1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

Seeing that everyone was very excited, Old Wu waved his hand to signal everyone to be quiet and said:
"Everyone, please don't get excited. The main reason why China Film Group is experiencing such problems is that it lacks independent innovation."

The reason I've called everyone here is to work together to find a solution to this problem.

The meeting room fell silent, and all eyes were on Liao Gong.

Liao put down his teacup and said in a calm tone, "Film earnings are an important part of our cultural reform and opening up."

China Film Group's problems have been going on for a long time, and trying to turn things around completely all at once might be too hasty and reckless.

Therefore, after conducting research in the lake, we decided to establish an experimental field.

He paused and continued:
"In this experimental field, we allow pilot units to independently source and produce films, take responsibility for overseas distribution, and directly contact and cooperate with overseas film companies."

Simply put, it means giving this experimental field more autonomy, allowing it to operate freely.

Old Wu nodded in agreement and said, "Let's set up a testing ground and see how it goes. If it succeeds, we'll then extend it to China Film Group and all the film studios under your command!"

"If we fail, it's okay. A small boat is easy to turn around, and we can learn from the experience and correct our course in time!"

"That's wonderful!" Wang Yang said excitedly. "Mr. Liao and Mr. Wu, what you said really resonated with us!"

"In that case, as long as we are given autonomy, our Yanying Film Studio guarantees that we will earn at least ten million US dollars for the country every year!"

Xu Sangchu chimed in, "Our Shanghai Film Studio can do it too! As long as we're given more authority, we'll definitely do better than China Film Group."

Liao Gong smiled and nodded: "It's a good thing that everyone has confidence."

"However, the pilot units for the experimental field and its operating model still need to be discussed together."

Mr. Wu nodded and then added, "Should we choose a film studio as a pilot, or establish a new organization? Should it operate as a public institution or as a business? Everyone is welcome to speak freely, or you can volunteer!"

After these words were spoken, the meeting room fell silent again.

Everyone is wondering which institution should be chosen as the pilot unit.

Wang Yang of Yan Film Studio was extremely anxious. This seemed different from the previous conversation between the old leader and Cheng Xuemin.

Moreover, for such an important meeting today, Hai Zili did not invite Cheng Xuemin to attend.

If Cheng Xuemin were to stand here, which of us here would dare to compete with Yan Film Studio and Cheng Xuemin for this experimental field?

After all, Cheng Xuemin's foreign exchange earnings at Bolin this time are evident to all!

Xu Sangchu was also making plans in his mind!

Their Shanghai Film Studio has funds and talent. If they can get the pilot qualification and poach Cheng Xuemin, they will definitely be able to take the lead in film foreign exchange earnings.

The heads of other film studios also had their own ideas, and the meeting room fell silent.

Because they don't have the same confidence as Wang Yang from Yanying Film Studio or Xu Sangchu from Shanghai Film Studio.

After all, one of these companies earned over 20 million US dollars in foreign exchange earnings for the country because of Cheng Xuemin, so Wang Yang dared to boast and guarantee 10 million US dollars in foreign exchange to the higher authorities. For Cheng Xuemin of their Yan Film Studio, that was simply a piece of cake.

As for Xu Sangchu of the Shanghai Film Studio, he dared to make such a guarantee because he had been abroad!
They took their work to the Bolin International Stage, and although they didn't achieve any significant results, they gained valuable experience!

I heard they're even considering paying a high price to poach Cheng Xuemin from Shanghai; if that works out, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.

But what about their other film studios?
They had absolutely no idea what the situation was like outside.

Therefore, they weren't entirely confident in vying for this experimental field.

Unless you can pack it up!
If we were to poach Comrade Cheng Xuemin, a master of foreign exchange earnings, along with others, any of them would dare to compete for the position!
But is that even possible?
Sure enough, not long after, Old Wu spoke up, essentially making the decision: "After research in Haizi, we have tentatively decided to set aside a department from Yanying Studio to establish a new film distribution company, responsible for the operation of the experimental field."

The company adopts corporate management, operates autonomously, and assumes full responsibility for its profits and losses. Comrade Cheng Xuemin is fully responsible for overseeing the company's daily operations.

……

After the discussion ended, Wang Yang from Yan Film Studio got up to leave, but was stopped by Old Wu, who gestured for him to stay and talk to him alone.

Wang Yang's heart skipped a beat, feeling both nervous and curious, wondering what Old Wu wanted to tell him in private.

With a mix of trepidation and excitement, I followed Mr. Wu into the small conference room next door.

After sitting down, Old Wu looked at Wang Yang with a kind expression and slowly said, "Old Wang, as you have seen at today's discussion, everyone attaches great importance to the issue of film revenue generation."

Hai Zili is very determined to reform the film industry. After research, it has been initially decided to designate a pilot area at your Yanying Film Studio.

Upon hearing this, the old factory director, Wang Yang, immediately perked up and asked, "Old Wu, how exactly will this experimental field be set up?"

Mr. Wu patiently explained the preliminary plan to Wang Yang in detail, including Cheng Xuemin's overall responsibility for presiding over the daily work of the newly established film distribution company, as well as the company's operating model and scope of authority.

Wang Yang became more and more excited as he listened. This was undoubtedly a huge opportunity for Yan Film Studio, and Cheng Xuemin was a key figure in it.

As soon as the conversation ended, Wang Yang rushed back to Yan Film Studio, eager to tell Cheng Xuemin the good news.

He knew that this news was equally significant for Cheng Xuemin.

As soon as Wang Yang entered Xuemin's office, he excitedly said, "Xuemin, this is great news, incredibly great news!"

Cheng Xuemin, who had been waiting, was startled upon hearing this and quickly stood up to ask, "Old Factory Director, is there a result?"

Wang Yang took a sip of water to calm himself down, and then said:

"Yes, Hai Zili wants to set aside a testing ground in our Yanying Film Studio to establish a new film distribution company, with you in charge of all daily operations."

From now on, you can source your own material and film whatever you want. You're also allowed to independently assemble your own film crew and creative team. Once completed, you can apply for overseas distribution, but domestic distribution rights will still belong to China Film Group Corporation.

Cheng Xuemin's eyes lit up; this meant he would have immense creative freedom and autonomy.

But he also knew that the responsibility behind this was equally heavy.

Former factory director Wang Yang continued, "Fortunately, the money from selling the film copies from China Film Group doesn't have to be handed over to the Ministry like our factory did; we can give it all to you."

However, the ministry will no longer allocate additional funds, meaning it will be responsible for its own profits and losses internally.

The foreign exchange (US dollars) earned overseas will be converted into cash for you at a certain exchange rate.

Furthermore, the government allocates a quota of three films per year, and also allows you to co-produce with overseas entities; co-productions are not subject to this three-film quota.

After hearing this, Cheng Xuemin frowned slightly, then smiled and said, "Isn't a quota of three films per year a bit too little? I think with our capabilities, we can do more."

Wang Yang laughed and scolded, "Don't be so greedy, kid. Given your current situation, being penniless, it's already a miracle that you can produce three movies in a year."

Cheng Xuemin also retorted with a smile, "Old factory director, you know that was before I was exerting my full strength. Once I really exert myself, I'm even afraid of myself when I get fast."

Wang Yang shook his head with a smile, and said with a laugh, "Stop bragging. Get these three quotas sorted first. If that's not enough, we can apply for more later."

Then, somewhat reluctantly, Wang Yang emphasized again: "Films distributed overseas must be these three quota films. They cannot secretly distribute other films for other production companies."

Cheng Xuemin didn't care about this; he was focused on his own creation and development.

But Wang Yang was a little disappointed. He had originally hoped to use Cheng Xuemin's connections to help Yan Film Studio distribute a few martial arts films overseas.

But unexpectedly, the higher-ups blocked this back door in advance!
Just as Wang Yang and Cheng Xuemin were discussing the specifics of the experimental field, the phone in Wang Yang's office suddenly rang.

Former factory director Wang Yang quickly went up to answer the phone, his expression changing slightly. After hanging up, he said to Cheng Xuemin:

"I got another call from above. They want me to take you to the lake right now." Cheng Xuemin was taken aback. Why was he suddenly in such a rush? Before, they had completely ignored him and hadn't even let him participate in the discussion.

Upon arriving at the lake, Cheng Xuemin finally met Old Wu again.

Old Wu was very polite again, his eyes full of appreciation, and then they had a long chat.

During the conversation, Cheng Xuemin learned that his experimental field was of a very high level, actually at the deputy director-general level.

In other words, he, who was in charge of all aspects of the work, was promoted three levels!
He was shocked to suddenly become a deputy director-level official, just like his father-in-law.

Immediately, Cheng Xuemin also hurriedly said, "Old Wu, this burden is too heavy. I am just a young man who has just turned twenty. I really cannot bear it."

Old Wu smiled and nodded, saying, "It's precisely because the burden is heavy that we need experienced comrades to shoulder it. But looking at the film studios in China right now, when it comes to film revenue generation, who has as much experience as you, Xiao Cheng?"

Cheng Xuemin continued to shake his head, saying, "Old Wu, the organization has entrusted me with the responsibility of generating foreign exchange through film, and I will not shirk this responsibility!"

"But Mr. Wu, could you please ask the higher-ups to arrange for an experienced comrade to be stationed here to help me maintain order and keep things under control?"

"Otherwise, it would be very difficult for a young upstart like me to get the job done!"

Upon hearing this, Old Wu couldn't help but admire Cheng Xuemin's awareness and self-awareness, and said with a smile:

"You, Cheng, are really insightful. Most people would rather be free of constraints, but you're actively asking to be added to them."

Cheng Xuemin scratched his head sheepishly: "Old Wu, I really feel that I am too inexperienced and I am afraid that I will make a big mistake."

The old factory director, Wang Yang, was very interested in Cheng Xuemin's proposal.

He actually wanted to take on this aspect as well, since his previous collaboration with Cheng Xuemin had been very pleasant.

However, as the former director of Yanying Film Studio, he knew he had to avoid suspicion in this matter, otherwise it would be very difficult to maintain a balance between Yanying Film Studio and the experimental field.

Old Wu understood the reasoning behind it. He looked at Wang Yang and said, "Old Wang, it would have been perfect to have you go and keep things under control for Xiao Cheng!"

But as the former director of Yanying Film Studio, it's really not convenient for you to handle this matter. We still need to find a suitable veteran to keep things in order.”

Cheng Xuemin also took the opportunity to nod and said, "Old Wu, I think the old factory director and I worked together very well before. If he can take care of both, it will definitely be twice as effective."

However, I know the former factory director is very busy at Yanying Film Studio, so I will follow your arrangements.

Mr. Wu nodded: "Yes, we will look into this matter further."

"Xiao Cheng, don't worry. Since the higher-ups have entrusted you with such an important task, they believe you have the ability. If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to raise them."

Old Wu really thought highly of this young man, and he was able to remain calm in the face of both honor and disgrace, and to act with composure in both advancement and retreat!

No wonder the old boss praised this kid; he's practically a genius!

Even if Cheng Xuemin hadn't brought it up today, and they hadn't suggested adding some constraints to him, his superiors would still have done so anyway.

After all, this is no laughing matter, and young people need experienced comrades to help them steer the ship, otherwise they are prone to getting carried away.

Once it's gone, trying to bring it back down is incredibly difficult.

So now that Cheng Xuemin himself has taken the initiative to suggest adding some constraints to him, isn't that a sign of his cunning?

No wonder the old leader values ​​this kid so much.

Then he couldn't help but laugh again, "You, Xiao Cheng, really know how to behave better than those old hands. Since you brought it up, let's set up the framework for the experimental field first."

He paused, then changed the subject and asked, "But there's something I need to discuss with you. Should this experimental field be established as a branch of Yanying Factory, or should we set up a separate branch company affiliated with Yanying Factory?"
Also, you need to think about this name. We can't just keep calling it "Experimental Field" forever, can we?!

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xuemin immediately began to make plans in his mind.

Branch factories and branch companies may seem similar, but their autonomy differs greatly.

The branch factory was subject to the strict rules and regulations of the Yanying Factory, while the branch company, although affiliated, had more flexible corporate management, which perfectly met the requirements of independent operation.

On the other hand, in this era, a certain film studio seemed prestigious and high-class; people thought that any such studio was a legitimate organization.

But companies aren't popular these days. They sound like capitalist stuff, and their level is naturally much lower than that of a factory.

So Cheng Xuemin tentatively asked, "Mr. Wu, what do you think of the China Film Culture and Art Studio?"

If we're going to do this, we need to have the spirit of a great nation, so that foreigners can immediately tell it's a high-quality film produced by a major Chinese company!

"puff!"

Old Wu had just taken a sip of his old tea, but before he could even swallow it, Cheng Xuemin's action caused him to spit it out uncontrollably, making the enamel cup in his hand tremble.

He glared at Cheng Xuemin, laughing and cursing at the same time, "You really dare to think like that! You think you can just call a unit that starts with '中' (zhong)?"
That only counts if the lake (referring to a place in the ocean) approves; you're a million miles away from that level! Hurry up and find someone else, don't try to get involved with anything under the "Zhong" (中) banner!

Cheng Xuemin chuckled awkwardly, realizing it was indeed outrageous. He then added, "Then... Yanjing Film Culture and Art Studio? We're in Yanjing, and we're connected to Yanjing Film Studio, so it's quite suitable."

"Still no good." Old Wu shook his head again and said, "If you really can't manage, I'll have the secretariat get one for you!"

Mr. Wu shouldn't have gone to all that trouble; he could have just had the secretariat draft it and given it a name.

I had to be so rude and ask that kid what he was doing!

"I've got it! Old Wu will definitely be able to do it this time!" Cheng Xuemin thought to himself, "How can we let the secretariat come up with a solution?"

Then, on a sudden inspiration, he said, "Mr. Wu, what do you think... about the Oriental Culture and Art Film Studio?"

"The word 'Eastern' embodies our Eastern culture without being too ostentatious or trying to be associated with any high-ranking titles. What do you think?"

Old Wu took another sip of tea, his brows still furrowed, and said, "The words 'Dongfang' are alright, but the words 'production studio' are a bit too much."

You're just starting out, you don't even have a proper factory yet, calling yourself a film studio makes people feel uneasy.

"How about downgrading it another level and calling it the Oriental Culture and Art Film Production Branch, affiliated with Yanying Film Studio? That would be both legitimate and seem more secure."

"A branch factory?!" Cheng Xuemin had tried to avoid those two words from the very beginning, but he couldn't get around them no matter what he said!

But he could only nod and say, "That's fine too. Once we achieve results, we should be able to remove the word 'score' from it, right?"

"You sly fox... that's for sure! It all depends on your results!" Old Wu chuckled and scolded Cheng Xuemin, his smile never fading, and continued:

“Okay, it’s settled then. We’ll have the ministry issue a document later to hang up the sign for ‘Oriental Culture and Art Film Production Branch’.”

"Xiao Cheng, your responsibilities remain the same; you're still the factory director in charge of overall operations. A Party Secretary will be sent down to work with you, primarily responsible for ideological work, but you'll still be in charge of the business details."

Cheng Xuemin finally felt relieved and quickly thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Elder Wu. I will definitely work hard and live up to your and the trust placed in me!"

Emerging from the lake, the old factory director, Wang Yang, patted Cheng Xuemin on the shoulder, beaming from ear to ear:
"You little rascal, you've really hit the jackpot! From now on, I'll have to call you Director Cheng at the factory, right?!"

"No, no, old factory director, please don't tease me! It's all settled, from now on I'll still be your lowly soldier!"

"That's still Director Cheng, and a branch manager is still a factory manager!" Old factory manager Wang Yang was indeed happy.

Because no matter what the experimental field is called, it is actually a piece of land under their Yanying Factory. Although he, as the old factory director, has no right to interfere, it should be right for him to give some advice, right?
Besides, the achievements of this experimental field also owe a debt to their Yanying Film Studio, which is already very good for them!

……

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