New Age Artists

Chapter 617: Sinking!

Operation codename: Sink!

Commissioner Smith had a keen eye and brought together talents from all walks of life.

Real talent!
People who know nothing and only know how to win, win, win cannot enter this circle. These people have practical experience.

There was a stern look in Commissioner Smith's eyes, and he was determined to make Shen Santong suffer before leaving.

"This operation can be summarized as a four-step strangulation chain."

"First, the public opinion was ignited, causing public outrage over Shen Santong's personal scandal; second, the industry was besieged, achieving resource boycotts and weakening his business foundation; third, professional denials and word-of-mouth criticism were carried out to undermine the audience's trust."

"The key is the fourth step. The first three steps are to get the official intervention of the University of Tokyo and suppress it through policies, which will directly kill the living space."

"The ultimate goal is to portray Shen Santong as an industry cancer that is 'unworthy of its position and monopolizes the market', forcing it to fall into a passive situation of proving its innocence, or even withdraw from the core competitive circle."

Some people questioned this: "Shen Santong plays such an important role in the film industry. Similar attacks have occurred many times before. How can he guarantee success this time?"

Commissioner Smith looked at Lao Hu.

Lao Hu said: "The past is the past, and the present is the present. Now the contradiction is on the verge of breaking out. In the past, people argued about which way to go, but now the space for dispute is disappearing and it has turned into actual action."

"Shen Santong gradually confirmed that he was not one of us,"

Some people frowned, some looked thoughtful.

Lao Hu said: "The focus is on the fourth step, which is to tighten the policy. The first three steps are to give those who take action a reason and to have an explanation when they go to the meeting."

Commissioner Smith nodded. If he wanted to defeat Shen Santong, the key was not outside, but inside.

"We will then finalize the details of the operation to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

The editor-in-chief of Southern Weekly introduced the entertainment section he was responsible for.

Through entertainment reporters and self-media channels such as Tianya and Tieba, the details of Shen Santong's love affairs with several female stars were revealed, depicting the overlapping timelines and suspected resource transactions, implying that he "abused his power for personal gain" and "used unspoken rules to exploit newcomers."

The emphasis was placed on the "unequal power" relationship, emphasizing that the actress was a contracted artist for Santong Entertainment, leading the public to associate it with sexual harassment in the workplace.

Then let "insiders" come out to cooperate and spread the news that Yao Chen was banned for refusing the unspoken rules and lost the female lead in "The Disguiser", and Yang Yu got the opportunity because of this.

Commissioner Smith frowned, "There are too many scandals about him. Can Yao Chen come forward? Only when a specific person comes forward can the accusation be more powerful."

The editor-in-chief of Southern Weekly said: "I'm afraid not. I asked her and she only agreed at best."

Commissioner Smith added: "Give her a luxury goods endorsement, and guarantee her a good ranking in women's power selections such as BBC, Time, and New York Times. Can you come out?"

The editor-in-chief of Southern Weekly smiled bitterly: "It's difficult."

Commissioner Smith had no choice but to give up.

The editor-in-chief of Southern Weekly said: "After the insider broke the news, it is now an era of surging self-media. Public opinion is sensitive to celebrities' personal ethics issues. A little push can trigger the media to follow suit."

"Then let the 'intellectuals' and writers write articles and perform coordinated actions."

“For example, if one’s personal morals are corrupt, how can one produce a work that is socially responsible?”

"Is Santong Entertainment essentially Shen Santong's 'harem'?"

"They raised the issue of private life to the level of 'corruption of the industry's morals', and at the same time asked women's groups to hold up signs in protest, accusing Shen Santong of 'objectifying women' and 'contributing to the abnormal ecology of the entertainment industry'."

Lao Hu added: "It would be best if it was captured by foreign media by coincidence. If the New York Times or CNN reports on it, it would put international pressure on the issue and help promote the mainstreaming of moral criticism."

Commissioner Smith nodded. He had many ways to connect the inside and outside. "I'll make the arrangements."

The tall, thin, middle-aged man who contacted the industry's power, introduced the second part he was responsible for.

Win over the film academy and the Huayi faction.

Shen Santong has always "disdained artistic pursuits and only cared about market theory", which seriously threatened traditional film values. It is not difficult for him to be publicly criticized by the academic community.

Then join forces with Huayi and other companies to boycott Santong Entertainment projects, such as refusing to cooperate in scheduling films and actors refusing to perform.

Commissioner Smith asked hopefully, "Can Hua Yi come forward?"

The tall, thin middle-aged man said, "It's difficult, but I can give you a hint. If we can squeeze them at the policy level, Huayi might make a move."

Commissioner Smith didn't look very happy. To put it bluntly, he was willing to take advantage of someone's misfortune, but he was unwilling to be a strong attacker.

The tall and thin middle-aged man continued: "In order to incite the Hong Kong and Taiwan circles to take sides, Shen Santong himself is suspected of excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan artists, monopolizing mainland resources, and using this to intensify regional conflicts."

"He has offended many Hong Kong and Taiwan directors. Chen Kexin and Du Qifeng can speak out and accuse him of destroying the unity of the industry."

"Use the influence of Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment forces in the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong to expand public opinion pressure."

Deconstructing Shen Santong's professional capabilities and industry contributions, and introducing the third part he is responsible for.

First, question the value of the "box office myth".

There are two directions of speech.

"Santong Entertainment relies on ticket subsidies and capital operations to boost its box office, but its real reputation is worrying."

"Lost on Journey and Wolf Tooth are vulgar and too popcorn-filled, lowering the artistic standards of films."

Then they used coordinated actions and quoted anonymous theater data to imply that Santong Entertainment’s box office was inflated.

He mobilized film critics to criticize his works for "lack of depth" and "catering to the audience's low tastes."

At the same time, the image of an "industry monopolist" is exaggerated. The core purpose is to prove that Shen Santong suppressed diversity in the name of the market, leaving young directors with no room for survival.

Santong Entertainment controls the film schedule, hijacks the audience's choices, and undermines fair competition.

It is not difficult to find someone to accuse in this direction. Santong Entertainment has squeezed out many low-cost art films, intensified Shen Santong's domineering behavior, and created a tragic literary narrative.

Lao Hu is responsible for the fourth part: "Websites like People's Daily Online can be accessed by paying a little money, but they give people the feeling of being official."

“There are also some newspapers’ online platforms that exaggerate the policies and official channels that are exerting pressure.”

The key is to report under real name.

Report Santong Entertainment's illegal operations, report Santong Entertainment's "box office fraud" to the Radio, Film and Television Administration under real name, and question its "disorderly expansion."

Seize the key points of a movie, such as the vulgar jokes in a comedy or the personalized narrative in a youth film, and accuse the content of the film of violating mainstream ideas.

Bundled with issues of cultural security, Shen Santong's jumping around is, firstly, to cooperate with the cultural invasion of Hollywood, and secondly, to monopolize Santong Entertainment.

The market strategy of hyping up Santong Entertainment weakens the cultural subjectivity of domestic films and endangers the safety of the industry.

Lao Hu delivered a fatal blow: "You can contact Zuo and take it to the extreme, advocating that Shen Santong is a symbol of something, from business to cultural war, which will make the atmosphere tense."

Lao Hu knows very well where to draw the line.

The external environment is now pressing, but we will never sit idly by and watch it spread to society and public opinion.

Commissioner Smith said, "I'll arrange it."

Well, it's not just free narratives, they also have funding for stigmatization.

Commissioner Smith was very satisfied with Lao Hu, but he also had some doubts: "Santong Entertainment made a lot of efforts in the negotiations. Does this mean that he was doing it for personal gain?"

Lao Hu said: "It doesn't matter whether it's true or not. First, give them an excuse to intervene. It's best to directly attack Santong Entertainment's project progress."

Commissioner Smith was very satisfied. After four steps, Shen Santong would be seriously injured if not killed.

After all, it's the people of Todai who are really cruel to each other.

In addition, Commissioner Smith has a secret weapon, and Shen Santong has offended many people.

Beverly Manor. Shen Santong received a call from Cheng Long.

There are wrong names, but there are no wrong nicknames.

Cheng Long really acts like a "big brother" and is currently busy with the filming and post-production of the action film "The Chinese Zodiac", in which he directed and starred.

When Shen Santong was hacked in the United States, Cheng Long called him immediately and asked if he needed help, as he had some connections there.

There isn't much benefit involved, it's simply about helping each other when we're out and about.

Shen Sanyong couldn't do it, but he still accepted the favor.

Cheng Long said: "These foreigners bully the weak and fear the strong. The more we try to please them, the less they respect us. Only strength can earn respect."

In this regard, Shen Santong and Cheng Long have a lot in common. When the other participated in the show, he was also offended: "Yes, the interview with The Hollywood Reporter ended unpleasantly, but his attitude became better after appearing on The Late Late Show."

Cheng Long feels the same way and says, “When you go out, you must be confident.”

He paid close attention to Shen Santong's activities in Hollywood and watched his talk show first.

Shen Santong is very successful in the country, but it is still difficult for him to gain a foothold in Hollywood.

"Late Night Show" is not just a simple interview, it also includes a lot of interactions, musical creativity, and impromptu accompaniment. Shen Santong is eloquent and talented.

However, Shen Santong only showed off a little and performed a creative cover, but that was enough.

Ordinary people may not be able to feel it, but Cheng Long can grasp the subtleties.

It is natural to adapt to local customs and participate in programs to provide results, but it should never fall into the realm of trying to please others.

Some people may ask, "Is it really that serious? Why are you so sensitive?"

Cheng Long, who has experienced a lot, can say with certainty that this is the way to go.

Hollywood is a gladiatorial arena, and first impressions are very important. If you appear weak and vulnerable, you will be bitten and hunted immediately.

Shen San Tong is indeed powerful. He had Jia He's help and protection back then. He was at the peak of Hong Kong films, but he also suffered a lot. At most, he managed to remain neither humble nor arrogant. Unlike Shen San Tong, he could fight back.

The two sides talked about Oscar again and ended the call.

It was evening at Dongda University, and Cheng Long said to Zhang Lanxin, "Many people in China can breathe a sigh of relief."

Zhang Lanxin asked curiously: "Why?"

Cheng Long said as a matter of course: "Shen Santong has made it through in China. Generally speaking, at this point, he would seek to prove himself in Hollywood. His career focus has shifted, so many people will certainly breathe a sigh of relief."

When Shen Santong went to try on a dress, he did not choose a Tang suit, but a Western suit.

The trip to Hollywood ends with a look at what the Oscars are like, the standard of Citi's film art.

The basic goal has been achieved. There is no need to rush to cooperate with Warner. There will inevitably be a process of tug-of-war.

Moreover, the focus of Shen Santong's career, or should I say the core, is still in the country.

At most, he would work on one or two projects in Hollywood and had no intention of going deeper.

Going deep into the United States is like digging a hole for yourself, and a deep hole at that. The deeper you dig, the higher the sunk cost.

The future world cultural center will be located at Todai, and the trend has already emerged.

During the Spring Festival, the box office of "Lost on Journey 4" and "Zhao Zilong" both reached over 20 billion yuan, which shows that the audience has a sharp eye.

"Star Wars", the highest-grossing film in North America, had a box office of 9.35 million and was watched by 1.11 million people. The maximum number of viewers is 1/3 of the population of a country.

According to this standard, as cinemas are built in third-, fourth- and fifth-tier cities, as well as in rural towns, there should be 4 million moviegoers in Dongda.

With each ticket costing 45 yuan, the maximum box office should be 180 billion yuan.

Calculated in terms of equivalent purchasing power, one market is worth the sum of all other markets.

This is still a conservative estimate. Tokyo University has the advantages of unified culture and language identity, so the theoretical box office limit will be even higher.

The question is whether there will be good movies to satisfy the audience's appetite.

It’s not that the audience doesn’t like watching movies, it’s that they don’t like watching bad movies.

Later, "Nezha 2" shocked the world. However, objectively speaking, compared with the sixth-generation aircraft that cut through the sky, deepseek has piled up massive resources in the United States, and the strongest concept has penetrated the fundamentals in one blow, "Nezha 2" can only be said to reflect the normal level of the times.

The total annual box office of movies should be between 150 billion and 200 billion, but the film industry is too weak to produce good movies.

There was even a saying that "Nezha 2" sucked away the market.

This is simply hilarious. In 2025, it's not twenty years ago. Everyone has money in their pockets and it's the New Year. People would watch not just one movie, but ten.

In fact, in the eyes of passers-by, real passers-by, the movie is equivalent to a cesspool after several rounds of bombing.

It should be said that the reputation of the circle has dragged down "Nezha 2".

It can be seen from the trend of the Spring Festival that the box office explosion of "Nezha 2" has a reaction process, which shows that the audience does not believe in film reviews, box office performance, or theaters.

Only trust genuine people.

When it is confirmed that "Nezha 2" is not a marketing trick, nor is it "Detective Chinatown 3", but a truly good show, people will swarm in like the sea monsters in the movie and lift up little Nezha.

Yes, "Nezha 2" is just a decent movie, but it is enough.

Don't demolish houses during the Mid-Autumn Festival, don't find comedy in earthquakes, don't break up couples, don't hold funerals during the National Day, don't disgust people during the Spring Festival, don't let treacherous ministers recite the words of loyal ministers, don't let saints be sucked dry, don't squint your eyes
enough!
The audience has had enough.

It wasn't "Nezha 2" that sucked away the market, but it was the movie that lifted the market. Without Nezha, ordinary audiences wouldn't bother to pay attention to the film industry.

The "cold start" phenomenon was particularly obvious after "Nezha 2".

What some people thought, that bad movies could be given a new lease of life, did not happen. Bad movies still did not sell at the box office and no one cared.

The audience will only pay attention when the show is really good.

There was no sound at all before, but after it was confirmed to be a good movie, a group of people went to see it. After watching it, it became "silent". Then when they encountered another good movie, it appeared again.

This is called a "cold start".

No one cares about marketing, film reviews, etc. They will only take a look at good movies.

This phenomenon is caused by the fact that the audience no longer has any filters for movies and the film industry.

The audience of Dongda University is not the audience of Citibank. The audience of Citibank has every aspect of life calculated and must maintain a decent state. The audience of Dongda University is not spoiled at all. There are many ways to entertain, and no one stipulates what must be done.

The film circle has become the television circle and the fan circle. Apart from a fixed group, no matter how exciting it is inside, passers-by don’t care.

No matter how good the marketing is, passers-by will treat it as crazy.

Only real offline word-of-mouth can attract potential audiences.

A movie that relies on the support of the public, a nationwide unified release model, and the many advantages of common recognition and language, has forced itself into a small circle. It can only be said that it is unique.

The situation is very good now. With the stimulation from Hollywood outside and from Sandong Entertainment inside, the entire industry will gradually rise to its due level.

Shen Santong will not pick up sesame seeds and lose watermelons, and he has no intention of getting involved in grudges in Hollywood.

He will participate in every aspect of the development of the Dongda film market.

Therefore, Shen Santong has chartered an Airbus and will return to China after attending the Oscars. There is nothing to be nostalgic about.

However, an emergency call came from the country. The public opinion against Shen Santong, which had initially elevated him and then denigrated him as a sinner, did not dissipate. Instead, it changed from general attacks to precise attacks, with the rhythm and techniques much higher, and efforts were exerted in many aspects at the same time.

Shen Santong returned home early.

(End of this chapter)