Chapter 5: Signing with a Talent Agency
Chapter 5: Signing with a Talent Agency
[System: Passed the art entrance exam. Reward: 1 talent point, 1 lottery chance… Please accept a new mission: become a character actor.]
The next morning, after finishing his run and doing a brief workout, Chen Ping had breakfast. After resting for a while, he activated the system in his mind.
At this moment, all of Chen Ping’s data had changed.
Name: Chen Ping
Level: Special Guest Actor
Line Delivery Talent Level 4: Photographic memory, clear and precise enunciation, deeply moving, startling brilliance
Acting Talent Level 4: Imitative, expressive with voice and movement, vivid and lifelike, striking supporting role
Appearance Talent Level 0: Average
Temperament Talent Level 0: Average
Talent Points: 1
Popularity: 0
Skills: [Overclock], [Instrument Mastery], [Instant Tears], [Scene-Stealer]
From the data, it was clear that Chen Ping had been promoted from an extra to a special guest actor. In fact, after passing the art exam yesterday, the Hengcheng Actors’ Guild had added him to a group for special guest actors, officially recognizing him as one.
But being a special guest actor was just the beginning; the road ahead was long.
Also, due to using the Overclock skill, his popularity had dropped to zero, so he couldn’t use Overclock to show off for the time being.
Talent points could be used to raise the levels of various talents. But for the one talent point earned from completing the task, Chen Ping wasn’t planning to spend it yet.
Previously, he had invested all his talent points into line delivery and acting talents, both reaching level 4, which helped him stand out in those areas.
However, becoming a special guest actor meant facing a drastically changed environment.
As the system’s new mission stated—to become a character actor—Chen Ping understood that having acting skills and a solid foundation in delivering lines was far from enough.
A character actor here wasn’t just someone with lines; it referred to those whose names appeared in the film credits.
Becoming a character actor was much harder than getting a role with lines.
Sometimes, it had nothing to do with acting skills.
Chen Ping pondered whether to spend that one talent point on Appearance.
Appearance is justice; isn’t being handsome enough?
Having a good-looking face was a huge advantage in any field, especially acting.
Thinking this way, Chen Ping felt one talent point wasn’t enough.
If he had ten points to max out his Appearance talent, that would be devastatingly powerful.
Of course, this was just a daydream.
In many cases, being a character actor had little to do with appearance.
Without resources or backing, no director would cast you.
Oh, and there was the lottery.
This time’s lottery was something new; Chen Ping wasn’t sure what he might get.
He had some hope.
Entering the system interface, Chen Ping clicked the lottery button.
[System: Host has received a red string.]
“Damn.”
Chen Ping’s face fell. He had hoped for some amazing item but ended up with a red string.
“What’s this red string supposed to do?”
“Is it for tying people up?”
“Is this some game?”
“Jump rope?”
“Or a hair donation?”
There was no description or instructions, leaving Chen Ping puzzled.
In the end, he just set it aside.
Checking the time, Chen Ping headed to “Ludao Café” in Hengcheng.
Yesterday, an agent had contacted him in a group chat, wanting to meet and talk. They arranged to meet at this café.
On the way, Chen Ping received a call from another talent agency.
“Hello, this is Xu Guiping, Artist Director at Global Entertainment. Are you interested in joining us?”
The man’s tone was a bit overbearing, which didn’t sit well with Chen Ping. Furrowing his brow, he replied, “Hello, Director Xu. Could you please explain your company’s contract terms?”
“As you know, Global is the largest talent agency in the country, representing many famous artists. Their fame, resources, and strength far surpass other companies. I believe you have potential, so we want to sign you. I’ll send the contract details to your email; you can review them.”
“Okay, my email is…”
After a while, Chen Ping received the email and read it carefully.
Contracts in the entertainment industry were full of traps. Not just newcomers like him, even famous stars had been caught in them.
But after reading halfway, Chen Ping shook his head.
Global was strong, but their contract terms were too harsh.
They required a 10-year contract.
As for profit sharing, the agency took 90%, and the actor only 10%.
And that wasn’t all.
There were many other onerous clauses, almost outrageous.
“How are you feeling about it?”
After a while, Xu Guiping called again.
“Sorry, Director Xu, I can’t agree to such terms.”
“Why? Issues with the contract?”
“The duration is too long.”
“You have to understand, these terms apply to all newcomers. Without a company, no matter how good your acting is, you won’t become famous. Not only that, you won’t even get roles.”
“I still think the terms are too harsh.”
“Make sure you think it over carefully.”
“I have.”
“Good. Very good.”
With a click, Xu Guiping hung up.
“Quite pushy,” Chen Ping muttered.
Refusing to sign seemed to have offended Global.
But Chen Ping didn’t dwell on it. The agent he had arranged to meet yesterday had arrived.
“Are you Mr. Chen Ping?”
“And you are?”
“Don’t you remember? We arranged this in the group chat yesterday.”
Beside Chen Ping stood a woman in her mid-twenties, looking a few years older than him.
She smiled brightly. “Nice to meet you. I’m Wu Yu.”
“Hello, Ms. Wu.”
“I’m not a big shot, just a junior agent. I wanted to ask if you’re willing to join Sheng Teng Entertainment.”
“A ten-year contract as well?”
“Did another company contact you before?”
“Global.”
“You refused?”
“Ten years is too long; I can’t accept it.”
“Actually, all newcomers face this problem. Global is the biggest agency and has the toughest terms for new artists.”
“What about you?”
“A bit better—eight years.”
“Eight years is still too long.”
Chen Ping shook his head.
“I figured you’d say that. So this time, I’m bringing a brand-new cooperation model.”
“How so?”
“You’d still sign with Sheng Teng, but the contract is only for three years.”
“Three years?”
Chen Ping could hardly believe it. “Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
Wu Yu nodded.
“Any other restrictions?”
“The company has to survive, so there are conditions.”
“Please explain.”
Chen Ping felt three years was reasonable; if other terms weren’t too harsh, he wouldn’t refuse.
“Because the contract is only three years, the company won’t invest too many resources in you.”
“Understandable.”
“So, if you sign with us, you can compete for company resources during these three years. If none are available, you’ll have to find other opportunities on your own.”
“In other words, company resources are not guaranteed.”
“Exactly. Otherwise, we wouldn’t offer such a short contract. After three years, who knows where you’ll go?”
“What about profit sharing?”
“Fifty-fifty.”
“What if the company has no resources, but I find other opportunities myself?”
“That’s allowed, but you must give the company 10% of your earnings.”
“Okay, no problem.”
After some thought, Chen Ping agreed.
He knew the company wouldn’t invest much, but nothing in this world was given without reason.
From Wu Yu’s words, he understood that company resources were still accessible, though difficult to obtain.
Still, it was better than not joining any agency.
Also, he was free to seek resources elsewhere, with only a small commission to pay, which was acceptable.
“Also, since this is Sheng Teng’s new signing model, I’ll be your agent, but I’ll be managing other actors as well.”
“Understood.”
Chen Ping had no objections.
“Here’s the contract; take a look.”
Though Wu Yu said so casually, Chen Ping read it carefully.
Fortunately, Wu Yu was reliable, and the contract terms matched what she had described.
After a thorough review and confirming everything, Chen Ping officially signed with Sheng Teng Entertainment.
(End of chapter)