Traffic Star Development Program

Chapter 3: On what basis can we be certain?

She took a deep breath and turned to the first page.

The proposal begins with a sharp analysis of the company's current situation, which goes straight to the heart of the matter—the investment department is losing money, the production department is at a standstill, the artist management department is practically defunct, the company's cash flow is broken, and morale is low.

Sister Liu felt a pang of anxiety. If the other employees saw these words, probably half of them would resign tomorrow.

However, this proposal was intended for the bank manager, who was fully aware of the situation.

Moreover, Zeng Hao's purpose was definitely not as simple as exposing the flaws.

Sister Liu continued reading.

really.

Zeng Hao followed up with a paragraph: "Crisis is an opportunity. Small companies are quick to turn around, and being lightly equipped is actually an advantage."

The second page begins with the project introduction for "Go Princess Go," and she reads every word carefully.

Investment budget: 90 million RMB.

Filming period: 3 months.

"Profit model: Exclusive online broadcasting, guaranteed minimum revenue plus revenue sharing."

"Expected returns: Conservatively estimated at over 1000 million."

Sister Liu's hands trembled slightly. A 90 yuan investment with an expected return of 1000 million yuan? That's more than ten times the return!

She forced herself to calm down and continued reading the script outline.

The story is an absurd comedy about a modern playboy who travels back in time to ancient times and becomes the crown princess. The male protagonist has to survive in the harem and deal with all kinds of conspiracies and intrigues.

The more Sister Liu watched, the more interesting she found it. The subject matter was indeed novel, and the jokes were plentiful, which was very much in line with the tastes of today's young audience.

The key point is that the cost control plan is written in extremely detail.

All props were made using the cheapest alternatives, the set was rented from only one film studio, all actors were newcomers, each actor was paid a maximum of 1 yuan, and the meal allowance was 16 yuan per person for two meals a day.

When Sister Liu saw this, she couldn't help but gasp.

This isn't filming, it's exploitation!

But upon closer reflection, if the cost can be reduced to below 90, even if only 500 million is earned in the end, it would still be a return of more than five times.

She turned to the third page, which was the project introduction for "Back to 20".

Investment budget: 500 million RMB.

Filming period: 4 months.

"Profit model: theatrical distribution."

"Expected box office: over 3 million."

Sister Liu's breathing quickened. 3 million in box office revenue? If that really happened, wouldn't Sunshine Entertainment soar to new heights?

She forced herself to stay rational and continued reading the script synopsis.

The story tells of a 70-year-old grandmother who unexpectedly reverts to her 20-year-old self, pursuing her youthful musical dreams once again, while also navigating family responsibilities and her grandson's love life.

After reading the plot summary, Sister Liu nodded to herself.

This heartwarming and inspiring story, with both laughter and tears, certainly has the potential to become a hit.

Moreover, the proposal provided a detailed analysis of the gaps in the 2015 film market—a lack of heartwarming comedies targeting middle-aged and elderly audiences, which was precisely a blue ocean market.

Sister Liu closed the proposal, leaned back in her chair, and let out a long sigh.

She now finally understood why Manager Wang had given in.

It wasn't because Manager Wang had a unique perspective, but because Zeng Hao's proposal was so tempting, coupled with Zeng Hao's persuasive tactics, that Manager Wang was probably cornered and had no choice but to agree.

After all, the one who owes money is the boss. If Sunshine Entertainment really goes bankrupt, Manager Wang's bad debt of 200 million yuan in loans will hang on his head for several years.

Rather than trying anything desperately, why not take another gamble? What if it works?

This proposal is like a convenient way to back down.

Were all of these things done by Zeng Hao?

A leap from 90 to 3 million!

She stood up, preparing to contact Manager Wang to process the loan application, but as she reached the door, she glanced back at the proposal on the table.

Hopefully, this time, the gamble will pay off.

The following morning, in the conference room of Sunshine Entertainment.

Zeng Hao arrived ten minutes early, and Sister Liu had already prepared two cups of tea and placed them on the table.

"When will Yang Shanshan arrive?" Zeng Hao asked.

"She said she'd be there at 10 o'clock sharp, and there are still five minutes left." Sister Liu glanced at her watch.

Zeng Hao nodded, sat in the main seat at the conference table, and tapped his fingers lightly on the surface.

He knew very well that today's negotiations would not be easy.

Yang Shanshan is a smart woman who is fully aware of the company's current situation. To get her to take the initiative to run more gigs and help the company out of its predicament, we must offer her sufficient benefits and promises.

Moreover, this promise cannot be an empty promise; it must be something tangible.

At 10:00 AM sharp, the meeting room door was pushed open.

Yang Shanshan walked in wearing high heels, a black business suit, exquisite makeup, and long hair, exuding a strong aura.

When she saw Zeng Hao, she gave a formulaic smile. "Mr. Zeng, you wanted to see me?"

"Sit down," Zeng Hao said, gesturing to the chair opposite him in a flat tone.

Yang Shanshan sat down opposite him, picked up her teacup, took a sip, and her gaze lingered on Zeng Hao's face for two seconds before she tentatively asked, "I heard Old Sun ran away?"

"Yes." Zeng Hao did not deny it.

"So now you're the one who calls the shots in the company?" Yang Shanshan asked again.

"right."

Yang Shanshan put down her teacup, leaned back in her chair, and placed her hands crossed on the table. "So, what did President Zeng want to discuss with me today? Terminating the contract?"

Her tone carried a hint of provocation.

Zeng Hao looked at her, a slight smile playing on his lips. "You want to terminate your contract?"

"The Crossing flopped completely, and the Lion's Reflection that I filmed last year also failed to become a hit. What have I gained in this year at the company besides wasting my time?" Yang Shanshan's tone was somewhat aggressive.

Zeng Hao wasn't angry; instead, he nodded. "You're right. The company really didn't help you much in the past year."

Yang Shanshan was stunned for a moment; she hadn't expected Zeng Hao to admit it so readily.

"But that's in the past." Zeng Hao changed the subject. "From today onwards, Sunshine Entertainment will adopt a different approach."

He took a document from under the table and pushed it in front of Yang Shanshan.

Yang Shanshan looked down and saw the first ten pages of a movie script—"Back to 20".

"What is this?" she asked.

"I've tailored a movie leading lady just for you." Zeng Hao said calmly, as if stating a given fact.

Yang Shanshan quickly glanced at the manuscript in her hand, her brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

After reading the first ten pages, she looked up, her eyes filled with suspicion. "President Zeng, are you just making empty promises? The company is barely able to pay salaries right now, where would we get the money to make a movie?"

"You don't need to worry about the money. I've already secured a loan and some investment, which is more than enough to make this movie," Zeng Hao said casually.

Yang Shanshan paused for a few seconds, then said, "Even if you do manage to secure the investment, this script is just too..."

She wanted to say "too old-fashioned," but swallowed the words back.

Zeng Hao saw through her thoughts. "You think this story isn't original enough?"

"No," Yang Shanshan shook her head. "It's just that I feel these kinds of heartwarming films don't sell well now. Audiences prefer to see big scenes and special effects."

"Of the top ten highest-grossing films of 2014, which one relied on special effects: 'Breakup Buddies,' 'Dearest,' and 'The Golden Era'?" Zeng Hao asked rhetorically.

Yang Shanshan was speechless.

Zeng Hao continued, "The market is certainly not lacking in big productions, but it lacks good stories that can touch people's hearts. 'Back to 20' is such a story. It has laughter and tears, family affection and love, musical elements that young people like, and themes that middle-aged and elderly people can resonate with."

He paused for a moment, then added, "And I guarantee that this movie will gross no less than 3 million."

Yang Shanshan stared at Zeng Hao, trying to see a hint of bluff on his face, but all she saw was confidence.

"Mr. Zeng, what makes you so sure?"