Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 135, Section 134: The Villain Accuses First
Monday, June 30, 1997.

The phone in the director's office of Beijing Film Studio rang urgently.

Han Sanping had just picked up his teacup when he heard the sound and frowned, a sense of unease suddenly creeping into his heart.

The call was from Han Sanping's friend in Shanghai. The caller's tone was urgent and cautionary: "Sanping, today's major newspapers in Shanghai, such as Wenhui Daily and Labor Daily, have big articles on their front or second pages, directly targeting your television and film business!"

Han Sanping felt a tightness in his chest.

The opponent's counterattack has begun.

Han Sanping: "Old Chu, I haven't received any news yet. Could you read aloud what the newspaper reported?"

"it is good."

The headline on the other end of the phone was: "The Wenhui Daily's headline is: Hidden Worries Behind the TV and Movie Boom – Is it a Good Solution for Saving the Market or a Poisoned Drinker?"

The article begins in a seemingly objective tone, briefly describing how recent TV movies have been broadcast on television, how they have been welcomed by some viewers, and even acknowledging that they have "enriched the screen" to some extent.

But the writing style then shifts abruptly, beginning a lengthy discussion of its "negative impacts"—

Han Sanping listened to the relayed message on the other end of the phone: "We must be soberly aware that this 'television movie' model, characterized by low cost, short cycle, and high density, is impacting the traditional film exhibition market in an almost barbaric way."

According to incomplete statistics, since March of this year, cinema occupancy rates in many major cities in East China, South China, and North China have declined significantly. This is especially true for small and medium-sized cinemas that rely on domestic films and re-released films; their operating conditions have deteriorated sharply, and some are even on the verge of bankruptcy.

"What is even more worrying is that this shock has a clear 'substitution effect'."

When audiences can simply stay at home, turn on their TV, and watch similar, or even more timely, 'movies' for free or at a very low cost, what incentive do they have to spend money on tickets and travel to the cinema? This is undoubtedly a fatal blow to the already fragile film consumption habits.

"Some argue that television movies have revitalized the idle resources of film studios and solved the employment and income problems of some film studio employees. This is certainly true."

But we need to consider a more fundamental question: what is the foundation of Chinese cinema? Is it the production process of a few film studios, or the distribution and screening network that spans the entire country and connects hundreds of millions of viewers?
To save a few workers in the production process at the expense of the livelihoods of tens of thousands of employees in the entire distribution and exhibition system—isn't this a shortsighted act of "robbing Peter to pay Paul"? Isn't this a serious disruption to the ecosystem of the Chinese film industry?

The person on the other end of the phone paused, took a breath, and continued reading: "Those in the industry know perfectly well where this trend originated. Some entities, relying on special resources and policy advantages, are bypassing the existing, mature distribution system and starting from scratch. What appears to be innovative breakthroughs are actually disrupting industry rules and creating new monopolies."

This kind of "bullying within one's own territory" approach not only fails to improve the overall strength of Chinese films, but may also trigger vicious competition, ultimately leading to a lose-lose situation and harming the entire Chinese film industry!

The article is rich in references and data, with a logical progression that is highly persuasive and deceptive.

The article does not directly mention the names "Beijing Film Studio" or "Wang Sheng," but phrases such as "certain units," "special resources," and "starting afresh" make the references extremely clear.

Old Chu on the other end of the phone also mentioned the directions other newspapers were reporting on—

The content is largely the same, with slight differences in focus. Some emphasize the plight of cinema workers facing layoffs, while others express deep concern about whether the future path of Chinese cinema has been "led astray." The core argument is highly consistent: television movies are the destroyers, and the film studio alliance is the culprit.

Han Sanping's face darkened, and he hung up the phone.

"damn it!"

Han Sanping couldn't help but swear, an uncontrollable rage rising to his head: "Turning black into white! Confusing right and wrong! The wicked accuse first!"

He grabbed the phone and dialed Wang Sheng, his voice hoarse with anger: "Shengzi! Come to my office immediately!"

……

Lean slightly.

"They came on strong and were very well prepared."

Sitting opposite Han Sanping, Wang Sheng listened to Han Sanping's story and then summarized:

"More than sufficient! This is an organized and premeditated media attack!"

Han Sanping: "Look at this tone! 'Destroying the foundation of Chinese cinema'! 'Sacrificing the screening system'! What a huge accusation!"
"Damn it, if it weren't for those provincial film companies leeching off us, taking the lion's share of the profits and driving us to the brink of collapse, why would we have had to find our own way out? Now, just as we've finally managed to get a decent meal, they start crying poor and complaining, portraying themselves as victims?! What kind of logic is that?!"

Han Sanping said with disgust, "How dare they play the 'employment' and 'people's livelihood' card? And choosing to premiere it in Shanghai media is very strategic. Shanghai is a major film city and a forefront of reform; public opinion here influences the whole country." "Shanghai Film Studio?"

Wang Sheng asked.

Han Sanping shook his head: "Anyway, it must have been a conspiracy between those big provincial companies!"

Just then, the office phone rang again.

After answering the call, the secretary continued to report:

"Director, the director of Zhujiang Film Studio called, asking about the newspaper! It's been published in the newspapers in eastern Guangdong too!"

"Director, the director of Changchun Film Studio is on the phone, he's furious!"

"Xi'an Film Studio phone number..."

"Emei Film Studio..."

Within just over ten minutes, the directors of almost all the major film studios in the alliance called, and their statements were remarkably consistent: they were indignant and shared a common hatred for the enemy!
The director of the Pearl River Film Studio started yelling on the phone: "Brother Sanping! Did you see that? The vicious dog bites first! When did their provincial company become a vulnerable group?"

Last year, one of my films was held hostage by them, and they only offered a pittance for a buyout. I almost lost everything! Now that we've found a way to make a living, they're jumping out and accusing us of disrupting the market? Disrupt the market my ass!

The director of Changchun Film Studio said in a heavy but firm tone: "Sanping, this is aimed at our alliance. They're scared, scared that we'll really gain momentum and completely shake their good days. We can't back down on this, or it'll all be over!"

Even the usually mild-mannered director of Emei Film Studio exclaimed, "Old leader, this is not a matter of reason! They're just trying to intimidate us with their big names! We must fight back! Otherwise, who will dare to ride roughshod over us in the future!"

……

After reassuring the directors of the various film studios, Han Sanping and Wang Sheng discussed solutions.

Wang Sheng analyzed: "They dare not complain to the ministry, but try to intimidate people by guiding public opinion. They know they are in the wrong, so it is good to fight back."

"First, we need to immediately organize materials and use detailed data to speak for ourselves. How much profit has the television and film business brought to the alliance's factories, how many jobs have been stabilized, and how much tax has been paid? Compare this with the dismal performance we suffered when we were exploited by the provincial companies in the past few years, and the truth will be clear at a glance."

"Secondly, we must emphasize that we are exploring new models and seeking new ways out for the struggling Chinese film industry. Television movies have not replaced traditional films, but rather opened up new market growth and cultivated a larger audience. Many viewers who rarely go to the cinema due to time and price constraints have been exposed to films through television. Isn't this a good thing that expands the influence of films?"

"third,"

Wang Sheng paused for a moment: "We need to expose the provincial companies' 'unfair terms' and 'profit retention' problems at the right time. We don't have to be too direct, but we need to guide the public to think about why the same film performs well at the box office but the film studio doesn't make money? Where did the money go? Why are film studios being forced to find alternative solutions? Point out the root of the problem! If they want to overturn the table, then we might as well all quit!"

Han Sanping nodded repeatedly and added, "There's one more thing: we need to get the support of our superiors! I'll write a report for the ministry right now, explaining the pros and cons."

At the same time, we must proactively contact influential media outlets that support reform, such as the *China Youth Daily*, and articulate our reasoning! We can't just let them smear us!

“Yes!” Wang Sheng agreed. “We also need to mobilize all forces within the alliance and utilize our respective local media resources to make our voices heard.”

This is a comprehensive public opinion war. We want everyone to see that it is not our Beijing Film Studio that is causing trouble, but the entire state-owned film production system that is trying to survive and innovate!

What hinders this innovation are precisely those old forces who cling to their monopolistic interests and disregard the fate of film studio directors!

Han Sanping slammed his fist on the table, his spirits rising: "Good! Let's do it! Damn it, they want to crush us with public opinion? I'll show them what it means to be united! Shengzi, you're in charge of leading the team to compile the data and devise the key points for the counterattack article. I'll be in charge of reporting to higher authorities and coordinating with the various factories! Let's fight this battle with them properly! Let's see who the real culprit is in destroying the foundation of Chinese cinema!"

At that moment, the air in the factory manager's office seemed to ignite.

The initial panic caused by the sudden attack has been replaced by intense anger and unwavering fighting spirit.

Provincial film companies attempted to overwhelm the nascent television film business with a flood of public opinion, but they may have underestimated the collective will of more than thirty film studios that had been cornered, finally saw a glimmer of hope, and were determined to fight back.

The storm has arrived; we must face it head-on.

Beijing Film Studio and its allies are preparing to unleash their power.

(End of this chapter)