Heaven and Earth Culture is one of the top three private production companies in the country, alongside Huatai Film and Television and Huishi Entertainnt.
"Never Loved You" is the project that Heaven and Earth Entertainnt plans to undertake.
They were able to hire Sheng Tang because she is eager to win the Azure-Lantern Award, and their company has leverage for public relations regarding the award.
Their producer knows Wang Chuiyang, who acted as a middleman and introduced them to Sheng Tang.
Otherwise, given Sheng Tang’s current status, Heaven and Earth Culture might not have been able to invite her.
Now, every film project on the market, whether it’s a comrcial blockbuster or an art film, regardless of whether the role is suitable, is first sent to Sheng Tang.
"With Sheng Tang, the movie will definitely succeed."
This is a superstitious saying circulating in the industry, speculated to have been hyped by Sheng Tang’s own team.
Movies are inherently unpredictable, often relying on luck, so this belief is popular; many production companies or producers subscribe to it.
Unexpectedly, Sheng Tang’s own film encountered trouble.
"What do you think?" asked Director Liang Xiaotian, head of the production departnt at Heaven and Earth Culture, to producer Lu Jian.
Lu Jian is the producer of "Never Loved You" and the one who invited Teacher Li Zhijin to join.
"The film has already been approved. What else can I think?" Lu Jian responded.
He didn’t dare admit he had grievances too.
"Never Loved You" is a low-budget art film.
Art films don’t require 3D filming. If you truly want it in 3D, just convert it post-production. Art films don’t need special effects either.
Thus, most of the budget for an art film is spent on the actors.
"Never Loved You" has a budget of fifty million, with Sheng Tang taking a salary of twenty million, plus Heaven and Earth Culture promising her a nomination for the Best Actress in the Azure-Lantern Award.
Now, Heaven and Earth Culture is the one courting her, not her auditioning and competing for the role. Therefore, the salary has been fully deposited into her account, unlike other actors who first receive only half.
If they remove her, they won’t be able to get back the twenty million.
But if they don’t remove her, they’re unsure whether her reputation will sour and if her lucky streak has ended.
In short, Lu Jian himself is indecisive, yet the director expects him to give an opinion.
"How about we find an excuse to shelve the film," Director Liang Xiaotian suggested, "In case things really go south with her, any savings would be beneficial.
By then, I’ll hire a reliable lawyer to see if we can reclaim so of the paid twenty million. Whatever amount we can recover, we’ll take."
Such is the cruel nature of the film industry.
When you’re popular, you’re showered with all kinds of resources; once you get into trouble, they turn on you without rcy.
Lu Jian nodded: "Let’s do it your way for now. I’ll notify the director and Teacher Li Zhijin tomorrow."
The director nodded.
"Maybe it’s not that serious," the director continued, "I also hope Sheng Tang can pull through. If she really makes it, I’ll buy a figurine of her for the company and pray to her for every future film."
Lu Jian couldn’t help but laugh.
This joke has already spread within the industry.
Many producers have said they would buy a Sheng Tang figurine and pray to her before starting any project.
Though it’s a joke, Lu Jian knows the gravity of this situation.
If Sheng Tang can turn things around, it truly ans she’s extraordinary.
Not to ntion Director Liang; Lu Jian himself would pray to her.
"Sheng Tang is not a god," Lu Jian thought as he left the office, still shaking his head with a wry smile.
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