Chinese entertainment, from radio love songs to superstars

Chapter 152: Using Girlfriend to Make a Bet

Chen Yaochuan wanted to increase the publicity efforts, but was rejected by the top management of Xinsuo Records.

They felt that since Shen Lang would not sign the contract, there was no need to waste resources on such matters.

This made him very disappointed with the company, and all he cared about was profit.

People must rely on themselves.

Shen Lang has Julang Film and Television, which directly started overseas promotion.

After nearly a year of development, they have begun to gain the ability to promote and market.

The song "Hall of Fame" with the name "Shen Lang" gradually became famous overseas.

Seeing this situation, domestic media and music critics all came out.

Previously, people were not optimistic about Shen Lang's impact on the overseas market, but now that he has succeeded, he will naturally take advantage of this wave of popularity.

In this day and age, English songs are considered high-end.

It is unprecedented that a Chinese singer has defeated English singers with English songs overseas in Europe and the United States.

This is beyond praise.

"Time" magazine also found Shen Lang, and the editor-in-chief of the Asia editorial department came personally to conduct an interview.

This means that he will be the cover character of the new issue.

Time magazine was founded in 1923. Its emergence opened a new window for the rapidly growing international readership, a window to understand news around the world.

Since it is a worldwide news window, the people or news that appear in this magazine can almost always have an impact beyond the national scope, and some can even have varying degrees of impact on the global scale.

Being on the cover of a weekly magazine means that this person is shining brightly on the international stage.

In short, it's really awesome.

On January 1996, 1, Gong Li became the first Chinese artist to appear on the cover of Time magazine. At that time, she was still Chinese, and it can be said that she brought honor to the Chinese entertainment industry.

There was also Wang Jingfei in the same year.

Later, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat and Shu Qi all appeared on the cover of the Asian edition.

This year, there are more. At the beginning of the year, with the release of Zhang Yimou's movie "Hero", the four leading actors, Jet Li, Liang Chaowei, Zhang Manyu and Zhang Ziyi, became the cover characters.

At the end of April, Zhang Huimei was selected by the Asian edition as one of the 2002 most influential people in Asia in and appeared on the cover.

In May, Shen Lang arrived. Thanks to the World Cup, he was going to be on the global version.

"You are the calmest Asian star I have ever interviewed. The others are all more or less nervous."

"It's not that I'm not nervous, it's that I'm used to being nervous."

This answer confused the editor, but in order not to expose that he did not understand, he continued with the next question: "Do you like music very much?"

“Music is an integral part of my life, but it is not everything.”

"If you weren't a singer, what would you choose to be?"

"No, now that I am in office, I will try my best to do my best. My life motto is 'live in the present'."

……

After the entire interview, the editor felt that Shen Lang had very good psychological quality. He was neither humble nor arrogant, and he maintained his confidence and respect. He had the potential to be a "superstar".

He has also thought of the title for this issue’s cover: [Shen Lang, the image of China’s new era]

Shen Lang did not regard being on the cover of Time magazine as an honor, but as a way to increase exposure.

Indeed, being recognized by such world-class media means that his achievements have been affirmed by the world.

Of course, the road to superstardom is still long.

Shen Lang also needs to strike while the iron is hot, start the next phase of the plan, and continue to increase his overseas popularity.

At this time, all the major music companies took action together as if they had discussed it beforehand and extended an olive branch to him.

Some media reported that Universal Music has prepared a signing fee of 5000 million to sign Shen Lang.

To be honest, if it was when he first debuted, it would be a lie to say that Shen Lang was not tempted by the money.

But at this point, if you want to impress him with a mere 5000 million, you have to add at least a zero.

He declined these companies one by one and was determined to start his own business.

In addition to music companies, other companies are also contacting Shen Lang, and endorsements and advertisements are coming one after another.

First of all, the brands we have cooperated with before.

Products like Uni-President Green Tea and instant noodles, ZTE PHS, Mengniu yogurt, and Rejoice shampoo all require renewal.

Several large companies are wealthy, and even if the price increase is quite high, they won’t blink an eye and directly sign the endorsement for one to two years.

As for Wanyan VCD, the first domestic brand to hire Shen Lang as its spokesperson, it has already gone into decline due to its failure to pay attention to patents and market trends. Not to mention hiring a spokesperson, it even has no money to make products.

Next are some new brands.

Heilan Group established its own brand "Hailan Home" this year, which mainly adopts a chain retail model to sell men's clothing, accessories and related products, and now continues to have a brand spokesperson.

Shen Lang meets their requirements very well in terms of both image and influence.

In the end, the cooperation was reached with an endorsement fee of 3000 million yuan over three years.

Pepsi also got involved. Previously, Shen Lang composed the advertising song "Dragon Fist" for Coca-Cola, which suppressed them in the mainland market for a long time. This time, it took the initiative and no longer gave Coca-Cola any chance.

In the 2001s, Pepsi entered the Asian market and the first spokesperson invited was Zhang Guorong. In the s, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok and Wang Jingfei took over. Over the past decade, Pepsi's sales market in Asia has developed rapidly and achieved amazing sales results. Therefore, after entering the millennium, Pepsi started a high-density endorsement strategy of cooperating with Chinese superstars. In , it was Kelly Chen and Chen Guanxi.

This year, they signed Shen Lang for one year with an endorsement + advertising song fee of 1200 million.

There are also six other brands: Fiyta watches, China toothpaste, Liby laundry detergent, Midea refrigerators, Nikon cameras, and Yanjing Beer, but they all take the affordable route and asked Shen Lang to shoot their commercials.

In just these few short days, Shen Lang has received nearly 100 million yuan in endorsement fees and advertising fees.

"Alas, I tried my best. Those people above me only have that much potential."

"Mr. Chen, there's no need to be angry about this. We all know what's going on. We just want what we need."

Shen Lang spoke frankly.

Chen Yaochuan understood, but he just felt that after creating so much revenue for Xinsuo Records, they didn't even do him this favor. In a word, he was "disappointed".

Shen Lang said directly: "Mr. Chen, given our relationship, I won't go around in circles. I have already registered a music company. If you are unhappy there, you are always welcome here. The treatment and benefits will definitely not be worse than what you have now."

Chen Yaochuan smiled. He had expected this to happen. He said, "Okay, let me think about it. Anyway, your contract will not expire for more than four months. I will give you an answer then."

Shen Lang nodded. He did not make any big promises. There was no need to do so because Chen Yaochuan knew his abilities, strengths, and character.

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The filming progress of "The Golden Age" is similar to the original plan.

In May, the crew finished filming in Huairou and came to Tianjin, which was the location of the wealthy family’s golden residence.

A real-life Prime Minister's Office from the Beiyang warlord period was built, and its decoration is magnificent.

Walking into this western-style villa, you will see a large reception room and leisure area, where singing parties and dances are held. There are two winding staircases and a giant crystal chandelier on the ceiling, giving the impression of a wealthy family.

Shen Lang's performance is the best among all the young actors. With his self-confidence and the director's constant guidance, he grasped Jin Yanxi's delicate, conceited and arrogant characteristics from appearance to temperament.

On that day, when filming the scene where Jin Yanxi falls in love with Leng Qingqiu at first sight, Shen Lang's performance was perfect.

This suave young man from a wealthy family was driving around on the street and entered an alley. He saw an innocent girl with two pigtails. The rice paper in the girl's hand was blown to the ground by the wind. When he stopped the car to help pick up the paper, he saw her innocent and beautiful appearance and was shocked.

At this moment, Shen Lang suppressed the pounding of his heart, his lips slightly parted, his eyes revealing the intense emotions surging in his heart.

The entire performance was completed in silence, but it revealed the subtle inner thoughts of the characters in great detail.

"Honestly, after filming for so long, why do I feel that Brother Lang is playing Jin Yanxi in his true colors?"

"You are talking nonsense. Brother Lang is a pure warm-hearted man, while Jin Yanxi is a complete scumbag."

"But then again, Brother Lang is handsome, talented, has a good personality and good character. I'm a woman and I like him too."

Shen Lang's acting skills were recognized by the entire group.

His close relationship with the beautiful women in the crew was also seen by everyone.

What can I say, only envy.

"Brother Lang, try this, my mother cooked it."

At lunch time, Liu Xiaoli, who dotes on her daughter, came to the crew with some loving soup.

Liu Yifei took it and went to find Shen Lang, pouring him a full bowl.

Liu Xiaoli gritted her teeth as she watched. But she had seen Shen Lang's care and help for Liu Yifei over the past month.

It was just a soup, I just drank it without saying anything.

At the same time, Liu Xiaoli also began to consider what her daughter said and whether to join Julang Film and Television.

Chen Feifei is rich, but success in the entertainment industry does not depend solely on money; what is important is resources and ability.

One good movie is worth ten bad ones.

Since its establishment, Shen Lang's company has produced two hit TV series that were among the top three in the year, "Love Across Time and Space" and "The Sky of Eighteen Years Old". In addition, the completed "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" and the currently filmed "The Story of a Noble Family" are also annual blockbusters. Shen Lang's strength is obvious to all.

The key is that they are very good to artists. This is what Liu Xiaoli learned from Gao Yuanyuan, Chen Zihan and Zhang Songwen.

As she was thinking about it, she looked at Shen Lang who was talking and laughing with her daughter, and felt a little moved.

She planned to have a chat and if it was really suitable for her daughter, she would join.

Work started in the afternoon, mainly filming Liu Yifei's scenes.

The first scene is that Bai Xiuzhu pursues Jin Yanxi, but Jin Yanxi ignores Bai Xiuzhu. Bai Xiuzhu drinks and cries.

At first, Liu Yifei couldn't shed tears.

"Relax and put yourself into Bai Xiuzhu's mood." Shen Lang asked her to relax.

"Yeah." Slowly, Liu Yifei understood, and when she continued filming, her tears began to flow.

There is also a highlight scene in which Bai Xiuzhu persuades Jin Yanxi to study abroad with her. Even if they don't get married, she will feel very happy as long as Yanxi is by her side.

This scene requires the character to have tears in his eyes but not let them fall when he speaks the lines. This is a very high acting skill requirement for ordinary professional actors.

During the actual filming, Liu Yifei was seen speaking the lines with great emotion. Her eyes slowly became moist and gradually filled her entire eye sockets, but she held back her emotions and captured the character's emotions very accurately.

The whole scene was filmed very smoothly and everyone on the scene applauded.

"It's Brother Lang who taught me well." Liu Yifei was not proud or complacent, but attributed all the credit to Shen Lang.

"Real good actors are not taught. To learn well, first, one must be excellent in oneself." Shen Lang paused for a moment, looked at her with a mischievous smile, and said, "Second, the teacher must also be excellent."

"Hehe." Liu Yifei was amused and said, "I have good news for you. I was admitted to Beijing Film Academy."

"Then congratulations." Shen Lang said with a smile.

The little girl is quite interesting.

Her mother is more interesting.

Come see him after work in the evening.

"It may be rude to ask, but I hope you can understand my love for my daughter as a mother."

"Auntie, feel free to ask me. I will tell you everything I can."

Liu Xiaoli felt relieved after hearing this and said, "If Xixi joins your company, I want to know your plans for her future development in the entertainment industry."

Shen Lang was quite moved when he saw this woman who had given everything for her daughter, but he did not answer her. Instead, he asked, "What are your plans for Xixi's future development in the entertainment industry?"

Liu Xiaoli said very frankly: "I don't have a specific plan yet."

Shen Lang held his chin with his right hand, thought for a moment, and said: "Under the bright starlight, every actor dreams of becoming the focus of the stage and the star on the screen. However, this is not an easy road."

"An actor's career is a marathon, not a sprint. New actors often rush into the industry with a passion for performing arts and a desire for fame and fortune. However, without a solid foundation, even the brightest meteor will only be a flash in the pan."

"So actors need to find a balance between passion and reason, constantly improve themselves, and at the same time have the patience and perseverance to deal with the ups and downs in their careers. Only in this way can they go further and shine more brilliantly."

First, confuse her with some profound truths.

Liu Xiaoli graduated from Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater and worked as a dancer. She strongly agreed with Shen Lang's words.

Shen Lang noticed the change in her expression and continued, "You don't have to worry about our company's resources. Look at how Gao Yuanyuan has played the leading female role in five consecutive dramas since she joined. I even wrote a song for her."

Good man, using his girlfriend to make trouble.

When Liu Xiaoli heard this, she suddenly said, "She is your rumored girlfriend."

Shen Lang's eyelids twitched, then he smiled and said, "You also said it was a 'rumor'. If she wasn't talented, she wouldn't be a rumored girlfriend, let alone a wife. No amount of resources would be enough to support her."

The words were rough but the truth was there. Liu Xiaoli's impression of him changed greatly. After thinking for a while, she said, "Then, how many years do you want to sign with Xixi?"

Shen Lang raised his right hand, stretched out five fingers, and said, "Five years onwards."

Those who can make money all sign contracts for five years or more, including Huang Bo and Wang Baoqiang.

Liu Xiaoli pursed her lips and said, "I'll go back and discuss this with Xixi."

Shen Lang nodded and walked her out of the room. Judging from the situation, the matter was half done.

The next day, the sun was shining brightly with a gentle breeze.

During the break in filming, Gao Yuanyuan found Shen Lang slyly and whispered, "Xixi just told me that Aunt Liu talked to her last night and agreed to let her join our company, but she wants to leave you alone first to make you anxious."

Shen Lang smiled, this mother and daughter.

Actually, he didn't force it.

Liu Yifei is indeed an expert at making money in the entertainment industry, but Julang Film and Television cannot do without her.

Since we can’t sign the contract, we can just cooperate normally and find him to film when we are needed.

Besides, there are so many places where you can make money. If you can’t dig at this one, just dig at the next one.

He said, "Did she tell you all this?"

Gao Yuanyuan smiled and said, "I am her best friend now. These are her secret words in the boudoir."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lang's eyes became strange.

This is not a best friend.

This is stacking buffs.

Gao Yuanyuan didn't care about Liu Yifei. After all, she was only 15 years old. In comparison, young women were more attractive than young girls.

Liu Xiaoli?
It’s impossible even if I’m over 40 years old.

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"Good news." Du Ting disappeared and reappeared, always accompanied by good news. She said to Shen Lang with a smile on her face: "Didn't you ask me to find out if there are any music companies that want to sell?"

Shen Lang’s music company “Jingtao Music” is currently only registered.

If you want to get into operations quickly, the most efficient way is to acquire a music company and just hire the people.

This was the advice Chen Yaochuan gave him.

"found it?"

"Yes, in Yanjing, there is a music company that is in a big crisis and on the verge of bankruptcy. Its name is 'Red Star Production Company', and I know their boss."

Red Star Production Company, a long-standing name, a legendary music label.

At the end of the last century, many talented people emerged in the Chinese music scene.

First, senior singer Deng Lijun brought Chinese pop songs to the international stage.

Later, there were Hui Koon-jie, Danny Chan, Lee Chung-shing, Luo Dayou, Alan Tam, and Cheung Kwok-wing... who successively expanded the territory.

Hong Kong and Taiwan music entered its heyday.

At that time, the Rolling Stones and Flying Saucers in Formosa Province were in a love-hate relationship with each other, creating the legend of "There are Rolling Stones on the earth and Flying Saucers in the sky".

In Hong Kong, PolyGram, Huaxing and Warner were the three major players, and Cantonese pop culture reached its peak.

At this time, most of the pop music in mainland China was still dependent on Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In the 90s, there was a young man named Chen Jiantian. He discovered the famous Beyond and signed the Yanjing girl Wang Jingfei, becoming one of the best music managers in Hong Kong.

Just when he was doing well in Hong Kong, he made a bold statement, "I want to be the best brand of original pop music in mainland China," and came to the mainland with full of enthusiasm.

Soon after, a company dedicated to discovering original music was established in Yanjing, named Red Star Production Society, which means the rising red star of China.

It has signed Black Panther, Zheng Jun, Tian Zhen, Xiao Ke, Xu Wei, Paradise Band, Cobra Band... and has become a very influential record company in the mainland Chinese music scene.

But due to rampant piracy, limited funding and imperfect contracts, the once glorious star fell into chaos.

Then PolyGram poached Red Star's top artist Zheng Jun, and Tian Zhen, Xu Wei, Xiao Ke and others also left one after another, and Red Star went completely downhill.

Chen Jiantian became disheartened and thought about retiring.

(End of this chapter)