Huayu: When the director changed his major

Chapter 128

Sohu headquarters.

Editing room.

"Brother Guo, Master Chen, let's take a break and go downstairs to have breakfast first."

Cheng Xi looked at the bloodshot eyes of Guo Fan and Master Chen, and guessed that his current condition should be similar to theirs.

Yes, they pulled another all-nighter to edit the final version of “The Beginning.”

These days, Cheng Xi attends classes and occasionally arranges promotional matters in the studio.

Basically, the rest of the time I spent in the editing room with Guo Fan and Chen Hui, a professional editor from Sohu.

Before, they were the ones who did the rough cut together.

As Tiangong Yicai's post-production images were gradually submitted, Cheng Xi also began editing the final version with them.

Editing is indeed tiring, as you have to go through each frame.

Every frame is a contrast and a decision.

Moreover, this work is just like doing a big math problem. It is difficult to continue if you are interrupted.

I can't catch up with the inspiration for a while.

Before you can get back into the state, you need to reorganize your thoughts before you can continue cutting.

So everyone just stayed up late to get their hair cut, which was much more efficient.

After Cheng Xi finished cutting hair all night, he still had to go back to school to attend classes, and of course, he basically just caught up on sleep.

Because "The Beginning" is very popular now and is fermenting very rapidly.

Cheng Xi's intention was to take advantage of this favorable situation to quickly edit the film, which would also make it easier for him to negotiate with the TV station.

Otherwise, once the hype has died down, your price will definitely come down.

After a few more days of this, the three of them were finally able to stretch and then collapse into their chairs.

No one spoke for a long time.

But no matter what, hard work pays off, and the editing of "Beginning" is finally completed.

The preliminary reason is because after the editing is completed.

Cheng Xi also organized an internal film screening, which included the main creative team, Sohu CEO Zeng, Secretary Hu, and others.

There are also several senior directors, editors and marketing staff from the production department.

Cheng Xi hopes to achieve perfection rather than working in isolation.

Although I have the innate advantages from my previous life, I still hope that "The Beginning" can do better in my hands.

After Cheng Xi summarized everyone's opinions, he added some areas that needed rework and made some minor adjustments to the editing.

The internal screening was quite good, and several main actors were very surprised by the performance of "The Beginning".

I have a vague feeling that this drama has the potential to be a hit.

Of course, what they think is popular is only more popular than ordinary TV series.

Cheng Xi is indeed ambitious. If he wants to become a hit, he must make it like "Palace".

Otherwise it would be a shame for the movie which had such a good reputation in the previous life.

But he didn't say what he was thinking, for fear that everyone would think he was dreaming.

Several senior TV drama directors also gave good reviews and of course a lot of constructive suggestions.

They also became impressed by Zuibai. At first, when Sohu invited them to watch the movie, they did so with the mentality of giving face.

When the time comes, just give some advice and say a few words.

But after watching it, at least they no longer looked down on this so-called new director.

If this film is a shoddy effort from a new director, then what were their previous films?
Mr. Zeng and Sohu's production department seemed a little excited after watching the version edited by Cheng Xi.

In their opinion, judging from the quality of this film, which was invested under pressure from above, there is no doubt that it will pay off.

Moreover, after watching the film, Mr. Zeng paid more attention to Zui Bai and felt that he had not gotten on the wrong bus.

He expressed his sincere hope that Cheng Xi could put "The Beginning" on Sohu Video.

Cheng Xi hasn't finalized many things yet, but he has promised that if it is to be broadcast on an online platform, Sohu will definitely be the first choice.

In the next few days, Cheng Xi took his senior brother Guo Fan and editor Chen Hui to do the fine editing again.

After the final editing, the length was controlled at 15 episodes.

Because you have to watch this drama to the end to feel the huge emotion.

So Cheng Xi insisted on finishing the editing in one go, and then taking it to the TV station to negotiate the price.

After the haircut is completed, it will be sent to the higher authorities for filing and review as soon as possible.

There are no unusual shots in "The Beginning", and the censorship at the time was not that strict.

With Sohu's help, "The Beginning" quickly passed the review.

In this way, the final version of "The Beginning" was finally completed after intensive editing after the film screening!

"Would you like me to contact a local TV station you're familiar with?"

Li Xiaoran whispered to Cheng Xi who had just gotten into the nanny car.

At the same time, she gently adjusted his collar.

Cheng Xi first smiled and shook his head, then gestured for the two to sit in the back.

Yes, Sister Da Ran thought of Cheng Xi again.

Moreover, Da Ran also attended the internal film screening a few days ago.

I saw that Cheng Xi's hair was split, his face was haggard, and his eyes were bloodshot.

I was so heartbroken that I almost exposed their relationship in front of Reba.

Of course, Reba also feels very sorry for her brother.

But she couldn't help with the editing and wanted to go to the editing room to see Cheng Xi several times.

They were all rejected by Cheng Xi.

Cheng Xi was afraid that this interruption would cause further delays.

On the day when Da Ran found out that the final version had been edited, he asked Cheng Xi to go to Yunjian for a private meeting.

"Please give me a massage."

When Da Ran heard this, she obediently placed Cheng Xi's head on her soft silk stockings-covered thighs and slowly rubbed it.

Now when Cheng Xi is tired, the first thing he thinks of is Da Ran, because they get along very well.

There were no concerns, and Da Ran would not make any demands on Cheng Xi.

Before getting in the car, Cheng Xi smiled and looked at the luxury cars picking up the girls at the door, and thought that getting in Sister Da Ran's car might have a similar meaning.

It’s really easy though. Sister Da Ran will arrange everything, and I can enjoy the gender bonus of being a woman.

So he joked:
"Sister Da Ran, do I look like those girls in the academy who were picked up by luxury cars? They must have thought I was gifted and that some rich woman had taken a fancy to me and started living off me."

When Da Ran heard this, he also laughed and said:
"You are indeed a gigolo, why don't you dare to admit it?"

"and"

Da Ran glanced in the direction of the driver and whispered into Cheng Xi's ear:

“Really gifted”

Cheng Xi clearly felt a surge of elasticity on his head, and combined with Da Ran's technique, the feeling was no worse than Manman's.

I went to Yunjian for a rest. It was still the same room, and Qingqing and Manman were still serving me.

Qingqing and Manman looked at each other when they saw that it was Cheng Xi again.

Then he couldn't help but look at Cheng Xi.

After reading it, both of them swallowed.

It's another day of envying Sister Da Ran.

Three quarters of an hour passed quickly.

"Do you want to stay here?"

When Cheng Xi heard Da Ran say this, he glanced at Man Man.

When Manman heard this, she stopped what she was doing. I don’t know what she was thinking about, but her face instantly turned red.

Cheng Xi saw this and said:
"Next time, you see you scared me. Manman, you guys go out, I'm going to take a nap."

Of course Cheng Xi needed to sleep for a while, but the object of sleep was not just the bed.

But it’s the beauty in stockings next to her.

While watching the movie projected on the screen, eating fruits and drinking tea, I enjoyed Da Ran peacefully.

The movie being shown was "The Botanist's Daughter", which Cheng Xi had specifically asked Da Ran to arrange.

This classic film, produced by Luc Besson, directed by Dai Sijie, and starring Li Xiaoran and Milane Jeanpanomi, tells the story of a lace woman.

A delicate and mysterious atmosphere, hues of rich green and old yellow, and a beautiful interweaving of people and scenery.

Cheng Xi quickly immersed himself in the emotions.

It is worthy of being the film that won the Best Artistic Contribution Award.

Cheng Xi appreciates the beauty of the movie, but the most important thing is that he wants to appreciate the young Da Ran in the movie.

And her beautiful figure.

When the bold and avant-garde footage began to play, Cheng Xi started to get on base.

How do I describe that feeling? I looked at Da Ran on the screen, and then looked at Da Ran under me.

I can only say that the feeling is super doubled.

"Is it a real shot or a stand-in?"

Cheng Xi couldn't help but ask with interest.

“Really shoot.”

I was really scared when I heard it.
I just copied the method from the movie.

And let Da Ran watch the movie with him.

Da Ran was so embarrassed by Cheng Xi this time, and at the same time she recalled the scene of filming a scene.

My whole body started to tremble.

Following Cheng Xi's actions.

He is really bad.

But I really like it.

I really hope it will last forever like this.

"Can I take a picture next time as a souvenir?"

"Xing Dacheng can take pictures whenever he wants."

Go ahead and shoot me, even if you kill me.

Da Ran couldn’t help but think.

Alas, Sister Da Ran is so nice to me, Cheng, that it makes me feel distressed.

In this case, Cheng Xi must of course pay more interest.

After all, Sister Da Ran lent me two million.

I'm so generous, it's not too much to return 200 million to you, right?
As Cheng Xi thought about it, he decided that next time he opened a new door, he would bring a camera to record everything precious.

At this time, Qingqing and Manman were not far from the door.

While listening to the exaggerated thumping and shouting inside, they were also talking in low voices.

Qingqing: [Manman, Boss Gang really wants to keep you, are you willing? ]

Manman: [Don't talk nonsense, boss, this shop is very legitimate and they will never force anyone.]

Qingqing: [Then why did you say you wanted to stay?]

Manman: [I'm just keeping me here to continue serving them. Don't get me wrong.]

Qingqing: [Uh, push your butt! I don’t believe it.]

Full: [.]

When Manman heard Qingqing speak so directly and dirty, he couldn't help but think of the scene of himself pushing from behind.

Her face instantly turned red to her ears and she could no longer speak. At the same time, she was also thinking about what would happen if the boy who looked like a student just now...

If you agree to let her stay, what choice will she make?

Although Qingqing was asking Manman, she was also asking herself at the same time.

To be or not to be, this is an eternal question.

After the editing was completed, Cheng Xi took a short rest at Da Ran's place for one night.

Then start working on the next step without stopping.

When they parted, Da Ran very gently packed up the two suits and gave them to Cheng Xi.

And also gave him a gift.

Then he smiled from the bottom of his heart and watched Cheng Xi leave.

That smile was indeed like a field after being moistened, and a green mountain washed by rain.

Cheng Xi liked it very much.

It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy it or not. The main thing is that you can give it to others to enjoy. Your own enjoyment is just a by-product.

Cheng Xi felt that he was such a selfless person.

Smiling face.jpg
When Cheng Xi returned to the dormitory and opened Da Ran's gift, it turned out to be a wallet.

Judging from the brand, it is a big international brand.

What a delicate and obedient big sister.

I have equipped myself with a complete set of equipment.

When will Tianai and Jinchen come and learn from us?

Everyone in the dormitory saw Cheng Xi smiling with satisfaction and lewdness, and holding a wallet that looked very valuable.

I instantly felt envious.

Xu Zhenming is the most knowledgeable about luxury goods, watches, wallets, etc.

When he saw the wallet that Da Ran gave him, he couldn't stop clicking his tongue.

"When will a woman give me such an expensive wallet? I'd be willing to give myself to her."

As soon as this boastful remark came out, everyone in the dormitory exclaimed in surprise.

Of course, Cheng Xi is not the kind of person who only cares about his lower body and ignores the rest of his life.

In the following days, the promotion work of "The Beginning" was not neglected.

As the incident of the mass wedding went viral, more and more couples are getting married these days.

They all used the song "My Only", and suddenly it became a fashion to post videos singing "My Only" when getting married.

It is flourishing on major platforms such as Weibo.

Everyone uploaded wedding videos that they had seen or experienced.

Of course, this is also due to the promotional efforts of Zuibai Studio’s publicity team behind the scenes.

Cheng Xi also edited a version of the theme song in the middle and posted it on Weibo, which attracted another wave of traffic.

Although the opening theme song is not that amazing, this version of the opening theme song is more in line with the plot.

This makes the book fans and Zuibai short drama fans like it even more.

So Cheng Xi took advantage of the popularity of "The Beginning" and started negotiating with major TV stations to buy the film.

Cheng Xi first found Li Wentao and asked him to plan the itinerary and order of visits.

Cheng Xi didn't have to negotiate the price himself, but the studio was basically going all out on this project and wouldn't tolerate failure.

So whether it was to show the studio's attention or to facilitate making decisions at the first time, Cheng Xi finally decided to visit each company in person.

The finished film of "The Beginning" will be sent to the TV station two days in advance according to the schedule.

Then Cheng Xi talked to Li Wentao about the problem of the previous publicity and promotion expenses being spent in advance.

Because Mr. Zeng also knew the relevant situation, the two parties finally decided to increase the capital by 150 million according to the agreed proportion for later publicity and promotion.

And because the 200 million yuan that Li Xiaoran had previously lent to Cheng Xi had already been transferred to his own account.

Moreover, the final payment for the sponsorship of the "Wanwan" advertising settlement has also arrived.

It can be said that the studio breathed a sigh of relief and had some financial surplus.

So Cheng Xi stopped delaying the payment.

So Cheng Xi first asked Li Wentao and Wanhe Tianyi to settle part of the income of "Wanwan".

After all, Cheng Xi also knew that everyone was waiting for money to be used.

You can't just ignore it in the early stages. They do the work and you get the money.

It would be too unfair to delay giving it to them.

It was just a stopgap measure before.

Three days later, Cheng Xi and Li Wentao both looked a little ugly.

These days, he and Li Wentao flew from the north to the south, visited several cities, and interviewed three TV stations.

However, their desire to acquire the program was not strong, the broadcast time slots they offered were not good, and the prices were kept relatively low.

It completely fails to meet Cheng Xi's requirements.

After watching the movie, I thought it was good.

However, this style of work in state-owned enterprises and institutions really makes it difficult for Cheng Xi to adapt.

From the words, it seems that some tricks are needed to get them to agree to buy the film, and the price is exorbitant.

It actually made Cheng Xi feel like he had a hard time selling good products.

Well, let them continue to collect bad movies. There is a reason why some TV stations cannot get up.

Many people simply treat this place as their own private land.

Today, according to the schedule, Cheng Xi and his partner came to Mango TV with a young assistant from the studio.

He has high expectations for Mango TV.

After all, they have collaborated once before, and Mango TV has always been very generous in buying films.

According to what he inquired with Yang Mi, "Palace" has a total of 35 episodes and was sold at a price of 150 million per episode for the first round of broadcasting, totaling 5250 million.

This price was considered a sky-high price compared to other TV stations at the time, which were paying hundreds of thousands of yuan per episode.

You should know that the total investment cost for external publicity of "Palace" was 8000 million, but Yang Mi told him that it was only about 5000 million.

Moreover, this was the price for the first round of broadcasting by the TV station, which directly made "Palace" pay for itself.

As for the subsequent second and third rounds of broadcasts, no matter how much is sold, it is pure profit.

Not to mention the online premiere which has already been sold to LeTV, which costs 20 per episode, which means a net profit of 700 million.

I have to say that this time, whether it is actors Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng, or Yu Zheng and the creative team, they all made a lot of money from "Palace".

The former's pay has skyrocketed several times, and he has also accumulated a lot of fame. If he doesn't do anything wrong, he can live off it for the rest of his life.

The latter earns money and industry reputation directly, and can start the next project to continue making money.

But even with this sky-high price of 5250 million, Mango TV still made a lot of money from advertising fees.

Because this drama is so popular.

In Cheng Xi's impression, this drama is basically unmatched except for "The Legend of Zhen Huan" back then.

From the beginning to the last episode, it has been the most watched show in its time slot, which shows that Mango TV has a keen eye.

This wave is a win-win outcome.

Mango TV Program Purchasing Center.

The center director Nie Haiqiang and Cheng Xi first exchanged greetings.

Especially when Nie Haiqiang saw that "Zuibai" was so young, he was extremely surprised.

They had worked together once before on the rehearsal of the evening party dance. Although Director Nie did not directly contact them, they knew each other.

"Teacher Zuibai, right? We've already seen the finished film of 'The Beginning' that you sent us the day before yesterday."

"To be honest, several managers and deputy directors of our entire procurement center, including myself, were very surprised. This film is much better than we imagined."

After a brief greeting, Director Nie Haiqiang got down to business.

"Director Nie, please don't call me teacher. You are a veteran in the industry, and I am just a newcomer. You can just call me Zuibai."

When Cheng Xi heard Director Nie being so polite, he responded very modestly.

"Okay, then I'll just call you Zuibai. It's true that heroes emerge from youth."

"We watched the film 'The Beginning' and, to be honest, we were quite moved by it."

"I know your cost is 2000 million, but your quote is too high, and it's difficult for us to meet your broadcast time requirements."

Director Nie went straight to the point.

Cheng Xi and Sohu announced to the outside world that the investment was 2000 million yuan, but the actual investment was 1200 million yuan, and then an additional 150 million yuan was invested.

If you take into account the copyright fee of the novel, the script adaptation fee, the director's fee, etc., 2000 million is already very substantial compared to other dramas.

In the project plan submitted by Cheng Xi this time, the price quoted was 120 million per episode, and the total price for 15 episodes was 1800 million.

The required time period is the nearest prime time.

Of course, Cheng Xi quoted a higher price so that he would have more room for negotiation.

Generally speaking, if the first broadcast can sell 6% of the cost, which is 1200 million, the show will not lose money.

Taking Cheng Xi's costs into consideration, the film can basically break even if the premiere price can reach 800 million.

And if the show becomes a hit, then there will definitely be money to be made, but the question is how much.

"Director Nie, since we've come all this way, we must be sincere. So, what are the conditions you can accept?"

Director Nie nodded when he heard what Cheng Xi said, and after thinking for a moment, he said:
"After discussion, our center has two plans."

"One is that we bought out the film for 2100 million yuan, which is equivalent to 140 million yuan per episode. I believe your studio and Sohu will still make a profit. Of course, we can arrange the time slot ourselves."

"Secondly, we paid slightly less than half the price for the first broadcast rights, 60 per episode, for a total of 900 million. The show will be broadcast in prime time a month later."

"You know, 'Beginning' is too short, only 15 episodes. It has some science fiction elements, and we weren't sure if it would be popular with the audience."

"You have to understand that the audience for TV dramas is still quite traditional."

"If we hadn't watched your film and thought it was well-made, we wouldn't have been willing to buy it."

When Cheng Xi heard this, he thought that it was absolutely impossible for him to accept the buyout, and at the same time he felt that Mango TV had a sharp vision.

The two conditions given are actually quite different, and it is obvious that you are asked to choose the first one.

If Cheng Xi had not been absolutely confident in "The Beginning", I believe most people would have chosen to sell the first one that could make millions.

After all, it is the first film directed by a new director.

The second option is to directly cut the price in half, which is a bit harsh.

But what Director Nie said makes sense. For today's audiences, the acceptance of traditional TV stations broadcasting dramas with science fiction elements is definitely low.

But you didn't know that "Palace" would be so popular after it was broadcast, so you bought it for 150 million per episode, and mine became 60.

It seems that the good news is not so good.

Although Cheng Xi felt that the price was not high, it had actually reached his psychological price range.

If it was sold to other TV stations, he might still hesitate, but Mango TV has its own hit drama buff, and its audience size is the largest among local TV stations.

What Cheng Xi needs more is for more audiences to see him and thus form public opinion.

This is why Cheng Xi is willing to lower the price on Mango TV.

However, he was not satisfied with the broadcast time period, because if it was scheduled a month later, there would be too many uncontrollable factors, and the popularity of "The Beginning" would be almost exhausted after a month.

He didn't think that there would be another assist like a group wedding that would come out of nowhere.

What he wants most now is to strike while the iron is hot and broadcast the show as soon as possible, and he can compromise on the price.

So Cheng Xi raised the issue of schedule with Director Nie and was even willing to lower the price to 800 million, which happened to be Cheng Xi's lowest psychological price.

But Director Nie shook his head and refused anyway, because the next drama to be broadcast had already been decided.

"Director Nie, could I ask what drama it is?"

"Well, everyone will know this if they ask, so it's okay to tell you. The next drama scheduled is 'Phoenix Totem' starring Zheng Shuang. We think it has the potential to become the next 'Palace Lock Heart Jade'."

When Cheng Xi heard this, he was stunned for a moment.

I never expected that the person standing in my way would be Senior Sister Xiaoshuang.

(End of this chapter)