Kyoto.
Guangnian Entertainment was considered one of the top entertainment companies in Kyoto.
However, their primary business was not focused on singers.
It was in film and television.
Director Zhang Li, after the great success of "Those Years We Were Together" last time.
He had gained access to Guangnian Entertainment's resources.
His new film received investment from this major company.
And now, the new film "The Path of Searching" was in the final stages of production.
This was a film about family affection, telling the story of a father searching for his son after being released from prison.
This theme of family affection had been explored by many for several years.
Although Zhang Li was a veteran director, his style was more conservative, and he chose more stable scripts.
While this theme might be considered rehashing old ground, it at least had a specific audience, reducing the risk of losses.
Moreover,
Conference room.
Guangnian Entertainment's high-level executives were all present.
In addition to director Zhang Li, there was another famous director, Song Rentou, who had many first-tier actors collaborating with him. The depth of his resources was incomparable to Zhang Li's.
"I've called both directors here today to discuss the film's release."
Li Hongyi, the chairman of Guangnian Entertainment, spoke first.
"Mr. Li, my application has already been sent to your company."
Zhang Li said with a smile.
Song Rentou, standing beside him, smiled calmly and then said proudly, "My application is the same."
His new film "The Era" was also scheduled for release.
Starring popular idol Zheng Shuang, it was produced with an investment of one billion.
It had already generated immense buzz immediately after wrapping up.
"I have received both of your applications. Here is the schedule table. Please take a look. If you agree, our company will communicate with the cinemas, and the films can begin their promotions."
Li Hongyi waved his hand, and his assistant brought out two stacks of documents.
He handed them separately to Zhang Li and Song Rentou.
After receiving them,
They glanced at them.
Zhang Li's expression suddenly changed.
"Mr. Li, is there a mistake?"
On this schedule,
The screenings for his film "The Path of Searching" were pitifully few.
It was only one-fifth of the screenings for Song Rentou's film.
"Director Zhang, our Guangnian has limited resources. The screenings are based on early market response and audience expectations. Director Song's film indeed has more market appeal than yours."
Li Hongyi's expression was calm.
Capital valued traffic.
When Guangnian Entertainment initially invested in Zhang Li's film, they only spent fifty million, defining it as a small-budget production. They were simply leveraging the existing popularity of Zhang Li's previous film; otherwise, Zhang Li would not have had the opportunity to approach a major company like Guangnian Entertainment.
"Can we discuss it further?"
Zhang Li's face looked somewhat displeased.
He could accept half the screenings, but this significant reduction was clearly disrespectful.
He still had some tolerance. Despite feeling insulted, he managed to control his anger.
"Director Zhang, having one-fifth of the screenings is already quite good. After all, the total production cost of your film is less than our theme song. We invested so much; how can we recoup our costs if we don't allocate more screenings? Don't you think so?"
Song Rentou said with a half-smile.
His film had hired Guangnian Entertainment's own ace producer to specially compose a theme song for the movie.
And the singer was the lead actress Zheng Shuang. The traffic generated by this song alone was higher than Zhang Li's entire film.
"You!"
Zhang Li was very angry but couldn't lash out, his face flushing red with suppressed emotion.
"Director Zhang, please don't be angry. The company places great importance on Director Song's film. With such a large upfront investment, the screenings naturally have to be allocated according to the investment. The company's resources are limited, so we can only inconvenience you."
Li Hongyi stepped in to mediate.
Although Zhang Li was angry, he knew that what Li Hongyi said was correct.
His film was small-budget, while the other was a massive production worth over a billion, backed by a popular idol star. Da Feng Novel Network.
However, he just couldn't swallow his pride.
After all, when Guangnian approached him for cooperation, he was attracted by Guangnian Entertainment's resources.
The company controlled China's largest film resources and had more leverage in negotiating screenings with cinemas.
But now, it seemed no different from finding an investor on his own, perhaps even less!
To treat him this way and still expect to share profits was blatant bullying!
"How about this, we sign a gambling agreement."
Zhang Li's face was flushed red with anger.
If others didn't value him, there was no point in continuing the discussion.
"Gambling agreement?"
Li Hongyi was stunned.
"That's right. As the investor, based on this screening arrangement, name your price. If the box office doesn't reach your price, I'll compensate you. If it exceeds it, I'll take the profits."
Gambling agreements were typically proposed by investors, as they were the ones providing the funds.
To avoid bearing risks, they would sign gambling agreements with directors.
What he was proposing was no longer a gambling agreement, but a buyout.
And for Zhang Li to propose this himself was extremely rare.
For a moment, everyone in the conference room had strange expressions.
"Haha, Director Zhang has courage. I, Song Rentou, admire you!"
Song Rentou said gleefully from the side.
Gambling agreements were not uncommon in the film industry.
Even he had signed one.
Forty billion at the box office.
However, he felt no pressure.
With his own promotional resources, coupled with a strong cast, and with no strong competitors in the following month, a forty-billion box office was easily achievable.
"Alright, I agree."
After a moment of consideration, Li Hongyi smiled and nodded.
Either way, he would profit, so he agreed.
The assistant understood and brought over the contract.
"I won't ask for too much, how about five hundred million at the box office?"
Li Hongyi looked at Zhang Li.
"With this screening volume, it's at most three hundred million."
After making the gambling proposal, Zhang Li had regained his composure and instantly regretted it.
This was a situation where he could suffer a massive loss with just one mistake.
He couldn't help but curse himself internally for being impulsive.
He really needed to change his temper.
"Alright, I'll give you this courtesy, three hundred million it is. Let's sign the contract."
Li Hongyi smiled.
He had invested a total of fifty million, and without any risk, he had made over two hundred million. This return was already quite good.
After Zhang Li signed the contract with a grim expression,
He chuckled, "Thank you, both great directors, for your hard work. I've prepared a banquet. Shall we go eat together?"
"Heh, Mr. Li's invitation is, of course, welcome."
Song Rentou stood up and adjusted his clothes.
He then glanced dismissively at Zhang Li.
This person's mindset was so unstable; he lost his composure after a few words and even took the initiative to sign a gambling agreement. He was completely unqualified to be his opponent.
"You all go ahead. The release date is not far off, and I want to finish producing the theme song as soon as possible. I'll excuse myself."
Zhang Li stood up and said to everyone.
"Alright, Director Zhang, if you need anything, just come to me. I wish your film great success."
Li Hongyi nodded.
Zhang Li then quickly left the conference room.
After he left,
A burst of low laughter came from the conference room.
"Impulse is the devil."
"Except for his dejected back as he left, he was quite spirited."
"Haha, what spirit? Looking at his expression, he must be regretting it deeply."
"What do you say? Shall we make a bet too?"
"Bet on what?"
"Bet on how much he'll lose this time."
"Hahaha..."