Caught in Affairs with Superstar

Chapter 1311 - 694: This Formation

After "Jiangyun Platform" wrapped up, Song Chi let out a long sigh when there was no one else around.

Only in such a moment, away from everyone, did he dare to reveal his emotions a little.

If "Jiangyun Platform" continued to exceed its budget, Song Chi wasn’t sure if he could maintain his own principle of avoiding external investment.

This was a critical time for Song Chi; almost all of his savings had been exhausted, invested in running the company.

Over the years, he earned quite a lot, but running a company was expensive, starting projects and filmmaking even more so.

Song Chi wanted to establish a foothold in the film production industry, but he couldn’t compare to large companies like New Shield. He pursued a path of mid- to low-cost production and absolutely couldn’t handle multiple projects simultaneously.

But this guideline was entirely broken this year.

He took on and filmed "Jiangyun Platform", a disaster film that particularly burned money.

Meanwhile, the company launched two additional films.

This pushed the company’s cash flow into an extremely tight situation.

Fortunately, things didn’t escalate into an irrecoverable state.

This experience was a harsh wake-up call for Song Chi.

No one should be too greedy; for film projects with massive investments like "Jiangyun Platform", he shouldn’t aim to shoulder the main burden alone. He could have teamed up with multiple companies to share the financial pressure and risk.

After this, Song Chi resolved never to do this again.

He rested for two days to recover, then held a meeting with Wu Chengbao to understand the current funds available for use and the progress of the production of "Jiangyun Platform", "Sword Lady", and "Daughter Will Not Leave the Hall".

The special effects for "Jiangyun Platform" would take at least a year to produce, during which the film would drain funds.

"Sword Lady" had already wrapped up filming, and at its current pace, it hoped to broadcast by the second half of the year.

"Daughter Will Not Leave the Hall" was a very light-hearted online drama, performed by all new actors, and its post-production was quick.

Song Chi and Wu Chengbao hoped "Daughter Will Not Leave the Hall" could air soon, to recoup funds quickly and prevent the company from becoming unable to cover expenses.

Wu Chengbao said, "Zhou Yun introduced several overseas buyers to us; ’Mother’ and ’Ceng Sang’ sold broadcasting rights to more than a dozen countries and regions, but the price isn’t very high. All combined, it’s only about twenty million, still incomparable to domestic prices. But fortunately, with this money, our company can maintain normal operations now."

Song Chi replied, "Our financial pressure is quite high; let’s hold off on investing in productions ourselves. You mentioned before Chestnut Video and Yuehai Network wanted to partner with us? They would provide funding, and we would handle production. I think this model fits us well now. What do you think?"

"I think so too," Wu Chengbao nodded. "Our company signed a lot of actors, most of whom are newcomers. Contracting these platforms’ dramas could help promote the new actors."

Song Chi: "Mm."

"By the way," Wu Chengbao added, "Didn’t you want to act in ’Moon Sinking at Sea’? The script by Zhi Wei, I spoke with Chen Wenjun, and it was agreed we would also invest from our side. Should we still invest?"

The investment would definitely be made in the company’s name, not in Song Chi’s personal capacity.

Song Chi considered and said, "They only gave us a 20% share. So, the company and I will each take on 10%."

"Okay." Wu Chengbao nodded, "But for this, we have to make payments in May, July, and November."

"Let’s strive to air ’Daughter Will Not Leave the Hall’ in the first half of the year, so we can recoup funds." Song Chi smiled wryly, "Otherwise, I’ll have to sell my house."

Song Chi’s liquid funds were already low; if he couldn’t recoup in time, he’d have to start selling off his fixed assets.

However, Song Chi would earn around forty million in remuneration from starring in "Moon Sinking at Sea". Though he would only receive 60% before the film wrapped, it should tide over both him and the company.

Wu Chengbao commented, "The platforms aren’t very keen on ’Daughter Will Not Leave the Hall’. Chestnut Video initially stated interest, but the price negotiations haven’t gone well. Understandably, the all-newcomer lineup isn’t attracting the platforms."