Chapter 40 : Inferior in Every Aspect
Chapter 40 - Inferior in Every Aspect
The preparation of the program was progressing rapidly.
It had only been a few days since the start, and most of the pre-production work was already completed.
The approval had come through long ago, and now they were just waiting on the stage and equipment.
While Chen Ran was busy, Director Wu Jin came over together with the channel's Director, Yang Qijun.
Chen Ran was momentarily stunned, then stood up and said, "Hello, Director."
Yang Qijun nodded, looked around, and asked, "How is your progress?"
Director Wu Jin replied, "It looks very fast right now; we can start recording in two weeks at the latest."
Yang Qijun said earnestly, "Speed is important, but you must also account for quality. I don't want to see another Boundless Joy."
Boundless Joy was the current flop of a program that was waiting for Chen Ran and his team to finish their production and replace it. Its ratings were dropping day by day, and the decline was enough to make people panic.
Yang Qijun couldn't stand the sight of that program, and Director Liu of the program department felt even worse. The whole group was quite optimistic about I Love Remembering Lyrics and wanted the show to come out quickly, so they chased the progress almost every day.
Director Wu Jin promised, "Rest assured, Director. Our primary focus is quality."
Yang Qijun turned to Chen Ran and said,
"The program budget is ample. You don't need to be too stingy when considering expenses. The KTV sponsorship you negotiated can be put toward the production budget. I don't require the program to be profitable in the early stages; what I want are ratings!"
The Entertainment Channel was responsible for its own profits and losses. As one of the "three carriages" of Zhaonan TV Station, it was truly wealthy and powerful, and Yang Qijun spoke with great confidence.
Meanwhile, Chen Ran positioned the show as a long-term program; if the ratings went up, the program would earn far more than what was currently in front of them.
"Understood, Director. We will do our best to make the program a success," Chen Ran nodded.
Yang Qijun patted Chen Ran on the shoulder. He was quite satisfied with this planner who had newly arrived at the Entertainment Channel. Capable and hard-working—any leader would love someone like this.
Judging from the submitted work reports, Chen Ran had contributed immensely during the program's preparation with remarkably high efficiency. Compared to the chief planners of other programs, he alone could do the work of three or four people.
After Director Yang left, Lin Fan asked, "Since the budget is sufficient, should we consider inviting some celebrities? After all, our show is technically a music program."
The others were also moved by the idea. They couldn't afford top-tier stars, but they could certainly afford many washed-up singers if the budget was ample. Even Director Wu Jin was considering the feasibility.
If they invited celebrities, it would be beneficial for the early promotion of the show, making it a good method to boost ratings.
Seeing their expressions, Chen Ran knew that saying it would be like pouring cold water on them, but he still shook his head decisively.
"I don't suggest inviting celebrities—at least not in the early stages."
Lin Fan didn't understand. "Wouldn't it be good to bring these celebrities in? Using their fame in exchange for ratings—I think it's worth a try."
Even Director Wu Jin didn't understand Chen Ran's reasoning and waited for him to explain.
"We can invite celebrities, but not in the early stages. Our show's selling point isn't celebrities; it's a grassroots program. The focus is on being down-to-earth. We randomly select contestants from KTVs to participate; the main thing is the program's inherent entertainment value," Chen Ran explained.
"If we bring celebrities in now, it will result in the guest eclipsing the host. People's attention will be on the celebrities, and the program content will become a mere bonus."
Seeing everyone lost in thought, Chen Ran continued:
"In any case, we don't need them for the first few episodes. Let the audience focus their attention on the content. Once the audience has a deep impression of the show, it won't matter anymore. Inviting celebrities as guest lead singers can also add to the program's fun. Of course, we must remember one thing: the program content is the foundation, and the celebrities are just the bonus."
Chen Ran explained in great detail, and the others felt a sudden sense of clarity. They were not a satellite TV program, after all. Satellite TV programs relied on the traffic of stars, but for their local program, the focus was on the fun factor.
Chen Ran added, "Even with more funding, it must be used in the right places. Our show itself isn't one that wastes a lot of money. It wins through creativity and entertainment value; the budget just needs to be sufficient."
Lin Fan brushed his hair, feeling a bit embarrassed. However, Chen Ran's words indeed made sense; his own suggestion had been somewhat poorly considered.
He looked at Chen Ran again. This guy was many years younger than him and seemingly lacked seniority, yet he was unexpectedly steady.
Regarding the suggestion he had just proposed, if he were in the position of Chief Planner and had such an abundant budget, he certainly would have had the idea of inviting a celebrity over.
Lin Fan sighed in his heart: ‘Inferior in every aspect.’
Admiration was one thing, but he still felt a bit uncomfortable in his heart.
Chen Ran glanced at him and said, "Lin Fan, you were the one who made that suggestion, so you should write the program flow for an episode that invites a celebrity."
Lin Fan said in astonishment, "Didn't you say we wouldn't use it for now?"
Chen Ran smiled and said, "Your suggestion is actually very good. Just because we can't use it now doesn't mean we won't use it later. It’ll be good for you to write it out so we can discuss it. Once the program starts airing, if the results are decent, it can be put to use after a few episodes."
Upon hearing this, Lin Fan's expression brightened slightly, and he said, "Alright, I'll go write it right away."
Chen Ran felt that Lin Fan was quite good; although he lacked a bit in innovation, his foundation was far better than Chen Ran's. Having him write the program flow and scripts was more reliable than doing it himself.
……
When Chen Ran got off work, he saw Zhang Fanzhi's car, as expected.
Zhang Fanzhi looked to be in good spirits. She had been a bit pale yesterday, but today her complexion was more ruddy. After Chen Ran got in the car, she said,
"You guys work overtime far too late."
"It's alright. Isn't it also quite late when you participate in events? Everyone is more or less the same." After Chen Ran finished speaking, he then asked,
"Is your cold any better?"
Zhang Fanzhi hummed an affirmative. "That medicine was very effective. After taking all three doses, I feel much better. Thank you."
Chen Ran smiled and said, "If you want to thank someone, thank the doctor. It's the doctor's credit."
Zhang Fanzhi shot him a glance, thinking Chen Ran was a bit of a blockhead.
She said, "I have to go back to the company tomorrow. My parents asked me to pick you up for dinner."
Chen Ran looked at the time; it was nearly eight-thirty. He hurriedly said, "It's already this late, so let's not go."
Zhang Fanzhi said indifferently, "My parents are waiting for you without having eaten yet. Whether you go or not is up to you."
Put that way, Chen Ran definitely had to go. He suddenly realized something:
"You just said you're going back to the company?"
Didn't she say she would be back for several days? Why was she suddenly going back to the company!
Zhang Fanzhi nodded. "Yes, I'm going back tomorrow."
Chen Ran was stunned and asked, "Then how long before you return?"
Zhang Fanzhi said, "I don't know. I'll come back whenever I'm free, or I might be back very soon."
Chen Ran understood; she was going to have things out with the company.
If things continued like this, her popularity would vanish. Whatever needed to be done, it was best to clear the air.