Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 387 Xingchen's Future Path, the Gap

Outside the airport, a barrage of flashbulbs illuminated the scene as dozens of South Korean reporters and fans enthusiastically surrounded the cast and crew of "Painted Skin" as they emerged from the gate. Huang Xiaoming, Zhou Xun, and others waved and smiled broadly at the crowd.

"South Korean media followed the cast and crew of 'Painted Skin' at the airport; the epic fantasy film is set to be released in South Korea at the end of the month."

In the reports on portal websites, photos of the smiling cast and crew of "Painted Skin" were prominently displayed.

The box office success of "Painted Skin" in China was unstoppable. After breaking the 200 million yuan mark in just half a month, it naturally couldn't miss out on major overseas box office destinations such as Japan and South Korea. In particular, South Korea has always been quite fond of Eastern fantasy elements, and the Shanghai Film Group had smooth and enthusiastic negotiations with local distributors.

In an instant, Starry Night Pictures once again became a hot commodity in the eyes of various investors.

The IPO frenzy among major film and television companies is currently very high, and Starry Night Pictures possesses a wealth of renowned directors in the industry, which is something that cannot be found in other companies.

It's worth noting that a top director can support an entire company these days, and the film industry is director-centric, so many people are flocking to them seeking collaborations.

At this moment, in the office of Xingchen Film Industry in Huixin Building, Zhong Lifang was discussing the TV series "Lurking" with Wu Chen, and casually mentioned it as well.

"Director Wu, does Starry Sky Pictures have any plans to seek external financing? I have quite a few people on my side who are very interested in Starry Sky Pictures' financing plans. If you have any plans, I can help recommend them."

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen shook his head and chuckled, "Haha, I don't need the money right now, so forget it."

Seeing this, Zhong Lifang didn't know what to say.

She couldn't quite understand Wu Chen. If she were in charge, now would be a golden opportunity for Xingchen Pictures to overwhelm all private film and television companies and become the first film and television company to be listed on the A-share market.

In his view, Xingchen's financial structure and film and television operations are the most streamlined in the industry, and it is also the easiest company to package for capitalization.
The mere presence of three directors with budgets exceeding 100 million yuan is enough to attract investment, leaving other film and television companies far behind. Moreover, Wu Chen also has resources in Hollywood, which is an immense attraction for companies looking to invest in overseas film and television.

"Mr. Zhong, let's get back to 'Lurking,' how's the show going?" Wu Chen changed the subject.

He is not very interested in capitalization at the moment; in his vision, Starry Night Pictures is to become the engine of the content ecosystem.

To become an engine, one needs the decisive power of "textual reserves," that is, to possess the source of the future IP industry, only then can one be qualified to make money effortlessly.

Zhong Lifang snapped out of her reverie and nodded: "The post-production of the TV series is nearing completion, and we'll soon be able to prepare for its broadcast, but..."

She paused, then said with a hint of helplessness, "It's just that there aren't many TV stations willing to broadcast this kind of subject matter right now. Local stations aren't very enthusiastic about it."

"Is there a chance to appear on CCTV?" Wu Chen asked directly.

By following CCTV's lead, the benefits and fame of "Lurking" can be maximized, which will greatly enhance both future broadcasting rights and future copyright value.

Zhong Lifang hesitated slightly, a bitter smile appearing on her face:

"To be honest, getting on CCTV is quite difficult. It's not a problem with the subject matter. The content and tone of 'Lurking' are actually very suitable for CCTV."

However, since it was produced by our two companies and didn't have the names of organizations like the General Political Department or the August First Film Studio, CCTV has always preferred to purchase dramas produced by organizations within the system.

The show "The Sky of History," which was previously broadcast by Xiaoma Benteng, also bore the nameplate of the Air Force Political Department Television Art Center.

Wu Chen frowned upon hearing this. This phenomenon was not surprising, after all, the CCTV system was a system in itself, and many high-quality dramas would have almost no chance of being broadcast during prime time without the backing of an internal unit.

"Is there no other way?"

He was reluctant to give up on CCTV as a channel. As the first TV series that Xingchen Pictures had participated in, it had to make a splash. Although a hit on a local TV station was also an option, wouldn't it be better to go straight to CCTV? Moreover, in terms of its content, "Lurking" absolutely "qualified" to be broadcast on CCTV's prime time slot. In fact, it could be said that its quality and value were a level above a large number of "mainstream + didactic" dramas that were broadcast on CCTV at the time.

This applies to the subject matter, overall tone, and value orientation.
Zhong Lifang pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Director Wu, it's not that there's no way, but it might require Xingchen or you, Director Wu, to make it work."

"Oh?"

"By following the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television's lead, we can get our programs included in the State Administration's 'Ideological and Literary Project' program catalog for that year. CCTV is required to purchase a portion of this catalog, so once we're included, we have the opportunity to forcibly integrate into CCTV's broadcasting system."

After Zhong Lifang finished speaking, she looked at Wu Chen and said that to succeed in the broadcasting industry, one needs connections and influential people to attract attention.

Wu Chen nodded slightly upon hearing this, "Let's submit it for review first. I'll ask about it."

After Zhong Lifang nodded and left the office, Wu Chen leaned back in his chair and pondered for a moment before making a phone call.

If he remembered correctly, Gao Chengsheng had also served as the vice president of a television drama production company under China Film Group, so he should be very familiar with the other party.

Gao Chengsheng was slightly taken aback when he saw Wu Chen's call, then smiled gently after hearing what Wu Chen mentioned:
"Director Wu, it's simple. What you said is indeed true. However, if you want to go this route, you need someone within the system to help you submit it. This will speed up the review process."

Here's what we'll do: have someone from Xiaoma Benteng come find me. It just so happens that China Film Group also has a film to submit for approval recently; we'll submit it together for you.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Gao."

"Hey, what's the trouble? It just reduces a bit of hassle. Actually, it would be smoother if your name could be on the TV series, but now that it's finished filming, this kind of packaging isn't very meaningful."

However, I suggest you write your name in the recommender section. You know what I mean.

"Okay, got it." Wu Chen smiled.

After hanging up the phone, Gao Chengsheng thought for a moment, then stood up and went straight upstairs to knock on Han Sanping's office door.

Han Sanping was flipping through documents when he looked up and smiled, "Chengsheng, what's wrong?"

Gao Chengsheng reported: "Wu Chen just called. He wants his first TV series, 'Lurking,' to be included in the State Administration of Radio and Television's 'Ideological and Literary Project' catalog, and he probably wants to go to CCTV."

Han Sanping laughed upon hearing this, "You can make your own decision about this small matter. If you can lend a hand, then do so. After all, it's a project under Wu Chen's company. You should also put in a good word with CCTV."

"Ok, I see."

Meanwhile, in the general manager's office of Xiaoma Benteng, Zhong Lifang had just returned to her seat and hadn't even had a sip of water when she received a text message from Wu Chen.

Upon seeing the text message, she paused for a moment, then a hint of envy appeared on her face.

Wu Chen's text message simply stated:

"Mr. Zhong, could you arrange for someone to go to China Film Group to see Vice President Gao Chengsheng later? He'll help submit the application materials together."

In just a few words, seemingly ordinary, she saw the difference between the two companies, both openly and covertly. At least Wu Chen could accomplish many things that Xiao Ma Ben Teng couldn't.

Fortunately, Xiaoma Benteng is developing rapidly these days. Although the company structure is not quite right, with too many senior executives being incompetent, as long as she and Li Ming are there, there shouldn't be any major problems.
(End of this chapter)