Chapter 224: Thousands of Gold to Buy Horse Bones
Although Xu Kong is well-known in Hong Kong City, in comparison, even if he walks on the street without disguise, the frequency of being recognized is much lower.
But this can be regarded as a benefit.
At least Xu Kong doesn't need to be too cautious when going out here.
There are also a lot less situations of being mobbed by fans.
"Teacher Shi Rui."
Arriving in a private room of a high-end restaurant in a certain port city, Xu Kong met Shi Rui, whom he had met once before.
But besides Shi Rui, there was another middle-aged man.
Before coming, Shi Rui said that he had a friend who wanted to get to know him.
But Xu Kong himself doesn’t know exactly who it is.
After meeting each other at this time, Xu Kong still didn't recognize each other.
At least not one of the old Hong Kong artists he was familiar with in his memory.
……
"Let me introduce you."
"This is Mr. Cao Bentao, the chairman of Hong Kong Fengxiang Pictures."
"This is Xu Kong. Director Cao should have known him for a long time."
Xu Kong was stunned for a moment, he naturally knew about Fengxiang Pictures.
It is considered an established film and television company in Hong Kong City.
There are countless classic movies that have been produced before.
Even the title sequence of Fengxiang Pictures has probably become a childhood memory for many people.
But in recent years, with the rise of the mainland entertainment industry, Fengxiang Pictures has lost its sense of existence.
Although the company is definitely still there, it is still making some new movies with a Hong Kong flavor.
But it has also disappeared from the sight of mainland audiences for a long time.
……
"Hello, Mr. Cao."
Xu Kong calmly shook hands with the other party.
He could roughly guess why Shi Rui took the initiative to set up such a game this time and asked him to meet Cao Bentao.
But at present, Xu Kong only has memories, and he can't say that he has too many filters for Fengrui Pictures.
"Director Xu, I really like some of your TV series and music."
Cao Bentao said with a smile.
Xu Kong also responded politely.
However, he has seen too many similar starting moves. Most of them are actually just polite remarks and there is no need to take them seriously.
"I know that Director Xu, you are most likely not short of investment."
"But if possible, I still hope to consider cooperating with Fengrui."
"You can mention whatever conditions you want. The investment budget is within 300 million, and we will never interfere with the script or casting!"
"And if you want to use our actors from Hong Kong City, just ask Director Xu and I will take care of the rest."
……
Although Cao Bentao is from Hong Kong City, he speaks Mandarin quite well. At least Xu Kong didn't hear too many accents.
Compared with Shi Ruina's Hong Kong Pu who is often incomprehensible, the gap is simply visible to the naked eye.
And it can be seen that although he is the chairman of a large company.
But Cao Bentao has a unique Jianghu aura that Xu Kong has rarely seen before.
While speaking straightforwardly, his attitude was also very forthright.
Although it was just as Xu Kong expected, they just wanted to invite Xu Kong to accept their investment for filming.
But the various conditions were almost casually mentioned by Xu Kong.
Almost expressed considerable trust and sincerity to Xu Kong.
To put it simply, they are only responsible for paying, and Xu Kong takes care of the rest.
This kind of treatment is almost unique.
……
After what the other party said, Xu Kong really couldn't think of many reasons for rejection.
However, he still made it clear in advance that he would not get paid, but only get a share of the film.
Cao Bentao was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh and clapped his hands and said:
"Director Xu and I have the same ideas!"
Obviously, the other party had no objection at all to Xu Kong's fifty percent share.
But this can be guessed a bit.
Even if you trust Xu Kong again, under such decentralization, it is difficult to avoid the idea that Xu Kong is just trying to make quick money.
So the best way is to tie Xu Kong to the same interests as their Fengxiang Pictures.
This can ensure Xu Kong's dedication to the movie.
……
"Are there really no other requirements?"
Xu Kong couldn't help but ask.
The main reason is that the other party gave such conditions, which can be said to be even more relaxed than Feng Ge's.
This made Xu Kong, who had thought of a lot of excuses before, not knowing how to refuse at this time.
"It's not a request, but if possible, I still hope that Director Xu can shoot scenes here in our port city."
"It would be best to write a script with a similar style to our Hong Kong films."
After Cao Bentao finished speaking, he saw Xu Kong who was deep in thought and quickly added.
"Of course, if it doesn't work, it doesn't matter."
"It's mainly based on your personal thoughts, Director Xu." But in fact, after Xu Kong heard Cao Bentao's words, many classic films from the previous life came to mind.
In fact, even if Cao Bentao doesn't mention it, if he accepts investment from Fengxiang Pictures, he will most likely consider these Hong Kong films first.
The main reason is that there are so many. I guess it’s hard to choose just which one to shoot.
……
"Does Director Xu have any concerns?"
"Just say it."
"If you don't believe me, ask Shi Rui. I'm such a straightforward character, so don't worry about it."
"But I don't like trouble either, so if there are any ideas, we can communicate and finalize them now."
Cao Bentao said very directly.
Although Xu Kong has not expressed his stance at this time, he has already decided to agree to the other party.
At present, there are indeed not many reasons to refuse.
For him personally, not only is there no loss, but also if he really plans to make some classic Hong Kong films in the future.
With the help of Fengxiang Pictures, a local company, including the filming of "Sweet Honey" in Hong Kong City, it is estimated that a lot of trouble can be avoided.
"I don't have any worries."
"But I will follow it for about a year, and I won't have that much time..."
Xu Kong finally had to add something.
At present, the filming of "Sweet Honey" has not officially started, and it is estimated that it will be March or April next year from the completion of filming to its release.
Moreover, Fengqing Entertainment's drama has been postponed once. After filming "Sweet Honey", I will definitely continue filming the drama that Yu Yaqing promised.
After all, the script has been written.
In other words, if Fengxiang Pictures really wants to invest in his new movie, it will take a long time just to queue up.
……
"I thought it was because of something."
"Of course no problem!"
"As long as you are willing, Director Xu, our investment from Fengxiang will always count."
Cao Bentao said very cheerfully.
What the words even mean is that no matter whether Xu Kong's film results are satisfactory this time, whether his subsequent works can still maintain the same popularity as before.
This does not affect Fengxiang's continued investment in Xu Kong.
Everyone mentioned this, so Xu Kong could only agree with a smile.
However, it is definitely not possible to sign a contract directly at this time, it can be regarded as a verbal agreement between the two.
But Xu Kong's dinner was obviously not in vain.
Cao Bentao seemed very enthusiastic when he heard that Xu Kong's movie would be filmed in Hong Kong City.
Regarding the subsequent framing and shooting issues, the other party patted their chests and assured Xu Kong that there would definitely be no problems if they were given help by Fengxiang Pictures.
……
It was not until night that Xu Kong said goodbye and left.
However, Cao Bentao and Shi Rui did not leave because Xu Kong said he did not drink. After Xu Kong left, Cao Bentao asked the waiter to serve two bottles of expensive wine.
Shi Rui's agency is naturally Fengrui, but although Cao Bentao is his boss, he himself also owns shares in Fengrui, and the two have been friends for decades.
In normal communication, it doesn't look like a superior-subordinate relationship.
After all, with Shi Rui's current status and financial strength, if he wanted to leave, there would actually be no pressure to open his own studio or even a company.
Although Shi Rui is the king of singers, he is actually also an actor with good acting skills.
This was the development model of most Hong Kong artists of that generation.
Almost all of them are movies, TV shows and songs, and their performances are very comprehensive.
"Old Cao, what are your thoughts this time?"
"Really trust a young man that much?"
Shi Rui couldn't help but ask.
Although he organized today's game, he really didn't understand Cao Bentao's thoughts.
Although he admired Xu Kong very much, his previous two Cantonese songs were rare singles that he personally recognized in recent years.
But that doesn't mean he doesn't know the risks.
Xu Kong is indeed a very popular newcomer in the mainland.
Several consecutive popular blockbuster dramas have also proved the other party's ability as a director and screenwriter.
But even so, it is still unknown whether Xu Kong will be acclimatized in the movie.
The conditions Cao Bentao gave Xu Kong this time were really too loose.
Some of them don't even look like the other party's usual style.
……
"I call it a thousand gold to buy horse bones."
Cao Bentao took a sip of the wine in his glass and said lightly.
In fact, whether he will lose money by investing in Xu Kong's film this time is not that important at all.
More importantly, he is very optimistic about Xu Kong's future.
And now Fengxiang does feel like he has reached his twilight years.
Although most projects still retain a certain amount of profit, it is difficult to recreate the golden period of that year.
He tried many methods, but none of them had much effect.
Compared with the conservative and even stubborn closed-mindedness of some other local entertainment companies in Hong Kong cities, he has a deep understanding of how much potential the current mainland market has.
The only way to break the situation is to abandon their original model, try to learn the business methods of some mainland companies, and use a large number of directors, artists and other talents from the mainland.
As for Xu Kong, it doesn't actually matter whether he is a horse or a horse. What is important is that they currently need excellent directors or other talents who are familiar with the mainland market.
……
(End of chapter)