My Life with Narration

Chapter 892: Chapter 882: Project Progress

Due to the improvement in the director and script’s quality, the investment costs have soared. Unlike the previous two times, this time he must consider whether the investment can be recouped along with the box office success, hence the slow progress.

Plus, there have been constant submissions from directors and screenwriters during this period, which led to three more days passing, and he still has over half of the scripts left on hand.

Of course, this is also related to his slow reading pace. If a director accompanies him, it’s convenient as a glance can provide cues from the narrator, but with just the script, he needs to carefully review it to give hints.

"Director Jiang, the project is good, I’m very satisfied!"

In the office, Su Qing held a script, smiling at the middle-aged man in front of him who was in his forties.

This is the third script project he’s found satisfying in recent days. The rest were either of poor quality, with the narrator hinting at a flop in box office, or they performed well but required too much investment, which, after landing in his hands, either lost money or earned little, making it not worth his time.

The man in front of him is one of the people recommended by Wang Fan. The two had met once before, back in April when he went to Hengdian. During those two days, apart from other things, he met quite a few directors and writers.

This time, after he released the news that he wanted to invest in a few more projects, quite a few people either called to inquire or brought scripts over in person, or through emissaries, seeking cooperation.

No matter where you are, there are always people willing to proactively come and seek cooperation with the party financing, because, with money right there, who would go against it? Everyone wants to grab a slice.

"President Su is too kind, and since Old Wang recommended me, naturally I’m here with sincerity!" Jiang Qiwang, Director Jiang, smiled, feeling exceptionally excited.

After all, during this visit, he encountered several peers, but none of them were accepted, without exception.

This made some directors complain because these people aren’t unknown small directors; at worst, they are people with some renown in the industry, having come from afar, only to be turned down, as one can imagine the frustration.

More importantly, the quality of the scripts they held was indeed good, which caused some discontent.

However, Su Qing didn’t mind at all, as he couldn’t just scatter money indiscriminately, since he wasn’t throwing it away.

"Naturally, but since Director Jiang is recommended by Old Wang, you must know the rules, right? These past two days I’ve talked so much that my mouth is dry, repeating over and over, to be honest, some things have been said until I’m sick of them," Su Qing smiled.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Qiwang nodded: "I understand, the total investment amount determined initially can’t be altered. If midway through the shoot, it turns out more investment is needed, there will be penalties for breaching contract terms."

Honestly, regarding this clause, Director Jiang was initially puzzled but later realized it was to prevent excessive fundraising, leading to too much investment and eventually not making any profit.

After all, for directors, they naturally want everything to be of the best quality, and they don’t face much pressure. Box office success doesn’t impact them directly. Even directors receive their pay regardless, with box office pressure borne only by the investors.

Moreover, Wang Fan had shared some information, noting that recently some industry insiders focused on Su Qing, but he noticed, so if you want to secure investment, it’s best to play by the rules.

Though young, Su Qing left a very distinct impression on Wang Fan, seemingly disorganized but with clear objectives and boundaries.

If he says no, there’s no room for negotiation, so it’s best to approach with your bottom line and see if it’s acceptable. Only then, with good script quality, is there potential for success.

"Good to know, Director Jiang. Lately, I’ve found several projects agreeable, but due to excessive investment, I’ve passed. Though I’m unaware of those projects’ ultimate results, I’m the investor, holding the funds, and if I deem the deal unworthy, that suffices!" Su Qing smiled.

The meaning was clear, perhaps your works can still make money, but if I find it not worthwhile, there’s no need for further collaboration.

Director Jiang naturally understood: "Rest assured, President Su, apart from the one hundred million from the producer, another investor has contributed two million. If Su Qing is interested, you can take the rest."

"That’s possible, but not today. If Director Jiang isn’t in a rush, you can wait a couple more days. I’ll gather all project directors and key personnel, and we can meet and sign the contract then.

Certainly, should Director Jiang find other investors within these two days, they are welcome to join. My only requirement is the total investment remains unchanged, as altering it leads to issues, and I will stipulate this in the contract," Su Qing calmly stated.

"Understandably, since that’s the case, I’ll take my leave now. President Su, President Shen, please continue your work!"

"Very well, Director Jiang, please wait for my message then. Xiao Hu, kindly see Director Jiang out!"

"Understood, President Su!"

Su Qing stood and shook Director Jiang’s hand as he spoke.

After Jiang Qiwang left, Shen Yi walked over, looked at the script on the desk, and smiled: "So, you’ve secured another one?"

"Yes, quite good. The total investment is 120 million; currently, there’s 30 million secured, and if feasible, I can cover the rest," Su Qing’s lips slightly curved upwards, his mood visibly bright.

"90 million? That’s a lot?" Shen Yi was a bit shocked, as investing so much by one person was quite formidable.

"Although my share is significant, in reality, this film isn’t one of those billion-dollar mega-productions, so it’s doable."

"Anyway, as long as you’re confident. Oh, aren’t your uncle and aunt coming over tomorrow?"

"Yes, I’ve booked their hotel. What about your end?" Su Qing asked back.

"I haven’t; I still have another property in the capital, and my parents can stay for a night. You might as well let your uncle and aunt stay at another of my places."

Hearing this, Su Qing shook his head and laughed: "Better not, it’s against the norms. My dad specifically instructed me to do it this way.

Alright, everything’s booked. How’s your company’s matters going?"

It’s already approaching mid-month, naturally nearing their event.

"It’s pretty good. The company has been quite stable lately. Xiao Tang is filming in Jiang City, but fortunately, it’s not a long duration, leaving little outstanding issues I can manage. Instead, how about you? It feels like your deals, often in tens of millions, hundreds of millions, are as casual as grocery shopping," Shen Yi smiled.

"Well, the trick is not to hesitate; that’s a path to defeat. If it seems good, then what’s there to deliberate? Just go for it,"

"True, by the way, we’re about to get engaged. Are you nervous?"

"Nervous? What for? Tomorrow I’ll head to the university to pick up Su He first!" Su Qing confidently thumped his chest, showing no fear.

Hearing this, Shen Yi laughed: "No need, you can continue reading your scripts. I’ll go pick up Xiao He."

"Then what about uncle and aunt? Someone should pick them up, right?"

"No need, let’s each handle our own mothers for this and, oh, I won’t be home tomorrow night."

Su Qing: ???

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