qing and said with a smile.

"You might not believe it, but I've spent the last ten days or so in the museum looking at the Terracotta Warriors."

Shen Qing said with a smile.

"Is this a script you're planning to write about the Terracotta Army?"

"No, I just really wanted to see the Terracotta Army."

"Is Jackie Chan filming somewhere?"

"Yes, we even took a group photo, but unfortunately I lost it."

After a few casual words, Han Sanping finally got down to business.

"You've registered two movies in one go. You've got some ambition, kid. Planning something big?"

Shen Qing smiled and handed over the script for "Taken," saying, "We can't do this big without the support of China Film Group."

Han Sanping smiled and took the script, saying, "With the buzz you made during the summer season, your next movie won't lack investment."

Shen Qing smiled and said, "Some resources can't be bought with money alone. The new movie can't do without President Han's support."

Han Sanping smiled, took the script, and started reading.

Time passed by, and Shen Qing occasionally observed President Han's reaction, but the other party did not show his emotions, so Shen Qing could not tell anything.

A dozen minutes later, Han Sanping put down the script.

Shen Qing hurriedly asked, "President Han, is the script alright?"

Han Sanping pondered for a moment and said, "The plot is smooth, but I can't see anything particularly outstanding. Maybe we have to see the action movie in action to know how good it is."

Shen Qing nodded.

The strengths of "Taken" are its fast-paced editing and clean, crisp fight scenes, while the dramatic scenes are not particularly impressive.

"The comedy and suspense in 'Fame and Fortune' were both very well done, so why the sudden shift to action films?"

"Yeah, I just suddenly wanted to do it, but I can't really explain why."

Han Sanping's face remained expressionless. He looked into Shen Qing's eyes and slowly said, "If I suggested that you temporarily abandon this project and instead make another movie similar to 'Fame and Fortune,' using elements of drama, comedy, and suspense to solidify your position in the film industry, would you accept?"

Shen Qing was taken aback. Han Sanping was currently the vice president of China Film Group and would become its leader in the future. His serious suggestion made Shen Qing feel the pressure.

But should we accept his suggestion? There's a significant difference of opinion between us!

"If you don't have any good ideas for the time being, the script can be provided by China Film Group, and the funding and support will not be lacking." After saying this with a smile, President Han's gaze remained fixed on Shen Qing's face.

Feeling Han Sanping's gaze, Shen Qing hesitated for a moment, then shook her head and said, "If this subject matter can't be filmed, then I'll give up. If it can be filmed, but the market prospects are unclear, then I'll persist."

Han Sanping was slightly surprised and softened his tone, saying, "With 'Fame and Fortune' grossing over 5000 million, you can probably secure investment for whatever movie you make next. But if the next movie fails, the movie after that is hard to say. I think the risk of 'Taken' failing is quite high, but I have high hopes for you. If you continue to leverage your strengths in comedy and suspense, even if the next movie fails, I'll still give you a chance for the movie after that. If you can't secure investment on your own, I promise to trust you one more time."

Shen Qing looked up at Han Sanping and asked, "If I still want to make 'Taken,' will China Film Group invest in it?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Han Sanping's eyes again, and he asked, "How much money do you need?"

1000.

"How much more do we need?"

"I will contribute 300 million myself, and convert my own screenwriter, director, and lead actor into shares. I want to personally own 44% of the shares, and we still need 700 million for production costs."

"You starred in it yourself?"

"right."

"You were able to portray Qi Leshan very well, which shows that you have acting skills, but the logic of action movies is different. You need to be able to fight. If you were to star in the film yourself, the risk of failure would increase."

"I have confidence."

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then said, "China Film Group will contribute 200 million, accounting for 16%."

"Thank you, Mr. Han, and thank you for China Film Group's support."

As Shen Qing left China Film Group, he thought to himself, "According to the plan, there is still a funding gap of 500 million. The film 'Making a Name for Oneself' earned Dingxin Film and Television more than 2500 million (box office + overseas rights). Will President Zhao cover the subsequent funding? I planned the 10 million production budget with a film ratio of 1:1000. If President Zhao is not optimistic about the new film, we may have to cut the budget. The film ratio and the choice of the female lead will be the first to be affected."

Before she had gone far from the China Film Center, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She took it out and saw that the caller ID was an unknown number, so she pressed the answer button.

"Director Shen Qing, this is Yu Dong from Berna Films. I'd like to take up a little of your time. When would be a convenient time?"

"Oh, it's you, Mr. Yu. I've heard so much about you. I'm available anytime."

……

The next day.

When Shen Qing arrived at Berna, Yu Dong was very welcoming. After exchanging pleasantries, the two got down to business.

"Has director Shen Qing's new film been registered?"

"right."

"What about funding?"

"I just met with Vice President Han from China Film Group yesterday..." Shen Qing briefly recounted her conversation with Han Sanping.

"Since there's still a share available, we at Berna will also contribute 200 million, taking a 16% stake. What does Director Shen Qing think?"

"I am extremely grateful for the support from Mr. Yu and Bernard. I brought the script with me today."

Shen Qing handed over the script for "Taken".

Yu Dong only glanced at it briefly, taking less than 30 seconds, before handing it back to Shen Qing and saying with a smile, "I absolutely trust Director Shen Qing's abilities, so there's no need to read the script."

……

After reaching a preliminary investment agreement with Mr. Yu, Shen Qing took his leave and departed from Berna.

The investment landscape that has now been largely established is as follows:

Shen Qing invested 300 million yuan of his own money, accounting for 44% of the share.

China Film Group invested 200 million yuan, acquiring a 16% stake.

Bernard invested $200 million, acquiring a 16% stake.

There is still a shortfall of 300 million, representing 24% of the shares.

The film project has a cash investment of 1000 million yuan, and the fees for director, screenwriter, and lead actor Shen Qing are estimated at 250 million yuan, for a total investment of 1250 million yuan (cash and non-cash).

The rest shouldn't be too difficult to solve.

Furthermore, Yu Dong decided to invest without even reading the script much, mainly because of the success of "Fame and Fortune".

Today he can invest without reading the script, but if the movie fails, next time he should refuse without reading the script.

Another day passed, and Shen Qing set off for Dingxin Film and Television.

"Brother Zhao, the new movie can't do without Dingxin's support."

After getting down to business, Shen Qing first explained his communication with China Film Group and Bernard, and then made his request.

Zhao Hongwei carefully read through the script first, then smiled and said, "No problem, Dingxin will invest in the 300 million shortfall for a 24% stake."

"Thank you, Brother Zhao."

"There's no need for such formalities among brothers."

"When it really matters, your own brothers are the most reliable."

……

When Zhao Hongwei got home, he told his wife about it, and she immediately beamed with joy, saying, "Last time, we made less than 2 million in production budget and still grossed 50 million at the box office. This time, with a production budget of 10 million, the box office won't even reach 100 million!"

Zhao Hongwei said, "It's not that easy for a box office to exceed 100 million. To be honest, I'll be satisfied if we can break even this time."

His wife frowned and asked, "What's wrong? You don't think Xiao Shen's new movie is good?"

Zhao Hongwei shook his head and said, "I don't know. The script looks alright, but it doesn't have the same amazing feeling I had when I first saw the script for 'Making a Name for Myself'."

His wife asked worriedly, "Won't we lose money?"

Zhao Hongwei said, "He made so much money for us, even if we know it's a loss, we should still invest."

……

When filming "Fame and Fortune", Shen Qing held shares as an individual, which resulted in a higher tax rate. He only received a total of 300 million to 400 million yuan. This time, he registered Magic Film Company, and the contract for the new movie was naturally signed with the company.

Over the next few days, contracts were signed one after another, and the new movie "Taken" officially set sail.