Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 387 The industry is astonished; Director Tang has made the Korean side lose their minds?
The night breeze stirred the curtains.

Tang Wen lit a cigarette, and a red dot appeared intermittently on the balcony.

In a sense, Xie Genrong is also a talented person.

He just came to the wrong place. If he had been born in America, he might have caused an even bigger stir.

Over there, cheating and deception are normal business tactics.

Even a large company can be built solely on deception.

Tang Wen remembered an American woman named Elizabeth.

Like many well-known entrepreneurs, he dropped out of Stanford University to start his own business.

Claiming to have invented a core technology in the medical field, it can accurately perform gene testing with just a few drops of blood from a fingertip, and can detect hundreds of diseases.

This led to the creation of a biotechnology company.

It was later revealed that the so-called core technology was all a lie.

The test results are basically fabricated.

However, during its development phase, the company was favored by many American celebrities, and its total market value once reached 90 billion US dollars.

If Xie Genrong were in the United States, with his academic qualifications, he wouldn't be suited for high-tech fields, but he could work in real estate.

The US real estate market is currently booming.

If someone as talented as Xie Genrong joins the team, when the subprime mortgage crisis breaks out, the American real estate bubble will explode even more spectacularly...

laugh.

Extinguish the cigarette butt.

Tang Wen shook his head and chuckled: he had been in America for too long and had been corrupted by it.

Why think about these things for no reason?

It's dirty, it's dirty.

He returned to the bedroom, woke up the still-sleepy Da Meiyuan, and had her clean him from head to toe.

Da Meiyuan is very respectful. When she eats, she blinks her big eyes and looks at people with a dreamy gaze...

The problems with Xie Genrong's projects are not difficult to investigate.

He forged hundreds of contracts and needed to find many people to apply for bank loans.

Tang Wen recalled media reports after the case was closed, saying that all the employees in Xie Genrong's company, except for those who had purchased houses themselves, had done so.

We also need to ask relatives and friends for help.

In 2003, the general public lacked awareness of this issue.

They had no idea how much of an impact a problem would have on them, but out of consideration for relatives and friends, and with a little kickback, they helped as much as they could.

As for the upstream and downstream suppliers of the Donghua Jinzuo project, they have been owed payments for a long time.

However, this is common in real estate projects and did not raise any suspicion.

Zhao Cheng had carried out infiltration missions overseas; investigating this matter was like using a cannon to kill a mosquito.

Moreover, Tang Wen also approved a sum of cash for him.

Money paves the way, and nothing is ever unsuccessful.

He reported the specific situation daily and assigned personnel to monitor Xie Genrong's schedule.

China Film Group, management meeting.

Secretary Lin stated, "CJ Entertainment, a subsidiary of Samsung Group of South Korea, has submitted a cooperation application through official channels..."

Everyone perked up upon hearing this.

These kinds of international collaborative projects are likely to yield results regardless of the film's box office performance, as long as you participate.

Secretary Lin's voice rose slightly: "The Korean side wants to collaborate with Director Tang Wen. More precisely, they want to participate in Director Tang's latest project—'The Outlaws'."

Oh ~
That’s what it meant.

Director Tang is awesome!

Those who can enter this conference room all hold some status.

Being well-informed, he had naturally heard about the news that Tang Wen's drama was being held up by the censors.

That's a brilliant move.

If it becomes a co-production between the two countries, the nature of the film changes.

There will be more leeway in terms of review criteria.

After Secretary Lin finished explaining the situation, the man to President Han's left smiled and said:
"Director Tang always surprises people, and his influence is growing."

"Yes, the South Korean side is eager to cooperate."

"It seems there are no problems with the review process."

"..."

The method is simple.

But it's too difficult to do.

First, you need a company that can influence South Korea.

Secondly, the company must be strong enough.

If you randomly pick a small South Korean company, they probably won't even be able to get into the building of their own foreign affairs department.

Not to mention, they also had to use official channels to send letters.

The company that can complete this process must be a leading film and television company in the local area.

For example, the company in this case is CJ, which is controlled by Samsung.

So the question is coming?

They're already the local leaders, what makes you think you can influence them?
Besides, you didn't really want to cooperate with them.

The script was stuck, so they brought in an outside helper and used the name of a co-production to make the censorship rules a little more flexible.

"How much of a share did Director Tang give to CJ Korea?"

Tang Wen must have ceded a lot of profits to CJ Korea, right?
Only in this way can it make sense.

After all, Tang Wen's projects are guaranteed to be profitable, making them worthwhile for CJ Entertainment to invest heavily in.

As soon as the question was asked, Secretary Lin's face showed a strange expression. President Han spoke up himself:
"The first part has 5%, and a Korean actress was cast as a supporting actress. The distribution rights for the film in Korea were given to them."

5%?
Issuance rights?
Only one female supporting character?
This sentence has too many elements.

Everyone was momentarily stunned, unsure which one to suspect first.

Has CJ Korea lost its mind?

Would you really sign such an unequal contract?
"Distribute? Not sell them the copyright?" Some people focused on the key point first.

It's common knowledge that simply issuing [something] doesn't generate much profit.

The company responsible for distribution needs to invest some in promotional costs.

“No,” Secretary Lin explained.
"After Blue Star Entertainment sent me the email, I specifically called Director Tang to ask. He meant that the Japanese and Korean markets were considered when the Outlaws series was first created."

Therefore, the two countries are no longer simply selling copyrights, but are instead trying a distribution revenue-sharing model.

Inside the meeting room, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

Tang Wen's words sounded even more off.

It's like saying there's a gold mine in Japan and South Korea, and I've ordered a shovel to go there and hire locals to dig it up, and I'll take the lion's share after it's all dug up.

It sounds like something a madman would say.

The film market in a region or a country is limited.

Every country, especially developed countries, has its own film protection policies.

Why should Tang Wen be allowed to come in and take a bite?
Judging from past experience, the amount Tang Wen took will not be small.

Someone blurted out, "CJ is backed by Samsung, do you think they'd agree to this?"

"They've agreed."

Everyone fell silent.

Has Samsung lost its mind?

The meeting room was completely silent.

Everyone's eyes were filled with surprise.

South Korea's film industry is not bad; its domestic films are on the rise.

In the first half of this year, the total box office revenue in South Korea exceeded 4 million US dollars.

What I find most incomprehensible is that Tang Wen didn't give any concessions to CJ Entertainment; a 5% share is practically like giving alms to a beggar.

The other party actually agreed to such outrageous conditions.

Han Sanping looked at everyone and smiled: "You don't understand, and I don't understand either, but the facts are right in front of us. The invitation came from official South Korean channels. We've reviewed the cooperation agreement. As for how Tang Wen handled it, that's not important."

That's what it says.

But everyone was incredibly curious, like cats scratching their paws.

However, this is not the time to satisfy your curiosity.

It's a great project, everyone wants to participate, and they're all looking at President Han with eager eyes.

Cooperating with Tang Wen has always been rewarding and beneficial.

In the past, being in charge meant a comfortable life, high earnings, and could even become a stepping stone for future advancement. Who wouldn't want to go that way?
Wanting to go is one thing, but the prerequisite for going is to closely unite around the leader.

When filming in the country, it's no exaggeration to say that script review is of paramount importance.

The news spread after the meeting that day.

This attracted the attention of directors, screenwriters, and film company owners in the industry.

Without exception, they all wanted to know how Tang Wen had done it.

Putting everything else aside, the mere prospect of entering the South Korean film market and participating in box office revenue sharing is an immense temptation.

Last year, South Korea's film market ranked sixth in the world in terms of total box office revenue.

China's box office ranking is outside the top 10 globally.

On the set of Huayi Brothers' "Cellphone".

The two Wangs came to visit the set. That evening, a dinner was held, with senior executives of Huayi Brothers sitting around.

As they chatted, the topic of Tang Wen came up.

Young Master Wang looked at Li Bingbing: "Bingbing, have you been in contact with President Tang recently?"

The company boss asked the company's top female employee if she had any connections with other big names in the industry.

It sounds really strange.

It sounds like hammering.

However, Huayi Brothers doesn't have many female stars who can carry the torch right now. Li Bingbing is definitely the top star, and she's not afraid of being challenged.

I exchanged a glance with my sister and said frankly, "As for contacting him, I'm the one who has to keep chasing after him. I sent him eight hundred messages before he even called me back. It's so difficult!"

He said it was difficult, but his tone was relaxed.

Hearing this, Feng Xiaogang's wife, Xu Fan, looked up and said, "Not bad, Bingbing. There aren't many people in the industry who can get a call from Director Tang."

"Hey, consider this a reward for my efforts in maintaining the relationship," Li Bingbing said, not in high spirits.

She felt like a "simp" pursuing a girl, no, a "lovestruck fool."

Offering unconditional care and concern, even warming the bed, all in the hope that the other person will remember you.

"Mr. Wang, is there something you need?"

"It's nothing really. Director Tang Wen's new film, 'The Outlaws,' was originally stuck in the censorship process, but then the South Korean side took the initiative to come to us for cooperation."

Or is it through official channels?
Everyone in the industry is talking about it, some true, some false, and I'm quite curious.

Everyone here is shrewd, and Li Bingbing immediately understood.

This requires you to find out the specific information yourself.

"I'm curious too." She didn't agree immediately.

Feng Xiaogang spoke up: "I've also heard that Director Tang's new film can enter the South Korean market and earn US dollars. If our film can also be taken to South Korea, the total box office will at least double."

Li Bingbing is the lead actress in the film "Cellphone".

The box office revenue directly impacts her career trajectory.

She nodded in agreement and went out to call Tang Wen, but the call didn't go through.

Instead of continuing the harassment, they contacted Fan Bingbing.

Currently, there is no competition between the two.

The main reason is that Fan Bingbing rose too quickly.

She rose to fame overnight and became the Cannes Film Festival Best Actress.

It has risen to the top tier in China.

Li Bingbing, on the other hand, is still a second-tier player.

After the rumors spread, Fan Bingbing asked Tang Wen, casually extorted two large meals from him, and told him the details.

Li Bingbing returned to her room with a strange expression.

"Did you find out?"

Xu Fan poured her a cup of tea himself.

"Thank you, Sister Fan." Li Bingbing took the package and moistened her throat, then told the truth: "Xiao Fan said that Director Tang couldn't be contacted."

"How to say?"

"She said that Director Tang explained it very simply: CJ Entertainment is backed by the South Korean Samsung Group. And the majority of the shareholders of the South Korean Samsung Group are Americans. Tang Wen didn't go directly to Samsung; he went around in circles and went directly to Samsung's American shareholder, an investment bank."

After Li Bingbing finished speaking, he spread his hands.

The group looked at each other, speechless.

It's like asking how it affects "Nezha," and then someone tells you that "Nezha's" father is the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King is a subject of the Jade Emperor.

Therefore, we can simply have the Jade Emperor put pressure on the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King.

Feng Xiaogang tilted his head and thought of an analogy: "I get it. If you want to earn a million a year, just deposit a hundred million in the bank."

Li Bingbing explained, "The bank is called JP Morgan, the second largest bank in the United States. I heard that Director Tang has some connections there."

No one spoke at the table, seemingly unconvinced.

Li Bingbing didn't care whether they believed it or not; she had already asked all the questions she needed to.

She was thinking about something else: should she send her younger sister to Tang Wen's company?
Tang Wen's repeated expressions of admiration for Li Xue were genuine.

As Earth grew stronger and stronger.

If this drags on any longer, all the good spots will be taken, and my sister's future might be limited if she goes there.

But what opportunity should we find to send it over?

She was the top female star at Huayi.

Turning around, my younger sister became a senior executive on Earth.

Not to mention the Wang brothers who are worried and have to be wary of me, even Sister Hua would probably have objections...

Several minor celebrities who starred in "Cellphone" listened intently and secretly marveled.

It seems like Director Tang doesn't belong to the entertainment industry as well as his own.

One is in the sky, the other is on the ground.

As the company's chairman, Mr. Wang certainly had some insight and judgment: "It's quite possible."

"What?" Xiao Wang was still skeptical.

"The pressure is passed down level by level. Samsung is unwilling to offend American capital, and it doesn't pay much attention to its entertainment industry."

I'll do this kind of thing—take a small loss to save face.

For CJ Korea, Samsung's demands were an order that could not be refused.

Moreover, this time it's an order passed down from American capitalists, specifically from CJ, the de facto emperor.

Screenwriter Liu Zhenyun, who had long understood the situation, chimed in:
"It seems that all things in the world are the same."

Take film crews for example, when investors put pressure on them, sometimes they have to replace actors even if it means taking a loss..."

There's no point in keeping this a secret.

Most people in the industry don't even understand what kind of bank JP Morgan is.

Knowing the steps involved is just like listening to a story.

New footage.

The success of "Hero" has had a tremendous impact.

In terms of film production, it currently has an advantage over Huayi.

Tang Wen was able to break into the South Korean film market, and Zhang Weiping made inquiries from various sources.

After hearing how Tang Wen did it, he immediately stopped.

I can't learn a single thing!
Fortunately, no other company can do that either.

Preparations for the release of "Infernal Affairs 3" have been completed.

It's worth mentioning that this time it's being released simultaneously in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Tang Wen doesn't need to worry about scheduling or promotion in mainland cinemas.

The arrangements are handled by China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group.

Yang Shoucheng was still in charge in Hong Kong.

Because the first two installments of "Infernal Affairs" were very popular in Japan and South Korea.

Tang Wen held back the rights to "Infernal Affairs 3" from being sold directly to Japan and South Korea.

In Japan, there are companies like Toho and Disney that could be partnered with.

Disney Korea also has a distribution business.

For "Infernal Affairs 3", he plans to collaborate with Toho and Disney and share the profits.

They've put in a lot of effort and are considered local strongmen, so let's give them a bigger share of the profits.

The Japanese and South Korean film markets are quite large, and the first two "Infernal Affairs" films have already made a name for themselves.

The revenue-sharing model is definitely more profitable than selling copyrights.

Bluestar, together with China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group, formed a joint team to negotiate with Japanese and Korean Disney and Toho.

Tang Wen likes to involve the official authorities in these kinds of matters.

For domestic films to break into the Japanese and South Korean markets and collaborate with cinemas and distributors for revenue sharing, it would be a groundbreaking event!
Blue Star needs profits.

China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group have achieved results.

Win-win.

Before the team set off, General Manager Han and General Manager Ren specifically instructed that Lanxing's opinion should be taken into account.

On the Blue Star side, Xia Tian personally led the team.

After several days of negotiations, the two sides reached a basic agreement, and Blue Star held a grand signing ceremony.

Tang Wen announced to reporters that he would be taking Wang Zuxian and Andy Lau on a promotional tour to Japan and South Korea.

Domestic media outlets were proud of this and wrote numerous articles praising it:
"Chinese-language films going global"

"Chinese films conquer Asia"

"..."

Those in the industry were amazed by Tang Wen's efficiency.

Some people also wanted to take advantage of Tang Wen's influence.

Zhang Weiping, through his new film project, secretly made contact with people from Japan and South Korea, leveraging Zhang Yimou's reputation...

Infernal Affairs 3 was released as scheduled.

Tang Wen made a one-day appearance in the capital but did not participate in any subsequent publicity.

Carrying the preliminary evidence Zhao Cheng had gathered, he arrived overnight in Yuhang, Jiangnan, to meet with Secretary-General Zhang and other leaders.

(End of this chapter)