How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 42 Important Matters Required to be Discussed in Small Meetings [Please Read Further]

"Hey, young man, what's your name again?"

Hu Mei coughed lightly and asked with a gentle smile.

“Wang Yao, the Wang of honoring the king and repelling the barbarians, the Yao of bright light and shining sun!” Wang Yao said in a deep voice, neither humble nor arrogant.

"A good name," Hu Mei exclaimed. "You mean Ma Ruo is one of your artists, right?"

He truly lives up to his name.

“Yes, because I am a loyal fan of yours, I specifically asked President Chi to bring me here today. I originally wanted to submit a more suitable publicity plan for your approval,” Wang Yao said in a deep voice.

"Oh? That's right. It's always been us old guys discussing this, we haven't given the young people a chance at all. No wonder we were so impulsive just now. Comrade Xiao Wang, what are your thoughts?"

Hu Mei was pleased with Wang Yao's use of the word "comment," and her smile deepened.

Her words practically sealed her opinion of Wang Yao, and the others followed suit, their attitudes shifting as well.

"I saw the preview screening yesterday. The film is excellent, with grand visuals, a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and a simple yet profound message. It's a thought-provoking work that elucidates Confucius's moral values ​​from specific examples to a broader perspective."
I couldn't sleep all night after I got back, reflecting and analyzing the film. In the end, I felt the most valuable message to promote about this movie could be summed up in two words: prejudice.

Wang Yao emphasized the last two words, which echoed in the meeting room. Everyone frowned instinctively upon hearing this and then whispered among themselves.

"What is prejudice?" Hu Mei asked with great interest.

"Director Hu, there's no need for you to conduct entrance exams for students. I learned all of this from your movies," Wang Yao said with a shy smile.

“Tell me, a thousand people will have a thousand different interpretations of Hamlet.” Hu Mei’s smile deepened.

She loves to hear the truth.

"Three main plot points: First, the abolition of human sacrifice is a form of class prejudice; nobles disregard human life and treat commoners like pigs and dogs."

Secondly, the idea that Confucius met Nanzi was based on human prejudice. It stemmed from Nanzi's poor reputation; even a single meeting with her would have drawn the prejudice of his most loyal disciple, Zilu.
Third, Confucius wrote a book on his deathbed, leaving behind the saying "Those who know me and those who condemn me shall be judged by the Spring and Autumn Annals," which is the best response to prejudice.

The three interconnected plot points ultimately aim to tell the audience that prejudice in people's hearts is a formidable obstacle; what you do is not important, but what people perceive you to have done.
As Nietzsche said, there is no truth in the world, only perspectives. Wang Yao's expression was solemn, and his voice was deep.

The atmosphere in the meeting room fell silent once again.

Hu Mei's eyes sparkled, as if in amazement, as if in realization, and finally turning into satisfaction.

Oh, I didn't know this movie could have such a profound message.

"Wonderful, wonderful!" Hu Mei couldn't help but clap her hands in praise.

As soon as he finished speaking, the conference room erupted like a firecracker, with everyone praising Wang Yao's ingenuity.

Hu Mei was very happy because the phrase "There is no truth in the world, only perspectives" was so useful. For a director like her who edits historical subjects, it was a panacea. She could use this phrase to refute anyone who questioned her work in the future.

The atmosphere in the conference room became harmonious and joyful once again.

At this moment, just as at that moment.

Only Yangzi's face was ashen, especially when he saw his wife's astonished expression, which made his heart ache.

Where did this little bastard come from?!

They convinced Director Hu and his group with their clever words, flattery, sweet talk, and nonsense.

A bunch of illiterate people who are unworthy of their positions!

"Coincidentally, the recent online public opinion surrounding Ma Ruo is actually a form of prejudice. While Ma Ruo's statement at the time was normal in its own context, taking it out of context makes it seem materialistic, which is a form of prejudice."
"As Director Hu once said, the ultimate goal of artistic works is to break down prejudices, so my idea is to interpret the scene where I meet Nanzi from Ma Ruo's perspective." Wang Yao spoke again.

Hu Mei was stunned for a moment upon hearing this. Did I say that?
It's probably from an old interview. I never expected this kid to remember it. Wow, he's such a loyal viewer.

Hu Mei looked at Wang Yao and found him more and more pleasing to the eye.

"The content says that in Nanzi, we see how women throughout history have been shackled by external opinions. Everyone only focuses on a woman's appearance and integrity, but no one ever cares about her abilities and achievements."
Nanzi clearly helped Duke Ling of Wei manage the court in his later years, and even made the state of Wei prosperous, which shows that she had certain achievements in governing the country. However, others smeared her reputation because she often discussed national policies with her ministers.
Due to societal prejudices, people only saw Nanzi's beauty and then tried to overshadow her achievements, even attacking her by arguing that women should not interfere in politics. This is a form of gender prejudice.

In this way, the focus of the discussion will shift to whether Nanzi was a harlot or a ruler. This perspective, which breaks down prejudices, will surely pique the curiosity of many female viewers and draw them to the cinema.

If conditions permit later, we could also invite the film production company to collaborate on some promotional activities targeting female consumers. Frankly speaking, although it's a historical film, female audiences are the mainstream consumers in the film market.

Wang Yao presented a new marketing perspective with reason, evidence, and vivid description.

How could a female director in 2010 withstand marketing geared towards feminism?

Moreover, given Hu Mei's background, she almost instantly empathized with Nanzi, who was in power.

No one knew better than her how much extra pressure and suffering a woman had to endure to helm a top-tier work of art, just like a man.

Not only Hu Mei, but another strong woman, Chen Lingjuan, was also in a daze.

"it is good."

Chen Lingjuan, who hadn't spoken since the meeting started, finally spoke.

The force was even greater than the weight of the eyebrows.

Just one word, like a hammer blow that settles the score.

Everyone in the conference room gasped in unison.

"Everyone else, go eat first. Wang Yao, stay here. We'll have a short meeting." Hu Mei glanced at Chen Lingjuan and directly announced the final direction for the publicity and distribution of "Confucius."

Small matters are handled in large meetings. Big matters are handled in small meetings.

Everyone understood the significance of the meeting. After exchanging pleasantries, they left, patting Wang Yao on the shoulder and offering words of praise and encouragement to build goodwill.

Of course, besides the Yangtze River.

"You think what he said makes a lot of sense?" Yang Zi turned his head and saw the strange look in Huang Shengyi's beautiful eyes as she looked at Wang Yao. Instantly, his last bit of rationality was ignited.

"Huh? No, I didn't." Huang Shengyi hurriedly looked away, embarrassed as he tried to explain.

"Hmph." Yang Zi laughed in anger, leaving Huang Shengyi all alone.

"Koike, I didn't expect to have such young and elite soldiers under your command."

"Koike, we can still talk about that project with Misaki last time."

"Mr. Chi, you should have Xiao Wang come over for a couple more drinks tonight."

Chi Xin also had mixed feelings. She was somewhat bewildered by the goodwill shown by the big shots she usually had to curry favor with.

How did things turn out this way?
Is Wang Yao really just a scapegoat chosen by He Ming before he even graduated?
Women are too easily swayed by emotions.

Wang Yao only wanted to interrupt Yang Zi's vicious plan to profit from human suffering, and he never thought that this marketing strategy prepared for Ma Ruo would actually be adopted by Hu Mei or Chen Lingjuan.

After all, Wang Yao believed that the publicity and distribution strategy for such a top-tier production must have been agreed upon in advance, and today's meeting was just a formality.

But to everyone's surprise, the core layer of such a large-scale production was handled so carelessly.

Tsk, the world is really a makeshift operation set up by a bunch of intermediaries.

But what truly moved Chen Lingjuan was not just the idea of ​​'prejudice,' but also the massive online traffic that Wang Yao controlled. Without this traffic as leverage, she wouldn't have set the tone.

As a seasoned marketer, she knew all too well that a good fuse is more valuable than a good bomb.

In the end, only Hu Mei, Chen Lingjuan, Ren Quan, and Wang Yao remained at the meeting, and they directly set the tone for the publicity campaign.

All press releases and interview transcripts were revised to lean towards bias, and the entire publicity campaign revolved around the topics of female bias and historical bias.

As the provider of the creative ideas, Wang Yao naturally needs to offer more suggestions.

“Chow Yun-fat is from Hong Kong, so during the interview, we can discuss more of his biases about cross-strait culture and generate more controversial topics.”

"Regarding the biases of Nanzi from a female perspective, we can find some influential female figures, preferably female historians or writers. It would be even better if Ms. Li Yinhe were willing to help."

"As the female lead, Zhou Xun can speak a bit more forcefully, since she has always been outspoken."

Chen Lingjuan took notes at lightning speed.

"Director Hu's casting of Kong Jiao as the daughter is excellent and has great promotional value. When her father is at his lowest point, the daughter is his strongest support."
Although the traditional Chinese father-daughter relationship is awkward, it's also a prejudice. We can use puns, like "fathers and daughters can hold up half the sky."

Hu Mei smiled and nodded upon hearing this. Indeed, she had joined the role of the daughter to express that the daughter is the father's reliance and support, and she had finally met a kindred spirit.

"Quan Ge's portrayal of Yan Hui could actually be heavily promoted. As Confucius's most recognized disciple, Yan Hui's values ​​align with mainstream ideology."
Abundance is not just about material wealth; spiritual wealth is even more important. This is a controversial topic that people will focus on, and it can also create a contrasting perspective with Ma Ruo's character, giving netizens room to interpret it.

Ren Quan secretly noted this down and later had someone write a news article about it. His goodwill towards Wang Yao increased greatly because he knew that this was specifically said to him.

After Wang Yao finished explaining his ideas, the others made some token additions, and the general direction was set. The rest could be left to his subordinates.

"Xiao Yao is so young, yet his knowledge is so solid. Young people are so bright and full of strange and wonderful ideas," Hu Mei exclaimed with a smile.

The way he addressed him changed from "Comrade Xiao Wang" to the more intimate "Xiao Yao".

"I grew up watching your TV dramas, and that's how I became interested in history. I'm not good at any other subjects," Wang Yao said shyly.

“Achievements don’t equal talent. It’s rare to see someone your age with these ideas in the industry. Would you be interested in coming to my company? Meishe is a bit of a waste of your talent.” Chen Lingjuan extended an olive branch directly.

“You’re right. Meishe really doesn’t have any serious projects. My team also lacks a publicity talent like you who can come up with ideas. Besides, your views on history are very interesting. Are you interested in working with me as a director?” Hu Mei extended an invitation.

Moreover, they showed no regard for Meishe's reputation whatsoever, indicating that they truly did not take Meishe seriously.

"Thank you for your recognition, teachers. However, I joined Meishe right after my internship, and later, I was valued by President He and he took me in to establish Tianhuo Media. I will never forget your kindness. The company is going through a difficult time, and I cannot leave at this time," Wang Yao said solemnly.

"He's grateful and a good kid," Hu Mei said, patting Wang Yao on the shoulder with emotion.

"Your company is going through a lot of trouble, isn't it? Let's talk about it later."

Chen Lingjuan gave Wang Yao a meaningful look, clearly knowing more than he did.

“Then I’ll take Xiao Yao back to the company first, to prepare for Ma Ruo’s first wave of promotion,” Ren Quan said.

Although the film was set with prejudice as its main theme, it still needed to be objectively verified. Wang Yao pointed out that today was the first day of the film's release.

We'll use Ma Ruo's remarks as the first wave of hype to see what netizens are focusing on, which will help us make adjustments later.

Wang Yao brought Ren Quan back to the company. After discussing it for a while, Wang Yao posted a Weibo post using Ma Ruo's account. Around the same time in the afternoon, the post included the same photo and text.

"So many comments right after it was posted? This traffic is almost comparable to Yao Chen's, right? These haters seem to be more loyal than the fans!" Ren Quan couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

Wang Yao shook his head and chuckled.

"Everyone's waiting for the electronic pickled vegetables to go with their rice."

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