Chapter 137: Dividing the Investment

The inspection team from the Aerospace Science and Technology Group has already returned; the Hongya Region is indeed the most suitable filming location. It is vast and empty, possessing a sense of loneliness as if one were on an alien planet. Moreover, Wei Jin remembers that in his past life, the country's first Mars simulation base was built right here; it is simply the premier choice for live-action filming.

The script has also passed review; as expected, it was given the green light all the way.

With everything prepared, Wei Jin summoned the major investors to China Film Group for detailed discussions.

Representatives from Enlight Media, Wanda, and the Aerospace Technology Group all arrived. This time, Western Film Group was not brought along, even though General Manager Deng had expressed great sincerity.

"Han Dong, President Wei, what is the specific situation?"

"What is the project budget?"

"When can filming begin?"

The three parties spoke up directly as soon as they arrived, all talking at once, which made Han Sanping feel a bit overwhelmed.

"Ahem, don't be anxious. The project budget is 400 million, and we don't rule out the possibility of additional investment later. We expect to start filming around May."

Upon hearing this figure, the excited hearts of the three parties calmed down, and they began to carefully examine the documents on the table.

"Brother Wei, it's not that I don't trust you, it's just that this number is too large. How will we recoup the costs? Do you have a plan?"

Although Wang Changtian had acted on the phone as if he would sever ties if he weren't allowed to invest, his little heart couldn't help but tremble when he saw the 400 million cost.

"Right, President Wei, this is also our question."

The other two parties also began to inquire. It is not that they lack confidence; it is just that the ceiling for domestic film box office is right there, and it cannot be hidden from industry insiders.

Seeing that the major prospective investors, including Han Sanping, were all looking at him, Wei Jin knew that if he didn't say something, they wouldn't feel at ease. He immediately sat up straight, his face carrying a touch of seriousness:

"Relying solely on domestic box office is definitely not enough, but for this type of hard sci-fi film, there are no cultural barriers, so the overseas box office shouldn't be bad. This time, I plan to have a simultaneous global release. I have already communicated regarding distribution; there is absolutely no problem with Summit Entertainment."

After two or three years of development, Summit Entertainment already possesses global distribution capabilities. Perhaps it cannot compare to the Hollywood Six Majors, but it is still quite good.

What's more, Wei Jin is a major shareholder, so there won't be any shady dealings regarding promotion and distribution expenses. One must know that the big bullies of Hollywood have more than once cheated investors and producers, managing to make a film a box office hit while the profits show a loss.

"Regarding special effects, the most important and difficult parts will be handed over to the top Hollywood special effects company, Digital Domain. We will definitely ensure the quality."

"Regarding promotion, my novel of the same name is already being updated online, and physical books will be published later. Additionally, the English version has already begun translation and verification."

Seeing that Wei Jin was so well-prepared, and recalling Wei Jin's track record since his debut, the three investors gained some confidence.

"In addition, everyone can send over a producer to ensure the use and flow of project funds."

Wei Jin's final words gave the investors a sense of reassurance. After exchanging glances, they agreed to join.

It is no wonder the investors are so cautious; it is just that a very ridiculous matter was exposed online these past two days, making the investors realize how deep the waters of the film and television industry are.

Director Chen Kexin of *The Warlords*, which had an investment of 40 million USD, had just been criticizing the extravagant style of Mainland China's period films—needless to say, he was referring to *Curse of the Golden Flower* and *The Banquet*—but shortly after, their crew's internal procurement list was exposed: a single ordinary soldier's costume cost 8,000 USD.

For a time, public opinion was in an uproar, and voices of condemnation arose within the industry. People online were cursing Chen Kexin for his greed, which then spread to the entire Hong Kong Circle. However, the matter was quickly suppressed; after all, this year is the tenth anniversary, and stability and harmony override everything.

But it was the investors who suffered. As the main investor, China Film Group, Han Sanping felt as if he had swallowed a fly. —For an entire day, including Wei Jin, the five major investors argued incessantly over the investment shares, and Wei Jin's head was aching. Fortunately, after some negotiation, an agreement was finally reached: for the 400 million cost, Wei Jin would contribute 120 million for a 40% stake, and the other four parties would each contribute 70 million for a 15% stake.

It seems like the other parties might have lost out, but for such a super-large project, it is not about how much money you put in to get a certain share; it mainly depends on what kind of resources you can provide for the project.

The Aerospace Technology Group uses personnel and technology as the entry condition, while the other three parties are either distributors or theater chains, all possessing industry resources. As for Wei Jin, he himself is the top resource in the film circle. The reason for excluding Western Film Group was also out of consideration for this aspect.

"How are you considering the cast? Do you have a draft?"

Seeing that the investment was settled, Han Dong was now eyeing the actors; China Film Emperor has quite a few artists waiting for opportunities.

"As for the lead, how about Liu Tianwang?"

Wei Jin thought of his agreement with Liu Tianwang and also felt that his image and temperament were very suitable.

"His appearance and temperament are indeed good, but he recently..."

Han Sanping did not finish his sentence, but everyone present knew what he meant.

These past few days, the internet has been full of news about that extreme fan of Liu Tianwang. After thirteen years of chasing the star, she forced her own father to commit suicide. The suicide note was full of curses against Liu Tianwang. Even more ridiculously, the note even requested that Liu Tianwang meet her daughter one more time.

Wei Jin felt that in this matter, Liu Tianwang was very wronged; he had already done very well.

He agreed to meet and urged her to return home, but the fan, who had fallen into madness, was completely unreasonable, ultimately leading to such a consequence. Who is to blame? "I just want to use this heat to stir up the film first, and the novel will also sell better. Besides, Liu Tianwang himself still has a certain influence in Asia."

Wei Jin spoke bluntly; he just wanted to create hype, and also clear Liu Tianwang's name at the box office.

"Alright, since it's handed over to you to control, you have the final say. This is the first project since I took office, so don't let me down."

Seeing that Wei Jin had a plan, Han Sanping did not want to force his own artists into such a big project.

"Han Dong, you put this pressure on me, aren't you afraid I'll be distracted while filming?"

Wei Jin relaxed at this moment and began to banter with Han Sanping.

"Hahaha, right, that won't do, Han Dong..."

The several investors also laughed along. Film is inherently a high-risk industry, and Wei Jin's project is already the one with the lowest risk.

"Also, this film won't take much time to shoot, but the post-production will be very long. You all should be prepared for this film to be released at least in the second half of next year."

Wei Jin was also giving them a heads-up; there will be no returns on this film in the short term.

"No problem. Since we invested, it means we trust you, President Wei. With your project, I assume you won't let us suffer a loss, haha."

The investors were indeed full of confidence in Wei Jin, which is also the reputation he has built up over these years. Even if they really lost money, they assumed that given Wei Jin's character, he would make it up to them in subsequent projects.

Today's first update. I earnestly request all readers to reward me with subscriptions, follow-up reads, and collections. You must flip to the last page for the follow-up read, thank you everyone! (End of chapter)