This actor needs more money

"Let me read the script."

Ding Xiu took a sip of tea and waved.

Things have been going on for so long that I have almost forgotten what Xu Haofeng gave him at the beginning, so I have to look back.

Xu Haofeng, who was well prepared, took out the script for the male lead. Not only the male lead, but also the outline of the script, the scripts for the main characters, and the shooting plan.

After being reminded by Ding Xiu last time, he learned from the experience after he went back and carefully revised the script and characters, and then came up with a different trace of the Japanese pirates.

Instead of perfunctory, Ding Xiu carefully read the script. When he was tired, he leaned back on his chair to read.

Xu Haofeng helped refill tea from time to time.

Soon, a few hours passed, and three pots of tea were replaced.

Xu Haofeng went to the toilet three times.

Ding Xiu was still in the same posture.

Finally, he moved, closed the script with a snap, and rubbed his brows.

Xu Haofeng asked urgently: "How is it?"

There was no immediate answer. Ding Xiu organized his words in his mind and said after a moment: "It is much better than the previous version, and the expression is more meaningful. But in terms of content, it may not be a martial arts movie that the audience likes, and there is no guarantee in terms of box office."

The lines are well polished, the characters are deeply portrayed, and the plot is there. Not to mention how amazing it is, but it is indeed better than 70 to 80% of the movies on the market.

It’s just that the audience may not like it.

Having been in the industry for ten years, Ding Xiu is not a novice who knows nothing. Because of his capital status, his interpretation of a good script is much better than that of ordinary actors.

Judging from the box office, Traces of Japanese Pirates is destined not to be the audience’s cup of tea.

Just like Huang Bo's bullfighting, the judges liked it but the audience didn't.

"Harmful." Xu Haofeng waved his hand: "My movies are never meant to entertain the public. Even if only a dozen or two hundred thousand people can understand it, it is enough."

"What do you think? Tell me. Can you act in it?"

Ding Xiu sighed, scratched his head and thought for a moment, what should I say about this script? You can accept it or not.

If I accepted it, it was because the script was not bad and I could act in it.

The reason he didn’t accept it was because the scripts weren’t that good either, average to above average. He had several scripts like this on display in his office, all of them were big productions, big directors, big casts, and the pay was pretty high.

"How much is your budget?"

"The budget is not big. If you want to come, the budget will be 10 million. If you don't come, the budget will be 4 million."

Ding Xiu was ashamed. Six million for his love was his salary, and the production cost was four million.

No, not even four million, because there are other actors' salaries.

The production cost may be two to three million.

This is a piece of cake.

In fact, Ding Xiu really wrongly blamed Xu Haofeng. Four million can do a lot, even in a movie.

Most of those movies that often cost over 100 million yuan in investment also include actors' remuneration, such as "Bullets Flying" with Ding Xiu and the others, which cost over 100 million yuan, but Chow Yun-fa's salary was only 40 million.

Best Actor Ge You and Best Actress Liu Jialing add up to tens of thousands.

There are no special effects in "Traces of the Japanese Pirates", it is all real shots, and there are no big scenes. A few million is enough.

"Why don't I go back and check the schedule?" Ding Xiu held back his words for a long time.

This was a polite refusal, and Xu Haofeng heard it: "Brother Xiu, whether you are dissatisfied with the script or the pay, just tell me directly, so that we can discuss it."

Ding Xiu scratched his head and hesitated: "Old Xu, it's not that I won't help you. I'm old and my output is not high now. I am slowly taking the specialization route. I am still busy with the company's affairs."

"If this script had been given to me two years ago, I would have definitely filmed it. Now, I really don't necessarily have the time."

"But I can recommend an old man from our company to you. The young man's name is Song Yang. He has graduated from a major and has first-class acting skills. He has filmed many movies and has worked with me. He is really good."

"I'm not saying this on purpose. I think he is very similar to the male protagonist in your novel. How about we arrange a time to meet him in person? I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

Ding Xiu had already said this, and Xu Haofeng couldn't persuade him anymore: "Does he have martial arts skills? Most people can't film my movie."

Ding Xiusong said in a relaxed tone: "This young man was from a cultural troupe before. He was proficient in piano, dance and singing. He later took the exam for Nortel. He has made many action films over the years. He has some martial arts basics. Even if the basics are not deep, a dancer is good at martial arts. Generally there are no problems and they are easy to train.”

Actors who can dance are very popular, especially with the popularity of martial arts dramas in recent years.

Those who can dance are beautiful, good-looking, and have graceful movements.

This type of person is better than someone who has practiced martial arts since childhood. Many directors would rather use someone who can dance than someone who has practiced martial arts since childhood.

Who are these people who have been practicing martial arts since childhood? Just look at Bao Qiang and you will know. They are good-looking but not good-looking, tall but not tall, and they are all amateur actors.

"This won't work." Xu Haofeng frowned: "What I want is an actor who knows real Kung Fu. I plan to ask the old Yu Chenghui to play the second male lead. The first male lead needs to compete with him. Can he do it without any basic martial arts skills? "

"Don't show off your fists and show off your legs. You just lay down after a few moments. How am I going to take pictures?"

Ding Xiu chuckled: "Mr. Yu Chenghui, in front of this person, everyone who comes up is an amateur. There is not much difference. Song Yang can do it."

Xu Haofeng's brows still didn't drop: "Aren't you proficient in the Qi Family Sword? Why don't you come to the crew to be a martial arts instructor. If Song Yang can do it, you can guide him."

"This drama is to make Qi Jiajun famous. It can't be done without you. Brother Xiu, you don't want to see me fail in the filming, right?"

Ding Xiu had a headache. He probably knew the style of Xu Haofeng's films. He had felt it when he was filming The Lost Martial Arts. The martial arts style was that of Ghost Head and Knife Handle.

If he were to be a martial arts instructor, he would be ruined.

But refusing seems a bit unkind. I have already refused several times, and it would be too disrespectful to do it again.

"Forget about being a martial arts instructor. I don't have time. I'm here to attend Bao Qiang's wedding. I have to go to the crew to film the remaining scenes tomorrow."

"How about this? I will be your martial arts consultant. The martial arts style will remain the same as before. I will give you guidance when I have time."

"Brother Xiu, I can't do this without you."

Xu Haofeng knew that the martial arts consultant basically just had a name, and he could not tell how many times he would come to the set.

"Mr. Yu is here. He has been practicing martial arts for decades. If you have nothing to do, listen to his opinion. He is right. He is much more reliable than me. He is a sword master. I don't dare to show off with him."

Patting Xu Haofeng on the shoulder, Ding Xiu said: "It's okay, believe in yourself."

Xu Haofeng lowered his head: "Okay, I'll trouble you."

Ding Xiu smiled: "It's no trouble, it's easy. What's our relationship?"

"In that case, brother Xiu, please help me again. I haven't secured the funds yet. Doesn't your company have investment business?"

Ding Xiu's smile froze: "It's easy, four million, right? I voted."

He was too embarrassed to approach Qin Gang for such a private matter and use the name of Qin Chao Entertainment to invest in Xu Haofeng. He happened to have an investment company, so he should use his own company to invest.

Four million is neither too much nor too little. It’s not like Xu Haofeng couldn’t collect even this amount at the box office.

"Brother Xiu, thank you. You are my brother. You have saved me from danger several times. I have something else to ask you..."

"Stop talking, it's all in the wine."

Ding Xiu quickly picked up the wine glass and blocked the rest of Xu Haofeng's words. He was afraid that if they chatted for a while, another millionaire would pop up.

In Hengdian, Song Yang is still filming.

Today's filming was a costume drama. He rested in the hotel at noon, keeping the makeup and hair on his head. After dinner and a nap, he and his assistant went downstairs. The shuttle bus for the crew was already at the door.

The black Dongfeng Scenery SUV did not leave immediately, and the door was not closed.

Still waiting for others.

Song Yang has not yet received such treatment as a private car.

He is just a supporting role, the male number six.

Counting forward, there are five people in line, well, these are just male actors, there are also female first, female second, female third, female fourth, female number five...

Overall, he is ranked number ten in the crew.

In short, the treatment is average.

After waiting for more than ten minutes, the car had not started yet. Song Yang was a little speechless and asked: "Master, who is still missing?"

The driver couldn't afford to offend anyone, so he could only apologize: "I called and said I'd be down right away. Sorry, please wait a few minutes."

Another five minutes passed, and no one was seen. Song Yang leaned against the car window and didn't want to talk, holding the phone in his hand in a daze.

"Master, which one are we waiting for? Can you please remind me, I'm in a hurry, the crew is very busy, and the director will curse later."

He couldn't help but ask.

It's been twenty minutes, no big-name celebrity can be so temperamental.

And the person who can sit in the same car with him must not be a big name.

The driver smiled coquettishly and gave the name of a supporting actress.

Song Yang shut up.

He had heard of this girl, the investor's "girlfriend."

She has acted in two dramas. She is either a big name or a newcomer. She is just a bit pretty, with big breasts and a perky butt, and she plays tricks on the set every day.

"Laughing and sighing, the poor in the past and the crazy in the present will eventually come to nothing."

"A blunt sword and a weak edge can only break a dream if it cuts off justice."

"The road is desolate and I sigh that no one understands my footprints"

"Years of waiting to pass through"

"I can't see through the rolling world of mortals"

While Song Yang was waiting to urinate urgently and was considering whether to go to the bathroom, his cell phone rang.

The ringtone for incoming calls was sung by Xiaoyao Tan and Ding Xiu.

In fact, he had always wanted to have someone call him while chatting with Ding Xiu, so that Ding Xiu could see that he was his loyal fan.

Unfortunately, this wish never came true, not because no one came to see him, but because he and Ding Xiu didn't have many conversations.

Ding Xiu is a busy man, how could he pay attention to him and chat and brag with him when he has nothing to do?

"Huh."

Scanning his eyes to the phone screen, Song Yang was startled when he saw Brother Xiu displayed.

He has Ding Xiu's phone number, because it was Ding Xiu who recruited him to Qin Chao Entertainment in the first place, but they didn't talk much after he came here.

He wouldn't be able to call Ding Xiu if he had nothing to do. It would be fine if something happened, but he might get scolded if nothing happened.

After all, he is not a girl, so he can talk to Ding Xiu about the script and discuss acting skills in the middle of the night.

If he calls Ding Xiu in the middle of the night, he says he is a little lonely.

I'm afraid the contract to be terminated will be delivered to me the next day.

"Hey, Brother Xiu, I'm Song Yang."

After gathering his emotions, Song Yang answered the phone with a smile on his face.

"Are you busy?"

"I'm not busy. I'm free. If you have anything to say, you can tell me."

Are you kidding me? Ding Xiu's phone call is always busy. Who knows that the other person is the boss of the company and the number one brother in the company, who can control his life or death in minutes?

"What, male lead, okay, I know, I'm free, if I'm free, I'll ask my assistant to book a flight and get there as soon as possible. It's okay. I have a lot of free time. The crew is not busy at all."

"Director? The director is easy to talk to. I just need to take a leave. Bye, sorry for bothering you, Brother Xiu. I'll treat you to a drink some other time."

After hanging up the phone, Song Yang's heart was pounding. After so many years, he finally got to play the leading role.

Although he still had to audition, Ding Xiu recommended him to go there, so there must be no big problem, and he was very confident in himself.

"get off!"

Song Yang said to his assistant.

"Why, Brother Song, is there something you didn't take?"

"No, let's take a taxi to the set."

"Ah, so luxurious?"

"Brother is happy today."

…

After only two days in Peiping, Ding Xiu returned to the crew of Ghost Blowing the Lantern. Here he only finished shooting the American scenes, but not the final one.

There are still some scenes left that require him to cooperate with Gao Yuanyuan and Huang Bo.

They're all special effects.

For a few people, performing without physical objects is not difficult, but it mainly takes time.

It was troublesome to set up the scene and hang green cloth, and the actors had to be strapped with many sensors, and the same actions had to be shot over and over again.

Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and in April, Ghost Blowing Lantern was completed.

Gao Yuanyuan immediately went to work on her other movies, while Huang Bo went home to rest.

Only Ding Xiu stayed in the studio, accompanying the editor and doing behind-the-scenes work every day.

This was also the task Qin Gang gave him. He said that actors can't act for a lifetime, but if they thought about being an actor for the rest of their lives, it would be better to learn something else.

He showed Ding Xiu the way

When learning film and television investment, start by analyzing scripts and markets, and then gradually learn about the crew's departments, expenditures, capital allocation, etc.

It’s not like the boss just invested the money and then walked away without knowing how he was cheated. On the contrary, the current bosses are all smart people and know the film production process very well.

Ding Xiu doesn't need to be proficient, he just needs to understand a little and not be deceived by the people below.

The second is to understand post-production. Post-production is a big project, and the potential for making money is no less than that of the early stage. At the same time, it also takes into account the quality of the film, which is the lifeblood.

It is no exaggeration to say that a good editor is more important than the entire crew of actors and directors.

Because no matter how good your acting is or how great the director's filming is, if you encounter a bad editor, your film will be cut into shit.

Therefore, this level is usually guarded by the director himself.

Finally, there was the issue of special effects. Ding Xiu also gained experience and went to the special effects room to come to a conclusion.

Any special effects that are expensive are just bragging.

For professionals, special effects are not difficult. As long as you have enough money, they can do anything for you. Of course, the top scenes in Hollywood are another matter.

But just passing it, or reaching first-class standards, many domestic special effects companies can do it.

The price wasn't outrageous, at least it didn't seem outrageous to Ding Xiu.

Those movies and TV series with special effects that stretch the hips, all spend a lot of money upfront, and the money is given to the actors as salary, or to eat and drink, which is almost a scam.

In the later period, I ran out of money, so in order to save money, I found a general special effects company, which cost RMB 1.8 million to complete the special effects for a movie with dozens of episodes.

Just like that, some special effects companies even outsourced the work to the next company.

In this mode, the special effects that can be produced are amazing.

PS: Sorry, something happened yesterday. It’s really unreasonable. I won’t tell you the reason. I don’t want to spread negative emotions to everyone. After all, it’s not a glorious thing.

The author strives to adjust the status well and update it early next time. If I cannot update it, I will tell you in advance. Trust me, I will usually keep updating it unless it is absolutely necessary.