414: Chapter 414 Technical Script Completed

...

Producer Zhang Man had already finished reading the script.

The plot was tight and not boring, the logic was airtight; the characters had distinct personalities, and their growth and changes were natural; the romance wasn't cheesy, and the emotional conflicts were nuanced and realistic; most importantly, it had depth, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

It was truly rare.

It was said to be written single-handedly by Lin Chuyan... To be fair, it really didn't look like something a rookie director could write.

But since he had this ability, and added to that the lack of worries regarding funding, she felt even more confident about this project.

However, before that, there was one more thing that needed to be made clear.

"Tell Sister Man the truth, how much money can you get from the investors?"

"Why?"

"Don't talk nonsense. The big shots need to have a number in mind when they invest. I can't just estimate the budget, only to find out we've overspent and can't get the money, right? Believe me, I can spend money lavishly too; let alone 300 million, I could spend 1 billion for you. Also, some directors have quirks and are especially good at spending money. Let's not end up arguing on set because of this."

Lin Chuyan found it amusing, but what she said did make sense.

He nodded immediately, not hesitating, and while giving her the number, he also gave her some peace of mind: "As long as it doesn't exceed 300 million and the expenses are reasonable, feel free to spend. Also, I don't want you to cut costs too much. The Dance, art design, and costumes for this film are all very important. In short: you need to spend at least 200 million on this film; don't try to save money for me."

"Awesome."

"Awesome" was a word Producer Zhang Man had said countless times since she walked in.

Lin Chuyan took the initiative to convert it into US dollars for her: "Which means the cost is roughly between 30 to 40 million US dollars."

Having read the script, Producer Zhang Man naturally had a clear idea and knew this money was definitely enough. At this moment, her face was full of smiles: "I guarantee I will complete the mission."

...

Both of them were the type to lose themselves when working. Since the collaboration was confirmed, they immediately started pushing the workflow forward.

This was the first time Lin Chuyan had worked with Producer Zhang Man as a director. Compared to a year ago, he had gained a deeper appreciation for her professionalism.

During the production of the technical script, the producer was the core role.

With Producer Zhang Man's involvement, Lin Chuyan finally didn't feel like he was fighting alone in his creative process.

Producer Zhang Man was just one person, it's true, but she was the type of person who could pull together a production team at any moment.

The team broke down the script into specific shooting requirements and communicated with the art, cinematography, and costume teams supported by Director Du Qiyu to clarify their needs, finally integrating these requirements into the technical script.

Take Dance, for example; choreography also costs money. There were many complex Dance scenes in the film that required a professional choreography team and rehearsal time.

"Have the costs for music all been saved?"

"Yes, I covered it all by myself; there's no need to spend money on music production fees."

"Awesome. That's a huge sum of money! You have no idea how expensive this original music is."

However, although music production fees were saved, recording and post-production still cost money. Whether or not it was to be recorded at Tianxing, this money had to be accounted for.

Producer Zhang Man went through it item by item.

"Your behind-the-scenes team is great, but you still need a localized Hollywood team. Although they are much more expensive, there's no other way, otherwise the implicit costs in communication would be even greater, after all, the supporting actors and extras you're hiring are all from over there."

"Understood."

During the process, Producer Zhang Man constantly evaluated the costs of various requirements to ensure they fit the budget. If certain requirements cost too much, she would provide suggestions for adjustments.

Producer Zhang Man would also optimize the shooting schedule based on the content of the technical script. For example, scenes at the same location would be shot together to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

She would also assess potential risks in the technical script, such as the small amount of special effects and location shooting, and formulate contingency plans in advance.

"We need to shoot at multiple iconic locations in Los Angeles, right? We need to include the venue rental fees involved here."

"I wonder how the big fire in Los Angeles is burning..."

Producer Zhang Man: "..."

Almost forgot about that.

Incompetent American government!

Besides finding locations, sets also needed to be built.

There seemed to be a highway Dance scene at the beginning of the script, which was also a large sum of money.

"Sister Man, the art design for this film needs to be taken seriously; it's very important, we must find the best team."

"Understood. And don't forget the costume styling; you two will need to change into many outfits, right?"

"Yes. Suits, formal wear. All kinds, we need to have them all."

"What about equipment?"

"35mm film shooting."

"What about night scenes?"

"A lot."

"Then leave more budget for lighting."

Calculating everything, what Producer Zhang Man was most relieved about was that this film didn't have many special effects.

"Alright, let's set aside two more sums of money. One is for insurance and emergency expenses, in case any unexpected situations occur during the shooting process, we need to reserve emergency funds; the other is for promotion and distribution... should we set aside a bit more for this?"

"Set aside a little less; I have a way for the promotion part."

What money is needed for promotion? Who doesn't know that I am a promotional genius?

Finally, there was the most important part: the acting fees.

"How much is appropriate for the acting fees for you and Teacher Ruan?"

To be honest, this was usually decided by Wu Yue.

He received 10 million for filming pegasus 2, and his popularity had risen quite a bit since then, but the downside was that the mainland market hadn't fully accepted him yet, so this acting fee was really hard to set.

Also, for his own film, it wouldn't be appropriate to take too much in acting fees, right?

Of course, his girlfriend's share couldn't be less.

"Sister Man, for my own film, how much is appropriate? Is it okay to take less? That way, there will be more budget for the film's production."

"Are you stupid? These two things don't conflict. If you take nothing, the investors might be happy, but you'll be the one losing out."

Producer Zhang Man was considering the scenario where the film loses money. These days, it's very normal for films to lose money. If it really loses money, Lin Chuyan could at least recover some funds, couldn't he?

"... Then let's make it a bit less."

"Fine." Producer Zhang Man waved her hand dismissively, "Then let's make it 20 million. For you and Teacher Ruan, with your star power, 10 million each is really not much."

Lin Chuyan was still pondering, but Producer Zhang Man dispelled his concerns: "Don't worry, the proportion of acting fees in this film will definitely be smaller than other films. After all, it's just the two of you starring, there's no one else."

"Okay."

"How about 20 million for the director's fee?"

"... That's too much, Sister."

"Then you say it, how much do you want?"

Producer Zhang Man had been in the film industry for so many years and had never seen anyone pushing money away; she had really opened her eyes today.

However, why did she inexplicably feel even more confident about this film?

"Let's make it 5 million."

"Fine, you are really able to save me money."

Producer Zhang Man originally thought these two items combined would cost at least 50 million.

Even if Lin Chuyan wanted to ask for more for his girlfriend, that would also be fine; she didn't intend to argue with him on this point anyway, as the budget seemed sufficient for now.

"Done! The acting fee expenses won't exceed 25%, that's really frugal. Dance, scenes, and art design take up the largest share, around 20%."

Producer Zhang Man showed the accounts to Lin Chuyan; the technical script was finally completed.

"Thank you for your hard work, Sister Man."

"I will update the budget based on the latest requirements later and report to the investors."

"Okay, wait for my news; I will introduce the investors to you."

Producer Zhang Man nodded: "Once the funds are in place, I will go to sign contracts with the actors, staff, and suppliers, and clarify the work content and fees."

Very good, Lin Chuyan was very gratified. Once this wave of work was finished, the progress of la la land would probably be around 20%.