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"You two came all the way to the capital. It's not just under the guise of inviting me to film a movie. You are actually looking for me to attract investment." Qi Wei asked half-jokingly, but he actually knew it well.

"We really think you are suitable and sincerely invite you to film."

Shi Nansheng smiled again and said: "We heard that Boss Zou from Jiahe came to talk to you about cooperation. We heard that you had a good discussion, so we also want to try our luck, but we don't know if we will have such good luck."

Qi Wei was silent for a moment and then asked: "How much funding do you need for this drama?"

"This is the project plan."

Shi Nansheng took out the project planning book from his bag and put it in front of Qi Wei. While Qi Wei was flipping through it, he said: "The project planning book made according to the original script will require about 8 million yuan for this drama. According to Mr. Qi, you It is suggested that the funds needed to change the script may be less, but not much less, estimated to be at least 7 million."

Because there were many characters in the original script, Xu Ke originally planned to invite many stars, and paying the salaries of these stars would use up a lot of money.

According to Qi Wei's suggestion, focus on portraying a few main characters and reduce the appearance of unnecessary characters. Relatively speaking, the film will pay less.

Of course, now that the Hong Kong film market is sluggish, the salaries of the new generation of popular actors in Hong Kong are far less crazy than they used to be. Even Cheng E-kin, who has been the most popular in recent years, only earns around a few million.

There are even fewer others, and it would be cheaper to invite mainland stars.

Of course Qi Wei is an exception.

The market determines the pay.

Xu Ke is a well-known director in Hong Kong. The plays of great directors have higher exposure and are easier for people to praise. Everyone is willing to act in the plays of great directors.

In order to be more competitive, they will naturally make concessions in terms of interests, and there are many people who have lowered their salaries.

Therefore, the proportion of Xu Ke's new movie actors' salary expenditure will not be too large, and the corresponding salary expenditure will not be reduced much if the script is changed.

The bulk of the work is still in film shooting and post-production of special effects.

Qi Wei flipped through the project planning document and carefully checked various expenditures.

Since Qi Wei established the film and television company, he has prepared and invested in a number of film and television projects. Practice makes perfect. Now Qi Wei has a very good understanding of film and television production. Not just anyone can steal Qi Wei's money with a film and television planning book.

After spending more than ten minutes reading through the planning document, Qi Wei silently calculated in his mind. After confirming that there were no problems, Qi Wei nodded and asked:

"Even if it's 7 million, this number is still huge. I don't know how much investment you two have attracted from other places. You can't rely entirely on me, right?"

An investment of 7 million. In fact, so far, except for Cheng Long’s movies, almost no other Hong Kong movie has achieved such a high investment.

It was after Li Lianjie went to Hollywood that his net worth increased, so his film investment increased, and most of the movies with big investments were Hollywood movies.

Zhou Xingxing's comedy movies have always been small and big. The film production does not cost much, but Zhou Xingxing's salary accounts for the majority.

The highest investment in one of his movies is around 6 to million. The "Shaolin Soccer" currently being prepared has an investment of over million because of its computer special effects.

Needless to say, Chow Yun-fat, although the investment in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" exceeded 1 million, this film is not a purely Hong Kong film. The film has mainland funding, and more than half of the funding comes from Hollywood.

In the Mainland, the investment for "Jing Ke Assassins the King of Qin" by Director Chen has reached 7 million, and this is already the highest investment commercial film in the Mainland.

"Hero" is still in preparation.

All in all, a movie with an investment of 7 million is definitely considered a big production nowadays, and only a director of Xu Ke's level can afford it.

But it is not easy to raise investment.

Especially now that the Hong Kong film market is getting more and more sluggish. Back then, Xu Ke even messed up a movie called "The New Shushan Swordsman."

It’s not impossible that he hasn’t attracted investment so far.

Shi Nansheng replied: "How could it be possible? Before we came to see you, Mr. Qi, we had already contacted some investors. Boss Xiang of Star Entertainment Company has agreed to invest in our drama."

Shi Nansheng looked at Qi Wei and paused for a moment, then continued: "To tell you the truth, Boss Xiang said that if they can invite you to star, they are willing to increase their investment to 3000 million."

Shi Nansheng heard that Qi Wei had a good relationship with Boss Xiang, and Boss Xiang's company even invested in "Heroes", so there was no need to hide this kind of thing.

"So you invited me to film because of Boss Xiang's investment." Qi Wei couldn't help but laugh.

"There are factors in this regard, but we invite you because you are the most suitable candidate." Xu Ke replied, and Shi Nansheng nodded beside him.

Well, for the sake of money, I am indeed the most suitable candidate.

Qi Wei joked in his heart and asked: "Does this mean there is still a gap of more than 4 million?"

There was no need to hide it. Fortunately, Shi Nansheng nodded and admitted: "There is still so much to do. Although it is difficult to raise the funds, it should not be a big problem. It is just very time-consuming."

"Can we get it together this year?" Qi Wei asked.

"That's not certain."

"Uh" This is not a big problem.

Shi Nansheng remained calm and said, "If Mr. Qi is willing to donate generously to help, it will definitely be much faster."

Qi Wei did not give a direct answer, but suddenly thought of something. Seeing Shi Nansheng silent for a moment, he asked: "Ms. Shi, you and Director Xu just came back from Hollywood not long ago, right?"

"Yeah." Shi Nansheng nodded.

In the mid-90s, Hong Kong films showed a weak trend and Hollywood films were on the rise. At this time, many Hong Kong filmmakers went to Hollywood to develop their careers, including Xu Ke and Shi Nansheng.

but the result

The films they made, "The King of Strike" and "Thunderbolt" starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and others, were no splash at all, and they could only return to Hong Kong to develop in despair.

Of course, this is not because of their abilities, but mainly because they are not suitable for Hollywood's filming methods and interpersonal relationships.

In Hollywood movies, the director has no control over the overall situation. He doesn't even have the right to edit. He is just a tool.

"Is Ms. Shi helping Xu Guan run his studio now?" Qi Wei then asked.

"That's right." Shi Nansheng nodded again.

Just as he thought, Qi Wei smiled and said to Shi Nansheng:

"Ms. Shi, I have a film and television company in Hong Kong City. Although it has only been established for a short period of time, it is quite capable. Currently, Boss Lin from Media Asia Films and Boss Yang from Yinghuang are willing to invest in my film company. , I have abundant funds and I am ambitious, but one person’s energy is limited. I need trustworthy partners, and the company also needs capable managers like you. I would like to invite Ms. Shi to join my company.”

Shi Nansheng is a well-known filmmaker in Hong Kong. In his early years, he joined New Art City together with Xu Ke and was responsible for the administrative distribution and production of New Art City. He was known as the "housekeeper" of New Art City, which made New Art City at that time a leader that could compete with Golden Harvest. The existence of arm wrestling.

Later, due to the internal fighting in New Art City and the boyfriend-girlfriend relationship between Shi Nansheng and Xuke, they later became Xuke Studio, and Shi Nansheng continued to be responsible for the studio's financing, distribution and publicity.

It can be said that at least half of Xu Ke's success over the years is due to Shi Nansheng.

After working in movies for so many years, Shi Nansheng has accumulated rich connections, which are not limited to Hong Kong and Taiwan.

She has connections in Southeast Asia and even Europe and the United States, and she can successfully distribute films to these places. It can be said that if she can be recruited into his company, there will be no problems in the company's operations, publicity and distribution work.

And now the time is just right. Due to the sluggish Hong Kong film industry, Xu Ke's attempt to enter Hollywood failed again. At this time, he was at the low point of his career, and his studio actually existed in name only.

At this time, Shi Nansheng was also looking for a way out for himself.

Because they had just returned from Hollywood, the outside world didn't know their plans yet, but after a while, a film company would definitely invite Shi Nansheng.

In fact, in later generations, in 01, she was invited to join Media Asia Film Company and became its vice chairman.

Facing Qi Wei's invitation, Shi Nansheng fell into thinking.

In fact, she had also heard of Qi Wei's film company in Hong Kong.

This film company participated in the investment of "Suspect" directed and starred by Zhang Guorong, Liu Tianwang's "Infernal Affairs" and Zhou Xingxing's "Kung Fu Football" have participated in the production and investment.

The reason for accepting investment from Media Asia and Yinghuang seems to be to invest in the new film "The Secret Agent" prepared by Golden Harvest for Cheng Long.

Thinking of this, Shi Nansheng wanted to make sure of one thing.

She asked: "Mr. Qi, will you invest in Cheng Long's new film "The Secret Agent"?"

Qi Wei nodded and said, "I have already talked with Boss Zou from Jiahe. We had a great conversation. We will cooperate on this drama."

"If it were convenient, how much money would you invest in this play?"

Qi Wei looked at Shi Nansheng and smiled, "My company will help fill in the remaining gaps in this drama."

hiss! Shi Nansheng couldn't help but open his eyes wide.

She had seen news in the newspaper that Cheng Long's new film had a shortfall of nearly 100 million.

How courageous!

From here we can see the strength of Qi Wei.

But soon she realized another problem.

The investment in "Secret Agent" exceeded 2.5 million. The current film market cannot afford such a high investment. Is it really worthwhile for Qi Wei to invest so much money?

If it were her, she would definitely not invest so much money.

Courageous but unwise, she looked at Qi Wei and shook her head inwardly.

But she watched Qi Wei find a document from assistant Lin Xilei's bag and put it in front of Shi Nansheng.

"This is a document about the drama "The Secret Agent". There are some investment conditions and details in it. You can take a look. If you are willing to join my company, I can give you the best treatment and the company can be managed by you. The same goes for this play.”

Shi Nansheng picked up the document and read through it hesitantly.

When she saw the investment conditions and details, she gradually showed a bewildered expression.

"Investing in movies through lending is definitely a conspiracy!"

As the saying goes, those who confuse the authorities are clear to those on the lookout, so Shi Nansheng also saw Qi Wei's plan.

He has plans for Jiahe!

If this is really the case, Qi Wei is not unwise, on the contrary, he is very shrewd.

No wonder those big bosses are willing to invest in his film company.

No wonder he can develop so quickly.

Now, in Shi Nansheng's opinion, joining Qi Wei's company is not a bad choice.

"But if I join your company, what will my old Xu do?" Shi Nansheng asked.

"I naturally hope that Director Xu can join my company. Of course, Director Xu doesn't want to be a laborer, so I can find another way."

Qi Wei paused for a moment, and then said: "I am very interested in "The Legend of Shushan". If it is made into a series of movies according to my suggestion, we will cooperate many times in the future. If Sister Nan Sheng joins my company, I can produce The money will be invested in Director Xu’s studio, so that Sister Nansheng can continue to help Director Xu manage the studio, and I can also help solve the film’s funding problem.”

What this meant was that Shi Nansheng's joining the company was actually used as a bargaining chip.

If Shi Nansheng is willing to join, Qi Wei is willing to solve the financial problem of "The Legend of Shushan". If not, Qi Wei will most likely not care.

Shi Nansheng thinks so.

In fact, there are only a few film companies with potential in Hong Kong City, and Shi Nansheng doesn't have many choices.

She saw Qi Wei's ability, she saw the potential of Qi Wei Company, and she was very interested in joining Qi Wei Company.

She thought about it in her mind and finally nodded, "If Mr. Qi can keep his promise, I am willing to join your company."

"No, it should be our company." Qi Wei took the initiative to reach out to them and smiled: "I wish us a happy cooperation in the future."

"Pleasant to work with."

The two parties shook hands happily.

Qi Wei thought of another thing and said to Shi Nansheng: "I have a woman named Li Xiaoran who is studying to be a producer. When the time comes, I will let her learn from you. I hope Sister Nansheng will not be stingy in giving me advice."

"No problem, Shi Nansheng agreed immediately."

One of the reasons why Qi Wei invited Shi Nansheng to join the company was Li Xiaoran.

With such a good teacher as Shi Nansheng taking care of her, she will definitely learn quickly.

Qi Wei didn't ask Li Xiaoran to learn all of Shi Nansheng's skills, he would be satisfied if he could learn even half of them.

The matter was almost over, Lin Xilei looked at the time and winked at Qi Wei.

Qi Wei smiled and said to Xu Ke and his wife: "The distinguished guests have come from afar, and we should help you to welcome them and fulfill their friendship as landlords. However, it is unlucky that tonight director Li Shaohong will be hosting the play "Ci of Daming Palace". It’s a celebration banquet. I’m the male lead in this drama, so I can’t shirk it. I’ve already agreed to attend.”

"I know this drama. It was very interesting to film. I like it very much." Shi Nansheng replied.

Now "Ci of the Ming Dynasty" has been broadcast on ATV. Although the ratings in Hong Kong are not as good as "My Fair Princess" and "Meteor Garden", they are still good.

There are also many people who like this drama, such as Shi Nansheng in front of me.

"In that case, why don't you two accompany me to the banquet? Everyone will welcome you very much."

After a few shirks, Xu Ke and Shi Nansheng finally agreed and attended the celebration banquet of "Daming Palace Ci" with Qi Wei. (End of chapter)