Chapter 1098: You want to sell me a short film for 1 billion?!

The warm autumn sun bathed Tokyo, giving people the illusion of spring.

Akina, having quickly finished her breakfast, held Xia Hua in the courtyard to get some fresh air, humming novel songs from time to time~

Yesterday, after Naoki Nagayama returned to Mountain Cherry Garden, he had mysteriously run into his study and written this song, "Open the Door"... while constantly muttering to himself, "Sure enough, a real man should watch the Moe King," and things like that~

Her husband was having another episode!

Akina Nagayama had a deep understanding of Naoki Nagayama's occasional sudden bursts of inspiration, and she also knew that sometimes when he was creating, he would have some strange ideas, and he would act a bit crazy; it was probably because there were too many ideas in his brain hindering his normal thinking.

But it didn't matter; once this phase passed, the songs he created would still be excellent.

In the evening, in the study, Naoki Nagayama played the melody of "Open the Door" on the piano, and Akina hummed along a few times; sure enough, it was catchy, and once she started singing, she couldn't stop~

It was just that Naoki Nagayama said he also seemed to want to draw some kind of "First Generation Moe King"... it really left people feeling puzzled~

"Akina..."

After Naoki Nagayama finished his breakfast, he walked to the eaves gallery.

"We are going to the filming base!"

"Hai~"

Since they had a camper van, Naoki Nagayama naturally hitched a ride to film the movie; after all, sitting was never as comfortable as half-lying down~

And after this family arrived at the filming base, the crew members, under the command of Yin Tangxiu, were already prepared and ready to start filming at any time.

"Minna-san, today's scenes are a chase and a gunfight, one of the few action scenes in the movie... I ask everyone to work hard together!"

"Hai..." XN

While the set was bustling with filming, the articles from the previous media visit had already been printed.

Almost every well-known newspaper had published information about visiting the set of *Ghost*, and professional film media, such as *Kinema Junpo*, although the cover story was related to the already concluded Tokyo International Film Festival...

... still placed the previous interview article as the first piece in the main body, interspersed with numerous behind-the-scenes photos from the set... one wondered how the magazine's editorial team managed to lay it out and rush it to print in such a short time~

Could it be that all the other articles were already set, and only this one was left? And then the editorial team and the printing plant worked overtime all night?

In any case, regardless of how it was handled, the latest edition of *Kinema Junpo*, smelling of printer's ink, had already been delivered to the hands of film-related personnel, and many people who had always been concerned about Naoki Nagayama saw the report.

"What kind of special effects? They actually said it made the director's eyes widen?!"

Kinji Fukasaku looked at the content of the article, feeling slightly skeptical.

He knew that Naoki Nagayama started out filming *Paranormal Activity* and must have his own ideas about filming ghosts... but...

"Naoki Nagayama also said it himself, this is a romance movie, not a horror movie!"

*Ghost* wasn't a horror movie; it was impossible to use jump scares and camera tricks to frighten people... he had to admit that Naoki Nagayama was quite good at scaring people...

"No matter how you film ghosts, it's just making the characters translucent and adding a bit of haziness; what else can you do with it?"

Special effects in this era weren't as astonishing as the digital composite effects of the future, but as a famous director, Kinji Fukasaku felt he knew a thing or two about film special effects.

"This guy Naoki Nagayama is bragging again!"

Kinji Fukasaku had recovered from his previous cancer treatment, and after experiencing a low point, he had filmed an art-house movie like *House on Fire*, which could be said to be full of resilience.

However, he didn't dare to openly badmouth Naoki Nagayama's movies now; the rumor about a "famous director being scared into wetting his pants by a horror movie" was still circulating in the entertainment industry~

"Romance... sure enough, it should be a matter between living people!"

After thinking for a moment, Kinji Fukasaku called the screenwriter he had collaborated with, Hisao Kaminami:

"Kaminami-san... I think we can film another romance movie... I've read Michiko Nagahata's *Hana no Ran* and *Ideal Dream* once, and I feel they have great potential..."

At the same time, others in the film circle also saw the relevant reports.

Masahiro Shinoda of Shochiku was very interested in Naoki Nagayama's claims, and when discussing it with friends, he also explained the situation...

"When I was chatting with Naoki-san before, he said that *Jurassic Park* would be a sci-fi blockbuster, similar to *E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial*... and he also talked about how the special effects for the dinosaurs should be produced~"

"This *Ghost* should be Naoki-san's small attempt at special effects."

Masaki Kobayashi laughed:

"He made such a big claim with a small attempt; then what should *Jurassic Park* be like later?"

"I heard he has already bought an island to use as a filming base! It's already being renovated."

"Oh? That's a big move!"

"Yeah, yeah..."

"..."

After seeing the report, many people had such questions in their hearts:

"What kind of special effects? Will it make people's eyes widen?"

They even stopped paying much attention to what they should have originally focused on: the power couple of Naoki Nagayama and Akina Nakamori.

Come to think of it, this couldn't be blamed on others; who told this couple, the Nagayamas, that after getting married, they had no other explosive news besides being sweet... there were no fights, no affairs, and the like...

Being sweet once or twice was fine, but eating too much sugar would lead to diabetes!

Today, when the set wrapped up, it was just past three o'clock.

Because Naoki Nagayama said the afternoon light was no longer good, he simply gave everyone the day off.

And Naoki Nagayama himself, as the number one figure, was escorted by his driver to the Tokyo TV station in Shiba Park, which he had visited before.

"Naoki-san... Moxi Moxi!"

Director Kotaro Sakai of Tokyo TV came downstairs to welcome Naoki Nagayama in person.

"Sakai-san... long time no see, has everything been well lately?"

"All is well, all is well; Naoki-san coming to Tokyo TV makes it even better~"

The two chatted as they walked toward the interior of the TV station, and Naoki Nagayama asked while walking:

"Has Xiuyi-san arrived yet?"

He and Yin Tangxiu had come to Tokyo TV in two separate groups, and they had agreed to meet here.

"Hai, he is already in the reception room." Kotaro Sakai nodded, "We just had a cup of tea, and Naoki-san arrived..."

Having just had a cup of tea, they should still be in the stage of pleasantries.

After arriving at the reception hall, Naoki Nagayama saw that both Yin Tangxiu and Gosho Aoyama were there.

"Naoki-san, you're here~" Yin Tangxiu said with a smile, "We were just talking about you~"

"Oh? What were you talking about?"

"Talking about the movie you're filming now... a love story between a human and a ghost..." Yin Tangxiu reminded Naoki Nagayama of the progress with Tokyo TV, "Sakai-san said he must go watch it after the movie is released."

"Haha, then many thanks to Sakai-san for the support~"

"Where, where, Naoki-san's talent is already known to everyone; naturally, I must watch the movie you filmed carefully!"

Kotaro Sakai personally poured tea for Naoki Nagayama and then sat to the side.

"Xiuyi-san, don't you think so?"

"Haha, that goes without saying~"

Naoki Nagayama took a light sip, also smiled and chatted with Kotaro Sakai for a while, until the atmosphere in the conference room no longer felt like a long-lost estrangement, and then he said:

"Sakai-san, have you seen this young man next to me? His name is Gosho Aoyama, and he is also very talented!"

"... young man..."

Kotaro Sakai's eye twitched slightly upon hearing this address. He looked at Naoki Nagayama and Gosho Aoyama; in fact, he felt that Gosho Aoyama, who looked a bit older, was actually older...

"Yes, Aoyama-kun is the backbone of the Tree Friend animation department... *Slam Dunk*, the hottest sports manga on the market right now, is his work..."

Tokyo TV was the TV station with the most animation among the five major TV stations in Nihon, so naturally, it paid great attention to anime.

"*Slam Dunk*... indeed, a manga that has emerged suddenly this year, with great potential to become a huge hit."

Yin Tangxiu let out a laugh: "It should already be a huge hit, right?"

"To tell the truth, *Slam Dunk* has emerged in the manga world, but it can't be considered a huge hit yet..."

In this era, the manga industry itself was a niche industry; without subsequent adaptations, various peripheral spin-offs, and the like, it was impossible to compare it with industries like film and television.

"That's true..."

Naoki Nagayama didn't say anything about *Slam Dunk* becoming a classic in the hearts of a generation, but instead said realistically:

"So now, we want to make this manga thoroughly break out of its niche!"

"I see..."

In fact, Kotaro Sakai hadn't understood in the previous chat why Naoki Nagayama of Tree Friend would suddenly come to Tokyo TV; he had originally thought there was a new TV series or program plan.

Now he knew it was because they wanted to collaborate on a manga adaptation!

After understanding this point, and connecting it to the previous news of Tree Friend entering the anime industry, Kotaro Sakai felt more confident, and his tone became more assured:

"That's naturally no problem... let alone *Slam Dunk* being a manga with great potential, even just for the sake of Naoki-san's face, Tokyo TV has no problem adapting a manga!"

Tokyo TV's animation department could be said to be the largest in Nihon besides Toho!

"Haha, Sakai-san, it's not like that~" Yin Tangxiu shook his head, "Our idea is for Tree Friend to produce the animation directly, and for Tokyo TV to purchase the broadcast rights!"

"Purchase directly?" Kotaro Sakai frowned slightly, "But... Tree Friend doesn't seem to have experience in producing animation, right?"

"Yes... this is our first time adapting an animation... but we have great confidence in our anime department!"

"I see..."

Even though Kotaro Sakai was the director of the production bureau, he couldn't make a judgment just by listening to one side.

Naoki Nagayama noticed this, so he said:

"Sakai-san, actually we have already produced a short film; you can take a look before deciding."

"Is there a sample? That's great~"

As a reception room for a TV station, the playback equipment was naturally complete.

At Naoki Nagayama's signal, Gosho Aoyama took out the *Slam Dunk* short film videotape they had produced earlier from his briefcase and played it on the TV in the reception room.

The warm singing voice of Izumi Sakai rang out, the sound of the basketball on the floor, the passionate breakthroughs...

Naoki Nagayama saw the *Slam Dunk* animation from yesterday again, and the nostalgia in his heart surged again; however, he didn't know what was going on this time, but the animation of *Cardcaptor Sakura* also floated into his mind again, filled with emotion...

It seemed he couldn't help it; this animation, *Cardcaptor Sakura*, must be drawn!!!

By the time Naoki Nagayama suppressed his emotions, he saw that Kotaro Sakai had a very surprised look on his face; after the short film ended, he was full of exclamation:

"The completion is so high! Naoki-san, Xiuyi-san, is this really your first time producing an animation?!"

"Of course." Yin Tangxiu said, "But before producing the animation, I specifically went to learn from Toho's animation production team for a period of time!"

"Is that so?" Kotaro Sakai had an expression of regret, "Why didn't you come to our Tokyo TV animation team? It's not that I'm bragging, although the team size isn't as big as Toho's, the proficiency in production is definitely higher than Toho's!"

"Haha, next time... next time I will definitely come to learn..."

Seeing the two start to go off-topic, Naoki Nagayama spoke up:

"Sakai-san, what do you think of this *Slam Dunk* short film? Can it meet the broadcast standards of Tokyo TV?"

"Of course, it's a very good short film; if the animation can maintain this level, then Tokyo TV will definitely broadcast it!"

"The follow-up is already in production."

Naoki Nagayama said,

"We are following industry practice, releasing one episode a week... estimated total of 100 episodes..."

"100 episodes?" Kotaro Sakai exclaimed, "But how many chapters does the *Slam Dunk* manga have?!"

"This is naturally no problem; I guarantee that the follow-up will be produced continuously!"

Naoki Nagayama gave Kotaro Sakai a reassurance; in this era, since a figure of Naoki Nagayama's status had made a promise, it would definitely be fulfilled.

Kotaro Sakai nodded, not doubting the validity of this guarantee; in an era where credibility had not yet been devalued, people of high status still valued face very much!

"Naoki-san, Xiuyi-san... after watching your short film, I am already very interested in this *Slam Dunk* animation..."

Kotaro Sakai didn't say anything empty and asked directly,

"Then if Tokyo TV wants to purchase it, what is Tree Friend's estimate for this animation?"

"Sakai-san... since you are so direct, I won't say anything empty." Naoki Nagayama said, "Before coming, we considered two methods."

"One is to purchase by episode, 11 million yen per episode..."

"The other is a total package, a total of 1 billion... a total of 100 episodes!"

Kotaro Sakai's mouth opened slightly, shocked by Naoki Nagayama's asking price:

"One billion?"

"Yes, only the broadcast rights for Nihon TV, overseas broadcast rights are not included, and the subsequent copyrights for videotapes, discs, etc., are not given!"

"..."

This wasn't just a lion's opening its mouth; it was a giant's bloody maw! One had to know that in this era, even one of the hottest animations at the moment, *Macross*, was only 5.5 million yen per episode!

Even Yin Tangxiu and Gosho Aoyama, who came together, were full of astonishment; they only found out last night that the communication with Tokyo TV had been arranged, and neither of them knew that Naoki Nagayama had actually set such a high price for *Slam Dunk*!

Naoki Nagayama wasn't worried, because Nihon's animation was cheap, which was a bad example set by Osamu Tezuka's Mushi Production from the beginning; 500,000 per episode?

It was simply treating animators like livestock... ah no, not even as good as livestock!

Livestock had sheds and feed, and someone would take care of them if they got sick; animators had to rent their own houses, cook their own food, and buy their own medicine if they got sick!

"Naoki-san... this price of yours..."

Kotaro Sakai felt sweat on his forehead,

"It's really too expensive!"

"Haha, Sakai-san, it does look like there is a gap with the market price of animation right now." Naoki Nagayama was full of confidence, "But haven't you noticed? The anime industry has already started to explode..."

In fact, the animation for *Dragon Ball* was already in production, and it was said that the price negotiated was 12 million yen per episode; by the future, the production cost of hit animations per episode would rise significantly...

And *Slam Dunk*, one animation, could be broadcast continuously for two years; by then, the overall animation production cost would be even higher!

"By two years later, the animation production cost per episode for hit manga adaptations is estimated to be 15 million..."

Naoki Nagayama tempted him,

"And currently it only needs 11 million yen... if it's a total package, it's even under 10 million!"

"Isn't this a huge bargain?!"

"..."

Kotaro Sakai rolled his eyes; Naoki Nagayama, do you think I'm a child?

"Naoki-san, your statement has no basis... the ratings for the *Slam Dunk* animation haven't been determined..."

"Ha, Sakai-san, didn't you watch the short film?"

"It's just a short film... with only one short film, you want us at Tokyo TV to spend one billion to buy the animation?"

"Think about it, the theme song for the animation was created by me, and it's sung by the 'Voice of Nihon', Izumi Sakai!" Naoki Nagayama continued to induce, "If it were the market price, just me and Izumi Sakai would probably cost over 100 million!"

"And the subsequent theme songs are all covered by me!"

"..."

Kotaro Sakai was deeply moved when he heard this condition... songs created by Naoki Nagayama... sung by a popular singer!

One had to know that there was simply no quote on the market for inviting Naoki Nagayama to create songs!

Besides everyone knowing that Naoki Nagayama didn't take orders, it was even more because everyone knew that a musician of Naoki Nagayama's level could create a record that would reach the top ten of the charts with just one song!

That was sales of tens or hundreds of billions!!!

Just this point alone could almost guarantee the ratings of the animation!

"Does Naoki-san mean that the subsequent theme songs will all be created by you?" Kotaro Sakai confirmed.

"Yes... a total of five songs, I have already written them," Naoki Nagayama said, "They are all tailor-made for this sports anime *Slam Dunk*!"

"..."

Kotaro Sakai didn't disbelieve him; he had also heard of Naoki Nagayama's genius creative ability.

It was just that now, facing such a large transaction, his authority wasn't enough!

"Naoki-san... for such a large amount, I need to report and communicate with the station head..."

"Of course, I don't expect Sakai-san to agree on the spot..."

"Then shall we make an appointment to have a drink later?"

"No problem, no problem!"

"Leave the short film with me, let the station head take a look too..."

"Of course!"

"Naoki-san, tell me more about the manga and the theme songs..."

"..."

The atmosphere in the conference room returned to the previous harmony; Naoki Nagayama chatted with Kotaro Sakai in the conference room for nearly an hour, and there were some other trend analyses of the anime industry, etc.

In short, it left Kotaro Sakai full of shock...

"This deal is almost a certainty!"

On the way back, Naoki Nagayama said to Yin Tangxiu and Gosho Aoyama,

"After a few more tugs, it should be no problem!"

"Naoki-san... 1 billion!" Gosho Aoyama thought he was hallucinating, "An animation can actually sell for 1 billion! I thought I heard wrong just now."

"1 billion~" Naoki Nagayama shook his head, "This requires the full production of the Tree Friend anime department for the next two years; actually, it's not much!"

"How is that possible?! This is 1 billion!"

Seeing the young man's ignorant look, Naoki Nagayama asked Yin Tangxiu:

"Xiuyi-san, what is the box office sales of your lowest-grossing movie?"

"..." Yin Tangxiu looked at Naoki Nagayama with dissatisfaction; he was actually using his own example? But he still said sullenly, "600 million..."

"How much time did it take to produce?"

"Three months..."

Naoki Nagayama nodded and looked at Gosho Aoyama,

"Aoyama-kun, do you understand now?"

"Uh..."

What could I understand? Yin Tangxiu is a big director? A movie with 600 million box office is still the lowest?

"Sigh..." Naoki Nagayama looked at his subordinate's blank look and couldn't help but shake his head, "Understand that the cost-effectiveness of *Slam Dunk* animation making money is very low now, right?"

"... oh..."

I don't understand you high-income people, and I'm not one of them...

"In short... animation is just a part of it." Naoki Nagayama said, "Later, *Slam Dunk*'s overseas broadcast rights, anime peripherals, and big movies are all revenue... the total revenue will far exceed 1 billion..."

"And the IP of this anime can even let us make money decades later..."

"This is the reason why I want to do anime!"

Yin Tangxiu was invigorated:

"Can make money decades later?"

"Rebroadcasts, commemorative books, remakes... even opening a separate series of individual manga for a certain character..."

Isn't that what Marvel in the US does?!

Start with a big movie universe, and then every character can create branch American TV series... if one can explode, then it will make a fortune!

Making money, it's not shameful!

"Naoki-san..." Yin Tangxiu sighed, "Even if you don't film movies, running a company will make you make a fortune!"

"Heh... that's for sure!"

Naoki Nagayama smiled; it was just that running a company was too tiring, and he didn't want to be busy.

As for Gosho Aoyama on the side, he felt he had seen a new world... so people like Naoki Nagayama already considered things decades into the future when thinking about matters?!

Sure enough, there is a wall between geniuses and ordinary people!

(End of chapter)