Chapter 77 - Quitting the Production (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

The shooting of “Beacon” proceeded in an orderly manner. One day, an assistant ran to Director Zheng’s side with a flustered expression.

“Director! Did you see the news that the producer posted in the group chat?”

Director Zheng frowned and put the walkie-talkie aside. He wore his nearsighted glasses and read the text line by line.

The official notice made Director Zheng’s face turn darker and darker. He stood up abruptly and rushed to the room, leaving the entire production team in the same spot.

Director Zheng suppressed his anger and called the producer.

“What’s going on? Now they’re saying that they’re going to change the special effects and the set. Do you know how much damage it would bring to the production team?”

He paced around the room anxiously, grabbing what was left of his hair and sitting on the edge of the bed.

The producer’s tone was low and hoarse. “The officials came up with new policies. What can we do about it?

“If we continue to shoot according to the original plan, ‘beacon’ will face the risk of not even being cleared for release! You should know which is more important!

“However, if we have to change sets, we will have to exceed our budget. There is a problem with my funding chain. The remuneration that can be allocated to the production crew and the cast and crew would need to be reduced. You will have to relay the message on behalf of them and try your best to calm their emotions. Don’t make too much of a fuss! I have a lot of things to handle on my end as well, so let’s leave it at that!”

The producer hurriedly hung up the phone and rushed to another meeting.

Director Zheng’s eyes were red. He angrily threw the script and kicked the trash can beside his feet. He felt the white hair on his head gushing out.

Late at night, the cast and crew of “Beacon” received the notice and gathered in the temporary conference room.

Director Zheng cleared his throat awkwardly and held the Thermos flask. He opened his mouth several times but did not say a word. He looked guilty and embarrassed.

He could not escape the gazes of the people around him.

He finally spoke, “Everyone should have heard about the reorganization of the film and television series in the industry. Our ‘Beacon’ production team is also facing a reorganization.

“Now, the cash flow of the investors needs to pay for the set and special effects in advance, so the actors’ pay might be a little… for the time being, we can only pay a portion.

“But we will not let this matter rest! When it is released, we will pay the rest.

“At the same time, we will distribute the broadcast earnings of ‘Beacon’ according to the number of scenes as compensation to everyone!”

Director Zheng’s voice became weaker and weaker. He looked at the reactions of the many actors and crew members tentatively and felt uncertain.

There was a moment of silence in the room. Jiang Zhi lowered her eyes and calculated carefully…