Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 118, Section 117: The Foundation of the Sect

Wang Sheng's management major interview ended faster than anyone expected.

Inside the examination room, facing questions from several senior professors about the film market, production management, and even the integration of state-owned enterprise reform with the cultural market, Wang Sheng remained calm and answered fluently.

Instead of quoting any textbook theories, he combined practical cases from Shengying Media and the film studio alliance over the past year, speaking eloquently about everything from the profit model of "wedding movies" to cost control of the industrialized production line of "TV movies" and the channel cooperation model with Aido VCD.

His explanation, which included both a macro-level strategic vision and micro-level operational details, as well as his judgments on some future trends, was refreshing to the professors present. They listened attentively at times and nodded in approval at others.

This didn't feel like an exam; it felt more like a high-level industry exchange.

What Wang Sheng demonstrated was not the knowledge reserves that an ordinary young person preparing for exams should have, but rather the profound accumulation and keen insight of a young leader who has already weathered the storms of the market and successfully led the trend.

The interviewers exchanged knowing glances, already having reached a conclusion in their hearts.

Such talents are less like students that Beijing Film Academy (BFA) is looking for, and more like collaborators that BFA urgently needs to establish close relationships with.

The so-called exam was more of a formality, a legitimate bridge to officially bring this "crown prince of Beijing Film Studio" and "chief of staff" into the Beijing Film Studio system.

Sure enough, as soon as the interview ended and Wang Sheng hadn't even left the examination building, Director Sun from the admissions office greeted him with a big smile and warmly shook his hand.

"Mr. Wang, that was brilliant, absolutely brilliant! The teachers all praised you highly!" Director Sun lowered his voice, his tone filled with barely concealed excitement. "Our Dean Liu would like to invite you over for a chat. Is now a convenient time for you?"

Wang Sheng was not surprised by this treatment and nodded calmly: "Director Sun, you're too kind. Just call me Wang Sheng. If it's convenient, please lead the way."

Dean Liu Guodian's office is on the top floor of the administration building. It is spacious and bright, with bookshelves piled high with film-related books and materials, and several meaningful photographs hanging on the walls, showcasing the owner's artistic background as a professor in the photography department.

Dean Liu Guodian was about fifty years old, with a refined yet capable demeanor. Upon seeing Wang Sheng enter, he immediately stood up from behind his large desk, walked around the desk, and extended his hand with a friendly and sincere smile.

"Wang Sheng, welcome! Please have a seat." Liu Guodian invited Wang Sheng to sit on the guest sofa. After Director Sun personally brewed tea, he tactfully withdrew and gently closed the door behind him.

"Dean Liu, hello." Wang Sheng bowed slightly, showing proper etiquette.

"Alright, alright, don't be shy." Liu Guodian sat opposite him, carefully examining Wang Sheng with admiration in his eyes: "Director Sun just gave feedback on the interview. The teachers spoke highly of you. They all said you weren't here to take an exam, but to give us a lesson."

He made a lighthearted joke.

Wang Sheng smiled modestly: "Dean, you flatter me. I was just sharing some problems I encountered in the past year and my own superficial thoughts. I'm just showing off my limited knowledge, and I hope you teachers will forgive my ignorance."

“Hey, excessive modesty is just arrogance.” Liu Guodian waved his hand and said seriously, “Your ‘shallow thoughts’ have actually revitalized a large factory with 10,000 employees, driven an alliance, and opened up a new market. This is a remarkable achievement and a new topic that our film education community needs to study in depth.”

He changed the subject abruptly, asking with concern, "How did you feel about the exam? Did you find the questions easy?"

Wang Sheng replied, "We did our best to deal with it. As for the outcome, it depends on the teachers' evaluation criteria."

"You can rest assured." Liu Guodian laughed heartily. "Your abilities and achievements speak for themselves. The doors of Beijing Film Academy are always open to talented young people like you. Speaking of which, you studied in our photography department's spring training program before. Although it wasn't for long, you still had some connection with us. In a way, you could be considered a 'prospective student' of Beijing Film Academy."

Wang Sheng recalled that brief, informal learning experience, which he had indeed gone there to gain experience. He never expected that Dean Liu would bring it up now, turning it into a pretext for building a closer relationship. He nodded and said, "Yes, although that learning experience was short, it gave me a more intuitive understanding of video production, and I benefited greatly from it."

"That's good." Liu Guodian nodded in satisfaction, leaned forward slightly, and spoke with even more sincerity: "Wang Sheng, the reason we invited you here today is not only to welcome you, but also to represent the school and express Beijing Film Academy's support for your future career development."

Your work at the Beijing Film Studio and within the alliance is of great significance, extending beyond mere commercial success; it is crucial to the entire industry's exploration during this period of transformation. As the highest institution of film education in China, the Beijing Film Academy should be your strong support.

He paused, then began to list the specific support Nortel could provide, clearly having come prepared:

"First, there's talent support. Every year, the Beijing Film Academy graduates outstanding students from its various departments, including directing, acting, cinematography, sound recording, fine arts, literature, and management. If you need them, the school can give priority to recommending them, connecting you with resources, and helping you build a top-notch young team."

Solid theoretical foundations and a wealth of creative fresh blood are crucial to your ongoing industrialization efforts.

"Secondly, there is academic and think tank support. The school's professors and experts have profound experience in film theory, aesthetics research, market analysis, and policy interpretation."

You can think of them as a large think tank; you can consult them anytime you encounter difficulties. We can also regularly organize seminars, inviting you and industry elites to discuss cutting-edge issues and spark intellectual exchanges with faculty and students.

"Thirdly, there is project cooperation and R&D support. Nortel has advanced laboratory equipment and a passion for exploring new technologies and new forms."

Your 'TV movie' model can be fully integrated with the school's teaching practice and graduation projects, becoming a real training ground for teachers and students.

Conversely, the innovative ideas and experimental works of teachers and students can also provide you with supplementary content and sources of inspiration.

For example, your ongoing VCD distribution could be explored in collaboration with school audiovisual archives to develop unique products such as classic film restoration and film education programs.

"Fourth, there is the support of brand and reputation. Your name, Wang Sheng, combined with your status as an alumnus of Beijing Film Academy, will be a very valuable asset, whether you are seeking deeper cooperation in China or have the opportunity to engage in international exchanges in the future."

The school will also leverage its media resources and industry influence to provide positive public opinion for you and your business.

Liu Guodian presented his arguments clearly and concisely, explaining the resources offered by Nortel Energy one by one, demonstrating his sincerity.

He concluded, "In short, what Beijing Film Academy hopes to see is not a student who simply attends classes step by step, but a special partner who can extend the classroom to the vast market and use practice to enrich theory. Your learning here can be more flexible and targeted. We hope that Beijing Film Academy can become a new runway for your career to take off, rather than a wall that restricts you."

Wang Sheng listened attentively, understanding the meaning in his heart.

The Beijing Film Academy has its eye on him and the enormous resources and development potential he represents. They hope to use an unprecedented "university-enterprise cooperation" model to firmly bind this "super student" to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

This was exactly what he wanted. With the prestigious name of Beijing Film Academy and its vast resource network, the future of Shengying Media and the film studio alliance would undoubtedly be greatly enhanced.

“I am very grateful to Dean Liu and the school for their kindness.” Wang Sheng responded solemnly: “The resources and support from Beijing Film Academy are of paramount importance to me. If I am able to enroll smoothly, I hope to integrate theoretical learning with company practice more closely, and I am also willing to contribute to the school’s teaching reform and talent cultivation.”

For example, establishing internship bases, providing project practice opportunities, and even collaborating to offer short courses tailored to new industry needs are all areas that can be explored.

Upon hearing this, Liu Guodian's smile widened: "Great! I'm relieved to hear that! As for the specific details, we can have the relevant departments coordinate with you after you officially enroll, and we can gradually refine them. I believe our cooperation will become a celebrated example of industry-education integration in China's film and television industry!"

(End of this chapter)