Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapters 609 and 607: The Precious Sword is Drawn
In the sweltering summer of 2005, a heatwave swept through Beijing.

The call for creative proposals for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics closed on July 31.

Shengying Group's proposal was submitted a week in advance.

8 month 10 day.

"The Hitman's Bodyguard" has been in theaters for a full month, and its final box office is set at 503 million RMB, making it the undisputed champion of the summer movie season.

Slightly tipsy at the celebration banquet, Jackie Chan grabbed Wang Sheng's hand and said, "You're my brother, please look for me again for your next movie!"

……

September has arrived.

Autumn is beginning to show.

The battle for box office revenue during the National Day holiday is about to begin.

At 9 p.m. on September 28, a red carpet was laid out outside the Beijing Exhibition Theater.

The premiere of "Crazy Stone" was a spectacle that belied the scale of a low-budget film with a budget of only five million.

More than 20 artists from Shengying Group attended the event, which was broadcast live on a special program on CCTV6, and Maoyan.com created a special page to update photos and text from the event in real time.

Director Ning Hao, dressed in a slightly oversized black suit, stood at the starting point of the red carpet, awkwardly adjusting his tie. He was nearly thirty, with slightly curly hair, a thin face, and eyes that held both anticipation and unease.

"Director Ning, look this way!"

"Smile!"

The flashes of light were crackling.

Ning Hao took a deep breath and stepped onto the red carpet.

His resume is simple: he started as a stage designer at the Coal City Drama Troupe, later studied directing at the Art Department of Beijing Normal University, and then pursued further studies in the Cinematography Department of Beijing Film Academy.

After filming for two years in the Sheng Ying TV and film department, the script "Crazy Stone" passed the review of the "Newcomer Venture Capital Fund" this spring, and I got the opportunity to direct a theatrical film.

"Inspiration?" Ning Hao scratched his head during a group interview with the media. "Actually, it came from a TV movie called 'Crazy Lottery' that the film studio alliance made many years ago. At that time, I was working in stage design at a drama troupe. I happened to see it on TV and was attracted by its multi-narrative structure and dark humor."

He paused, his voice becoming serious: "Later I learned that the alliance was spearheaded by Chairman Wang Sheng. It can be said that without those TV movies cultivating audiences and training teams back then, there would be no fertile ground for domestic genre films today. I've traveled for so many years, from the coal city to Beijing, from the drama troupe to the film academy, and finally... finally I have the opportunity to stand here."

The reporter pressed further: "'Finally getting closer to idol Wang Sheng,' is that your original statement?"

Ning Hao smiled, revealing two tiger teeth: "That's right. Chairman Wang is a role model for our generation of filmmakers. He proved that commercial genre films can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful in China, and that the industrialization of film is not just empty talk. I hope 'Crazy Stone' does well at the box office, as a way of... paying tribute to my idol."

"What about 'surpassing idols'?" a reporter asked pointedly.

Ning Hao paused for a moment, then said frankly, "Every creator should have the ambition to surpass their predecessors; this is the driving force for the industry's progress. But surpassing is not negation; it's about seeing further by standing on the shoulders of giants. We, the later generations, must walk the path paved by Chairman Wang more steadily and further."

This tactful and sincere response won over many people.

After the red carpet event, the main cast and crew entered the theater.

Wang Sheng did not attend the premiere—if he had shown up, the media's focus would have completely shifted away from the film itself.

But he had Li Tingting deliver a flower basket with only two words on the card: "Keep it up."

……

The movie started at 7 p.m.

"Crazy Stone" tells an absurd yet true story: a craft factory in a mountain town on the verge of bankruptcy discovers a priceless jade while demolishing its old factory building, and the factory decides to hold an exhibition to save its livelihood.

Meanwhile, several factions, including an international thief, a local petty thief, the factory's security chief, and a cunning business owner, each with their own ulterior motives, engage in a series of farcical struggles over the stone.

The multi-layered narrative is intricately linked, the local dialect of Chongqing is vivid and lively, and the dark humor is perfectly timed. Laughter was almost constant throughout the screening.

As the end credits rolled, the theater erupted in applause that lasted for a full minute.

When Ning Hao led the main cast and crew onto the stage to express their gratitude, his eyes were a little red.

"Thank you everyone, thank you..." He bowed. "Special thanks to Shengying Media and Chairman Wang Sheng. Without the company's trust and the 'Newcomer Venture Capital Fund,' this film would not have been possible."

Below the stage, the executives of Shengying Group exchanged smiles.

They knew that another new star was about to rise.

……

At 11 p.m. that night, in the Shunyi villa area.

After Wang Sheng finished showering and came out of the bathroom, he saw Fan Xiaopang wearing his white shirt, sitting cross-legged in front of the computer in the study.

She had just returned from the United States after more than four months of filming for "Twilight 2," and although she was still jet-lagged, she was in great spirits.

"What are you looking at?" Wang Sheng asked as he walked over, drying his hair.

"Maoyan.com"

Fan Xiaopang: "Ning Hao's interview at today's premiere has been made into a feature article, and there are a lot of comments below."

Wang Sheng bent down to look.

After three years of development, Maoyan.com has expanded from a simple online seat selection platform into a vertical movie portal integrating information, community, ticketing, and movie reviews.

At this moment, on the special page for "Crazy Stone", Ning Hao's statement "Paying tribute to idols and surpassing idols" is highlighted in red at the top, and the comment section has already been filled with thousands of comments.

[User "Movie Elementary School Student"]: "Director Ning Hao is really outspoken, but having ambition is a good thing!"

[User "Shancheng Zai'er"]: "As a native of Shancheng, I have to say the dialect in the movie is so authentic, it cracked me up!"

[User "Genre Film Enthusiast"]: "Shengying has really put a lot of effort into promoting new directors in recent years, from Wu Yiyi to Ning Hao, each of them has their own unique characteristics."

[User "Prophet"]: "I bet five cents that this movie will gross over 100 million. Is Ning Hao going to become the next Wang Sheng?"

Fan Xiaopang swiped the mouse and looked up at Wang Sheng: "They said you're going to take on an apprentice."

“I never take on apprentices.” Wang Sheng pulled up a chair and sat down. “Shengying aims to build an industrial system, not a master-apprentice workshop. Ning Hao is talented, and the company is giving him opportunities. It’s that simple.”

“But that’s what everyone’s guessing.” Fan Xiaopang leaned on his shoulder. “You wrote reviews for ‘The Birth of a Warrior’ and ‘The Legend of Zu’ before, and both movies became hits. If you write one for ‘Crazy Stone’ this time, the media will definitely go crazy.”

Wang Sheng remained silent for a few seconds.

He really rarely writes anymore. At his level, every word and action is over-interpreted. Praising the film is seen as mutual commercial flattery; criticizing it might discourage newcomers. But looking at Ning Hao's vibrant face on the screen, and seeing the audience's expectations for domestic genre films in the comments, he was suddenly moved.

Chinese cinema cannot have only one Wang Sheng.

We need ten or even a hundred creative and capable artists to pioneer new frontiers in different genres. Comedy, suspense, science fiction, romance, animation… only when each genre matures can the market truly thrive.

"Help me log in to my account," Wang Sheng said.

Fan Xiaopang raised an eyebrow: "You really want to write it?"

"Write."

The movie review system on Maoyan.com was designed with Wang Sheng's personal involvement, and it features real-name authentication and a rating system.

His account, "Wang Sheng," is followed by a gold "V" logo and the verified information of "Chairman of Shengying Media," but he has never made a statement.

The title of the new film review is concise: "Crazy Stone: The Right Way to Open a Genre Film".

text:

"I watched the premiere of 'Crazy Stone' tonight. After the screening, many audience members laughed and discussed the plot, which is the most basic standard of success for a commercial film."

In an interview, director Ning Hao mentioned "paying tribute to idols." I would like to say that there are no idols in the film industry, only constantly being refreshed standards and expanding boundaries. If we must find an "idol," it should be the audience—their laughter, applause, and the hands that buy tickets are the only criteria for judging a work.

What makes Crazy Stone so good?
First, it respects the rules of its genre. Comedy should make people laugh, suspense should keep people hooked, and multi-narrative structures should be intricately linked. Ning Hao didn't try to be profound; instead, he solidly executed each element of the genre.

Secondly, it is deeply rooted in local culture. The mountainous terrain, the local dialect, and the survival wisdom of ordinary people in this mountain city are not just exotic settings, but the very fabric of the story. The biggest fear for Chinese genre films is being 'detached'—set in a foreign country, with ideas that are lofty but lacking grounding. This film, however, is firmly grounded in Chinese soil.

Third, it possesses an authorial expression. Beneath the dense humor lies the director's compassion for the fate of those at the bottom of society. The cunning and kindness, greed and moral bottom lines of those struggling to make a living are vividly and believably portrayed. The highest level of comedy is leaving a lingering bittersweet feeling after the laughter.

Some say this movie only cost five million. I want to say that good movies are never made with money. They are made with heart, brains, and the most basic reverence for film.

Chinese cinema needs more films like "Crazy Stone"—it needs more directors to believe that if they tell a good story, create good characters, and study the genre well, audiences will buy into it.

Finally, to address the claim of 'surpassing idols': if my existence can make young directors feel that 'this path is viable,' that would be the greatest honor of my career. Ning Hao, and all creators on their journey, please stride forward. Audiences are waiting for you, the market is waiting for you, and the future of Chinese cinema is waiting for you.

"Crazy Stone" is worth a movie ticket.

Once you've finished writing, click "Publish".

Fan Xiaopang watched quietly the whole time, and then said softly, "You rarely compliment people like this."

"Praise her when she deserves it." Wang Sheng turned off the computer and gently squeezed her round breasts. "Go to sleep."

……

The effects of Wang Sheng's film review exploded within 24 hours.

First, there's the Maoyan community. At 2 AM, the film review had over 10,000 likes; by 8 AM, it had over 50,000 reposts and over 30,000 comments; and by noon, "Wang Sheng's review of 'Crazy Stone'" topped the Weibo (Maoyan blog) trending list.

[User "Director, Please Advise"]: "With Wang Sheng personally endorsing him, Ning Hao is in the bag!"

[User "Industry Observer"]: "Take a closer look at this statement: 'What Chinese genre films fear most is being unrealistic.' Who is this warning to?"

[User "Ordinary Viewer"]: "Even Wang Sheng said it's worth the ticket price, this is the one for the National Day holiday!"

Offline media also quickly followed suit.

On September 29, the front page of the Beijing Entertainment News headline read: "Wang Sheng rarely writes an article to support newcomers; 'Crazy Stone' is a hit even before its release."

The article states: "Since 'The Legend of Zu Mountain,' Wang Sheng, chairman of Shengying Media, has not publicly published any film reviews for more than two years. However, late last night, he personally wrote a long article of over a thousand words on Maoyan.com for the new film 'Crazy Stone' by new director Ning Hao, praising the film as 'the right way to open up a genre film'... This move has been interpreted by the industry as strong support for new directors, and may also indicate that Shengying will increase its investment in the comedy genre in the future."

The commentary in *China Film News* went a step further: "In his film review, Wang Sheng clearly stated that 'Chinese cinema cannot have only one Wang Sheng,' calling on more creators to explore new frontiers in genre films. This is consistent with his recent initiatives such as the 'Star Trail Project' and the 'New Talent Venture Capital Fund,' demonstrating the vision and perspective of an industry leader."

Even the usually cautious Guangming Daily's culture section published a short commentary: "It is commendable that well-known filmmakers are mentoring younger generations. The prosperity of China's arts and culture requires the passing down of the torch."

Of course, there are also some noises.

An anonymous post on a film forum reads: "Is Wang Sheng just promoting his own movie? Sheng Ying is the main investor in 'Crazy Stone,' so of course he has to say good things about it."

But the post was quickly refuted: "Wang Sheng needs to endorse a low-budget film with a budget of five million? He didn't even write a review for 'The Hitman's Bodyguard' which grossed 500 million. He's obviously promoting a newcomer."

Public opinion was overwhelmingly positive.

On September 30, "Crazy Stone" was released nationwide.

With a screening rate of 32%, amidst competition from blockbusters like "The Myth," "Seven Swords," and "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles," achieving this figure already demonstrates the theater chains' trust in the Shengying brand.

On its opening day, a long-awaited movie-going frenzy swept across major cities across the country—not because of fan-organized screenings, nor because of special effects blockbusters, but because of a comedy film that gained popularity through word of mouth.

At a cinema in a mountain city, the 7 pm showing was completely sold out.

Throughout the screening, laughter was almost constant. When the petty thief Dao Ge in the movie said, "Manners, mind your manners," when the security chief Bao Shihong cried out in despair on the cable car, "My stone!", when the international thief Mike cursed in frustration under the manhole cover, "I'll fuck you!"... every joke hit the mark perfectly.

As the show ended, the audience discussed among themselves as they left.
"That's hilarious! The Chongqing dialect is so interesting!"

"That international thief is so pitiful, professional skills were defeated by simple methods."

"Was that last stone real or fake?"

Looking at the surging crowd, the cinema manager said to the supervisor on duty, "Tomorrow, increase the screenings of 'Crazy Stone' by at least 40%."

Similar scenes are playing out across the country.

Maoyan.com real-time rating: 9.2 out of 10. The short review section was flooded with "hahahahaha," occasionally interspersed with more professional comments such as "exquisite structure," "vivid characters," and "a beacon of Chinese comedy."

……

October 1st, National Day.

At 3 PM, the official website of the Film Special Fund Management Office updated its data.

The homepage scrolling bar displays: "As of midnight on October 1st, the opening day box office of the movie 'Crazy Stone' is 2037.5 million yuan."

This number has left the entire industry holding its breath.

With a cost of five million, the first day saw a return of twenty million – a return on investment of four times.

More importantly, it is entirely driven by word of mouth, without big stars, grand scenes, or high-concept elements.

(End of this chapter)