Chapter 77: Quitting the Production
The shooting of “Beacon” proceeded in an orderly manner. One day, an assistant ran to Director Zheng’s side with a flustered expression.
“Director! Did you see the news that the producer posted in the group chat?”
Director Zheng frowned and put the walkie-talkie aside. He wore his nearsighted glasses and read the text line by line.
The official notice made Director Zheng’s face turn darker and darker. He stood up abruptly and rushed to the room, leaving the entire production team in the same spot.
Director Zheng suppressed his anger and called the producer.
“What’s going on? Now they’re saying that they’re going to change the special effects and the set. Do you know how much damage it would bring to the production team?”
He paced around the room anxiously, grabbing what was left of his hair and sitting on the edge of the bed.
The producer’s tone was low and hoarse. “The officials came up with new policies. What can we do about it?
“If we continue to shoot according to the original plan, ‘beacon’ will face the risk of not even being cleared for release! You should know which is more important!
“However, if we have to change sets, we will have to exceed our budget. There is a problem with my funding chain. The remuneration that can be allocated to the production crew and the cast and crew would need to be reduced. You will have to relay the message on behalf of them and try your best to calm their emotions. Don’t make too much of a fuss! I have a lot of things to handle on my end as well, so let’s leave it at that!”
The producer hurriedly hung up the phone and rushed to another meeting.
Director Zheng’s eyes were red. He angrily threw the script and kicked the trash can beside his feet. He felt the white hair on his head gushing out.
Late at night, the cast and crew of “Beacon” received the notice and gathered in the temporary conference room.
Director Zheng cleared his throat awkwardly and held the Thermos flask. He opened his mouth several times but did not say a word. He looked guilty and embarrassed.
He could not escape the gazes of the people around him.
He finally spoke, “Everyone should have heard about the reorganization of the film and television series in the industry. Our ‘Beacon’ production team is also facing a reorganization.
“Now, the cash flow of the investors needs to pay for the set and special effects in advance, so the actors’ pay might be a little… for the time being, we can only pay a portion.
“But we will not let this matter rest! When it is released, we will pay the rest.
“At the same time, we will distribute the broadcast earnings of ‘Beacon’ according to the number of scenes as compensation to everyone!”
Director Zheng’s voice became weaker and weaker. He looked at the reactions of the many actors and crew members tentatively and felt uncertain.
There was a moment of silence in the room. Jiang Zhi lowered her eyes and calculated carefully…
After Xing Yao received Cheng Yi’s funds, they still had a balance on their books and were not short of funds.
According to the memories from her previous life, the profits from ‘Beacon’ were not bad. According to the distribution, Yu Wan’s pay might be five percent more than before.
Jiang Zhi raised her hand and nodded. “I accept.”
Many of the crew members looked in the direction of the wind and expressed their willingness to continue working.
Director Zheng heaved a sigh of relief. However, he saw Jiang Lu lazily fiddling with her nails. She raised her eyes and said, “I don’t agree to this.
“How much could an actor’s pay be? You can’t even afford to pay for the film. Who knows if you’re trying to renege on your debt? It’s not uncommon for people to run away after filming in this industry!”
Jiang Lu’s words quickly caused a stir. The actors who initially agreed wavered and hesitated.
There were unspoken rules in the entertainment industry. In a production crew that involved huge investments and many actors, the producers would almost never replace the actors of high status and fame.
Firstly, it was very troublesome to replace the actors halfway through, which involved reshoots. Secondly, the actors had a large fan base, so the influence of public opinion also needed to be considered.
Jiang Lu used this reason to force Director Zheng to compromise.
Director Zheng frowned and wanted to temporarily calm her down. He said sincerely, “Jiang Lu, you know the situation of our production team…”
Jiang Lu shook her head and stared at Jiang Zhi with hostility. She remembered their previous actions and sneered.
“Why? Are you only considering whether Jiang Zhi agrees or not? If I don’t agree now, you can either pay up or stop filming!”
Her expression was arrogant, and Director Zheng was under a lot of pressure at the moment. He needed someplace to vent his anger and she had struck his nerve, so he slammed the table and said.
“You want to quit the role?”
Jiang Lu stirred the coffee and raised her eyes. “Yes! How is it?”
“You dare to ask me to quit the role? The crew of ‘Beacon’ is constantly undergoing improvizations. At such short notice, can you find a newbie who is familiar with the script and replace me?”
Jiang Lu’s tone was firm, and the atmosphere in the room froze.
Director Zheng clenched his fists, but his gaze fell on Jiang Zhi, who had been quietly watching the chaos from the side. His eyes lit up, and he pointed at her and said, “If you dare to leave, I will discuss it with the producer and ask Jiang Zhi to replace you!
“Whether it’s her acting skills or her comprehension ability, she is a hundred times better than you!
“Jiang Zhi is the most suitable candidate for the role! I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to fulfill my dream! You have allowed me to work with Jiang Zhi!”
Director Zheng was angry and shouted in a higher tone than usual.
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