NABC Chapter 28 Making a Name for Oneself
Chapter 28 Making a Name for Oneself
The entire conference room was filled with a lingering melancholy, as oppressive as the smog outside the window, making it hard to breathe.
Gu Yi had only communicated with them by phone and had never met them in person.
I never expected them to be in this mental state.
"Hello, teachers. I'm Gu Yi. We've been in contact by phone for a while, and I'm so glad to finally meet you in person today."
He took the initiative to extend his hand to introduce himself.
"Mr. Gu, please have a seat!"
Liu Xunzi saw Gu Yi enter.
He was stunned for two seconds before he realized what was happening and quickly got up to shake hands with her.
"Seeing is believing!"
"You look even better in person than in photos."
He turned to the side to introduce the person next to him.
"This is screenwriter Li Ba Shen, he wrote the script."
At this moment, Li Bashen, who had also stood up, looked Gu Yi up and down before handing him a bottle of Yibao mineral water.
"Boss Gu, you must be tired from your journey. Have some water first."
After Gu Yi took it,
Sit down on the other side of the conference table.
He noticed that the two people opposite him had emptied most of their water bottles, indicating that they had clearly been there for a long time.
"It seems the two teachers have been putting a lot of effort into this project lately."
Instead of getting straight to the point, he started by finding a topic to talk about.
"Yeah, my head is buzzing right now."
"I heard Director Liu mention on the phone before that you've accepted investment. I wonder if you've secured all the necessary funding?"
Gu Yi asked with a smile.
"We approached several investors, but they either thought the subject matter was too edgy or that there wasn't enough traffic to support it, so the talks fell through."
Liu Xunzimo sighed and handed over the script.
Actually, the story behind this script is quite long.
After the release of "Unexpected Journey to the West" in 2015, this film, which cost about 3000 million yuan to produce, grossed 3.22 million yuan at the box office.
Money was made.
But its reputation soured!
In 2017, they originally planned to shoot a feature film called "Report to the Boss". The script had been polished for more than a year, and the crew had been assembled.
As a result, the investors suddenly withdrew their investment.
The project was a complete failure.
Inspired by Radio Time, they later rewrote the story and called it The Birth of a Cinema.
It's also called "Making a Name for Oneself," but it's been stuck in this stalemate ever since because of a lack of funding.
"Li Bashen said with a hint of self-deprecation."
"It's too difficult to make a work that doesn't cater to the market these days."
Gu Yi picked up the script and saw the words "The Birth of a Film" in gold lettering, then slowly turned the pages.
Investor Lu Ziye's gambler-like investment style
Buying a haunted house to ride the wave of popularity reflects the reality that many bosses in the industry don't understand creation and rely solely on luck.
Director Zheng Qianli is obsessed with "fists and pillows".
Despite a constant stream of bad films, he continues to receive funding, much like those commercial directors who only know how to create grand spectacle.
The aging actor Guan Jingnian, relying on his seniority and capital to prolong his career, is a true reflection of many veteran artists.
Actress Su Mengdie was treated as a pretty face and her private life was the subject of rumors, highlighting the anxieties about appearance and the predicament of cyberbullying faced by actresses.
Stuntman Chen Xiaoda works his life away but doesn't earn much money; he's desperate for fame, revealing the hardships of those working at the bottom of the industry.
Screenwriter Li Jiahui is talented but poor, and his speaking the truth has led to his being censored. He is a microcosm of countless talented but unappreciated creators.
The entire script is a public execution of the current problems in the film and television industry, including capital bullying, creative impetuosity, prioritization of traffic, and rigid social hierarchy.
"This script is indeed ruthless and generates a lot of buzz, so it's normal that no one is willing to invest, because you'll be targeted by the industry."
Gu Yi closed the script, his eyes shining.
"So you're saying you won't invest either?"
The light in Liu Xunzimo's eyes dimmed.
"I will invest, and I want to play Chen Xiaoda."
Gu Yi got straight to the point.
He wants to use this role to officially transition into the film and television industry.
"At your early twenties, you have plenty of screen time, comedic moments, and a well-developed character arc, which is perfect for you."
"But your acting skills?"
Liu Xunzimo looked at Gu Yi and said.
Surprise appeared in Li Bashen's eyes.
"I remember you're a professional esports player, right?"
"I'm interested in acting, and I often watch videos and imitate what I see," Gu Yi casually offered as an excuse.
"I'll invest 10 million, but I need you to finalize the script by the end of December, and ideally start filming next February for a summer release."
There is a troublesome problem.
If it's delayed until 2020 for release,
No one can say for sure whether they will be affected by masks.
Moreover, next year's National Day holiday film lineup is full of patriotic films, and there are also strong films like "Better Days" at the end of December, so this film may not have a chance of winning.
"Boss Gu, we see your sincerity, and the role of Chen Xiaoda is indeed suitable for you."
Liu Xunzimo rubbed his hands together, looking troubled.
"But to get it released next summer, the production cost will have to rise to 3000 million. Suddenly, we have so much more money..."
"I'll handle the money."
Gu Yi took over the conversation.
"I have an appointment with Mr. Wang from Fiber Optics tomorrow. Maoyan's marketing and promotion are quite good. I'll also contact Tencent."
Liu Xunzimo immediately pressed for answers.
"What if..."
"I mean, what if you can't secure investment either?"
That's a very direct question.
After all, they were complete strangers, and it was hard to be completely at ease with just a few phone calls and a surge of enthusiasm.
Gu Yi picked up his phone and brought up his Weibo homepage.
"You two can take a look. I currently have over 500 million followers on Weibo, and my song is already a hit. At this steady growth rate, reaching 1000 million by the end of the year shouldn't be a problem."
He paused for a moment, then revealed his trump card.
"If we can't reach an agreement with Fiber Optic and Tencent, I can talk to Yida. Even if that doesn't work out, as an IG professional player and musician, I can still raise another 1000 million."
"Moreover, even without big-name actors during the film's promotion, the box office won't be too bad just by relying on my fan base."
Liu Xunzi Mo and Li Ba Shen leaned closer to look at the fan comments and the rising popularity of the topic, and the doubts in their eyes gradually disappeared.
"Although Mr. Gu is very sincere, we need to sign a contract. If we polish the script, you can't go back on your word."
Liu Xunzimo took a deep breath, his tone becoming serious. Anyone can talk the talk, but what he needed was 100% confirmation.
They have 500 million each, totaling 1500 million. Even if they don't raise enough in the end, they can still barely make a movie.
They're just short of money.
Gu Yi smiled.
"Sure, even if we don't get any investment in the end, I'll personally fund the filming."
These words completely dispelled their last concerns.
"Then it's settled. The total cost will be 3000 million. I'll go prepare the contract."
Li Bashen stood up.
"no problem."
Gu Yi nodded.
Not long after,
Li Bashen walked into the conference room with a contract in his hand.
The moment both parties signed their names...
Liu Xunzi Mo and Li Ba Shen breathed a sigh of relief; the weight that had been on their hearts for more than two years had finally been lifted.
Gu Yi laughed too.
"Making a Name for Oneself" was his bargaining chip.
This film, full of sharp satire and commercial potential,