Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 603-601: A Dream of the Peak

On March 1, 2005, the wind in Beijing already carried a hint of warmth.

At 9:00 AM, an internal meeting hosted by the Strategic Development Department was being held at the headquarters of Shengying Media Group in Jingxin Building.

There were more than 20 people in the conference room. In addition to the heads of various business segments of Shengying Group, there were also several expert consultants specially invited from higher-level departments.

The meeting was chaired by Song Xinmin, Director of Strategic Development.

He adjusted his glasses and pushed a freshly printed document to the center of the long table:

"The first item on the agenda for today's meeting is a summary of the implementation of the first phase of the 'Star Track Project' and the deployment of the second phase."

The words "Evaluation Report of the First Phase of the Star Trail Project (November 2004.11 - February 2005.2)" are particularly eye-catching on the cover of the document.

“Over the past four months, the ‘Star Trail Project’ has been piloted within the group, covering 12 professional positions including directors, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, and art directors, with a total of 376 people participating in the evaluation.” Song Xinmin turned on the projector. “The evaluation results have all been entered into the system. 28 people were rated A, accounting for 7.4%; 142 people were rated B, accounting for 37.8%; 183 people were rated C, accounting for 48.7%; and 23 people were rated D, accounting for 6.1%.”

Detailed data charts are displayed on the screen.

“The rating results are directly linked to the salary system, project opportunities, and training resources,” Song Xinmin continued in his report. “Among the A-level personnel, 19 have already obtained core positions in new projects, including Ning Hao, the director of ‘Crazy Stone,’ and Zhang Meng, the assistant director of ‘The Battle at Lake Changjin.’ B-level personnel have generally obtained opportunities to participate in one or two key projects. C-level personnel need to receive specialized training, and can apply for a re-rating after passing the assessment.”

He paused for a moment: "As for those rated D... according to the plan, they will be given a three-month improvement period. If they are still rated D in the next evaluation, they will face reassignment or termination of their contract."

Quiet murmurs broke out in the conference room.

The general manager of the film and television production division raised his hand: "Director Song, how can we guarantee the fairness of the rating standards? Especially in a highly subjective field like artistic creation, won't there be situations where 'outsiders evaluate insiders'?"

“问得好。”宋新民切换幻灯片，“‘星轨计划’采用多维评价体系。以导演为例，评价维度包括：项目完成度（权重30%）、艺术创新性（25%）、团队管理能力（20%）、成本控制能力（15%）、行业影响力（10%）。每个维度都有具体的量化指标和专家评审团。”

He showed the list of judges: senior producers and technical directors from Shengying, professors from Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama, and experts from industry associations.

"The judging process uses anonymous scoring, and the highest and lowest scores are removed before the average is taken. The entire judging process is recorded, making it traceable and verifiable." Song Xinmin looked at everyone present. "We are also developing a 'work data tracking system' that uses multi-dimensional data such as box office revenue, viewership ratings, word-of-mouth scores, and awards to assist manual judging. This system is expected to go online by the end of this year."

Everyone nodded.

"The second topic," Song Xinmin put away the documents for the Star Trail Project and took out another document, "is the proposal for participation in the centenary celebration of Chinese cinema."

He looked at Wang Sheng: "Chairman Wang has promised to invest 5000 million yuan to establish a restoration fund and provide technical support. The specific implementation requires the cooperation of various departments."

The head of the film division continued, "We have reviewed our film library, and the first batch of films to be restored consists of 30 classic films, starting with 'Dingjun Mountain' from 1905, covering various stages including the silent film era, the War of Resistance against Japan, the early days of the People's Republic of China, and the early days of reform and opening up. The restoration work will be handled by the technical team of the digital film base and is expected to take eight to ten months."

"At the same time, we have planned a 'Centennial Film History Tour'," the Director of the Distribution Division added. "We plan to hold a three-month screening of classic films in 'China Film Grand Cinema Circuit' cinemas in thirty major cities across the country. Each film will be accompanied by expert commentary and a special commemorative booklet will be produced."

The TV drama division also proposed a plan: "We are preparing a large-scale documentary called 'A Century of Cinema,' which will be conducted in the form of oral history, interviewing one hundred Chinese filmmakers of different ages and positions to record the development of Chinese cinema over the past century. The plan is to produce 20 episodes, each 45 minutes long, and strive to broadcast it on CCTV's documentary channel by the end of the year."

Wang Sheng listened to the report, occasionally jotting down a few notes in his notebook.

After the various departments finished speaking, he slowly began, "The centennial celebration is not just for our own amusement; it must have an impact and leave a lasting legacy. I have a few additional suggestions."

Everyone looked at him.

"First, restoration is not only a technical job, but also a research job," Wang Sheng said. "For each old film restored, we have to do two things at the same time: one is to organize the documents, including all relevant materials such as the director's notes, storyboards, script supervisor sheets, and promotional materials, to establish a complete archive; the other is to conduct oral history, to find the main creators or those who know about the film as much as possible, and record the stories behind the creation."

"Secondly, screenings need to reach out to the grassroots level," he continued. "We can't just show them in big cinemas in first- and second-tier cities; we need to take them to universities, communities, county towns, and grassroots areas. We can organize 'mobile screening vehicles' to bring classic films to the grassroots. This is especially our responsibility in areas where film screening facilities are not yet adequate."

"Third, the interview list for the documentary 'A Century of Cinema' should cover both those in front of and behind the camera. It should include not only directors and actors, but also screenwriters, cinematographers, art directors, sound recordists, editors, production assistants, projectionists... The 100-year history of Chinese cinema is a history written by countless ordinary people."

"Understood." The heads of each department took notes.

"Furthermore," Wang Sheng paused, "the centennial celebration should include a section for youth participation. For example, an essay contest on 'My Favorite Classic Films,' a 'Film Knowledge Competition,' and a 'Youth Film Critic Training Program,' etc. Passing on the torch must start from childhood."

The meeting lasted until 10:30.

Just as Song Xinmin was about to move on to the third topic, the meeting room door was gently pushed open.

Li Tingting walked in quickly, leaned down and whispered a few words in Wang Sheng's ear, then handed him a document.

Wang Sheng glanced at it, a hint of surprise on his face, before regaining his composure.

He looked up: "The meeting is paused for ten minutes. Xinmin, you lead everyone in discussing the specific indicators for the second phase of the Star Orbit Project."

After saying that, he took the documents and walked out of the conference room.

In the corridor, Wang Sheng opened the invitation letter that had just been delivered by the Organizing Committee through official channels.

The document was an official document with a red header, stamped with the bright red seal of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Organizing Committee.

The title is: "Announcement on Soliciting Creative Proposals for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 29th Olympic Games".

The main text details the scope of the call for submissions, content requirements, timeline, and participation methods.

The attachment also includes a list of targeted invitations, with Shengying Media Group prominently featured.

Wang Sheng leaned against the window in the corridor, reading carefully.

Outside the window, the sky over Beijing in March was a clear, deep blue.

There are still three years and five months until August 8, 2008.

However, preparations for this grand event have officially entered a new phase starting today.

Wang Sheng closed the document and walked back to the conference room.

"The meeting continues." He sat back in his seat and placed the IOC documents on the table. "We'll add one more item to the agenda."

All eyes were on the official document.

"The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games held a press conference this morning to officially launch the call for creative proposals for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games." Wang Sheng's voice was steady and powerful. "Shengying Group has received an official invitation."

A slight commotion arose in the conference room.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games are a national-level cultural project and the highest stage for showcasing China's image to the world.

"The deadline for submissions is July 31st, which is a full five months away," Wang Sheng said, looking at everyone present.

He paused for a moment: "My requirement is that a project team be formed within a month, and a complete draft of the creative plan must be produced before the end of June."

Song Xinmin immediately asked, "Chairman Wang, how should the project team be formed?"

"The Group's Strategy Department will take the lead in establishing a directly affiliated 'Olympic Project Team'," Wang Sheng said clearly. "There's only one criterion for personnel selection: top-notch professionals. Directors, screenwriters, stage designers, musicians, technicians, planners... every field must have the best. We can select from within the Group or hire from outside. There's no upper limit on the budget."

He added, "The project team operates under a closed management system, and all participants must sign a confidentiality agreement."

“Understood.” Song Xinmin quickly took notes. “I will start the personnel selection process after the meeting.” “Remember,” Wang Sheng emphasized, “this is not an ordinary commercial project; it is a national mission. The creative proposal must embody three things: Chinese style, humanistic spirit, and contemporary spirit. At the same time, it must be consistent with the three major concepts of ‘Green Olympics, Technological Olympics, and People-oriented Olympics.’ The artistic expression must be innovative, and we must boldly use high-tech methods.”

"..."

The meeting ended at 11:30.

Wang Sheng returned to his office, where Li Tingting was already waiting.

"Chairman Wang, there are a few more things that need your attention." She handed over a folder.

As Wang Sheng flipped through the pages, he asked, "How's it going with Maoyan Technology?"

"I was just about to report," Li Tingting said. "The internal testing of Maoyan Tieba and Maoyan Blog is progressing smoothly, and we expect to officially launch them at the end of April. President Cheng asked when would be a convenient time for you to come and inspect them."

"Let's do it tomorrow afternoon."

Wang Sheng made a note on the schedule.

"Yes, there's one more thing. The General Administration sent a notice..."

Li Tingting turned to another page, "A delegation organized by the Korean Film Council will visit China from March 22nd to 26th. The delegation is headed by Chairman Kim Hong-soo, and includes 24 members such as government officials, producers, directors, and actors. The itinerary includes visits to China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, Beijing Film Academy, and... a special day has been allocated for a visit to Shengying Film Studio."

She added, "The Film Bureau hopes that you can accompany us throughout the event on the 22nd and host the reception and exchange meeting for Shengying on the morning of the 23rd."

Wang Sheng nodded: "Reply to the General Administration, I will arrange the time. In addition, have the International Department prepare the reception plan and list of cooperation topics in advance. 'Seoul Farewell' just won the Golden Bear Award, this visit will definitely not be just a formality, there will be substantive cooperation negotiations."

"clear."

Li Tingting continued her report: "Also, Mr. Gao from 'Star Era' called this morning to say that Zhang Hanyun's debut album 'Chasing Dreams' has sold over 50 copies and invited you to the celebration party."

"I'm not going."

Wang Sheng waved his hand, "Tell President Gao that the achievements should be acknowledged, but not overpraise. A sixteen-year-old has a long road ahead. The key is to plan the next step well—whether to continue on the music path or try film and television. A professional team needs to be in place."

"Ok."

Li Tingting closed the folder: "In addition, discussions about 'cutting off the queue' in film and television forums and several industry groups are still ongoing. Although mainstream media have already given their support, some screenwriters and producers have strong opinions in private."

Wang Sheng snorted lightly: "It's normal to have opinions. They've threatened someone's interests. But the situation is already settled, and they can't do anything funny."

He walked to the window and looked at the traffic on Chang'an Avenue below: "These people can only hide for now and wait for an opportunity to counterattack. So we need to do things more solidly—as long as every Han and Tang dynasty drama and Song and Ming dynasty drama produced by Shengying Group becomes a hit, the market will naturally make its choice."

"understood."

“By the way,” Wang Sheng turned around, “have the public opinion monitoring department pay close attention to online trends. Especially those screenwriters who specialize in writing period dramas, see what new moves they have.”

“They’re already doing it,” Li Tingting said. “Monitoring shows that they’ve been quite active on several small forums recently, complaining about ‘restricted creative freedom’ and ‘excessive market intervention,’ but there’s been no substantial action. Several screenwriters who used to specialize in Qing Dynasty dramas have started exploring other historical periods.”

"A wise person knows when to yield." Wang Sheng smiled. "Alright, go ahead and get busy. I'm going to Maoyan Technology this afternoon, leaving at two o'clock."

"Ok."

After Li Tingting left, the office became quiet.

Wang Sheng sat back in his office chair and rubbed his temples.

March has just begun, and this month is already packed with tasks: deepening the Star Trails project, advancing the centennial celebration activities, preparing Olympic creative solutions, launching Maoyan's new products, and hosting the South Korean delegation...

And the script for "Changjin Lake," which is currently under intense writing, will be submitted for review at the end of the month.

On the table, the official document from the Organizing Committee lay quietly.

Wang Sheng opened it and read those familiar words again: "Reflecting Chinese style, humanistic charm, and contemporary spirit...Embodying the three major concepts of a green Olympics, a technological Olympics, and a people-oriented Olympics...Artistic expression should be innovative, making full use of high-tech means..."

His gaze fell on the deadline for submissions on the last page: July 31, 2005.

Four months later, the most outstanding cultural and creative forces in China will clash in this silent competition.

The winner will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—

On the night of August 8, 2008, China showcased a new era to the world.

That day is so vivid in my memories of my past life—

At 8 p.m., fireworks lit up the night sky above the Bird's Nest.

A square array of 2,008 drums struck out a countdown that shook the world.

A giant scroll slowly unfolded in the center of the venue, condensing five thousand years of history from ancient civilization to modern China into a magnificent fifty-minute chapter.

Li Ning, holding the torch, ran through the air and lit the main torch tower.

That was a dream that China offered to the world.

A meticulously crafted, all-out dream of reaching the pinnacle.

No matter how later generations deconstruct it, nitpick the details, debate the costs, or dismantle the messy issues involved, they have to admit that it was a grand ceremony in which a country, after a century of ups and downs, announced to the world, "I am back."

It was a collective outburst of emotions from countless Chinese people.

Wang Sheng closed his eyes.

Memories of my past life flooded back like a tide.

He recalled that after the opening ceremony, he and his friends drank in a bar until dawn, talking about those amazing moments and their pride in being Chinese.

He remembers the overwhelming praise from global media the following day.

He remembered that summer when the whole country was immersed in a high spirits.

Now, he has the opportunity to participate in creating this dream.

No, it's not just about participation.

It is the dominant force.

He personally turned that dream of reaching the pinnacle from memory into reality.

Wang Sheng opened his eyes, his gaze deep and unfathomable.

(End of this chapter)