Actor: Thank you.

"Zhang Yuan, let's talk about 'Painted Skin 2'."

Not long after, when Zhang Yuan and Jiang Wen finished drinking and chatting, Pang Hong took the initiative to come to his side.

"Okay, how do we talk?"

"I think it's best to start by talking about the first 'Painted Skin' movie."

"After all, it's a sequel, so everything will be related to the previous one."

Zhang Yuan spread his hands and said with a smile.

They put on a friendly facade, as if saying, "My door is always open."

But Pang Hong could see the bloodshed and pressure in his "kindness" and smile.

There's something hidden in what this kid said!
It's related to the previous one... let's talk about the previous one first.

In short, it boils down to one word.

money!
He really couldn't bear to part with it.

With a 10% share of box office revenue, the film still grossed over 3 million!

Giving over 30 million at once is really painful.

But he doesn't even consider who figured out how this film made over 3 million!

Without me running around creating news and generating buzz, you wouldn't stand a chance!

When it comes to external matters and when seeking credit from superiors, they always take the credit for themselves, and as a result, they start to believe it.

"Okay!" he gritted his teeth and nodded.

We have to bleed out of this group!
Looking at him, Zhang Yuan thought to himself, "How can the Chinese entertainment industry be run well when surrounded by these scoundrels!"
This is clearly what the contract says I'm entitled to, but you're dragging your feet on it.

This is me, someone with some power and connections, someone who can go toe-to-toe with him.

If it were a minor actor, they wouldn't even have a chance to fight back.

This is still an actor, artist, or celebrity.

Their income and social status are already far beyond those of ordinary people.

It is easy to imagine how difficult it is for ordinary people to protect their rights when faced with such a behemoth.

Pang Hong is now suffering the consequences, which is why he has no choice but to sit down and talk with Zhang Yuan.

"We will distribute the profits from the previous part according to the contract."

"Because both our company and the film studio have to settle accounts at the end of the fiscal year, the payment can only be made after the new year," Pang Hong offered a seemingly plausible but "reasonable" explanation.

"I'll transfer them all at once," the guy said through gritted teeth.

I wish I could bite it until it bleeds!
"Producer Pang, we're both respectable people, it's a deal."

"A word is settled!"

"Alright, let's talk about the sequel." Zhang Yuan had deliberately spoken loudly so that everyone could hear that he and Pang Hong had reached an agreement to make the payment after the New Year.

If you still try to renege in front of so many industry professionals, you and Ningbo Film Studio will lose face.

"First of all, I want to make my stance clear." Zhang Yuan raised his right hand and shook hands with the other person.

"If Producer Pang doesn't mind and is satisfied with my performance in the first film, then I'm willing to contribute my modest efforts to this series."

He will definitely be involved in "Painted Skin 2", no matter what kind of involvement he takes.

Because this movie broke box office records when it was released!

Of course, it was overshadowed by "Lost in Thailand" within a few months.

But it was quite intense.

Although he positioned "Painted Skin" as an ancient costume fantasy idol drama.

But since it's a chance to make money and I'm not the kind of person who's obsessed with old artists and doesn't care about money, why should I let it go?

However, his way of participating was somewhat different from what Pang Hong had imagined.

"So, will it be the same as the first one, with revenue sharing?" Pang Hong asked cautiously.

He feigned doubt, but in reality, he wished Zhang Yuan would agree immediately, and like the first film, he wouldn't ask for any payment.

"Do they think I'm stupid?" Zhang Yuan cursed him inwardly.

Can you afford to be cheated twice?

If after filming "Painted Skin 2" there's no "Painted Skin 3" or they don't need me anymore, will I still get my share of the profits?

The current situation will not repeat itself.

"No, this time my idea is different; I want to be paid."

"Ah, this..."

Before the other party could react, Zhang Yuan spoke first.

“I’m in Hollywood, and my current salary is $200 million.” Zhang Yuan quoted the price from “Fast & Furious 4”.

This is the price we agreed upon with Global and signed the contract for.

It's so that I can use it as a reference when I go back to China.

"My requirement is no less than this number."

Pang Hong's heart trembled.

He has already discussed his intentions with Zhou Xun and Zhao Wei.

They must have demanded a pay raise, more than doubling it.

But it didn't exceed 500 million.

Zhang Yuan's salary alone is enough to cover the combined salaries of the rest of the entire crew.

That's just how the film and television industry works. The absolute lead actor, the one used to boost box office revenue, can have a salary that can reach more than half of the total budget.

Li Lianjie, Chenlong, and even Zhou Runfa were all like this.

If you calculate it that way, Zhang Yuan didn't get much.

But those present, all colleagues in the entertainment industry, whispered among themselves with disgruntled expressions after hearing Zhang Yuan's asking price.

"My mother!"

"200 million US dollars, it would have to be 1500 million or more."

"Damn, people who've been to Hollywood are different; they dare to ask for a price."

Cheng listened with a smile, feeling radiant.

Liu Tao, who was standing next to her, clicked his tongue a few times.

If I take this payment from him, I can pay off my debts in no time.

No wonder he just said he'd help me pay back the money.

"Producer Pang, this is a reasonable price."

"You can ask someone overseas to inquire about it."

Pang Hong frowned.

He believed Zhang Yuan's words.

Among the young actors in China right now, he is the most valuable.

The remaining thighs weren't even as thick as his arms.

Importantly, the salary will increase the film's upfront costs, adding a lot of burden and investment risk.

"The amount of the actor's salary... I need to ask the investors first. After all, such a big project cannot be borne by our Ningbo Film Studio alone."

"It's alright, the investors will agree," Zhang Yuan replied calmly.

The others looked on and thought, "Well done! That's what you call the confidence of a big star."

“I’ll tell you right away which investors will agree,” he continued.

"Because there was an additional condition attached to my participation."

"That means I will participate in the investment of this sequel, based on film companies from both sides of the Taiwan Strait."

I agreed to participate in the film myself and receive a high salary.

How much do you earn in film fees?
Investing is where the big profits are!

Moreover, since we're participating in the company's name, we're not worried about you not paying us back.

China Film Group has shares in the company; try not to give them one.

If you don't share the investment, China Film Group will make a call and your theaters won't be able to collect any box office revenue.

Pang Hong's expression changed several times upon hearing this.

From sorrow to joy, and then from joy to sorrow.

Investing is a good idea!

How can having money be bad?

But after the investment, he was no longer just a lead actor.

"Furthermore, I will also be involved in the production and post-production."

"I want the position of producer for the film, and I also have a contact for the post-production of the work."

Zhang Yuan went to great lengths to ensure the survival of the special effects company.

He would search for work everywhere, and almost every project he was involved in would include this additional clause.

"Painted Skin 2" is a film with a lot of special effects, which is a perfect match.

"Producer, you want to be the producer?" Before Pang Hong could speak, Jiang Wen, who had been listening in, wanted to speak up.

"I want this position, not that I want to do it myself."

"I'll find someone to do it, but the position has to be reserved for me."

From acting to investment, and then to regulation and post-production, he wants to get involved in everything to maximize his own interests and influence.

"Whom are you trying to regulate?"

"No rush. You haven't even finished the script yet. Casting, set design, team building, and approvals are all still pending."

"It will take at least half a year to get it done."

"I'm still considering who to choose, and I'll give you a satisfactory answer."

Zhang Yuan answered mysteriously, turning to look at Jiang Yilang.

"When filming starts, please come and join us."

"Great!" Miss Jiang raised her hand and answered excitedly.

“I’ve invited you to visit my film set, but you always say you’re not interested,” Jiang Wen muttered again.

At the same time, he looked at Zhang Yuan with hostility.

You little brat, you didn't sleep with Xu Qing, and now you're eyeing my daughter, did you?

Zhang Yuan felt uncomfortable under his gaze. He quickly moved closer and explained in a low voice.

"She doesn't want to go to your film set, probably because of that other person."

“Oh…” Jiang Wen understood then.

It's all because Zhou Yun, the stepmother, is a regular actress who follows her around on set the whole time.

Pang Hong thought about it and felt a bit irritated. He felt that he was the producer and the other party was the actor, but he was being manipulated.

So, not long after the conversation ended, he lost his appetite for alcohol and got up to say goodbye.

As soon as he left, many friends gathered around him.

"Congratulations on landing another important role."

"Mr. Zhang, you'll have to mentor us from now on."

"This is the first time I've ever seen an actor so assertive in front of a producer..."

Everyone marveled that Zhang Yuan had secured a major project in just a few drinks.

He even got a role from Jiang Wen.

For these two projects alone, other actors of the same age would have to beg and plead for a absurd amount of time.

He easily won.

It may seem easy on the surface, but the underlying power struggles are quite significant.

"Please be patient, everyone. I have something else to announce." Zhang Yuan stood up, holding his wine glass.

They looked in the direction of Xu Zheng and his wife.

"Not long ago, a low-budget movie called 'Crazy Supermarket' was released."

"With a production cost of over 200 million, it grossed over 2000 million at the box office."

"Although there are many talented people in the film industry today, it is still an exciting box office miracle."

"Director Yang Qing and Brother Xu Zheng deserve much credit for this."

"I am expressing my gratitude to these two people not as an actor, but as an investor and friend."

"I'm not good with words." Just as Zhang Yuan finished speaking, a soft laugh came from a nearby table.

Liu Tao nudged Jiang Xin with his elbow, and the woman shut up.

Zhang Yuan: …

Tao Jie thought to herself, "You're really exaggerating. You're laughing at the boss's speech."

But seeing that Zhang Yuan didn't react much, she thought that the atmosphere here was good, the employees were not afraid of the boss, and the boss respected the employees.

"So I won't say any more." He composed himself and began to speak again.

Let's demonstrate with our actions!

Zhang Yuan waved his hand, and his assistant pushed out the food cart that had been used to carry hot pot base again.

This time, there were two stacks of cash piled up on the food truck.

"Thank you, Director Yang, and thank you, Brother Zheng."

"We will cooperate and exchange ideas more in the future."

If you say you'll give a bonus, you have to give it.

And it has to be made public!
This is the trick he learned from the construction site.

At the end of the year, the company has to use mountains of cash to pay out its accounts.

While showcasing their strength, they can also win people's hearts.

It has to be commonplace, so commonplace that it's refreshing.

No amount of sweet talk can compare to the real value of a banknote.

He wanted to tell everyone that they could get these things by cooperating with him.

People in the film and television industry all miss the era of coal bosses; what they miss is their vulgarity.

Director Yang Qing was overjoyed, as this was his first film as both writer and director.

The director only received 5 yuan in salary, and now look at it.

A stack of fifty bundles is five hundred thousand!

A bonus ten times his salary!
Yang Qing was directly hooked and became a clam.

But Zhang Yuan noticed that Xu Zheng's smiles weren't as frequent anymore.

Even the laughter carried a hint of perfunctoriness.

They probably felt it wasn't enough.

Zhang Yuan knew he was very greedy.

He gave both of them a bonus of 50 yuan.

Because the film would only bring him a return of about 800 million, after deducting costs.

He set aside nearly 20% of the profits as bonuses.

But it was still below Xu Zheng's expectations.

Because Zhang Yuan had previously paid Ning Hao 500 million yuan for the role.

But that's because the film sold over 100 million.

Zhang Yuanjian's bald head glanced at another pile of money.

I know what I know.

It wasn't necessarily because he was dissatisfied with himself, but rather because he felt that all the money should belong to him.

Greed has its advantages, because greed is also a weakness.

On the contrary, it's easy to control; all you need to do is spend money.

He didn't mind his subordinates being greedy.

Besides, what's the point of being in the entertainment industry if you're not greedy?
The two men expressed their gratitude with smiles, and amidst applause and cheers from the crowd, they accepted the large leather bag from their assistant and put the prize money inside.

Xu Zheng is already very popular in the TV drama industry.

I currently have two TV series contracts signed, and I'm getting paid over 100,000 yuan per episode.

So when he saw the 50 yuan prize, he didn't think it was a lot.

The higher you climb, the higher your aspirations become.

But he always wanted to pursue a career in film.

He, Huang Bo, and Bao Qiang all succeeded because they deliberately chose the "clown" route.

He originally took the "young leading man" route in the TV drama industry, but his appearance was really average, so he later changed to the early "incompetent male lead" route.

The one who took this path to its extreme was Lei Datou.

Zhang Yuan has now adopted a route combining "young male lead" and "martial arts male lead," which is currently the most popular and therefore he is able to make money.

But in another 10 years, martial arts performers will no longer be popular, and instead, "cowardly" characters will become fashionable.

Because people are tired of stories where the male lead is stronger than the female lead, the main female audience has started to prefer stories where the female lead is stronger than the male lead.

This is how times change.

I had a longer chat with Mr. and Mrs. Xu Zheng.

Zhang Yuan recalled that Teacher Tao Hong had appeared in Jiang Wen's "In the Heat of the Sun" with her skin soaked.

I wonder if anything happened between her and Geng Le or others on set.

With Ning Jing around, compared to her, her looks and figure just don't compare.

After they had finished chatting, Ning Hao pulled him aside and, with a smile, dragged him along for a drink.

"You've made quite a bit of money lately, haven't you?" Big Head asked slyly.

"Do you have any idea?"

"I went to XJ for fun, and while I was having fun, I got some inspiration."

"I learned a lot from the local natural scenery."

"Furthermore, after reading Lu Chuan's novel 'Keke Xixi' a few days ago, I felt even more connected to it."

Zhang Yuan nodded to indicate that he understood, because Dobujie, the lead actor in "Kekexili," also participated in one of Ning Hao's works...

"You can't be unaware that this play is plagiarized, can you?"

"Huh?" Big Head exclaimed in surprise.

"It's alright, you don't need to worry about it." Zhang Yuan knew this.

Lu Taijun directly copied the storyboard, lines, dialogue, and even some scene designs from the documentary "My Tibetan Antelope".

The reason why the movie "Kekexili" looks like a documentary is because "My Tibetan Antelope" is a documentary.

Not only did they plagiarize the movie, but they also used photos from other photographers for the poster.

The entire film was pieced together.

But she has a good father, there's nothing you can do about it.

In addition, since "Kekexili" was Hua Yi's film, the Wang brothers also helped to suppress it.

Furthermore, Madam Lu insisted that she had consulted many documentaries, but had never seen the one she had plagiarized.

Ultimately, nothing came of it.

When Zhang Yuan said this, Jiang Wen snorted coldly from the side.

He also looked down on Madam Lu.

After the falling out of "Looking for a Gun" back then, he concluded that Lu Chuan was an incompetent second-generation rich kid.

But while others win various awards because of their connections, Director Jiang himself has been blacklisted for many years.

No wonder Jiang Wen was so resentful!

"In short, I'm bursting with ideas right now." Ning Hao shook his head, ignoring the matter of "Kekexili".

"So I wanted to make a film about the frontier."

"What we want is that feeling of endless yellow sand, freedom and primitiveness, the savagery of places untouched by civilization."

Zhang Yuan's lips twitched as he heard those adjectives.

In short, Ning Hao's "artsy" tendencies, which had been cured by being so poor he had to sell his underwear and the misfortunes he suffered while filming "Green Grassland," have relapsed.

Zhang Yuan certainly knew what he was going to film.

So while the other person was enthusiastically introducing their ideas, his expression grew increasingly somber.

Because what Ning Hao wanted to film was precisely the movie "No Man's Land," which was later banned for a long time... (End of Chapter)