Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 669 Giving back to one's hometown is a protective charm

With an Oscar nomination for Best Actress, Fan Bingbing has finally made up for her shortcomings.

Little Fatty is very sensible and grateful. That night, Zhang Chen played the role of Zhao Zilong.

"Now that you've been nominated for Best Actress, what are your plans?" Zhang Chen asked a question that countless people have asked before.

"What other plans do I have? Just keep acting, of course. Others may not know, but you know how I got this nomination..."

"You're quite clear-headed."

Zhang Chen couldn't help but look at Fan Xiaopang with new respect. Now she can be considered to have firmly secured the position of the number one actress in China, and all kinds of resources are coming her way.

Not only did Hollywood film companies start contacting her, but various fashion resources also began to connect with her, and various big shots wanted to get to know (and sleep with) her.

Her personal fame reached its peak, surrounded by people praising her. She didn't need public relations; the internet was full of eulogies, praising her acting skills, her looks, and her charisma...

Without a certain level of self-control, it's easy to get lost.

Fortunately, Fan Xiaopang knew that her inclusion was due to the terms of the deal between Zhang Chen and Warner, not some nonsense about her abilities.

While remaining clear-headed is important, it's still necessary to remind people of things that need to be emphasized.

"You probably already thought of this, right? You'll become the target of everyone's criticism in the future, just like Zhang Ziyi back then."

"so what should I do?"

"When I gave a speech at the Beijing Film Academy, I mentioned a topic: In the end, what actors compete for is actually their cultural literacy."

Fan Xiaopang nodded: "I've seen it."

Zhang Chen: "It's notorious that people working in the film and television industry have low levels of cultural literacy, and yet you live under the spotlight and occupy a lot of public resources. You could say that any mistake you make will be magnified infinitely."

Fan Xiaopang nodded again: "That's how the public is. They like to read gossip about celebrities, but they like to see celebrities suffer misfortune even more. I will pay attention to this aspect."

Zhang Chen agreed with Fan Xiaopang's advice, as he had indeed seen people who dared to call themselves academic geniuses just because they could solve a linear equation in two variables.

"I remember you're from Qingdao, right?"

"Yes, I was born in Qingdao. My father is from Qingdao, and my mother is from Yantai."

"Visit your hometown more often when you have free time, and help as much as you can. No one will dislike someone who likes to give back to their hometown. In a critical moment, this might just be a lifesaver for you."

As long as it's not illegal, even if there's some dirt on you, as long as you have a good relationship with your hometown, your hometown will try to get you out of trouble.

The two scandals involving Zhang Ziyi are actually nothing serious. It's because she offended too many people and had no one to protect her that she ended up in that situation.

Zhang Chen had the experience of those from later generations and had seen far too much of it, so he deeply understood the importance of this aspect.

In mainland China, as long as a celebrity actively gives back to their hometown, even if their career declines, their hometown will support them.

As long as he doesn't touch drugs, even if something happens, his hometown will actively protect him and might even push him to join an official association to give him a protective shield.

Although Huang Xiaoming has been criticized for being greasy, he really stepped up when there was a matter of concern in his hometown.

The different experiences of celebrities after getting into trouble in recent years have already shown that the relationship with their hometown is very important.

If the hometown is willing to protect you, many times a major issue can be resolved by turning it into a minor one.

If one's hometown is unwilling to protect them, they may have to flee overseas at best, or even face imprisonment at worst.

Angelababy is the best example. She thought Huang Xiaoming's status had declined, so she rushed to cut ties, only to find that she had no backing anymore.

Huang Xiaoming's path is relatively stable. Even without a blockbuster hit, his status in the entertainment industry remains secure, and he can easily regain his former glory with any hit drama.

But Yang Baby is in a difficult position; no one dares to support her in the short term.

In the entertainment industry, looks are the least valuable asset; the benefits of relying on one's appearance will eventually run out. Perhaps the years she spent as Mrs. Huang were truly the most glorious years of her life.

There's a saying in the entertainment industry: no one stays 18 forever, but there will always be people who are 18.

……

The next morning at 9:30, Zhang Chen had just put his briefcase on his desk and hadn't even had time to turn on his computer when the glass door to his office was gently pushed open.

Zhong Lifang strode in, high heels in hand, clutching a thick stack of documents, her face beaming with barely concealed excitement. "Director Zhang, you've finally arrived! There's something I need to discuss with you!"

Zhang Chen looked up at her, smiled, and pointed to the sofa opposite him. "Don't rush, sit down first. What's making you so happy?"

Zhong Lifang put the documents on the coffee table and pushed the two novels on top of it over.

Zhang Chen peeked out and saw, "Guo Xiaosi's 'Tiny Times'?"

"Yes, 'Tiny Times 1.0 Origami Era' and 'Tiny Times 2.0 Copper Era' have sold over 500 million copies since their publication in 2008! Now, almost every '80s and '90s generation has a set. It's no exaggeration to call them a phenomenal youth literature IP."

Zhang Chen picked up the novel and flipped through a couple of pages. "It's an exaggeration to say that every person born in the 80s has a copy. I'm from the 80s myself, and I've never read his books. Many people around me who are from the 80s aren't interested in him either, but it's true that the book is popular..."

Zhong Lifang gave an awkward laugh, but it didn't affect anything. She continued, "I heard that Guo Jingming recently set up his own studio and plans to adapt it into a film or television series. And, supposedly, it's related to you..."

"Is it related to me?"

Zhang Chen was completely bewildered. He knew that Guo Jingming had been involved in "Tiny Times," which pioneered the idea that anyone in mainland China could become a director, but how was this related to him?

"It's said that Guo Jingming was inspired by 'Twilight,' thinking that if 'Twilight' could be adapted into a film, then 'Tiny Times' could too."

"Oh I got it."

If that's the case, then he wasn't wrong at all. Despite its huge success in Europe and America, *Twilight* was also heavily criticized and labeled as brainless literature.

In later generations, some have referred to "Tiny Times" as the mainland version of "Twilight".

Zhong Lifang leaned forward slightly. "Several film and television companies in the industry are eyeing this lucrative opportunity. I asked around yesterday, and Guo Jingming's side is currently screening partners. Our Xingchen Entertainment is going public this year, so if we can secure 'Tiny Times,' it might be a great achievement!"

Zhang Chen put the novel back on the coffee table, picked up the water glass on the table, took a sip, and slowly asked, "Have you read this novel?"

"Looked."

"how do you feel?"

"I don't understand it. It feels very exaggerated and confusing."

"So you still want to do it?"

"But it has fans!"

Zhong Lifang blurted out, "Aren't fan-driven movies all the rage these past two years? Jay Chou's previous films didn't have great reviews, but he was popular and had a lot of fans, so the box office was higher and higher with each one."

Yang Mi's film "Back to 20" was estimated to gross 60-80 million yuan, but it actually reached 200 million yuan, largely due to her fans. You know how popular the "Tiny Times" books are; with such a large fan base, even if the plot is weak, the fans will still buy into the adaptation.

She paused, then started counting on her fingers, "Moreover, this type of film is easy to produce. You don't need to hire top-tier directors; just find a few popular celebrities to act in. The cost is controllable, and the profit margin is quite large."

Zhang Chen gently put down his water glass, his fingertips tracing the rim. "You're right, fan-driven films do make money. But have you considered the impact on the company beyond just making money?"

Zhong Lifang was taken aback for a moment. "Impact? Isn't our company all about making money? Besides, with such a big IP as 'Tiny Times,' even if the reviews are just average, they shouldn't be too bad, right?"

"Whether it's good or bad isn't up to us to decide."

Zhang Chen leaned back on the sofa, his tone becoming more serious, "Do you remember how the outside world evaluated 'Mysterious Island,' which we collaborated on with Enlight Media last year?"

Why would I use the name of Guangmang for such a profitable project? Wouldn't it be better to make money ourselves?

Companies also need a good reputation. Films like "Tiny Times" and "Mysterious Island" are just examples of "making easy money."

Now, I can confidently say that Starry Sky Entertainment produces only good movies, but if they're associated with "Tiny Times," that confidence vanishes.

Zhong Lifang frowned. "But this is a piece of fat meat that's practically delivered to our mouths. Are we just going to give it up like this? Other companies would be fighting over it. Besides, the market for fan films is there for everyone. If we don't do it, someone else will. How can we feel comfortable watching our competitors make money?"

"Make money, but don't tarnish your reputation."

Zhang Chen waved his hand, "Starry Entertainment has worked hard to establish a 'quality guarantee' label in the industry, and we can't let it be ruined by a single movie like 'Tiny Times'."

Have you considered what would happen if, in the future, when we compete with other companies for projects, they said, "You even invested in 'Tiny Times'?" How would we respond? This would become a stain on the company's reputation and affect its long-term development.

Zhong Lifang fell silent. She knew Zhang Chen had a point, but she was still somewhat unwilling. "So... are we just going to watch this piece of the cake be taken away by someone else?"

Zhang Chen smiled slightly. "Of course not. We need to make money, but we have to do it in a different way."

He paused, then stated his idea: "Find an agent."

"Enlight Media?" Zhong Lifang was somewhat surprised, but immediately understood: "The same as with 'Mysterious Island'?"

“Yes.” Zhang Chen nodded.

"But won't the light source have a problem if we keep doing this?"

"What opinions could they possibly have? Don't think we're harming him; we're actually helping him. Don't be fooled by Enlight Media's current reputation in the film industry; their foundation is actually unstable."

For a long time, Enlight Media's film business relied on distributing Hong Kong films, and later on on investment, without having its own production team.

They kept saying they wanted to film "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "The Manchurian Express," but they never actually made either one.

They also said they would sign 100 new artists and train 20 producers, but all that talk was no action.

To put it bluntly, they simply don't have the production capability.

For Enlight Media at this stage, making money is more important than anything else. In the film industry, out of so many projects launched each year, how many actually make money?
It's less than 10%.

As for us, both "Far Cry" and "Tiny Times" are guaranteed money projects. If we work with them, they can only smirk. If you don't believe me, spread the word that we have guaranteed money projects, but we need someone to take the blame for us. See if Bona and Ma Huateng will immediately flock to us..."

Zhong Lifang had completely grasped Zhang Chen's meaning at this point. To put it bluntly, what Guangxian should be considering now is development and profitability; everything else is secondary.

Just like Andy Lau back in the day.

Andy Lau's first film as the male lead was called "Boat People," and the original lead actor was Chow Yun-fat.

However, Chow Yun-fat considered that the film would be shot in mainland China and was afraid of harming the Taiwanese market, so he voluntarily withdrew from the role and recommended Andy Lau instead.

Andy Lau was still ungrateful and went to question Chow Yun-fat: "Your market is a market, but isn't mine a market too?"

Chow Yun-fat retorted directly, "Who do you think you are? You have absolutely no market value now!"

"So how do I do it?"

"Like 'Far Cry,' we are a co-investor and hold a share of the profits from the box office, so we don't have to bear the main risk of negative word-of-mouth."

The reason Zhang Chen repeatedly brought Guangming along was actually because he had a desire to support him.

In two years, the internet will make a major intrusion into the entertainment industry.

Giants like Ali and Tencent will make a high-profile entry with their capital and distribution channels, which will definitely impact traditional film and television companies.

As a leading traditional film and television company, Star Entertainment is bound to clash with these internet invaders; there is no possibility of peaceful coexistence.

Because the nature of the internet is disruption and disregard for existing rules, they will definitely eliminate the existing leaders and then create their own rules.

Therefore, Star Entertainment needs allies. Wang Changtian is a good person, and Enlight Media would be a very reliable partner.

In Zhang Chen's view, what Enlight Media lacks now is practical experience. Although the reputation of "Tiny Times" may be average, it can help them quickly accumulate experience in film and television operation and build their own production team.

When internet giants enter the market, Enlight Media will become an ally, rather than an opponent that can be easily eliminated.

Zhang Chen is helping them now, which is also paving the way for his own future.

He explained his thoughts, and Zhong Lifang's eyes gradually brightened after listening. "Director Zhang, you really think things through! I only saw the immediate benefits before, I didn't realize there were so many other aspects involved. Shall I contact Enlight Media now?"

"Don't worry."

Zhang Chen stopped her, "Go and contact Guo Xiaosi first, find out their cooperation terms, and also let us know a little about our ideas."

Then we talked to Wang Changtian of Enlight Media, saying that we had a good project and were willing to cooperate with them, letting them take the lead while we provided assistance.

Remember, adopt a humble stance, but don't concede on core interests.

"understand!"

Zhong Lifang stood up, picked up the documents on the coffee table, and said, "I'll get on with it now. By the way, what should I say if Guo Xiaosi asks why we don't do it ourselves?"

Zhang Chen thought for a moment and said, "Let's say that we're currently preparing several big productions and have limited energy. We feel that Enlight Media has more experience in youth-themed films, so we're willing to cooperate with them. This will give Enlight Media face and won't arouse Guo Xiaosi's suspicion."

Zhong Lifang nodded, "Okay! I'll go arrange it right away."

After saying that, she quickly walked out of the office in her high heels.

Zhang Chen watched her retreating figure, picked up the novel "Tiny Times" from the table, and flipped through a few more pages.

Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the pages of the book. Behind the bright and beautiful words lay surging market trends and hidden industry crises.

He took out his phone and sent a message to Nazha, his assistant: "Check the recent investment trends of Ali and Tencent in the film and television industry and give me a report as soon as possible."

(End of this chapter)