"Are you suggesting that EXO's comeback next year should not use the original and reissued double album format used in the regular first album?"
While looking at the stack of printed plans he had just received, and looking up from time to time at Chi Jingyuan sitting opposite, Li Xiuman raised the frame of his glasses and asked with interest.
After finishing the winter single, after working overtime for several days and nights, Ji Kyung-won finally completed the task that Lee Soo-man had given him before, and compiled all his suggestions and plans for EXO's regular second album comeback next year, including There are several aspects to the specific method of return and the selection of songs.
It's also thanks to him that he started preparing a few months ago, otherwise he wouldn't be able to complete it in such a short time alone.
However, Chi Jingyuan didn't write much about many details, including publicity, concepts, specific styles and implementation, and he didn't actually know much about some details. He just expressed his general thoughts.
However, these are Li Xiuman's requirements, and the company will not let him get too involved in various processes and details.
"Yes."
Chi Jingyuan took two sips of hot coffee and felt his body warm up a lot. Lee Soo Man is really good at knowing that he should drink hot drinks in such a cold winter. Of course, it may be that his body cannot bear it due to his old age. If it were Kim Taeyeon or some other young people, he would probably just serve two glasses of iced Americano.
I don’t know how she could drink it.
He noticed Lee Soo Man looking at the information, nodded and began to explain seriously: "Returns in the form of original and reissued albums will look good in terms of performance because the two versions will cumulatively increase each other, and the overall sales will look good, and it will also increase the return. Frequency and exposure can be regarded as two comebacks to a certain extent, but the cost has been reduced a lot, which is one of the comeback methods often used by the company's portfolio."
"But because the reissued album basically only replaces the title song and one or two included songs, it is not much different from the original album that was released before. This will also cause the sales of the reissued album to drop significantly compared to the original album. , unless the reissued title song is a huge hit, it will be difficult to change this trend.”
To be honest, in Chi Jingyuan's opinion, the so-called 'Repackage version', that is, the 'reissued album', is purely used to cut fans' leeks. Compared with the original version, the cover, title song and individual included songs are changed, and then Just take it out and continue to sell it, and the price is still the regular price. This kind of deceptive behavior, except the fans who sincerely support and like it, who will pay for this unjust money?
Therefore, the sales volume of reprints are generally much lower than those of the original editions.
The reason why EXO's reissue of last year's regular album sold more than the original version is because the title song "Roar" became a hit and its popularity soared all over the peninsula. Otherwise, it would definitely follow this pattern.
But a hit like "Roar" is not so easy to come by.
Moreover, when the SM group returned to this model, the performance algorithm was also very stupid. They calculated the sales results by adding the two versions of the album together. In fact, the sales volume of the two albums was better than that of others.
Including last year's XO regular one, which broke through the sales ceiling of one million, is actually a reprint of the original version, as well as the combined results of several Chinese and Korean versions. In terms of singles, no matter which version is close to one million, it is far away.
There are so many entertainment companies, big and small, in the whole peninsula, that is, SM companies like to do this to harvest the wallets of fans, but many groups are still enjoying the meal.
But most passers-by won't accept the 'reissue album' thing, unless this version of the title song is really great and becomes a hit.
"Usually this method doesn't matter and it doesn't have much impact, but a lot of things have happened to the group and the company this year, so returning next year is particularly important."
Chi Jingyuan didn't bother to point out SM's intention. I believe that both Li Xiuman and the company knew it well.
Who made SM famous? Its groups are so popular? If you try this with another group, will you get scolded? Can you sell so many albums?
That is to say, SM and others have the confidence to play original and reprinted versions every day.
"XO needs to recover from the decline after members have left the group or even go further, and the company also needs to effectively stimulate the stock price, so I think this way of having a second album with a high probability of diving is a bit inappropriate, at least because of the impact on the stock price. It will weaken a lot to a considerable extent.”
Seeing Li Xiuman who was looking at the plan in his hand, he nodded slightly. Chi Jingyuan continued: "I see that the information you gave me before, Mr. Li Xiuman, shows that the planning department had previously proposed a 'original reprint with two main characters'." "Return to Mode', releasing a total of four title songs within three months to bombard the music industry, but the company did not adopt this proposal."
"I think this idea is good, but my suggestion is to split all the four title songs in the original plan. This time we will not adopt the 'original re-release' model, but use these four title songs as the core Produce four single albums, each containing one or two non-title songs in addition to the title song, and release them in four months, with a single album released every month."
"For example, in March, April, May, June or April, May, June, or July next year, choose a fixed date for each month, the first of the month, the 15th of the month, or the end of the month to release the single album. At the same time, we are conducting song promotion activities, and the title song MV released every month is interspersed with previews and hints of the next song."
"After all four single albums are released, we will merge the four single albums into one, and add one or two new songs to officially form our regular second album, which will be released in the fifth month."
"I also had an idea for the album name, and I named it after our XO fans. "EXO-L" is the final regular second album, and the four letters are exactly the four single albums, "E" and "X" "O" and "L", this can be regarded as a thank you to the fans for supporting us, I believe many fans will be very happy after seeing it."
Seeing Li Xiuman jumping up and looking at him with twinkling eyes, Chi Jingyuan smiled at him: "This can increase the expectations of fans and passers-by. The songs are still the same, but the time for return will be longer. The exposure has also increased with time. Each of the four hit songs has a one-month promotion and buffering period, which can largely avoid beating yourself up in the double hit model, and win with multiple returns and song quality. The entire first half of 2015 will be enveloped in EXO’s voice.”
"If the response is good, you can imagine the stimulation to the company's stock price."
Li Xiuman couldn't help but nodded his head with a hint of approval. After listening to Chi Jingyuan's introduction, he lowered his head and couldn't help but want to read it again.
Chi Jingyuan seemed to have thought of something after being stunned for a few seconds, and then said: "In addition, I saw in the information you gave me before that one of the company's original publicity plans was to have ten events around the world. The trailer was shot in cities where UFO rumors have occurred, and each member went to a city. Finally, the three letters 'EXO' were connected on the world map by connecting the dots of all the cities."
"This plan is really great, and the effort is really big. I feel like as soon as this trailer came out, it immediately separated us from ordinary boy groups."
Chi Jingyuan clapped softly with some admiration. Apparently he also praised the filming plan of this trailer and did not want to be abandoned by the company. Finally, he spread his hands and chuckled:
"Of course, now I may only have to go to 9 cities."
"hehe……"
When Lee Soo Man heard this, he smiled helplessly and shook his head. When we were doing the planning, there were only 10 members of EXO. Who would have thought that there would be 9 members in less than two days.
"This method does sound good and novel, but the four single albums released previously will consume some of the fans' enthusiasm, and the four title songs have been released before. Sales will not be as high after the formal second album is officially released. There will definitely be some impact.”
He was quick to point out an obvious problem.
"So I suggest that the sale price of single albums should be lowered. It is best that the price of four albums combined is the same as that of a regular album. After all, the cost of a single album with only two songs is not high, so the overall sales price will be the same." In terms of price, it is not much different from the 'original re-release' model. If the publicity is in place and the quality of the songs meets the standard, it should not have a big impact on the sales of Regular 2."
"At the same time, the regular configuration this time must be better. Whether it is postcards, member photo cards, lyrics books, etc., it is best to bring a little bit of everything, and the gifts must be more exquisite."
Chi Jingyuan took a sip of coffee and moistened his lips: "After all, the return of Regular 2 is really important to us EXO and the company."
"You are right about this, Jingyuan. The company will invest as much resources as possible in XO's return next year. Whether it is a combination of Girls' Generation or other activities of the company, you guys will definitely have an advantage in terms of resources. "Li Xiuman nodded and made a promise at the same time.
Needless to say, EXO's ability to attract money, and less than three years after their debut is the best period. Various shareholders of the company, including Lee Soo Man, also regard them as the group that has the greatest impact on SM's stock price, no one.
Luhan quit the group and SM's price plummeted by 10% is a good proof.
"As for the songs..." He pondered for a moment, but soon smiled: "I have listened to several of the songs you put in the company's music library, and they are all very good. Some of them are very good about XO's current situation and this situation. It's quite timely for the return mode you planned... Counting the songs originally prepared by the company for XO, plus the songs you put in, the quality of the four title songs is not a big problem."
In fact, planning is easy, but the most difficult thing is choosing songs.
For any idol group, song resources are one of the most important resources. Even within the same company, different groups compete most for song resources.
There aren’t too many examples of a hit song that can suddenly pull up a group that was neither staid nor popular, or even completely defeated. There aren’t too many examples of how an idol group can take off. Although there are many reasons why an idol group becomes popular, including looks, body, stage charm, and variety shows. In terms of performance, etc., but in comparison, in the final analysis, a hit song of high quality is really the most important thing.
This is true for "GEE", which once promoted Girls' Generation, "Sorry, Sorry", which promoted SJ, and "Roar", which made EXO an instant hit last year.
For example, at the beginning of the year, Girlsday became a hit with "Something". It is said that this song was originally intended for Sistar. I don't know what happened in the middle, but some unknown changes happened or the confrontation ended up transferring it to Girlsday, which made this third-tier girl who has been confused for who knows how many years. The group is very popular this year.
However, the song resources of each company are limited. Once you hear it, you will know that it is great. There are only a few songs that have the potential to be popular. Even if some idols may not be able to recognize them, most experienced economic companies can basically do it. Prediction 1 or 2, there will be very few cases of missing items.
There are not many songs of this quality, and some of them are specially prepared by the company for a certain group, so song selection is the most important issue for anyone every time they come back.
There are a total of four title songs in EXO's plan this time, and each song must be above the standard and even have the potential to become a hit upon hearing it. This requirement is not low.
Fortunately, SM and Ji Jingyuan can provide some help, so the most difficult issue of song selection is not very difficult for XO.
Glancing at the planning plan in his hand, Li Xiuman looked at Chi Jingyuan with a smile on his face and looked very satisfied: "I think it's very good. I will hand it over to the planning department for a meeting immediately, and I will also consider your suggestions... Jingyuan, you may have to come to the company often to work overtime these days."
Chi Jingyuan also narrowed his smile and nodded: "
"I understand, but Teacher Li Xiuman...does she get overtime pay?"
"Hahaha..." Li Xiuman pointed at him and nodded twice, and couldn't help laughing loudly:
"Of course, you can drink the coffee in my office as long as you like..."
………………
"Are you here to give me a trophy, or something else?"
As soon as he walked into the apartment, he saw Bae Suzy, who was wearing red low-cut pajamas, exactly the same as in the photo sent to him yesterday. Chi Jingyuan glanced at her and hung up the bag he was carrying while changing his shoes. Next to him, he chuckled and asked casually.
It was already past midnight. Chi Jingyuan went back to the company after get off work from the crew to participate in the recording of "Let It Be", and then came to the apartment after working overtime.
That was what I meant when I posted the photo before. Bae Suzy called him to make an appointment when she just returned to the peninsula from Neon. However, Chi Jingyuan has been very busy and a little tired in the past two days, so she didn't take the time to come over until now. .
For many artists, this time happens to be the most energetic time.
"What do you think?"
The heating in the room was fully turned on. Pei Xiuzhi didn't feel cold and didn't turn off the TV she was watching just now. She stood up from the sofa wearing slippers and walked over with two long white legs: "What do you want me to give you?" , what should I give you?"
What nonsense you are talking about, the Grand Prize trophy belonging to Ji Kyung Won was already handed over to SM by JYP on the day the MMA was awarded, and both of them knew it well.
It was just that Bae Suzy used the excuse to give him a trophy when she called him in the afternoon.
Pei Xiuzhi turned around to catch the little jumper coming over. The surrounding heating made him feel a little warm while still wearing his coat. With this atmosphere and temperature, Chi Jingyuan didn't need to say anything, and he just carried her into the bedroom... …
This burgundy nightgown is really sexy.
After taking a shower, Chi Jingyuan sat lazily on the sofa in the living room and watched TV. The late-night program was quite interesting.
"Do you have to go early to rush to the set tomorrow morning? Are you so tired?" Pei Xiuzhi was wearing a pajamas without buttons. She opened a bottle of red wine that had been placed on the table before, poured a glass, and took a sip herself. After tasting it, he sat next to him, raised the cup, and brought it to his mouth.
"Did you like to be late so much when you were filming before?" Without reaching out, Chi Jingyuan took a sip of red wine.
"That's not true."
Seeing that Chi Jingyuan didn't like drinking very much, Pei Xiuzhi glanced at him and took back the glass. He crossed his legs and sat beside him, drinking happily. The two started chatting casually.
"Why is another one of your EXO gone? What's going on?"
"Working on the peninsula is tiring, and the company prefers not to make much. After returning home, I feel relaxed and comfortable. Dozens of security guards who board and disembark planes to attend events earn more than ten or even dozens of times more than here. It's you." Not leaving?"
He glanced at Pei Xiuzhi's calf that was stretched out to rest on her body. His eyes stopped for a second on the toes with red nail polish, and he glanced at her and said angrily.
The nail polish is pretty, but to be honest, because I often wear high heels, the shape of my feet is generally not very good-looking.
The feet of most female idols are also somewhat deformed, especially those who are shorter and need to wear high heels frequently.
"Can you make dozens of times, so much? But the Xia members of our group haven't left either?" She was a little confused when she heard it.
Turning his head to look at her, Chi Jingyuan turned his attention to the TV: "Because they are not EXO."
The words spoken in a calm and natural tone dazzled him, and Pei Xiuzhi couldn't help but rub her foot on Chi Jingyuan's calf.
""Misheng" has really become a big trend now. Speaking of which, you are really good at choosing scripts..." Seeing that Chi Jingyuan's eyes were on the TV and not looking at herself, she didn't care and took a sip of red wine and asked He said: "Your group is like this now. Have you ever considered becoming actors?"
The ninth and tenth episodes of "Misheng" were broadcast on November 14 and 15. The previous gratifying growth rate returned in these two episodes. After the broadcast, the ratings officially broke through the 6% mark. In the tenth episode It has even reached 6.5%.
What is more eye-catching than the ratings is the praise and discussion of "Misheng".
As a cable TV station, the ratings are naturally limited, but the lively discussion about this drama on the Internet cannot be reflected by the ratings. You can see the plot appreciation of "Misborn" in any film and television forum. And character evaluation, even in many completely unrelated places, you can see many people mentioning "Misheng" inadvertently.
Especially among white-collar workers, some of the classic lines in the play have become their often quoted mantras and become a part of their lives.
This drama can be said to have officially become a trend in the film and television industry recently.
This also led some of Chi Jingyuan's Du Wei to start stirring up trouble online, calling for him to quit the group and become a solo actor.
Not only some fans think this way, but from Bae Suzy's point of view, she also feels that being an actor has a much better future than being an idol, not to mention that Chi Kyung Yuan is developing so well.
"Absolutely not."
Chi Jingyuan looked at the chattering MC with all kinds of funny bodies on the TV screen. He laughed twice and said without looking back: "Actually, I'm not very interested in acting. Acting is very important to me." It’s just an adjustment.”
"At that time, I chose to enter this industry as an idol because of my interest in singing and dancing. Now, it is also coupled with my love for the stage, as well as my gratitude and gratitude to so many fans who support me unconditionally, especially the last reason... This is what keeps me busy and happy even though I work so hard every day.”
"If these things disappear in the future, I may have to quit the entertainment industry by then."
"What a doting Oppa. Do you think everyone is a rich man like you?" Although Chi Jingyuan told the truth and sincerely, Pei Xiuzhi curled her lips and said: "If I were you, I would definitely quit the group. I’m going to be an actor...even if I don’t quit, I won’t participate in any group activities anymore.”
"Do you hate your group so much?"
"It's not really annoying...but I've seen too many things after debuting for so long. Idol groups themselves don't last long. Even the big fire group that reached the top only has a lifespan of seven or eight years, not to mention that our Missa is so half-dead now." , the entertainment industry must still be more realistic, right?”
"And I'm not the only one like this. Several other people are also looking for a way out."
Without feeling any guilt at all, Pei Xiuzhi naturally tilted her head while holding the goblet. She looked at the red wine swaying in the glass and smiled disdainfully: "The company already has a new project for our group. It will be held in the first half of next year." Let’s make another comeback. If the results are good, let’s talk about it… If the results are average, I think the members of the group will not renew their contracts.”
Hearing the words 'the contract will not be renewed', Chi Jingyuan couldn't help but turn his head and glance at Pei Xiuzhi, but in his mind he thought of a relative of his own age, Cui Xueli.
A few days ago, when the member left the team, Chi Jingyuan only had two phone calls with him. Cui Xueli took care of him and then talked about some of his situation during the chat.
FX ended the singing competition ahead of time and disbanded. The leader returned to Xia Kingdom for activities, Jung Soo Jung joined the group to film, Amber went to the United States to travel, Luna was picking her feet in the dormitory, and Cui Shirley also had her own things to do. In the past two months, she has released two movies in a row. The movie is not very silent.
Filmed in the second half of last year and released in August this year, "Pirates" did very well at the box office. As of November, it had more than 8 million viewers. It was a smooth start for Cui Shirley, who was new to the big screen, but this movie she It's not a starring role, it's just a recurring role, and there aren't many real benefits.
On the 6th of this month, another one of her films, "Fashion King," was released. This was also Cui Shirley's first big-screen movie in which she starred.
It's a pity that this drama collided with the popular Hollywood science fiction film "Interstellar" and became one of the cannon fodder for "Interstellar" to dominate the schedule.
As of yesterday, the box office had just reached 500,000 in the two weeks since its release. It is barely considered good among the many cannon fodders in the same period, but it still has not exceeded the profit or loss point.
However, her continuous appearances in movies also gave her a lot of encouragement and confidence. Cui Xueli had complained to Chi Jingyuan during the previous phone call and also said that she would not renew her contract.
Coincidentally, Bae Suzy said similar things now.
Thinking of some scenes between himself and Cui Xueli, and thinking of the other person's special personality, Chi Jingyuan also felt a little emotional in his heart:
'Won't renew' means 'won't renew'. There's no problem in leaving the group when the contract expires.
It's nice to get together and get together easily.
(End of chapter)
