Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 152 Press Conference Site

Fan Bingbing has a keen understanding of the art of hype in the entertainment industry. As soon as she mentioned Song Dynasty poetry, she ignited the entire audience. After the reporters below calmed down a bit, she continued:

"As for why I was chosen as the female lead in 'My Love from the Star,' I think it's because Mr. Zhang felt that I best fit the female lead's temperament. The female lead in the drama is a big star."

I remember it was the premiere of the movie "Nightclub" that day. Mr. Zhang immediately felt I was the perfect choice for the female lead, so he extended an invitation on the spot. After reading the script, I really liked the role and agreed to take it.

Secretly pleased with herself, she recalled that attending the premiere of "Nightclub" last year was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but it turned out to be a brilliant move. Not only did she get to know Zhang Zhao and successfully latch onto Tengda Culture, but she also landed the lead role in a big-budget production—a truly unexpected delight.

The first hottest news in the entertainment industry in the new year caused a great stir at the event. Reporters were all eager to get information out of Fan Bingbing, and they didn't even spare Mu Xiaoguang and Zhang Zhao, who were standing next to her, hoping to uncover some breaking news.

However, the people on stage are all veterans of the entertainment industry, seasoned by the media. They still handled the reporters' tricky questions with ease, speaking eloquently and giving watertight answers.

The press conference was in full swing when another reporter raised his hand to ask to speak. However, after being granted permission, the reporter did not ask Fan Bingbing any questions, but instead turned his attention to Qiao Zhengyu on the stage.

"Hello Qiao Zhengyu, I am a reporter from Headline Entertainment. As a first-tier actor who has already entered the big screen, your recently starring film 'So Young' achieved a box office success of over 100 million yuan."

Is the decision to return to filming fantasy urban dramas now, to some extent, a sacrifice of personal career development in order to support company projects?

Qiao Zhengyu kept a low profile throughout the event. When reporters asked questions, he kept his answers brief, as Fan Bingbing was the main character present, and he didn't want to overshadow her.

I was initially relieved when the reporter introduced themselves, thinking that since we were both from Tengda, they wouldn't make things difficult for me. But I never expected the questions they asked to be so pointed.

After all, in the eyes of fans and outsiders, her next step should be to continue to conquer the big screen or transform into serious dramas. Filming "My Love from the Star" is a career regression. Fantasy romance urban dramas just don't sound reliable.

Actually, he was originally reluctant to star in "My Love from the Star". The second female lead and the second male lead in this drama were Lü Yi and Wang Kai. Naturally, he was unwilling to have the company make him film a romantic urban drama to mentor newcomers.

Later, it was the agent who did some persuasion, saying that the company had just helped and trained you, and that not considering the company's overall interests would definitely offend the company leaders.

Besides, the screenwriter of "My Love from the Star" is the chairman of the board. If you don't act in it, what's wrong with that? Do you look down on Mr. Song's script?

Given the substantial investment and the fact that his co-star was the currently popular superstar Fan Bingbing, he reluctantly agreed to take the role and attend the press conference.

Qiao Zhengyu thought for a moment, then said calmly, "I've read the script. The story of 'My Love from the Star' is very well-intentioned, and it will definitely be an excellent TV series when it's filmed."

Moreover, movies and television are both for the audience; there's no inherent superiority of one over the other. Besides, I'd really like to try making a super-budget production like this, and I'm grateful to Mr. Zhang for giving me this opportunity.

The reporter from Headline Entertainment smiled, nodded, and sat down without pressing further. She had her own news targets, but she wouldn't make things too difficult for her own people.

Fan Bingbing, with a dignified demeanor, presided over the reception, gesturing with one hand: "Please ask the reporter next to you a question."

A reporter stood up at the prompting, a sly glint in his eyes, and asked a particularly insidious and tricky question:

"Hello Bingbing, I'm a reporter from Sina Entertainment. There have been rumors in the industry that you and Li Bingbing are competing for the title of Huayi Brothers' No. 1 Actress."

With your departure to go solo, does it mean the battle for the top spot has ended, and you've completely lost to Li Bingbing? After all, why would someone who could be Huayi's top star, enjoying abundant high-quality resources, risk starting their own studio?

Everyone immediately adopted a "let's watch the show" expression. Everyone knew that the top actresses in the entertainment industry were fiercely competitive and had a bad relationship, and Shuang Bing was even more like oil and water. This guy asking such a question at Fan Bingbing's studio press conference was definitely trying to stir up trouble.

On the surface, Fan Bingbing appeared calm and collected, but inwardly she was as cold as ice. She had already made a note in her notebook, and with a forced smile, she looked at the reporter with amusement:
"Sina Entertainment, right? First of all, leaving Huayi Company was only from my personal career development perspective. The so-called loss to Li Bingbing is pure nonsense."

I think it's quite obvious which is better, working for someone else or being your own boss. And what about a big-budget production like "My Love from the Star" with 5000 million yuan? Isn't that considered high-quality material?

"But..."

"Next. First in the third row." Fan Bingbing interrupted, not giving the other person a chance to speak again.

"I am a reporter from Film News. Mr. Zhang, besides investing in 'My Love from the Star,' what other TV series and movies does Tengda Culture have planned for 2007?"

"Film News" is an official media outlet under the State Film Administration. Zhang Zhao straightened up slightly and said seriously:

"Tengda Culture currently plans to produce four TV series and three movies this year. Specific project information is not convenient to disclose today, but the company will issue an announcement later."

Upon hearing this, everyone was immediately shocked by Tengda Culture's high productivity. Even Mu Xiaoguang was greatly surprised, as its scale was no less than that of Huayi Company!

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang. We look forward to Tengda Culture producing more excellent works."

The reporter politely replied that he represented the official media outlet "Film News" and was more concerned with issues such as the development of the film industry and the output of film and television companies' projects. Celebrity gossip and scandals were not the focus of the official media.

Several more reporters asked questions, and the press conference concluded successfully amidst enthusiastic applause more than an hour later.

Fan Bingbing, dressed in a dazzling gown and with an elegant demeanor, slowly left the stage surrounded by her assistant and emcee, and went backstage with Mu Xiaoguang and the others.

"Mr. Zhang, Ms. Qiao, today's press conference was so successful thanks to your great help."

Fan Bingbing wore a charming smile, her voice soft and melodious, filled with gratitude.

"From now on, we'll all be on the same side; this is only the proper course of action."

Zhang Zhao laughed and said that Tengda Culture had invested in Fan Bingbing's studio, holding a 20% stake, which is why he and the company's top executive, Qiao Zhengyu, came to support Fan Bingbing today.

Ever since the premiere of "Nightclub", Zhang Zhao has been trying to invite Fan Bingbing to join Tengda Culture.

However, Fan Bingbing had already made up her mind to go solo, but she also wanted to win over Tengda to find a backer, so she thought about giving up a portion of the studio's shares.

Later, when reporting to the chairman for approval, Song Ci knew that it was becoming the industry mainstream for celebrities to open their own studios, so she naturally agreed to invest. After all, Fan Bingbing was expected to be the top female star in the Chinese entertainment industry in the future, with extremely high commercial value. As for some future problems, they could be avoided in advance or the shares could be sold before any scandals broke out.

"I've booked a private room next door. I would like to invite Mr. Zhang and Ms. Qiao to join us for a get-together tonight to celebrate the opening of my studio."

Zhang Zhao and Qiao Zhengyu exchanged a glance. The banquet that evening was something they had anticipated, and it was also a good opportunity to deepen their understanding and cooperation. They readily agreed.

"Then we shall respectfully comply."

Fan Bingbing smiled sweetly and, together with her agent, led Zhang Zhao and Qiao Zhengyu to the luxurious private room next door. The four chatted and laughed along the way, the atmosphere harmonious and pleasant.

Mu Xiaoguang, impeccably dressed in a suit, a shrewd smile playing on his lips, spoke in fluent Taiwanese:

"Mr. Zhang, today's press conference was truly spectacular, and Bingbing's performance was also remarkable. This is all thanks to the close cooperation between our two sides."

To further strengthen our friendship, I wonder if Mr. Zhang could kindly arrange for your company's Chairman, Mr. Song Ci, to join us for dinner tonight?

Although Mu Xiaoguang's words contained some flattery, they were more of a calculated move after careful consideration. Although he was a big shot in the entertainment industry in Taiwan, this was the capital, Beiping!
To establish himself in Beijing's business circle, he needed to find a powerful backer. He and Tengda Culture were both shareholders of Fan Bingbing's studio, and they were seizing this golden opportunity to climb up to Song Ci, a rising business tycoon.

Upon hearing this, Fan Bingbing also stared expectantly at Zhang Zhao. It would be perfect if Song Ci could be invited to the banquet that evening.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhao smiled slightly, a subtle hint of consideration flashing in his eyes. Mu Xiaoguang's suggestion clearly had a deeper purpose.

Either they wanted to use Song Ci to secure more resources for Fan Bingbing, or they wanted to get close to the chairman themselves.

But Song Ci (a famous Chinese poet) is not so easy to invite. If his subordinates want him to come forward for something, they need to make an appointment at least a month in advance.

The guy surnamed Mu thinks he can summon the chairman with just one phone call? He must still be dreaming, thinking he's still in Taiwan. He's seriously underestimating the value of being one of the top ten richest people in mainland China.

“President Song is extremely busy; his time is very valuable. Let's not bother him today. If there are any future collaborations that require his involvement, I will report and request his approval.” Zhang
Zhao's words were forceful and clear, each word conveying an undeniable refusal.

A fleeting hint of disappointment crossed Mu Xiaoguang's face, but he quickly regained his composure, though he remained undeterred.

“Mr. Zhang, I heard that Chairman Song admires Bingbing. Why don’t you ask Mr. Song for his permission? Perhaps he will be interested in coming over.”

Zhang Zhao scoffed inwardly. This guy was trying to use Fan Bingbing as bait to pull a honey trap, thinking the chairman would be interested in beautiful female celebrities.

It must be admitted that Fan Bingbing is indeed a top-tier beauty in the entertainment industry. With her fame, many wealthy men would probably be willing to spend money and effort to get close to her. However, Song Cizhi is certain that he has no interest in such things and has never had any intention of getting involved with beauties in the entertainment industry.

Fan Bingbing stood tall and proud, dressed in a stunning red gown, exuding exquisite beauty. She presented her most perfect self to Zhang Zhao, wanting to prove her charm.

Qiao Zhengyu watched this scene with amusement. He knew that the chairman liked Liu Shishi. He wondered if President Zhang would contact Chairman Song. But to be honest, compared with Fan Bingbing, Liu Shishi was still a bit naive and lacked a bit of mature charm.

Zhang Zhao shook his head. For top tycoons, beautiful women are just a diversion in life. How can a sparrow know the ambition of a swan? The chairman is fundamentally different from those coal bosses. He has the determination and will to do great things.

"Today is our chairman's birthday. He's probably with his girlfriend or family, so I'd better not disturb him."

He revealed a piece of news that would immediately put both of them to rest. Zhang Zhao estimated that Song Ci was most likely with Liu Shishi at this time. He also remembered that last year his boss specially flew to Hengdian to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday. They were truly a perfect match.

Mu Xiaoguang looked regretful and said helplessly, "I was presumptuous."

Fan Bingbing, however, looked curious and couldn't help but ask, "Does Mr. Zhang know which family's daughter is Chairman Song's girlfriend?"

She was very interested in what kind of girlfriend a man like Song Ci, who was top-notch in wealth, looks, and family background, would choose. After all, a man like Song Ci was the ultimate target for female celebrities in their industry.

Unfortunately, these wealthy scions rarely take a real interest in female celebrities. Dating and having fun is fine, but wanting them to become wives is wishful thinking.

Zhang Zhao chuckled, feeling that the gossip about the chairman and Liu Shishi could continue until the two went public.

Even a man who remains a boy until death can't help but say mysteriously, "That young lady is your colleague, but I can't reveal her specific identity."

"I understand!" Fan Bingbing replied with a smile, a hint of surprise in her heart. Interesting, she was also in the entertainment industry, so she must be quite influential.

Since she is an actress, she inevitably has to be associated with Tengda Culture. Is she one of the two young girls, Wang Luodan and Lü Yi, or perhaps Gao Yuanyuan?
As they walked and talked, the waiter led them into a luxuriously decorated private room, where they were about to enjoy a gourmet feast.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Beijing Huayi Company.

Chairman Wang Zhongjun sat in a large executive chair, reviewing a document while talking with his brother Wang Zhonglei and the famous director Feng Xiaogang. Several documents and financial statements were scattered on the table.

"Fan Bingbing held a press conference for his studio today. I heard dozens of media outlets attended, and Tengda also got involved. It was quite a spectacle." Wang Zhonglei said, crossing his legs with a nonchalant air.

Feng Xiaogang sat sideways in his chair, twirling two walnuts in his hands, and smiled with narrowed eyes: "That woman is very ambitious, and she's quite adept at changing her stance depending on the wind."

Seeing how well Tengda Culture is doing lately, they decided to jump on its bandwagon. And since they've gotten involved with that Taiwanese guy surnamed Mu, they're bypassing us and going it alone.

Wang Zhongjun completely disregarded Fan Bingbing; a woman couldn't cause any trouble. He glanced at the documents in his hand, not even looking up, and casually asked:
"Speaking of Tengda Culture, have you studied that movie 'So Young'? It only cost a few million at most, but it still grossed over 100 million at the box office. Can we imitate its formula?"

Seeing that his elder brother was getting down to business, Wang Zhonglei quickly replied:
"Brother, I already had my subordinates research it. They said that this kind of youth film was a blank before, and with the high popularity of Qiao Zhengyu and Gao Yuanyuan, this unexpected dark horse has emerged."

We can use this approach too. These kinds of films have low production costs; just cast a few popular stars, and an audience will naturally buy tickets. Making a small profit is definitely not a problem.

(End of this chapter)