Chapter 76 "Justice Bao" completed
Huang Qiang did not return to Hong Kong immediately, but went to find Liu Hongmin again, because in a previous letter, Liu Hongmin told him that "Justice Bao" was almost finished.
That day was Saturday, and Huang Qiang arrived at the courtyard early and met Liu Hongmin and Zou Shifang, the author of "Judge Bao".
"Brother Qiang, how are the ratings of "The Great Song Dynasty Judge"? "
"Not bad. Although not as popular as Da Shao Bao, it can still compete with TVB."
"That's not bad!"
Nowadays, the styles of film and television dramas in the two places are different. The fact that "The Inspector General of Song Dynasty" can tie with TVB shows that Huang Qiang did not waste his money.
The China Television had stopped filming for more than half a year, and spent more than 100,000 yuan to create "The Judge Advocate of the Song Dynasty". Even so, the crew kept filming on and off.
There is no way, there is really no money. If it were not for the political mission, China Television would not even consider filming "The Great Song Dynasty Judge". For one "The Great Song Dynasty Judge", China Television can film ten to twenty TV series. Not only in terms of money, but also in terms of the number of episodes. In 1981, China Television only had a few episodes for a TV series, and some even had only one episode.
If the same number of episodes were to be filmed in Hong Kong, it would cost at least several million. We all say that the salaries of actors in Hong Kong are low in this era, but that was relative to Hong Kong at that time.
The salary of a white-collar worker in Hong Kong is about 10,000 Hong Kong dollars, and a temporary actor may only get 1,000 or 2,000 Hong Kong dollars for a month. According to the current exchange rate, 1,000 Hong Kong dollars can be exchanged for 500 RMB, which is the salary of six to ten people. Therefore, Huang Qiang would rather spend 500,000 RMB to purchase the broadcast rights than spend 5 million Hong Kong dollars to reshoot.
Even though the mainland version of "The Great Song Dynasty Judge" may not have as high ratings as the Hong Kong version, he does not want to reshoot it. This is because the input and output are not proportional. If he can guarantee that the Hong Kong version of "The Great Song Dynasty Judge" can get a low rating, let alone 5 million Hong Kong dollars, he will shoot it even if it costs 10 million Hong Kong dollars.
"It's really good!" Huang Qiang was a little proud. This deal was another achievement for him after he lost the package.
However, these are all in the past, and he now wants to watch "Justice Bao" more.
"Brother Liu, have you finished writing Justice Bao?"
"Almost done!" Liu Hongmin took out the manuscript of "The Case of the Chopping of Mei" and handed it to Huang Qiang.
Huang Qiang couldn't wait to take the manuscript and started reading it. After a few minutes, he confirmed that the novel was the same as Liu Hongmin said: its story was not as strong as Shao Bao's, so if it wanted to be adapted into a TV series, it would need a person with a strong image and acting skills to play the leading role.
Liu Zhirong has no problem playing Shao Bao, but the leading role in "Justice Bao" is indeed not suitable for him.
But where can we find an actor to play Justice Bao?
Liu Hongmin: "Brother Qiang, although I didn't write Justice Bao, with Justice Bao's reputation in Hong Kong, it's a good idea to adapt it into a TV series."
“I have no doubt about this. We can also bring in Ming Pao and Joint Publishing House to replicate our previous operations.”
"I think so too, but it's different from Shao Bao. As you can see, the story of Justice Bao is a little bit weak, so whether it is serialized or published, the results will not be very good, and we can only drink some soup from it. I am most optimistic about the TV adaptation. As long as it is well made, the ratings may be better than Shao Bao."
The fact that Justice Bao is too suspenseful is not conducive to adaptation. The high ratings are due to the Hong Kong people's love for Justice Bao and the joint marketing by RTV, Ming Pao and Sanlian Publishing House.
Huang Qiang looked at Liu Hongmin in surprise, "Brother Liu, do you really think so?" Liu Hongmin rarely boasted, but every time he made a surprising statement, it would come true. He said that he would be able to choose an actor for Zhan Zhao in a few days, and he really chose He Jiajin.
This is why Huang Qiang is convinced by Liu Hongmin. When Liu Hongmin now says that the ratings of "Justice Bao" may be better than "Judge Bao", his heart can't help but beat wildly.
Liu Hongmin promised, "Of course, if I hadn't noticed this, how could I have taken the adaptation rights of Justice Bao in my hands?"
Huang Qiang immediately made the decision when he heard this: "Okay! I believe you, Brother Liu. Let's pay Shao Bao Er's adaptation fee. I will buy the adaptation rights of Justice Bao."
"Happy cooperation!"
Liu Hongmin was very satisfied with the price Huang Qiang offered. "Justice Bao" had not been published yet, and he was able to get 21 Hong Kong dollars for the adaptation fee, which was Huang Qiang's greatest sincerity. If it were someone else, the adaptation fee would have to be reduced by at least half.
Zou Shifang watched as the two men secured the adaptation rights in just a few words, and he couldn't help but feel itchy. If he could get the adaptation rights, wouldn't he be able to make more money?
Zou Shifang's ambition grew, but he also knew that he was still too young. He wanted to practice with Justice Bao and then slowly work on his own work.
Liu Hongmin thought the same thing. After dinner, he asked Ge Chaoguang and the others to send Huang Qiang back to the guesthouse. He was a little drunk, so he pulled Zou Shifang and said, "You must finish writing Justice Bao as soon as possible, with guaranteed quality and quantity, so that I can take it to Hong Kong. In my plan, Justice Bao has dozens of stories, which can be written for many years. When RTV shoots the TV series, your pen name will spread all over Hong Kong. By then, it will be easier for you to publish other works. Old Zou, you are my elder brother, just like my own brother. I can definitely promote you. By then, we can make a lot of money together, which is much better than studying abroad."
Only then did Zou Shifang realize that Liu Hongmin had always had plans for him in his mind.
Among the first few buddies, Liu Zhenyun and Chen Jiangong had stronger self-esteem, so they didn't want to rely on Liu Hongmin. Only he lowered himself and followed Liu Hongmin, helping him with everything.
Liu Hongmin's feelings towards Liu Zhenyun and Chen Jiangong have not changed, but he respects their choices and does not need to worry about their future.
Zou Shifang is different from them. He does not have the talent to become a great writer. So Liu Hongmin paved the way for him to become a commercial writer. Since I can't write works with profound meaning, I'll just make money.
"Hongmin, don't worry, I will definitely write it well!"
Zou Shifang worked hard and finished writing "Judge Bao" half a month later.
Liu Hongmin took the manuscript of "The Execution of Pang Yu" and made some suggestions for revision. Zou Shifang revised it seriously, revised it four or five times in more than ten days, and finally passed Liu Hongmin's review.
"The final exam is coming soon. Prepare for the exam in the next few days. After the exam, I will take you to Xiangjiang."
Liu Hongmin kept his word and after Zou Shifang finished his exams and took graduation photos, he took him to complete the formalities and headed to Hong Kong.
This time, Liu Hongmin is ready to make a big move and do something big.
(End of this chapter)
