Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 117 Parting Ways Birthday Banquet!
Huayi has been making a lot of moves lately, frequently extending invitations to artists whose contracts are about to expire or those working in family-run businesses.

The artists we've already contacted include Zhou Xun, Liu Yifei, Huang Xiaoming, Deng Chao... They're either popular actors or rising stars.

The talent agencies whose artists were poached are also full of complaints and are very dissatisfied with Huayi's behavior.

If they can't offer better treatment and resources, they can only watch helplessly.

An insider revealed that Wang Jinghua has moved out of Huayi Brokerage Company. In order to extricate herself as soon as possible, she even gave up her 50% stake. A large number of artists have also left with her.

They're frantically poaching talent everywhere to fill the potential talent vacuum that might arise after Wong Jing-hua leaves.

With much speculation circulating and the matter becoming increasingly difficult to conceal, Huayi proactively issued a statement:

"Huayi's contract with Ms. Wang Jinghua expired and was not renewed. The rumors circulating outside that a large number of artists left are untrue. In fact, not many artists followed. Bing and Fan Bingbing still stayed with the company."

At the same time, those artists who left with Huayi Brothers immediately reclaimed the film contracts and endorsements they had obtained.

The outside world is watching closely to see where Wang Jinghua, this walking money-printing machine, will go next.

Wang Jinghua directly announced the news to the public.

"Thank you for Orange Sky's trust and support. The two parties have jointly established a new brokerage company, which I will fully control and manage. The company will not interfere with its operations."

We welcome film and television companies, directors, and major brands that have collaborated with us in the past to come and discuss new collaborations.

Orange Sky responded to the news immediately.

"Orange Sky welcomes Ms. Wang Jinghua and her team to the company. We will provide our maximum capabilities and assistance to help the new company become the number one brokerage firm in China..."

The entertainment industry was shocked by this news.

Orange Sky Entertainment has transformed from an unknown film and television company into one of the top three film and television brokerage companies in mainland China.

Media reports have revealed that Huayi Brothers' talent agency department has been completely emptied out, with more than forty actors and celebrities joining Orange Sky Entertainment under the leadership of Wong Jing-hua.

This event has had a huge impact, prompting major domestic film and television companies to revise their artist contracts, making them more stringent and restrictive than before.

"Xiao Xue, don't say that the company doesn't give your sister resources or that they favor you two sisters. Wang Jinghua, that ungrateful wretch, is gone, and you'll be taking over the position of head of the artist department."

Li Xue was overjoyed. As long as she managed the talent agency, her sister would never have to worry about resources. She immediately pledged her loyalty:
"Don't worry, Mr. Wang. I've already learned Wang Jinghua's methods for managing artists, and I'm sure I can help the agency department achieve even greater success."

"Well, go and do your work."

Wang Zhonglei nodded approvingly at Li Xue's confidence, not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm.

Huayi has already learned its lesson and will certainly not repeat the same mistake.

To prevent the brokerage department from becoming too dominant again, the brokerage business will be broken up into multiple studios, thus dispersing power.

Giving Li Xue this nominal position was also a temporary measure to appease the Li sisters.

"Boss, should we revise the contracts for the company's artists?"

Having gone through this period of experience, Yang Tianzhen is no longer a naive young girl just entering society; her behavior and demeanor have matured considerably.

"Xiao Yang, the entertainment industry has everything, but it doesn't lack people. As long as you have the resources, even a pig can be turned into a top star. Do you understand?"

Tian Xiaole said nonchalantly.

With so many resources and connections to Hollywood, the company has plenty of actors and stars who want to join, so it doesn't care about the small amount of money it has.

"Boss, the invitation letter just arrived at the company."

The assistant knocked on the door and came in, holding a beautifully crafted invitation.

Tian Xiaole took it and flipped through it. The joint signatures were Shishiba Culture and Orange Sky Entertainment.

Shishiba Culture is the newly established company.

"Wang Jinghua is quick on the uptake. The company was just announced and the invitations are already prepared."

"I guess they've already reached an agreement with Orange Sky in private, and they're just waiting for the contract to expire," Yang Tianzhen guessed.

"Xiao Yang, go on behalf of the company."

Tian Xiaole's collaboration with Huayi was fairly pleasant, and she even participated in their company's projects, so there's no need to rub salt into the wound.

Speaking of projects, I'm reminded of "Soldiers' Assault".

They were only thinking about getting a role, without mentioning the share of the cast. How could they miss out on such a hugely popular drama?

Tian Xiaole took out his phone and called Wang Zhonglei.

Seeing that their boss was busy, Yang Tianzhen and Xiaowen quietly left the office.

During the time when Wang Jinghua was away, Tian Xiaole's phone call was quickly answered.

"Xiao Le, you rarely call. Is something the matter?"

Hearing Wang Zhonglei's voice, Tian Xiaole chuckled and said, "He must be swamped with work lately."

"I've come to offer my support to Huayi. I'll help you with part of your investment in [Soldiers Sortie]."

Wang Zhonglei didn't understand why Tian Xiaole was interested in military-themed dramas. A drama that was all men had a very low market acceptance for such TV series, and the broadcasting rights were hard to sell.

"Of course, we welcome Tian Xiaole, this great traitor, to invest," Wang Zhonglei said magnanimously.

"The total investment cost is 30 million. The August First Film Studio covered part of it, and Huayi had an investment share of 20 million. I'll give you 10 million each."

It's a bit little, but it's still acceptable. Tian Xiaole asked her assistant to handle the arrangements.

Filming for "Ip Man" has started in Foshan. Chen Zhixi is overseeing the flow of funds, making sure every penny is spent on the production.

They didn't want to invest 40 million to produce a poorly made movie.

Huayi acted quickly; they had barely reached an agreement when they announced the collaborative project.

Huayi Brothers, Xiaole Pictures, and August First Film Studio have reached an investment agreement to jointly invest in the TV series "Soldiers Sortie".

Huayi will continue to deepen its cooperation with both film and television companies; the departure of either will not affect the company's normal development.

When Tian Xiaole saw the news, she imagined Wang Zhonglei looking arrogant and smug.

They hastily announced the project, taking the opportunity to flex their muscles while subtly belittling Wang Jinghua.

···
"Seven Swords" was pulled from theaters before it finished its theatrical run, with a total box office of 6830 million.

Following "The Legend of Zu," Xu Ke's martial arts films are once again facing scrutiny, and it's estimated that no investor will dare to invest in him for the next few years.

The release of "The Shallows" is nearing its end, with daily box office revenue falling below 20 yuan. Pirated videos are circulating online, and DVDs are everywhere offline.

It's all thanks to the enthusiasm of netizens that we've gotten to where we are today.

The total box office reached 1.32 billion.

Han Sanping called out, wanting to hold a victory celebration banquet.

Tian Xiaole rejected the offer because it was deemed inappropriate to make a big fuss about a foreign language film.

The person on the other end of the phone calmed down and asked, "What release date are you planning for 'The Thieves'?"

"I plan to release it during the Spring Festival and create a Spring Festival slot."

"With everyone busy with family reunions and watching the Spring Festival Gala, who would go to the cinema to watch a movie?" Han Sanping asked with some doubt.

“In the past, when people watched the Spring Festival Gala, we could have promoted watching movies during the Spring Festival, so that the audience could gradually form a habit.”

Moreover, the Lunar New Year is a time for family reunions, and if one person wants to see a movie, the whole family might have to go with them.

If we can make the Spring Festival film season a success, it will definitely become the biggest golden period in film history…

Tian Xiaole spoke eloquently, expressing great confidence in the films to be released during the Spring Festival.

Han Sanping has spent half his life in the film and television industry, so he has a good sense of things, and he also has successful precedents.

I agree with releasing "The Thieves" during the Spring Festival season, but I'm also thinking about how to cultivate the habit of watching movies during the Spring Festival among the audience.

After hanging up Han Sanping's call, Tian Xiaole went home after get off work.

Old Tian was packing his luggage; he only had a few changes of clothes left.

The Venice Film Festival opening ceremony is on August 27th, it's time to set off.

The assistant placed the luggage outside the waiting vehicle. Tian Xiaole had arranged for them to go together, as it was more convenient to have someone run errands.

"Let's go, I'll take you to the airport."

Tian Xiaole leaned against the threshold and said.

Old Tian wore a dark blue Zhongshan suit, which made him look much more energetic.

Yu Lan lay on a garden chair, and Lao Tian took the initiative to say goodbye, reminding the old lady to rest on time.

“You’re not young anymore, don’t take awards too seriously. Xiao Le is successful now, he doesn’t need you to pave the way for him.”

The old lady gave her earnest advice.

Tian Zhuangzhuang smiled helplessly and said, "Don't worry, sir. I just want to get a good price for the film and make sure the investors don't lose money. I don't care about anything else."

"Grandma, I'm taking Lao Tian to the airport. I'll be back soon."

Tian Xiaole squatted down beside the rattan chair and held the old lady's hand.

"Go ahead, drive carefully."

···
Beijing Capital International Airport, as the only international airport in the capital, receives a large number of tourists from all over the country every day, making it a bustling and lively place.

"Look, isn't that director Tian Xiaole? And isn't that director Tian Zhuangzhuang next to him?"

"It's them, no doubt about it."

"We should go to Venice now!"

In a corner, several reporters who had been staking out the area for years were exchanging information.

"Why don't we just go up and ask?"

The older reporter got up and went to block the person, followed by several others.

Tian Xiaole watched Lao Tian and his assistant enter the ticket gate. As soon as he stepped out of the airport, he was surrounded by a group of people.

"Director Tian, ​​is Director Tian heading to the Venice Film Festival?"

"Yeah that's right."

Tian Xiaole nodded. He knew he wouldn't be able to leave today without answering a few questions.

"Tiffany Chen took advantage of Zhou Xingchi's misfortune by publicly criticizing him in Hong Kong media, saying he deserved to have his signed artists terminate their contracts. What does Director Tian think about this?"

A short, stout male reporter wearing thick glasses shoved a recorder close to Tian Xiaole's mouth and asked a question.

A reporter nearby added, "Hong Kong media criticized Huang Shengyi as an ungrateful wretch, saying she was made famous but doesn't appreciate it."

However, in the materials she submitted to the court, it was revealed that of the 70 yuan in film remuneration she was entitled to, only 7 yuan had been paid, with the remaining 63 yuan owed to her under various pretexts. Tian Xiaole was genuinely unaware of this matter. Huang Shengyi had contacted him twice, both times complaining that Xinghui was too strict with her in accepting roles and even demanded that she learn to sing, among other things.

As for the salary, I haven't heard it mentioned, but since it's been submitted to the court as evidence, it's probably true.

"If what Huang Shengyi said is true, then director Stephen Chow was indeed a bit unethical, and terminating the contract is understandable."

Tian Xiaole's choice to support Huang Shengyi does not mean that the two had any in-depth communication; it is simply a matter of supporting a mainland actor.

The reporter's eyes lit up, and he pressed on, "Does Director Tian support Huang Shengyi's contract termination?"

“I support her getting the compensation she deserves. Star Overseas’s plans for Huang Shengyi are too rigid and have limited her development. The contract can be discussed again. I do not support terminating the contract in this way. Without the spirit of contract, one cannot go far.”

The reporter was completely bewildered. Support? Only half the support?
···
Not long after Tian Xiaole arrived home, the reporter's report was already on major portal websites.

"Director Tian Zhuangzhuang departs for Venice, and Director Tian Xiaole personally sees him off!"

"Director Tian Xiaole supports Huang Shengyi's demand for his due compensation, pointing out that Star Overseas' management style is not conducive to the development of artists, but he believes that the termination of the contract lacks the spirit of contract."

Tian Xiaole lay on a rattan chair in the garden, scrolling through online reports and comments from netizens.

Although Stephen Chow has a large fan base in mainland China, after his salary was revealed, netizens overwhelmingly supported Huang Shengyi.

With Mrs. Xiang fanning the flames, Stephen Chow and Star Overseas Ltd. have been placed in the eye of the storm.

"Cough cough cough..."

The penguin received a message.

I am a cat: "Senior, it's my birthday tomorrow, remember to come!"

Tian Tian Tian: "Haha... I really forgot if you hadn't told me."

I am a cat: "(Knock) (Knock) Don't forget to bring your gift."

Tian Tian Tian: "OK".

Tian Xiaole closed the interface, tossed the phone aside, and pondered what to give as a gift.

···
"Didn't you say Tian Xiaole is a good person? What does he mean by this? Is he supporting you or criticizing you?"

"I guess he doesn't support my contract termination. That's what he told me when I talked to him before."

Seeing that Huang Shengyi was wavering, Yang Zi took her hand and said very seriously.

"With your current fame, it's unfair that you only get paid so little for a movie. Once your contract is terminated, I'll start a film and television company and promote someone."

Hearing Yang Zi's confident and domineering speech, Huang Shengyi was very moved and leaned on his shoulder.

"Brother Yang, you're so good to me."

You should know how I feel about you.

After Yang Zi finished speaking, he tried to lift Huang Shengyi up by the waist.

"Brother Yang, I'm not ready yet."

Huang Shengyi struggled and refused to take any further action.

Rich men generally like to date, and Yang Zi prefers girls with a pure and innocent appearance.

She wanted to be a wealthy wife, not the kind of mistress who is kept without any status.

Before it's fully repaired, it definitely can't be touched; we need to preserve Yangzi's image as a pure and innocent young woman.

"It's not my period, it's just that I'm not ready. Don't you like me?"

Yangzi was slightly dissatisfied, as he was refused every time he was about to get a bite.

However, he chose to respect that beautiful things should not be rushed.

···
On the 25th, media reported that the Fangfei Garden at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse was booked by the wealthy Chen Jinfei for two million yuan.

In fact, Liu Yifei has become a top-tier TV actress thanks to her roles in "The Story of a Noble Family", "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", "Chinese Paladin 1", and the already promoted "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

However, in the film industry, there is only one film, "May Love," co-produced with Taiwan, and no other film resources.

After discussing it, Liu's mother and Chen Jinfei decided to develop Liu's career as a singer. Sony Music, which was also looking to cultivate brand ambassadors in mainland China, found a perfect match between the two parties.

Taking advantage of Liu Yifei's birthday party, the news of the signed contract was announced, and the million-dollar venue rental fee was paid by Sony.

Tian Xiaole stuffed the prepared birthday gifts into a bag and rushed to Liu Yifei's birthday party.

She was dressed very casually, just her usual casual clothes.

When Tian Xiaole arrived, a large number of movie fans had already gathered outside.

The red carpet stretched from the lobby to the guest drop-off point, and a large number of reporters had already arrived on both sides.

As Tian Xiaole stepped out of the car, her feet landed on the red carpet, and reporters snapped photos of the guests present.
The scale was so large that many movie premieres couldn't compare, giving Tian Xiaole the feeling of attending an awards ceremony.

"Please sign."

The hostess handed her a pen, and Tian Xiaole wrote down her name. She glanced at the names in the guestbook and saw that many of them were familiar faces.

"Director Tian, ​​thank you for coming."

Liu's mother wore an elegant dress and light makeup; every smile and gesture exuded oriental elegance and nobility.

Standing next to him was Chen Jinfei, with a receding hairline and a forced smile, who seemed quite out of place.

The two stood in front of the main hall, welcoming the guests invited today.

"Ms. Liu, Mr. Chen."

Tian Xiaole nodded in greeting, exchanged a few polite words, and was then invited into the banquet hall.

A quick glance revealed that besides acquaintances and people from within the industry, there were also several guests wearing jackets, who were clearly leaders within the system.

Lin Zhiying, who has worked with Huang Xiaoming on "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", and Huang Xiaoming on "The Return of the Condor Heroes" are also present. Huang Xiaoming even took leave from the set of "The Banquet" to come over, which shows that Huang Xiaoming is very considerate.

Other classmates from Beijing Film Academy include Zhou Yang, Zhu Yawen, Jiang Yiyan, and others.

"Xiao Le, over here."

Wang Zhonglei waved from a distance, and Wang Changtian raised his glass in greeting, while Zhang Dahuzi stood beside him, puffing out his beard and glaring.

"Director Tian, ​​what are you carrying?"

Wang Changtian looked at the bag Tian Xiaole was carrying and asked curiously.

"A gift prepared for the birthday person."

Tian Xiaole offered a casual explanation, his eyes scanning the hall, but he didn't see the person in question.

"You're such a big director, you're giving gifts way too casually."

Zhang Dahuzi said in a sarcastic tone.

"It's a small gift but a big sentiment. You've lived to be so old, and you still don't know that?"

Tian Xiaole didn't tolerate him and directly confronted him.

Zhang Dahuzi stared wide-eyed, seemingly thinking of something, when Wang Zhonglei interrupted him, saying:
"Director Zhang, you haven't even had a drink yet, and you're already talking nonsense?"

Huayi Brothers wants to sign Zhang Dahuzi, a big name in the television industry, to make up for the weakness in its film business.

Both parties have expressed their intention to cooperate and will sign a contract soon.

But compared to the projects in Tian Xiaole's hands, Zhang Dahuzi is nothing, not worth mentioning, so naturally they won't indulge him.

Knowing he was being rude, Zhang Dahuzi snorted and walked towards his apprentice, Yu Min.

The commotion here naturally attracted the attention of many people, who marveled at how brave Zhang the Bearded was, truly believing that youth could grant him the right to do whatever he wanted.

Backstage.

Liu Yifei sat in front of the dressing table, wearing a pure white princess dress with a puffy skirt design that gave her a very girlish look. The makeup artist was applying makeup to her.

Sitting next to her, Shu Chang's eyes sparkled: "Sister Qianqian, you look so beautiful in this outfit, like a little princess."

The two met on the set of "The Story of a Noble Family". Being around the same age, they quickly became best friends.

"It's not as exaggerated as you say."

Looking at herself in the mirror, Liu Yifei felt certain that she looked beautiful, and couldn't help but smile.

Everyone loves to hear praise, especially someone who is seventeen or eighteen years old.

"Changchang, go out and see if Senior Brother Tian has arrived yet. He promised to bring me a gift."

Tian Xiaole found an empty seat and prepared to eat something first, but underestimated his ability to bring his own aura.

Actors kept coming up to introduce themselves, not wanting to miss a single opportunity to meet the famous director.

"Director Tian, ​​I am actor Huang Xiaoming. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you."

Huang Xiaoming stood to the side, bowing low, his attitude very humble.

"I'll remember you. I'll consider you if there's a suitable role."

Tian Xiaole spoke indistinctly while eating.

There are only a handful of young actors from mainland China, and Huang Xiaoming is the only one I find pleasing to the eye. If there's a suitable role, I'd consider him.

Although the words weren't very clear, Huang Xiaoming still heard them. After saying "Enjoy your meal," he wisely left.

Jiang Yiyan seized the opportunity and brought over two dishes of food:

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​this just came from the kitchen. Why don't you try it and see how it tastes?"

"Hmm, not bad, leave it."

After tasting it, Tian Xiaole nodded and said.

"Senior, Qianqian and I are classmates, also from the 02 performance class of Beijing Film Academy. My name is Jiang Yiyan."

Seeing that Tian Xiaole was too busy eating to pay attention to her, Jiang Yiyan introduced herself.

"Oh, I see."

Tian Xiaole buried himself in his rice, and this time he really ate it.

"Is this a gift you brought? I can help pass it on to Sisi backstage."

Jiang Yiyan saw the bag on the chair next to her and volunteered.

"Okay, you can give it to Liu for me."

It would be troublesome to carry it in public, so it would be nice if someone was willing to deliver it to you.

(End of this chapter)