China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 686: Position, Ascension

Zhou Yutang leaned back on the leather sofa with his legs naturally crossed.

He was flipping through the Lunar New Year film schedule handed to him by Secretary La Peikang.

La Peikang, who was sitting opposite him, mentioned a name that Zhou Yutang was not happy to hear:
"Yu Tang, this opportunity is really rare."

Just yesterday, at the Tokyo International Film Festival awards ceremony, there was big news.

The Tokyo International Film Festival officially awarded Wu Baige the Lifetime Achievement Award.

That is, the "Samurai Award".

This award was only established last year.

It is said to be to honor the achievements of filmmakers who continue to present innovative films that transcend time to the world.

Last year's winners were Japanese directors Takeshi Kitano and Tim Burton.

This year, the roles were given to Yamada Yoji and Wu Baige.

Yoji Yamada has directed films such as the "Hard Work" series, "The Happy Yellow Handkerchief", "Mother", "Brother", and "Little Me", and is one of the most famous contemporary directors in Japan.

Wu Baige is a pioneer in Asia who entered Hollywood very early. With her fame in the film industry for twenty years, she is famous all over the world.

After taking a look at the news and seeing Wu Baige becoming energetic again, Zhou Yutang felt like laughing.

But he is a professional and he certainly won't laugh in front of La Peikang.

Putting the schedule in his hand on the coffee table in front of him, Zhou Yutang leaned back, his posture comfortable, "Boss La, if there is no problem with the schedule, let's settle it."

"This will be arranged later."

La Peikang nodded, pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, and continued to use his eloquent tongue:
"Yu Tang, please consider Director Wu's play. He will definitely not let you suffer any loss. The chief screenwriter and artistic director positions are reserved for you."

Since the failure of "The Crossing", Wu Baige has also cheated several investors.

He went to Taiwan to recuperate, and then went to Japan to attend the Tokyo Film Festival.

During this period, all the big directors in the circle have been taking action, and Wu Baige is no exception.

When he attended an official event of a film festival, he revealed in an interview that his next work would be an adaptation of Ken Takakura's "The Chase".

Behind this movie are funds from Hong Kong Media Asia and Neon Entertainment Group, and China Film Group also has a hand in it.

La Peikang was planning to make it into a cultural exchange project, and his first choice was to invite Asia's top star Zhou Yutang to star in it in order to guarantee a box office success.

"Now You See Me 2" was a huge hit and was reported by media in East Asian countries. Zhou Yutang's box office appeal is now frighteningly strong.

There is even a rumor in the industry that a movie starring Zhou Yutang is guaranteed to have a box office of 10 billion.

When Pei Kang came over to act as a lobbyist, Zhou Yutang looked indifferent and said calmly:

"Boss La, don't you know the relationship between me and Director Wu?"

Everyone in and out of the circle knew that Zhou Yutang and Wu Baige had an old grudge.

The Grand Commander never indulges Director Wu, who doesn't look down on mainland actors.

Even when Han Sanping was in power, whenever they met during their schedules, he would beat them on the head.

After several movies, Zhou Yutang stepped on Wu Baige to rise to the top, which greatly damaged his reputation in mainland China.

Even Zhang Zhao, the CEO of LeTV Pictures, did not prepare for a new film for him after the Oriental Titanic ran aground and sank, and even complained about it at a private party.

LeTV is the main producer of "The Crossing", and it was a project that was personally nominated by Boss Jia.

The results all affected Boss Jia's promise to shareholders.

——From "Red Cliff" to "The Crossing", he failed every project he made. Who would dare to use him?
However, after all, he had once been a big shot in Hollywood and had a glorious past, so Wu Baige can still make a living from his past achievements.

This time, China Film Group is leading the conspiracy with Hong Kong Media Asia and Neon Capital, with nearly 3 million yuan in funds, half of which is intended to be used on Zhou Yutang.

"Yu Tang, let the past be the past."

"We have to look forward. Director Wu's project is the hottest suspense drama in the current market. The original novel is very classic and this role is very suitable for you. There is really great potential for you."

La Peikang said a lot of things and continued to persuade him: "As for the profit sharing, I will decide and I will give you a point."

"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. La. He and I are not of the same kind. There is no possibility of cooperation between us."

Zhou Yutang shook his head with a sincere yet helpless smile on his face, and said one sentence directly:

"This is not about money. I may have two more projects to collaborate with Warner next year."

La Peikang felt Zhou Yutang's firm tone and did not insist any more. After the polite greetings, he stood up and said goodbye.

"Boss, let's go."

Ni Ni's expression looked a little strange. She seemed to want to say something but stopped herself, glancing around with her beautiful eyes.

Zhou Yutang stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in the office on the ninth floor, his hands in his pockets, looking down expressionlessly.

There was no expression on his clear and cold face.

After standing still for a while and watching the Cadillac drive away, Zhou Yutang finally sat down in his boss chair:

"Are you wondering why I didn't give La Peikang face?"

Director Wu probably really wanted to prove himself in the Chinese film market, so he made what he considered to be a big concession.

With Pei Kang as the middleman, the conditions offered are even more attractive. It is estimated that no one in the entire domestic entertainment industry can refuse such generous conditions.

As long as Zhou Yutang gave the nod, even if the project hasn't even started, the lead actor's salary alone, plus the producer's fee, plus the chief screenwriter and art director fees, will bring in at least two small goals.

This does not include the subsequent box office dividends.

"You must have your own ideas."

Ni Ni smiled and said.

"Our relationship with China Film Group is no longer the same as before."

Zhou Yutang's lips curled up into an imperceptible smile: "Why should I cooperate with Wu Baige and help him?"

Ni Ni smiled.

She also felt that La Peikang was a little confused.

Or rather, he wanted to improve too much.

He was eager to make more achievements outside Jiangdong to prove that his ability was no less than Han Sanping's.

After all, Zhou Yutang was brought up by Han Sanping.

There was even an outrageous rumor in the circle at the time. It was rumored that Zhou Yutang worshipped Han Sanping as his godfather in exchange for the full support of Zuoshandiao, which led to his later success as the all-powerful commander-in-chief.

But in order to change the embarrassing evaluation in the industry that he relied on Zhou Yutang for support, he wouldn't have to look for Wu Baige, right?

It's already 5102, and people are still superstitious about Wu Baige. What achievements has he made in recent years?
Having followed Zhou Yutang for so long, Ni Ni has more or less understood her boss's mind, and the person he despises the most is Wu Baige.

——Director Wu, don’t you look down on mainland film and television people?

Then I will support the mainlanders.

After operating for several years, many popular artists from Jiangdong have emerged.

Actors from both Hong Kong and Taiwan have to look up to him. The arrogant attitude of Hong Kong entertainment industry workers in the early years is no longer seen.

In addition to artists, it also promoted capable new-generation Jiangdong directors such as Lu Yang, Wen Muye, and Guo Fan.

Among the three generals of Jiangdong, which one of them has better commercial performance in managing film and television projects than Wu Baige?
In the future, there will be more talents emerging in the mainland film and television industry, and by then Wu Baige may not even have a job in mainland China.

"Nini, go call Ren Zhonglun and invite him to Jiangdong for tea."

Zhou Yutang sat relaxedly in the boss chair with his legs on the coffee table.

One hand was placed relaxedly on his thigh, his index finger tapping rhythmically, and his eyes were lowered, with an inexplicably deep light.

The meaning of progress is not to do whatever you want.

It's about not doing what you don't want to do.

Now he has enough confidence.

If you don’t like something, don’t do it.

That's it.

"Boss La, you came here in person, but Boss Zhou didn't even give you this little bit of face."

After coming out of the Jiangdong Building and returning to China Film, the secretary couldn't help but speak up for his leader.

China Film Group Corporation is the leader in China's film and television industry.

The head of China Film Group is equivalent to the leader of the martial arts world.

When I command all the heroes, who dares not to give me face?
Perhaps only Zhou Yutang refused without leaving any room for negotiation.

"Haha, young people are full of energy. It's understandable that such a capable person would have a bad temper."

La Peikang took off his gold-rimmed glasses and wiped them carefully with a neon deerskin glasses cloth. He did not seem angry at all. Instead, he looked up and glanced at his secretary:
"Why, I don't even have this much tolerance?"

"No it's not."

The secretary was so frightened that he trembled: "Boss, you are so generous. I remember that I seem to have another document to deal with. I will go and explain it first."

"Go."

La Peikang waved his hand, signaling him to go out.

I leaned back in the chair, closed my eyes and rested for a few minutes.

He put on his gold-rimmed glasses again, and with a warm smile, he dialed Han Sanping's number.

"Boss Han, you're too polite. Sister Jia is writing a new script, that's a good thing. Then we can vote for the Screenwriter Gold Award. We can hold an anonymous vote and promote the best regardless of nepotism.
No problem, definitely no problem. The project with Warner will be officially announced at the summit in a few days. Sister Jia can go there and be a producer."

Zhou Yutang hung up the phone. Ren Zhonglun, who was sitting on the sofa in front of him, put down his teacup and said with a smile:

"This old Han, he still worries so much even after retirement. But Yu Tang, you are really thoughtful. The screenwriter gold award you made is very good. I heard that Lao Mouzi's new play is based on the script here?"

"Yes, it's a script written by a screenwriter from Taiwan Province."

Zhou Yutang picked up the teacup, took a sip, and put it down steadily: "Director Ren, how is the listing of Shanghai Film Group going?"

"What, are you interested?"

Ren Zhonglun leaned forward slightly, his glasses reflecting two bright lights: "Is it your turn?"

China Film Group Corporation and Shanghai Film Group Corporation are both state-owned cultural enterprises.

However, the reform of such a large-scale state-owned enterprise involves internal structural reform, asset evaluation, etc., which are all thorny tasks.

The two companies were included in the IPO preliminary review list at the same time in 2012.

In order to ensure a safe and smooth landing, Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun had a secret talk with Zhou Yutang and reached some kind of tacit understanding in private.

Therefore, the films produced by Jiangdong Group often feature the two giants, China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group.

It's a pity that it wasn't pushed forward during Mr. Han Sanye's term of office, and the time is almost right now.

Hearing Ren Zhonglun talking about this, Zhou Yutang couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Director Ren, if I wanted to play this, I wouldn't bother you."

"You're right."

Ren Zhonglun was stunned for a moment, then he started laughing.

With the help of a series of embarrassing stories, Xu Guangtou performed a very beautiful capital operation.

Jiangdong Entertainment, owned by Zhou Yutang, is a behemoth in the entertainment industry. It has a lot of popular film and television resources. If he really wants to operate it, he can just make some changes to its subsidiary and reap the benefits easily.

After taking a sip of the clear tea, Ren Zhonglun continued to talk about his ambitious plan: "I plan to integrate and operate the trading rights of the Shanghai Film Festival in the next step."

Zhou Yutang seemed to be interested.

The Shanghai Film Festival is the only international A-level film festival in China.

Why is there no coolness?

Film is art, but also a capital game driven by profit.

An international film festival wants to enhance its influence.

The most important thing is that in addition to the award ceremony, it is also necessary to provide a platform for cooperation and transactions for investment companies, film and television project workers, and international buyers.

However, the Shanghai Film Festival has a fundamental flaw, that is, its film trading market is not tied to the film festival. For example, the Berlin Film Festival abroad, once the two parties reach an agreement, transactions can be carried out.

At the Shanghai Film Festival, if you want to conduct a copyright transaction, you must first apply for approval and then go through the procedures of various departments. This is greatly influenced by China's unique system.

Just like this year's Shanghai Film Festival, Zhou Yutang's Jiangdong Entertainment accounted for more than 90% of the transaction volume.

This was the result of him using his connections to advance the cause.

This is hard to imagine at foreign film festivals like Berlin, where the transaction volume can easily reach 80 to 90 million US dollars.

"A film festival is the best place to promote films and conduct business transactions. This is the real value of the Shanghai Film Festival in the future!"

Ren Zhonglun's tone was passionate, and he really had some of the domineering aura of a Shanghai Film Group CEO.

"Mr. Ren has a great idea." Zhou Yutang admired him sincerely.

"It will be next year. If there is a project, bring it to Shanghai Film Studio."

"If there is a chance, I will definitely cooperate with Director Ren."

Zhou Yutang rarely saw Ren Zhonglun so high-spirited.

If the Shanghai Film Festival could have greater trading power, it would undoubtedly be of great benefit to the entire Chinese film industry.

While listening carefully, Zhou Yutang also expressed his own opinions from time to time.

In the end, Ren Zhonglun received a call from his secretary and the conversation did not go any further.

Otherwise, this matter is too complicated and involves too many things. I am afraid that we may not be able to reach a conclusion even if we talk about it until the evening.

Ni Ni followed Zhou Yutang to see Ren Zhonglun off. In the elevator, she smiled and asked, "Boss, it's rare to see you talking to Director Ren for so long."

"Ren Zhonglun is very ambitious."

"So from now on, we are going to be between the middle and upper shadows, leaning towards the upper shadow?"

Ni Ni suddenly spoke, causing Zhou Yutang to look sideways, shake his head and laugh.

As the elevator was rising, he taught Ni Ni a lesson.

On the surface, China Film Group and Shanghai Film Group are in harmony, but to some extent, they are also in competition with each other.

When Han Sanping was in power, he was able to firmly suppress Ren Zhonglun. Now, La Peikang, in the words of President Han, has more Confucian spirit than domineering spirit.

As Zhou Yutang's secretary, the things she came into contact with determined her vision and pattern.

The lower circles in the entertainment industry have their own struggles over petty profits.

The upper-middle class also experiences resource strife and conflict.

At the top of the pyramid, there are still games and fights between big figures.

only.

Compared to those infightings that cannot be made public, this kind of fierce fighting between big guys involves power and the formulation of industry rules.

This was undoubtedly more thrilling and also made Ni Ni's heart waver.

Seen from the side, the man next to me is perfect like an impeccable sculpture.

Beyond his handsome appearance, his deep scheming is more like a poison that can intoxicate people.

Ni Ni withdrew her gaze, brushed the hair by her ears, and forced herself to calm down.

While she was thinking rationally, her long legs wrapped in flesh-colored stockings crossed and brought together, her toes tapping the ground, her movements full of charm.

Reflected in the elevator mirror, it unconsciously attracted Zhou Yutang's attention.

The numbers kept jumping up and down until it hit "8". Ni Ni seemed to be curious and asked, "Boss, how are you going to line up?"

Ding!
The elevator door opens.

Zhou Yutang strode out with a gentle smile on his face: "My position is right there, no need to stand in line."

"Nirvana in Fire" has finally come to an end, and the official Weibo account reposted the news as soon as possible.

The main actors and actresses of Nirvana in Fire also reposted the Weibo posts to celebrate the happy ending.

The audience all wants to see Lin Shu survive and be with Princess Nihuang.

The result was ultimately not what people wanted.

After Lin Shu rehabilitated the Red Flame Army, when an enemy country invaded and the border was in danger, he personally led the troops to protect Daliang in a tragic and resolute manner, and died on the battlefield.

It is romantic that after having played the role of Mei Changsu for so long, he can end up like Lin Shu, who once pulled a longbow and subdued a wild horse.

It just touched the hearts of many viewers who had been watching the show in front of their TV sets for more than a month.

Many audience members burst into tears.

This ending can be described as BE aesthetics. The ratings broke a new record that night and triggered online public opinion.

Director Kong Sheng once again established the quality reputation of Noon Sunshine.

The acting skills of the lead actor Hu Ge were recognized, and because of playing the role of Prince Jing, Wang Kaikai’s popularity soared and he reached the peak of his acting career.

With the two big hit dramas "Fall in Love with You" and "Nirvana in Fire", Kaikai Wang has now become a firmly established first-line actor in the circle.

Endorsements, film pay, etc. all took off.

The industry is all marveling at Zhou Yutang's terrifying ability to create stars.

Zhang Ruojun and Zhu Yilong were both brought up by him, and later Chen Xiao and Li Jian also became first-line actors.

With the addition of Wang Kaikai today, Jiangdong Entertainment is on its way to success.

Of course, even the supporting actors benefited from the show.

The fate of many previously unknown actors has changed since then.

Teacher Wang Jinsong vividly portrayed the cold-hearted but warm-hearted Yan Hou, Liu Yijun's infatuated and manipulative Ning Guo Hou Xie Yu, and Wang Ou's charming and charming Qin Prajna...

Having participated in such a hit film and television project, their resume has been greatly enhanced, and many crews have extended olive branches to them.

Shanghai TV is in great stride, thanks to the hit drama “Nirvana in Fire”, it has been alternating with Jiangsu TV station to dominate the throne of China’s top-tier TV stations for more than a month.

But recently, a famous person in Shanghai suddenly made a big announcement.

The ex-wife of Mr. Zhou, who is famous for his Shanghai-style clean talk, publicly revealed the following explosive news on Weibo:
"Zhou Libo is indeed an excellent actor, who speaks nonsense and confuses right and wrong.

Okay, I will uncover your "painted skin" piece by piece! Let's see if you are a human or a ghost, and let the world judge you!

Please remember: "Facts speak louder than words." Don't you feel ashamed when you tell lies? In this open and aboveboard world, how can you confuse right and wrong?"

This eloquent little essay can be called Thor's hammer.

No one would have thought that Zhou Libo, who prided himself on being elegant and refined, actually had a four-year history of drug abuse.

"The Magic City Station has dodged a disaster."

Zhou Yutang was in the office, flipping through the online comments, which were almost all curses.

There are also many passers-by with a sense of justice who went to the websites of relevant departments to leave messages to ban him.

All I can say is, well done.

Ni Ni beside him sighed, "Blueberry TV is in big trouble."

Zhou Libo was once considered a well-known figure in the Shanghai circle, but was later poached by Zhejiang Province's Blueberry TV Station for a large sum of money.

In recent years, the show's ratings have been average, squeezed by several of Mingjie Company's flagship variety shows.

There is a red-headed document above.

Any artist involved in prostitution will be banned from performing arts career for three years.

How many three years can a star have?
Zhou Libo's career was ruined, but his success in the past few years had already allowed him to earn more money than an ordinary person could ever hope to earn in their lifetime.

"Something will happen sooner or later."

"Boss, why are you so sure?"

"Anyone who touches this thing will have a bad ending."

For Zhang Ruolan, signing with Jiangdong Entertainment didn't seem to bring much change to her life.

The crew is making preparations in secret and has not revealed much information to the public.

She first went back to school, applied for leave of absence, and then entered the Shanxia School for intensive training for this role.

Zhang Ruolan actually didn’t quite understand the value of Shanxia School.

But I privately searched for relevant information on the Internet, and through the envious tone of my best friend Zhang Yuxi, and the fact that I met triple-Award winner Zhou Gongzi when I took my first acting class, I summed up the key information myself.

This is a very mysterious acting training institution. Liu Yifei, Jing Tian, ​​Li Xin and others have all received acting training at Shanxia Academy.

There are some very talented professors from the Central Academy of Drama who provide one-on-one guidance on acting. Even Mr. Zhou will come and teach people when he has time.

This made Zhang Ruolan, who had just entered this circle, feel a little at a loss.

Liu Yifei, Liu Shishi, Zhou Gongzi and others are all celebs in the entertainment industry.

She asked Zhou Shufang cautiously, "Director Zhou, this school at the foot of the mountain is very expensive, right?"

"Tuition fees are probably several hundred thousand per year. You don't have to worry about that."

With a beep, Zhou Shufang opened the combination lock of the apartment and said with a smile, "Boss Zhou has already told you that there is only one thing you need to do now, and that is to experience what performance is like under the guidance of Teacher Liu Tianchi."

"How is it? Is it difficult?"

"Teacher Liu is very good. I don't know if I can meet her requirements."

Zhang Ruolan always felt a little embarrassed and a little worried.

Not only Zhang Yuxi, but also her friends felt that she was hit by a pie in the sky.

The heroine of the new play of the Grand Commander of Jiangdong is the new Pisces Girl. Isn’t she sure to ascend to heaven soon?

this time.

The most shocked were the parents at home.

At one point, the two suspected that their daughter had been defrauded. Fortunately, the small business owner was quick-witted and after receiving Zhou Shufang's call, they finally digested the fact that their ordinary daughter was going to be a star.

The most excited ones are my two younger sisters and brother.

Everyone asked her for Zhou Yutang's autograph, which made Zhang Ruolan extremely embarrassed.

I have only met Governor Zhou once.

She has moved out of Zhang Yuxi's house.

It’s not that the friendship between the best friends has broken down, but it’s always inconvenient to stay in someone else’s house for a long time.

What's more, the company also arranged free accommodation for us.

"Don't worry, it's definitely hard at first."

Zhou Shufang enthusiastically took her to see the house and helped her carry her suitcase in. "But Mr. Zhou's vision has never been wrong. Since he chose you to be his heroine, you should trust him. Where are the other luggage?"

"Well, actually, I don't have much luggage."

Zhang Ruolan took the suitcase from Zhou Shufang tactfully and gave her a bright smile: "Sorry for bothering you, Director Zhou. I'll just go buy some daily necessities by myself later."

The single apartment is about 90 square meters, with simple decoration, complete furniture and brand new appliances.

It has everything you need and you can move in right away. Most importantly, it is close to the school at the foot of the mountain.

"No way, I'll take you to buy it."

Zhou Shufang took Zhang Ruolan to a nearby shopping mall without saying anything and made all the necessary arrangements for her.

I just signed the contract and am just an amateur. The company hasn’t arranged an agent for me yet.

Zhou Shufang, the director of the artist department, was so thoughtful and considerate that Zhang Ruolan was deeply moved and soon regarded her as a close sister.

"Sister Fang, you are so nice to me."

"We are all family, why are you being polite?"

Zhou Shufang patted Zhang Ruolan's hand and smiled meaningfully: "Who knows, I may have to rely on you for protection in the future."

(End of this chapter)