blueteamnovel Chapter 57: An Initial Discussion of "The Story of Minglan"
Chapter 57: An Initial Discussion of "The Story of Minglan"
Han Ziming teased him on purpose.
"Mr. Gong, let's wait until Mozi Films finishes filming the movie before we collaborate again."
Gong Yu rolled her eyes and complained.
"You little rascal, if you wait until you finish filming the movie, who knows which platform your next TV series will air on!"
Han Ziming raised an eyebrow and said with a smile.
"How could that be? If Mr. Gong wants to cooperate, it depends on whether you dare to go all out."
"I'm afraid you won't dare to go for a big production."
Gong Yu retorted directly.
Han Ziming asked, "Are you familiar with the novel 'The Story of Minglan'?"
Gong Yu shook his head directly: "Never heard of it."
Dai Ying then interjected with a question.
"Boss Han, I know that. The author is Guan Xin Ze Luan. It was serialized online in 2012 and has quite a few readers."
However, this is a period drama, so it will require a lot of actors and the scale will definitely be large.
Seeing that Gong Yu didn't know, Han Ziming gave a brief introduction.
"Yes, 'The Story of Minglan' tells the story of the female protagonist, Sheng Minglan, who grows up in a complicated family environment and experiences various hardships. It involves several aspects, including personal fate, family relationships, marriage concepts, and power struggles."
This is a large-scale historical drama with grand scenes; it will definitely have many episodes after filming. The script is already completed.
He then added a sentence.
"President Gong, when Zhao Yingbao agreed to make a cameo appearance in 'The Beginning,' it was because I promised to make her the female lead in the drama next year."
Gong Yu said, "There's no problem with the female lead; Zhao Yingbao can carry a drama. But what's your budget for this period drama?"
He knew perfectly well that Zhao Yingbao's sudden participation in a small production like "The Beginning" must have been for some other purpose.
It's definitely because of the resources for the next drama.
Moreover, Zhao Yingbao's "The Mystic Nine" did quite well this year, so Gong Yu agrees with casting her as the female lead.
Han Ziming made an outrageous demand: "3 million!"
"How much? 3 million! Are you sure you didn't double it?"
Gong Yu said with a shocked expression.
Han Ziming said confidently, "Don't be surprised. I think 'The Story of Minglan' can rival 'The Journey of Flower.' It just depends on whether you dare to vote for it."
Gong Yu thought for a moment, then asked with some concern.
"So how much do you plan to invest?"
Han Ziming answered immediately.
"With 1 million in additional costs, at least 40% will be allocated."
Gong Yu was speechless.
"No, where did you get so much money? I heard from the rumors that your company has invested in several movies this year?"
Han Ziming patted his chest and assured him.
"Don't worry, Mr. Gong. The costume preparation for this drama alone will take a long time. Not to mention the profits from 'The Beginning,' the money my company has made from the movies we've invested in will be enough."
He wouldn't tell Gong Yu that there was actually enough funding.
I just don't know if Li Feng can secure any new projects for the film industry recently, or if he'll need to use this.
Gong Yu looked doubtful.
"Don't let the funding chain break down later. I heard you invested over 1 million in several movies, and with 'The Story of Minglan,' it'll be over 2 million, won't it?"
Han Ziming said with a serious expression.
"There's enough money. If you're worried, think it over before you speak. There's plenty of time."
Gong Yu said seriously, "Okay, I need to gather some information too. After all, if we're going to invest, it'll cost at least tens of millions."
Han Ziming nodded: "Okay, I'll wait for your news. Once it's confirmed, I'll have President Dai talk to President Li directly."
Dai Ying then asked, "Boss Han, are you planning to film this yourself or collaborate with another film and television company?"
Han Ziming thought for a moment and said, "Let's find another film and television company. The costumes for this drama are similar to those in 'Nirvana in Fire.' I plan to approach Daylight Entertainment. It just so happens that the assistant director of 'The Beginning' is also from Daylight Entertainment."
Gong Yu smiled and said, "They are indeed very good; we're old acquaintances. Once we've finalized the investment amount, we can contact them."
Han Ziming was a little thirsty, so he took a sip of tea.
"Alright, I won't have time for this next year, I have to go make a movie."
Gong Yu said happily.
"Okay, how about we grab a meal together to celebrate?"
Han Ziming laughed: "Let's wait for the celebration banquet. It's unlucky to open champagne halfway through. I'm leaving now, no need to see me off."
After saying that, he left Kiwi Fruit Company.
In Gong Yu's office,
Dai Ying said earnestly, "President Gong, many readers of 'The Story of Minglan' are interested in it, and I think it's no less popular than 'Empresses in the Palace'."
Are you sure?
Gong Yu looked surprised.
Is this going to be another hit drama?
"Hurry up and arrange for someone to prepare an evaluation report. We need to finalize it quickly so that others don't snatch our investment share."
Dai Ying nodded in agreement, "Okay, Mr. Gong."
He then went out and immediately instructed his subordinates to analyze the situation.
Gong Yu got up, walked to the window, and talked to herself.
"Is his eye for talent really that good? Is he going to be another Chen Xi? I wonder how well his movies will do at the box office."
After leaving Kiwi Fruit Company, Han Ziming got into driver Lao Wu's car and returned to Yanjing Film Academy.
The main reason was that he received WeChat messages from Zhou Ming and Ye Huan saying that the department head, Huang Dan, wanted to see him.
After a while,
Yan Ying Literature Department Classroom
He had just arrived when the school bell rang.
Han Ziming pulled Zhou Ming and Ye Huan to sit down in the last corner of the classroom, where they listened to the lecture given by the department head, Huang Dan, and chatted idly.
Zhou Ming said excitedly.
"Old Mo, your 'The Beginning' is a huge hit! The new episode airs Tuesday, and I reckon it'll break 20 billion views! You're incredibly popular at school now, tons of girls are asking for your WeChat!"
Han Ziming smiled and said softly, "Keep a low profile, don't give it away carelessly. Didn't you see I specifically pulled you to sit in the corner?"
Ye Huan chuckled softly:
"Hehe, Lao Mo, you're really something. I'm really looking forward to the movie 'Brother Kuai' being a box office hit. Then Lao Zhou and I can brag about it. After all, we've worked on film sets before."
Han Ziming rolled his eyes at him and shook his head helplessly.
"Old Ye, you two still have the nerve to say that? I asked you to film 'The Tragedy' with me next year, and you didn't say a word."
Ye Huan said bluntly, "Damn, you're definitely a capitalist. We're all tired of doing menial jobs and don't want to be slaves anymore."
Han Ziming was speechless: "I wanted you guys to get used to it first, so you can be directors yourselves later!"
Zhou Ming interjected, "Adapt to what? You think everyone can be a director? Lao Ye and I don't have that ambition; we're content with writing scripts!"
Ye Huan chimed in, "Exactly! So many people invest in movies and go bankrupt, working their whole lives to pay off their debts. You're really lucky!"
Han Ziming smiled awkwardly.
"Alright, what does Lao Huang want with me this time?"
Zhou Ming blinked and said with a smile.
"He didn't say anything, but now everyone says that your success as a student director is thanks to him."