Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 589, Section 587: Star Trails

The dust from the construction site of the Huairou Zhongbeisheng Digital Cinema Base had not yet completely settled on Wang Sheng and Han Sanping's shoes. In the chairman's office on the top floor of the Jingxin Building, the grand vision for the industry rating system had moved from strategic blueprint to the substantive construction phase.

The frank and open conversation with Han Sanping was like a guiding star.

The official stance is clear yet flexible: it supports standardization, encourages exploration, and tacitly allows Shengying, a market benchmark, to take the lead in piloting new approaches, but requires a steady pace to avoid triggering drastic shocks.

This was exactly what Wang Sheng had expected; what he needed was precisely this "imperial decree" to conduct the pilot program.

After seeing Han Sanping off, Wang Sheng contacted Li Tingting, his voice calm and steady: "Tingting, notify the Strategic Development Department to send over the final proposal for the 'Star Track Project'."

"Yes, boss." Li Tingting's response was concise and efficient.

……

Back in the office at the Jingxin Building.

Within ten minutes, Song Xinmin, the general manager of the strategic development department, a man nearing fifty years old, formerly a bureau-level cadre of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, who had "gone into business" and was now attracted by Shengying's high salary and larger career platform, walked in personally carrying a thick folder.

He was followed by two deputies, both of whom were senior figures from the propaganda and cultural system.

"Chairman, the complete implementation plan, detailed rules, and risk assessment report for the 'Star Track Project' have been finalized. Please review them." Song Xinmin placed the documents on Wang Sheng's large desk, his tone respectful yet composed.

The two people he brought stood quietly to the side, ready to answer any professional questions.

This is a significant characteristic of Shengying Media Group after its corporatization and deep integration with the government.

Although Wang Sheng remains the absolute controlling shareholder with absolute authority, the group's internal departments, especially core departments such as the Strategic Development Department, Policy Research Office, and Public Relations Department, are filled with a large number of consultants and senior executives who have been seconded or transferred from the cultural, propaganda, and broadcasting systems in Beijing and even at higher levels.

They bring not only policy sensitivity and personal connections, but also a systematic set of administrative thinking and norm-setting capabilities.

This strategic development department, jokingly referred to internally as the "mini-general bureau" or "staff department," formulates strategies that often combine market foresight with policy compliance. It wields absolute influence over the cultural and entertainment industry, which is not yet a large-scale sector and is in the late stages of its unregulated growth.

Wang Sheng did not immediately open the document, but first picked up the warm tea that Li Tingting had prepared and took a sip, his gaze sweeping over Song Xinmin and the other two.

"Old Song, you've worked hard. Have a seat." Wang Sheng pointed to the chair opposite him.

After thanking him, Song Xinmin sat down, his back straight, maintaining the habits he had developed while working within the system.

Wang Sheng then opened the document titled "Implementation Plan for Constructing a Comprehensive Evaluation System for Professional Talents and Institutions in the Film and Television Industry ("Star Track Plan")".

It covers everything in great detail, from core creative personnel such as directors, screenwriters, actors, producers, cinematographers, and art directors, to market entities such as talent agencies, production companies, and post-production companies, including rating standards, review processes, grade rights, promotion and demotion mechanisms, dispute resolution, and even subsequent training systems.

For example, the rating of actors is not based solely on fame or box office performance, but rather on multiple dimensions such as "professional competence (including cultural examinations, script interpretation, and performance theory)," "achievements in works (weighting, emphasizing both artistry and commercial appeal)," "industry contributions (including professional ethics and public welfare participation)," and "market value (standardized data evaluation)." The rating is determined by a comprehensive scoring system involving an expert committee, data platforms, and even audience surveys, with five levels and nine grades ranging from "junior actor" to "hall-of-fame actor."

For directors and screenwriters, there is a similar complex indicator system, which particularly emphasizes their "project control ability", "teamwork ability" and their role in "mentoring" newcomers to the industry.

Institutional ratings focus on "compliance," "financial health," "project success rate," "talent development mechanism," and "industry reputation." "The final proposal suggests that the review committee be led by an industry association, but operate independently."

Song Xinmin explained in a timely manner, "As one of the main initiators, Shengying has the right to recommend committee members, but it ensures a balance among representatives from all parties, including academic authorities, retired senior practitioners, official representatives, and market representatives. This ensures the relative independence and credibility of the review process."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly and continued flipping through the pages.

The plan also proposes a "credit score" system, which is linked to ratings.

Those involved in plagiarism, data fabrication, serious breach of contract, or illegal and criminal activities will not only be downgraded but also have their credit scores deducted, affecting their eligibility to participate in key projects, obtain policy support, and even receive bank loans.

"We'll start with an internal trial run, then gradually roll it out," Wang Sheng said as he observed. This was the established policy.

"Yes, Chairman. We plan to first implement this within the Shengying Media and Enlight Media systems, as well as among our closest 'Shengying Group' partner companies and signed artists."

Initially, the focus will be on encouragement and guidance, with rating results appropriately linked to internal resource allocation and project opportunities, so that everyone can see the benefits of following the rules.

Song Xinmin added, "At the same time, we have drafted a memorandum of understanding with the China Film Association, the China Television Drama Association, and the China Federation of Radio and Television Social Organizations to seek their support and prepare for expanding the pilot program in the next step."

Wang Sheng noticed that the plan even included the idea of ​​establishing a "Film and Television Industry Talent Development Fund," initially funded by Shengying, with other capital to be attracted later. The fund would be used to support outstanding talents within the rating system for further education and creative incubation, as well as to provide short-term assistance to compliant practitioners facing difficulties, thereby enhancing the system's attractiveness and cohesion.

"Regarding public opinion guidance?" Wang Sheng closed the document and asked.

"The public relations department and policy research office have prepared multiple contingency plans."

Song Xinmin was confident about this, stating that "the focus should be on highlighting the positive role of the 'Star Track Plan' in the healthy development of the industry, emphasizing its core principles of 'self-discipline, standardization, and improvement,' and downplaying its 'regulatory' aspects."

We will work with our supporting scholars and media to continuously disseminate positive information and make the establishment of industry standards an inevitable trend. We have a tiered response strategy for any potential criticisms or resistance.

Wang Sheng remained silent for a moment.

Song Xinmin and the others held their breath, waiting for his decision.

This plan embodies months of hard work from the Strategic Development Department and incorporates Wang Sheng's initial ideas and the essence of subsequent discussions.

It is vast, detailed, and even somewhat idealistic, but it does indeed build a “rule-based” framework.

Once it's truly operational, it will undoubtedly profoundly change the industry's ecosystem.

“Okay.” Wang Sheng finally spoke, picked up the Montblanc pen on the table, and signed his name on the title page of the proposal.

"Let's proceed with this plan and launch the internal trial operation of the 'Star Track Project.' Lao Song, you will serve as the leader of the pilot project leading group and be fully responsible for its advancement. Report directly to me if you encounter any major obstacles or policy risks."

"Understood, Chairman!" Song Xinmin perked up and took the document signed by Wang Sheng.

(End of this chapter)