Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 390 The Era of the Great Female Lead

Time flies, and March 8th has arrived in the blink of an eye.

The Beiping International Trade Center was brightly lit and star-studded as Tengda Group hosted its 2011 Weibo Night.

Compared to last year's inaugural Weibo Night, this year's event is much grander and more elaborate.

It not only brings together numerous celebrities and directors from the entertainment industry, but also includes elites from multiple fields such as sports, finance, technology, culture, and government affairs, making it an unprecedented event.

Backstage at the red carpet event, celebrities from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong gathered, taking advantage of this rare opportunity to chat, laugh, and expand their networks.

"Liying, congratulations! 'Legend of Lu Zhen' is a huge hit, you've finally reaped the rewards after all your hard work."

Today, Liu Shishi wore a navy blue Gucci 2012 Summer Unreleased Haute Couture gown, with an exquisite Omega gold watch on her wrist. She was elegant, graceful, and eye-catching, her beauty shining brightly in the night!

"Shishi, thank you for helping me promote my new drama." Zhao Liying smiled, wearing a silver dress sponsored by Dior, looking radiant.

The drama "Legend of Lu Zhen," starring her and Chen Xiao, premiered on Hunan Satellite TV's Golden Eagle Independent Theater on March 1st. Thanks to the company's strong promotional campaign, the drama has maintained high popularity.

The show achieved a viewership rating of over 2% within three days of its premiere, and an average viewership rating of 2.76% over the week, with a market share of 8.5%, firmly maintaining its position as the top-rated TV show of its time slot.

Related topics repeatedly topped the Weibo hot search list, and she and Chen Xiao gained more than 300 million followers in a week, marking a major turning point in their acting careers and making them completely famous.

After her initial joy, Zhao Liying looked at the top female star with envy in her eyes: "My achievement is just a small, insignificant one. I haven't even had a chance to congratulate you yet, Chairman Song, on retaining your title as Asia's richest man!"

"I'm used to him being on the rich list." The top influencer pretended to be nonchalant, but the slight upturn of her lips still revealed her inner joy and pride.

Just yesterday, Forbes magazine released its latest list of the world's richest people in New York.

The top three on the list remain Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, and investment guru Warren Buffett.

Song Ci, with a net worth of US$423 billion, followed closely behind, retaining his title as Asia's richest man and ranking as the world's fourth richest person. This news caused a sensation throughout the country.

Not far away, Wan Qian squinted, scrutinizing the radiant starlet and Zhao Liying, and sighed softly:

"Tengda Culture is really good at promoting people. Even the least favored round-faced girl has become popular. It seems that the 85 Flowers will add a new member."

Song Jia shook his head: "Zhao Liying is still far behind. Compared with those others, she is far inferior."

Guo Jingfei, standing to the side, was very optimistic about Zhao Liying: "Unlike us, who are helpless and alone, as long as one of her dramas becomes a hit, Tengda will follow up with resources, and she will quickly rise to the top tier."

Song Jia whispered, "I really envy the artists who are signed with Tengda."

Wan Qian nodded in agreement: "It's too difficult to sign with Tengda! I heard that last year Zhang Guoli asked the boss for a favor, but Tengda Culture still refused to sign his son Zhang Mo, let alone someone like us with no background."

The three of them exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with envy and helplessness. They were classmates at the Donghai Drama Academy, and although they debuted early, they had remained relatively unknown in the entertainment industry.

Tengda Culture boasts unparalleled resources and benefits in the entire entertainment industry, attracting countless artists. However, its signing standards are shrouded in mystery, making them completely unpredictable.

Song Jia suddenly remembered the grand opening ceremony a few days ago and asked curiously, "By the way, didn't you take on a spy drama invested in by Liu Shishi's studio? How's it going?"

Wan Qian shrugged: "Silent Notebook is a female-centric drama. Liu Shishi is the absolute lead actress, and I don't have many scenes in the show. Even if the show becomes popular, it won't have much to do with me."

"Another female lead!" Guo Jingfei exclaimed, his words tinged with inexplicable resentment.

Song Jia understood the reason for her old classmate's shock and comforted her, saying, "There's nothing we can do. This is determined by market demand. There will only be more and more female-centric dramas in the future."

Liu Shishi, Yang Mi, and Lü Yi all rose to fame through leading roles in dramas featuring strong female leads. And isn't the currently airing "Legend of Lu Zhen" also a drama with a strong female lead?

Guo Jingfei looked bitter. The thought that the number of TV dramas with female leads would inevitably surge in the future made it even more difficult for male actors like him, who had no presence in the industry, to find high-quality film and television resources. He felt his future was bleak.

The so-called "female lead" drama is one in which a female character is the absolute core protagonist of the TV series, and the entire storyline revolves around the female lead.

The female lead is the central pivot of the narrative, and the storylines of other characters, even the male lead, serve the growth of the female lead or are closely related to her.

2011 can be considered a key turning point for the rise of "female-centric" dramas. At that time, four phenomenal hits, namely "Palace," "Scarlet Heart," "Temptation of Going Home," and "Empresses in the Palace," emerged, which completely established the development model of "female-centric" dramas in the entertainment industry.

Wan Qian glared at Guo Jingfei and said reproachfully, "You male celebrities definitely don't want to see 'female lead' dramas becoming so popular. But it's different for us female artists. Who doesn't want to play a 'female lead' role!"

If a single drama becomes a hit, the actress's salary will skyrocket, and high-end luxury endorsements will pour in. Didn't several actresses born in the 85s rise to A-list status precisely because of their leading roles in "big female lead" dramas?

Song Jia nodded in agreement, deeply moved: "Indeed, playing a leading lady in a drama is a huge boost for female artists!"
At the beginning of the year, the drama "Cliff," which I starred in with Zhang Jiayi, aired and achieved considerable viewership ratings. However, for me personally, it didn't significantly boost my popularity or status.

Guo Jingfei was speechless for a moment, unable to refute. In today's entertainment industry, the "post-85s actresses" have become a unique group, standing out not only among female artists.

In her acting career, she has far surpassed her male contemporaries. With such a successful example, it's no wonder that female artists are eager to film "leading lady" dramas.

As the three sighed with regret, several well-known directors in the industry were having a pleasant conversation in a VIP room backstage.

Directors Guild President Huang Jianxin was busy introducing his son to connections: "Ah Lei, everyone here is your senior and mentor, go and pay your respects!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Lei bowed slightly and said humbly, "Director Zhang, Director Chen, Director Feng, Director Teng, Senior Brother Ma, Teacher Ni!"

"Chairman Huang's son is indeed a handsome and talented man. I heard that you directed the big-budget film 'Painted Skin 2'. The chairman has a worthy successor."

Zhang Yimou nodded in acknowledgment, his words full of praise. After experiencing setbacks and blows in the recent period, he has become more tactful in his dealings with others since joining Le Vision Pictures.

Feng Xiaogang, Chen Kaige, and several others also showed their support, showering the audience with praise.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and a middle-aged woman led Zhou Dongyu in.

Upon recognizing the visitor as Du Yang, a well-known producer in the industry, Feng Xiaogang was slightly surprised: "What brings you here?"

"I heard that all the great directors are here, so I came here to pay my respects. I hope I haven't disturbed your enjoyment."

Du Yang smiled broadly and winked at Zhou Dongyu, "This is my newly adopted goddaughter! Dongyu, what are you standing there for? Quickly greet the directors." Zhou Dongyu hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, but when she saw Ni Ni standing behind Zhang Yimou, a hint of jealousy flashed in her eyes.

The others responded politely out of respect for Du Yang. Only Zhang Yimou remained silent with a cold expression.

Previously, he had broken ties with Zhang Weiping, and only Ni Ni remained steadfast in her support. However, Zhou Dongyu only cared about his own interests and quickly sought another way out, completely forgetting the kindness he had shown him, which greatly angered him.

Du Yang understood Zhang Yimou's inner conflict. Her main purpose in bringing Zhou Dongyu here was to ease the tension between the two.

"Director Zhang, Dongyu is young after all. In that situation, she was so scared that she was completely at a loss. You and Zhang Weiping were like gods fighting, what could a little girl like her do? In the end, it was Zhang Weiping who acted unfairly, actually threatening Dongyu and the others with their management contract."

Du Yang, skilled in diplomacy, used a few soft words to both exonerate Zhou Dongyu and soothe him, which eased Zhang Yimou's expression somewhat.

Seeing this, Du Yang said no more. She knew that deep-seated resentment was not something that could be resolved overnight.

However, Ni Ni, remembering their past friendship and empathizing with Zhou Dongyu's past experiences, couldn't help but speak up for him: "Director Zhang, the situation at the time was truly unavoidable; we had no choice in the matter."

At this moment, she secretly rejoiced. She had firmly sided with Zhang Yimou, thinking she would be sidelined, but unexpectedly, Jia Yueting, the boss of Le Vision Pictures, stepped in to resolve the breach of contract issue for her in order to win over Director Zhang. Instead, she turned misfortune into blessing and became the "number one sister" of Le Vision Pictures.

Zhang Yimou was never the type to hold grudges. Upon hearing this, he sighed softly, waved his hand helplessly, and indicated that the past should be put behind him.

With Ni Ni's help, things were resolved unexpectedly smoothly. Du Yang was overjoyed and his gaze immediately fell on the low-key Ma Xin standing to the side.

"Director Ma, I heard you're preparing to shoot the movie 'The Left Ear.' I wonder if you've chosen the female lead yet?"

Recently, Tengda Culture's "Left Ear" project was launched, and the audition for the female lead by the newly emerging "billion-dollar director" has been making headlines in the industry. Countless young actresses are showing their skills to win this opportunity, but the choice of the female lead remains undecided.

It's worth noting that this is the first novel adaptation by Song Ci, the chairman of Tengda and a renowned writer. If one can take this opportunity to establish a connection with Tengda, or even be lucky enough to sign with Tengda Culture, their future career in the entertainment industry may be on a meteoric rise.

"not yet."

Du Yang's eyes lit up: "Director Ma, Dong Yu was unwell when you organized the auditions last time and unfortunately missed the opportunity. Since the female lead hasn't been decided yet, do you think she's suitable? How about letting her perform a couple of scenes on the spot?"

After a moment's thought, Ma Xin agreed, since Zhou Dongyu was the right age and he had been struggling to find a female lead. He said, "Producer Du has already said so much, it would be unreasonable of me not to give her a chance."

After saying that, Ma Xin carefully examined Zhou Dongyu, who was known for his delicate and simple appearance, and then glanced at Ni Ni, who had a slender figure beside him: "Have you two seen 'The Left Ear'?"

Both "Zhang Yimou girls" said in unison: "We've seen it."

"Then please lend a hand and cooperate with Zhou Dongyu to act out the scene of the first meeting between the female lead and the second female lead in the restaurant."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the fighting spirit ignited in each other's eyes.

All of you here are renowned directors. If you perform exceptionally well in this audition and leave a deep impression on the directors, it may provide unexpected assistance in the future.

Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige both looked at the two girls with great interest, finding the sudden audition quite amusing.

Zhou Dongyu and Ni Ni gathered their emotions, recalled the plot of the novel, and then began their performance.

"You don't seem afraid of me?" Ni Ni's eyes revealed a cynical attitude, and she put on a natural performance without any props.

Zhou Dongyu, with a simple and honest expression, replied naturally, "Why should I be afraid of you?"

. . .

Watching the two interact so well, the directors couldn't help but nod slightly, admitting that they were indeed actors trained by Zhang Yimou, and that they were very talented in acting and their performances were commendable.

Zhang Yimou observed their performance and commented softly, "Not bad!"

Zhou Dongyu and Ni Ni exchanged words and quickly completed their first meeting scene, both looking expectantly at Ma Xin.

Ma Xin did not rush to express his opinion, but instead turned to seek the opinions of other directors.

"His acting was passable." Chen Kaige commented with great interest: "I also read Mr. Song's novel when I had nothing else to do. Zhou Dongyu's temperament and image did not quite match the female lead. She lacked that cool, aloof, and scholarly feeling."

"Zhou Dongyu's acting skills are indeed quite good." Ma Xin first praised and then downplayed, making a tactful statement, "But as Director Chen wisely pointed out, he lacks in temperament and image. I'm sorry, he didn't pass the audition."

Zhou Dongyu was stunned for a moment, but Du Yang smiled and smoothed things over: "No matter what the outcome is, we should thank Director Ma for giving her this opportunity, and also thank all the directors for their guidance."

Zhou Dongyu also came to his senses and quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Director Ma."

Ni Ni, standing nearby, jokingly asked, "Director Ma, how about I play 'Little Ear'?"

Ma Xin shook his head, thought for a moment, and then added, "Tengda Culture will also be releasing a new film in the first half of the year, a romantic urban movie called 'Finding Mr. Right'. I've read the script, and Ni Ni, your image is quite suitable for the female lead."

Ma Xin left it at that. Out of respect for Zhang Yimou, he revealed the project to Ni Ni. As for whether she can get the role, that depends on her own abilities.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Director Ma." Ni Ni was overjoyed. Knowing about some film projects earlier allows you to smooth things over sooner. If you only find out about a project when the auditions are held, the lead actor will probably have already been decided.

Outside the VIP area, the Weibo Night red carpet ceremony was in full swing.

One by one, celebrities walked the red carpet. The male celebrities were mostly dressed in suits, and although the styles varied, the overall style was similar.

In contrast, female celebrities' red carpet looks are much more spectacular. Those actresses with lower profiles and lack of brand sponsorships can only rely on outlandish outfits or revealing clothing to attract attention.

Meanwhile, top female stars, dressed in distinctive haute couture from various luxury brands, competed for attention on the red carpet, showcasing their fashion sense and charisma.

The Weibo platform is simultaneously broadcasting this red carpet event live, with millions of viewers watching the official live stream, and the chat is constantly refreshing.

Just then, Li Xiaolu affectionately linked arms with Jia Nailiang and slowly walked onto the red carpet.

Li Xiaolu, wearing a pink strapless dress, noticed something was wrong and turned to ask softly, "A-Liang, why do I feel like you're trembling?"

(End of this chapter)