Chapter 25

【Chapter 26: The Conflict Between the Director and the Cinematographer】

Originally, everyone thought this was the start of filming, but it turned out to be just a meeting to set the tone.

At this point, someone was unhappy. Cinematographer Liu Jiajun raised his hand and expressed his opinion: "Manager He, Director Sun, I have a question. If we are to start filming in a week, does this count as the start of the production?"

Whether this counted as the start of the production was a tricky question for Sun Shupeng. If it did count, then the production would have to cover the expenses of the cast and crew, especially those from Taiwan. As for the mainland staff, while they could return home, it would be unfair to cover the expenses of the Taiwanese staff and not the mainland staff, a responsibility Sun Shupeng could not bear.

Liu Jiajun, the cinematographer, had a strained relationship with Sun Shupeng even in Taiwan. Sun had hoped that as a fellow Taiwanese, Liu would be more cooperative, but Liu was still confrontational.

Seeing the situation was about to get worse, He Xiuqiong quickly intervened: "Why are we arguing over such a small issue? It will make us look foolish to others. I already said this is just a meeting to set the tone and get to know each other. Auntie Qionghua decided on this, and when she notified you, it was for a meeting. If it were the start of filming, she would have directly informed you of that.

"Liu, I won't say more. You signed a contract with us and even helped a beer company make an advertisement. I didn't say anything because it was before the start of filming, and everyone was free. However, I don't want any issues to arise after filming starts. Do you understand?"

Liu Jiajun was a bit uneasy when he heard about the beer advertisement. He had indeed taken on a side job, but he was relieved when he realized He Xiuqiong wasn't going to pursue it.

Ye Ming observed everything. In his previous life, there were rumors of conflicts between the director and the cinematography team. It seemed these rumors were true. If this was happening before filming started, it would only get worse once it did.

With He Xiuqiong's words, everyone in the meeting room fell silent.

A good leader knows how to balance discipline and kindness.

After establishing her authority, He Xiuqiong said, "Actually, we have considered this. During this week, the production will provide a daily allowance to everyone. If you have personal matters to attend to, you can do so now. Once filming starts, I won't be so lenient. Additionally, if you want to get to know each other better and practice, we have arrangements for that. It's all up to you."

These last two sentences were directed at the actors.

It seemed this was the main purpose of the meeting.

She was an experienced producer, knowing that if the actors got to know each other beforehand, it would greatly benefit the filming.

Zhang Tielin, who had seen a lot, was the first to speak: "I have no problem with this, but I need to clarify one thing. I arrived in a hurry and have some matters to attend to. Give me two days, and after that, I would be very happy to practice with everyone."

Lin Xinru had no other commitments and agreed.

Ye Ming, Zhao Wei, and the other remaining actors also expressed their willingness to get to know each other better.

However, Liu Hanmin raised another issue: "We have no problem, but I'm afraid some people might think they're too important and won't take us seriously. I don't know if they are willing."

This was a clear challenge.

He Xiuqiong frowned. She was very troubled by this troublemaker, who was pushed by the investors, but she couldn't directly offend the investors. She said, "Su Youpeng will also join us when he returns. We must all consider ourselves part of the same production and not let outsiders see us as divided."

He Xiuqiong was straightforward, directly mentioning Su Youpeng, unlike Liu Hanmin, who was more subtle.

After the meeting, only He Xiuqiong and Sun Shupeng remained in the room.

Sun Shupeng then said, "Manager He, we can't delay any longer. If the funds don't arrive soon, it will really affect the schedule. The production team isn't fully assembled yet, and the expenses are already significant. We haven't even considered the costs of renting locations and hiring extras once filming starts."

He Xiuqiong was very confident: "Director Sun, don't worry. The funds will be in place before filming starts. I have it under control."

One of the two eternal productions, "Heaven's Tears," had already started filming, but "My Fair Princess" was still struggling to secure funding, which made He Xiuqiong very anxious.

How could Sun Shupeng be at ease? He knew the situation of the production team. He had been appointed to a difficult position.

No one was optimistic about Qionghua's attempt to shoot a period comedy, even Qionghua herself. It was essentially an experiment.

However, Sun Shupeng understood the situation. He said, "That's good, but wouldn't it be better to have the actors join the production directly rather than giving them an allowance?"

He Xiuqiong, troubled, replied, "I've thought about this. Most of them are young and new to the industry. We can't be too strict. Giving them an allowance to get to know each other and relax is better. How they spend this week is up to them. Once filming starts, you can be stricter. As for Liu Hanmin, he's a bit over the top. Just know that I support you."

Hearing this, Sun Shupeng felt relieved. Without He Xiuqiong's support, he would be in a difficult position.

After receiving the allowance, the remaining time was free.

Ye Ming, Zhao Wei, and Fan Bingbing walked out of the hotel. Fan Bingbing was the happiest.

She counted the 300 yuan she received, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

After counting several times, Fan Bingbing suddenly remembered something: "Right, Sister Wei, Brother Ming, how much allowance did you get?"

Ye Ming, a bit worried, advised her: "Bingbing, be careful. In the production team, asking about someone's pay is taboo. It can easily create enemies, and if the director hears about it, you'll be in trouble."

This was a fact. In the production team, this was a rule, whether for TV series or movies.

Even among extras, it was taboo to ask about each other's pay, let alone among the main actors.

Fan Bingbing, unconcerned, said, "There's no one else here. What's the harm in asking?"

Ye Ming had no choice but to say, "I got 500 yuan. I think the four main actors all got the same. Ask Sister Wei if you don't believe me."

Zhao Wei nodded, confirming the amount.

The main actors got 500 yuan, and the supporting actors got 300 yuan.

Each position had its own pay scale, and this was a rule.

The pay for main actors and supporting actors was naturally different.

Hearing this, Fan Bingbing's spirits dropped like a deflated balloon. She carelessly stuffed the 300 yuan into her pocket.

Zhao Wei waved her hand and said, "Don't be upset, Bingbing. Sister Wei will treat you to a meal. Su Youpeng will also arrive this afternoon, the biggest star of the production."

The Little Tigers, a popular idol group in Southeast Asia, had influenced more than one generation.

It seemed food had a greater appeal to Fan Bingbing. Hearing Zhao Wei's offer, she immediately perked up, full of energy.

They went to a seafood restaurant, spending over 200 yuan, but they didn't eat much. Fan Bingbing left still hungry.

Of course, Zhao Wei couldn't let her pay.

Ye Ming generously paid the bill.

This earned him praise from Fan Bingbing: "Brother Ming is so generous, a real man. I really need to consider whether to follow Sister Wei and you. Just for the food, it's mouth-watering."

Zhao Wei, behind her, tapped her head: "What are you saying? You're still talking after eating. Bingbing, don't you find it strange that the production didn't have us join the team but gave us an allowance to eat out?"

Fan Bingbing waved her hand dismissively: "I don't care. With 300 yuan, I can eat cold noodles for a week. Ha, once filming starts, I'll eat with the production. Sister Wei, isn't my plan smart?"

The naive girl didn't consider the financial situation of the production.

Ye Ming's concerns were realized. He watched Fan Bingbing, who was running happily, innocent and pure.

It seemed nothing could dampen her good mood.

Zhao Wei looked at Ye Ming and said, "The production probably hasn't secured the funds yet, or they would have started filming."

However, Ye Ming was very confident: "That's not our concern. We just need to wait until the 18th. But during the meeting, did you notice the conflicts in the production team? Director Sun and the cinematographer have issues, and Liu Hanmin is not someone to be underestimated. I think there will be problems. As for that little girl, she's carefree. You need to watch her, or she might get involved and cause trouble for us."