Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 432 The foundation of the domestic entertainment industry will be determined by me, Ma Xun!
Don't say things too definitively!

You think you've got the truth? Hah... You're nothing but a speck of dust in the fog!
To put it another way, even sages said:
No one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes.

……

Ma Xun couldn't help but recall many scenes from Teacher Guo's performances.

To be fair, while it's all just jokes, like Guo Da and Jason Statham, Guo Da's acting skills are absolutely legendary.

Especially this movie.

It perfectly captures both form and spirit.

Ma Xun couldn't help but think of the saying that there are some later interpretations, which is that when comedians perform other kinds of plays, it's like a game of dimensional reduction.

Actually, this statement gets the order wrong.

First of all, from Ma Xun's professional perspective, a truly great actor is one who can perform comedy.

Comedy demands a lot, and there are plenty of examples of this.

Jim Carrey, how many facial expressions can he make? Let's not even talk about Guinness World Records, he's definitely put in a lot of hard work.

It's important to know that being able to make a lot of facial expressions is a basic requirement for comedy. In fact, in the old-fashioned comedies of the street-smart type, making funny faces was a basic requirement.

Therefore, the truth should be: not everyone can act in comedy, and actors who are good at other types of acting may not be able to act in comedy!
Secondly, there's the skill level of the sketch comedy actors.

What we see on the Spring Festival Gala is that many of the skits are performed quite well.

In reality, however, the requirements are exceptionally high.

First of all, this is a stage performance, and it's often said that stage plays are the true test of an actor's worth.

This skit will be performed in front of the entire nation, so you can imagine the immense pressure it will put on.

Sister Dandan performed in many stage plays back then, but she still couldn't handle it later on; the pressure was too great.

Therefore, it is because comedians like Mr. Guo are excellent enough to be able to perform in Spring Festival Gala skits.

In other words, don't get it wrong, it's comedies and Spring Festival Gala sketches that are really difficult.

Uncle Benshan is actually a top-notch performance master.

Let's leave the acting aside for now and get back to the main point.

Ma Xun thought: We are different from other countries; we have a history.

Our history is recorded very rigorously, comprehensively, and in a very complete manner.

The history of other countries on this planet is simply unbearable to read.

For example, there is a very famous figure in our history.

Sima Yi.

This man did something incredibly influential, something that actually surpassed what Zhuge Liang did.

I'm not kidding, it really is true.

This matter is: The Oath of the Luo River!

We all know what the Sima family did after this oath was made, and what the result was.

Let's leave aside the Sima family's affairs and just look at their influence later on.

Simply put, it means that whoever resembles Sima Yi must die!

This is not made up; it is clearly recorded in history. Historical records clearly state how they died, and there are many such cases.

Another one that is quite special is Li Shanchang.

Nobody said Li Shanchang resembled Sima Yi, but Li Shanchang was unlucky; he lived too long and got older and older, and at this age... that's right!
Like Sima Yi!

And so, Li Shanchang's family perished.

Nobody actually said he looked like Li Shanchang; it was all just Old Zhu's idea.

That's the power of imagination.

But if we really want to take this seriously...

Sima Yi died at the age of 73, while Li Shanchang lived to the age of 76.

In other words, Zhu actually waited for Li Shanchang for three years.

But there is no real clarity.

Ma Xun has now given a somewhat interesting suggestion for revision.

"Boss, I really like CCTV dramas. I'm definitely a loyal viewer. Of all the dramas, my favorite is 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. I vaguely remember that there was a scene in 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' where, after the Battle of Guandu, Cao Mengde defeated Yuan Shao, and someone discovered that many of Cao Mengde's officials had written surrender documents to Yuan Shao. I can't quite remember what it's called."

"Oh, don't call me 'leader' anymore, Brother Ma. I'm a few years older than you, so just call me 'brother,' okay?"

"How can this be so embarrassing..."

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

"Okay, Brother Gao."

"Haha...that's right."

That's it!

Ma Xun used to be on friendly terms with Director Ouyang of Hunan TV, and now he's on friendly terms with leaders at CCTV's Drama Center.

This man is no ordinary person either; he is Gao Jianming, and his current position is Vice President.

Anyone familiar with how large companies operate knows that the vice presidents are the ones who actually get things done.

Everything is getting better.

As for why the Vice President Gao suddenly became happy when Ma Xun mentioned the matter of Boss Cao burning the surrender document, why was that?
"I have many actors under my management who can participate in this drama."

"Great! That's wonderful, hmm, if we could add some..."

“I also have actors from Hong Kong and Taiwan.”

"Not bad."

Brother Gao was really happy; Ma Xun was a man who understood things instantly.

Then we can definitely call this a collaboration.

The division of money afterward will definitely be easy to discuss.

Which Hong Kong or Taiwanese actor specifically?
"Her previous portrayal of Little Dragon Girl was a success..."

"Oh my, Brother Ma, you're really showing your sincerity, but her fee..."

"Don't worry about that, Brother Gao. They're all actors under my management."

"Haha... Brother, you really know how to manage your subordinates."

The word "御"... is Vice President Gao trying to mean "御女" (to control women)?

Forget about the details.

Next, Ma Xun and Vice President Gao talked about many roles.

The inclusion of Hong Kong and Taiwan actors is actually just another layer of 'protection' for this production.

At least that's what Gao Fu always thought, but Ma Xun's idea was a bit different.

In fact, the original timeline of the drama "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner" was closely related to Huayi Brothers.

The original female lead of this drama was Luo Haiqiong, who later became known as the "666" meme on her forehead.

Don't underestimate her; later, when Huayi went public, she became one of the major shareholders.

Ms. Luo has not actually played many leading roles in her acting career, nor is she a top-tier star. So how can she hold so many shares?

It's very simple. Luo Haiqiong's husband is an important celebrity agent at Huayi Brothers. You could say that Li Xue is Wang Jinghua's apprentice, or even a remnant of the previous dynasty.

But Ms. Luo's husband is a close friend of the Wang brothers.

Although they are not married yet, they have been in a relationship for a long time.

Looking at the male lead, Teacher He Bing, he is actually signed with Wang Jinghua.

With these connections, what more needs to be said about "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner" and Huayi Brothers?
Now, Ma Xun has essentially snatched Huayi from the jaws of defeat!
Let's take Ms. Luo's relationship as an example to make further inferences.

In the original timeline, Hua Yi strongly supported the production of "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner," but nothing major happened to Hua Yi afterwards.

According to the original timeline, Wang Jinghua's departure will occur next year, which means that Huayi Brothers will suffer a major blow when "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner" airs.

But later, Huayi recovered and even grew bigger and bigger.

Therefore, Ma Xun can draw this conclusion with great confidence.

The leaders of the TV drama production center were indeed worried that the drama might be somewhat sensitive, but in reality, the drama did not have any sensitive consequences.

Now Ma Xun has come up with another clever modification.

It's much safer now!

I, Ma Xun, have only received benefits, not harm!

Moreover, with this matter settled, both "The Lotus Lantern" and dealing with "Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty" are now complete!

Next, CCTV's drama production center officially announced its collaboration with Enlight Media on the drama "The Great Song Dynasty Forensic Examiner." This means they are now working on two dramas together.

The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.

Many people in the industry couldn't help but speak out.

"This Ma Xun is indeed a young master from Beijing! CCTV has collaborated with him quite a bit."

"Is CCTV really going to lower its standards now?"

"Ma Xun is amazing now! The movie 'Kung Fu Hustle' was so awesome, and now CCTV is collaborating with him on two more films. No wonder he didn't even give Zhang Yimou any face before!"

"Understood! The two Zhangs are smart men; reconciling with Ma Xun is definitely the best option!"

Various theories have emerged.

Moreover, these claims are mainly circulating among business owners in the Chinese entertainment industry.

The key is that everyone will make associations.

See, now they're linking Ma Xun's previous criticism of Zhang Yimou to this.

However, these are not the most talked-about topics among business owners right now.

Rumor has it that Ma Xun is about to come up with a brand new in-app advertising model!

To put it simply, this is a completely new way to make money!
So important!

In fact, this is the true foundation of the film and television industry!

In fact, whether in China or abroad, the essence of the film and television industry is quite simple.

Selling goods!

Or to put it another way, it's about selling products!
On the surface, they are all advertisements.

But what is the purpose of these advertisements?
It's all about selling things, isn't it?

This is why many celebrities later switched careers and went into live-streaming e-commerce.

Because they are essentially the same.

However, the film and television industry does provide content after all.

This is indeed more technically sophisticated than simply selling products, and it can indeed provide cultural products to the general public.

In other words, what Ma Xun is working on now is the very foundation of our entire domestic entertainment industry!
If he succeeds, Ma Xun will have made a great contribution to the Chinese entertainment industry.

If he fails to achieve his goal, or if he reduces the profitability, then he has committed a serious offense!

Is it a great achievement or a great demerit?
Wait a minute, there seems to be another detail here.

Why was Ma Xun able to do this?
Some people expressed their dissatisfaction.

Huayi Company.

"Pah! What right does he have!"

"That's right! What makes Ma Xun think he can represent us in the negotiations!"

The Wang brothers were furious!
However, their behavior was somewhat tinged with impotent rage.

Why do you brothers really not know?
In fact, the bosses who come here to discuss business are all aware of what's going on.

It's all about skill!

Now it's up to Ma Xun to negotiate. He's the most capable, his previous film and television works have achieved the best results, and he still has many dramas waiting to be broadcast.

Moreover, these upcoming dramas all have great potential!
However, these bosses are, after all, on the turf of the Wang brothers.

Let's not talk about these truths.

The main reason we're all gathered here today is because Sun Donghai and Bai Daqing are here!

The two of them naturally brought TVB's "Twin of Brothers".

And it has now been confirmed that this drama will be broadcast on Zhejiang TV.

Of course, they also told everyone about the "literary debate".

This is why the Wang brothers lost their temper.

The two brothers also connected this to the recent rumors circulating in the industry about Ma Xun.

The Wang brothers were furious... mainly because they were angry that it wasn't them who went to discuss the new model!

However, it is clear that Sun Donghai and Bai Daqing intend to use the original model.

How to do?
"We brothers will definitely support you!"

"That's right, we absolutely support Brother Sun and Brother Bai's new project!"

These two directly expressed their opinions.

But actually, this is a good opportunity to make money from publicity and promotion.

Zhejiang and Taiwan will definitely launch a publicity campaign, but the Wang brothers can handle other aspects.

But the key is...

"My two gentlemen," Bai Daqing said bluntly, "the key lies in the advertising!"

Yes, you two brothers also come from an advertising background, so why don't you just get more ads in our show?

This is the most practical approach!
The Wang brothers laughed and nodded.

"no problem!"

"Who wouldn't be optimistic about 'Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty'!"

Indeed, this show is quite substantial.

But at that moment, an assistant came over.

"Hunan TV extended an invitation."

invite?
Why even ask what kind of invitation this is?
The Wang brothers planned to make a statement, simply saying they wouldn't go.

But then Zhang Xinming spoke up.

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will win every battle. Why not go and see for yourself?"

This is actually what the Wang brothers wanted to say.

Who wouldn't want to see what new model Ma Xun will come up with?
But what about Sun Donghai and Bai Daqing?

"We definitely won't go, but we can take a look."

Clearly, these two were also very curious.

Soon after, a small-scale investment promotion conference was held in CS City.

Advertising opportunities available for "Detective Dee"!
Those attending this meeting were basically all the well-known agencies and companies in the domestic advertising industry; everyone who could come was there.

Clearly, everyone wants to see what new model Ma Xun can come up with.

So be it... wait a minute.

Should we listen to Ma Xun?
Is he the king of our Chinese entertainment industry?

At least for now, their strength is considerable.

But forget about all that, the new model is what matters.

The meeting soon officially began.

Yang Yang will definitely speak first, and his speech will naturally be a grand narrative.

Amid everyone's anticipation, Ma Xun stepped onto the podium.

"Distinguished guests, I won't introduce myself to save time. I'll get straight to the point."

This new model was developed after thorough discussions with the TV station's leadership.

The advertising and sales model for the TV series "Detective Dee" is as follows:

variable!"

ah? What?
Does "changeable" mean...?

Ma Xun then went on to recount the details.

"Simply put, if a show's ratings are not good and do not meet expectations, then advertisers can withdraw their advertisements; you can withdraw them voluntarily."

If the viewership is high enough, meeting or far exceeding expectations, advertisers can increase their investment.

Regarding fees, we will use a combination of performance-based compensation and subsequent settlement to ensure fairness, impartiality, and transparency.

This... seems a bit complicated.

But actually, it becomes clear with a little thought.

The higher the viewership, the higher the advertising revenue.

Let's do our best to ensure that no one loses out!
(End of this chapter)