Extracting skills from movies

As soon as "How to Train Your Dragon" became a hit, investors immediately sensed its potential.

Hot money began to flow into the animation industry.

Some companies have already sneaked into Miracle Animation to poach talent, hoping to grab a share of the profits.

But Du Sheng was prepared.

All the key technical personnel that the company is focusing on developing have signed non-compete agreements, which prohibit them from entering the animation industry for five years after leaving the company.

Even if you offer three times the salary, you still can't poach a truly knowledgeable person.

Others might pick up scraps at best, but do you think you can replicate a miracle?
There are no doors.

Du Sheng doesn't dislike the development of the industry, but he's not doing charity either.

Why should we give away the talent we've painstakingly trained to others for free?

Besides, without his leadership, most people really couldn't handle such an expensive and intellectually demanding animation project.

If hot money rushes in, resulting in unfinished projects and a collapsed reputation, the entire industry will ultimately suffer.

He reached out and ruffled Ye Jingzhi's hair, saying:

“You’ve done a great job. Take a few days off and don’t have to work so hard all the time.”

The next day, Du Sheng, exhausted from a night's work, strolled into the company and leaned back in the large executive chair.

The company is getting bigger and bigger, but there's actually less and less to do.

With everything that needs to be managed and everything that needs to be monitored, he, the "big boss," has become quite relaxed.

The winter sun streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, warming me comfortably.

He sat there quietly, enjoying this rare moment of peace.

A moment later, Song Shu, who was temporarily filling in as secretary today, entered the office with light steps:

"Boss, Mr. He from China Film Group is here again. Shall we bring him to the office?"

Du Sheng was sitting by the window, lost in thought, her mind blank.

Seeing his expression, Song Ji curiously leaned over and followed his gaze downwards.

Downstairs at the construction site, bulldozers, cranes, and cement trucks shuttled back and forth, raising dust and creating a bustling scene, much like a market.

Du Sheng pulled her into his arms, giving her a couple of playful squeezes before slowly saying:
"With rapid development, there will definitely be many projects."

Miracle Group currently has a ton of projects on its hands:

The racing complex is under construction with great enthusiasm, the Miracle Animation Industrial Park has been topped out, and even Miracle Mobile has started construction on its new headquarters building.

Liu Xiaoli recently acquired two more plots of land, one of which she plans to build employee dormitories and welfare housing so that everyone can live comfortably.

The other plot of land was even larger, and she drew up a blueprint to build a super-luxury villa complex.
The goal is to create a "folk palace" for Du Sheng.

Not only are they building things up domestically, but Li Yixin and Amanda are also busy in the United States.

They have already started construction on large estates in several states, and are even continuing to negotiate the acquisition of private islands in the Long Island area, intending to turn them into Du Sheng's private vacation kingdom.

From now on, wherever he goes will be home, and he won't even have to worry about jet lag.

Song Ji's face flushed red instantly after being hugged and touched like that.
Her eyes were watery, and her legs unconsciously tightened together, so I had to remind her in a serious tone:

"Mr. He has really arrived. Should we have him come up to the office, or wait in the tea room?"

Du Sheng kissed her on the cheek and said with a smile:
"Let him come up. I bet he didn't come alone, right?"

Song Shu nodded:
"Yes, Gao Junyao from Hearst Capital, Zeng Jiayan from Dehua Capital, and Zheng Zetao came together."

Upon hearing this, Du Sheng's lips immediately curled into a smile:
"See?

"When these people arrive, it means there's a new project coming up, and the coffers are about to be emptied again."

Song Qian struggled to pull herself out of his embrace, straightened her wrinkled skirt, and said with a blush:

"Can you let go first?"

"I'm a regular employee today, I have to get work done!"

Her "sacred and untouchable" demeanor was completely different from the shy little woman she had just been; her acting skills were worthy of an award-winning actress.

Du Sheng burst into laughter at her words.

"You little rascal, you're actually doing a pretty good job of acting."

If the timing hadn't been so unfortunate, a wonderful show would surely have been taking place right now.

Song Shu blushed, turned around and left, not forgetting to add a sentence before leaving:
"Boss, don't do that again, or I'll get a complaint!"

Even after the office door closed, Du Sheng was still smiling.

A few minutes later, He Guohua, Gao Junyao, Zeng Jiayan, Zheng Zetao and others came in one after another.

They were all acquaintances, so no one was being polite to each other.

Du Sheng sat down directly in front of the tea table, boiling water, warming the cups, and brewing tea with fluid and effortless movements.

Zheng Zetao was in particularly good spirits today, his face was glowing, and he walked with a brisk pace.

why?
He invested 30 million in the "How to Train Your Dragon" project, and based on the current box office momentum, he will eventually earn nearly 100 million!

This isn't doing business, it's practically a money-printing machine.

When the project first came out, nobody was optimistic about it. Even Du Sheng himself said, "It would be good if we could break even."

But Zheng Zetao gritted his teeth and poured half of his working capital into it.

That kind of courage is something not everyone possesses.

On the other hand, Tan Zhanyao, who got into Fengxing Media through connections, withdrew his investment halfway through and is now kicking himself.

As soon as Zheng Zetao sat down, he cheerfully began to speak:
"Ah Sheng, the best decision I, Lao Zheng, have ever made in my life is to follow you!"

Look at Tan Zhanyao, he's become a laughing stock online, and they've even given him the nickname "Tan the Mouth."

why?
Because he was so stubborn, insisting that withdrawing investment was a "normal business decision" and that he didn't regret it.

What do you think he's after?
He didn't make any money, and his reputation is ruined; he's a complete clown.

After the huge success of "How to Train Your Dragon", the first person to be proven wrong was Tan Zhanyao.

After all, there were many people who questioned him before, but they were all anonymous complaints. Only he stirred up trouble by withdrawing investment, making it known to everyone.

Now that the film is popular, he has naturally become the target of public criticism, with people online using him as a negative example every day.

Du Sheng smiled, his tone calm:

"We can't entirely blame Mr. Tan; high returns always come with high risks."

His choice to play it safe is a normal business practice.

Upon hearing this, He Guohua immediately curled his lip:

"If you're worried about losing money, you might as well sell tea eggs!"
In the film and television industry, which project is guaranteed to succeed?

Besides, he's the kind of person who begs for cooperation but then breaks the contract; he has absolutely no integrity.

What really hit Tan Zhanyao the hardest wasn't losing tens of millions in earnings, but the complete collapse of his "business credit."

Now, when people in the industry hear that a project is by Fengxing Media, their first reaction is:

"Is this person reliable?"

With fewer and fewer partners, the company is struggling to develop and even finds it difficult to secure funding.

Du Sheng watched as the water in the kettle began to bubble, then skillfully started to scald the teacups, saying as he did so:
"Let's not talk about Tan Zhanyao's matter for now. Today, I must congratulate President He on his wish coming true."

The old leader of China Film Group is about to retire, and He Guohua will soon take over as the new head. Upon hearing this, He Guohua's face lit up with a smile, but he still humbly said:

"This matter has not been officially announced yet, so anything is still uncertain."

But if that day ever comes, I'll still need your support, Ah Sheng.

If I successfully get a permanent position, I hope my first investment will be in "Painting Rivers and Lakes," to bring good luck.

Du Sheng thought for a moment and replied:
"The 'Painting Rivers and Lakes' project is already underway, and we can allocate 80 million yuan in the future, which will be split equally between China Film Group and Goldlion."

Since the huge success of "How to Train Your Dragon", Miracle Animation's animated films such as "Painting Rivers and Lakes" and "Boonie Bears" have become hot commodities.

Who in the entire film and television industry wouldn't want to get involved and invest in this popular project?
This 80 million is specifically for publicity and distribution expenses; the production cost has been determined and will not change.

Du Sheng always believed in treating everyone fairly.

When the prospects for "How to Train Your Dragon" were uncertain, China Film Group and Zheng Zetao decisively stepped in to invest.
Now that How to Train Your Dragon is a hit, they are naturally qualified to continue participating in Miracle Animation's new works.

As for Zeng Jiayan of Dehua Capital, since he didn't participate in "How to Train Your Dragon", he won't be involved in "Painting Rivers and Lakes" this time, and can only worry helplessly.

Upon hearing this, He Guohua smiled and said:
"Ah Sheng truly lives up to his reputation as a straightforward person!"
With your help, I'm sure this opening day will be a great success!

Zheng Zetao echoed this sentiment:

"Let's make money together on projects!"

"Regarding what you said about dealing with international clothing brands, I have absolutely no problem with that!"

Du Sheng smiled and said:

"We'll discuss this in detail separately later."

The main reason I called everyone here today is to talk about the film and television base.

Last year, while filming "Inception" in six countries, Du Sheng had an idea.

Build a brand new film and television base.

This base should not only have a group of antique-style buildings, but also be equipped with complete special effects facilities, comfortable hotel apartments, and professional skills schools.

In this way, all aspects of film and television production can be handled in one place.

Zheng Zetao wholeheartedly supports this idea.

Gao Junyao of Hearst Capital also gave his full support.

Zeng Jiayan and He Guohua came to keep the appointment, clearly indicating that they also had their own thoughts on the matter.

After a lively discussion, the group finally finalized the general framework.

The new film and television base will be located in Beijing and named Oriental Film City.

All parties jointly funded the establishment of a new company specifically responsible for the construction and daily operation of the base.

The Oriental Film City project is expected to have a total investment of 40 billion yuan, of which 12 billion yuan is registered capital and the remaining funds will be raised through bank loans.

The investment proportions of each party are as follows: Xingji Media 52%, Huaxia Film Industry 22%, Dehua Capital 16%, and Zheng Zetao personally 10%.

After discussing the Oriental Film and Television Base, Zheng Zetao suddenly mentioned:
"Ah Sheng, I'm planning to invest in a movie recently. Mr. Yang Hongtao from Yinchuan Film Studio has asked me to collaborate on the film, which is called 'Painted Skin'."

This story is adapted from the "Painted Skin" chapter in "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio"...

When the preparatory work for "Painted Skin" was just starting, the first person Yang Hongtao thought of was Zheng Zetao, a well-known "generous investor" in the film and television investment industry.

Upon hearing this, Du Sheng said:

"Sounds pretty good, there shouldn't be any hidden dangers, right?"

Zheng Zetao chuckled:
"I just wanted to ask if Girls' Generation, Fan Bingbing, and Gao Yuanyuan from your company are available and could come and support our movie?"

Du Sheng hesitated for a moment, then shook his head:

"Girls' Generation is probably too busy. Bingbing and Yuanyuan both want to take a break this year and are probably not willing to take on any roles."

In fact, that's not all. Gao Yuanyuan is currently preoccupied with her child, and Fan Bingbing is also pregnant, so she definitely won't be able to take on any high-intensity work this year.

Besides, there are erotic scenes in "Painted Skin," how could Du Sheng let his woman act in those?

Moreover, this particular film isn't exactly a high-quality resource for them.

Ho Kwok-wah sighed from the side:

"Only you have the confidence and ability to do this. I wanted to invite Liu Yifei to star in 'Red Cliff' before, but you rejected it."

"They really don't care about fame; they're just that confident!"

Thanks to the comprehensive upstream and downstream industry chain resources of Xingji Media, its artists have no shortage of exposure opportunities.

For example, Liu Yifei won the Best Actress award at the Tokyo International Film Festival last year, and her popularity soared.

Liu Shishi won the Golden Eagle Goddess title for her role in "Legend of the Mirror 2", making a strong impression.

Yang Mi's starring role in "My Girl" has sparked a craze across Asia, while Tang Yan won the Magnolia Award for her role in "Lurking".

And then there's Tong Liya, who won the Feitian Award for her role in "Dwelling Narrowness," and her career is booming ever since...

After listening to He Guohua's remarks, Du Sheng slowly said:
"When it comes to making movies, the key is to produce high-quality work, not to just throw in a lot of people."

"It's better to stay home and sunbathe than to make a bunch of terrible movies that nobody watches."

Upon hearing this, He Guohua and the others immediately understood.

Only Zheng Zetao couldn't help but sigh:

"Only Ah Sheng has this confidence, every film she makes becomes a hit, every single one is a golden brand."

I invested 1800 million yuan in "Painted Skin." Although I have the right to choose the lead actors, if I don't make good use of that opportunity, it would be a real waste of money.

Du Sheng, having known Zheng Zetao for so many years, didn't hide anything and directly gave him pointers:

"The resources for 'Painted Skin' are nothing special to me, but they're highly sought after in the industry."

I remember you've always thought highly of Yang Ying, haven't you?

I heard she's planning to leave Huayi and needs a powerful backer.

Giving her the role in "Painted Skin" at this time would be like sending charcoal in snowy weather, wouldn't it?

Although his comment was casual, it solved Zheng Zetao's casting problem, added fuel to the fire for Huayi Brothers, and accelerated Yang Ying's move to another company.

This can be described as killing three birds with one stone.

He Guohua understood immediately and jokingly said with a smile:
"Huayi's biggest mistake right now is that it insists on going against you, Ah Sheng."

"Assembly" has been in theaters for a month, but it hasn't even broken even at the box office. It's lost so much money that it's practically bankrupt.

Feng Xiaogang's "If You Are the One" project is also about to fail, and he's looking everywhere for someone to take over, but no one dares to.

Yang Ying had few resources last year, and her status in the film industry also declined.

"This is the lowest point in her career. If you extend an olive branch now, wouldn't she be incredibly grateful?"

This sounds polite, but its meaning is quite clear.

But Zheng Zetao's thought process is a bit different.

When Yang Ying went to audition for "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" last time, he had a meal with Du Sheng, and Yang Ying concluded that the two had a special relationship.

Now that Du Sheng said that, he immediately imagined a whole drama unfolding in his mind:
'Is this an implication that I should give "Painted Skin" to Yang Ying so that she can legitimately join Interstellar Media?'

Thinking about how much money Du Sheng had helped him make over the years, he had always wanted to find a way to repay her...

This time I've finally got the chance, I must play the "matchmaker" to the end!

…(End of this chapter)