Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 388: "The New Three Kingdoms" is a huge hit and a huge profit; Boss Yan's charming moments.

As the plot of "New Three Kingdoms" entered its middle stage, the viewership ratings did not rise as quickly as in the early stages, but they remained stable at an average level of over 2.

With the combined promotion from four channels and platforms like Tudou.com, it dominated from January to February, and even after the finale aired in March, it still had a considerable impact.

The most direct impact is that the Three Kingdoms period has become a hot topic.

During the airing of "New Three Kingdoms", the total number of topics on its Weibo account easily exceeded 100 million, with a total of 134 trending topics. On average, there were at least 4 related trending topics on the trending list every day, and the number of people voting in the promotional activities exceeded one million.

The number of views on Tudou.com broke the website record, with daily search volume exceeding 200 million, and it topped the list of most-watched dramas for six consecutive weeks.

This led to Tudou.com surpassing Youku in daily active users and traffic, among other things, after about six months.

In addition, according to statistics from online and offline platforms such as Taobao, Dangdang, and Xinhua Bookstore, sales of books about the Three Kingdoms have increased significantly.

On online literature websites such as Douban and Zongheng, new books on the Three Kingdoms period have become very popular.

It is worth mentioning that because Yan Li's portrayal of Lü Bu was so outstanding, Lü Bu has become a new protagonist or an important supporting character in Three Kingdoms online novels, and his popularity has greatly increased.

Of course, other characters who have appeared and had highlights in "New Three Kingdoms", such as Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Jia Xu, Cao Pi, and Sima Yi, have also become popular to a certain extent.

The "Lecture Room" program on the Three Kingdoms has also been rebroadcast and available for on-demand viewing on multiple television stations and video websites.

In addition, netizens also unleashed their creativity, with some pointing out flaws in "New Three Kingdoms," such as where there were continuity errors, where the costumes and plot were incorrect, and what historical inaccuracies there were. Others created their own interpretations of the main actors and the plot, either analyzing, editing, parodying, or using memes.

Yi An didn't stop them; in fact, she encouraged and supported the netizens.

For a TV series to maintain its influence over the long term, it needs a lot of creative adaptation and fan-made content.

According to future intelligence reports, the reason why "New Three Kingdoms" has become the most popular work among the new Four Great Classical Novels is inseparable from its various parodies and absurdities.

Therefore, while these derivative works may have some negative effects, they are more conducive to the dissemination of the works and enhancing their influence. Overall, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Moreover, the mainstream platforms for derivative works are Weibo and Tudou.com—one has the online broadcasting rights, and the other has the authorization for publicity and distribution cooperation with the production team.

In other words, most of the traffic generated by the fan-made content of "New Three Kingdoms" goes into Yan Li's business, which is a free transfer from one hand to the other, and is therefore very welcome.

The immense influence of "New Three Kingdoms" has also spurred numerous commercial marketing efforts.

The categories that benefited the most were electric vehicles, cars, and alcohol, all of which more or less rode the wave of popularity.

A relatively successful example is Yadea, which invited Hu Jun to be its spokesperson and even gave him a red electric scooter, alluding to Guan Yu and Red Hare.

Actually, the brand really wanted to invite Yan Li, who played Lu Bu, but they couldn't get him, so they had to settle for Guan Yu instead. Fortunately, the results are said to be quite good.

These data and their impact on reality clearly demonstrate that the TV series "New Three Kingdoms" was a huge hit.

Whether it can compare to "Lurking" and "Crossing the Guandong" from the previous two years is hard to say, but at least in the first few months of 2010, it was absolutely unrivaled.

Moreover, like other hit dramas, "New Three Kingdoms" also made a lot of people famous.

Many actors became famous because of "New Three Kingdoms", but the biggest winners are undoubtedly Yu and Wei.

This actor, who was barely a second-tier actor before, has now become a superstar thanks to his role as Cao Cao.

Although his portrayal of Cao Cao, like most characters in "New Three Kingdoms," inevitably faces some criticism and controversy, overall, his reputation remains relatively positive.

Viewers believe that his portrayal of Cao Cao subverted the traditional image of Cao Cao as a cunning and ruthless hero, creating a new image of a domineering and shrewd emperor who also possesses both cunning and tenderness.

In particular, he delivered an outstanding performance in storylines such as "Green Plum Wine," "Imperial Edict in the Belt," "Guandu," "Red Cliff," "Bronze Sparrow Terrace," and "The Struggle for the Throne in Cao Wei."

Before "New Three Kingdoms", Yu and Wei were paid several thousand yuan per episode, and perhaps more if they had fewer roles.

When filming "New Three Kingdoms", the production team offered a package price of 100 million yuan for Yu and Wei, which was less than 2 yuan per episode on average.

After "New Three Kingdoms", Yu Hewei's salary skyrocketed, and now he asks for at least 10 yuan per episode.

Moreover, given how sought-after he is now, unless it's a hugely popular drama, it's unlikely you can get him without 15 per episode.

In the entertainment industry, fame comes overnight, and one reaps both fame and fortune—this is the way of the world.

Similar to Yu Hewei, there is also Xin Baiqing, who played Liu Bei. His portrayal of Liu Bei also received a lot of praise. Although he was not as outstanding as Yu, he has become famous and well-known. It is said that he is now receiving a lot of film offers and his salary is rising.

Other actors, especially those who weren't particularly famous before, all benefited to some extent, and it could even be said that their careers and lives were directly changed.

For example, Yue Qi, who played Zhang Fei, was originally an opera singer who received a fixed salary with at most some performance subsidies, so his income was very limited.

After the hit TV series "New Three Kingdoms", he became a hot commodity for actors playing tough and burly characters. He also became a leading actor in the troupe, and his treatment and income skyrocketed.

There's also Zhang Songwen, who plays Sima Yi.

As Yan Li's old classmate and Yi An's well-known supporting role, he has played many roles and has a certain reputation, but not many roles have become breakout hits.

In this new Three Kingdoms series, he plays Sima Yi, a character who is patient, ruthless, and cunning.

From being an invisible figure in Cao Wei to becoming Cao Pi's right-hand man, and finally the biggest winner of the Three Kingdoms, he can be considered the biggest villain in the entire series. He also successfully reaped a wave of benefits and his fame soared.

Besides these actors, Yi An also made a fortune.

Prior to this, the initial copyright profits of "New Three Kingdoms" exceeded 100 million yuan, and after the TV series became a huge hit, it reaped even greater profits.

Currently, the projected revenue for "New Three Kingdoms" has reached 3.5 million yuan. After deducting costs of less than 1.4 million yuan, the profit exceeds 2 million yuan.

Moreover, this figure is still increasing, and it is very promising that the entire project will eventually reach a total revenue of 4 million and a profit (before tax) of 2.5 million.

This revenue makes it arguably the most profitable TV series since Yi'an was founded, and also the most profitable single film and television project.

Whether it's "The Message," "Crazy Racer," or "Bodyguards and Assassins," in terms of direct project revenue, they are far inferior to "Three Kingdoms."

After all, with a box office of over 3 million, the production company can only get about one-third. Even with other revenue, it's hard to double that. After deducting the considerable costs, the actual profit is not as good as some TV series.

The new Three Kingdoms is expected to generate 2.5 million yuan in profit. Even if some of these profits are distributed to the production companies, the rest will still make Yi An very wealthy.

As for not only Yi An, but also the entire Chinese-language film and television drama market, the revenue and profit of "New Three Kingdoms" are among the top, and in the field of television dramas, it is unparalleled.

With Yi An about to go public, "New Three Kingdoms" has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire.

Yan Li personally hosted the celebration party for "New Three Kingdoms" at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Beijing, which also served as a final internal pep talk for Yi An's listing.

The listing date for Yi'an has been finalized: April 20, 2010.

...

Grand Hyatt Hotel, Beijing

Considering the upcoming IPO, Yan Li wanted to keep a low profile and didn't want to cause any trouble. So, apart from some people from "New Three Kingdoms," the celebration party was mainly attended by people from Yi An's internal staff, and no media were invited.

However, Yi'an tried to keep a low profile, but she couldn't resist the attention of many people.

Yi'an was incredibly popular, and everyone wanted to make connections or get a piece of her wealth and fame. They brought each other along, and quite a few "unrelated people" ended up in the area.

"Sister Ou".

Bai Bing waved to Wang Ou, who was talking to a high-ranking official from Yi An. Upon seeing this, Wang Ou stepped over.

"What brings you here?" "You forgot? I also had a cameo role in 'New Three Kingdoms'. I came to broaden my horizons."

As Bai Bing spoke, he pulled over a bright-looking girl with fair and delicate skin behind him: "Sister, this is Zhang Meng, a good friend I met in 'The Myth'."

"Sister Ou".

Zhang Meng greeted him obediently. Wang Ou looked her over and his first impression was that she had fair skin, pretty eyes, and a sweet and charming smile that was refreshing.

Wang Ou glanced at Bai Bing subconsciously. Bai Bing hadn't greeted him. What was the meaning of him bringing a beautiful woman along for no reason?
Bai Bing was oblivious to Wang Ou's suspicions and continued exchanging pleasantries, while Zhang Meng vaguely sensed something and seized the opportunity to explain.

She had no acting opportunities recently, but when she learned that Yi An was having a celebration party, she figured there would be a lot of directors and producers there, so she begged Bai Bing to take her out to broaden her horizons, hoping that she might get a role or something.

This situation is very common in the industry, and there are quite a few people like Zhang Meng today. Wang Ou's expression softened a bit upon hearing this.

She didn't mind that the White Soldiers had some selfish motives, but there were some things that absolutely couldn't be done without her involvement.

This is Wang Ou's bottom line; otherwise, she could have pushed Bai Bing to Yan Li back then, and she would have had ways to clean house.

As the three were talking, someone came in. Upon seeing Wang Ou and the others, the person came over and greeted them. Wang Ou smiled and said...

"Mr. Lin, what brings you here?"

"Don't make fun of me."

Lin Jiachuan waved his hand, chatted for a few words, and then went to joke with Xiao Guan, the vice president of Yi'an.

While Wang Ou was talking to an acquaintance, Zhang Meng nudged Bai Bing and asked, "Isn't that Lin Jiachuan Yan's good brother?"

"You know him too?"

Bai Bing had acted in Yi An's films and even collaborated with Lin Jiachuan once, so he knew a bit about him.

"Don't underestimate him just because he's not a big name. He holds a high position in Yi'an. He's one of the earliest veterans who started the business with President Yan. He's the second employee of Yi'an."

"I heard from Sister Ou that Yi An received a share of the newly issued shares during its IPO, which was based on the treatment of senior executives and veterans. Among directors and actors, he was in the second tier, only behind the top male and female stars and Sister Ou and a few others. He received more than Qiao Zhenyu and Yang Mi."

Zhang Meng asked curiously, "How many shares would that be?"

Bai Bing shook his head: "I don't know. It's not listed yet, so it's hard to say, but it should be worth at least a few million."

Yi An's calculations regarding the initial public offering (IPO) shares were a bit complicated, and Bai Bing didn't quite understand them either. But just from Wang Ou's boasting and Yan Li's claim that she could earn tens of millions, Lin Jiachuan's earnings should be no less than eight figures.

"so good."

Zhang Meng was very envious. Judging from Lin Jiachuan's current reputation, it was clear that his contribution to the development of Yi'an was limited.

Lin Jiachuan himself thought so too. According to his interview, he could not be called the founder of Yi'an at all. In the early days, he was just a errand boy who followed Yan Li around and did odd jobs.

Although the contribution was not significant, the fact that they were "early" is undeniable.

The merits of following the dragon are divided into great and small, and also into those who came first and those who came later. In addition, given his personal relationship with Yan Li, he simply benefited from the victory.

Of course, Yan Li may also be deliberately creating a persona, using Lin Jiachuan as a typical example to show that he hasn't forgotten his old friends, and to use his wealth to attract talent from other companies.

Regardless, the kind of luck that allows one to get rich simply by clinging to powerful figures is indeed something to be envious of.

Lin Jiachuan is one of them, and the other is Wang Ou.

She actually benefited quite a bit, being considered a veteran and holding the second-highest number of original shares among Yi An artists, after the core members.

However, Wang Ou, the company's second sister, did make certain contributions and provide some help to Yi An, and with Lin Jiachuan, this "slacker," around, the controversy wasn't that great.

Seeing Zhang Meng staring intently at Lin Jiachuan, Bai Bing couldn't help but laugh and said, "What's wrong? You've taken a liking to him? I'm fairly familiar with Brother Chuan. How about I introduce you?"

"What and what?"

Zhang Meng was speechless, but after a slight pause, he hesitated for a moment and said, "Is he really on good terms with President Yan?"

Bai Bing sized up Zhang Meng: "What do you mean?"

“He has a good relationship with President Yan and must know people in all walks of life. If I go and try to curry favor with him, maybe he can give me a promotion.”

Even a low-ranking official like Lin Jiachuan, who is both a second employee of Yi'an and a brother of Yan Li, has access to a lot of connections and resources within the industry, making him much better off than a newcomer like her.

"Well, I thought you wanted to get close to President Yan through him."

Bai Bing joked that this was how she rose to power, so it was understandable that she was sensitive about it.

Zhang Meng didn't take it to heart: "I wish I could, but President Yan doesn't even look at me."

If she could get close to Yan Li, she would definitely do it; he's the biggest patron in the entertainment industry.

But the key is that it's not that easy; there are too many people in the entertainment industry who want to curry favor with Yan Li.

Although Zhang Meng considers herself somewhat attractive, the entertainment industry is never short of good-looking people. As a newcomer with little fame, she would have a hard time getting a director without going all out, let alone a top-tier big shot like Yan Li.

For Zhang Meng, who is realistic and shrewd, daydreaming is meaningless, but Lin Jiachuan is worth studying.

Although Lin Jiachuan is not handsome, he is not ugly either. He is young and has some money. Although he does not meet Zhang Meng's criteria for a partner, he is acceptable to date him if needed.

As he was pondering this, Zhang Meng suddenly noticed some unusual activity at the doorway.

Soon, Yan Li, dressed in a casual suit and with an upright posture, entered the banquet hall surrounded by seven or eight people.

The once noisy hall fell silent instantly. Those who were chatting shut their mouths, those who were sitting stood up, and then came a series of greetings with smiling faces.

"Chairman."

"Chairman Yan."

"Hello, Mr. Yan."

Yan Li had a friendly expression, a smile on his lips, and kept walking, nodding to the left and right from time to time.

Once seated at the head of the table, the Yi'an executives, who had been surrounded by various people socializing in the meeting room, all crowded around, including Lin Jiachuan and Wang Ou, whom Bai Bing and Zhang Meng had just been talking about.

The former was very carefree just now, even putting his arm around Vice President Yi An's shoulder. Now, in front of Yan Li, although he still retained some of his earlier mannerisms, he was more honest and simple.

Previously, Wang Ou, who had been somewhat arrogant when facing Bai Bing and Zhang Meng, was now like a submissive wife, serving tea and water to Yan Li and quietly attending to him.

Zhang Meng had always thought that although Yan Li was good-looking, he wasn't exactly a top-tier handsome man in terms of appearance.

But after witnessing Boss Yan's imposing presence today, coupled with his confident and composed demeanor, I suddenly felt that Yan Li was incredibly charming and explosively handsome.

A man's handsomeness is not just about his face; what's most attractive is his ability to control everything.

Looking at the soldiers beside her, unable to get close to Yan Li, she could only gaze at them silently from afar, her eyes almost brimming with tears…

　(4000/277000)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)