After rebirth, I became a great master

Chapter 239 The Secret Filming in Progress

This is indeed a great achievement of Zhou Haoran.

Two episodes of a special feature on the private economy have been broadcast, but the viewership is very low and the market does not recognize it.

However, in non-market aspects, it received high praise, and Director Zhan was repeatedly commended by the station for this, which believed that he had figured it out and found a position between reform and conservatism.

With the recent resolution of the crisis at the lifestyle channel and the resulting surplus of funds, he hired a private car.

I couldn't be happier.

The key element is this young man in front of me.

Zhan Yushan naturally treated him differently, and said with a smile, "What is it? Tell me!"

Zhou Haoran said seriously, "The private economy needs encouragement, but we cannot forget the state-owned enterprises that are the backbone of the economy just because we encourage private enterprises. In many industries, state-owned enterprises are better than private enterprises."

"Ok?"

Zhan Yushan was quite shocked after hearing this.

How come this kid has such a strong political awareness?
He was absolutely right!
After the special report on the private economy of "People's Livelihood Investigation" achieved great results, some conservative-minded superiors raised their opinions, saying that "People's Livelihood Investigation" is a very good program.

However, we cannot only praise private enterprises while forgetting state-owned enterprises.

Don't put the cart before the horse!

The exhibition director is still looking for topics.

Unexpectedly, it came right to my door.

Zhou Haoran took the elevator with him and quickly said, "I don't know about other industries, but I've been working in sales recently, so I know a lot about the printing industry. Many private printing factories have very poor internal management, and the factories are full of chemicals that are harmful to health, but the workers don't have any protective measures."

Zhan Yushan understood what he meant, "Do state-owned factories have such measures?"

Zhou Haoran said, "High-quality state-owned printing plants have very strict management in this regard. For example, the Harbor Printing Group, which was established last year under the leadership of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, has put forward very strict production safety requirements. This is something that private printing plants with extensive management do not have. They only care about production and making money, and completely disregard the lives and health of workers."

Zhan Yushan frowned slightly. "We can't undermine the confidence of the private sector. The iron-fisted leaders have spoken out, saying that we should allow private enterprises to make mistakes to a certain extent and give them time to settle down."

Zhou Haoran laughed and said, "Not all private printing factories are this bad. Some printing factories are just as good as large state-owned factories in terms of safety production."

"did you mean?"

Zhan Yushan squinted his eyes.

Zhou Haoran quickly said, "What I mean is to do a small feature on printing factories. It can expose negative phenomena in society and reflect the purpose of the 'People's Livelihood Investigation' program to speak out for the people; it can also make some comparisons between private and state-owned enterprises to stand firm on political ground. Finally, we can use a private printing factory as a typical example to praise and boost confidence in the private economy."

"Go to my office."

Zhan Yushan was immediately swayed by his words.

This topic is brilliant!
Does it have both viewership ratings and political relevance?
Countless producers and directors struggle with the dilemma of choosing between ratings and political relevance. And this kid, with just a casually suggested topic, can easily solve this age-old problem?
Seeing his attitude, Zhou Haoran knew that the matter was settled.

"Tell me your thoughts, what are they?"

Zhan Yushan pointed to the sofa in the office.

Zhou Haoran said, "Director, my plan is to do a short feature called 'The Right and Wrong of Printing Factories,' which will only be two parts. The first part will be an undercover investigation to expose the shady practices of some unscrupulous private printing factories that are only interested in profit. The second part will list the excellent state-owned printing factories and then select one or two excellent private printing factories to further develop the theme."

Zhan Yushan chuckled and said, "That's it?"

"I'm not a television professional, so this is all I can think of. I'll need more guidance from the director."

Zhou Haoran's plan was immature, which made the leader seem more outstanding.

Zhan Yushan, used to being a leader, was too lazy to come up with a plan. He simply made a phone call and summoned Yuan Wenle, the producer of "People's Livelihood Investigation."

There was absolutely no room for negotiation.

He was asked to set up a project team to work on a special topic about "printing plants".

"Okay, I'll do it right away."

Yuan Wenle was a protégé of Director Zhan, and he didn't haggle at all.

Zhan Yushan glanced at Zhou Haoran and asked, "Are you busy with sales?"

Zhou Haoran smiled and said, "It's alright."

"If you're not too busy, would you like to participate in this project team?"

Zhan Yushan was simply returning the favor.

He had a vague suspicion.

Why would a salesman suddenly suggest doing a feature report about a printing factory? It's probably something he did to boost sales, exchanging television resources for orders from clients.

As long as it doesn't damage the program's brand, we might as well go with the flow.

Zhou Haoran smiled and said, "I've never participated in a TV program before. I'll learn from Director Yuan."

"Don't be like that." Yuan Wenle gave him a meaningful look. "You were the planner of the special report on the private economy. Others may not know, but I do, right?"

Zhou Haoran suggested, "How about we involve reporter Yan Hong this time?"

"can."

Yuan Wenle nodded, giving him face.

Act now.

Back in the program team, a project team was formed.

They brought in reporter Yan Hong and an investigative reporter named Li Jun.

Yuan Wenle acted quickly.

They also showed great respect to Zhou Haoran, and immediately said that this was the topic he had proposed, which had been approved by the leader. They asked him to explain his ideas and how to approach this topic.
Zhou Haoran didn't mince words and said he would work on both the explicit and implicit lines at the same time.

The covert operation, naturally, involves conducting undercover investigations.

Reporter Li Jun was in charge of conducting undercover investigations at several private printing factories, capturing footage of chaotic management practices and workers operating in a dangerous environment filled with chemicals.

The main line was overseen by Yan Hong.

The main task is to liaise with relevant management departments to clarify management rules, and then take photos at a high-quality state-owned printing factory.

Finally, if an excellent private printing factory is discovered through undercover investigation, it can be featured in positive reports, representing outstanding private enterprises alongside state-owned printing factories in a positive light. This demonstrates the government's emphasis on the private economy, showing that as long as private enterprises operate legally, they are valued just as much as state-owned enterprises.

"The train of thought is very coherent."

Yuan Wenle was genuinely surprised after hearing what he said.

The covert storyline is used to boost ratings and take responsibility for the market; the overt storyline is used to demonstrate the correct stance and take political responsibility.

Both hands must be grasped and both hands must be strong.

This kid really has some real talent!
"I think it's a good idea. Let's gather information first and work on both fronts simultaneously?"

Reporter Li Jun is a man of action.

Yuan Wenle said, "Okay, but we need to do it as soon as possible. The task is urgent; the leaders are waiting to see the results. This special feature must be online within a week!"

The production methods of "People's Livelihood Investigation" are different from those of "Family Matters".

"Family Matters" was planned and written first.

Then, we filmed and produced the film according to the script's ideas.

Because "People's Livelihood Investigation" is full of uncertainties, no one can say for sure what the undercover investigations will reveal. So, they film first, and then create the script based on the footage.

Zhou Haoran laughed and said, "When I was doing sales, I came into contact with quite a few printing factories. How about I provide a list so we don't need to do any investigation? We can go and interview them tomorrow using my list!"

"Okay, that'll make it even faster!"

Reporter Yan Hong cooperated with him.

Zhou Haoran said, "Reporter Li, you can disguise yourself as a bookseller and pretend to be going to the printing factory to discuss cooperation. That way you can get into the factory and secretly take some pictures."

Li Jun laughed and said, "Great idea!"

……

The list was provided by Li Changxing.

Zhou Haoran passed it on to the project team.

At his workplace, Li Jun changed into a suit, called a cameraman and a director, and prepared to leave.

We can't jump straight to the point.

First, choose a few insignificant printing factories to practice at. Once you're familiar with playing the role of a bookseller, then go to the Sancai Printing Factory for an undercover investigation.

This was also the first time Zhou Haoran had ever seen undercover equipment.

That's so rough!

These days, there are no action cameras or pinhole cameras.

The camera was heavy and bulky.

How can you take photos like this secretly?

Li Jun used a briefcase as a disguise.

Put the camera in the briefcase.

Then a hole was cut in the side of the briefcase, and the camera lens was pointed at the hole.

Then cut a piece from the woman's black stockings, choose a versatile material, cover it up, and apply wax.

It can look black, just like a briefcase, and also prevent lens reflections.

During undercover investigations, he kept his briefcase tucked into his clothes and remained vigilant at all times.

If anyone notices, quickly adjust the angle to avoid revealing the camera.

"People's Livelihood Investigation" is a flagship program and enjoys special privileges.

The production team has a company car.

A minivan.

Reporters Zhou Haoran and Yan Hong also accompanied them on an undercover investigation.

It's quite interesting.

In the car, Zhou Haoran accompanied reporter Li Jun as they practiced repeatedly.

Zhou Haoran pretends to be the owner of a printing factory.

Li Jun impersonated a bookseller.

"Mr. Zhou, I am Zhao Mingjian from Jianghe Culture Company. I am here specifically to discuss business with you."

Li Jun had a smile on his face, and he looked very sincere.

Zhou Haoran had already contacted him several times, but this time he made it more difficult. "Oh? President Zhao has also heard the news?"

"Huh?" Li Jun was not quite sure. "What news?"

Zhou Haoran said with a smile, "I heard that Changxing Publishing House has raised its prices significantly and no longer has a price advantage. Is that why Mr. Zhao came to me to discuss this business?"

"Haha, businessmen, who wouldn't want a cheaper order?"

Li Jun reacted quickly.

Zhou Haoran asked, "Have you gone over there to discuss it?"

"Hmm..." Li Jun didn't want to answer anymore and asked with great concern, "Dude, what's going on?"

Zhou Haoran regained his composure and said with a smile, "Reporter Li, I just heard the news myself. Changxing Publishing House's printing prices were originally the lowest in the industry, so private booksellers would usually go to them for printing orders. Recently, Changxing Printing Factory raised its prices, which created an opportunity for other printing factories."

Li Jun breathed a sigh of relief. "This is very important intelligence! Luckily you're well-informed. If you weren't aware of this situation, you would most likely have been exposed after you went there."

The driver, who was also filming, joked, "It's okay. If we get caught, I'll grab my briefcase and run. You cover for me. Once I'm out, I'll find someone to rescue you."

Li Jun, however, looked serious and said in a deep voice, "Definitely. In our line of work, the material is more important than life itself."

Knowing the dangers of undercover investigations, Zhou Haoran reassured him, "It's not that bad here at the harbor. Things usually happen in the Midwest, that's where the real danger lies. If you really get detained, I guarantee I'll drive right in there."

(End of this chapter)