8mi Chapter 8 Cooperation
Chapter 8 Cooperation
Three days later, Fu Yibai was working on a storyboard in his office when his phone rang.
As soon as the call connected, Han Shanping's hearty laughter came through the phone.
"Haha, Director Fu."
I saw your company's script filing announcement, "Caught in the Web"? You're moving quickly!
Fu Yibai sat up slightly and responded with a smile.
"President Han is really well-informed."
It's a draft about interpersonal relationships in the internet age, just submitted for filing, and is still in the early stages of preparation.
"The Internet Age..."
Han Shanping hesitated for a moment on the other end of the phone, then his tone became warmer.
"The subject matter is very novel!"
Director Fu, I admire your creative instincts.
We have tentatively set the domestic release date for "Black Coal, Thin Ice" in mid-June, which will coincide with the start of the summer movie season.
I've already had the promotional plan prepared, focusing on "the Berlin Twin Bears" and "the most anticipated art-house suspense film of the year."
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Han. I have no problem with the timing. If you need my or the main creators' cooperation in terms of publicity, please arrange it at any time."
"That's natural."
However, I made this call not just for "Black Coal, Thin Ice."
Han Shanping changed the subject, lowering his voice and making it sound more sincere.
"Director Fu, we at China Film Group are also very interested in the script for 'Caught in the Web'."
You see, we had a great time working together on "Black Coal, Thin Ice". Is there any possibility of continuing our collaboration on this new project?
We can discuss investment and issuance.
Fu Yibai's eyes flickered slightly, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
China Film Group's reaction was within his expectations.
A young director who has just proven himself on the international stage will naturally have his new projects become the focus of attention.
Fu Yibai is not opposed to China Film Group's desire to get involved.
After all, while he could guarantee the quality of the film, he wasn't very confident about its box office performance.
The main reason is due to the era.
With China Film Group involved, risks can be shared and screenings in theaters can be guaranteed. Why not?
In this industry, you can't go far by trying to do everything yourself.
"President Han is too kind."
For the "Search" project, I am indeed considering bringing in a suitable partner.
However, we may need to wait until we have assembled the core creative team and finalized the budget before we can discuss the specifics of the collaboration in detail.
"Well then, Mr. Han, once our preliminary preparations are more complete, I'll personally visit you with the proposal. We can sit down and discuss it at length, what do you think?"
By neither closing the door completely nor rushing to make promises, they left themselves ample room and initiative.
"good!
I love dealing with sensible people like you!
Han Shanping readily agreed.
"Then it's settled."
You go ahead and do your thing, I'll wait for your message.
Please put in more effort in promoting "Black Coal, Thin Ice".
"must."
After hanging up the phone, Fu Yibai gently stroked the smooth casing of the phone with his fingers.
The deepening of the partnership with China Film Group is a good thing, as it allows them to leverage its vast channels and resources.
However, the methods and scale of cooperation need to be carefully considered. Morning Light Media must maintain its independence and creative control; this is the bottom line.
He pressed the intercom button.
"Mr. Zhao, Mr. Wang, please come to my office."
A few minutes later, Zhao Qi and Wang Peng came in one after the other.
Fu Yibai briefly explained the contents of Han Shanping's call, and then said...
"Mr. Wang, we need to expedite the budget and preliminary team list for 'The Search'."
Mr. Zhao, the theater research and project investment solicitation cannot stop. At the same time, please keep an eye out for reliable marketing teams or talents in the industry with internet or new media backgrounds. Our future film promotion cannot rely solely on traditional media.
The two accepted their orders.
Wang Peng hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"President Fu, the response has been very enthusiastic since the news of the female lead's public audition was released."
Quite a few agencies have already submitted their information, including some... well-known actors.
Should we conduct an internal screening first?
"Can.
You and the acting coach can watch the auditions together first, and then pick out the candidates who you think have potential and whose image and temperament are a good fit. Then we will arrange a unified audition.
Remember, what I want isn't fame, but fit and potential.
Fu Yibai emphasized.
"No problem, Mr. Fu."
Wang Peng accepted the order.
"Okay, you guys go ahead."
Wang Peng and Zhao Qi got up and left the office.
A week later, Fu Yibai arrived at China Film Group with the proposal for "Caught in the Web".
Han Shanping's office is more spacious and has a more personal style than the previous meeting room.
Several paintings and calligraphy works by famous artists are hanging on the wall, and the bookshelves occupy an entire wall, displaying not only books but also many film festival souvenirs and trophy models.
Behind the huge mahogany desk, Han Shanping was slowly pouring tea from a purple clay teapot.
"Director Fu is here, please have a seat."
Han Shanping gestured for Fu Yibai to sit down on the sofa in the reception area and personally pushed a cup of tea in front of him.
"Try it, this year's pre-Qingming Longjing tea."
"Thank you, Mr. Han."
Fu Yibai picked up the teacup, its fragrance filling the air. He took a sip and praised it.
"Good tea."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Fu Yibai handed over the prepared "Search" project proposal.
Han Shanping put on his glasses and looked very carefully, occasionally pointing to a certain spot with his finger or nodding slightly.
The office was quiet, with only the rustling of papers turning and the faint noise of the city outside the window.
About twenty minutes later, Han Shanping took off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"The script is indeed good, very relevant to reality, and has plenty of dramatic conflict."
He first affirmed the script, then changed the subject.
"However, Director Fu, isn't an eight million budget a bit tight?"
According to your concept, to capture the texture and urban atmosphere, lighting, art direction, and post-production are all essential.
Regarding actors, if you find newcomers through open auditions as you envision, you can control the pay, but the risks are also high.
If we use actors with some level of fame, even if they're not A-list, this budget won't be enough.
Fu Yibai was prepared for this and said calmly.
"President Han has considered everything thoroughly."
Eight million is a preliminary estimate; Director Li is working on a more detailed budget.
My idea is to spend money wisely on production—hire the best teams for photography, sound recording, and editing, and save costs by using real locations and clever staging for scenes.
Regarding the actors, I insist on open auditions to find the most suitable "faces," and salary is not the primary consideration.
I believe that a good story combined with excellent performances is more powerful than simply piling on stars.
Of course, I will set aside separate funds for necessary promotional expenses, which will not affect production costs.
Han Shanping picked up his teacup, blew on the floating leaves, and looked at Fu Yibai through the rising steam.
Are you confident about the box office performance?
These socially conscious dramas don't have the same stable audience as commercial genre films.
"Confidence comes from trust in the story itself, as well as from capturing the current social sentiment."
Fu Yibai leaned forward slightly, his eyes bright.
"Mr. Han, the internet is rapidly permeating our lives, with BBS, blogs, portal websites..."
Ordinary people have more and more channels to voice their opinions and observe, but the corresponding rules and rationality have not kept up.
The phrase "public opinion is a fearsome thing" is appearing in this era in a larger and more intangible form.
The Search explores this very point.
I believe it will resonate with many people's confusion and confusion.
If there's a topic, there will be discussion.
"If it generates discussion, it will attract people to the cinema."
Han Shan listened quietly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the sofa.
He had to admit that the young man in front of him had an extremely clear mind; he not only understood creation, but also the market and promotion.
This is truly rare among directors of the same age.
"So, what are the cooperation methods?"
Han Shanping asked the core question.
"China Film Group can invest in or handle the distribution of films."
How much do you want us to take?
Fu Yibai had a contingency plan.
"I hope that Morning Light Media will be the main controlling party and be responsible for the production."
China Film Group can participate in the investment, with a maximum stake of 40%.
Regarding distribution, we can continue to entrust it to China Film Group, using an agency distribution model. We can discuss the distribution commission rate.
This plan ensured Fu Yibai's absolute control over the project, while the introduction of China Film Group's funding and distribution channels could share the risks and increase the success rate.
Han Shanping did not answer immediately. He picked up the proposal again, turned to the pages on budget and expected returns, and looked at them for a long time.
The atmosphere in the office was somewhat tense.
Fu Yibai did not urge him, but quietly drank his tea and waited.
Finally, Han Shanping raised his head and smiled, this time with more genuine appreciation and decisiveness than before.
"A 40% investment is acceptable."
The distribution agent—we can finalize the details later.
He paused, his gaze sharpening and filled with expectation.
"However, Director Fu, I have one condition."
"Please speak."
"China Film Investment has its eye on more than just this one project."
I hope that we can establish a more solid strategic partnership.
Over the next three years, under the same conditions, China Film Group will have priority investment and distribution rights for film projects developed by Chenxi Media.
Of course, we can discuss the specific projects and cooperation terms one by one.
Han Shanping leaned forward and stretched out his hand.
"I am optimistic about your future and am willing to give you a push at the beginning of your career."
What do you think?
This is both an olive branch and a binding agreement.
For Chenxi Media at present, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
Without the slightest hesitation, Fu Yibai stood up and grasped Han Shanping's hand.
"Thank you for your trust and support, Mr. Han."
Morning Light Media is honored to establish a long-term strategic partnership with China Film Group.
I've asked General Manager Zhao Qi to follow up on the specific framework agreement.
Their hands were clasped tightly together.
"It was a pleasure working with you, Director Fu! I look forward to 'Caught in the Web' achieving even greater success!"
"We will definitely live up to your expectations!"
After leaving the China Film Group building and getting into his car, Fu Yibai let out a soft breath.
Another important piece of the puzzle has been put in place.
With the funding and distribution guarantee from China Film Group, the "Caught in the Web" project could be launched immediately.
The strategic cooperation agreement was like finding a strong tree for Chenxi Media to rely on in its early development.
The car started and entered the traffic.