Extracting skills from movies

After seeing Du Sheng, Young Master Zheng greeted him warmly and took him into the luxurious box.

"Ah Sheng, I have always believed in your vision.

Of course I am willing to invest in the animated film project "How to Train Your Dragon".

Do you think 3000 million is enough?

If the gap is large, I can make preparations in the next few days and mobilize more funds..."

If the post-production and special effects of "How to Train Your Dragon" were handled in the Lighthouse Country, the total cost would be at least 8 million US dollars.

If the investment is to be made according to this expectation, there is still a shortfall of at least RMB 3 million in funds.

In addition to discussing the LME video, most of the gathering tonight was to discuss this issue.

After all, this project requires a huge investment and requires the construction of an independent animation park, so it has not received much attention in the country for the time being.

Although animated blockbusters such as "Spirited Away", "Shrek the Monsters", and "Ice Age" have made a lot of money in recent years, it doesn't mean that everyone can succeed.

Haven’t you seen that Spielberg’s “DreamWorks” is about to go bankrupt and be acquired because of this?

Even Ye Jingzhi actually had reservations.

Of course, as long as Du Sheng decides to produce and invest, she will support it without hesitation.

8 million US dollars is less than 6 million yuan. Only half of it needs to be invested in the early stage, and Star Media can easily take it out.

However, Du Sheng took the risks and channel issues into consideration. As this was his first time doing something like this, it would be most appropriate to seek external assistance.

Speaking of which, Zheng Zetao actually has some concerns.

Friends around him told him that "How to Train Your Dragon" would most likely lose money.

Investing 6 million yuan in an animated film is indeed a huge risk in the current domestic market environment.

And if "How to Train Your Dragon" is to be profitable, it must rely on overseas markets.

This is a huge challenge for Eastern animated films.

There is no successful precedent yet.

In addition, domestic films have limited distribution channels abroad, and usually they are sold on a one-off basis rather than finding channel agents.

Even if Du Sheng can find Sony to arrange overseas distribution, it sounds like a fantasy for Eastern animated films to succeed in the international market.

If other people asked him for investment, Zheng Zetao would kick them out on the same day.

But Du Sheng is different.

The two parties have cooperated so many times in the past two years. Have you ever suffered losses?

In addition, considering that he had made a lot of money with Du Sheng in the past, Zheng Zetao gritted his teeth and took out some of his working funds to invest in this project.

And promised to continue to transfer money.

Du Sheng was very impressed by this firm support.

The wealthy second generation has a different vision and way of thinking.

After drinking a cup of tea, he smiled and said:

"Thanks to Brother Tao for his support, this movie could lose money or make a ton of money, it's really hard to say."

Du Sheng's words came from the heart.

The success of a movie depends on many external factors. Even if "Red River" and "Detective Chinatown 40", which had a box office of over 3 billion yuan in the past, were released now, they might not be able to replicate their past glory.

The success of these two films was largely due to the social environment and audience sentiment at the time.

The same thing applies to How to Train Your Dragon.

Although this movie was a huge success in the market in its previous life, in this time and space, the production, distribution, channels and release time are very different, and everything is full of uncertainty.

However, Du Sheng is sure that the "How to Train Your Dragon" series will definitely not be bad, otherwise how could there be several series and an animation series?
In view of this, Du Sheng considered introducing more investors to diversify risks.

Make sure that even if a project fails, it won't be a devastating blow to the entire company.

Hearing Du Sheng's words, Zheng Zetao was speechless:

"Ah Sheng, can't you say something auspicious to cheer me up?

This is what I have worked hard for a year to earn, and I am betting it all on you."

Du Sheng smiled. He knew that what Zheng Zetao said about "earning in a year" was actually an exaggeration.

After all, cash flow is not equivalent to all assets.

"Even if the deal fails, I'm still a righteous person.

With an investment of 6 million, my Miracle Animation Company may earn one-third of the profit, and Sony will also get one-third.

As for the subsequent publicity and promotion work, at least tens of millions of dollars will be needed.

If the box office is to be ideal, this number will increase.

Of course, if the film is a big hit, you will get less if you invested less.

I think it is necessary to talk about these things.”

Zheng Zetao waved his hand to show his understanding:
"I know that most of the one-third of your company's profits come from special effects and cost expenses.

Such a big-budget animated film can also be regarded as cultivating special effects production and talents for the Chinese.

As for the follow-up investment, I will definitely add more, since I don’t need this little money anymore.”

As he was speaking, He Guohua, general manager of China Film Group, knocked on the door and entered.

The two sides had met several times before because of the release of "SPL". After hearing what Zheng Zetao said, he sighed:

"With a wealthy man like Mr. Zheng backing us up, there's no doubt that this film will be a success."

Then he got straight to the point:

“Mr. Du, I personally admire your commitment and passion for the national animation industry.

Being willing to invest in training relevant talents is something that is very respectable.

However, within China Film Group, I am not the final decision maker.

After my strong recommendation, the group agreed to invest 4000 million, which is the maximum amount I can get under my current authority. "

He Guohua is currently the general manager of China Film Group. Although he has a certain influence, the final decision still needs approval from his superiors.

He has done his best to obtain an investment of 4000 million from the group for such a generally unpopular project.

Du Sheng smiled and raised his teacup, using tea instead of wine to express his gratitude to He Guohua:

"Thank you Mr. He for your strong support."

Soon after, Zhang Fan, President of DFJ Venture Partners Asia, Neil Shen, founder of Sequoia Capital, and Zeng Jiayan, CEO of Star Media, entered the private room one after another.

Although they were reserved about the prospects of the "How to Train Your Dragon" project, given Du Sheng's personal charm and industry status, as well as the previously negotiated Lianzhong Video, they all generously donated and provided an investment of 3000 million each.

This is not only because of Du Sheng's reputation, but also a recognition of his past achievements.

As a result, the funding gap for "How to Train Your Dragon" is still 1.9 million.

Soon, representatives from Columbia Pictures, the overseas channel, also came to the private room.

Under the instruction of Howard Shringer, the powerful CEO of Sony Group, she decisively took the final investment share of 1.9 million.

At this point, all the funds and channels required for the project are in place.

Seeing all this, He Guohua couldn't help but sigh:

"Boss Du, you are indeed different.

A 6 million yuan project was successfully prepared despite the fact that the prospects were not optimistic. This energy is really admirable. "

Zheng Zetao also smiled and joked:
"The speed of doing business is too fast. The project has been completed before the banquet even started.

I think we should just change the venue and save this meal!"

Zeng Jiayan didn't know much about Du Sheng, so he smiled and said:

"That won't do. We must let Mr. Du have a few more drinks tonight to celebrate this good thing!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Zheng Zetao, He Guohua and others showed surprised and strange expressions.

Du Sheng smiled without saying anything.

That night, he and Zeng Jiayan did drink a few more glasses, and Zeng Jiayan eventually passed out and vomited twice in the bathroom.

Everyone else knew that Du Sheng had an amazing alcohol tolerance and did not dare to challenge him easily, so he remained sober.

Meanwhile, Phoenix TV’s celebration continues.

Although the ratings of imported TV dramas were only 22%, tonight, Saturday, after the third special episode of "One Step to the End" was broadcast, it soared to 3%!

This time TVB and Mango Channel were confused again!

The former has gradually gotten used to it after so many blows, but is still a little uncomfortable.

Phoenix TV got it right again? ?
The senior executives of Mango TV were even more silent.

Because with the promotion of Skyworth TV's set-top box, it is becoming more and more popular across the country, and more and more families are watching Phoenix TV.

Not to mention that Skyworth TV responded to the proposal of its major shareholder Star Technology and had already included Phoenix TV in the top three channels.

The first two are Yangshi TV, those who know will understand.

But it's just two clicks.

Therefore, Phoenix TV’s ratings in mainland China have been out of control.

For example, after the last special episode of "One Step to the End" was broadcast, the ratings soared to 3.28%!

Don't underestimate this number.

Take Mango TV for example, the highest ratings of "Happy Camp" was only 3.35% before.

Now, with the strong rise of Phoenix TV's "Voice of the East" and "One Step to the End", they have snatched away a lot of weekend audiences from local channels.

Although Mango TV has a strong foundation, the average viewership of "Happy Camp" can only be maintained at around 1.82%.

Even if they don't want to admit it, they have to accept the incredible existence of Phoenix TV.

Inside TVB's president's office on Monday.

Fang Yihua's expression looked particularly heavy, and she spoke coldly:
"Isn't it said that the show 'One Step to the End' imitates 'Millionaire'? The audience is tired of quiz shows, right?"

"What happened to the ratings last night?"

Several employees present lowered their heads, not daring to look her in the eye.

Several producers were also muttering in their hearts. Previously, they were discussing that this type of program had no prospects.

Unexpectedly, Phoenix TV made their words a laughing stock in just three special episodes.

Especially the performance of this last episode was completely beyond everyone's expectations.

I thought it was just a simple quiz contest, but the huge prize money, the interaction between Du Sheng and Cheng Long, and the "wonderful" scene of the participants falling into the trap created a tense and exciting atmosphere, making the audience feel like they were on a treasure hunt adventure...

Even they themselves were fascinated by it.

To put it bluntly, the success of "One Step to the End" is actually just a change of template for "How to Be a Millionaire".

This novel gimmick and model is quite attractive to the general audience.

More importantly, the program aims to spread knowledge and therefore attracts audiences of all ages.

Everyone from young children to the elderly can find fun in it, making it a national entertainment.

"This week, no matter what method you use, you must increase the ratings!"

Fang Yihua issued an ultimatum.

Several producers looked embarrassed.

After all, the variety show "Continue to Be Invincible" has been rehashing old stuff for several years and its creativity is gradually running out.

In the past, the novelty of pranking celebrities could still attract some audiences, but as time went on, the audience began to get bored with the repetitive routine.

In order to maintain its popularity, the show has to add novel elements.

For example, bold and unrestrained actions, female stars showing off their bodies, dirty jokes, etc.

But these will trigger criticism from parents and society, who believe that the content of the programs is vulgar and may mislead children into imitating bad behavior.

Some fans even protested against the program production team forcing their idols to be pranked in order to increase ratings.

But now they are facing a strong opponent and the general manager is still putting pressure on them. What should they do?
The only way is to continue to increase these novel elements and fight back with spoofs.

But this will damage the reputation of the artists, and their own programs will also be consumables.

One of the producers opened his mouth to speak, but the person next to him gently pulled the corner of his clothes, and he finally chose to remain silent.

As the saying goes, "the army may change but the camp remains the same", even if a program is no longer popular in the future, the station can still launch a new alternative.

But if you offend the general manager, the consequences may be even more serious.

After his men left, Fang Yihua rubbed her brows gently, feeling mixed emotions.

TVB finally managed to surpass Phoenix TV in TV dramas, but unexpectedly, it was overshadowed by the other party's variety shows.

Since Phoenix TV changed its management, its strategies have repeatedly caught them off guard.

And this time the other party has also teamed up with Yangshi to launch the blockbuster "The Inspector General of the Song Dynasty".

Although this drama does not have many big names, there are many veteran actors and its potential cannot be underestimated.

Thinking of this, Fang Yihua couldn't help but feel a little helpless.

Even when facing Asia Television's lavish spending on poaching talents ten years ago, TVB was not so passive.

Now, she can only hope that "My Savage Granny" can stabilize the TV series ratings and not be crippled again.

However, sometimes the more you worry about something, the more likely it is to happen.

That evening, "The Inspector General of the Song Dynasty" was officially scheduled to be broadcast.

At Mr. Xu's home, two children sat around their mother, their eyes full of anticipation.

"Mom, we want to watch Phoenix TV!"

The two siblings said in unison.

"Good boy, didn't you guys keep watching "Wild Fire Spring Wind Fights the Ancient City" before?"

Mrs. Xu tried to persuade them.

She has watched many costume mystery dramas, and watching them again doesn't seem to be very new.

"Mom, we have never liked watching anti-Japanese dramas, it's you who's following them!"

The two siblings argued, clearly unhappy with their mother's answer.

Mr. Xu saw this and said with a smile:
"I heard that the drama 'The Great Song Dynasty Judge' was filmed very well there. The dramas that Yangshi participates in are generally not bad."

Mrs. Xu thought about it for a moment and felt that it made sense.

The Blueberry TV drama "Wildfire Spring Wind Fighting Ancient City" is so good that you can basically guess the ending after watching the beginning.
Moreover, the costumes, props and makeup were so distracting that it was uncomfortable to watch.

This time, Phoenix TV suffered a setback in the prime time, and it is obvious that it wants to make up for it with "The Inspector General of the Song Dynasty".

She also wanted to see what new tricks were going on, so she changed the channel decisively.

"Since Phoenix TV changed its management, the quality of its programs has improved significantly. There are always new surprises!"

Mrs. Xu said with emotion before finishing watching the first episode.

As soon as the show started, it gave the audience a big gimmick.

The protagonist Song Ci had just passed the imperial examination when his father died of a misjudgment of a murder, leaving behind a will that forbade his descendants from getting involved in criminal matters.

To make matters worse, the protagonist's best friend was murdered on his way to his new post. Multiple tragedies unfold one after another, triggering strong involvement and emotional resonance among the audience.

"Yes, Du Sheng not only has outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry, but he is also very good at being a boss. What a monster."

Mr. Xu nodded in agreement.

I added a complaint in my mind: It's more than just a monster.

He has a headache dealing with just one woman, while others have a lot of rumored girlfriends.

How can this be compared!?

………(End of chapter)