China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 1011 A Sea of ​​Beauties Defines Fashion

The nationwide popularity sparked by "Produce 101" seems to indicate that China's idol industry system and mechanism are slowly taking shape.

Governor Zhou only casually suggested the idea, but unexpectedly, it opened up a new path outside the traditional local star-making model.

Even Pony Ma, the head of Tencent, personally called Zhou Yutang and said some platitudes about working together to grow bigger and stronger and create new glories.

Bilibili went public in Hong Kong this year, sparking several rounds of hype and causing its stock price to soar, even boosting investment sentiment across the entire market.

Later, the hype gradually cooled down, and the stock price returned to a reasonable range, but it remains a solid behemoth in the entertainment industry with a market capitalization of hundreds of billions.

The three giants of Chinese video-sharing platforms, iQiyi, Youku, and Tencent Video, all have to respectfully call them "brother" when they come to China.
Don't be fooled by Tencent's docile and obedient appearance into thinking it's easy to get along with.

It had previously shown its teeth and made a lot of noise, repeatedly clashing with Bilibili, both openly and covertly.

In the real world, results speak for themselves.

After Tencent's own film and television projects were brutally crushed by Bilibili, which is backed by the mountains of Jiangdong, Tencent completely lost its temper.

Ma Huateng (Little Ma) has never been involved in work in specific sub-sectors, but when it came to the layout of the entertainment industry, he personally gave strict orders.

If you can't beat them, join them.

This led to Tencent subsequently investing heavily in StarCraft Games and continuing its in-depth cooperation with Jiangdong in the film and television industry.

The popularity of the talent show "Produce 101" this year is a reflection of Tencent's overall strategic shift.

In the long run, this is definitely a wise move; in the short term, it has yielded tremendous benefits.

Who are the remaining people?

Since arriving in Shanghai, Zhou Yutang has been constantly invited to dinners. She didn't go to watch the events in person, but Chen Duling took a day off to go and cheer for Sun Yining.

After the third ranking was announced, only 22 contestants remained on the stage.

"Look, look."

Chen Duling handed over the tablet.

Sun Yining, Hu Lianxin, Wu Xuanyi, Yu Shuxin, Xiaoyinghua, Meng Meiqi
Most of the contestants were as expected. Zhou Yutang glanced at them, raising an eyebrow slightly: "Wang Xiaocong's kid got eliminated?"

"Haha, yes, Qiang Dongyue didn't make it to the finals, which really angered Xiao Wang."

Zhou Yutang always felt that his secretary was gloating a little.

I opened Weibo and scrolled through it; seven out of the top ten trending topics were related to "Produce 101".

Wang Xiaocong, in a fit of anger, confronted the production team and was relegated to third place.

Netizens flooded the comments section with jokes, praising the show's producers for being fair and impartial.

In fact, several players with vested interests in their own backers were pre-selected candidates.

However, the program as a whole is relatively fair and reliable.

After Wang Xiaocong's live streaming platform collapsed, he started Banana Entertainment, and this time he sent his star player, Qiang Dongyue, to participate in the competition.

She could be considered a popular online celebrity, but she didn't stand out much among the contestants selected from across Asia.

In terms of looks, she is far inferior to Sun Yining and Hu Lianxin, and her energy and cuteness are not as good as Yu Shuxin. Her professional skills are not as good as Sakura, who came from a Japanese idol background and has a strong work ethic, as well as Wu Xuanyi and Meng Meiqi, who were once trained in the hellish South Korean trainee system.

Being eliminated is nothing unusual.

Despite Wang Xiaocong's venting, Governor Zhou remained unmoved, sitting firmly in Shanghai.

Meanwhile, "The Eight Hundred," directed by Guan Miao, a veteran director from the entertainment industry giant IKEA, is also preparing to be screened at the Shanghai International Film Festival.

"As the first commercial film in Asia to be shot entirely with IMAX cameras, the total investment exceeded 7.5 million RMB, setting a new record for Huayi Brothers' single-project investment!"

This film is truly stunning, meticulously recreating the details of the 1937 Sihang Warehouse battle in Shanghai in a 1:1 scale; it absolutely meets the standards of a Hollywood A-list project.

Mr. Wang was in high spirits at the press conference:

"Zhang Yi, Jiang Wu, Wang Qianyuan, and others are not just popular young idols; they are all award-winning actors. However, their salaries were not expensive. Most of the budget was spent on building the sets and hiring Hollywood's top special effects team for post-production. This is a landmark work that marks Huayi Brothers' return to its original focus on content."

If we're going to do it, we'll do it the best; we'll set a new benchmark for Chinese war films.

"You really dare to brag!"

Ning Hao, who had just arrived in Shanghai to have tea with Governor Zhou, put down his teacup, smacked his lips, and couldn't help but chirp.

"Crazy Alien" is still in post-production, but it has basically secured a spot in the Spring Festival release and has also set a plan to start promotion in the middle of the year.

Passersby might be shocked, but those in the industry understand what's going on.

It's said to have more than seven small goals, but in reality, a lot of that is exaggerated.

"Who can do bookkeeping better than the Wang brothers?"

Zhou Yutang crossed his legs and said casually.

As is well known, Hollywood is a murky place, and the final profit of a blockbuster movie can even be negative.

With Zou Wenhuai paving the way and being well-versed in the tricks of the trade, Zhou Yutang's later collaboration with Bob was based on securing a share of the box office revenue.

All crows are black, and there are also accounting experts in the domestic entertainment industry.

Some big-name directors in Hong Kong are well aware of this, paying thousands of US dollars for a straw hat – it's all about the details.

Not only was Jackie Chan uneasy, but even Ning Hao was getting restless, asking with concern, "Mr. Zhou, is the Spring Festival film season really leaving us no way to survive?"

"The aliens have the confidence to fight two against one."

"Fuck."

Ning Hao said with a bitter face.

That's how casual conversations are between friends.

"Chen Xi is having a meeting to discuss releasing 'Hello Mr. Billionaire' during the Lunar New Year season, and also scheduling two more films for the Spring Festival."

"Wouldn't that mean killing everyone?"

Ning Hao was slightly taken aback, but quickly realized what was happening.

Director Shi's "Shadow" has already secured a spot in the National Day holiday release, while Cao Baoping's "She Kills" is also scheduled for the second half of the year.

If Happy Twist's "Hello Mr. Billionaire" were released during the Lunar New Year holiday, then "The Wandering Earth" and "Detective Chinatown 2" would be the two strongest films, dominating the Spring Festival season.

In other words, for other companies to survive during the Spring Festival season is undoubtedly an epic, hellish challenge.

Ning Hao's expression instantly turned serious. Zhou Yutang didn't keep him in suspense any longer, patting him on the shoulder and reassuring him:

"Haha, The Wandering Earth will probably be released during the Lunar New Year holiday."

"I didn't tell you earlier."

Ning Hao visibly relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief: "By the way, Mr. Zhou, you're attending the Magnolia Awards ceremony, right?"

"It wouldn't hurt to go and take a look."

Every June, Shanghai is undoubtedly the heart of the entire film and television industry.

Before the increasingly influential Shanghai International Film Festival, the neighboring Magnolia Awards came to a close.

Zhou Dudu received another Magnolia Award nomination for Best Actor this year, but Liu Tianxian was not by her side.

The behind-the-scenes footage of Ms. Liu walking the runway at Milan Fashion Week is still trending on social media.

Instead, she was a tall, voluptuous, and charming young woman from Shanghai, wearing a high-slit leather skirt, with slightly wavy long hair and bright red lips.

Tang Yan has been on a roll this year, having just unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds and now she's by Zhou Yutang's side, enjoying immense fame. Meng Ziyi followed the "Snowy Scene" crew into the venue, and after settling into her seat, she watched with a slightly resentful look as Tang Yan, arm in arm with Zhou Yutang, sat comfortably in the front row.

Wow!
Instantly, the entire audience stood up and paid their respects to the Grand Commander of Jiangdong. People came forward one after another to flatter him and try to establish a relationship.

The core organizers of the Magnolia Awards are the China Media Group, CCTV, and the Shanghai team.

However, the television industry is undergoing reforms this year, and it is important to strengthen government leadership and market operation in the future.

In practice, however, SMG, as the leading enterprise in the Shanghai Media Group system, still plays the main role in implementation.

SMG's General Manager Wang had just spoken to Governor Zhou before Zhou arrived in Shanghai.

The night before the Magnolia Awards ceremony, they even had dinner together in a private room. On the night of the awards ceremony, Mr. Wang, dressed in a suit and tie, sat next to Governor Zhou, and the two chatted happily.

Tang Yan didn't quite understand what the men were talking about, but she didn't care about that; she enjoyed the feeling of being the center of attention.

"The winner of the Magnolia Award for Best Actor is He Bin, for his role in 'Love in the Courtyard.' Congratulations!"

When the presenter announced the name, the audience erupted in cheers.

The competition for Best Actor at this year's Magnolia Awards is quite fierce. Zhou Dudu's "Snowy Mountain" is a sure bet, while Shanghai heartthrob Hu Ge's "Hunting Ground" has also received a nomination. Uncle Wu from "The Advisors Alliance" and Uncle Zhang from "White Deer Plain" are also nominated.

Aside from "The Hunting Ground" being a bit of a letdown and Tangren's top male lead just filling in the numbers, the rest are all top-notch.

It was expected that Zhou Yutang would lose the Best Actor award; he no longer needs awards to prove himself.

His mere presence at the Magnolia Awards ceremony was enough to elevate the ceremony's prestige.

The cameras were focused on Governor Zhou the entire time, capturing him gently clapping for He Bin with great composure, which made He Bin feel extremely uneasy.

He solemnly thanked the judges and every nominee, especially Governor Zhou, who sat in the audience and applauded him.

He Bin's acting skills are widely recognized. Last year, he starred in two highly acclaimed dramas, "White Deer Plain" and "Full House of Love".

At this year's Magnolia Awards, he was nominated for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for these two dramas.

The Best Supporting Actor award went to Yu Hewei for "The Advisors Alliance".

When things don't look good in the east, they do in the west, and he ended up winning the Magnolia Award for Best Actor.

The Magnolia Award for Best Actress went to Ma Yili for her role in "The First Half of My Life," and "White Deer Plain" won all the other awards, including Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and Best Chinese TV Series.

This TV series, adapted from Chen Zhongshi's novel of the same name, is undoubtedly the biggest winner tonight.

The comments in the live stream chat exploded like cold water poured into a boiling oil pan.

"Silly Zhu is really lucky; he actually beat Governor Zhou to win the Best Actor award."

"Hey, if the Grand Commander were to manipulate the awards, would he be the one to carry the torch for others?"

"The Magnolia Award is fair and just, no doubt about it!"

"Love in the Courtyard? Never heard of that, where did it come from?"

"."

There have long been claims that Zhou Yutang, known for his shady dealings, manipulates awards in the Chinese entertainment industry.

What do you mean by "covering up the sky with one hand"? What do you mean by "dark forces"? What do you mean by "lackeys under Jiangdong"?
It sounds like the villainous boss in a melodramatic soap opera, and this time, it quickly became a trending topic.

Many people haven't seen "Full House of Love," but it could also be called "Full House of Beasts." The characters in the show are all beasts, their values ​​are shattered, and they morally blackmail and manipulate the protagonist in various ways, making viewers' blood pressure soar. However, it has spawned a large number of fan fiction works.

Following the conclusion of the Magnolia Awards, the Shanghai International Film Festival will take place immediately.

Before the opening ceremony, Zhou Yutang was having a meeting at Bilibili headquarters when Chen Duling unexpectedly received a visit from an uninvited guest.

She had dealt with Su Mang several times, and when they met again, the woman was still elegant and dignified.

She was carrying a Prada Galleria handbag and wearing a Hermès scarf around her neck.
His head-to-toe designer clothes were meticulously arranged, just like Su Mang himself, and were kept impeccably groomed and spotless.

It gives people the impression of a strong, composed, and elite woman.

"Editor-in-Chief Su, President Zhou is in a meeting, please wait a moment."

"Thank you, Dudu."

Su Mang had a good impression of Zhou Yutang's polite and elegant assistant, and accepted the water she offered with a smile.

Once I returned to my location, Mao Xiaoyu's avatar started flashing in the chat window.

With nothing major happening at the moment, Chen Duling glanced around, ready to slack off, and started gossiping:
"Dudu, what's Su Mang doing here?"

"I do not know."

Chen Duling really didn't know.

However, I had a rough guess in my mind that it was Su Mang, the president of the fashion group who had co-founded Harper's Bazaar magazine and created the Bazaar Charity Gala.

I was recently fired from my job!

Of course, the more official way to put it is: he resigned voluntarily to pursue new development.

But Mao Xiaoyu, the gossip queen, knew the inside story and sneered, "The large-scale fraudulent donation was exposed not long ago. I don't know where she got the nerve to come to the boss. She probably wants to suck up to him again."

Jiangdong Entertainment established a charity department early on and had previously collaborated with Bazaar. Mao Xiaoyu was the first-generation personal assistant to Zhou Yutang, so she naturally had dealings with him.

In fact, Mao Xiaoyu's guess was correct.

Su Mang came here to persuade Zhou Yutang to organize a fashion event similar to the Bazaar Charity Night, leveraging the existing platform in Jiangdong.

"President Zhou, looking at the entire entertainment industry in China, only you have such influence."

If this can be accomplished, the future development of the Jiangdong label will be limitless, and its influence could even extend beyond China, radiating across Asia and then spreading to Europe and America.

Su Mang's seductive rhetoric had been rehearsed countless times in private, and it was truly dazzling.

"interesting."

Zhou Yutang raised his eyebrows slightly, as if deep in thought.

"If Mr. Zhou is interested, I can take the lead in doing this."

Upon hearing this, Su Mang perked up, lifted one side of his buttocks, and volunteered, "I will definitely not disappoint President Zhou."

"No rush, let's have a meeting and discuss it first."

Zhou Yutang responded calmly, glancing at his wristwatch.

Although slightly disappointed, Su Mang still took the initiative to get up and say goodbye, "Then Mr. Zhou, please continue with your work. I won't bother you any longer."

"Boss, are you really going to organize some kind of fashion event?"

When Chen Duling came in to tidy up the documents and inform her of the schedule, she casually asked a question.

"Can consider it."

Zhou Yutang leaned back comfortably in his executive chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table with a relaxed air: "But I definitely won't give it to her."

Having worked in the fashion industry for so many years, Su Mang's words truly resonated with Zhou Yutang.

Fashion is an important part of the cultural and entertainment industry, but regaining the discourse power in this field and completing the narrative from an Eastern perspective is not something that can be accomplished overnight.

When it comes to making empty promises, Governor Zhou is a master; Su Mang's skills are simply no match for him.

Given Jiangdong Entertainment's current size, as long as he raises a call, the masses will follow; whether Su Mang exists or not is not the key issue.

(End of this chapter)