Jian Zhou said with a grimace, "I'll act for free."
Hua Ruyi shook his head. "That won't do. If you become a sensation with just one play, and with so many devoted fans supporting you, word getting out that you acted for free would lead to a huge scandal fueled by unscrupulous media, accusing me of bullying and exploiting you. I'd be roasted by your fans, so I can't agree to that."
Jian Zhou gritted his teeth. "Then I'll sponsor the costumes, makeup, props, and accessories for your drama. I'll cover everything."
Among all genres, historical dramas undoubtedly have the highest costume and makeup costs.
This is because ancient people, unlike modern ones, wore thick and heavy clothing. If there's a specific historical background, one also needs to spend considerable thought and money to research how people dressed and styled themselves in that era.
Specifically, among the dynasties, the Tang Dynasty's costume and makeup expenses are undoubtedly the largest.
The saying "Strong Han, Prosperous Tang" and the glorious Tang era, with its magnificent and grand atmosphere, demand a substantial investment to restore its utmost elegance and opulence.
The drama "The Grand Tang Dynasty" is precisely set during the peak of the Tang Dynasty.
Therefore, costume and makeup expenses accounted for a significant portion.
Upon hearing this, Hua Ruyi's heart bloomed with joy.
As the leading company among the five major agencies, Huiyao Film and Television possessed the strongest strength and deepest foundations, with a wealth of talent and the industry's most cutting-edge makeup team.
Jian Zhou's pro bono sponsorship of costumes and makeup would not only save him expenses but also enhance the drama's appeal, bringing a better visual experience to the audience.
Hua Ruyi smiled. "That's more like it, but I still feel something is missing."
Jian Zhou slammed his palm on the desk, huffing. "I'll also cover the post-production publicity work for you. How about that?"
Post-production publicity is also a major expense in producing a TV drama, sometimes accounting for up to a third of the overall budget.
This was tens of millions of yuan. A huge profit!
Hua Ruyi beamed. "President Jian is indeed generous and influential. This matter is settled. Make some time to sign a contract!"
"No need to make time, I'm free right now. Send the contract over, and I'll sign it immediately!" Jian Zhou said impatiently.
The thought of Jiang Ling filming those intimate scenes with other men was unbearable for him.
But when the role was his own, the situation was different; he wished for more such action scenes to be added.
"Alright, I'll be right there!"
"Yes, hurry!" Jian Zhou urged.
After hanging up, Hua Ruyi was overjoyed and immediately called Chen Mingzhang.
"Old Chen, your taunt was brilliant! Jian Zhou, that kid, took the bait!"
Chen Mingzhang said nonchalantly, "How much did you fleece him for?"
Hua Ruyi was surprised. "How did you know I was ripping him off?"
"How could I not know you? Once you get an inch, you take a mile. You like to push your luck, dare to take advantage of anyone, and consider it a loss if you don't. With such a great opportunity, how could you possibly miss it?"
"Heh heh, you know me best!" Hua Ruyi chuckled smugly. "That kid Jian Zhou is really shelling out to film with Jiang Ling. He's not only sponsoring the costumes and makeup but also the publicity fees. That saved me tens of millions in budget. I've hit the jackpot!"
Chen Mingzhang was also taken aback.
He knew Hua Ruyi would take advantage of the situation, but he didn't expect him to gain so much.
Chen Mingzhang quickly asked, "What did you do to the script?"