Chapter 1060: Chapter 290: Talents Gathered
Chapter 290: Talent Pool
Looking at them, Qiao Pan smiled wryly, "I haven’t finished speaking yet. This time, indeed, it’s gratifying, but besides the management, there is an element of luck. Even if I put in the same effort on the next film, I can’t replicate the same success."
Then he said to Zhou Yuan, "Xiao Zhou, don’t think I’m pouring cold water on you. This film has made you famous, and surely other producers and investors will ask you to direct projects. But the pressure on your next one will be even greater, and the chance of failure is very high!"
Zhou Yuan was a bit surprised. With the first week box office earning back the investment, it greatly boosted his confidence. Even though he acknowledged Qiao Pan’s contributions and hard work, he also recognized his own efforts.
Seeing his indifference, Qiao Pan smiled and asked, "Why do others seek you out? Because this ’Springtime Leaked’ had a ten million investment with a box office exceeding a hundred million, able to recoup several times the profit. Their expectation for you is to give you ten million for you to make another hundred million. Can you guarantee it?"
Zhou Yuan was stunned. His sudden fame was still far from being a box office guarantee like Feng Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou. Even Feng and Zhang have top domestic companies and teams running the operations. He can’t guarantee anything!
"Even Li, the biggest investor in this film, didn’t expect us to make a hundred million, right? Now, with less than thirty million in the first week, they are already very happy. The pressure from their box office expectations isn’t that big. But now, after this one, others have high hopes. You, including me, where do our talent and ability stand compared to Ning Hao?
After ’Crazy Stone’ succeeded, ’Crazy Racing’ received several times the investment but only reached ten million. The expectation from all parties was for him to achieve ten times the box office returns! Ning Hao is talented; ’Stone’ was a replication, a borrowing, or an imitation of Guy Ritchie’s film (’Two Smoking Guns’), but with ’Racing,’ it was entirely his creation. He proved himself. However, with ten million investment, it can only be considered a small to medium cost, so no high-profile, eye-catching stars could be hired. He had to continue leading skilled actors like Huang Bo and Xu Zheng. The ones invited from Cloud Island and Lan Island were also just oddballs like JiuKong.
Thankfully, ’Crazy Racing’ also grossed over a hundred million, cementing Ning Hao’s box office myth. Another success from small investment and big returns was the ’Pleasant Goat’ series, but that was the result of its theme and promotion. Who remembers who directed Pleasant Goat? Whether children or white-collar workers, none went because of Huang Weiming’s appeal."
They were drinking tea when Qiao Pan, though not drunk, spoke his truth. Having experienced ups and downs, he knew the ins and outs, and what he revealed was exactly puncturing the bubble.
Honest words pierce the ear!
His words directly made Zhou Yuan’s face pale.
He smiled bitterly, "That’s right... even if this film grossed over a hundred million, succeeded, what people remember are the stars who lead the cast. In the audience’s eyes, I haven’t made a name for myself. If I get too complacent, I might fall hard..."
"Xiao Zhou, don’t think I’m trying to suppress you or deliberately douse your confidence to make you rely on me. Actually, we’re partners. Whatever greater deeds I achieve or you accomplish, as friends, I’m genuinely happy. However, because I have tasted the bitterness of loss, I don’t want you to fly too high and risk falling hard. In reality, we can only breathe a sigh of relief now, knowing we haven’t let several bosses lose money. The over one hundred million prediction is still a prediction; the actual results will emerge in a month or at least next week."
Qiao Pan was nearly certain that he had regained his footing, but he wasn’t as excited as he had imagined before. Besides fatigue, he felt a certain uncertainty about the future.
Li Yan was a bit surprised and appreciated Qiao Pan’s clear understanding at this moment. He also contemplated.
The master said: When three people walk together, there must be one who can teach me.
Isn’t this exactly the case?
What Qiao Pan does is film and nothing like the assassin field. Yet, the situation is the same!
Success and failure are common for military strategists, but "King" has always succeeded, never failing, so there is no retreat. Whether employers or fellow assassins, their expectations for "King" to complete a mission are nothing but success. If Li Yan takes a task and fails, it’s not ’success and failure are common for military strategists’; it’s the end of a myth!
And this puts pressure on him and other top-notch super assassins, the weight of a stellar reputation!
"Old Qiao, being so clear-headed, I see you in an even better light. If possible, I’d prioritize collaborating with you moving forward! Of course, don’t worry; just like this time, I won’t expect multiple returns!" Li Yan extended a hand to him.
Chu Yi and Mo Yan exchanged a smile, "Same here! We’ll be glad if you succeed; even if you fail, there’s no pressure, as this time you’ve already earned yourself room for failure!"
Qiao Pan was a bit moved and stood up to bow partially to Li Yan.
"I won’t call you Mr. Li or Boss Li, Old Li, I am truly thankful to you! Old Chu, Old Mo, and Xiao Zhou are all my friends. For distribution and theaters, I relied on connections. Their investments are friendly; offering a million was already very gracious to me. Without you investing six million, no matter how hard I tried, this project wouldn’t have gotten off the ground!"
Li Yan chuckled and said, "Old Qiao, don’t get too worked up; our new company is merely testing the waters."
"That’s different. To Paradise Group, it’s a test they can afford, but to me, it was a lifeline! Honestly, initially, I did try to sway you a bit, knowing you weren’t very versed, pulling your investment first. But your trust left me no way out; I couldn’t allow this project to fail. You didn’t instruct from the outside, allowing me significant operational freedom; I’m truly grateful!"
Qiao Pan said sincerely.
"What you just said and the words on the premiere night, I remember them. I’ve made up my mind now; if you still need me, I’m willing to join Heavenly Film, not just as a collaborator but to work for you!"
His serious words surprised Li Yan and the others because he had made it clear before that he didn’t want to be tied down. Collaboration offers more flexible stakes for everyone’s interests.
Li Yan was only momentarily surprised, soon clapped his hands and cheered: "Very welcome! Even if you’re working for me, I’ll treat you as a collaborator. I’ll pay you a satisfactory salary, and when your efforts lead to success, I’ll give you your deserved share as bonuses!"
He wasn’t a dedicated, hands-on leader but was adept at employing talents and treating them well. Even Zeng Zixi, with just a knack for sales, was recruited and cultivated; how much more for Qiao Pan, who has been through ups and downs, with rich experience, and just proved his capability?
Although it’s a verbal agreement, with the two’s enthusiastic handshake, this matter is pretty much settled.
In fact, neither Li Yan nor Qiao Pan chose impulsively. Li Yan needs talent to grow his film company, and Qiao Pan requires a strong platform to showcase his dreams. It’s a deeper collaboration following an enjoyable partnership.
Seeing this scene, Chu Yi, though somewhat envious, also smiled and congratulated, "I’ve always admired Brother Qiao, but Chuyi Culture is still too small, and I didn’t dare propose such a thing. Joining Paradise is undoubtedly the best outcome! Hope you still bring us along; I won’t aim for huge achievements, just hope the signed artists have more opportunities to work."
Mo Yan also laughed: "Bring me along too. Even if you’re eating meat, have us sip the soup and gnaw a few bones."
Zhou Yuan quickly added, "And me, thanks for the support from Teacher Qiao and the bosses this time, hope you’ll continue giving me opportunities to gain experience!"
"Of course, there’s no problem. Even if the public doesn’t know you now, surely the industry has eyes on you, perhaps you should seize the chance to make some quick cash. Success again is great, even if not so successful, we’ll continue to collaborate. Next time, no matter the project, your authority will be greater; I won’t interfere as much as this time." Qiao Pan said with a smile, slightly apologetic.
Typically, a film’s operation assigns the producer or executive producer to represent the investors for general oversight. But in creation, filming, and production, the director has the greatest authority. If the producer intervenes too much, it weakens the director’s influence. Just like Zhang Jizhong’s productions of Jin Yong’s martial arts series; he wasn’t the director for any, but due to his interference, they bore his style the most. The result — no director stood out; audiences only recognize it as Zhang Jizhong’s version of Jin Yong’s series. This brought him fame and fortune — including notoriety."
Qiao Pan’s words made everyone laugh, enjoying the camaraderie.
...
This celebration finalized Qiao Pan’s joining Heavenly Film, which pleased Li Yan more than the success of ’Springtime Leaked.’ As the main investor, they held a 60% stake in the movie; even if it grossed fifty million, they barely earned over twenty million after taxes. The percentage was high, but the base wasn’t large enough!
If Qiao Pan could hone his skills through a couple more films, strengthen his relationships, refine his techniques, and grasp the market better to make billion-dollar films, they might have a chance to profit over one hundred million from a single movie!
What’s the most valuable? Talent!
The men didn’t dawdle too long. Mo Yan suggested corruption, but none were inclined. Qiao Pan and Zhou Yuan had to keep their eyes on the film’s status and prepare for the imminent boom.
Li Yan also had to ponder how to spend Valentine’s Day but received a troublesome phone call at this moment! (To be continued; for those curious about the follow-up, please visit www.qidian.com for more Chapters and support the author with genuine reading!)
