Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 316 Seize the opportunity
December 24th, Christmas Eve, just one week before the end of the year.

Around nine o'clock in the morning, the warm winter sun shone into the VIP room of Tengda Culture in the Zhongao Building. The room was warm and cozy, with a faint aroma of tea filling the air.

Congratulations, Mr. Zhang!

"Mr. Zhang, when are we going to have the celebration banquet?"

In the small meeting room, several people sat on the sofa, congratulating Zhang Zhao incessantly.

On December 16th, a few days ago, the film "Let the Bullets Fly," directed by Jiang Wen, was released to great acclaim.

The film grossed 2100 million yuan on its opening day and approximately 1.7 million yuan in its first week. Moreover, the film's exciting plot and humorous dialogue, coupled with its positive word-of-mouth, have led to a continuous rise in box office revenue.

Given its current rapid growth trend, "Let the Bullets Fly" is very likely to break the box office record for Chinese-language films previously held by "Aftershock".

As the main investor in "Let the Bullets Fly", Tengda Culture is bound to make a fortune from this film.

"The celebration banquet is tentatively scheduled for New Year's Day. We hope you will all join us then."

Zhang Zhao's face lit up with a smile. It turned out that his work this year had already been praised by the chairman, and he didn't expect to receive such a big surprise at the end of the year, which was undoubtedly the icing on the cake.

"Must go."

"Since Mr. Zhang invited me, how could I possibly miss it? I will definitely be there to support him on New Year's Day."

Inside the meeting room, after exchanging pleasantries, the group got down to business.

Today, Tengda Culture, Huayi Company, and Ningxia Film Studio held a preparatory meeting for "Painted Skin 2".

"Dear executives, my preliminary estimate for the production cost of 'Painted Skin 2' is around 1.2 million yuan. The detailed cost breakdown has been submitted to Tengda and Huayi for review in the early stages."

Pang Hong, vice president of Ningxia Film Studio, gave a brief introduction to the preparation of "Painted Skin 2".

The copyright for the "Painted Skin" series is held by the Ningxia Film Studio, which is the driving force behind the entire project, responsible for overall development and funding coordination. Pang Hong was in charge of some of the preliminary groundwork.

Zhang Zhao and Wang Zhonglei of Huayi exchanged a glance, and neither of them had any objection to the filming costs.

Wang Zhonglei, with his impatient nature, blurted out, "Costs are old news, there's no need to bring them up again. Let's discuss the investment share directly!"

The first "Painted Skin" film achieved impressive box office results, and the second film saw the return of the original cast. In addition, the number of films on the big screen is increasing rapidly every year.

In theory, "Painted Skin 2" should easily gross 400 to 500 million yuan at the box office, and the investors will definitely make a profit. This lucrative opportunity has everyone eager to try their luck.

"My Ningbo Film Studio wants a 30% share!" Pang Hong had already communicated with other leaders in the studio before he arrived.

Although "Painted Skin 2" has a bright future, the huge investment of 1.2 million yuan still makes the project risky.

The Ningxia Film Studio was previously barely surviving and was on the verge of bankruptcy.

Fortunately, they were able to catch their breath thanks to "Painted Skin 1", but they didn't dare to gamble their entire fortune. After a collective discussion, the factory leaders decided that taking a 30% share would be the safest option.

Zhang Zhao originally thought that as the copyright holder, Ningbo Film Studio would at least want a 50% share, but in the end, they only dared to accept a 30% share.

I couldn't help but shake my head slightly. In the era of market economy, these old state-owned film studios are too conservative in their decision-making and lack the courage to keep up with the times.

Wang Zhonglei's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. Huayi is now financially powerful and keen on making large investments and productions to boost its stock price. Projects like "Painted Skin 2" are always welcome.

They initially wanted a 50% investment share, but then hesitated to consider Zhang Zhao's opinion, given that Tengda Culture's strength was no less than that of Huayi.

So, they cautiously suggested, "Mr. Zhang, how about we split the remaining shares 50/50?"

Zhang Zhao had no objection: "Okay, Tengda Culture and Huayi will each invest 35%, and the publicity and distribution will also be handled by the two of us."

Seeing Wang Zhonglei nod in agreement, he turned his gaze to the side and asked, "President Pang, what are your opinions on the publicity and distribution?"

"No objection!" Seeing Zhang Zhao's overwhelming assertiveness and how he settled the film's publicity and distribution with Wang Zhonglei in just a few words, Pang Hong managed a forced smile.

But he couldn't help but think to himself, "You've already said that, what objection can I have?" Although he was a little unhappy, Pang Hong was helpless, as film promotion and distribution was a weakness of Ningbo Film Studio.

Moreover, in the internet age, Tengda Culture is indeed in a class of its own when it comes to film promotion and distribution capabilities, while other film and television giants are slightly inferior.

Huayi Company and Tengda Culture, one is the first private film and television company to go public, and the other is backed by an internet giant. Neither of them can be compared to Ningbo Film Studio.

Circumstances dictate actions, and with limited resources, Pang Hong naturally couldn't stand tall. He could only silently console himself that, regardless, the revenue from Ningbo Film Studio's copyrights would be substantial.

Once the core interests have been agreed upon, the remaining portions of the pie will also be divided.

As for the casting, since the original cast was retained, there was no room for discussion. Qiao Zhengyu, Zhao Zhetian, and Zhou Xun were the main actors. As for the other supporting roles, the three production companies didn't bother to make any demands.

"I recommend Wu Ershan for the director position," Wang Zhonglei said, sitting up straight and enthusiastically recommending his own person.

Huayi is trying to break free from its over-reliance on Feng Xiaogang and is focusing on cultivating new directors. Wu Ershan is a new director that he and his elder brother Wang Zhongjun have high hopes for.

As for the Hong Kong director of "Painted Skin 1", everyone present tacitly avoided mentioning him. Times have changed, and now the mainland entertainment industry has a tacit understanding to suppress Hong Kong influence.

Zhang Zhao waved his hand and quickly refused: "No, no, I've never even heard of Wu Ershan. How can we use an unknown newcomer as the director for a big production of over 100 million!"

Pang Hong also felt that it was indeed inappropriate to appoint Wu Ershan as director. Just as he was about to recommend several experienced directors from Ningbo Film Studio, Zhang Zhao preemptively offered Tengda's candidate: "I recommend Director Huang Lei."

Wang Zhonglei scoffed, "Mr. Zhang, I've never heard of this Huang Lei either! Does Mr. Pang know this Huang Lei?"

Pang Hong shook his head slightly, thinking that Zhang Zhao was just as unreliable as Wang Zhonglei. In order to support his company's new director, he completely disregarded the huge investment in "Painted Skin 2". What if the new director couldn't handle it well and ruined the movie?

"Everyone, please be patient. Let me introduce Director Huang Lei to you," Zhang Zhao said with a light laugh.

He seemed confident of victory, as if he had a sure thing to convince everyone to let this unknown newcomer director direct "Painted Skin 2". "He is a graduate of the directing department of Beijing Film Academy."

At this point, Zhang Zhao paused deliberately, and seeing that everyone had a dismissive expression, he continued, "Director Huang Lei's father is Huang Jianxin, the president of the China Film Directors Association. If Huang Lei is directing, I will invite President Huang to serve as the producer of 'Painted Skin 2'."

Wang Zhonglei's expression was rather unpleasant. Zhang Zhao had clearly planned this all along, and if he objected now, his words today would inevitably offend Huang Jianxin.

Putting aside the fact that Huang Jianxin is already a well-known figure in the industry, who in the entertainment circle doesn't know that he is a close friend of Han Sanye of Huaying Film Studio?

"I have no objection, let's use Huang Lei then." After weighing the options carefully, Wang Zhonglei responded in a muffled voice, having no choice but to accept the arrangement.

Both the male lead and the director are from Tengda Culture, and Zhang Zhao is well aware of the principle that too much of a good thing can be bad.

Other assistant directors, production managers, and other personnel were not involved, and were all arranged by Huayi and Ningying Studio, which made Wang Zhonglei and Pang Hong's expressions ease a bit.

While the three parties were discussing the details of the film, Zeng Jia, vice president of Tengda Culture, was talking with Yang Mi, an artist under their company.

"Sister Jia, Mr. Zhang discussed 'Painted Skin 2' with people from Huayi Brothers and Ningbo Film Studio today. Will my role be affected?"

Zeng Jia, seeing Yang Mi's slightly anxious expression, couldn't help but tease her, "Mi Mi, you're quite well-informed!"

Yang Mi raised her delicate chin, a smug look on her face: "Of course I have my own sources of information."

Having grown up on film sets, she was adept at navigating interpersonal relationships and had long been familiar with the people around the company's leaders, making it a piece of cake for her to gather information.

“Since Mr. Zhang has promised you, he won’t go back on his word,” Zeng Jia reassured him, but then seemed to remember something and added:
"Of course, that's assuming it doesn't involve Liu Shishi. But she wouldn't even look at a third female lead, someone who's just a supporting character to Zhao Zhetian and Zhou Xun."

"This is a big production worth over 100 million yuan. If Liu Shishi doesn't like it, I won't be picky. Now that Wang Luodan is so popular, she's the Golden Eagle Goddess and the lead actress in a 200 million yuan box office film. I'm just worried she might ruin things!"

"Nobody's going to compete with you for a supporting role. Even if Liu Shishi didn't fancy you, Wang Luodan wouldn't even give you a second thought. Besides, do you even have the time?"

Zeng Jia sighed. Although she had planned to cultivate Yang Mi's image as a workaholic, Yang Mi was working too hard, joining seven or eight film crews a year and taking on any role. In the long run, this would be detrimental to her acting career.

"Yes, there are always some availability when you try to squeeze in a role," Yang Mi answered without hesitation. She is open to any film role offered.

Zeng Jia shook his head, his brows furrowed: "Mi Mi, with your current popularity and status, you shouldn't be taking on roles recklessly anymore."

Mr. Zhang has been too busy this year to manage you; otherwise, he would definitely have intervened. Tengda Culture's approach to artist management has never been about quantity.

You need to change the bad habits you developed at Rongxingda. Tengda Culture is not comparable to those small family workshops; it has reasonable plans for artists' careers.

The roles you played in the previous films were all under contract before you joined the company, so we couldn't really say anything. Now that those debts are settled, please don't take on any more miscellaneous roles.

"Okay." Yang Mi agreed verbally, but she didn't really think so. In her opinion, if she took on more roles, one of them would eventually become a hit.

Zeng Jia knew that Yang Mi hadn't taken his words to heart, but this was her long-held belief, and it was difficult to change in a short time.

"Since you've come all this way to the company today, I have something to tell you as well."

Under Yang Mi's expectant gaze, Zeng Jia took a script from the table and handed it to her: "This is a new movie invested in by the company. The role of the second female lead is yours. Take the script back and read it carefully."

"A movie!" Yang Mi's eyes lit up upon hearing this. She happily took the script, glanced at it, and softly read, "Charlotte's Trouble!"

Zeng Jia rolled his eyes: "It's 'Goodbye Mr. Loser,' the male lead's name is Xia Luo. The screenwriter of this movie is the chairman, you must prepare well."

"The screenwriter is a Song Dynasty poet!" Yang Mi was shocked. The richest man was a top screenwriter in the film and television industry, with every work being a huge hit and never failing. "Then the female lead is Liu Shishi?"

Zeng Jia nodded: "Your good friend is always on your side when good things happen. She specifically asked you to play the second female lead. The roles of the first and second female leads in this drama are about equal, so it's a very high-quality opportunity."

Yang Mi silently gave Liu Shishi a thumbs up in her heart. The number one sister is indeed loyal. Just as she was about to respond to Zeng Jia, her phone rang suddenly. She took out her phone and saw that it was Yu Zheng calling.

"Teacher Yu!" Yang Mi's sweet voice came through the microphone.

Yu Zheng's voice was clearly anxious: "Mimi, have you seen the news about 'Scarlet Heart' today?"

Yang Mi was completely confused: "What's wrong with 'Scarlet Heart'?"

"Scarlet Heart has been scheduled to premiere on February 4th on Donghai TV during prime time. Our Palace must air before it."

At that moment, Yu Zheng on the other end of the phone was anxious. Today, as usual, he opened the Toutiao app to browse the news and found that the app had launched a splash screen recommendation, and the recommended content was Tangren Media's "Scarlet Heart".

Seeing the exquisite Qing Dynasty costumes in the splash screen poster, Yu Zheng, who knew his own limitations, immediately panicked.

His drama "Palace" was based on the plot of "Scarlet Heart". If "Scarlet Heart", which has a better production and more sophisticated costumes and props, had been broadcast first, it would have been a disaster for the ratings of "Palace".

He had originally discussed with Hunan TV that it would be broadcast on satellite TV in March, but now he has to release it ahead of schedule, before "Scarlet Heart" airs.

Although Yang Mi didn't quite understand Zheng's anxiety, she still cooperated and said:
"Teacher Yu, you can discuss the TV series broadcasting with the TV station. I will do my best to cooperate with whatever they need me to do. Besides, I'm with Sister Jia right now, so you can discuss anything with her as well."

"President Zeng is here too! Mimi, give the phone to President Zeng."

"Sister Jia, Teacher Yu Zheng wants to talk to you."

Zeng Jia took the phone and said politely, "Teacher Yu, please feel free to ask if there's anything I can do to help with 'Palace'."

Yu Zheng hurriedly poured out all his worries, "President Zeng, I will communicate with Hunan TV. There shouldn't be any problem with adjusting the schedule, but time is of the essence now. The publicity work for 'Palace' must be started immediately."

Zeng Jia also looked serious. "Palace" was the first film and television project she led after taking office as vice president. She was also risking offending the big boss's wife, so she couldn't afford to fail.

"I will immediately arrange for the company's publicity department to take action, but the time is too tight, and the publicity effect may not be able to meet expectations."

Yu Zheng hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and suggested, "President Zeng, this is an urgent matter, we have no choice but to use our best measures!"

Zeng Jia was also a master of hype, and he instantly understood Yu Zheng's meaning: "You mean to create a scandal?"

"Yes! Let Mimi and Feng Shaofeng create a scandal. I'll handle Shaofeng's side, and I'll leave Mimi to President Zeng."
"Okay, I'll talk to Mimi." Zeng Jia had no other choice but to use special methods to ensure that "Palace" could be promoted effectively in a short period of time.

(End of this chapter)