Joint Copyright

Shen Shanden planned to first authorize the script to Shenden Culture under his personal name, creating a layer of "author's rights" so that the copyright would be firmly in his hands.

Then, Shen Shanden would invest 3 million RMB through "Shenden Culture" as project investment funds. After that, China Film would join and sign the Investment Cooperation Agreement.

Key terms included China Film investing 4 million RMB and explicitly designating "Shenden Culture" as the primary producer and copyright holder.

Shen Shanden also respected China Film's interests.

As a co-producer and major investor, China Film would enjoy the film's attribution rights as one of the co-producers.

They would also have the priority distribution rights in mainland China, guaranteeing China Film's core demand and its value, utilizing its powerful distribution network.

They would receive a 40% profit-sharing right based on the investment ratio, including box office splits, derivative product development, television broadcasting, and audio-visual copyrights.

China Film would have a certain degree of participation in major decisions, such as budget overruns or changes in the main creative team, but without undermining "Shenden Culture's" copyright ownership and final decision-making power.

"Is China Film going to thank you for giving them distribution rights?"

After listening, Liao Yun found it utterly absurd.

Then, he suddenly realized.

"No wonder you spent your own money first and weren't in a hurry to get us involved. You've had this idea all along."

Thinking this, Liao Yun's gaze towards Shen Shanden shifted slightly.

Anyone who treated Shen Shanden as a naive college student or a newcomer to the film industry would likely be utterly ruined.

This was definitely a little fox.

Liao Yun stated plainly: "Your demands are excessive, and your methods are questionable. You used China Film's name to rope in various people, then roped in Wu Jing. With Wu Jing's involvement, you came to negotiate with us."

Shen Shanden quickly explained: "My demands are reasonable. I am the project initiator. This helps me maintain complete control over the project and aligns the project's spirit with the Director's strategy."

Liao Yun was speechless: "Then how will you convince the other investors? This project has Wu Jing's one million, and there's a two million shortfall. Other investors won't understand why the copyright should belong to a newly established small company instead of the more secure China Film."

Shen Shanden didn't think it would be an issue: "This doesn't affect China Film's support in providing coordination for filming locations, policy support, and some post-production resources."

"Moreover, with Wu Jing's all-around commitment, plus his salary for four positions, equivalent to two million, I have revalued the The Grand Director project. It's now a twenty million project."

"China Film invests four million and gets a 40% share. Before the film is even produced, its value has already doubled. It's a direct massive profit."

Liao Yun gasped!

He couldn't understand how Shen Shanden could say such things with a straight face.

So, China Film wouldn't be the primary producer but would still have to provide the effort of one, and on top of that, they should be thankful because joining this project was a massive profit.

Liao Yun pursed his lips: "It will still be difficult to convince people within the group why we, despite having the largest investment, wouldn't have the primary producer position."

Shen Shanden smiled: "As long as there's profit, China Film has already doubled its returns."

Liao Yun felt exhausted: "It's still not acceptable. The The Grand Director project is a blockbuster strategy pilot approved by the Director. The copyright must be held by China Film. At most, you can authorize it as the author and share the copyright with us."

Shen Shanden: "Deal!"

It was unrealistic to ask China Film to give up the primary producer position. Shen Shanden was a complete newcomer, but discussing shared copyright was within the acceptable range.

Start high, settle low.

Liao Yun felt even more exhausted: "..."

Afternoon.

Han Sanping called Shen Shanden. This project was high on his priority list, second only to a few major projects.

"Why did you renegotiate?" Han Sanping asked directly.

Shen Shanden replied: "I must have 100% control of the project. I haven't dared to go to China Film recently; many people are trying to get a piece of my project."

"Okay, I understand," Han Sanping said helplessly.

The good news was that Shen Shanden didn't have the student-like demeanor he feared and could withstand the hunt from interest groups.

The bad news was that Shen Shanden was too cunning.

Han Sanping was generally quite satisfied: "How is the The Grand Director project going? I heard Wu Jing has joined as well?"

Shen Shanden spoke about Wu Jing's qualities as a filmmaker and introduced that Wu Jing had joined without any remuneration, which was a pleasant surprise for Han Sanping.

In less than a week, the project had already taken shape.

Shen Shanden's execution was indeed impressive, and the signal he sent was very positive.

Wu Jing's transition from Hong Kong Island back to the mainland indicated that the Chinese film environment was improving.

At the Monday factory meeting.

Han Sanping suddenly praised: "Xiao Shen's The Grand Director project is being handled very professionally; he's built the framework himself."

He then turned to his deputy: "I heard the factory has been quite lively lately. We need to be careful. Chinese New Year is approaching; we must ensure safe production."

Afternoon.

Shen Shanden and China Film officially signed the agreement.

It was still under China Film's umbrella, but Shen Shanden would first license the The Grand Director copyright to his personal company, Shenden Culture. Then, Shenden Culture would license it to China Film, and both parties would jointly hold the copyright.

Sequel production requires mutual agreement from both parties before it can commence.

Marketing and distribution were also detailed, with Shenden Culture responsible for online marketing, occupying a position in promotional efforts.

With the cooperation finalized with China Film, and relying on them, Shen Shanden no longer needed to apply for single-picture permits, as China Film itself possessed production qualifications.

China Film representative Zhang Nengshou officially joined the crew.

The "Grand Director" project was officially launched.

Zhang Nengshou was the Deputy Section Chief of the Production Department at Beijing Film Studio and an experienced production chief.

"Just call me Old Zhang. I'm here to help you manage daily affairs, and the Director also instructed me to cooperate fully with you."

Old Zhang was upfront, stating he was assigned to this role and would not compete with Shen Shanden for anything.

Chen Hui had run afoul of regulations and received a disciplinary action. If not for his prominent family background and pleas for leniency, his fate would have been much worse.

Han Sanping's emphasis on this project and his regard for Shen Shanden exceeded everyone's expectations.

Judging by the situation, this was a formal matter; otherwise, it wouldn't be so blatant.

Shen Shanden smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, the crew truly needs experienced and steady seniors like you to help. With your involvement in our project, the Director's requirements will certainly be met."

After just a brief exchange, Zhang Nengshou felt a sense of absurdity welling up within him. Shen Shanden gave him the impression of having spent twenty to thirty years in a state-owned company, just like himself.

Shen Shanden wasted no time and convened the first official production meeting.

A total of four people attended: Shen Shanden, Zhou Qifeng, Wu Jing, and China Film representative Zhang Nengshou.

Shen Shanden got straight to the point: "Grand Director is a historical blockbuster registered with China Film, a pilot attempt for industrial upgrading of the blockbuster strategy, aimed at breaking through existing constraints and daring to tackle difficult challenges."

"I personally highly advocate for democratic principles. From now on, we will adopt a show of hands for voting. Of course, if democracy impacts efficiency, we will still centralize power, so I hold a veto right on major matters."

Zhang Nengshou counted the number of people present and thought, what's the point of voting.

Zhang Nengshou felt that Chen Hui was perhaps lucky not to have been involved. Facing Shen Shanden, someone from his background could only be utterly defeated.

"Next, we need to proceed comprehensively with content creation, literary script, shooting script, actor script, costume, makeup, and props team, action choreography team, location scouting, actor casting preparations, and so on. Preparations will be fully initiated."

After the meeting.

Zhang Nengshou proactively offered, "We still lack investment. Director Shen, if you call me 'Old Brother,' feel free to ask for anything. I can introduce you to some investors."

Shen Shanden said, "I was just about to discuss something with you, Old Brother. I plan to hold a launch ceremony first and need China Film's help to coordinate offline media. This is not only for film promotion but also to introduce the mission behind Grand Director and make the public aware of the Director's contributions to Chinese cinema. If the Director doesn't say it, we must do it."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Nengshou repeatedly nodded, "I will communicate with the publicity department and cooperate fully!"

Before the launch ceremony.

Shen Shanden called Ma Youde over. Regarding the film's music, he did not want to make any mistakes.