Seeing that Mari Rika is about to retire, many fans left messages hoping she could come to Taiwan:
I also think it's a good idea; many people would definitely want to see her. Her agency also said she wouldn't rule out participating in overseas activities. BUT, there's a big BUT: the agency told us that Mari Rika has a huge number of film release offers, and if we want her to make time, we have to charge her according to her filming rates…
My goodness, that's probably four times the price a regular actress charges for a photoshoot!
There's no way we can break even, so we had to give up the idea of inviting her. Of course, there might be other companies that are more capable than us and can hire Mari Rika at a much lower price. But using Mari Rika as an example, let me show you what kind of actresses come to Taiwan:
First and foremost are the "exclusive actresses" of each production company!
Why? Firstly, they are the apple of the eye of production companies and agencies, only having to shoot one film a month, so they have plenty of time and can cooperate with the companies' requirements; secondly, they are the cream of the crop in this industry, and the agencies' expectations for them go beyond just shooting films, posting on Twitter, and holding a fan meeting. In this economic downturn, they naturally want to take any commercial performances that come their way, hoping to make a fortune like Yua Mikami…
That's why, after holding her photoshoot, Aika Yamagishi immediately asked us when we should contact her again, because she wanted to have more work to do. Besides exclusive actresses from production companies, actresses with a moderate number of releases are also potential candidates. Since they are tools for the agencies to make money, if they don't have many film contracts, they certainly can't refuse overseas offers, and the price is negotiable.
After reading this, you should know what kind of actresses find it difficult to come to Taiwan: one type is those who have many activities, earn enough money, and don't need to go overseas. There are actresses who are just there to make money, like Kana Momonogi. Another type is the very senior actress who's too lazy to work or has personal reasons preventing her from leaving Japan, like Aika Yumeno. As S1's top veteran, she only needs to film and hold a monthly meet-and-greet; she doesn't need any other work. The last type is the kind of actresses the agency uses as money-making machines, like Rika Mari, Touka Rinne, Ruka Inaba, Mio Kimishima in her prime, and Eimi Fukada now. They usually have very full schedules and can't find the time, and given how fast they earn money from releasing films, they'd feel that holding photoshoots or meet-and-greet events overseas would be a loss. So, if you want to invite these actresses to Taiwan, you'll really have to wait.
