Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 389 Film and Television Resources
On February 18th, a preparatory meeting for the film "American Dreams in China" was held at the headquarters of China Film Group.

In the chilly February air, the meeting room was warm and inviting.

With a beaming smile, Zhao Haicheng introduced the film's creative team to Xu Xiaoping and Wang Qiang, the founders of New Oriental Education, who were the real-life inspirations for the two characters in the film.

"Mr. Xu, Mr. Wang, let me introduce you. This is Ms. Liu Shishi, the film's producer; Ms. Cai Yinong, the producer and president of Tangren Media; and Mr. Huang Jianxin, the director and president of the China Film Directors Association."

Both were heavyweights in the film and television industry, so Xu Xiaoping and Wang Qiang dared not be negligent and immediately stepped forward to shake hands warmly.

After the staff served tea, everyone sat down and began to discuss business.

Xu Xiaoping calmly recounted the origins of the project: "In 2002, a reporter named Lu from the Youth Daily worked at New Oriental for two years and published a book called 'Oriental Carriage'."

However, the book doesn't portray me, Lao Wang, and Lao Yu in a very positive light. Lao Wang and I feel that Reporter Lu's characterization in the book is biased.

To give the public a more comprehensive understanding of New Oriental's founding principles and development history, Lao Wang and I decided to make this film, and Lao Yu readily agreed. Therefore, we ask Chairman Huang to put in a lot of effort in making the film.”

After speaking, Xu Xiaoping adjusted his glasses. He had originally intended for director Chen Kexin to direct the film, but the investors recommended director Huang Jianxin.

He was the president of the China Film Directors Association, whose status was in no way inferior to Chen Kexin's, so he agreed, but there were some things he had to say beforehand.

Huang Jianxin nodded in response: "Mr. Xu, you're too kind!" He naturally understood Xu Xiaoping's unspoken meaning, which was simply that he hoped the film could portray the characters in a more three-dimensional, full, and positive light.

Zhao Haicheng chimed in, "Don't worry, Mr. Xu and Mr. Wang, Director Huang is a renowned film director. His artistic abilities will not disappoint you."

The director and producer's statements made Xu Xiaoping and Wang Qiang nod in satisfaction.

As the project leader, Zhao Haicheng then raised a new question: "What are your thoughts on the three lead actors?"

Everyone's gaze turned to Huang Jianxin without prior arrangement. In the domestic film production system, the director has always held the most significant influence.

Even though this film is backed by powerful investors like Huaying Film Studio and Liu Shishi Studio, Huang Jianxin's seniority and status still give him considerable influence in casting decisions.

Huang Jianxin pondered for a moment, then turned to ask the producer, "What suggestions does Mr. Liu have for the casting of the lead actor?"

He had his reasons for asking this question. Now that his son Huang Lei is a director signed with Tengda Culture, he was able to direct a big production like "Painted Skin 2" thanks to Liu Shishi's recommendation. The entertainment industry is a world where personal relationships and interests are intertwined.

Cai Yinong looked at Liu Shishi with anticipation. She had previously hinted that she hoped to arrange a role for Hu Ge.

Liu Shishi understood immediately and phrased it tactfully, stopping short of revealing her meaning: "Director Huang, President Wang, could you give my senior brother Hu Ge an audition for the role of Wang Yang?"

Wang Qiang laughed heartily and immediately declared, "Hu Ge is a handsome man. If he plays Wang Yang, I'm getting a good deal!"

Huang Jianxin understood perfectly what the eldest sister meant: "Let Hu Ge prepare well for next week's audition."

Although Liu Shishi only mentioned "audience audition," everyone present understood the underlying meaning: the investors only wanted the third male lead, which was a reasonable request.

The group discussed the audition plan for the lead actors and finalized the preliminary pre-production arrangements for "American Dreams in China." Afterward, they chatted casually.

Xu Xiaoping spoke eloquently, recounting his more than ten years of founding experience: "...After Lao Wang and I left New Oriental, we co-founded ZhenFund."

Focusing on early-stage angel investments. Currently collaborating with Sequoia Capital, with a second fund aiming to raise $3000 million.

Wang Qiang glanced at Liu Shishi and tentatively asked in a half-joking tone, "President Liu, ZhenFund's returns are well-known in the industry. Would you be interested in cooperating with us?"

Liu Shishi smiled and declined: "I'm sorry, Mr. Wang, my husband and Mr. Lei from Xiaomi are very good friends. I recently invested my funds in Mr. Lei's Shunwei Capital. The remaining funds are needed to ensure the company's daily operation. We can only wait for another opportunity to cooperate."

Wang Qiang looked regretful, though he knew that a small private equity firm like ZhenFund had limited appeal to Liu Shishi, the wife of the richest man in China.

After all, her husband is a super big shot in the investment world, but she still had a glimmer of hope and couldn't help but invite him. If it worked out, it would greatly benefit the fund's brand reputation.

"Liu..." Wang Qiang was about to persuade him again, but he caught Xu Xiaoping winking at him, so he swallowed back the words he was about to say.

The meeting lasted until noon, at which point everyone declined Zhao Haicheng's invitation to lunch and went their separate ways.

On the way back, Xu Xiaoping sat in the back of the car and asked his friend, "Old Wang, when we got on just now, were you trying to ask Liu Shishi to act as a go-between and introduce us to Song Ci?"

“That’s right. It’s rumored that Tengda Group is about to launch its final round of financing before its IPO. Shen Nanpeng of Sequoia Capital has mentioned many times that he wants to meet Song Ci. Since we have the opportunity to meet Liu Shishi today, I would like to ask her to help introduce us.”

“It’s not appropriate to bring this up on our first meeting.” Xu Xiaoping shook his head. “Tengda Group is currently valued at nearly 1500 billion US dollars. Financing of this scale is well beyond our capabilities. It’s best not to get involved lightly.”

“I understand, I just want to give President Shen a chance.”

Xu Xiaoping glared at his old partner: "You want Shen Nanpeng to owe you a favor, but have you considered why Liu Shishi should give you face?"

They rank much higher on the rich list than we do. It's incredibly presumptuous of me to bring that up on our first meeting. Thankfully, you noticed my signal in time.

Wang Qiang said thoughtfully, "It was indeed my oversight. Let President Shen take care of Tengda's financing."

Inside another car, Cai Yi-nong was repeatedly thanking Sister Yi: "Shi-shi, I thank you on behalf of Hu Ge."

Liu Shishi waved her hand: "It's just a supporting role, a small favor. Lao Hu and I have been friends for many years, of course I'll support him."

Moreover, after honing his skills in the drama club, Lao Hu's acting skills and popularity are quite good, making him a perfect fit for the role of Wang Yang.

"Shishi".

The first sister paused slightly, and K sister's tone was very serious: "What's wrong, K sister? You're so serious, it's making me a little nervous. Just say what's on your mind."

Cai Yinong gazed intently at the leading lady's delicate face and sighed softly, "Shishi, seven years have passed in the blink of an eye. In just one year, your contract with Tangren Media will expire!"

"It's been seven years already!" Liu Shishi murmured, as memories of the past kept flooding her mind.

"Sister K, I understand what you mean. I've had a very pleasant time with you and everyone else over the years, but could you please allow me some time to consider renewing my contract?"

Cai Yi-nong held the top star's soft hand and played the emotional card: "Shi-shi, I didn't mean to force you. We've worked together for so many years, and you know my character. To be honest, the company's current management contract with you is a 10/90 split, so there's almost no financial gain for us."

But as long as you're with Tangren, the implicit support the company receives is immeasurable, and the entire entertainment industry will look at Tangren with more respect.

I sincerely thank you for lending a helping hand when the company was in its most difficult time, leading Tangren out of the trough.

Tangren Media's success today is all thanks to you! I sincerely hope you can continue to stay with Tangren, and together we can create even greater achievements.

Cai Yi Nong's heartfelt words deeply moved the host.

Liu Shishi gently rested her head on Sister K's shoulder, her voice soft and sincere: "Sister K, thank you for taking care of me all these years."

To be honest, after seven years together, I've gradually gotten used to you taking better care of things for me. From "Chinese Paladin 3" to "Scarlet Heart," my most precious acting memories are all with Tangren Media.

In short, don't worry. No matter what, I'm a shareholder of Tangren Media, and my support for Tangren will remain unchanged, no matter when or where.

Looking at the street scene rushing past the window, Cai Yinong smiled with satisfaction and breathed a sigh of relief.

The eldest sister has a very good impression of Tangren. Given her loyal and righteous nature, coupled with this year of buffer period, it is believed that by constantly appealing to her emotions and reasoning with her, the hope of keeping the eldest sister at Tangren has increased even more.

After having lunch with Cai Yinong at a specialty restaurant, Liu Shishi and her assistant rushed to the Wanda Hotel in the afternoon.

The cast and crew of "Silent Notebook" held an audition here today, so I took the opportunity to come and check it out.

Inside the waiting room, there were many female celebrities who had come to audition after hearing the news.

The combination of Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng is a golden brand in the film and television industry. Even if she is only the second female lead, it is still a top-tier resource in the industry, attracting a group of non-first-tier actresses to flock to her.

When Wan Qian, Tong Yao, Jiang Xin, Wang Ou, Wang Likun, and other female artists who auditioned saw Liu Shishi, they immediately started talking about it.

Wang Ou asked in surprise, "Why is she here? If she's auditioning, wouldn't we have made a wasted trip?"

Jiang Xin, who recently experienced a career resurgence with her role as Consort Hua in "Empresses in the Palace," scoffed, "Are you kidding me? Liu Shishi playing the second female lead? You really dare to dream! With her current status, she would definitely only play the lead role."

Wan Qian softly echoed, "Liu Shishi is probably the female lead in this drama. She's probably here to talk to the producer and director."

Beside her, Tong Yao's eyes gleamed, her mind racing as she considered how to get closer to the top star and leverage that connection to secure resources.

He couldn't help but regret not cherishing the friendship he had built with Liu Shishi on the set of "Young Warriors of the Yang Clan." If he had known earlier that Liu Shishi's husband was the richest man in the country, he would have made every effort to build that connection.

Inside the audition room, Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng immediately stood up to greet Liu Shishi as she knocked on the door and entered: "President Liu, what brings you here?"

The eldest sister smiled gently: "I had some business to discuss at Huaying this morning, and I had some free time this afternoon, so I came to visit."

Ma Sichun, who was auditioning, quickly greeted, "Hello, Teacher Liu, I am Ma Sichun. My aunt Jiang Wenli and I met you at the Magnolia Awards ceremony last time."

Liu Shishi looked at the slightly shy girl in front of her and nodded in acknowledgment: "Hello."

Ma Sichun wanted to say something more, but Hou Hongliang waved his hand to interrupt her: "The audition ends here. We will let you know if there is any news."

The girl could only leave the audition room dejectedly, making sure to gently close the door behind her as she left.

Hou Hongliang turned to Sister Yi and explained, "Jiang Wenli spoke to me on behalf of this girl, but I didn't take the bait."

He naturally wouldn't dare to casually arrange for someone with connections to act in a drama that Liu Shishi invested in. Besides, he and his teacher were from the Shandong Film and Television University and had no dealings with the Northwest Film and Television circle, so there was no need for him to do Ma Sichun this favor.

Hou Hongliang didn't care about Jiang Wenli's feelings, and Liu Shishi wouldn't care either: "Director Kong can decide who plays the second female lead."

Seeing that the lead actress didn't interfere with the casting, Kong Sheng smiled and replied, "I'm not very satisfied with any of the actresses I've auditioned for so far. The second female lead is a middle school teacher, and she needs to have an intellectual air, but none of the actresses I've seen so far have met my expectations."

"There are still quite a few actresses outside. Director Kong can take his time and find the right one." Liu Shishi changed the subject, "How did the audition for the second male lead go this morning?"

Hou Hongliang turned around, picked up two resumes from the table, and handed them to Sister Yi: "These two are quite outstanding. Let President Liu decide on the final choice."

Liu Shishi took the materials and began to examine them: "Huang Xuan, a graduate of Beijing Dance Academy!" Upon seeing that they were alumni, she immediately felt a sense of closeness.

Kong Sheng commented: "She has a background in dance, a good temperament and appearance, and her acting skills are also commendable."

Upon seeing the second resume, Liu Shishi was surprised and somewhat puzzled: "Wang Kai? He's a top-tier artist at Tengda Entertainment and has no shortage of resources. Why is he auditioning for the second male lead?"

Hou Hongliang explained with a smile, "President Liu, you've underestimated the appeal of 'Silent Notebook.' Excellent scripts are an extremely scarce resource, let alone one where Mr. Song is the screenwriter!"
If we hadn't kept a low profile and not dared to publicize it, countless people would have fought tooth and nail for this second male lead role. The second male lead in a hugely popular drama is better than the lead role in four or five dramas with mediocre ratings.

Upon seeing the stars under Tengda Culture, the top female commentator's opinion immediately shifted: "Wang Kai must have received some inside information before he came to audition."

"It doesn't matter, he's an artist under Tengda Entertainment, practically one of us, so we'll give him the role."

“Okay, then Wang Kai will be chosen.” Kong Sheng immediately made the decision. “President Liu, let’s continue the interviews and see if there are any outstanding actresses later.”

Meanwhile, Liu Rong, president of Tengda Culture, was discussing the project approval of the film "The Left Ear" with Ma Xin.

Liu Rong flipped through the budget report submitted by the project department: "Director Ma, the total investment for 'The Left Ear' is 5000 million yuan, with the company as the main investor, contributing 3000 million yuan, and Wanda Pictures and Starlight Brilliant Company each contributing 20% ​​of the share."

"What demands does the company that cast the lead actor and the other two investors have?" Ma Xin was well aware of the situation. He knew very well that he was able to become a "billion-dollar director" entirely because of the company's support, and he had no right to negotiate with Tengda Culture now.

Liu Rong was straightforward: "You can choose the female lead, but the final choice depends on Chairman Song's approval. I've promised the second female lead to Yang Zi."

As for the third female lead, Starlight Brilliant Company strongly recommended Jing Tian; they invested at a 10% premium, so I had no reason to refuse.

Ma Xin gave a wry smile. As the director, he had absolutely no say in the selection of the female lead: "What about the male lead? If you have any plans, please let us know as well."

Liu Rong smiled and said, "The male lead is Lin Gengxin. He's following the path of Wang Dashao of Wanda Pictures, and he also has a good relationship with his wife, you know what I mean!"

(End of this chapter)