Has Big Shot Fallen in Love Today?-Chapter 932: Exchanging Favors

In the producer’s view, actors receive vastly different treatment.

Actors in the second, third, or even lesser-known tiers who want to secure a role in a major production might need to cozy up to producers or powerful directors.

But for top-tier stars, the situation is reversed.

At this point, it’s the producers who need to talk engagingly, seducing the stars with promises of various benefits, offering high salaries, and so forth.

Luo Yishan is a producer specially hired by Sheng Tang to help her find a male lead with strong box office appeal. However, inviting such a prominent actor is quite challenging.

He planned to show Sheng Tang the list first and then figure out an approach.

Sheng Tang noticed Ding Ruifan.

She had read the script and novel, and was deeply impressed by the male lead, Liu Bai. If the acting isn’t up to par, it’s easy to make this character dull.

Ding Ruifan’s acting skills are solid.

Sheng Tang had some connections with him.

"If we invite him, how much do we need for his salary?" Sheng Tang asked.

Luo Yishan replied, "For someone of his status, it’s at least 50 million to start."

Sheng Tang’s budget was adequate.

But the post-production special effects could cost an unforeseen amount? The expenses during the effects stage are truly overwhelming.

Hiring a big name like Ding Ruifan meant spending a significant amount on the salary, which Sheng Tang found uneconomical.

"Hold on, let me call Ding Ruifan first," Sheng Tang said.

Luo Yishan said, "You have a deep connection with Ding Ruifan, maybe you can ask him first."

Sheng Tang nodded.

She indeed dialed Ding Ruifan’s number and briefly explained the matter.

Over on Ding Ruifan’s end, the filming of "Little Building" was already in its latter stages, with a month left until it wrapped up, and he had reserved a role for Sheng Tang.

He planned to find Sheng Tang in a few days.

"I’m in Hengdian now, you can bring the script and come over," Ding Ruifan said. "Didn’t you say you wanted a small role for a cameo? It might wrap up in ten days, are you free to come over now?"

Sheng Tang quickly said she was available.

Ding Ruifan inviting her for a cameo meant he was extending favors to Sheng Tang, so he was very likely to accept this role.

Sheng Tang was overjoyed, told Ai’ai to pack her bags, and instructed Luo Yishan to quickly audition for other roles. She would handle Ding Ruifan.

"That’s great!" Luo Yishan said with a big smile on his face.

With the male lead settled, picking the supporting roles would be much easier.

Sheng Tang informed him that regarding the actors, everything should prioritize "saving money," avoiding those who are too expensive.

She and Ai’ai packed their things, with Ai’ai driving a company car allocated to Bo Yue, and the two headed to the film set.

Sheng Tang brought the script and novel.

Ding Ruifan finished work for the day, discussed with Sheng Tang, and took up the script and novel.

"Alright, I’ll take this role," Ding Ruifan said cheerfully, even before reading the script. "You’ve asked, so of course as your senior, I’ll give you this face."

"No, no, senior should look at the script and novel first," Sheng Tang said. "We should still be rational about it."

Ding Ruifan chuckled.

Sheng Tang also secured a role in "Little Building": a wife during the resistance period who, faced with famine, has her husband’s wife and children come over, and she needs to strive for more economic benefits.

The term "resistance wife" refers to after the fall of Nanjing, many moved to the rear positions. Some men’s families stayed back home, while they were in Chongqing either making a living or serving in office, and took new wives.

This type of wife, not really a concubine, faces an uncertain future regarding how she’ll be positioned after victory.

Playing such a role, Sheng Tang’s character had depth.