Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 516, Section 514: Controlling

The formal meeting agenda concluded with the deputy director's concluding remarks, but the attendees did not leave immediately. Instead, they gathered in small groups, talking in hushed tones. The air in the conference room was filled with the aroma of smoke and tea, a atmosphere that hinted at cooperation, competition, and eavesdropping.

Without a doubt, Wang Sheng was the most dazzling focus in the center of this small stage.

He had just set the standard for the industry with an unquestionable stance at a formal meeting. At this moment, people, whether they were genuinely seeking advice, trying to test the waters, or looking for cooperation and a share of the profits, naturally surrounded him.

The first to approach was Wang Zhongjun from Huayi.

He wore the smooth smile typical of businessmen, and held a cup of tea in his hand, as if he and Wang Sheng were old friends of many years.

"Chairman Wang, your words are more valuable than ten years of study," Wang Zhongjun said, his words full of flattery. Then, he quickly changed the subject and got to the point, "In the past, some of our practices in the Beijing circle were indeed a bit narrow-minded. Mainly, the market still accepted the methods of Feng Xiaogang and Wang Shuo, so we just followed along and made a little money."

He deliberately pointed out the "Beijing circle" and "Feng Xiaogang and Wang Shuo" not only to show his base of support but also as a subtle test to observe Wang Sheng's attitude towards this group.

After all, the feud between Wang Sheng and Feng Xiaogang over the "Party A, Party B" project, and the subsequent suppression of public opinion and film scheduling, are well known in the industry.

"Chairman Wang, please rest assured," Wang Zhongjun leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and sounded sincere, "From now on, Huayi will definitely follow the general direction set by you, Chairman Wang. If you feel that some of our projects, or our cooperation with certain people in the Beijing circle, are inappropriate or have affected the industry's atmosphere, please let us know."

Regarding profits, Huayi is willing to relinquish a portion as a way of supporting Shengying Group in leading the healthy development of the industry.

These words were an extremely humble statement, almost implying a willingness to pay "protection money" in exchange for a space to survive under Wang Sheng's new order.

Although Huayi Brothers currently earns tens of millions of yuan in box office revenue from Feng Xiaogang's Lunar New Year films, its main source of profit heavily relies on product placement in the films.

Compared to the box office revenue and total industry chain profits of Sheng Ying Group, it is not even in the same league.

Wang Sheng glanced at Wang Zhongjun, his tone indifferent: "Mr. Wang is joking. Market behavior has its own rules. What Huayi does is Mr. Wang's own business. Shengying has no interest in, nor any need to, interfere with, other people's profit distribution."

A direct and straightforward rejection, without even the slightest hint of evasion.

Wang Zhongjun's smile froze for a moment, and he instantly understood what Wang Sheng meant: they didn't care about your "concessions" at all, and they couldn't be bothered to bother with your connections in the Beijing circle.

Faced with absolute power, the petty schemes of small circles are insignificant.

Wang Sheng wants to establish industry rules, not to carve out a specific piece of the pie.

Wang Zhongjun smiled awkwardly and wisely kept quiet, but his heart was filled with mixed feelings. He felt angry at being slighted, but also powerless against the formidable Sheng Ying.

Next up was Dong Ping.

Compared to Wang Zhongjun's tactfulness, Dong Ping appears more direct.

After his company, Huayi, was acquired by Poly Group, with the backing of a powerful entity, his ambitions for capital operations grew even greater.

"Chairman Wang, it's an honor to meet you." Dong Ping got straight to the point. "I wonder if Chairman Wang has any interest in television business?"

He paused briefly, observing Wang Sheng's reaction. Seeing that the other remained calm, he continued, "Our Poly Huayi is currently working on acquiring the operating rights of Qiongzhou Tourism Satellite TV. This is a lucrative opportunity; it's a satellite channel with nationwide coverage..."
This is of great significance for the promotion and derivative development of the cultural industry. If Chairman Wang is interested, we can cooperate to acquire this platform.

Dong Ping's words stirred up Wang Sheng's memories of this case from his previous life.

Qiongzhou Tourism Satellite TV, established in 2002, is China's only professional tourism satellite television channel.

Due to its unique positioning and potential advertising value, it attracted the attention of many investors shortly after its establishment.

Between 2003 and 2004, a complex battle ensued over its operational rights and equity.

Initially, capital with a Beijing background (Beijing State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission) took the lead in acquiring shares, but was kicked out for not paying. Subsequently, the powerful Poly Group joined the battle through its subsidiary Poly Huayi and briefly gained the upper hand.

However, as an important platform for public opinion propaganda, the control of television stations is extremely sensitive.

Ultimately, due to the interplay of various parties and factors such as local protectionism, the acquisition failed to be fully dominated by external capital. After some twists and turns, the operational rights were effectively returned to the hands of HNA Group, a local state-owned capital giant in Qiongzhou, around 2006.

Later, when Huayi had so much money after its IPO that it didn't know what to do with it, it also considered acquisitions, but it was hit hard again.

Wang Sheng knew perfectly well that this acquisition was a very complex matter, involving multiple interplays of local interests, state-owned assets, and industry policies.

Poly Huayi seemed determined to win, but in the end it was all in vain.

He had no intention of getting involved in this conflict, which was destined to be time-consuming, energy-draining, and with an unpredictable outcome.

"I appreciate Mr. Dong's kind offer," Wang Sheng shook his head, his tone decisive. "Shengying's core business is movies and cinemas. Television business, especially satellite TV operations, involves too many things, is not my forte, and I don't have the energy to get involved." Upon being rejected again, a hint of disappointment flashed in Dong Ping's eyes, but he could understand.

After all, Wang Sheng's reasoning was quite sound; the waters of the television industry are indeed much deeper than those of the film industry.

Qin Hong from Xingmei also came over.

Unlike the others, Qin Hong's Stellar Cinemas has made significant achievements in cinema investment, but he is more concerned with the massive expansion plan of "China Film Grand Cinema Circuit" led by Wang Sheng.

"Chairman Wang, the '100 Cities, 100 Cinemas' plan is truly ambitious," Qin Hong complimented with a smile, before getting to the point. "I wonder if Chairman Wang needs any partners to help with the funding for cinema construction? Our Star Media has some resources in several key cities and can help solve some of the funding issues for multiplex cinemas. The methods can be very flexible."

Wang Sheng was well aware of what Qin Hong meant by "flexible approach".

Xingmei has a complex background, and Qin Hong himself has intricate connections with the once-famous "Heaven on Earth" nightclub, so its funding channels may not be entirely legitimate.

Wang Sheng has always kept his distance from funds of dubious origin.

Shengying has ample cash flow and does not need external funds, especially funds that might cause trouble.

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Qin." Wang Sheng said in a distant tone, "The expansion funds for 'China Film Prosperity' are currently being handled jointly by Shengying and China Film. We have sufficient reserves and there are no plans to introduce other capital at the moment."

Qin Hong was not surprised to be rebuffed; he smiled and said no more.

At this moment, a middle-aged man with a Zhejiang accent walked over. He was Xu Yong'an, the founder of Hengdian Group.

Hengdian Group is known for its massive film and television shooting base, but it is clearly not content with just doing the "location rental" business.

"Chairman Wang, hello. I am Xu Yong'an from Hengdian Group."

Xu Yong'an spoke humbly, "I heard that you and China Film Group are planning the 'Zhongbeisheng Digital Cinema Base,' which is a major project that will benefit generations to come."

We have some experience in the construction and operation of film and television set construction projects in Hengdian. I wonder if there's an opportunity to participate in this digital base project and contribute to China's film industry?

Hengdian Group is a powerful company with a background in the real economy, and its background is relatively clear.

Wang Sheng had a better impression of this person than the previous ones. After a moment's thought, he didn't immediately refuse, but instead gave a more constructive response:

"Mr. Xu, the digital base project is currently in the early planning and feasibility study stage. It involves a huge investment and many aspects. In the future, China Film Group may take the lead in providing special financing for the entire project. At that time, we welcome industry partners such as Hengdian Group to participate and explore cooperation possibilities together."

This statement leaves room for maneuver; it neither closes the door to cooperation nor makes any promises, pushing the specifics to the future financing stage.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yong'an smiled. This was exactly the attitude he wanted. He quickly handed over his business card: "Great! Let's keep in touch and look forward to further cooperation with Chairman Wang and China Film Group."

Unlike the others who were exploring capital cooperation overtly or covertly, some smaller company leaders, who were more focused on content creation, took this opportunity to consult Wang Sheng about creative directions.

"Chairman Wang, what type of film do you think has the greatest market potential in the next few years?" a producer from the south asked humbly.

Wang Sheng was generous in sharing his insights, which in itself is part of guiding the industry's direction.

“Realistic themes, rooted in life, reflecting the emotions and fates of ordinary people, will always have a market and are in line with policy guidance.” Wang Sheng pointed out clearly, “As long as the script is solid, the performances are good, and the entertainment needs of the audience are met, the box office base of small and medium-budget comedies and romance films will be very stable.”

He paused, then emphasized: "The key is sincerity. Don't deliberately imitate so-called 'award-winning films,' and don't distance yourself from the masses in the name of so-called 'highbrow' content."

Our audience is growing up and their aesthetic sense is improving. What they need are good stories that can touch their hearts and resonate with them.

Historical and fantasy themes are acceptable, but it is essential to respect cultural traditions, conduct thorough research, and avoid fabrication.

I personally suggest avoiding topics that involve sensitive historical periods or are prone to controversy for the time being.

Although he didn't say it explicitly, his meaning was clear: he encouraged realistic and healthy commercial genre films, but discouraged "art films" that were detached from reality and historical themes that might cross red lines.

This is consistent with his previous emphasis on "cultural confidence" and "social benefits" at formal meetings.

After the exchange, everyone had different thoughts.

Some received vague promises, some encountered setbacks, and some received directional guidance.

(End of this chapter)