Chapter 54 A Capable Assistant
Chapter 54 A Capable Assistant
Now that Tangde Film & Television is to be officially put into operation, Tang Long really needs a steward-like figure like Shi Nansheng.
He knew the people in front of the camera, but he didn't know much about the behind-the-scenes talents like these.
Xu is a veteran in the industry; he should know who has the ability.
"Given your current status, it would be best to sign with a famous and powerful agent."
I would recommend Chen Ziqiang and Chen Shufen.
You should know the former's reputation; he is Jackie Chan's manager, and Jackie Chan's current fame and status owe much to him.
Besides Jackie Chan, he also has a host of popular artists under his wing, including Zhang Manyu, Zhong Chuhong, Wang Zuxian, and Zhang Xueyou, which is enough to prove his ability.
Moreover, if you sign with Chan Chi-keung, you can also get some of Golden Harvest's resources.
As for Florence Chan, she is Cheung Kwok-wing's manager, although her influence is mainly in the record industry.
I can handle your business matters without any problem.
But that's about it. She can't plan your career development direction like Chen Ziqiang can, nor can she bring you more business cooperation.
It's up to you to choose.
Xu Ke clearly put in a lot of effort, and even gave him a detailed analysis.
However, Tang Long doesn't need an agent; he needs a manager.
"Director Xu, could you recommend a manager like Mr. Shi who is familiar with the film industry?"
I'm prepared to run Tangde Film & Television well.
"You really need to get your Tangde Film Studio up and running. It's unacceptable that it's just an empty shell as the main producer of 'Reign of Assassins'."
But you won't find someone as outstanding as Nan Sheng; she's one of a kind.
Tang Long was speechless upon hearing this; at their age, they were still showing off their affection.
Shi Nansheng was a little embarrassed and shy, but she controlled her expression well and gave Xu Ke a push in an annoyed manner:
"Stop being so irresponsible and speak properly."
Xu Ke laughed heartily, then began to think seriously. After a moment, his eyes lit up as he looked at Tang Long:
"You know what, there is actually someone suitable, who is also a female general."
"Who?"
"Cui Baozhu, the producer of 'Once Upon a Time in China' and 'A Chinese Ghost Story III'."
"Cui Baozhu?"
"So you're surprised? You know this person?"
"I don't know her, but I've heard of her reputation. She's a good fit, so I'll choose her."
"What do you mean 'she's the one'? It's not even certain whether she'll agree to it."
"Then give me her contact information, and I'll go and invite her myself."
He didn't know about the others, but he did know Cui Baozhu.
Li Lianjie has mentioned her publicly on more than one occasion, calling her "a very important woman in my life."
Choi Po-chu entered the industry in 1980, and her first time as a producer was for Ann Hsu's "Bumping into the Right Place".
The two then collaborated on "Boat People" and "The Story of Hu Yue".
Ann Hui and Tsui Hark are both New Wave directors, and they have a good relationship.
When King Hu withdrew from the film "Swordsman," Tsui Hark invited Ann Hsu to step in and save the day.
This is how Tsui Hark met Choi Po-chu and collaborated with her on several films.
In the original timeline, Cui Baozhu assisted Li Lianjie in founding Zhengdong Film Company.
She tirelessly worked to overcome numerous difficulties at the beginning of her business, and she also strongly promoted the inaugural film of Zhengdong Films, "Fong Sai-yuk".
She served as the producer for Stephen Chow's "Kung Fu Hustle" and "CJ7", Ann Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and Yu Rentai's "Fearless".
The fact that Yangzi Investment was able to get Li Lianjie to star in their film "The Legend of the White Snake" was entirely due to Cui Baozhu's connections.
Her abilities are beyond question.
He is now gaining fame and is known as a top producer.
At this time, Jet Li was still at Golden Harvest, and Tang Lung was now inviting her to take charge of a film company. She shouldn't refuse.
After leaving Tsui Hark's film studio, he immediately told Cheng Xiaodong that pre-production for "Reign of Assassins" could begin.
He then personally visited Deng Guangrong to inform him that once the money was ready and the investment agreement was signed, the funds would be credited to his account.
On the third day, Tang Long met the capable Cui Baozhu at the Peninsula Hotel's tea restaurant.
After exchanging pleasantries, Tang Long went straight to the point and extended an invitation:
"Producer Cui, Director Xu especially admires your abilities."
Although my Tangde Film Industry is currently just an empty shell, I am now ready to make this company a success.
In the future, they will not only participate in investment, but also independently invest in film production and even develop distribution businesses.
If you are willing to join us, the position of General Manager of Tangde Film & Television is vacant, and you will be given maximum authority.
"I'm willing to join."
"Um?"
So you agree?
Could it be that I also possess succubus attributes?
Seeing Tang Long's surprised and puzzled expression, Cui Baozhu smiled and explained:
Director Xu told me about your situation, and he strongly recommended you to me. I trust his judgment.
Moreover, becoming the general manager of a film company is a step up in my career, and also a new challenge.
I'm willing to try working with Mr. Tang. If things don't go well, we can part ways amicably.
Tang Long suddenly realized that it was Xu Ke who had helped him in private.
"In that case, welcome to join us."
Tang Long smiled and extended his right hand, which Cui Baozhu gently shook.
Once you're on the same side, there's no need to hide anything from each other.
"Sister Baozhu, you have a lot of work to do next."
The first step is to find an office space for the company, and then set up the company's basic structure.
Following that, he will also be involved in the preparation work for "Reign of Assassins" and subsequent production work.
Mr. Wu is mainly responsible for the film's post-production marketing and distribution, so while you're nominally a producer, you're essentially doing the work of a supervisor.
This was Wu Siyuan's initiative to back down. As the largest investor in "Reign of Assassins," Tangde Film & Television needed to demonstrate its voice and influence.
Cui Baozhu wrote everything down with her pen, asking questions as she wrote:
When will filming for "Reign of Assassins" begin?
"The time hasn't been set yet; you and Director Cheng Xiaodong need to discuss it first."
"Is there anything else, Mr. Tang?"
"Sister Baozhu, there's no need to be so formal. Look, I call you Sister Baozhu. You can just call me Ah Long."
Upon hearing this, Cui Baozhu smiled for the first time:
"Okay, I'll call you Ah Long."
"I also need your help with my agency affairs, it won't be too much trouble."
It's basically about helping me with initial research and subsequent negotiations for collaborations that come to me.
Nowadays, celebrities aren't so pretentious; they don't usually have their own management teams.
Many times, I go to filming alone.
"No problem, but I think there's one more thing that needs to be addressed urgently."
"What is it?"
"I'll hire you an assistant."
"I don't need it for now, do I?"
"Yes, your time is precious right now, and you shouldn't waste it on trivial matters."
Delegate these tasks to your assistant; you should focus on more valuable things.
Cui Baozhu's words make sense; it is indeed inconvenient for him to do everything himself now.
He is no longer the semi-transparent martial arts master he once was.
"Okay, then hire me an assistant."
PNB