My capital is quite large.

Chapter 251 A fool who wouldn't take advantage of a good deal.

"Cut! That's a good take. Everyone, take a 15-minute break and get ready for the next scene!"

As director Ning Hao called out in his slightly hoarse Shanxi dialect, Xu Zheng, who had been busy in the center of the set for most of the morning, breathed a sigh of relief.

He wiped the fine sweat from his face and, somewhat unceremoniously, plopped down on the folding chair next to him.

In the road comedy "Breakup Buddies" directed by Ning Hao, the director doesn't have to worry about the crew's food, drink, and other daily needs, or the high-intensity coordination.

All Xu Zheng had to do was honestly act as an actor and go over his lines, which made him feel more relaxed than ever before during the filming period.

"Being a director is not a job for ordinary people; the risks are too high."

Xu Zheng took the chilled mineral water from his assistant, took a sip, and sighed with lingering fear.

Although the huge success of "Lost in Thailand" brought him both fame and fortune, the 1.8 billion yuan gambling agreement was like a mountain, weighing on him day and night, making it hard for him to breathe.

The high pressure of the past few months even instilled in him a fear of directing.

He had already made a silent decision in his heart: regardless of whether the sequel to "Lost in Hong Kong" could ultimately fulfill the bet, once this series was finished, he would never again easily become a director. Being an actor, or working behind the scenes as a producer receiving a share of the profits, would be stable and worry-free.

However, no matter how anxious he was, he couldn't be sloppy about the tasks and favors he was supposed to do on set.

"Director Xu, Xiao Tian is all ready. She's getting her hair and makeup done right now," the assistant stepped forward and reported in a low voice.

Upon hearing the name Xiao Tian, ​​Xu Zheng nodded.

Although "Breakup Buddies" is a road movie with an absurd tone, it doesn't have much of a youth or school scene.

But in order to fulfill the promises made when the contract was signed, and also to appease the parties involved.

Xu Zheng managed to get her a very outstanding supporting role, Zhou Lijuan, while she was on set.

Although this character doesn't have much screen time, he is well-developed and his lines are quirky, making him a memorable highlight in the movie!

Of course, this was to leave himself a way out.

If this girl were to actually gain favor and rise to power one day, and then come back to settle scores with him, he wouldn't be able to handle it.

……

"Old Xu, what are you daydreaming about? Have you lost your mind in Shenzhen?"

A whiff of tobacco wafted over, and Ning Hao, with a cigarette between his fingers and a storyboard in hand, sat down on the chair next to him with a smile.

Xu Zheng snapped out of his daze, gave a wry smile, and pulled out the outline of the "Lost in Hong Kong" script, which he had covered in red scribbles, from his briefcase and handed it over.

"Old Ning, I'm really not sure about this."

Xu Zheng rubbed his shiny bald head and sighed, "Eighteen billion!"

"18 billion! This year's 'The Monkey King' only grossed 12 billion despite the strong nostalgia factor. Asking me to make a 1.8 billion movie? That's asking too much of me."

Ning Hao took the script, casually flipped through a few pages, and occasionally circled a few jokes with a red pen.

"The script itself is fine, and your grasp of everyday humor is truly rare in the industry."

Ning Hao exhaled a puff of smoke, closed the script, and shrugged helplessly. "But you asked me how the box office broke 18 billion? You've asked the wrong person. The highest-grossing film I've ever made only made a few hundred million. You expect a small-time director like me, who directs dark humor, to do that? You might as well pray to the God of Wealth."

Even Ning Hao, a genius director in the industry, said he was powerless to do anything about it.

Xu Zheng could only sigh inwardly and enter a self-deprecating state of "do your best and leave the rest to fate".

"The script is being polished, and Haofeng and Wanda are backing up the publicity and distribution. But right now, what's giving me the biggest headache is actually the casting of the female lead."

Xu Zheng frowned and began to analyze the current casting dilemma:

"The role of Cai Bo, the female lead, required someone with a nationally recognized appearance, but whose temperament couldn't be too aloof. I originally had my eye on the actresses from 'The Great Tang Poet,' but who would have thought that these beauties would collectively announce their retirement from acting to go back to school, as if they had planned it all along!"

"The rest are either asking for exorbitant salaries or their acting skills aren't good enough to support the project. It's driving me crazy."

Hearing Xu Zheng's complaint, Ning Hao gave him a strange look.

"Old Xu, I remember a couple of days ago, didn't that Zhao Daye from a second-tier film school come to you, wanting to bring his own investment to the production and play the female lead?"

"Yes, she contacted me and said she was willing to lower her fee as long as she could act."

Xu Zheng shook his head, his tone tinged with disdain. "I know what she's up to. She and Su Youpeng are doing that backdoor listing, and she's also signed a performance-based agreement with President Li. She's eager to use the popularity of 'Lost in Hong Kong' to beautify the financial statements of her Erben Films."

"But do I need her investment? Haofeng's budget is 300 million, with no upper limit! What I lack is the box office appeal to rake in 18 billion! What good would it do for my box office if she acted in it, besides helping her fleece investors?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Hao couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Old Xu, you can be quite sharp sometimes, so why do you get stuck on this kind of thing all the time?"

"From a business perspective, since they're willing to lower their fees and invest more, the money saved on production costs will still end up in your pocket, Lao Xu's, pocket, won't it?"

"Moreover, although Zhao Da's reputation in the film industry has been so-so in the past two years, she was still a top-tier national star! Xiao Yanzi's national recognition is undeniable. In terms of appeal, apart from those retired actresses, who else in the industry can definitely surpass her?"

"Since she wants to use this opportunity to make money, then make your terms even more demanding. Let her invest more and take less of the profits. It's a steal, why wouldn't she take advantage of such a bargain?"

A word to wake up the dreamer!

Xu Zheng's previously depressed mood brightened at this moment!

Yup!

Why am I only thinking about how to argue with the other person?

The power struggle between big-name directors and capital has always been a matter of leveraging each other's strengths.

Since Zhao Daye is so eager to use Erben Film and Television's financial report to appease shareholders, then this is a fat sheep delivered to his door for him to manipulate!

"Old Ning, it has to be you again!"

Xu Zheng immediately took out his phone from his pocket and found Zhao Daye's number.

"Hey, Director Zhao. This is Lao Xu."

As soon as the call connected, Xu Zheng put on a warm and shrewish smile:

"Regarding the role of Cai Bo, the female lead in 'Lost in Hong Kong,' my production team and I have discussed it carefully. We all agree that this role is perfect for you!"

"However... regarding the quota for additional investment in Erben Film and Television, and the subsequent box office revenue sharing ratio, shouldn't we find a place tomorrow morning to discuss it in detail?"