Huayu: As a child star, I just want to be famous

Chapter 400: Crazy Rising Pay, Film Market
The three of them hadn't discussed business together for a while, so they took this opportunity to chat for a while.

Having just finished telling Xiaolong about his movie, Chen Linfeng repeated it in front of his father.

"Well, that's a good idea,"

Chen Shantong nodded and said, "Huayi must have realized this problem, so they thought of filming "The Empire of the Phantom Flame".

After all, Xiaolong has just started, so it is more appropriate to start with low cost.”

Shi Xiaolong smiled and said, "It's not a particularly low-budget movie, actually. I'm planning on making my next movie, and I'm going to invite some famous martial arts stars to help out. With that in mind, the pay has increased quite a bit."

"In fact, the cost is not much higher. Whether it is Wu Jing, Zhao Wenzhuo, Zhang Jin, or Xie Miao, compared with first-tier stars, their prices are very cheap, and their popularity is not low, which adds a lot to the film."

Chen Linfeng strongly supported his idea.

Shi Xiaolong said, "I thought so too, but if I invite them to join my team, it will be difficult to deal with the villains. I always feel that there are not enough fighters."

"Of course, any one of you would feel capable of fighting."

Chen Linfeng complained, "It's difficult for the villains too."

Shi Xiaolong scratched his head. "I think the movie 'Police Incident' you shot before was very good, and the villain was very powerful. I want to learn from you and find an actor who is not so handsome. Do you think it is feasible?"

"Sure, it's not that we can't choose good-looking ones, but the pay is a bit high, and the cost won't be enough."

Chen Linfeng thought of Huang Xiaoming's performance in The Whistleblower and Wang Jinsong's Lin Yaodong. In fact, many actors are malleable.

When it comes to the issue of film pay, Chen Shantong has a lot to complain about.

"The pay for the past two years has increased too fast, and many actors' pay has doubled. For people like you and Xixi, it's a faster increase, which I can understand.

Some actors, no, they can't be called actors, for example, Zhang Baizhi, only had 300 million before, but after her comeback, it became 1500 million. Other first-line movie stars also have tens of millions.

The same is true in the TV drama industry. Last year, Haiqing was making 22 to 30 yuan per episode, but this year it's only yuan. Sun Honglei said that it was because he wanted to shoot fewer TV dramas, so he reported yuan per episode. Still, people are hiring him. I don't quite understand the current situation.

I am a little worried that I will soon be unable to afford to hire actors, or I will have to produce shoddy products. What is going on in the market now? "

Chen Linfeng was a little surprised. Although he knew about the sky-high film pay in later generations and knew that the pay increase started around this time, he never expected that the pay increase would be so drastic.

You know, a few years ago, the top ones like Chen Linfeng and Liu Qianqian were still worth several million.

Nowadays, almost all first-tier cities have tens of millions.

Even in the television industry, with an average of 20 yuan per episode, the price for an average TV series of to episodes is tens of millions.

Although Chen Linfeng himself received tens of millions of dollars in salary for the film, he still felt it was exaggerated.

The most important thing is that such drastic changes occurred within a year.

He thought for a moment and said, "The pay ratio still needs to be controlled. The cost increase is unstoppable, but no matter what, the actors' pay cannot exceed 50%."

Shi Xiaolong couldn't help but say, "Now any first-tier star can make 10 million. If there are three, according to your ratio, the cost of a TV series will be almost 100 million."

In their previous TV series, Long Lin often put a lot of effort into hiring actors, such as "Reply" and "The Great Tang Empire", which were completely supported by a group of first-line stars.

Even in the past two years, there are many first-line stars in "The Great Qin Empire" and "The Right Way in the World".

Chen Linfeng calculated carefully, "For us, first-line celebrities are mainly used for marketing and creating gimmicks, so we can only hire one or two at most.

In this regard, we should not go against the market and audience trends, but for this kind of front-line, we should try to hire our own people.”

Chen Shantong wanted to say, "You hired your own people, are you trying to lower the price?"

Chen Linfeng shook his head, "No, even if we are one of us, it won't last long."

"But we can find a way to negotiate a profit-sharing agreement. At any rate, we can reduce the initial cost to a reasonable level."

Chen Shantong frowned and said, "In that case, wouldn't the profit be reduced?"

"If the quality of the TV series is not good, the profit will not be much."

Chen Linfeng said with conviction, “If the production cost is squeezed to one-third of the total cost or even lower, slowly, the quality of our series will get worse and worse.

This is not something that can be saved by the script, and by then, there will be no profit to speak of.

The key is the proportion of production that we retain.

You know, the acquisition price of TV stations has been rising, and the total cost is also increasing. Compared with other companies' dramas, our production costs are much higher. "

Chen Linfeng slapped the table and said, "Then, put all this money into special effects."

He said confidently, "Then it will be a dimensionality reduction attack. Compared with our previous victory relying on scripts and production, the gap will be more obvious."

Chen Shantong carefully thought about his son's entire set of ideas. What was being lowered was the profit ratio, not necessarily the profit data.

Because the acquisition amount of TV stations is constantly increasing, this itself is the basis for the rapid increase in film pay.

Now, the rising part is invested in production, and then compensated to the actors in the later stage.

"It sounds like it should be possible. I'll go back and discuss the details with the people."

Chen Shantong did not jump to conclusions. After all, a large amount of money was involved, as well as the future direction of the company, so he had to consult opinions from multiple parties.

Of course, as long as you say that this is Xiaofeng's intention, others will definitely consider it seriously.

Maybe other companies will hear about it and give it a try.

Xiaofeng’s status is no longer the same as before.

He thought about it and confirmed, "Should we continue with the script and production as before?"

"Of course, the script still takes top priority. Even the special effects must serve the story."

Chen Linfeng added, "For some historical dramas, no special effects are needed. In that case, we can differentiate ourselves from other dramas in terms of costumes, props, and scenery. It's always about relying on cost advantages to have what others don't." "I see. I think there should be no problem with this idea." Chen Shantong's doubts were swept away.

"It's time to eat." Wang Yanping has already started serving the dishes.

"We also have Xixi's cooking tonight, you guys can come and taste it."

"Really? Then I'll have to try it." Chen Shantong replied.

"Be mentally prepared." Chen Linfeng reminded.

"Chen Linfeng, you are saying bad things about me again. Didn't you say it was delicious before?"

"Haha. Just kidding."

……

The next day, Chen Linfeng, who had wanted to have some salted fish before, couldn't help himself and went out to meet people.

"Boss Han, it's been a while since we last met. I haven't thanked you for helping us last time."

This is about Han Shanping helping with public relations before the Oscars.

Han Shanping waved his hand, "We are all family, no need to mention this."

Also sitting next to him was Shen Fei.

In the past two years, Shen Fei has always been seen around Han Shanping. Is this what he means by successor?
Chen Linfeng guessed and greeted him at the same time, "Brother Shen, how are you these days?"

"Well, it's even better to know that you won the award." Shen Fei poured tea for everyone.

They are now in a high-end teahouse. Northerners are not used to discussing matters in such places, but since the guest today is from the south, they might as well give it a try.

Chen Linfeng looked at Jiang Zhiqiang on the other side.

Unexpectedly, the partner was changed this time, but since it was chosen by Han Shanping, he had no objection to it.

The few of them did not get to the point right away, but chatted about other things.

Han Shanping mentioned the crazy increase in the number of cinemas in the past two years. He looked at Chen Linfeng.
"Xiao Chen, you said before that the domestic box office scale will expand rapidly. How did you come to this conclusion?"

He sighed, "The more cinema chains increase, the more worried I am. I am afraid that the quality of movies will not keep up with the increase in the number of cinema chains, and then there will be big trouble."

Chen Linfeng calmly drank a sip of tea and said, "The problem you are considering is not a problem at all. The quality will definitely not catch up."

"Then this..." Han Shanping was shocked.

"But just because the quality of domestic films cannot catch up doesn't mean the domestic box office market won't grow. You should put your mind at ease on this."

Seeing that the other party was a little confused, Chen Linfeng continued, "Bad movies won't affect people's purchase of tickets and spending money. Besides, there are Hollywood blockbusters."

"That's what you said. That's what I'm worried about. If all the box office revenue is taken away by Hollywood blockbusters, it will be embarrassing for everyone."

Chen Linfeng complained, "There's nothing we can do about it. The market has suddenly become bigger, and it's easier to make money. By then, there will definitely be a large number of domestic companies that will frantically launch new projects in order to match the larger box office market, and they might even ruin the reputation of domestic films."

Although its reputation is not very good now.

Han Shanping's face didn't look good, this was what he was worried about.

I have been thinking about this issue recently, and have held meetings with the Film Bureau to discuss it, but they just can't come up with any rules.

Jiang Zhiqiang comforted him, "We can't stop this no matter what, so don't think too much about it. Hong Kong Island was like this back then, and the mainland is similar now."

He was very familiar with this situation. Although the causes were different, the manifestations were similar.

Shen Fei offered his thoughts from the industry perspective, "No matter what, there are only so many talents in the entire industry. If we want to increase production, the quality will definitely decline.

But as time goes by, we can train more teams, which is not a bad thing after all, so Mr. Han should not worry too much. "

Han Shanping nodded. "What you said is true. It's a two-sided coin. I was just worrying too much."

He thought of Chen Linfeng's previous actions and couldn't help but praise him, "Xiao Chen, you thought of taking students to Hollywood. You look like you are doing serious work. Other companies don't think of training new people."

Without waiting for the other party to be humble, he continued righteously, "When the students you like become successful, if they want to start a project, they can come to me and I will provide them with support."

Oh my goodness, this is where all the conversation ends.

Chen Linfeng said unhappily, "Boss Han, you're worrying too early. I've only been studying for half a year, and you're already targeting me."

Han Shanping smiled and said, "Of course. Everyone knows that you, Xiao Chen, are very good at teaching people. I have seen the film Xiao Cheng shot. It is very good. These are all students you taught."

Speaking of this, we have actually gotten down to business.

Jiang Zhiqiang interrupted, "The film 'The Ugly Duckling' was originally scheduled to be released during the Lunar New Year holiday last year, but it was postponed because Liu Qianqian was unable to participate in the promotion. When is it expected to be released now?"

Han Shanping looked at Chen Linfeng and asked him to make the decision.

Chen Linfeng thought about it and realized that there was already a movie "Taken" in this year's summer schedule, but the summer schedule was so long that it wouldn't actually be a waste of time.

"Then let's put it in the summer season. School is about to start in August, and this kind of inspirational film should be more suitable for this time."

Han Shanping recalled the upcoming schedule and felt that there were no blockbusters, so he nodded in agreement.

Jiang Zhiqiang said, "Then the film can be released simultaneously in Southeast Asia. We just need to trouble Miss Xixi to participate in the marketing activities in Southeast Asia in advance."

"Okay, I'll agree to it on her behalf." Chen Linfeng nodded.

"What film are you going to make next?"

After this topic was over, Han Shanping asked a question that he was more concerned about.

(End of this chapter)