Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 309 I Want to Make a Movie

Around 10 p.m., Liu Shishi and Song Ci returned to their home in Jingyuan after attending a financing party.

After resting for a while and drinking some hangover soup that the housekeeper had prepared, Song Ci went upstairs to wash up.

Liu Shishi was lounging lazily on the sofa, talking on the phone with Cai Yinong.

"Little Miss, is there something you need so late?"

"Yes." Liu Shishi nodded slightly, her voice tinged with disappointment, as if she had lost interest.

Cai Yi-nong sensed something was off about Yi-jie's tone and asked with concern, "Is something on your mind? Tell me about it."

Instead of responding directly, Liu Shishi hurriedly requested, "Sister K, please help me find a female English tutor with high teaching standards. I need to improve my English as soon as possible."

Cai Yi-nong was very surprised: "What's going on? Why are you doing this so late at night?"

"Don't even mention it, my husband and I are attending Tenda's financing party tonight."

As soon as the first lady opened her mouth, Cai Yinong interrupted her urgently: "Is it the one that was trending on Weibo, the one about raising 600 billion?"

"Yes! Sister K, let me finish what I have to say!"

"Okay, okay, tell me, after the party, what's next?"

Recalling the extremely unpleasant experience at the cocktail party not long ago, Liu Shishi sighed deeply: "There were so many foreigners at the party, all of them CEOs of top global financial institutions and multinational banks!"
My husband introduced me to them, but unfortunately my English is too poor, and I couldn't understand a word they were saying. I could only awkwardly laugh the whole time, which was so embarrassing for Mr. Song.

When the eldest sister said that, Cai Yinong understood why she was worried: "You really need to work on your English, otherwise it would be really inappropriate for you to accompany President Song to these important occasions and have your husband act as your translator."

Finding a private tutor is my job. But there are no shortcuts to improving spoken English; you have to practice a lot to improve quickly.

"I will practice more." Spurred on, Liu Shishi secretly made up her mind.

Seeing that Sister Yi's emotions had calmed down a bit, Cai Yi Nong changed the subject: "Grandma, don't just dwell on this matter. Tell me about your work arrangements for the future."

Your role in "The Founding of a Republic" is not very big; filming will wrap up in about ten days at most.

You've been resting for two months since filming wrapped on "Scarlet Heart." You can't keep resting like this forever; you should start thinking about your future work plans.

As for her future work, the leading lady already has plans in mind: "I'm preparing to make a movie."

Upon hearing this, Cai Yinong asked in surprise, "Is it produced by Tengda Culture?"

Liu Shishi enthusiastically introduced: "The movie script was written by my husband before, and it's a very interesting story."

This film is mainly funded by my own studio, but Tengda will also invest a portion, and subsequent promotion and distribution will also rely on Tengda Culture.

K-sister, would you like to invest in Tangren Media?

After much hesitation, Cai Yi-nong declined the invitation from the top female star: "The company hasn't received the filming funds for 'Scarlet Heart' yet."

Moreover, the company is about to film a web series to test the waters, and money is needed everywhere, so there are no extra funds to invest in movies.

Tangren Media is not as wealthy and powerful as you, a mere rich woman.

"Is the company going to produce a web series?"

"Yes, after listening to President Song's suggestion last time, I plan to shoot one or two low-budget youth campus-themed web dramas to test the waters. Back then, Tengda Culture started by shooting campus dramas."

However, things are complicated, and a director still hasn't been found; neither Director Li nor Director Liang in the company are willing to direct.

Cai Yinong got more and more of a headache as he talked. Several directors in the company were either busy with other things or couldn't watch the web series.

"Sister K, since there's no one available, let me recommend someone to you. He's a classmate of Ma Xin, the director at Tengda Culture, named Jiang Wei. He previously served as the assistant director for the 'Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre' series. I met him when I had a cameo role."

Although web series can't compare to broadcast television, it's still an opportunity for independent directing, and these assistant directors shouldn't refuse. I'll send you their contact information later; you can contact them first.

"Okay!" At this time, they were short-handed, so Cai Yinong had no choice but to try anything, and couldn't afford to hire outsiders.

After a brief interlude, Liu Shishi steered the conversation back to the movie: "Sister K, my movie is still missing a producer. Would you be willing to help me?"

"You don't even have a producer. So your movie hasn't even been assembled yet. Do you want me to be your laborer?"

Cai Yinong complained half-jokingly, but inwardly he was eager to try.

After all, TV series producers and film producers are very different. Serving as a film producer for Liu Shishi would allow for more interaction with theaters when the film is released, and help accumulate some experience.

Liu Shishi said in a soft, coquettish voice, "Sister K, please help me. I trust you to handle things."

"You're just used to using me, aren't you?" Cai Yinong snorted irritably, but still agreed to the request of the top female star.

After all, film is precisely her and Tangren's weakness, so she couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to be a film producer.

"Send me the script tomorrow, and has the director been decided yet?"

"It's settled. My husband personally selected director Ma Xin. He's a protégé of Tengda Culture. My husband said this show has the potential to be a huge hit, and we have to give our own people this kind of opportunity to become famous overnight."

What was said in jest was taken seriously by Cai Yinong. He thought to himself, if a big shot like Boss Song with such high standards said it would be a huge hit, then the movie's box office must be at least three to five hundred million.

So, without making a scene, she inquired for Tangren's top star: "Shishi, Hu Ge has been practicing hard in the drama club recently, and his acting skills have improved a lot. Do you have a suitable role for him in your movie?"

Liu Shishi quickly recalled the images of the main characters in the script and pondered them carefully:
"Hu is not suitable for the male lead role. He is a quirky, comedic character. However, he can play the second male lead role. If he is willing, he can meet with Director Ma to discuss the play."

Cai Yinong was overjoyed, as this was a film written by Song Ci's boss himself and produced and distributed by Tengda Culture.

These are top-tier resources that countless male stars in the industry would fight tooth and nail for. Just getting a supporting role is a blessing; there's no room for being picky.

He immediately made a decision for the lead actor: "I'll have him prepare for the audition tomorrow."

"Don't let the good stuff go to outsiders," Liu Shishi thought, not minding that Sister K had taken it upon herself to make decisions for Hu Ge, and readily agreed.
“Okay, K-sister, if you’re not busy, come to Beiping next week. I’ll also invite Mr. Zhang from Tengda Culture and Director Ma, and we can meet up and finalize all the details of the film.”

Cai Yinong responded decisively: "It's settled then. I will definitely be in Beiping on time."

Liu Shishi had just finished her call when she looked up and saw her husband coming down the stairs. She quickly got up and went to help him: "Honey, are you still feeling dizzy?"

Song Ci had just washed up and felt refreshed, with a faint scent of mint lingering around him: "It's alright, I'm sober now. Anyone want to come to Beiping?"

Still feeling uneasy, Miss Liu grabbed Song Ci's arm and pulled him to sit down on the sofa.

"It's Sister K. I asked her to be the producer of 'Goodbye Mr. Loser.' Next week, after I finish filming my scenes for 'The Founding of a Republic,' I'll invite her over to discuss the details of the movie." Song Ci nodded: "It's more reassuring to use someone from our own circle. Have the cast been finalized?"

"No!" A look of distress instantly appeared on Liu Shishi's exquisite makeup. She was worried about the casting of the male lead, the second female lead, and a group of supporting actors.

"I can have Lao Hu play Yuan Hua, and I'm planning to ask Mi Mi to play Qiu Ya. Mi Mi is beautiful and has a great figure, so she's perfect for the role of the school beauty. But we haven't found anyone else yet."

Song Ci was slightly taken aback. Miss Liu's decision was a lucky one. It seemed like Yang Mi would be a good choice to play the role of Qiu Ya. With Yang Mi's amazing figure, the famous pool scene would surely be recreated.

"I have a suggestion for you. When you have some free time, go see a Happy Twist play with the director. You might be surprised by what you find."

"Riddlers are so annoying!"

Although her husband only said half of what he meant and Liu Shishi kept asking him for details without getting any further information, she still kept Happy Twist in mind, after all, Mr. Song wouldn't speak without reason.

Time flies, and the past ten days have passed in the blink of an eye. On September 11th, the weather was exceptionally clear.

Liu Shishi invited Cai Yinong, Hu Ge, Zhang Zhao, and Ma Xin to her home. She had finished filming her scenes for the movie "Building a Great Cause" and was now focused on preparing for the filming of "Goodbye Mr. Loser".

Originally, the eldest sister planned to find a quiet and elegant teahouse to discuss business, but unfortunately she sprained her ankle the day before yesterday and had difficulty moving around, so she had no choice but to invite the group to her home.

"Sister Li, go pour tea for the guests."

"Yes, madam," Sister Li replied, and quickly served tea to the guest.

Aside from Cai Yinong, Zhang Zhao, Ma Xin, and Hu Ge were all visiting Song Ci's home for the first time. Gazing at the magnificent and luxurious villa hall, the three exclaimed in amazement.

"Shishi, is your foot alright?"

"It's nothing, I just twisted my ankle. I'll be fine after a few days of rest."

"That's good."

After Cai Yinong offered his greetings, the other three also exchanged pleasantries and inquiries about Yi-jie's injury.

Zhang Zhao took a small sip of the fragrant tea offered by the butler, savoring the rich aroma spreading across his tongue:

"Madam, is Chairman Song home?" It would be extremely impolite not to pay a visit to Song Ci upon arriving at the chairman's home.

Liu Shishi understood Zhang Zhao's idea and explained, "He's having a multinational conference call upstairs. He'll come down when it's over. Let's talk about our own things first."

Since the leader was busy and it was inconvenient to disturb him, Zhang Zhao didn't say anything more and went straight to the point: "President Cai, has the budget for 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' been completed?"

Cai Yinong hurriedly took out the budget materials he had prepared beforehand, and while quickly distributing them to Zhang Zhao, Ma Xin, and Sister Yi, he said:
"The film's production budget is 1600 million. As for how to allocate the investment shares, Shishi and President Zhang can discuss it."

Zhang Zhao took the materials, glanced through them, and, based on his years of experience as a producer, judged that Cai Yinong's budget was quite reliable after just a few glances. All expenses were clearly listed, and there were no inflated prices.

"Whatever share Madam desires, Tengda Culture will cover the rest."

"My studio and Tengda Culture each contribute 8 million, how about we split it 50/50?"

Cai Yi-nong listened to the two discussing their investment shares and felt deeply remorseful, regretting his foolish refusal of Yi-jie's investment invitation that day.

She had a professional team evaluate the movie script. The subject matter was the currently popular time-travel theme, and with Liu Shishi, Yang Mi, and Hu Ge starring, even if it was just a matter of capitalizing on the nostalgia of "Chinese Paladin 3", the box office was estimated to break 100 million. She really missed a great opportunity.

Since things had come to this point, and he couldn't go back on his word, he could only regret it in his heart, thinking that if he encountered this situation again, he would have to be shameless and try to get a share.

Zhang Zhao nodded: "How will the profits be distributed?"

Liu Shishi maintained a serious and professional demeanor, showing no intention of taking advantage of Tengda Culture simply because she was the boss's wife.

"Tengda Culture is responsible for publicity and distribution, and takes 15% of the revenue. My husband, as the screenwriter and copyright holder, only wants 5% of the box office revenue. The remaining revenue is divided according to the investment ratio."

Mr. Zhang, is this roughly how we'll divide it? Is that alright?

“Madam is fair, I have no objection.”

Zhang Zhao smiled with satisfaction, picked up his teacup, and took another sip of tea. With the general direction of investment and returns set, the remaining matters would be handled by the producer and director, so he, as the producer, didn't need to worry too much.

With the investment settled, Ma Xin knew it was time for him, the director, to take the stage, and announced loudly:

"Madam, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Cai, Mr. Hu, I have already discussed the preliminary preparations with the art director, and I have arranged everything else, including lighting and photography. Now let's focus on discussing the selection of the male lead."

Liu Shishi said calmly, "Director Ma, my husband personally selected you to direct this film because he absolutely believes in your abilities, and I fully respect your choice of personnel."

Faced with the boss's wife's absolute trust, Ma Xin was both touched and nervous.

If this movie, which even the chairman is paying attention to, flops at the box office, it certainly can't be the investors' or the lead actress's fault.

The blame can only fall on him, the director, and the male lead he recommended. Therefore, he was extremely cautious about casting the male lead, the central figure of the entire film.

After listening to the boss's wife's advice, I went to see several Happy Twist plays. After watching them several times, I gradually understood the chairman's deeper meaning.

"I've decided to cast Shen Teng, a stage actor from Happy Twist, as the male lead, and I'll also cast members from the drama club for the supporting roles in the film."

"Shen Teng?" Hu Ge muttered to himself, feeling that the name was familiar, but he couldn't remember who it was for the time being.

"It's Hao Jian, who performed in the skit on the Spring Festival Gala." Liu Shishi seemed to have been prepared for Ma Xin's suggestion and directly revealed the person's background.

"So it was him!" Upon hearing Hao Jian's name, Hu Ge suddenly realized who it was, and sighed slightly. She was completely convinced of his abilities, and her resentment vanished instantly.

The top female director made the final decision: "Director Ma, since you think Shen Teng is suitable, then let's cast him as the male lead."

With the director's nomination and Liu Shishi's approval, no one else had the right to object.

"Then I'll contact Happy Twist in a couple of days." After saying that, Ma Xin looked hesitant and hesitated.

Cai Yinong shook his head: "Director Ma, you're really not straightforward. If you have any other questions, just say them all at once."

Ma Xin scratched his head, looking embarrassed: "Chairman Song's script has a plot that requires a heavyweight singer to make a cameo appearance, but I don't have an idea yet."

"Oh, so that's what it is. That's easy." The top female singer smiled confidently. "Next month, pop diva Faye Wong will be making her comeback with a concert at the Wukesong Arena in Beijing. She even specially invited me to attend."

She still owes me a favor because of the copyright issue with her cover of "Because of Love." I'll invite her to make a cameo appearance in the film; she shouldn't refuse.

Upon hearing this, Ma Xin was so excited that he couldn't speak coherently: "That's great! The queen's cameo appearance alone will boost the box office."

(End of this chapter)