Traffic Star Development Program

Chapter 6 Add more ingredients

Zeng Hao smiled. "Don't you think the story of 'The Lion's Reflection of a Lazy Cat' is absurd?"

Old Li was speechless.

"What web dramas need is novelty and topicality; the more absurd it is, the easier it is to become popular," Zeng Hao said confidently. "Moreover, this drama has low production costs and quick returns. It can be filmed in a short period of time and then released online. At the latest, we can see the revenue by the middle of the year."

Old Li was still somewhat hesitant. "But President Zeng, the company is currently... I heard that Old Sun ran away, and the company is in a very tight financial situation."

"Don't worry about the funding. The bank loan should be approved in the next couple of days, more than enough to get this project started." Zeng Hao paused, then continued, "The reason I called you here today is to ask you one question: are you willing to take a gamble with the company?"

Old Li fell silent.

He looked at the script in his hand, then at Zeng Hao.

There was a kind of confidence in the young boss's eyes that was hard to refuse.

"Mr. Zeng, how much are you offering?" Old Li asked the crucial question.

"Photography team leader, three months' contract, 18 yuan," Zeng Hao announced a figure.

Old Li's eyes lit up.

18, calculated over three months, that's an average of 6 per month. This price is considered above average in the industry.

The key point is that it's a fixed amount, meaning that no matter how long the filming lasts, the money will be the same.

"What if we finish filming ahead of schedule, as you request?" Old Li asked.

"Then you've made a profit," Zeng Hao said decisively. "I only have one requirement for the photography team: ensure the image quality and cooperate with the director to complete the filming tasks. I don't care about anything else."

Old Li took a deep drag on his cigarette. "Mr. Zeng, can I consider it?"

"Okay, but I can only give you two days at most." Zeng Hao stood up. "If you decide to stay after two days, we'll sign a supplementary contract. If you decide to leave, I won't force you to stay, but I hope you can recommend a reliable photographer for me."

Old Li nodded, took the script, and walked out of the office.

Zeng Hao watched his retreating figure, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Old Li will stay; he's very certain of it.

Over the next two days, Zeng Hao used the same method to speak with Lao Zhao, the head of the lighting team, Xiao Wang, the head of the art team, and director Peng Bing.

The lighting team leader, Lao Zhao, is a master craftsman in his fifties with thirty years of experience in the industry. He is very experienced but has a stubborn temper.

Zeng Hao offered him 15 yuan for three months, plus project dividends.

Old Zhao agreed on the spot, for a simple reason—the jobs he took outside were only worth this much, and he had to travel around a lot, while working with the company's film crew was at least more stable.

Xiao Wang, the head of the art department, is a young man in his early thirties who graduated from the art department of the film academy. He has ideas but lacks opportunities.

Zeng Hao showed him the script and said directly, "I require the art style of this film to have a cheap feel, but cheap doesn't mean rough. You have to achieve the best effect with the least amount of money. If you can do that, you'll be the art director for the next film."

Xiao Wang's eyes lit up, and he immediately expressed his willingness to give it a try.

The most difficult person to deal with was director Peng Bing.

Peng Bing is 35 years old, a professionally trained director, and has worked at the company for more than a year. Last year's "The Lion's Reflection of a Lazy Cat" was his first independent directorial work.

Although the series received a lukewarm reception after its release, at least it didn't lose money, which is considered acceptable in the industry.

Peng Bing is ambitious; he wants to make big-budget productions and win awards, so he actually looks down on web series.

This is both a good thing and a bad thing. When dealing with people who are idealistic, ambitious, and want to change jobs, we can't do it the same way as others; we need to add more complexity.

Zeng Hao called him into his office and got straight to the point: "Director Peng, the company is preparing to launch a new project, and I would like you to direct it."

Peng Bing took the script, glanced at it, and frowned.

"Mr. Zeng, this script..." He hesitated for a moment, "...is a bit small in scope."

"Low-budget web series don't have a very big scope to begin with," Zeng Hao said bluntly. "But this series has high commercial value; if it's well-made, it can make money."

Peng Bing shook his head. "President Zeng, I studied directing, not making money."

"Then why did you study directing? To win awards? For art?" Zeng Hao asked rhetorically.

Peng Bing was stunned for a moment.

"Director Peng, you're thirty-five this year, right?" Zeng Hao leaned back in his chair. "With your current qualifications, how many chances do you think you have of landing a big-budget production? How many investments will you be able to secure to make the films you want to make?"

Peng Bing fell silent.

"I'm not going to talk to you about ideals, I'm only going to talk to you about reality." Zeng Hao's tone was very calm. "The reality is that what you lack right now is not talent, but opportunities and resources. The 'Go Princess Go' project has a small investment, a short cycle, and a high margin for error. If you make it well and prove your commercial value, I will give you bigger projects later."

He paused for a moment, then said, "In the second half of the year, the company will launch a theatrical film with an investment of 500 million yuan. If you can achieve the effect I want in 'Go Princess Go,' you will be the director of that film."

Peng Bing raised his head, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

A theatrical film with a 500 million investment was indeed a considerable temptation for him.

"Mr. Zeng, are you telling the truth?"

"I never make empty promises." Zeng Hao took a document out of the drawer. "This is the project proposal for 'Back to 20.' You can take a look."

Peng Bing took the proposal and quickly glanced through it.

Upon seeing the investment budget and project plan, his breathing became noticeably more rapid.

"Mr. Zeng, if I take on the role in 'Go Princess Go,' what are your requirements?"

"Three requirements," Zeng Hao said, holding up three fingers. "First, filming must be completed within three months. Second, the cost must be kept below 90 yuan. Third, it must have commercial value and be appealing to audiences."

Peng Bing gritted his teeth, "President Zeng, a budget of 900,000 for 30 episodes is too tight."

"So I need your ability," Zeng Hao said directly. "Director Peng, I'm not giving you a limit, I'm giving you a challenge. If you can't even manage 90 properly, why should I believe you can make a 500 million film?"

"While the commercial value largely depends on the script I give you, it is also closely linked to your directing skills. This can be considered a test for you."

Peng Bing was silent for a moment, then finally nodded, "Okay, I'll take it."

"A wise choice." Zeng Hao stood up, extended his hand, and said, "It's a pleasure doing business with you."

Peng Bing grasped his hand. "President Zeng, I have a condition."

"explain."

"If the revenue from 'Go Princess Go' really exceeds 1000 million, I want 5% of the profits."

Zeng Hao smiled, "Deal. But if the revenue is less than 500 million, your director's fee will be halved."

Peng Bing paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay, it's settled then."

Two days later, in the afternoon, Sister Liu knocked on the door and came in.

"Mr. Zeng, it's Manager Wang on the phone. He says the loan has been approved and he wants you to go to the bank to sign the papers."

Zeng Hao put down the documents in his hand, a smile appearing on his face. "Finally, they're down."

He picked up his coat. "Let's go to the bank."