412: Chapter 412 Minor skirmishes

With Boss Yang endorsing them, things went much more smoothly with China Film Group.

No one spoke empty, grandiose words.

The things Wu Yue had boasted about in front of Boss Yang were clearly a bit exaggerated.

The other party just earnestly read Lin Chuyan's script, listened to his ideas for filming, and heard Wu Yue talk about Emperor Group and Lionsgate, and ultimately gave the nod.

Moreover, it went even further than Wu Yue had imagined—Lionsgate was fine; as long as they secured it, they would definitely invest. Money wasn't an issue, but they required a share of no less than 10%.

However, they wouldn't make any promises regarding distribution and scheduling.

In a word: there are regulations, no rush, they have to see the quality of the finished film first.

All in all, it was still very realistic.

When Lin Chuyan and Wu Yue heard that the other party wouldn't make promises, they actually felt more at ease.

Ending the meeting, the two of them saw joy in each other's eyes—this matter had finally taken its most solid step forward.

Also, it seemed Boss Yang really hadn't contacted them beforehand, and Wu Yue had actually managed to pull this off.

China Film Group's independent distribution capability was plain for all to see. They had checked this long ago; their share of the mainland theater chain was around 30%, covering all cities.

Don't underestimate that 30%; this was the leading big brother. The goal was to tear open a gap so his film could be released normally, serving as a demonstration.

Lin Chuyan's requirements weren't high; if the mainland box office could cover 70% of the cost after release, he would be satisfied.

"In other words, besides our Yanyu Film, among the other six, we've secured China Film Group, Emperor Group, Director Du Qiyu, and Director Chu Dong."

"Not just that." Lin Chuyan smiled. "We've also secured Sugiura Ran. I spoke with her on the phone, and she agreed without even looking at the script, asking me directly how much money I needed."

"Tsk tsk, fans supporting their idol's career, huh? Awesome. It's a pity you're already taken, otherwise you could have offered yourself in return."

Lin Chuyan ignored Wu Yue's teasing. "I plan to go there in person and let her take a look at the script."

"The digital version… oh, the digital version really isn't secure."

Currently, Lin Chuyan only had one physical copy each with Boss Yang, China Film Group, and at home. No one else had one, let alone a digital copy.

"Yeah, even though she didn't ask, business is business. Since we're collaborating, everything should be done by the rules."

"In other words, except for Lionsgate, we've secured everyone else…" Wu Yue sighed with emotion. "It really wasn't easy."

"As for Lionsgate, didn't Boss Yang say he would handle it?" Lin Chuyan was in a great mood. "So basically, it can be said that we've secured everyone."

Wu Yue nodded. "Then there are only two problems left. The investment share ratio for each party, and when you plan to start filming."

Lin Chuyan could answer both of these questions.

"As for the investment share ratio, let me calculate the costs, and I'll get on it immediately." He had to handle this himself; he couldn't leave it to others. "As for filming, there's no rush. On one hand, we have to wait for the funds to arrive, and on the other, we have a lot of preparatory work to do."

"Yeah, a rough estimate is fine. We definitely have to take the lion's share, that goes without saying."

Lin Chuyan nodded. "Of course. Now that we've secured these companies, I'm even more confident. We take… 50%?"

"That's about right." Wu Yue mused. "With a few big companies involved, giving them too little won't work. Of course, unless they don't have confidence in us themselves."

Wu Yue continued.

"Sugiura Ran, Director Chu Dong, and Director Du Qiyu—we can give these three a bit less. I estimate they can't take on too much; 15% combined would be the absolute max."

"China Film Group wants no less than 10%, so let's give it to them. Let's assume 10% for now."

"Boss Yang and Lionsgate—they seem like two, but are actually three. There's another domestic film company that has a long-term partnership with Lionsgate. I checked, it's called Dianguang. The three of them should be able to take on a 25% share."

"Hmm… let me calculate the costs."

Lin Chuyan had previously mentioned "30 million USD" to Wu Yue, but that was just a casual figure based on his past-life experience and wasn't accurate. The actual number definitely needed to be calculated carefully.

For such an important matter, Wu Yue was also very cautious. "You do need to calculate it well. You want 50%, but you also have to be able to handle it. What if that 50% is 300 million…"

Lin Chuyan didn't dare guarantee a profit; he could only say there was a high hope…

If he really invested 300 million and lost one or two hundred million, that would be heartbreaking…

Lin Chuyan shook his head, chasing the thought of losing money out of his mind.

"Don't worry, it definitely won't cost that much…"

In the following days, Lin Chuyan lived an incredibly fulfilling life.

He started recruiting.

In fact, he already had his film company and had been recruiting one after another. For example, finance, legal, and administration—these positions were already filled.

There were also some departments he didn't need.

For instance, in "Creative and Story Development," he didn't need screenwriters, and for the time being, he had no intention of looking for external story development.

Or "Technical and Production Team"—for this area, he could just borrow personnel from Director Du Qiyu and Director Chu Dong for now.

There were also the distribution manager responsible for film distribution and theater scheduling, and the publicity director responsible for media promotion and public relations activities. It wouldn't be too late to hire for these positions later.

What did he need most right now?

The director's team needed to be assembled. An assistant director could help him arrange the shooting schedule and manage the film set; needless to say, he needed a casting director. His job was just to make the final decisions on selecting other actors, otherwise, he wouldn't be able to handle it all.

The production team couldn't wait any longer either. He now urgently needed someone who could help him take charge of the film's overall planning and project management.

That is, what is known as a producer.

So he reached out to Producer Zhang Man, whom he had met during the filming of "the hovering blade."

A famous female producer in the industry, with outstanding work ability, very mature and capable, who had left a deep impression on him.

Although the quality of "the hovering blade" wasn't high, that had nothing to do with her.

Lin Chuyan only knew that she had raised all the funds and managed the money in the project in an orderly manner; she was very impressive.

This was the only producer he was familiar with.

Moreover, the two had always stayed in touch, exchanging greetings during holidays. When Lin Chuyan had offended people some time ago, she had even expressed concern for him.

The two had a phone call.

"So, you mean you've already raised all the funds for the movie you want to shoot?"

"You could say that. They're all wealthy big shots who aren't short on money."

"How wealthy?"

"They're all wealthier than me."

"…"

Producer Zhang Man had some idea of how much an A-list Asian star could earn in a year.

Also, it would be a lie to say she wasn't curious. "How big of a big shot? Do I know them? Who are they?"

"You basically know all of them, hahaha. Sister Man, come join us, and I'll tell you once you're here. I can only say that with these people on board, I won't have to worry about scheduling in the mainland, all of Asia, or even North America."

What a bold claim.

Producer Zhang Man became more and more curious.

How did it get to North America?

"No, how big is the investment for this movie?"

"Isn't that why I'm waiting for you to come so we can estimate the budget?" Lin Chuyan didn't hide anything from her. "I have the script and the storyboard already; I just need a producer to work with me to get the technical script done."

"A rough, a rough budget. You must have a number in mind, right?"

"Not much, just a small-scale project. After all, it's my first feature film, and I think it's better to take it easy."

"That's true… so how much is it?"

"300 million, can't be any more than that."

Producer Zhang Man: "…"

You call this a small-scale project?

Producer Zhang Man suddenly became interested.

"You wait for me! I'm coming to your studio to find you!"