Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 21: Dating Show (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
After discussing the investment, Yu Dong didn't leave but instead chatted with Wang Sheng.

The office lights were dim, illuminating Yu Dong's face, which showed signs of weariness from years of travel, yet still shone with inner brilliance.

He stubbed out his cigarette, the smoke mingling with his words in the small space.

"Shengzi, to be honest, publishing is getting harder and harder these days."

Yu Dong's voice carried a deep weariness and helplessness, a stark contrast to his shrewd and decisive demeanor when he made the investment.

"Ever since those ten 'imported blockbusters' were introduced in 94, like 'The Fugitive' and 'True Lies'... wow, the cinemas were packed like it was New Year's! Box office revenue skyrocketed. But what about our own films? They were practically empty!"

He leaned forward and lowered his voice, as if revealing an industry secret: "There's a policy from above that requires film companies in various regions to guarantee the screening ratio of domestic films."

But aren't they all eyeing the box office? Hollywood movies are so successful! They get all the screen time and promotional resources. Our domestic films are lucky if they get a morning or midnight showing! If it weren't for these policies, they wouldn't release a single domestic film!

Wang Sheng listened silently and poured him more tea.

“If this continues,” Yu Dong predicted in a heavy tone, “I dare say that in a few years, the only domestic films that will still be making a sound in cinemas will be those mainstream films that are backed by official documents and that each unit is required to organize their viewing.”

Other types are doomed! With so many film studios across the country, they're all doomed! They'll all go bankrupt and close down sooner or later!

Wang Sheng chimed in at the opportune moment, bringing up a phenomenon that seemed like a way out: "I've heard there are quite a few co-productions now, aren't there? Funding, stars, directors from Hong Kong..."

"Pah!" Before Wang Sheng could finish speaking, Yu Dong scoffed, his face full of mockery: "Co-productions? That's just a front! A high-class scam! To put it bluntly, many factories here are desperate for money, using the guise of co-productions to trick Hong Kong bosses into investing. Once they have the money, who cares how it's filmed, what it turns out like, whether it can pass censorship, or whether anyone will watch it in theaters? They'll pay the factory workers' wages and the managers' bonuses first!"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, as if he had a lot of pent-up grievances: "Are those Hong Kongers really naive and innocent? Not entirely! Many of them are pretending not to know what's going on. Some want to launder money, and some want to test the mainland market with low budgets. What kind of garbage are they making? Outdated gambling films, gangster films, or just some borderline erotic films and horror films. No wonder they can't pass censorship!"
Others, whose real aim isn't the film itself, are using the guise of co-production to secure other investments in mainland China, or to manipulate land and permits. Both sides are ripping each other off! They're both treating each other like pigs to be slaughtered!

Yu Dong dropped another bombshell: "There's something even wilder! In eastern Guangdong, there are some private film companies that are really ruthless! They assemble their own crews to make films, find their own connections to get them 'approved,' and then show them in the video arcades and 'theaters' they've built in towns and villages!"
It's all pirated copies, cheap tickets, and they show Hong Kong movies, martial arts films, and even more exciting ones. They don't have to give a single penny to China Film Group; it all goes into their own pockets! That's real 'marketization'!

Wang Sheng thought to himself, "Holy crap!"

Although he knew that the cultural market in the 90s was chaotic and full of shady dealings, he did not expect that the film distribution industry was so deep and murky, a dark forest where demons ran rampant.

Hollywood's onslaught was overwhelming, domestic films were barely surviving, distribution within the system was extremely difficult, co-productions were full of fraud, and underground screenings were growing wildly... This was a completely different world from the Chinese film market that he remembered later gradually becoming more regulated and prosperous.

After venting his frustrations, Yu Dong seemed much better. He took a big gulp of tea and then asked, "By the way, Shengzi, you mentioned equipment earlier. What do you use for your high-end business? Betacam SP?"

Wang Sheng regained his composure and nodded: "Yes, broadcast-grade equipment, the image quality far surpasses that of home cameras. If the client is really willing to spend a lot of money on 'custom-made' equipment, we'll apply to use the factory's 16mm or even 35mm film cameras. We'll use domestic Lucky film, which is cheap. Although the graininess and color latitude can't compare to Fuji, Kodak, or Eastman, it might be a bit lacking for shooting serious films, but when used for wedding films, that unique texture makes it look particularly high-class and retro. As long as the client thinks it's high-end, that's fine."

Yu Dong understood: "Oh, so the equipment purchased this time through fundraising is mainly aimed at the low-to-mid-end market?"

“That’s right,” Wang Sheng explained. “The volume of high-end business is small, and we can meet the needs by renting the existing equipment in the factory. The main purpose of raising funds this time is to purchase business-grade equipment on a large scale, such as MiniDV and Hi8, which are much better than home-use equipment and can widen the cost gap with Betacam. They can be used to make the mid-to-high-end, mid-range, and low-end packages for Purple House, ensuring that we can achieve technological dominance over the existing wedding video recording market.”

After listening, Yu Dong showed no disappointment at not being able to share profits from the high-end business. Instead, his eyes gleamed even brighter: "Wise! The high-end is the brand, the facade, but what really drives volume and makes big money is the mid-range and lower-end segment! Your thinking is very clear!"

He was completely relieved and felt that his investment of 100,000 yuan was worthwhile.

The two chatted for a long time until late at night.

As Yu Dong stood up to say goodbye, he solemnly said again, "Shengzi, if there's anything I can do to help you in the future, just let me know! I do have some connections in the publishing business."

Wang Sheng sincerely thanked him: "Of course, Brother Yu, I'll need your help a lot in the future."

"..."

……

The following day, April 29th, Monday.

As soon as the bank opened, Wang Sheng went to open a special account for the Image Memory Project in the name of "Shengying Media". After explaining the amount of the deposit to the bank, the bank manager immediately gave instructions to have the business manager lead a working group to go to the Beijing Film Studio to assist in the work and safely transport the money back.

……

As soon as he returned to his office, the person Han Sanping had arranged arrived: Qian Qianjin, the deputy head of the purchasing department at Beijing Film Studio.

A man in his forties, slightly overweight, with a friendly smile, but whose eyes revealed a shrewd and calculating nature.

"Mr. Wang, you are truly young and promising. Factory Director Han asked me to assist you in purchasing equipment. Have you made a list yet?" Qian Qianjin got straight to the point, his tone warm.

Wang Sheng handed over a detailed purchase list that he had prepared.

Qian Qianjin adjusted his glasses, examined the document carefully, and muttered to himself:

"The Sony DCR-VX1000 is a professional-grade MiniDV camcorder, in high demand. The estimated price per unit is 4, so 5 units would cost 20..."

"Professional-grade Hi8 camcorders, Sony CCD-TR555, estimated unit price 2, 25 units would be 50..."

"The Panasonic M9000 business-grade VHS camcorder is estimated to cost 1.2 yuan per unit, so 50 units would cost 60 yuan..."

"The accompanying tripod, interview light, external microphone, spare batteries, charger, various types of tapes... all of this, roughly calculated, would cost close to 300,000 yuan..."

He quickly did some mental calculations, then looked up, his smile widening with a hint of barely perceptible envy: "Mr. Wang, you've got quite the spending power. I estimate this purchase order is worth about 1.5 million yuan."

Wang Sheng smiled and said, "It's all for business. We still need Section Chief Qian's help to make connections and get the best price."

"No problem, no problem, it's all the factory's business, it's only right." Qian Qianjin readily agreed, then changed the subject, leaning closer and lowering his voice: "President Wang, I heard that your... project profit-sharing rights sold quite well?"

Wang Sheng said calmly, "It's all thanks to everyone's support."

“Look…” Qian Qianjin rubbed his hands together, his smile slightly awkward but mostly expectant: “I also want to support the young people in our factory to start their own businesses, and by the way… hehe, to save some pocket money for my kids at home. I wonder if I can spare a share? I’ll contribute this amount.”

He held up five fingers.

Five portions?

Wang Sheng asked. "Fifty thousand."

Qian Qianjin corrected, "What I meant was that I want to buy 25 servings."

Wang Sheng looked troubled: "Section Chief Qian, it's not that I don't want to help, but the quotas were basically all allocated yesterday on-site, and registrations have exceeded the limit. We really..."

Qian Qianjin immediately chimed in, his tone suggestive: "President Wang, there's a lot more to equipment procurement than meets the eye. Prices can vary by 10% or even 20% depending on the channel. And there are many tricks involved in after-sales service and consumable supply as well."

If we have a good working relationship, I can help you significantly reduce these procurement costs. That savings will directly translate into project profits.

Wang Sheng fell into deep thought.

He was well aware of the shady dealings in the procurement process, and Qian Qianjin's words were both a display of his ability and a form of exchange.

Furthermore, offending the purchasing department will definitely lead to a lot of trouble later on.

Thinking of this, Wang Sheng said, "Since Section Chief Qian has put it that way, I'll think of another way. 25 portions, right? I'll try my best to coordinate for you, but I can't guarantee 100%. How about 20 portions at most?"

Qian Qianjin's eyes lit up. Twenty shares—according to Wang Sheng's profit-sharing model, that would be a considerable sum. He immediately grasped Wang Sheng's hand: "That's great, Mr. Wang, you're so kind! Don't worry, I'll take care of the equipment. I'll definitely get the best products at the lowest price!"

After seeing off the satisfied Qian Qianjin, Wang Sheng shook his head. The purchasing department was indeed lucrative; a deputy section chief could easily come up with 50,000 yuan in cash for investment.

……

The whole day that followed.

The office of Shengying Media became the liveliest place in the Beijing Film Studio.

Employees and their families came in droves to formally sign purchase agreements and pay cash.

Chen Yu, along with several girls and bank staff, were extremely busy counting money, issuing receipts, and registering records. Bundles of banknotes were piled up on the table.

Chen Liang, along with several capable young men from the Beijing Film Studio and a few security guards who disliked each other, worked together to maintain order.

The security department not only had guns, but also cannons. Based on this, they were at least several eras ahead of Chen Liang and his group.

As Wang Sheng predicted, a dozen or so families did act impulsively yesterday. After discussing it carefully at home, they either didn't have enough money or ultimately felt the risks were too great, and today they came over apologetically to say they were giving up.

But the spots they vacated were almost instantly filled by other families who rushed over after hearing the news, or by management staff like Qian Qianjin who had missed the opportunity to join earlier.

By the time we finished get off work in the afternoon, all 1,000 dividend rights initially planned had been sold, raising a total of two million yuan!
The bank worked overtime, sending armored trucks and armed personnel, along with the armed forces of the security department, to transport the two million yuan back to the bank and deposit it into the special account for "image memory".

……

After finishing his work, Wang Sheng invited Director Liu and Liu Xuri of the advertising department of Beijing Film Studio to a newly opened restaurant near the Beijing Film Studio to have dinner and talk about the advertising project introduced by Manager Zhao of Purple House.

Originally, Wang Sheng thought that shooting a corporate promotional advertisement for Purple House would suffice, but then he thought, what if Purple House withholds the final payment? He had a countermeasure: he would simply not deliver the finished product to the customer.

However, this is not a long-term solution. We need to establish the reputation of 'Image Memory' and become the dominant player in the wedding video market, instead of being controlled by Purple House or other wedding companies.

After much deliberation, Wang Sheng decided to persuade Zifangzi to invest more money, extend the advertisement into a "dating reality show," and at the same time, build relationships with television stations to pave the way for his future foray into the film and television industry.

However, Wang Sheng was not familiar with Beijing TV and needed Liu Xuri, who was quite familiar with Beijing TV, to help him make connections.

A dating show?

After listening, Liu Xuri pondered for a moment: "Beijing TV already had a program called 'Tonight We Meet,' which was launched in 1990. The guests on the program included ordinary people, highly educated people, retired cadres, and other groups. It was very popular at the time and was regarded by foreign media as a sign of the change in the mindset of Chinese people after the reform and opening up. When I first started working at Beijing TV, I was also amazed by this novel program format."

The earliest TV dating show in China seems to be "TV Matchmaker," produced by Shanxi Provincial Television in 88, but its influence was nowhere near that of "Tonight We Meet." Therefore, your idea of ​​collaborating with Beijing Television on a dating show is completely impossible.

Wang Sheng's heart sank; he really hadn't learned about the development of dating shows in China.

The programs Liu Xuri mentioned were actually the first generation of matchmaking programs in China, primarily focused on service with entertainment as a secondary element. The atmosphere was relatively serious and sincere, with the aim of "facilitating marriage." The guests were mostly ordinary people, and the topics discussed were relatively conservative. Alternatively, participants would directly introduce themselves on television and state their criteria for a partner, then wait for letters to arrive.

The dating shows that Wang Sheng paid attention to in his previous life were the second generation of dating shows, represented by "If You Are the One".

This generation of dating shows emphasizes entertainment and generating buzz. The shows prioritize ratings, and the selection of guests places more emphasis on their performance and topicality, often leading to skepticism about their authenticity from viewers.

It's no longer a simple dating service, but a reality show showcasing social values.

"If You Are the One" is also a dating show idea that Wang Sheng is about to copy.

After carefully inquiring about the format of "Tonight We Meet," Wang Sheng discovered that it was completely different from "If You Are the One," which they wanted to copy, before asking Liu Xuri, "Brother Liu, what about the sub-channels of Beijing TV?"

After a moment's thought, Liu Xuri said, "There is a possibility of cooperation. The Beijing TV station is not a monolithic entity."

At this moment, Wang Sheng took an envelope out of his pocket and stuffed it into Liu Xuri's briefcase: "Brother Liu, could you help me act as a middleman?"

"Hey?! What are you doing?!" Liu Xuri hurriedly reached out to grab it.

"It's just a little bit of travel expenses. Last time, thanks to your help with the advertising, we became an instant hit in Beijing. I've been wanting to treat you to a meal, but now that I'm treating you to a meal, I'm asking for your help again. I'd feel uneasy if you didn't let me show my appreciation." Wang Sheng stopped Liu Xuri's outstretched hand and explained.

Wang Sheng quite liked this point. In this era, giving gifts meant getting things done, and there weren't many twists and turns involved. Just be straightforward. If it were a few years later, if he tried to give money like this, the other party would probably act like a crow, throw a tantrum, and flip the table.

Liu Xuri said with a 'you've made me suffer' expression, "Alas, I've always been an upright person, but people's hearts are not what they used to be, and the world is going downhill. Welcoming guests and making connections all cost money, but my salary isn't high either, otherwise, why would I need you to pay for it?"

"Of course I understand my brother's feelings. Come, come, Brother Liu, let's drink..."

……

(End of this chapter)