Chapter 950: Godmother (3)
After I opened the parking gate through the intercom, the drama department directors from all three major terrestrial broadcasters parked their cars and practically ran into the living room.
They were SBC Drama Department Director Lee Gi-Do, MBS Drama Department Director Kim Gyuk-Shik, and KBC Drama Department Director Pyo Eun-Jong. The three men responsible for Korea's terrestrial dramas had all arrived carrying foods Writer Lee Ji-Yeon liked.
After exchanging brief greetings, Lee Gi-Do, the only one who had actually been formally invited, looked at me with open dissatisfaction. "Chief Jung. Did you contact MBS and KBC too?"
I said, "No. I never contacted them."
I hadn't contacted them. I had only leaked a little information.
At that moment, Kim Gyuk-Shik cleared his throat and started provoking him. "Hey, we've got our own information network too, so don't blame Chief Jung for us showing up. More importantly, SBC doesn't even have a daily drama lineup anymore. Shouldn't you stay out of this?"
Lee Gi-Do immediately flared up. "We're reviving daily dramas this time!"
Kim Gyuk-Shik sneered. "You tried reviving them last time too, and it failed so badly you canceled the whole division again. So stop risking Mrs. Lee's project and just hand it over to us."
"What a joke. MBS can't even pull double-digit viewership ratings with your daily dramas anymore, and you're telling us to hand things over? You should worry about canceling your own daily dramas first!"
"Canceling them? Hey, did you really just say that?"
"Yeah, I did. What are you gonna do about it?"
Kim Gyuk-Shik and Lee Gi-Do started pointing fingers at each other and bickering like children.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Pyo Eun-Jong slid toward Lee Ji-Yeon like a hyena and made his proposal. "Mrs. Lee. When it comes to daily dramas, KBC is the traditional powerhouse. We'll clear out KBC 2TV for you immediately. And we'll offer you the highest manuscript fee possible."
The arguing Kim Gyuk-Shik and Lee Gi-Do instantly froze and shouted almost simultaneously, "We'll offer the highest treatment too!"
That was the moment I had been waiting for.
I smiled and said, "Alright, alright. Since you've all come this far, why don't we sit down and discuss this together?"
Lee Gi-Do hesitated before narrowing his eyes suspiciously at me. "Chief Jung, I know you're close with Mrs. Lee, and I appreciate you contacting me first. But I think it'd be better if the manuscript fee negotiations stayed between us and the writer."
When I had contacted Lee Gi-Do the previous night, I hadn't mentioned that I became Lee Ji-Yeon's talent agent, which was probably why he was trying to exclude me now. Kim Gyuk-Shik and Pyo Eun-Jong looked exactly the same.
They all wanted me out, and understandably so. After all, the appearance fees I had squeezed out of all three broadcasters in the past had been enormous.
However, Lee Ji-Yeon grinned and addressed the three directors. "Hey. Why does everyone keep trying to send my talent agent away? If Yoon-Ho is sitting right beside me in a situation like this, shouldn't that tell you something?"
The expressions on all three directors instantly twisted as they looked at one another. Finally, they had realized negotiations wouldn't be easy as long as I was involved. Then the three slowly began nodding to each other. It looked like they were considering backing off for now and colluding behind the scenes instead.
'That's not going to work, gentlemen.'
I immediately crushed their shallow little plan.
"To avoid damaging the relationship between all of you, I intend to finalize the contract here and now today."
At that moment, realizing collusion had failed, Kim Gyuk-Shik immediately turned toward me and made the first move. "Chief Jung. Fourteen million won per episode. What do you think?"
Daily dramas only ran for thirty to forty minutes per episode, and advertising revenue was lower. So the production cost for a single episode was usually set at around fifty million won. Compared to miniseries budgets, daily drama production costs were only about one-fifth to one-tenth as large, so naturally Lee Ji-Yeon's manuscript fee also had to be lower to match the budget scale.
Still, one fortunate thing was that the opening offer was already close to the fifteen million won per episode paid to Nam Jong-Ok, the so-called queen of daily dramas.
However, what I wanted was a record-breaking daily drama manuscript fee.
'That's not enough, gentlemen.'
I simply smiled calmly.
Then Lee Gi-Do immediately matched Nam Jong-Ok's fee. "We'll offer fifteen million per episode!"
Right after him, Pyo Eun-Jong instantly surpassed the fee paid to the so-called queen of daily dramas. "Then we'll offer sixteen million per episode!"
The three men who had made the first bids glared at one another. And from that moment onward, they started increasing the amount in increments of five hundred thousand won.
"Sixteen point five million."
"Seventeen million!"
"Seventeen point five million!"
Perhaps because of the psychological resistance caused by daily drama production budgets, the bidding was moving painfully slowly.
Honestly, it wasn't hard to understand why they were acting this way. The advertising revenue generated by a single daily drama episode simply wasn't that large. Most ordinary people didn't realize it, but under broadcasting law, advertisements couldn't exceed ten percent of the broadcast runtime.
Since daily dramas aired for forty minutes, that meant only four minutes of advertisements were permitted. Which meant a forty-minute daily drama could broadcast a maximum of sixteen fifteen-second commercials.
And a single fifteen-second commercial cost roughly between five million and ten million won. So mathematically speaking, a station earned somewhere between eighty million and one hundred sixty million won per episode.
In reality, things were more complicated than that. And they also had to pay fees to KOBACO, the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation, but that was the rough range.
On top of that, advertisements didn't always fully sell out. Which meant that once production costs exceeded fifty million won, there was always the possibility of operating at a loss. That was why broadcasting stations internally set an absolute upper limit of twenty million won for lead writer manuscript fees. The remaining thirty million had to cover assistant writer costs, actor appearance fees, location casting expenses, and everything else.
However, I already had a way to increase the writer's fee while still guaranteeing profitability. Though sharing that method would only happen after the other side showed enough desperation first.
'Give and take. '
That principle was the key.
Then, Lee Gi-Do squeezed his eyes shut and shouted, "Twenty million won!"
It had climbed fairly high already, but it still wasn't enough for me. Which meant it was time to shatter the psychological ceiling these department directors were clinging to.
"It seems difficult for everyone to speak freely while watching each other's reactions... So from here on, please send your offers through Kk Talk messages instead."
Pyo Eun-Jong fidgeted nervously, afraid the numbers would skyrocket. "Chief Jung! Can't we just do this verbally?"
"If you don't like my method, you're free to leave."
The broadcasting executives desperately wanted to avoid raising the fee any further, but from my perspective, I had to squeeze out the maximum possible amount. At the same time, though, I also wanted to show them exactly what happened when Jung Yoon-Ho personally stepped into negotiations.
Before the regression, I was famous for always considering the other party's profit whenever I negotiated. So this time too, I intended to show them that negotiating with me could benefit them as well. That was one of the reasons I became the best talent agent before the regression.
Still, leaving things completely vague might make them hesitate too much, so I decided to give them a little encouragement.
"No matter what amount you propose, I'll make sure you don't end up losing money."
At that moment, Lee Gi-Do gritted his teeth and reached for his phone. "Chief Jung. I'm sending the manuscript fee offer through Kk Talk, so check it!"
Tap tap tap.
As the sound of rapid typing filled the room, the other department directors who had been hesitating also began moving their fingers—Still without understanding what I truly meant.
***
[Lee Gi-Do, SBC Drama Department Director: 25 million won. Let's settle it here.]
[Pyo Eun-Jong, KBC Drama Department Director: 23 million won. Isn't this enough already?]
[Kim Gyuk-Shik, MBS Drama Department Director: 24 million won. Chief Jung, this is honestly an unprecedented offer!]
'So we've finally broken through the psychological barrier.'
The moment they started sending secret bids through Kk Talk, the manuscript fees climbed rapidly. Just as expected. Once people crossed the line once, the next step always became easier.
For a daily drama, these were already outrageous numbers. Yet, they still fell short of my target.
Most importantly, there was no way I could sell a drama that would eventually pull average viewership ratings of twenty-five percent and peak at thirty-eight percent for this cheaply. On top of that, none of the three had yet understood what I meant when I said I would make sure they wouldn't lose money.
I glanced over the screen and shook my head. "I'm sorry, but this still doesn't match Mrs. Lee Ji-Yeon's value. And I believe I already guaranteed you wouldn't lose money?"
Just then, Lee Gi-Do spoke as though he had suddenly realized something. "Chief Jung. Wait... no. Check Kk Talk."
At that moment, Lee Gi-Do rapidly began typing again.
[Lee Gi-Do, SBC Drama Department Director: Are you planning to handle it like Project I.O.A?]
'So he figured it out.'
Right now, every bit of the production funding for Project I.O.A, currently airing on SBC, had been secured by me. And I had personally brought in most of the advertisers too. In other words, the moment they joined hands with me, both production funding and advertising would be solved at once.
Nod.
Smiling, I silently admitted he was correct.
The instant I did, Lee Gi-Do urgently shouted, "Thirty million won!"
At the same time, Pyo Eun-Jong stared at him in disbelief. "Hey, Lee Gi-Do! Have you lost your mind? Is SBC trying to operate at a deficit this time? If you pay that much, how are you going to cover the actor fees and everything else?"
Lee Gi-Do snorted. "We'll handle that ourselves, so don't worry about it, Director Pyo. And if you still haven't figured it out, then maybe you should just step aside. I'm going all in on Chief Jung."
That was when Kim Gyuk-Shik sensed something strange and spoke through clenched teeth. "I'll... offer thirty-one million won!"
Now wearing a relaxed expression, Lee Gi-Do immediately answered, "Thirty-two million won!"
Then Pyo Eun-Jong pointed a finger at them both. "People kept saying Chief Jung was on a hot streak lately, but you've both completely lost your minds. I'm out. Whether you operate at a loss or not, do whatever you want. I'm done!"
KBC was the first to fall.
"And what about you, Mr. Kim?" I asked.
Kim Gyuk-Shik answered in a trembling voice, "Thirty-four million won."
Then Lee Gi-Do calmly declared, "Thirty-five million won!"
Kim Gyuk-Shik looked utterly bewildered. "Director Lee, what the hell is going on? Why are you throwing thirty-five million won at a daily drama manuscript fee? Are you seriously planning to run this project at a loss? Advertising sales are already terrible these days, so what exactly are you planning to do?"
Lee Gi-Do smirked. "That wouldn't be something I could tell you."
Kim Gyuk-Shik hesitated for a long moment before finally sighing. "I'm out too. Damn... my heart can't take this any further."
Lee Gi-Do clenched his fist tightly. "Yes!"
Grinning, Lee Gi-Do looked at me. Unfortunately for him, though, there was still one condition left.
I declared, "However, if the viewership ratings surpass thirty percent, I want ten percent of the net advertising profit. And ten percent of the net overseas sales profit as well."
Lee Gi-Do flinched. "Wait a second. I need approval from the president for that."
"Of course. Please call him."
Lee Gi-Do hurriedly dialed the SBC president.
"Mr. President, I think we're about to sign at thirty-five million won per episode."
-Thirty-five million for a daily drama manuscript fee? Gi-Do, have you lost your mind?
"The writer can hear you!"
President Kim Gab-Soo instantly switched tones with astonishing speed.
-Hahaha. I merely meant it's a contract so incredible it'd drive someone mad, Mrs. Lee.
Lee Ji-Yeon let out a short laugh. "President Kim. Don't worry. Even I know this is a crazy fee for a daily drama."
-Hahaha. W-Well, then perhaps...
"You aren't going to go back on your word now, are you? If you ask to lower the fee, I'll cancel the contract immediately."
-A-Absolutely not, Mrs. Lee! Compared to a miniseries, this is still incredibly cheap, so why would we? We're thrilled.
If he was thrilled, I wasn't sure why he sounded on the verge of tears.
Either way, Lee Gi-Do quickly continued. "Anyway, they want ten percent of the net advertising profit if viewership ratings exceed thirty percent. And ten percent of the net overseas distribution profits too. Those are the additional conditions."
-Did... did they really attach conditions like that?
"Yes."
Then, Kim Gab-Soo's voice suddenly turned urgent.
-Director Lee. Why the hell haven't you signed yet?
"...Sir?"
-Hey. That means they're confident it'll surpass thirty percent! And that overseas sales are possible too!
It was as expected of SBC's president. He immediately understood the meaning hidden beneath my words.
"Ah, yes. Understood. I'll sign immediately." At that moment, Lee Gi-Do hung up and spoke excitedly. "You heard him, right? Work with us!"
I nodded. "That is a wise decision."
At that moment, Pyo Eun-Jong curled his lips upward mockingly. "Chief Jung. Looks like you're confident because you can bring in advertisers yourself, but miniseries and daily dramas attract completely different advertisers! I know you're on a hot streak these days, but this is reckless. And overseas sales for a drama that hasn't even been produced yet? At least say something believable."
I smiled at Pyo Eun-Jong. "Then watch carefully from now on."
And immediately after that, I called Wang Long—to pre-sell overseas distribution rights for a daily drama that hadn't even been produced yet.
***
After Wang Long answered, I calmly explained the situation. I told him that Lee Ji-Yeon was producing her first-ever daily drama, the lead actress would be Jang So-Yeon, currently the advertisement model for Louis' Batton, and I was personally guaranteed the drama's success.
At that, Wang Long spoke with excitement.
-Lee Ji-Yeon? The writer who did In the Name of God? And she's making a daily drama now?
"Yeah. Around a hundred episodes. So I wanted to see if China would be interested in pre-purchasing it. Oh, and Mrs. Lee is with Hoop Entertainment now too."
-If it's Writer Lee Ji-Yeon plus a Jung Yoon-Ho pick, then we absolutely have to buy it. What's your asking price?
As expected, Wang Long's trust in me was unwavering.
"It's a forty-minute format, so around one hundred million won per episode would be ideal."
Listening nearby, Pyo Eun-Jong let out a short laugh. "Who'd be stupid enough to pay hundred million won per for a drama that hasn't even been produced yet—"
That was when Wang Long calmly answered.
-When do you need the payment transferred? Today would be difficult, but I can handle it by the end of the week.
Pyo Eun-Jong's mouth fell wide open. I smirked faintly and looked over at Lee Gi-Do. Having already witnessed something similar during Project I.O.A, Lee Gi-Do simply grinned from ear to ear and nodded.
After nodding back, I spoke to Wang Long. "The payment just needs to arrive sometime this month. Though if the streaming view count exceeds a certain number, make sure to give us a little extra."
-That's only fair.
The overseas pre-sale had been finalized in the blink of an eye, but while I was at it, I decided to attempt a Japanese pre-sale too.
"By any chance, is Sasuke there too?"
-Yeah, he's here. Hold on.
A moment later, Sasuke from the Japanese partner company AMOSE picked up the phone.
-Hyung, I heard everything. We can't match China, but we can probably go up to around three billion won.
"That's actually a generous offer considering there's only a rough draft and nothing's been produced yet. I should probably call the AMOSE president personally and explain things again—"
-No, it's fine. I don't know about anything else, but if it's something you're doing, hyung, I can approve it at my level.
It seemed Sasuke had started earning his father's trust.
"Thanks. And the script's excellent, so you can trust it."
Before the regression, the drama had succeeded not only in China but in Japan as well, so I was confident.
-I trust you.
Then Wang Long spoke up again.
-Alright. Then let's finalize the detailed contract when we meet during the Project I.O.A shoot.
"Okay!"
The moment I hung up, Lee Gi-Do shouted, "I swear, Chief Jung gets recognized more overseas than in Korea!"
"You're flattering me."
"Flattering you? What kind of lunatic pulls in thirteen billion won through pre-sales for a drama that hasn't even been produced yet? Ah, right. You do! Hahahaha!"
Lee Gi-Do practically bounced in place, unable to contain his excitement. Only then did Kim Gyuk-Shik bite his lip regretfully. The moment thirteen billion won had been secured, even spending one hundred thirty million won per episode on production would no longer result in a deficit.
And that was before a single won of advertising revenue had even been generated. Which meant the thirty-five million won manuscript fee wasn't remotely a problem either.
Then, Pyo Eun-Jong awkwardly tested the waters before shamelessly speaking up. "Chief Jung. Ahem. Thinking about it again, I may have been a little too conservative earlier. The contracts aren't signed yet, right? So how about forty million won per episode with us instead? Hm?"
His change of attitude was unbelievable. Just moments ago he had been insisting there was no way the project would sell, and now he wanted the contract after increasing the fee by a measly five million won.
I almost cut him off immediately, but first I looked toward Lee Ji-Yeon and silently asked what she wanted to do. As expected, Lee Ji-Yeon shook her head with an irritated expression.
'Nope!'
I figured as much.
Smiling at Pyo Eun-Jong, I answered, "Mr. Pyo. The contract has already been completed."
"Come on now, Chief Jung. Let's not be like that—"
Ignoring Pyo Eun-Jong completely, I turned to Lee Gi-Do instead. "Mr. Lee. In return for trusting me, I'm about to give you a truly historic gift."
Starting now, I intended to show the shallow-minded Pyo Eun-Jong exactly how massive the contract he missed really was.
'Welcome to Jung Yoon-Ho's SHOW ME THE MONEY! Let's give you a proper show, Director Pyo Eun-Jong.'
