During my years at China Entertainment

Chapter 837 Get out of the way, I'm about to show off!

Perhaps no one in the industry expected that just one day after Huayi's acquisition, Ali would make another big move.

"This afternoon, Ali Group released a lengthy announcement, the contents of which can be summarized as follows:"
1. Ali Group has acquired absolute control of Youku.com and will continue to repurchase shares from the original shareholders.
Second: Starting today, Youku will initiate the delisting process and is expected to complete its delisting from Nasdaq within six months, thus completing its privatization and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ali Group.

Third: Gu Yongqiang will continue to serve as Chairman of Youku until the delisting and privatization process is completed, at which point he will be appointed to another position.

According to sources, Ali Group expects to invest over US$40 billion in this aggressive acquisition of Youku, all in cash!

An official spokesperson for Ali Pictures stated: "Following the completion of this acquisition, Youku and Ali Pictures will complement each other's functions, marking a significant step forward in the group's comprehensive entertainment strategy."

The news immediately topped the headlines of major portal websites and trended on Weibo, causing a stir in the entire film and television industry, entertainment circle, and performing arts world.

Everyone knows that once this acquisition is completed, Ali, already one of the leading internet companies, will further control the discourse power in the film and television industry and greatly enhance its influence!

While Youku may not be the industry leader, it still holds a quarter of the market share among video websites and is one of the most important platforms for streaming film and television works.

At this moment, many companies in the industry are in a state of anxiety, thinking about how to get along with Ali Pictures in the future.

Previously, Ali Pictures was merely a powerful competitor backed by an internet company, and at best, it had ample funds.

The respect and attention given to him by the industry is mostly based on money. Behind his back, they might even call him a "rich dog" or "foolish with too much money."

But the situation is different now. Ali Group, which owns Youku Video, has, to some extent, transformed into one of the buyers in the film and television industry.

Just like those powerful TV stations, they hold the lifeline of production companies in the industry, since film and television works must eventually be broadcast on online platforms, right?
In this situation, if Ali Pictures were to aggressively participate in high-quality projects of small and medium-sized production companies, how many people would be able to refuse?
Of course, even if they miss out on Youku, there are still competitors like Tudou, Tencent, Sohu, and iQiyi that they can cooperate with.

However, losing a platform obviously means losing a lot of benefits, and unless absolutely necessary, it is highly unlikely that anyone would choose to offend Ali.

It is foreseeable that many high-quality projects in the film and television industry in the future will likely feature Ali.

With Ali's strong style and his mission as an "industry disruptor," a turbulent period is about to begin for the film and television industry!
However, the Wei and Jin dynasties did not pay much attention to this, firstly because they already knew about it and were prepared to fight back, and secondly because they simply did not care.

Even if the acquisition of Youku is completed, it will only be a big step forward for Ali's entertainment strategy.

However, the cultural and entertainment system built by Shanhe Media already encompasses the entire industry chain, including film production, distribution, cinemas, video platforms, copyrighted content, and even short video platforms, making it almost perfect.

Ali wants to challenge Shanhe Media's industry position, but unless Boss Wei really dies on a woman's belly, there is absolutely no way he can!

The following day, the headlines in the entertainment industry and the focus of attention across the internet shifted from the acquisition of Ali to the 65th anniversary celebration of the Beijing Film Academy.

It must be admitted that, in terms of overall strength, Wei Jin's alma mater has never lost; it has a firm grip on the game!

According to previous reports, in addition to more than 3,000 alumni who have already made a name for themselves in the film and television industry returning to their alma mater, a large number of guests will also be present.

Leaders of film and television companies, education and publicity departments, and actors and celebrities.
In addition, representatives from more than 30 international sister institutions from all over the world came to show their support.

Among them are world-renowned top institutions and organizations such as the New York Film Academy, the Southern California Academy of Cinematic Arts, and the Hollywood Film Guild.

As for representatives from other domestic institutions, there are even more, including the PLA Academy of Arts, the Central Academy of Drama, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the Beijing Dance Academy, and the Communication University of China.
This scale and lineup are truly top-notch in the industry, even completely surpassing any domestic film awards ceremony!
At 3 p.m., Wei Jin, along with Jing Tian and Liu Yifei, set off from Dongshan Villa and sped towards Beijing Film Academy.

Both girls returned yesterday, and after being pampered by Wei Jin overnight, their already delicate faces were incredibly radiant.

Even with just a simple outfit, she is still stunningly beautiful, and she will surely outshine everyone else on the red carpet today.

With Lao Zhu driving smoothly, the black Maybach slowly came to a stop at the main gate of Nortel after more than half an hour.

Vehicles are not allowed to enter the school gate today, so Wei Jin and his two companions could only get off the car at the school gate.

"Mr. Wei, look here!"

"Tian Tian, ​​over here."

"Liu Yifei, I love you."

As expected, as soon as the three appeared, they were immediately greeted by a barrage of flashes, cheers, and shouts from various media reporters and onlookers.

Looking around, the crowds were thronging, a truly magnificent sight!

Fortunately, because the people attending the school anniversary celebration today include not only people from the film and television industry, media, education sector, and international friends, but also many high-ranking leaders, the security level is quite high.

At this time, there were a large number of traffic police and police officers maintaining order both inside and outside the school. Media and fans were also blocked by safety barriers, and there was no congestion.

"Warmly celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Film Academy; warmly celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of Chinese cinema and the 65th anniversary of the development of Chinese film education."

Looking at the two very conspicuous large red banners hanging on the main gate of the school, Wei Jin couldn't help but read them aloud in a low voice.

At this moment, the young female teacher in charge of reception at the school cautiously walked over and invited, "Teacher Wei, senior sisters, please come with me to register here."

Judging from this title, Wei Jin knew that this girl must be a recent graduate who stayed on at the university, but he didn't know which department she was in.

"it is good."

Led by the female teacher, Wei Jin and his two companions walked through the school gate to the registration desk, where they found Huang Bai there, having just finished signing his name.

When acquaintances meet, they inevitably exchange pleasantries. However, when Huang Bai greeted Wei Jin with a smile, his eyes were filled with admiration.

Well, Mr. Wei doesn't even act anymore; his womanizing persona has been accepted both inside and outside the industry.

However, after only a few words, Wei Jin and the others parted ways. Huang Bai and the other two headed towards the acting academy, while he headed towards the directing department.

Because today's red carpet was divided according to college, department, and class.

Amid greetings from student volunteers, Wei Jin walked to the directing department office.

The usually quiet directing department was now bustling with activity, filled with directors who were well-known in the industry.

Li Shaohong, Wang Xiaoshuai, Gao Xixi, Hu Mei, Lu Yang, Han Sanping, Guan Hu, Han Jianu, Huang Xinjian, Wu Ershan
The existence of this group is the real reason why Beijing Film Academy dares to claim that it represents "half of the entertainment industry".

But seeing Lu Chuan here, Wei Jin was speechless. Wasn't this just a charlatan? What kind of outstanding representative was he?!

Fortunately, this guy disliked dogs because of their smell, and even though the atmosphere was very harmonious, no one paid any attention to him.

"Senior brother."

Han Jianu was a restless person and couldn't chat with the group of old men and women. When she saw Wei Jin, she came over.

Her greeting seemed to open a floodgate of communication, and a chorus of greetings immediately erupted.

After all, although Wei Jin was a younger generation, his achievements far surpassed those of everyone present.

But sometimes you have to admit, there really are people who like to show off.

The Wei and Jin dynasties all thought they were late, but the poet Chen was even more ambitious and arrived even later, arriving right on time for the red carpet event!

The red carpet event officially began at 4 p.m.

At this time, the Beijing Film Academy campus was packed with people.

The movie channel broadcast the entire event live, and numerous official media outlets were present. Enthusiastic shouts from students echoed throughout the sky.

The 110-meter-long red carpet and the 65-meter-long signature wall at the end not only highlight the theme but also exude prestige!

On the vast sports field, leaders from dozens of sister universities formed a contingent and filed onto the red carpet, making a striking impression. Of course, other guests, such as representatives from the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Radio and Television, major state-owned enterprises, various associations, and foreign guests, were equally impressive.

However, the group of alumni guests was the most eye-catching.

This team includes alumni representatives from all departments and grades of Beijing Film Academy, from the performance cadre training class at the school's founding to the 2012 class.

It's not that they have a huge influence, but there are just too many elderly people among them, some in their seventies, eighties, or even nineties.

Many of them were helped down the red carpet; it was hard not to attract attention.

As it approached five o'clock, Wei Jin saw Liu Yifei, Huang Bai, Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, and Jiang Yiyan, representing the 02 class of the Performing Arts Department, taking their places alongside the 01 class.

One familiar face after another walked the red carpet, each with a polite smile on their face.

Some people's smiles are simply nauseating, like "Flower of Evil" Yao Dazui, Du Chun and Jia Naliang from the Backstabbing Cult.
Damn it, if you add Huang Shengyi, who also shamelessly hyped up the red carpet, the 01 class of Beijing Film Academy really produced some truly exceptional individuals!
However, it must be admitted that the saying "Beijing Film Academy produces stars" is no joke.

Many of the graduates, at least those from the class of 11 and earlier, have already made a name for themselves in the industry.

As a result, the red carpet event for the performing arts department group lasted the longest.

By the time the most prestigious and final class of '96, the star class, took the stage, it was already six o'clock!
"It's our turn."

Tian Zhuangzhuang turned around and reminded Wei Jin and Chen Shiren, then led the way to the preparation area at the front.

The volunteers at the scene quickly put red scarves on everyone.

Yes, everyone who walked the red carpet was there, but thankfully the weather wasn't too hot, so it was bearable!
"Next, please welcome distinguished alumni representatives from the Directing Department: Director Tian Zhuangzhuang, Director Chen Kaige, and Director Wei Jin, along with all outstanding alumni of the Directing Department."

In places like schools, seniority is indeed a factor, so there's no problem with Mr. Wei being ranked third.

Didn't they see the others, such as Lu Yang and Han Jianu, who didn't even deserve to have their names?

The three of them took the lead, with the rest of the directors following closely behind. The scene was quite spectacular and attracted everyone's attention.

Wei Jin could even feel the envious glances from the guests, especially those from the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy!
And this doesn't even include Zhang Yimou, Gu Changwei, Ning Hao, who are in the photography department, as well as Section Chief Jia, Cao Baoping, Xue Xiaolu, and others from the literature department!
The red carpet event lasted from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

During this time, Wei Jin was also invited by school leaders to have a meal with some guests, since he is currently the school's most prominent figure.
It wasn't until after 7:30 p.m., when night had completely fallen, that the school anniversary gala truly began.

At this point, there were no more formalities. Wei Jin, Ning Hao, Lu Yang, and Guo Fan sat together and boasted.

After all, according to the school's procedures, the party would last for quite a while, and he couldn't possibly be all lovey-dovey with his two wives in the open air.

What's baffling is that the school really has something going for it, actually appointing Huang Xiaoming and Zhao Yanzi from the class of '96 as the hosts of the gala.

It's worth noting that both of them have been embroiled in negative news lately.

Let's not even mention Huang Xiaoming; he's still labeled as "extravagant and dissolute," and he's been keeping a low profile for the past seven or eight days.

Zhao Yanzi was also rumored to have obtained inside information and profited handsomely in the acquisition of Ali and Youku.

But putting all that aside, their hosting skills are decent, after all, they've seen it all before.

Yes, Huang Xiaoming's greasy humor is also a big plus.

The gala performances continued until nine o'clock, when VIP guests began to take the stage to speak.

Nearly half an hour later, the final awards ceremony finally arrived.

Yes, there was an awards ceremony for this school anniversary celebration, and there were three major awards.

Although it's an internal award, many people are still quite looking forward to it, after all, it's recognition from their alma mater.

At least, the guys around Wei Jin were all quite excited, and they were just guessing what award they would win tonight.

At this point, Huang Xiaoming had already invited the principal to the stage to begin the first round of awards presentations.

"On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the school, in order to commend the outstanding graduates and alumni for their contributions to the alma mater, the school has specially prepared trophies and certificates."

The following individuals received the Outstanding Alumni Award: Wang Zhiwen, Jiang Wenli, Wang Jinsong, Huang Xiaoming, Zhao Yanzi, Chen Kun, Huang Bai, Liu Yifei, and Jing Tian.

The dozens or even hundreds of actors who were named went on stage one by one, and the principal personally presented them with trophies and certificates.

By this time, Wei Jin had already figured it out—school awards were also based on one's status and connections within the industry!

Sure enough, the next round of awards ceremony, which took place a dozen minutes later, confirmed Wei Jin's guess.

The following individuals received the Outstanding Alumni Award: Han Sanping, Yu Dong, Chen Kaige, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Section Chief Jia, Gu Changwei, Lou Ye, Wang Xiaoshuai, Ning Hao, Lu Yang, Guo Fan, Cao Baoping, and Xue Xiaolu.

Clearly, distinguished alumni are fewer than outstanding alumni, but they also have a higher status and greater achievements within their respective fields!
Many people at the scene realized what was happening and glanced, intentionally or unintentionally, at big names like Wei Jin and Zhang Yimou, whose names had not yet been mentioned.

If nothing unexpected happens, they will most likely win a prize.

No one expected that the last award would not be an alumni award with progressive levels, but rather an award similar to a lifetime achievement!
"To recognize those who have made pioneering achievements in the film industry, the school, in conjunction with the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and other departments, selected three individuals from three generations—old, middle-aged, and young—to be awarded the 'Special Contribution Award.'"

"The recipients of the Special Contribution Award are: Director Xie Fei, Director Zhang Yimou, and Director Wei Jin!"

Well, selecting three people from three generations—old, middle-aged, and young—makes this list of award winners quite reasonable.

Because from any perspective, none of those present could defeat these three.

However, many directors still looked regretful as they watched the three people walk onto the stage. After all, the award was jointly presented by multiple departments, and its prestige was quite high.

At this moment, Poet Chen's face was extremely pale.

He and Zhang Yimou were classmates and rivals, but he was completely defeated at the 65th anniversary celebration of his alma mater!

Wei Jin couldn't understand Chen Shiren's inner thoughts at all; after receiving the trophy and certificate, he was still a little unaccustomed to it.

This is a "lifetime" award, but he was only 32 years old two months ago.

However, Mr. Wei had seen it all before, and by the time the first two winners had spoken, he had already composed himself.

Looking at the huge crowd below the stage, Mr. Wei began his acceptance speech.

"I am very happy to receive this award. It is an affirmation, support, and encouragement for me! I will continue to work hard in the future and live up to the expectations of my alma mater and leaders."

After expressing his gratitude, Wei Jin did not rush to leave the stage. Instead, he stayed on stage and began his last act of showing off that night!
"On the occasion of the school's anniversary, I am very happy and hope to do something for my alma mater to repay the teachings, care and encouragement I have received all along."

I also talked to the school leaders several times, asking if we could send some gifts to the school to express our gratitude, but after discussing several proposals, we felt that none of them were quite appropriate.

After much deliberation, I decided that donating money was the most appropriate thing to do. It might seem a bit tacky, but it's the thought that counts!

After speaking, Wei Jin turned around and gestured, and the principal and vice-principal appeared with happy expressions, holding giant check-shaped cardboard signs.

Whether the check is formatted correctly or not is not important; what matters is the number on it.

There are quite a few Arabic numerals [0], making them difficult to count, but Chinese numerals are much easier to recognize.

One hundred and ten million yuan!
(End of this chapter)