novellhall Chapter 50: Side Jobs
Chapter 50: Side Jobs
Gu Qing wasn't very clear about Ning Hao's new work, and it wasn't widely reported afterward. However, out of brotherly affection, Gu Qing could only offer a few words of advice.
"Brother Hao, you can't take shortcuts like this."
"Screw you, I know what I'm doing."
Ning Hao's eyes darted away, but he didn't deny it.
But that's how everyone in the industry has done it; he can't refuse, and he has no way to refuse.
"Okay, go ahead then. Don't worry, I'll take good care of Senior Xing."
Upon hearing this, Gu Qing understood.
It seems someone has taken a liking to Ning Hao's name and is using the banner of science fiction films to attract investment.
As for what happens to the final film after he gets the money, that's none of his business. Once the script is written and the film is delivered, the worst that can happen is that it's a flop. Everything is in accordance with regulations and falls within the bounds of what's expected.
"Go to hell, I don't need you to take care of me."
Senior Xing was displeased and immediately began to scold with a laugh.
"Hehe, isn't it because we're close? Just let me know if you need anything."
Gu Qing understood. This was a partnership between husband and wife—no, it was a union of hearts and minds.
"It's okay, your movie just finished showing, get some rest. By the way, how's things going with that guy?"
"What progress? We're brothers, Hao-ge, don't talk nonsense."
"You've been keeping it from us, haven't you?"
Ning Hao smiled and didn't press the matter further. This brother was good in every way, except he was a bit stubborn.
However, they didn't want to pry too much into the affairs of young people.
After the meal, Xing, the senior student, cleared away the dishes, while Ning Hao sat in his seat, picking his teeth with a toothpick.
Seeing this, Gu Qing pulled him to the balcony and asked him softly.
"Brother Hao, what's the deal with your movie?"
"Hey~, it's nothing special."
Ning Hao didn't want to say much, but this was something that couldn't be kept secret, and given their close relationship and Gu Qing's status as a director, he finally explained the whole story.
This matter, well, it has something to do with Gu Qing.
The investment for "Cruise of Destiny" was nine million. China Film Group contributed four million, and Gu Qing could contribute the remaining five million, but that was all his savings and he didn't want to ask the rich young woman for help. So he approached Ning Hao and invested one-tenth of the investment.
When Gu Qing asked for help, Ning Hao had to squeeze out money even if he didn't have any. He had experienced the hardship of begging for funds from all sides, so naturally he wanted to help his brother.
But that's where the problem lies. Ning Hao listened to Gu Qing's advice before the new year and bought an apartment, so he's broke now.
"Brother Hao, why didn't you say so sooner?"
Gu Qing was touched, and looking at Ning Hao's smiling face, she didn't know what to say for a moment.
This guy is really good at getting along with people.
Originally, he intended to let Ning Hao make a profit, but since others don't have the ability to anticipate the future, it's unclear whether they will make a profit or a loss. Nevertheless, he still invested without hesitation.
"Brother Hao, this movie made money, you should get a good share, so why don't you turn down that job?"
"The contract has already been signed, and going back on your word would be a breach of contract. Besides, my part is not important; it would be the same to find someone else."
"Alright, just be careful."
Gu Qing didn't try to persuade him further, since he was genuinely short of money.
Unlike actors, directors can't get endorsement deals or promotional appearances. When there's no work, there's really no work.
Although Ning Hao is quite famous, his director's fee is only so-so, and he has taken on a lot of private jobs shooting music videos in the past two years.
Who doesn't want a better life?
If his movie flops, he can only go to that rich young woman and see if he can live a comfortable life there.
After leaving Ning Hao's house, Gu Qing returned to her rented room, and now she felt dissatisfied with everything.
Money is money; no one can ever have too much.
The film "Triangle" grossed 64 million, of which 91.7% was net box office revenue, which went to theaters, distributors, and investors.
Starting with "Hero" in 02, the cinema chain system has gradually been reformed, and the box office revenue share has increased from 41% to 43%, but that's about it.
Only after a few more years, when domestic blockbusters gain momentum, can we continue to improve.
The typical distribution ratio is between 8% and 15%, but China Film Group took the top spot directly, which Gu Qing agreed to.
The remaining 28% belongs to the investors, with Gu Qing holding 40%, which would amount to 716 million.
However, he was the director and also familiar with the producer. There was still some budget left, so after doing some accounting, plus his director's fee and screenwriter's fee, he probably made about ten million.
An investment of over three million yuan only yielded a profit of ten million yuan; movies can't really make much money just from box office revenue.
However, the bulk of the profits still come from copyright and overseas box office revenue. China Film Group is an expert in this area, so the entire operation is handled by China Film Group, and Gu Qing only needs to collect the money.
The money may be a bit less, but the reputation is good.
The domestic film market is on the rise, and he would rather earn less money now than lose money in order to build a good reputation, so that he can have box office appeal in the future.
Sixth-generation directors who made banned films have little say in the new market.
After lighting another cigarette, Gu Qing went to the balcony alone, lay down on a chair, and contemplated life.
He doesn't really like smoking; he only lights one cigarette when he's using his brain to stay alert.
After visiting Ning Hao's house that day, he also bought the same recliner and placed it in his home.
You can live poorly on food and clothing, but you can't live poorly on enjoyment.
In the current situation, although we have some money, it is far from enough.
Whether it's starting a company or investing in movies later, it's not a small amount of money.
However, the path Ning Hao took was unreliable and could easily lead to his own downfall.
Although it brings in money quickly, the backlash can be just as fast.
Even if Gu Qing is down on her luck, she still has a wealthy woman to rely on, so she won't go down this path.
Taking on TV series and film projects with long production cycles is not an option.
After much thought, the only option left was to take over GG, as MV was a quick way to make money.
The process takes a maximum of one week, with funds arriving before the auction begins, minimizing hassle.
No wonder Ning Hao didn't neglect these businesses even after making money from movies; the money really comes in fast.
Unexpectedly, after all the twists and turns, I ended up doing the same old thing again.
But making money isn't shameful.
After taking a sip of tea, Gu Qing felt at ease and began writing the project proposal.
In October, the Golden Rooster Film Festival also announced the list of films nominated for this year.
The Golden Rooster Awards' nomination criteria cover films from May 30th of last year until their release in June of this year, a period of one full year.
"Triangle" was released in September, so it naturally missed this award.
However, he can submit this film to the Golden Horse Film Festival in Taiwan.
As for the Golden Horse Awards, the film can be released between September 30th of last year and October 1st of this year.
The same applies to Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises"; it missed the Golden Rooster Awards and could only be submitted for the Golden Horse Awards.
Ning Hao was nominated for Best Director at last year's Golden Horse Film Festival for "Crazy Stone".
Although there are some frictions at the Golden Horse Awards right now, things are still going relatively smoothly. While relations are a bit better, we can take advantage of this to boost our achievements.
While I wouldn't say I've won all three major awards, having more awards is still a good thing.
As the end of the month approached, the Golden Rooster Film Festival officially opened. The organizers invited many star directors from the industry. Walking the red carpet, which happens every two years, is a grand event. However, Gu Qing did not agree. He didn't care whether he was there or not, so he didn't want to join in the fun.
Li Binbin was nominated for Best Actress, and with "The Forbidden Kingdom" currently in production, although she is not the female lead, her collaboration with Jackie Chan and Jet Li has generated considerable buzz.
Fu Dalong won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor, beginning his long-standing journey as the poorest actor to win a Best Actor award.
Taking advantage of this momentum, Han Sanping and Gu Qing also held a celebration banquet for "Cruise of Destiny," mainly with their eyes on that science fiction film.