Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

Sitting in Shi Dongmin's office again, I had to talk about the current situation of "Buried Alive".

Shi Dongmin said, "In the genre of art films, the film has received good reviews and box office success. Audiences and industry insiders have praised it highly, and the few criticisms it receives have not made much of a splash."

"We were only aiming to sell the film rights before filming, but we didn't expect it to do so well at the box office."

Wang Xuan said with a smile.

After a pause, he got to the point: "Manager Shi, what's the production budget for 'Back to Youth,' and how much does China Film Group plan to invest?"

"Here's the budget sheet, take a look for yourself."

Shi Dongmin handed over a form.

【Back to Youth】is a low-budget fantasy film with no special effects, so the production cost couldn't be very high.

Wang Xuan had roughly estimated that 800-1000 million would be enough, but the budget provided by China Film Group clearly stated a production cost of 1200 million.

He thought about it carefully. The only things the production crew needed to spend money on were large-scale set construction and filming at various locations, and actor salaries...

In an instant, he realized the reason.

The biggest expense is probably Ge You's salary. He is a Cannes Film Festival Best Actor and one of the highest-paid male actors in mainland China.

Wang Xuan asked, "How much is Teacher Ge You's fee?"

"300 million, even considering the small amount of screen time."

"Given his status, he's worth the price."

Wang Xuan closed the budget sheet and asked the question he was most concerned about: "How much can China Film Group invest?"

"Given that this is your first time directing, China Film Group will invest five million as an incentive, taking a 50% share. Post-production, publicity, and distribution will be handled by China Film Group."

Wang Xuan did not agree with this distribution method. He would have to pay 7 million yuan himself and would only get 50%, not even including his screenwriting and directing fees.

Moreover, Wang Xuan did not consider investing that much cash.

"Manager Shi, it's like this, I want to take the lead on this project. I'll invest five million in cash, plus my screenwriter and director fees, which I'll take 60% of."

Wang Xuan set a salary of 2 million yuan for himself, which may be a bit too high, so he only asked for 60% of that.

He continued, "China Film Group has five million, but we can only take 40%, and we still have to be responsible for publicity and distribution. We won't put the post-production here; I'll take it to the school to do."

The senior students in the college are very good at it; Wang Xuan was very satisfied last time.

I plan to contact them again this time.

It's not because of cheap and good quality labor that can work 996 overtime.

He's providing internship opportunities for these graduating seniors.

That's what Wang Xuan thinks, and the school leaders support him.

Shi Dongmin looked at Wang Xuan with a questioning gaze. This was the salary offered to him by a top domestic screenwriter.

Considering the project's initiation, the formation of the production team, and the endorsement of the Beijing Film Academy, a slightly higher price is acceptable.

Shi Dongmin didn't refute, but changed his form of address and asked, "Director Wang, are you very confident in this film?"

"Yes."

Wang Xuan nodded.

"Given your confidence, let's proceed with the allocation method you proposed."

Once the share was determined, the contract was quickly drafted.

After confirming that all the terms were correct, Wang Xuan signed his name.

Within a day, the news had spread completely.

A youth fantasy film jointly invested by China Film Group and Xuancheng Pictures, with a production cost of 20 million yuan.

To make it sound better, they inflated the reported costs.

As soon as Wang Xuan returned to school, he was called to Wang Chunzi's office.

The message conveyed is the same as that of the filming of "Buried Alive".

Please take better care of the senior students in the academy. Don't let them pick up the bad habits of those in the directing department when they first become directors, like running to the neighboring school whenever they get a good script.

Wang Xuan truthfully stated the choice of the female lead, and that other roles with more screen time could be found within the school.

Wang Chunzi understands, after all, the most important thing is for the actor to fit the role.

On his way back to the dormitory after leaving the office, many classmates came up to greet him, and some bolder senior girls even asked for Wang Xuan's contact information.

He thought it looked familiar and, thinking he might need it someday, gave it to him.

"Oh, Director Wang is back! I just sat down in my seat, come and sit down quickly."

Upon seeing Wang Xuan enter, Zhu Yilong, who had come over for a visit, stood up and made room for him.

"Get lost! You've already wrinkled my sheets and I haven't even come to complain."

Wang Xuan lay on his bed, his gaze sweeping over Zhu Yilong. The man, who had been rather reserved and introverted at first, was gradually becoming quite slick.

"Director Wang, Brother Long and I are your right-hand men, don't you have anything you want to say to us?"

Gao Wenfeng said with a fawning expression, "Even games aren't appealing anymore."

In terms of looks, he is no match for Zhu Yilong, let alone Wang Xuan, who has the looks of a campus heartthrob.

His academic performance was also average.

A max-level player suddenly appeared in the dorm, so of course we have to cling to him tightly.

Just like in the game, a player who spends money on in-game purchases can easily wipe out a bunch of random random players with a single skill.

"I actually have plans for the two of you."

Wang Xuan handed the script from his bag: "Lao Gao, you play the music director, and Lao Zhu, you play Xiang Qianjin."

Finally, he added, "Remember to keep the script a secret."

"Don't worry, I always cover myself with a pillow when I sleep."

The two carefully flipped through the script; it was their first time acting in a movie, and they both had quite a few scenes.

Seeing how much the two cherished each other, Wang Xuan didn't disturb them. They had a good relationship, so he would take care of them whenever he could.

Since we've taken care of these two, we might as well take care of a few more.

He left the dormitory, went to a secluded spot, and made a phone call.

A moment later, Chai Biyun came running over excitedly. Wang Xuan must be looking for her at this time because something great must be happening.

However, what annoyed her was that Shuangzi overheard Wang Xuan's call and came over as well.

"Shuangmei's arrival is just in time; I don't need to notify you again."

Seeing that the two of them came together saved Wang Xuan the trouble of notifying them.

Hearing this, Sawako, who was still a little worried, smiled.

"Brother Wang Xuan, what can I do for you?"

Shuangzi's bright eyes were fixed on Wang Xuan.

"You've probably heard about my new movie, I have a role..."

Before Wang Xuan could finish speaking, Shuangzi raised her hand high and said decisively, "I'll act, I'll act in any role."

Chai Biyun, who was a step behind, glared at Shuangzi with displeasure, muttered "green tea bitch" under her breath, and then immediately echoed her.

Seeing how enthusiastic the two were, Wang Xuan explained the roles they would be playing.

Shuangzi plays the granddaughter, the lead singer of the school's rock band.

Chai Biyun plays the role of the senior student, but her role is small and can be considered a guest appearance.

The two of them, clutching their scripts, left happily.

Wang Xuan had previously refused Miss Jing's offer to act in a movie, but now that he's asking her best friend to participate, he needs to let her know in advance to avoid any overthinking.

"Sure, if I have time, I'll come visit you on set. Don't worry, I remember what I promised you..."

Jing Tian has been quite depressed lately, as veteran actor Feng Yuanzheng publicly criticized actors for crossing over to perform in stage plays.

They believe these people are unprofessional, disrespectful of the stage, and treat drama as a hobby.

Although it's not directed at any specific person, Jing Tian is a typical example of someone who's just dabbling in things.

She finished filming "Lust, Caution" early and joined the cast of "An Epic of a Woman".