enjoyebooks Chapter 3 Sold as a commodity
Chapter 3 Sold as a commodity
It's normal for actors to be replaced, replaced, or replaced.
This kind of thing happens far too often. Lin Feng experienced it several times in his previous life. Even though he was more suitable in every way and his audition went very well, he just couldn't get the role.
There was even one time when he had already signed a contract and joined the crew, but he was still replaced and had to leave overnight. What use was that little bit of breach of contract fee?
And when you ask "why," it often comes down to that intriguing phrase, "You know what I mean!"
Let alone under the same conditions, even under unequal conditions, even if it's clearly impossible, you can still get resources just because you have connections and influence.
Unless you have a reason that makes you irreplaceable, such as popularity, background, acting skills, or any other factor that cannot be replaced.
In his previous life, Lin Feng had no advantages other than his appearance, and his acting skills were far inferior. There was no reason for him not to be replaced by Zhang Han, so he was eventually replaced.
This time, Lin Feng completely outshone Zhang Han in terms of looks, charisma, and acting skills. Producer Yao Jia simply couldn't think of a reason to replace him.
More importantly, Lin Feng's actions were also related to Yao Jia's career prospects. Therefore, when she received another call from Zhang Han through Ocean Butterflies Films, she flatly refused.
"The male lead must be Lin Feng. Zhang Han can play 'Shangguan Ruiqian'. Although he is the fourth male lead, he is a member of H4 and has a lot of screen time."
Lin Feng didn't know whether Zhang Handa ultimately agreed, but he received a call from the production team the next day to sign a contract.
"Congratulations, Lin Feng! The male lead role of 'Murong Yunhai' is yours! Please come over tomorrow to sign the production contract. Also, there's the agency contract with Tianyu Media."
Even though he had expected it, Lin Feng couldn't help but feel excited when everything finally settled down. He was different from his previous life; he had embarked on a path to success.
Successfully secured the male lead role of "Murong Yunhai"—first step complete!
The crucial second step is to secure more favorable brokerage contracts!
To participate in "Meteor Shower," one must sign with EE-Media, just like Super Girls had to sign with EE-Media; it's a mandatory condition.
In preparation, Lin Feng studied the agency contract in advance, deciding which clauses he must fight for and which he could give up!
The first is copyright; this must be guaranteed in order to monetize future film and television memories in our minds.
Secondly, there is autonomy. He knows which films and TV series will be hits and which will flop. He will strive for the hits and avoid the flops.
Thirdly, the contract term is negotiable; we should try our best to get it as short as possible.
Finally, there's the commission for brokers. Money isn't always the most important thing; this can be negotiated depending on the situation.
It can be said that Lin Feng had made ample preparations, but when faced with the domineering and powerful Long Danni, he was given a "baptism of fire" right from the start.
"Meteor Shower" is EE-Media's first self-produced youth idol drama, and the company attaches great importance to this signing.
Not only was producer Yao Jia present, but even Long Danni, president of EE-Media, made a personal appearance. She's known as the "Godmother of Talent Shows" in the Chinese entertainment industry.
Upon their first meeting, Long Danni had a very good impression of Lin Feng; his good looks were a huge plus, and she felt he could become a successful idol artist.
Just as she often compares celebrities to commodities, even if a commodity is not good inside, it can still sell for a good price if it has gorgeous packaging.
"Hello Lin Feng, Yao Jia strongly recommended you to me, and I've also watched your audition video. I have high expectations for you."
However, before that, I have a few questions that concern your future career plans and may even involve your privacy. Please answer them carefully.
Long Danni appears amiable, but her style is extremely assertive and domineering. She sat opposite Lin Feng with a pile of materials in her hands and asked directly:
"If this movie is a success, you'll be a star. Would you be willing to sell yourself as a commodity?"
"I am not a commodity, but my works can be."
"Products need packaging to command a higher price. So, if we were to create a persona or generate buzz for you, or in other words, would you be willing to accept a specific role or positioning from the company?"
"If I have work to prove myself, I don't need it; if I don't have work, I can accept that."
"Okay! What about your family? I heard your father is in a vegetative state; could that give you an inspirational and hardworking image?"
"No way! I don't need to use my parents for publicity."
"We can choose not to publicize it, but you have to understand that once you become famous, you will have no privacy. Other entertainment media will definitely dig it up. Rather than letting others write whatever they want, we'd rather write it in advance."
"Don't bother my parents! That's my bottom line!"
"Next question, I noticed that your grades in school weren't high, even among the worst in many majors. How did your acting skills improve so much?"
"I don't know, maybe it was an epiphany for me."
This was a common situation, so Long Danni didn't dwell on it and continued, "Do you have a girlfriend now?"
"Forehead..."
Yes? Or no? Lin Feng couldn't really remember, but it seemed like they broke up around this time.
"You don't have to tell us if you don't want to, but from now on, you absolutely cannot have a girlfriend, and you must report any romantic relationships to the company, is that okay?"
"Can!"
"The following are multiple-choice ranking questions: Is it the person who is more popular, or the show that is more popular? Which do you choose?"
"Becoming famous!"
99.9% of actors would definitely choose "being famous," while the remaining 0.1% are either already famous or faking illness!
Do you prioritize salary when accepting roles, or do you value the cast and crew or awards more?
"It depends on the specific situation. If it is..."
"This is your value ranking. Under equal conditions, you must choose between pay and awards."
"Payment!" Right now, Lin Feng only cares about money; awards can wait until he becomes famous.
...
Long Danni also made many records, as if she was giving Lin Feng a "full-body scan" in this way, thoroughly studying him.
This questioning style was like an interrogation, making Lin Feng feel uncomfortable, but Long Danni didn't care. Only after all of this was over did she finally produce a brokerage contract.
"Lin Feng, you are much more mature than I imagined. I believe you can become a qualified artist, and Tianyu Entertainment is willing to grow with you. This agency contract is definitely very sincere."
"Other brokerage firms typically offer new recruit contracts of at least 10 years, while our contracts are for 8 years. Considering you are only a junior in college and have 2 more years until graduation this year, the actual contract term is only 6 years."
"The revenue sharing ratio adopts a 4+4 model, with a 40/60 split for the first four years and a 50/50 split for the next four years. Moreover, this revenue sharing ratio can be adjusted later, depending on the subsequent development."
"At the same time, the company will provide you with professional training and packaging, and will arrange at least two leading roles in film and television dramas for you every year. You can rest assured about that. We have the backing of Mango TV, so we don't lack resources."
"If you agree, the male lead in 'Meteor Shower' is yours! We'll also do our best to nurture you, and you'll be Tianyu Media's 'future number one star'!"
...
What did all those questions mean? Lin Feng didn't react for a moment.
Moreover, if this were any other entertainment company, Lin Feng might have believed it, but this is Tianyu Media, which is "dedicated to talent selection and managed with its feet"!
If Lin Feng didn't have other better options, he wouldn't have signed with EE-Media, since it's now more of a music company than a film and television company.
Moreover, Long Danni only mentioned the benefits and did not mention any restrictions, which are the infamous "overbearing clauses" of Tianyu Media.
......