mijobooks Chapter 86 Cinema Cooperation 2
Chapter 86 Cinema Cooperation 2
"..."
Huang Min was speechless.
He just casually started the conversation, but to his surprise, the two executives from Zhongteng Pictures continued along the line of topics, talking non-stop, as if they had invited him there just to have a casual chat.
And this wine, he's already finished one glass, there are still two-thirds left in both of their glasses.
Huang Min knew he'd run into a seasoned veteran in the workplace. After Manager Wan finished speaking, Huang Min, no longer wanting to waste time with the two, asked directly, "What brings you two here?"
"Pure admiration and curiosity"
Before Manager Wan could speak, Wang Zhong said with a smile.
"Making friends, huh!?"
Huang Min laughed and said, "Then I'll assume that you two really just want to make friends with me and have nothing else to discuss."
"You..."
Wan Hao was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled and said, "Director Huang truly lives up to his reputation as someone who can shoot such an excellent film as 'The Terror Live' in just two or three months. Not only is he impatient, but he also manages to maintain high quality."
Su Qing continued eating her meal.
She had accompanied Huang Min to dinner three times already, and knew that Huang Min didn't need her help to smooth things over at the dinner table; he was capable of handling things on his own.
now.
Su Qing could also tell that the two senior executives of Zhongteng Pictures wanted to get Huang Min drunk before they could talk about serious business, but Huang Min didn't give them the chance.
"Let's talk about it! Once we've settled things, we can drink."
Huang Min spoke directly.
"Then I'll tell you."
Wanhao put down his glass, considered his words for a moment, and said, "Actually, the main reason we invited Director Huang here is because we learned that your next project is about to start..." Seeing Huang Min looking at him with surprise, Wanhao smiled and said, "Director Huang, there's no need to be surprised. The distribution agency contract that Dongsheng Film Industry signed with Changkong Media isn't a confidential document. We found out with a little inquiry. I heard that the investment in Director Huang's next project doesn't seem to be very large."
"Zhongteng Pictures is interested!?"
Huang Min asked with a smile.
"kindness"
Wanhao nodded: "Zhongteng Pictures may not be interested in other directors' projects, but our company is very interested in Director Huang's projects. 'The Terror Live' had a production cost of a few million, but it generated more than 600 million in box office revenue. The profit margin is so attractive that it would tempt anyone, let alone us."
Huang Min did not interrupt.
"Director Huang, we at Zhongteng Pictures will invest in your next film."
Wang Zhong interjected.
"There are quite a few companies interested in investing in my new project."
Huang Min chuckled twice and said, "Besides, once the revenue share is received after 'The Terror Live' finishes its run, I can immediately start my next project. Anyway, the investment isn't that big, and Dong Sheng Pictures can afford it themselves. If it's just a simple investment, then you two... I guess we won't be able to be friends anymore."
Huang Min's meaning is very simple.
He can give up his investment share, but Zhongteng Pictures must provide resources that satisfy him. Huang Min has no shortage of pure investment.
Seeing that the two remained silent, Huang Min smiled and said, "Because of the contract I signed with Teacher Zhou for the previous film, the production cost for my next project will be around 40 to 50 million. In today's film and television industry, even 50 million would be considered a low production cost."
"We can act as the distribution agent for Dongsheng Pictures."
Marriott said in a deep voice.
"This doesn't tempt me at all."
Huang Min shook his head: "The Terror Live has already signed a distribution agreement with Changkong Media for its next film. If Zhongteng Pictures wants to invest, they need to show sincerity. I know that Zhongteng Pictures has its own independent cinema chain. I can give up five million in investment. Zhongteng Cinemas must guarantee that my next film will still have a prime screening rate after its release. In the first three days of release, the screening rate must not be lower than 15%, plus 0.2% prime screening rate. In addition, the cinema chain must also help with the promotion."
"Director Huang, that's not how it's supposed to be discussed."
Wang Zhong was somewhat displeased: "I admit that the movie 'The Terror Live' was a success, a small investment that yielded huge returns, but we are not sure that your next movie can maintain such a high standard."
"A contract can be signed."
Huang Min stated directly, "If the rating is below 7.5, your company's cinemas can allocate screening slots to other films; if it's above that number, then it'll be handled according to the contract."
Wanhao and Wang Zhong exchanged a glance.
Then everyone fell silent.
This Director Huang... is really confident.
"Manager Wan, Minister Wang"
At this time.
Having almost finished eating, Su Qing said, "I think this is a win-win situation. If Dong Sheng Pictures' next film is of high quality, you can continue to fulfill the contract; if it's of poor quality, the screening time will be given to other films after three days in theaters."
"Fifteen is too high"
Wanhao shook his head and said, "You are well aware of the current operating costs of cinemas. If there are no big productions being released at the same time, Zhongteng Cinema can give Director Huang such a high screening rate for his next film. But if there are many big productions being released, the first three days are the period for making a profit at the box office, and Zhongteng Cinema will suffer a great loss. Also, this investment of five million is too low. It should be at least twenty million."
Change the director.
Zhongteng Pictures certainly wouldn't mind a low investment cost. After all, those directors are like burning through money at lightning speed; a single movie can burn through 100 million just on actor salaries.
Huang Min's next project will only have a total investment of 40 to 50 million. Zhongteng, which often invests tens of millions or even hundreds of millions in the new films of big directors, is a little unaccustomed to such low investment.
"If the theatrical release rate is no less than 13% after three days, I will reserve a 10 million yuan investment share for Zhongteng Pictures. If you two are still not satisfied, then there is no need for us to continue negotiating."
Huang Min spoke up.
Huang Min knew very well what Zhongteng Pictures valued in him.
The only difference is that the production cost is relatively low and the return on investment is high. In today's film industry, many movies need 700 to 800 million to break even, and some even exceed 1 billion. But he is different. Even if the production cost of his next movie increases to more than 40 million due to Teacher Zhou's salary, plus publicity and other expenses, the break-even point will be at most 200 million.
To put it bluntly...
Even if we fail.
Such a small investment won't cripple an entertainment company; at most, it will just scratch the surface. Even if it fails three times, as long as it succeeds once, it can make back the money it lost before.
So ultimately, in the eyes of these entertainment companies, he is a director with a high cost-performance ratio. If he can replicate the success of "The Terror Live", then the investors will make a fortune.
A film released by Changkong Media in July failed to perform well at the box office, causing the company's stock price to drop significantly. However, after the release of "The Terror Live," the company's stock price was pulled back up a bit five days after the film's release.
After deducting promotional costs, based on the fact that "The Terror Live" has just grossed over 600 million yuan at the box office, Changkong Media has made a net profit of 20 to 30 million yuan just by distributing this film.
If the promotional fees for "The Terror Live" were not paid in accordance with the agreement, it would still cost at least 30 million.
It doesn't seem like much.
In reality, for an entertainment company, this is already a huge profit.