China Entertainment: Great directors start by winning actresses

Chapter 350 The Industry’s Pill!!
This series of thoughts is indeed profound and thought-provoking.

For many people, entering the entertainment industry seems to be a shortcut to fame and fortune, especially for those who already come from wealthy families, which seems even more puzzling.

However, if you think about it carefully, this choice also conforms to a certain logic.

When parents decide to send their children into the entertainment industry, they may have seen the glamour of this industry and believed that it is a platform that can allow their children to quickly stand out and gain attention.

However, as they gain a deeper understanding of the entertainment industry, they may gradually realize the hardships and darkness behind this industry, as well as the potential threats this industry poses to personal privacy, mental health, etc.

In this case, it is completely reasonable for them to choose to give up the idea of ​​letting their children enter the entertainment industry.

For wealthy people, they may not value the meager profits that the entertainment industry can bring. They have broader investment channels and more ways to make money.

Therefore, even a high-paid star like Zheng Xiannv, who earns 200 million yuan a day, is just the tip of the iceberg in the eyes of real rich people.

In China, celebrities do have a certain halo in front of ordinary people, but in front of rich people, they may just be an ordinary person among many successful people.

Unless their children truly have a passion for being a star, are intoxicated by the feeling of being the center of attention, and enjoy the glory of standing in the center of the stage, most wealthy parents are not willing to let their children enter the entertainment industry.

When Su Zhe heard rumors that Ren Zhenfei wanted his daughter to enter the entertainment industry, he was skeptical. After all, if the child does not have a strong desire, the parents' expectations are often difficult to achieve.

But if children insist on their dreams, we can only respect their choices.

The dream of becoming a star does have an irresistible appeal to many people, because it means being the center of attention and shining brightly.

However, many people often overlook the efforts and difficulties required to go from an ordinary person to the center of the stage.

Su Zhe captured this point keenly. He not only showed this difficult journey, but also revealed the risks that might be encountered on this road without hesitation.

As a result, the effects of the programs he produced far exceeded expectations and caused a huge response.

After hanging up the call with Dong Lifan, Su Zhe received another call from an unknown number.

After the call was connected, the other party introduced himself as Huang Dongdong, the father of Huang Zitao.

Su Zhe immediately understood that another rich second-generation parent had come to visit. However, Huang Dongdong was not the kind of person who merely created a rich second-generation persona, he was indeed a super-rich man.

As early as the late 90s, Huang Dongdong had already made his mark in Qingdao. After retiring from the army, he began to enter the business world and engage in private equity investment.

His assets had already exceeded 10 million, and he was ranked seventh on the Qingdao rich list at that time.

This is a true first-generation rich man, whose net worth has already reached tens of billions. Although his name may not be often seen on the rich list, his influence in the entertainment industry cannot be ignored.

It is reasonable for him to get Su Zhe's phone number.

"Hello, Mr. Huang, I've heard of you." Su Zhe responded politely.

"Director Su, excuse me for interrupting you. I don't know much about the entertainment industry, but after watching your production of "Dreaming in the Entertainment Industry," I was shocked. I want to ask, is the entertainment industry really that exaggerated?

Also, is the entertainment environment in Korea better than here?"

Huang Dongdong raised his question straight to the point.

Su Zhe coughed lightly and said seriously: "Mr. Huang, let me tell you this, if I had a son, I would definitely not let him enter the entertainment industry to be a star.

You can see, how many descendants of super-rich people or political bigwigs would choose to become celebrities?
I think you can understand the reason behind this.”

"As for the entertainment environment in South Korea, I can tell you responsibly that it is even darker.

You can look up the example of a Korean star named Zhang Ziyan, I believe you will be amazed. "Su Zhe added.

Huang Dongdong's tone became complicated: "I understand, thank you Director Su."

"You're welcome." After Su Zhe hung up the phone, he looked at his phone with a strange expression.

Wen Yongshan came over and noticed Su Zhe's expression, so she asked, "What's wrong? You look a little strange."

Su Zhe's tone revealed deep worry: "It seems that I have accidentally done something big."

He pondered for a moment and continued, "Four sons returned home, so two are missing?

The original intention of producing the variety show "Dreaming in the Entertainment Circle" was to dissuade those who blindly pursue the dream of becoming a star."

"After all, the entertainment industry is just a very small circle, and its impact on the country and the people is not that big.

Moreover, the output value of the entire entertainment industry is indeed limited compared to other industries.

The highest box office for a movie is only 2 to billion, but a company like Xiaomi can achieve sales of million in just one minute by releasing a mobile phone.

This is just one model of Xiaomi. If we compare it with Huawei, Apple and other companies, it would be a dimensionality reduction attack.”

"The combined market value of all entertainment companies may not be enough to defeat some large technology companies with one hand." Su Zhe's voice gradually became firm.

"So, such a small circle should not be praised too much. The higher you stand, the harder it hurts when you fall. Small fights are actually good. If everyone wants to join the entertainment industry, it will not only not be a prosperous era for the entertainment industry, but a crisis for the entertainment industry."

Su Zhe took a deep breath, feeling deeply moved.

In her previous life, even Ren Zhenfei’s daughter, who graduated from Harvard University, dreamed of entering the entertainment industry. Many rich second-generations also rushed in. This trend is indeed worrying.

He always believed that instead of waiting until the problem became serious enough for the country to take strong measures, it would be better to pour cold water on the trend in advance and let everyone think calmly.

He didn't expect that the effect of this basin of "cold water" would be so significant and work so quickly.

Just after hanging up the phone with Huang Zitao’s father, he was surprised by Zhang Tianai’s call.

"Are you going to quit the entertainment industry too?" Su Zhe blurted out this sentence, making Zhang Tianai on the other end of the phone very confused.

"Director Su, what are you talking about?" Zhang Tianai's tone was a little flustered.

Su Zhe realized that he was too nervous and quickly explained: "It's okay, I just had a little stress reaction. What do you want to talk to me about?"

Zhang Tianai relaxed a little and said, "Director Su, do you have time? I want to explain to you what happened in the show."

There was a small hint of nervousness in her voice. “I didn’t mean to take advantage of you.”

Su Zhe understood what Zhang Tianai was referring to.

During the show, Zhang Tianai did publicly state that she was "protected" by Su Zhe. Although this was to a certain extent for the show effect, it might also cause some misunderstandings to the audience and the outside world.

"I know what you said on the show, and I understand your original intention." Su Zhe's tone became gentle.

"But you have to know that such a statement may cause misunderstanding. However, I believe that the audience will understand you. I will give you some advice when I have time."

Zhang Tianai breathed a sigh of relief and said gratefully, "Thank you, Director Su. I really just wanted to use your name to increase the topic, and I have no ill intentions."

Su Zhe smiled and said, "It's okay, I understand.

The entertainment industry is like this, sometimes you need some topics to increase exposure.

However, we still have to try to remain authentic and honest so that we can win the respect and love of the audience.”

The two chatted about topics related to the show for a while, and Zhang Tianai expressed her gratitude for Su Zhe's honesty and understanding.

This incident did not cause any trouble to Su Zhe. He was a "single dog" who was used to being alone and did not care about such things.

Since Zhang Tianai wanted to explain, Su Zhe gave her the opportunity.

"Tomorrow night, I should be free tomorrow night." Su Zhe replied, "I have other work arrangements today."

"Okay, then I'll wait for you tomorrow night, Director Su." Zhang Tianai was obviously relieved. She could tell that Su Zhe was not angry, which made her feel a lot more relaxed.

However, before hanging up the call with Zhang Tianai, Su Zhe's phone rang again.

He looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Deputy Director Zhang's number. Su Zhe was a little surprised, but he quickly answered the call.

"Leader, do you have any instructions?" Su Zhe asked respectfully.

Deputy Director Zhang's voice was full of laughter. "Director Su, your variety show Chasing Dreams in the Entertainment Circle has received a very good response! After the last episode was released, both the Ministry of Public Security and the Narcotics Control Brigade expressed their approval. Director Gao and I even received a call from the leaders of the Ministry of Public Security to express our gratitude. This is all thanks to you."

Su Zhe was a little surprised when he heard this. He didn't expect his program to be so highly recognized, which made him a little flattered. However, he quickly regained his composure and said modestly: "It's all thanks to the leadership's guidance. I just did my best." "Director Su, you are too modest. We are only responsible for approval. The specific execution and creation are all the credit of your team." Deputy Director Zhang praised and asked with concern: "I heard that many contestants wanted to withdraw from the competition after this episode went online?"

Su Zhe did not deny it and answered frankly: "The leaders are well-informed. It is true that some people want to withdraw, but the main program has been recorded. It is too late for them to withdraw now. They can only choose to withdraw from the circle."

"Yes, this is the effect we want."

Deputy Director Zhang was very pleased and continued, "Director Su, Director Gao asked me to tell you to keep up the good work and not be afraid of offending people or persuading them to quit.

The entertainment industry is a highly exposed industry, but what it really needs is self-reflection rather than blindly pursuing superficial prosperity.

What we want is the long-term development of the entertainment industry, not just temporary prosperity.”

Su Zhe nodded in agreement: “I understand.

This is just like the stock market, we want a slow bull market, not a crazy bull market.

The entertainment industry is now showing a trend of bubble formation. After the invasion of capital, the way the entertainment industry operates has undergone tremendous changes, becoming more and more impetuous and prosperous, but its foundation is becoming less and less solid.

Such prosperity is doomed to not last long.”

"When the prosperity fades away, it is bound to be a mess. Instead of this, it is better to cool down the entertainment industry."

Su Zhe's words were full of deep thought, and he continued, "Let the world know that although there are a lot of stupid people and a lot of money in the entertainment industry, not everyone can make money.

As glamorous as this industry appears on the surface, it is dark and cruel in secret.

Even if you can endure the cruelty in secret, you may not have the chance to enjoy the glory in public."

These words are undoubtedly a profound reminder to those children who dream of becoming stars and to their parents who want their children to succeed.

The cruel reality of the entertainment industry requires them to seriously consider and face it.

Deputy Director Zhang also agreed on the other end of the phone: "Director Su, you are right. The entertainment industry really needs such a clear understanding. Just go for it. Director Gao and I will always support you."

Su Zhe said gratefully: "Thank you for your support, I feel more confident. I will continue to do my best to contribute to the healthy development of the entertainment industry."

With the imperial sword in hand, there is no need to be bound by etiquette.

Su Zhe was not a pretentious person, and he had no intention of being artificially polite.

After the third episode of "Chasing Dreams in the Entertainment Circle" was broadcast, although the response outside the circle was slightly inferior to the second episode, its influence within the entertainment circle was as fierce as a volcanic eruption.

For those stars and extras who are struggling at the bottom of the entertainment industry, as well as those who have dreams and are eager to enter this circle, this episode is undoubtedly a bombshell.

The impact was so great that even the president of Beijing Film Academy felt uneasy.

As soon as Su Zhe returned to Beijing, he was stopped by the president of Beijing Film Academy, who was full of complaints as soon as he opened his mouth.

"Su Zhe, others are bringing glory to their alma mater, but you are digging our grave." Su Zhe frowned slightly when he heard this.

"Principal, is the situation so serious?"

The principal took a deep breath, his face full of worry and confusion: "The program has a huge influence, especially for young students and young people with dreams. Your remarks and opinions may mislead them. We are worried that this will affect the school's reputation and future enrollment."

After hearing this, Su Zhe fell into deep thought.

He understood that the principal's concerns were not groundless, but he also firmly believed that his original intention was to expose the truth about the entertainment industry and help those who were truly talented and had dreams find their own stage.

He spoke slowly: “Principal, I understand your concerns, but I think that only by letting more people understand the true face of this circle can they make more wise choices.

As for the school's reputation and future, I believe that truly talented people will not easily give up their dreams because of a program."

"And is it really that serious?"

"Yes, it really is." The principal said heavily.

"The number of applicants to our school this year has dropped by almost one-fifth, and the situation at other film schools is roughly the same."

He sighed and added worriedly: "This is a pill. This trend does not bode well for the future of our school."

Su Zhe listened quietly, but he had a different opinion in his heart. He thought it might be a good thing.

After all, although stars in the entertainment industry are dazzling, compared to the huge student base of major art colleges, only a very small number of them can truly become stars.

The number of cannon fodder always far exceeds that of stars.

Even if the number of candidates really decreased by a quarter, the number of cannon fodder would still be much greater than that of stars.

However, Su Zhe did experience the power and pleasure of manipulating public opinion.

After reaching a certain height and possessing great influence, he discovered that he really had the ability to influence the lives of many people.

This kind of pleasure and sense of accomplishment is even stronger than the satisfaction he got when pursuing female stars.

However, he knows that this power can also have negative consequences, so he is more vigilant and self-reflective.

On the night he returned to Beijing, Su Zhe did not go out to hang out with female stars as he had done in the past. Instead, he chose a quiet night and took a good cold shower.

He actually knew that he had a great influence a long time ago, but today he has a deeper understanding of his current power.

To be honest, this energy is indeed a bit too huge.

When one person has the ability to influence the lives of many people, it is both a great honor and a heavy burden.

He knew that those who possessed social influence must use that power carefully, or society would teach them a severe lesson.

Countless top stars have ultimately fallen due to the abuse of their influence.

This previous experience made him more vigilant, and he knew that he could not repeat the same mistake.

Su Zhe knew that he didn't want to follow in the footsteps of those stars who fell from grace due to the abuse of their influence.

Therefore, he took these people as examples, thought carefully, and formulated several rules of conduct for himself in the future.

First: Stick to working behind the scenes and reduce the chances of appearing in public.

He understands that as a director, he should let his works speak for himself rather than pursuing star-like traffic and exposure.

He can have fans who pursue his career, but he will never allow himself to become a star who only pursues traffic.

Second: Except for politically correct speech, reduce speech on public platforms.

Su Zhe understood that if he talked too much, he would make mistakes. It was impossible for him to understand everything, nor was it possible for him to make correct judgments on everything.

Therefore, he chose to restrain himself and avoid speaking excessively in public so as not to mislead others.

Third: Resolutely draw a clear line between ourselves and illegal and disorderly behaviors, especially serious illegal activities such as gambling and drug-related crimes.

He knew that the law was the bottom line that could not be crossed, and once it was crossed, there would be no recovery.

Su Zhe knew that these principles were only the basis for his future actions, and he needed to constantly adjust and improve them according to actual conditions.

After self-reflection, Su Zhe felt his mind became calmer and clearer.

He understood that such self-reflection was very necessary.

In the entertainment industry, which is a world of fame and fortune, many people will experience the process of becoming famous quickly and then rapidly expanding.

Once you become inflated, it is easy to make wrong decisions and lead to decline.

Su Zhe doesn't want to be such a person. He wants to be guided by his own principles, stay sober and humble, and keep moving forward.

Dr. Zhai’s question “What is CNKI” really ruined his reputation.

(End of this chapter)