Chapter 78: 《My Love from the Star》 Screening and Signing Artists

Beijing, inside Wei Jin's Golden House.

"Director Wei, a literary film approached me recently. The content is a bit explicit, and I'd like to hear your opinion?"

After a bout of intimacy, Fan Bingbing, slightly breathless, leaned against Wei Jin's chest and asked.

Fan Bingbing had just finished filming *Taken*. This trip to North America had allowed her to witness Wei Jin's influence even more, strengthening her resolve to keep this man in her grasp, so as soon as she returned to Beijing, she took the initiative to invite him.

Furthermore, Wei Jin's achievements in film, if not the best in the country, could certainly be considered among the top, which was why Fan Bingbing asked.

"My opinion is, of course, not to film it. Don't you know what happened to *Summer Palace*? Even if you could win an award, your career would be severely impacted."

What Wei Jin said was the truth. *Summer Palace* was not only banned domestically, but the lead actress, Hao Lei, was even dumped by her boyfriend, Deng Chao, and her acting career was effectively cut off. It was estimated that in a few years, she would be forgotten in the industry.

"Alright then, I'll listen to you."

Fan Bingbing had some aspirations for winning awards, but if it meant sacrificing her career, she couldn't be that carefree.

However, since Wei Jin had made her reject a film, he must be very willing to offer some compensation.

Thinking of this, Fan Bingbing put on a pitiful expression:

"It's just that there are no roles to film lately; if this continues, I'll soon be out of fashion."

As she spoke, she grabbed Wei Jin's hand, interlaced her fingers with his, leaned forward, and breathed like an orchid into Wei Jin's ear:

"Good brother, won't you help me?" — The next day, it was already ten in the morning when Wei Jin arrived at the company. Although Bingbing was good, he still had serious business to attend to.

Today was the screening organized by the company. Generally speaking, after a TV series was completed, producers would go door-to-door to sell it or contact television stations individually. However, the current Wei Jin Fengliu Film and Television Company had the qualifications to invite multiple television stations to come and watch.

Arriving at the conference room, Chen Zhiming was accompanying the purchasing Department Heads of several television stations to watch the first two episodes of *My Love from the Star*. Wei Jin did not disturb them. Ten minutes later, the second episode finished playing. Naturally, it was impossible to watch the entire series at a screening; after watching the first two episodes, everyone already had a good idea.

Benefiting from the massive popularity of *Lurking* and the high-quality production of *My Love from the Star*, several television stations competed fiercely for it. Mango TV offered the highest price, reaching 1.2 million per episode. Chen Zhiming, standing to the side, already had a smile on his face, but Wei Jin was still not very satisfied.

The original version of this drama was only 21 episodes, but the Korean version had a runtime of 60 minutes per episode. After Wei Jin's version was processed, it reached 30 episodes, but the production cost per episode was nearly 900,000.

According to Mango TV's offer, the first round of broadcasting would be profitable, which seemed very cost-effective. But Wei Jin knew just how popular this drama would be. After thinking for a moment, he had his answer.

"Department Heads, how about this: let's sign a guaranteed ratings agreement. If it falls below the minimum rating, my side takes nothing. If it reaches the guaranteed rating, it will be purchased at the price of 1 million per episode, and for every percentage point above that, the price per episode will increase by 200,000."

As soon as Wei Jin said this, the people from the television stations frowned. This was completely playing outside the rules. By adopting this kind of gambling format, Wei Jin was showing immense confidence in the drama, but this gamble was a bit too large.

"Then, President Wei, how is this base rating calculated? Each television station has its own differences, after all."

The purchasing Department Head from Anhui Satellite TV asked. These past few years were the peak period for Anhui Satellite TV.

"There's no rush for this. You can all report back to your stations first. If you can accept this plan, then we can discuss the specific base ratings."

Wei Jin didn't expect immediate results. The Department Heads nodded upon hearing this and walked out of the conference room in unison to report to their stations.

In the end, it was the purchasing Department Head of Mango TV who had the courage. Remembering the instructions of Station Head Ouyang, they secured the first-round exclusive broadcasting rights for *My Love from the Star* with a base rating of 6 as the guarantee.

Since it was a gamble, it was naturally two-way. Wei Jin was gambling, and wasn't Mango TV gambling as well? — In his office, Wei Jin was calculating the company's recent projects.

The total investment for the *My Love from the Star* project was 26 million, but in reality, at the beginning of filming, the outreach department had conducted a large amount of advertising solicitation. Without affecting the plot development or viewing experience, they had implanted quite a few high-end luxury brands, and the sponsorship fees alone reached 12 million.

The clothing aspect was the same. They specifically contacted a famous French fashion design team to design clothing in corresponding styles according to Wei Jin's requirements. After seeing the finished products, in order to thank Wei Jin for the ideas provided, the design team gifted all the finished products to the crew for use. After a simple calculation, Wei Jin was confident that this drama could bring the company over 100 million in revenue, and even more, it could open up the company's reputation across all of Asia. It was a total win.

In terms of film, after looking at the schedule provided by President Han, *Lost on Journey* had been officially set for April 28th, targeting the May Day holiday, with almost no competitors in the same period.

*Time-Space Cohabitation* was still in post-production. Wei Jin planned to release it on the Qi Xi Festival to promote a wave of sweet romance.

Additionally, *The Conjuring* was released in North America on March 10th. The opening weekend box office reached 31.88 million. As of now, after 7 days of release, the box office had reached a staggering 54.60 million. Media predicted that *The Conjuring* alone was expected to exceed 200 million in North American box office, and the global box office was expected to exceed 300 million USD. The executives at Summit Entertainment were simply overjoyed.

Just as Wei Jin was pondering where to buy a villa this year, a knock came at the door.

Liu Yan, dressed in professional attire, walked in and said: "President Wei, the meeting time with the newly signed artists has arrived. Do you see if it's convenient now?"

"Good, you handle the arrangements."

As the head of the company, it was necessary for Wei Jin to have a face-to-face meeting with the newly joined artists to put their minds at ease.

This time, a total of 6 people were signed: Zhang Li, Yang Rong, Yang Xue, Luo Jin, Wang Kai, and Jiang Shuying.

Before long, Liu Yan brought in a tall woman.

"Hello, President Wei. I am Zhang Li, from the 2002 acting class of the Central Academy of Drama."

Zhang Li was a bit cautious. Not yet graduated, she was dressed very simply, but her exquisite and three-dimensional facial features made her look somewhat spirited.

"Hello, don't be nervous. Calling you all here today is just to meet, nothing else."

Wei Jin looked at the slightly nervous Zhang Li and comforted her: "Are you satisfied with the dormitory arranged by the company?"

This batch of new signees at the company were all on a 20/80 split, so their initial income wouldn't be too high. Therefore, employee dormitories were specifically arranged; Wei Jin didn't want to be scolded too harshly.

"It's quite good, much better than the school dormitory. Thank you, President Wei."

For the company's thoughtful gesture, Zhang Li was truly grateful, and it also made this batch of new recruits feel very satisfied, gradually forming a sense of belonging to the company.

"That's good. In the future, if you have any matters, you can find Director Zhang. If he can't handle it, you can come find me."

For those who earned money for him, Wei Jin had always shown respect and ease.

"Additionally, for company projects, you can also ask your Agent about roles. As long as it's suitable, there's no problem."

For newcomers, having roles to act in was already quite good. Moreover, in the company's own dramas, they could mostly manage a small supporting role with lines and screen time, which was better than drifting around outside. Zhang Li naturally understood this point: "Okay, President Wei, I will follow the company's arrangements."

"By the way, if you encounter any unpleasant things in the company or on set, you must not hide it. I will stand up for you."

Wei Jin said this with some dominance. He knew all too well the twists and turns involved. Wei Jin couldn't interfere in matters of mutual consent, but if someone used power to oppress others, then don't blame Wei for being impolite.

"Mm, thank you, President Wei."

Liu Yan's situation was not a secret in the industry, and Zhang Li naturally knew it. This was also an important reason why she chose to join the company. Willing to provide resources and willing to protect them—in Zhang Li's heart, Wei Jin was already one of the top ten bosses in the entertainment industry.

The new book is on the shelves, I earnestly ask book friends for subscriptions and recommendations. Thank you all.

(End of chapter)