Hong Kong variety show: I Am a Tycoon

Chapter 188 officially begins filming.

Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Horse racing is a unique cultural custom in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong also has a professional horse racing club. The selection of members for the horse racing club is quite strict.

Having money alone is not enough; one also needs credibility. Therefore, becoming a member of the Jockey Club is a symbol of wealth.

Meanwhile, Raymond Chow was sitting in a luxury box, sipping red wine and preparing to watch his beloved horse, "Gold," race on the track.

It is called "Gold" because his arch-rival, Shaw Yi-fu, had a horse called "Silver".

The two are now locked in a fierce battle, and Raymond Chow also wants to put Shaw in a better position in the horse racing world.

At this moment, he was repeatedly flipping through the "Horse Racing Guide," and even the horse racing guide in the Commercial Daily was optimistic about his steed.

Inside the private box sat Sir John Cheuk, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces stationed in Hong Kong, and the two were chatting and laughing.

The competition began quickly, and after a fierce contest, [Gold] won third place.

Just one step away from the championship, after the big show, Zou Wenhuai went to the stables to comfort his beloved horse, and then invited Jiahe's favorite general Hong Jingbao to a nightclub for a big celebration.

Although they didn't get third place, it was still something to celebrate as long as they beat Shaw.

They drank until 2 a.m., and then Jia and the others left one by one.

Since he got older, he has always slept alone. However, this does not mean that Zou Wenhuai no longer has any contact with women.

Despite his age, he was still very energetic.

However, now only young and beautiful girls can arouse his interest.

The next day.

For some reason, Zou Wenhuai woke up very early, and the dawn light made his bedroom dimly lit.

At the other end of the bed, there was something familiar. Zou Wenhuai propped himself up on his elbows and, in his drowsy state, he saw the outline of a horse's head, but it was still somewhat blurry. Zou Wenhuai reached out and turned on the bedside lamp.

"I'll choose."

Upon seeing it, Zou Wenhuai almost fainted, as if a huge iron hammer had struck his chest.

His heartbeat suddenly became erratic, and he felt waves of nausea rising in his chest.

She vomited with a "whoosh," spilling expensive red wine mixed with food scraps all over the thick, high-end carpet.

His thoroughbred horse, Gold, had its head chopped off, its black, silky head gleaming.

"Someone come quickly."

Zou Wenhuai was terrified by an instinctive fear, and out of this fear, he screamed and shouted for his Filipino maid to come quickly.

Driven by the same sense of terror, Zou Wenhuai made a phone call to his subordinates, unable to control himself.

He had a wild, incoherent outburst that terrified his family, who immediately called their private doctor.

Of course, Zou Wenhuai had already recovered before the doctor arrived.

What kind of person could bear to chop off the head of a horse worth 100 million?

There was not a single warning beforehand.

No negotiations are conducted before taking such action; the action itself negates the negotiations.

This is an act of extreme ruthlessness, a power that disregards all rules.

Besides Hung Hing boss Jun, who else in Hong Kong could do that?

Zou Wenhuai is not a stupid person; he has simply lived under the rules for too long.

The reason is that he refused to allow the bigwig Jun to invest in his cinema chain.

Zou Wenhuai asked the doctor to give him a sedative, which helped him calm down and allowed him to think clearly.

What truly shocked him was that Chen Jiajun could so casually order the killing of a fine horse worth 100 million.

The thought of this made Zou Wenhuai tremble.

Perhaps he can follow the clues and eventually find Chen Jiajun, but what kind of punishment can the law give for killing a racehorse?

"Wen Huai, should we call the police?"

"Dad, this is too much! It must have been Shao Laoliu who did it."

Are you feeling any better?

Zou Wenhuai shook his head: "It's alright, you guys go out first, Achang, you stay here."

"Click." The doctor closed the door.

Are there any suspects?

He Guangchang was the second-in-command at Jiahe and someone Zou Wenhuai could trust.

Zou Wenhuai gripped He Guangchang's hand tightly: "It must have been done by Boss Jun. He's not someone we can handle."

"Damn it, what should we do? Should we ask our friends in the underworld to come out and negotiate?" He Guangchang's heart tightened.

"He dares to play with a gun in front of the Commissioner of Police, who are you going to ask for help?"

Zou Wenhuai gripped He Guangchang's hand tightly and said, "Achang, the only way we can save our lives now is to sell the cinema chain company."

Six hours later.

Zou Wenhuai had fully recovered and was on the phone with Chen Jiajun: "Mr. Chen, I have a completely new idea about Golden Harvest Cinemas. Do you have time today?"

"This afternoon," Chen Jiajun said lazily.

in the afternoon.

When the pale-faced Zou Wenhuai arrived at Deep Water Bay with several of Jiahe's generals, there stood twenty young demon slaves nearby, all averaging about 1.9 meters tall. They were dressed in suits and ties, and their murky, bloodthirsty eyes were hidden behind sunglasses.

Meanwhile, Leung Kwan, Xu Ke from Art City, Mak Ka, Zeng Ziwei, Wu Yusen and others were also present.

"Thump." After a short and crisp sound, the ball went into the hole.

"nice shot!"

Hole-in-one.

The caddies and the players from Yicheng and Jiahe all applauded enthusiastically. The caddie even took out his camera: "Mr. Chen, this is your first hole-in-one at Deep Water Bay Golf Club. The club will present you with a medal later. I would also like to take a picture of you as a souvenir."

"Row."

"Give every guest at the golf course a bottle of Pérignon Champagne."

Chen Jiajun took off his sunglasses with a smile.

After taking the photos, Chen Jiajun took off his gloves, raised his champagne glass, and clinked it against Zou Wenhuai's: "Mr. Zou, why did you suddenly change your mind?"

"It's my pleasure to help others achieve their goals," Zou Wenhuai said with a humble and polite smile.

These words had a different meaning to the Seven Eccentrics of Yicheng, Wu Yusen, and others.

"That's right, a wise person knows when to yield. If you had made this decision sooner, I wouldn't have had to send someone to deal with you."

The saying goes, "You can't hit someone who's smiling," but in Da Lao Jun's opinion, that's just a joke.

At this point, Chen Jiajun was essentially admitting that he had someone else make the horse that Zou Wenhuai loved...

“Mr. Chen is absolutely right. I wonder how much money you are prepared to acquire Jiahe Cinemas?” Zou Wenhuai forced a smile.

"If you're going to sell it, then you should set the price, so people won't say I don't respect the elderly and care for the young."

Chen Jiajun sat down in the chair and took out a cigar.

After thinking for a moment, Zou Wenhuai said, "Jiahe Cinemas has six theaters with a total of 24 screens. The land and the price is 3000 million. What do you think?"

Chen Jiajun looked up at the sea not far away and slowly exhaled a puff of cigar.

Doom and Old Prison smiled at Zou Wenhuai.

Zou Wenhuai was horrified and quickly waved his hand: "2000 million."

"You said it yourself, no one forced you, right?" Chen Jiajun looked at Zou Wenhuai.

"Of course not," Zou Wenhuai quickly replied.

Chen Jiajun nodded: "Good, you know what's good for you. Attorney Huang, go and get the contract."

"Here it comes!" Huang Dawen called out, instructing his subordinates to bring over the contract that had been prepared beforehand.

After the contract was signed and the payment was made, Zou Wenhuai immediately had someone publish the news in the newspaper that "Jiahe Cinema Line has been transferred." At the same time, all the logos of Jiahe Cinema Line were removed and replaced with the logo of Hongxing Cinema Line.

at the same time.

Hung Hing Films' president, Liang Kun, announced that the company will spend 100 million to expand its cinema chain.

a.

Hongxing Film Studio conference room.

Chen Jiajun took over the storyboard for "A Better Tomorrow" from director Wu Yusen.

After reviewing the document, Chen Jiajun coughed and said, "The reason I called everyone here today is to discuss how to integrate advertising into this movie."

"Product placement?"

The Seven Eccentrics of Yicheng, Xu Ke, Wu Yusen, and others were all somewhat baffled by Zhang Er.

Chen Jiajun explained, "Film is an art of light and shadow. If our films have high box office returns, or if our films are classics, the advertising effect they bring cannot be measured in money."

"Ah Sen, you watch Charlie Chaplin's movies often, right?"

Wu Yusen, worthy of being remembered as a famous Hong Kong director in later generations, said, "Mr. Chen, I understand what you mean. You want to insert advertisements into the movie?"

"Won't this feel too abrupt to the audience?" Mega asked hesitantly.

Chen Jiajun shook his head: "No, sometimes product placement only needs a logo and a line of dialogue to achieve unexpected results."

"We're having this meeting today to study every scene and every frame to see where we can insert advertisements."

Next, a two-day meeting was held to discuss how to integrate advertising into the film. First and foremost, it was confirmed that several brands from Guojun Garment Factory would sponsor all the clothing for the film.

Two days later.

The meeting room was filled with a strong smell of smoke, so strong that it even soaked into everyone's clothes. The ashtrays were piled high with cigarette butts and ash, and several lunch boxes were placed in the corner.

Over the past two days, everyone has brainstormed and analyzed the entire film frame by frame, scene by scene, to determine which shots could incorporate advertisements, what type of advertisements could be incorporated, and how the cameras should be positioned.

Although everyone was physically exhausted after the meeting, they were all incredibly excited.

According to Chen Jiajun's plan, after analyzing the structure, everyone discovered that the advertising revenue from the film alone could cover most of the filming costs.

Everyone was completely in awe of Chen Jiajun.

After rinsing his mouth, Chen Jiajun said energetically, "By the way, since everyone is here now, there are some things I'd like to talk about. In the future, Hongxing Film Industry will benchmark itself against Hollywood. We will use the latest film and television technology and the newest and most cutting-edge special effects technology."

"At the same time, we also need to have our own film set and photography base."

"I've found the film set, Diamond Hill Film Set."

"Diamond Hill Studios is valued at 500 million and is currently owned by SJM Holdings."

“I am a shareholder of SJM Holdings, and I will try my best to negotiate a lower price.”

"In order to cope with the major changes that the group will undergo, I propose that Hong Hing Film Industry increase its share capital, with at least 5 million yuan to be injected."

Currently, the shareholding structure of Hung Hing Film Industry is as follows: Yicheng, founded by the Seven Eccentrics of Yicheng, holds 49% of the shares, while Hung Hing Group holds 51%. The name Hung Hing Film Industry was chosen to avoid being associated with Hung Hing.

As for Diamond Hill Studios, it was once owned by Hong Kong film industry tycoon Tsao Ta-hua, but Tsao Ta-hua was addicted to gambling and lost his studio to gambling king Ho Sin.

Upon hearing this, the seven oddballs of Art City Pictures were dumbfounded, especially Mai Jia.

Their financial resources are far inferior to Chen Jiajun's. Moreover, Chen Jiajun is in charge of Hung Hing Films. If they want their shares to be kept from being diluted, they have no choice but to contribute money.

Mecca was speechless for a moment; this was clearly a case of discarding a useful tool after it has served its purpose.

Chen Jiajun continued, "Of course, there is another option: I will acquire the Hongxing shares owned by Yicheng Company, and then I will provide some funds to help you set up your own studios. In the future, Hongxing Film Industry will fund all the productions of your studios."

In other words, Hongxing Film Industry will operate on a partnership system going forward.

It is indeed a case of discarding a donkey after it has served its purpose.

To put it more deeply, Chen Jiajun did not want the equity issues of Yicheng Company to lead to the loss of talents such as Zeng Ziwei and Xu Ke in the future.

The shareholding structure of ArtCity is very complex. Mai Jia is undoubtedly the person in charge of ArtCity, holding 60% of the shares, while talents such as Xu Ke and Zeng Ziwei do not have any shares in ArtCity.

In the short term, there may not seem to be any problems, but in the long run, people like Tsui Hark and Tsang Tsz-wai will definitely leave Art City, or even leave Hung Hing Films.

Therefore, Chen Jiajun wanted to lay some unpleasant things out in advance, and nip this trend in the bud before Mecca became too big and strong.

After Chen Jiajun finished speaking, Zeng Ziwei, Xu Ke, Mai Jia and others showed various expressions, including joy, confusion and bewilderment.

After hesitating for a moment, McGregor finally said readily, "Mr. Chen, Yicheng Company is willing to sell you its shares for 500 million. What do you think?"

The experience of Mr. Zou of Jiahe is still fresh in everyone's mind. Even a film industry tycoon like Zou Wenhuai bowed his head in front of Boss Jun, so Mai Jia naturally chose to bow his head as well.

"can."

"Don't worry, I've always been fair in my dealings. As long as you work diligently under me, I will give you a great deal of autonomy."

Chen Jiajun nodded, readily took out his checkbook, wrote down the amount of tens of millions, and handed it to Mecca.

Immediately afterwards, Chen Jiajun added:

"Alright, we'll tentatively release the film on Christmas Day. Time is running out, Ah Kun."

“Ah Da.” Liang Kun raised his hand.

"Go and establish Hung Hing Advertising Company and recruit some advertising talent. During this time, you should go and talk to major brands in Hong Kong about sponsorships."

"Also, everyone present should sign this confidentiality agreement."

"I only have one requirement for the movie 'A Better Tomorrow': to strive for perfection."

After a pause, Chen Jiajun looked at the art director: "Zhang Shuping."

"Boss, I'm here."

Chen Jiajun assigned the task: "You immediately need to tailor-make costumes for the lead actors we've confirmed, as well as the tentative supporting actors. Our brand of clothing will be opening exclusive stores throughout Hong Kong. We aim to make the movie an instant hit after its release."

"Understood." Zhang Shuping nodded.

"Alright, everyone go back and get some rest. From today onwards, Hong Kong's film industry will be rewritten by our Hung Hing."

After assigning all tasks, Chen Jiajun adjourned the meeting.

……

Hong Kong is known as the Hollywood of the East, and many film stars have been born here.

Cao Dahua is one of them.

Anyone with even a slight understanding of Hong Kong's film and television industry knows how weighty those three words are.

Even now, his name and that of his former on-screen partner Yu Suqiu are still occasionally used as "jokes" in various films and television dramas.

In the 1960s, Tsao Ta-hua was a true film mogul.

He started acting at the age of 15 and averaged more than 20 movies a year. Because he was not afraid of taking a loss and was willing to work hard, everyone on set was willing to help him.

In 1939, he landed his first leading role in the film "Biographies of Exemplary Women".

After that, Tsao Ta-hua had a smooth career, and his business acumen gradually became apparent. He became incredibly popular, while Shaw Brothers had only recently been established.

At his peak, Tsao Ta-hua owned the entire Diamond Hill film studio, several cinemas, and properties on half a street, with a total value exceeding 3 million yuan.

Keep in mind, that was 300 million in the 1960s.

In 1972, Sir John Paul Woo invested only 3 million dollars to build the Hung Hom Tunnel.

An ordinary person couldn't save up this much money in ten lifetimes.

So how long would it take to squander them all?

The answer is, one year.

In 1964, while filming "Cape of Horror" in Macau, Tsao Ta-hua won several rounds in a row playing blackjack, which made his gambling addiction, which he already enjoyed, uncontrollable.

At first, Cao Dahua dominated, winning almost every match.

But he quickly started losing, and by the time he realized it, it was too late to turn back.

Cao Dahua first lost all his cash, then his film set, property, and even his wife's savings.

In the eyes of gamblers, the more they lose, the more they want to gamble; they believe that gambling is not about losing.

This plays right into the casino's hands; they're never afraid of you winning money, they're afraid of you not coming.

Not to mention Cao Dahua, even the Ghost King Nie Aotian has lost a billion yuan in casinos.

In the end, Cao Dahua successfully lost the entire Diamond Hill film studio to He Xin.

“Thanks to gamblers like Cao Dahua, our SJM Holdings was able to get through those difficult years in the beginning. Later, I saw that Cao Dahua had lost all his wealth, and I couldn’t bear it, so I gave him a VIP card so that he could eat and drink for free at SJM Holdings’ properties.”

At this point, He Xin's tone was somewhat wistful: "I understand the word 'gambling' too well, so I never gamble. Not gambling is winning."

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Jiajun took a sip of tea and said, "Brother Xin, could you sell me the Diamond Hill film studio?"

He Xin had also heard about Chen Jiajun's acquisition of Jiahe Cinemas, and smiled slightly: "Selling it to you isn't out of the question, but before that, how about playing chess with me?"

For Stanley Ho, the Diamond Hill film set held no value.

"Okay, I'll play chess with you, but if I win, could you give me a discount?"

Chen Jiajun immediately made the request.

"Name your price as long as you beat me," He Xin said generously.

Two days later, Chen Jiajun, who had been eating and drinking at Villa No. 1 in Repulse Bay for two whole days, successfully defeated He Xin.

"Push to the street!"

"If I didn't have to go to Macau today, I would definitely have won this game."

For two whole days and nights, the two did nothing but eat and play chess. However, apart from the first five minutes, the rest of the time was spent arguing and wasting time, with neither willing to admit defeat.

During this time, He Tian'er, He Tianbao, and even Amei came to persuade the two, but the two were evenly matched and neither was willing to admit defeat.

And so, Chen Jiajun acquired the Diamond Hill film set, which would later be worth hundreds of billions, for 4 million.

The land price for Diamond Hill Studios is even more expensive than that for Shaw Brothers Studios and TVB Studios.

After acquiring Diamond Hill Studios, Chen Jiajun purchased a set of Sony BETACAM camcorders from Japan, along with a number of brand-new photography equipment, for Hung Hing Films.

One month later, at the Diamond Hill film set.

A group of people, including Chen Jiajun, Liang Kun, Da Fei, Wu Yusen, Xu Ke, and Chow Yun-fat, are holding the opening ceremony for "A Better Tomorrow".

A Better Tomorrow

Directors: Chen Jiajun, Wu Yusen.

Producer: Paper Doll; Editor: Chen Jiajun.

Starring: Chow Yun-fat, Dillon, Leslie Cheung, Zhu Baoyi, He Tian'er.

Before each scene began filming, the directors and actors felt confident and prepared.

However, only one or two films may become wildly popular each year, while the vast majority are lost in the vast sea of ​​films.

Therefore, before each film starts shooting, everyone hopes it will be a huge hit. Directors and investors hope it will be a big success and make money, and actors hope it will be a huge success and make them famous overnight.

There are just too many uncertainties in the market, so all we can do is pray for a big hit. In most cases, it's just a formality; the success of a play is largely dependent on resources.

Amidst the sound of firecrackers, Chen Jiajun picked up a cleaver, cut off a piece of roast pork, and tore off the red cloth covering the Sony BETACAM.

"A Better Tomorrow" has officially begun filming.

(End of this chapter)