Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 7 New Project

The company currently has over 60 million yuan in cash flow. In addition to the 10 million yuan that Fu Yibai has set aside for his next project and the 20 million yuan for the initial theatrical release, he has another 30 million yuan that he can use to invest in film and television dramas.

As for those films and television dramas, he doesn't need to take the lead; he just wants to ride the wave and get a piece of the pie.

Therefore, an investment of 30 million is enough for Fu Yibai to squander in the short term.

"I understand, Mr. Fu."

I will get started on these two things immediately.

Zhao Qi closed her notebook, stood up, and stood tall and straight.

"In addition, I have drafted the company's daily operation rules and regulations and financial process framework, and I would also like you to take a look at them."

If there's nothing else you need, I'll go back to my work.

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

Fu Yibai also stood up and escorted her to the office door.

Watching Zhao Qi walk steadily and briskly towards her new office in her high heels, Fu Yibai gently closed the door and returned to his seat.

"System, I want to use the reward."

As soon as Fu Yibai had a thought, a light screen appeared in his field of vision.

Countless film names appeared on the screen; these were all films that had not yet been released.

"Should we make a commercial film, or an award-winning film...?"

Fu Yibai fell into deep thought.

Looking at the dazzling array of movie titles on the system screen, Fu Yibai unconsciously tapped his fingertips lightly on the table.

2003... This was a pivotal year.

The domestic film market is on the eve of the rise of commercial blockbusters. Audiences' appetites have been whetted by "Hero", but the market as a whole is still weak.

Choosing to compete for awards with purely art films would certainly solidify his image as an "emerging auteur" on the international film scene, but it would offer limited help to Morning Light Media's initial goals of establishing a brand, opening up new markets, and rapidly accumulating capital.

Moreover, his success in attacking the three major European clubs in a short period of time is too shocking and could easily lead people to stereotype him.

What about commercial films? The ideal scenario is to achieve great success with limited resources.

However, in 03, there were not many mature commercial genre film models. Comedy, romance, and action were the mainstream, but the competition was fierce.

More importantly, he needs a film that can both make money and further enhance his personal and company's professional reputation—ideally, a film that can generate widespread discussion, possess a certain artistic quality, and clearly demonstrate market potential.

His gaze swept quickly across the screen, eventually settling on a few names, and he gradually formed a plan in his mind.

"Maybe... we can try this."

In an instant, a wealth of detailed information about "Caught in the Web" flooded my mind, including the complete script, the storyboard ideas, an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the original film, and even suggestions for adaptation in light of the current era.

At the same time, he felt that his understanding of directing, and his grasp of camera language and actor coordination, seemed to have become more profound and comprehensive—this was the effect of the system's "Directing Skills Mastery" reward.

Although the original film was poorly shot by Chen Shiren, the film as a whole was too empty and bland, and lacked any sense of rhythm. It was lukewarm and relied on the voice-over in the final freeze-frame to deliver a tearjerker.

(P.S.: The review is from an online search, just kidding~)

However, the story itself is quite good. The theme explores the complexities of cyberbullying and human nature. It is highly topical, ingeniously structured, and full of emotional tension.

More importantly, its core conflict in 2003, an era in which the Internet was not yet fully widespread but was already beginning to show its power, may produce a stronger and more thought-provoking contrast.

With slight modifications and minor adjustments to the background, enhancing its suspense and tragic undertones of unpredictable fate, it could very well become a critically acclaimed and commercially successful work.

After the new project was finalized, a script appeared out of nowhere on Fu Yibai's desk.

"That's amazing!"

This was Fu Yibai's first time using the system, and he never expected it to generate a physical script directly.

This made things much easier for him.

After confirming the project, Fu Yibai dialed Wang Peng's number.

"Mr. Wang, could you come to my office? I have a new project to start."

"Coming right away, Mr. Fu."

Soon, there was a knock on the office door.

"Enter."

"Mr. Fu."

Wang Peng greeted him respectfully as he entered.

He did not look down on Fu Yibai just because he was young.

Having worked in this industry for so many years, Wang Peng has become very adept at handling interpersonal relationships and dealings with people.

"Mr. Wang, this is a new project I'm preparing to launch."

Make a copy and then send someone to the Film Bureau for registration.

You can start working on the budget now, and give me the report within a week.

Costs should be kept below ten million.

Wang Peng took the script and glanced at it.

"search?"

Wang Peng couldn't tell anything from the name, so he glanced at the contents briefly.

Although he didn't see it very clearly, based on his many years of experience in the industry, if this film is well-made, it will undoubtedly cause a huge sensation.

"Mr. Fu, this script..."

Wang Peng raised his head, his tone filled with barely concealed excitement and a hint of caution.

"Very solid, and extremely topical! Cyberbullying, media ethics, public voyeurism..."

These issues are just beginning to emerge, and if filmed well, they can definitely spark widespread discussion.

But... there might be some issues with the level of explicitness. Won't the censors have some concerns?

Fu Yibai nodded, acknowledging Wang Peng's professional judgment.

"Mr. Wang has a sharp eye."

Regarding the censorship, I already have some ideas.

We can appropriately adjust the intensity of certain plot points, emphasize the capriciousness of fate and the helplessness of individuals when facing immense, invisible pressure, and attribute the tragedy more to the unfortunate twists and turns of multiple factors.

The focus should be on raising awareness and prompting reflection; if the tone is well-maintained, passing the review shouldn't be a problem.

"I see.

The potential in terms of the script is undeniable.

I immediately arranged for someone to go through the filing process, and at the same time began to refine the budget.

The scenes are mainly concentrated in the city, and the shooting period can be controlled within two months.

Regarding the actors...do you have any initial choices?

Fu Yibai pondered for a moment.

The female protagonist, Ye Lanqiu, is a complex character who is at the center of the storm and ultimately meets her demise; she is the soul of the film.

She needs to possess both innocence and stubbornness, vulnerability and determination, requiring an extremely high level of performance.

"The female lead is now open for auditions."

Fu Yibai made a decision.

"Send audition notices to major talent agencies and art schools; the scope can be broad."

We don't blindly follow big names, but we must find the actors who best fit the role and have the most potential.

"You should also start looking for candidates for the other important roles. We'll make a decision in a meeting in a few days."

"I see."

Wang Peng left in a hurry with the script in his hand, his steps revealing his decisiveness.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair and looked out the window at the gradually spreading twilight.