Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 576 Mao Xiaotong's Worries
The anti-piracy alliance was thus established, and not long after, Sohu and Star Entertainment jointly held a press conference:
"The China Online Video Anti-Piracy Alliance, jointly initiated by representatives of five domestic new media copyright holders and distributors including PPTV, Sohu, Jidong.com, Youpeng Pule, and Huaxia Vision, and jointly established with 110 internet video copyright holders nationwide..."

The first anti-piracy alliance in China was established.

Zhang Chaoyang is indeed a man of action; once he said Zhang Chen didn't need to worry about it, he meant it.

I'll be the bad guy!
Sohu's high-profile announcement that the spread of pirated videos online has greatly harmed the development of the entire video industry, become a hindrance to the healthy development of the online video industry, seriously disrupted the normal order of the online video market, and caused a negative international impact.

Then they sued more than a dozen video websites in one go, demanding compensation...

The claims amount ranged from tens of millions to over a hundred million.
Youku was mentioned the most.

The feud between Zhang Chaoyang and Gu Yongjiang has a long history.

Gu Yongjiang was once the president and chief operating officer of Sohu, and was the second most important person after Zhang Chaoyang.

The two used to work together seamlessly.

Then in 2005, Gu Yongjiang left Sohu, and in 2006, he founded Youku.

Due to non-compete agreements, Gu Yongjiang did not poach talent from Youku at the time, but they must have been exchanging pleasantries.

In March 2007, the non-compete agreement expired, and many of Gu Yongjiang's former subordinates left Sohu to join Youku.

Gu Yong's departure wouldn't have been a big deal, but Zhang Chaoyang was a little unhappy that Gu Yong was starting a video website and competing with his former employer for business.

Then you poached people from Sohu, which made Zhang Chaoyang even more unhappy with you.

These grievances have been building up, and now they're all coming to a head.

At the alliance's launch ceremony, Zhang Chaoyang announced on the spot that he would file an infringement lawsuit against Youku.com and also list Youku's two major advertisers as defendants.

Gu Yongjiang was unhappy. If you want to be the boss and find someone to sacrifice, go find PPTV. They are your real opponent. Why are you targeting me?
But Zhang Chaoyang had his eye on it, and decided to make an example of Youku!
The anti-piracy alliance made a big show of cracking down on the market, and they actually did it.

Because, we're in the right.

Holding the copyright stick, they can slap anyone they don't like.
Other video platforms, such as Youku, Tudou, Ku6, and even Xunlei, were disgusted and had no choice but to delete the videos immediately.

The user's experience is the most obvious.

In the past, you could see anything on the internet, and there were all kinds of resources available.

Take American TV series for example. We have all kinds, famous and unknown. We watch whatever Americans watch, and even more than Americans watch. We watch British TV series, American TV series, Japanese TV series, Korean TV series, Canadian TV series, Singaporean TV series...

Despite the poor picture quality, people didn't care much about picture quality back then; as long as it was watchable, that was enough.

Then, when they went online again, they found that everything was gone.

In China, Prison Break is probably the most popular show, followed by Friends, Gossip Girl, and Heroes.

It's all gone now.

If you want to watch it, either PPTV or Sohu Video.

The online video market underwent a major reshuffle, but Zhang Chaoyang was merciful, at least he didn't send some people into trouble.

While someone is wielding a big stick, someone else is naturally preparing sweet dates.

Anti-piracy is not the goal; distributing copyrighted content is.

The two companies have so many exclusive film and television rights; that's a lot of money.

Not many. The copyright for a TV series costs 300,000 yuan. If you run a video website, you must have at least dozens of series.

This series of actions resulted in both companies making a fortune.

Meanwhile, news also quietly spread that PPTV was going to produce an original drama series.

PPTV is not the first to produce its own dramas.

In 2006, LeEco spent 300 million yuan to create "The Promise," which was touted as China's first TV series made on film specifically for mobile phones.

In 2008, Youku's "Hip Hop Quartet" became the first self-produced online drama in China to reach 1 million views.

However, these dramas are all too low-quality, and their influence is nowhere near that of hit TV dramas, so their benefits to the website are also limited.

From an economic perspective, a good story will definitely earn less money as a web series than as a television series.

A VIP strategy simply cannot be implemented now. Users are used to free content and are unlikely to pay to watch shows anytime soon.

The habit of paying for legitimate content can only be cultivated gradually; the first step is to eliminate all piracy.

Therefore, combating piracy is imperative.

Only when users are used to watching legitimate content, and the quality of online dramas far surpasses that of television dramas, will paid viewing become a viable option.

This is a long process.

The kind of stories suitable for being made into web series are definitely those that are difficult to pass censorship or have a plot that is too simple to fill 45 minutes.

"The Swindler" is exactly this type of film.

Even criminal investigation bureaus are banned, let alone a book depicting fraud.

Want it approved? Dream on!

Do you think this is TVB?
Even a code of honor among thieves won't do.

The story framework of "The Swindler" was personally finalized by Zhang Chen, and the project was also a special project for the chairman.

Logically, such a special fund for the chairman should be allocated with the best resources.

But not.

The first season is tentatively planned to have 10 episodes, with a production cost of 100 million, averaging 10 per episode.

Calling them poor and stingy wouldn't be an exaggeration.

This scale means there can't be any big stars; the main actors are either unknown or amateurs.

It's alright, it was just a trial run anyway.

……

It was lunchtime for the crew of "Aftershock". Zhu Yilong went to get his food, and Mao Xiaotong was waiting and getting bored. Just then, she overheard the two actors chatting next to her.

"All those American TV series videos online are gone..."

"Ah, why?"

"Anti-piracy alliance, don't you read the news? Sohu set up an anti-piracy alliance and sued all those video websites without official licenses..."

"Does that mean I won't be able to watch any more American TV shows?"

"Pretty much, anyway, a lot of American TV shows are gone~"

"I heard that PPTV is being forced to produce its own dramas..."

Ordinary people are not clear about the logic behind the anti-piracy alliance, and instead combine the two things to arrive at an absurd conclusion.

"Is PPTV really that bad? I remember it's under Star Entertainment, right? All the dramas produced by Star Entertainment are hits, so this self-produced drama must be..."

Some people were eager to try, but were immediately met with a cold shower: "You're overthinking it. I heard the budget is extremely low, only 100 million for 10 episodes..."

"Ah~"

Everyone here is an industry professional; they know all too well the production costs of films and television dramas.

"10 episodes for 100 million yuan, is this the level of a graduation project from a directing department in a school?"

"Yeah, that's why I said they definitely wouldn't be able to make any good dramas~"

"Never mind then, I thought I could latch onto Starry Sky Entertainment's coattails~"

Mao Xiaotong felt uneasy listening to their conversation.

PPTV is Zhang Chen's business. PPTV is in such a bad state, it seems that his benefactor, director Zhang Chen, is facing difficulties.

Just then, Zhu Yilong returned carrying two lunchboxes, his face beaming with joy: "The food's great today, there's chicken leg!"

Then I noticed that Mao Xiaotong was acting a bit strange today.

Mao Xiaotong is a foodie, so she should have been happy to hear that there were chicken legs, but today she held her lunchbox without touching it.

"What's wrong, Xiaotong? Don't you want to eat today?"

He was also an actor in the film *Aftershock*, playing Mao Xiaotong's younger brother. "Um, no, you eat first, I have to go out for a bit~"

Seeing Mao Xiaotong get up and walk out, Zhu Yilong called out, "Where are you going?"

"I need to talk to the director about something..."

Mao Xiaotong's figure disappeared into the distance as she spoke.

……

Inside the director's tent, Zhang Yimou and Zhao Xiaoding were eating and discussing how to shoot the next scene.

The two are long-time partners and are used to discussing work during meals.

Just then, Mao Xiaotong's voice rang out from outside the tent: "Director, this is Mao Xiaotong. May I come in now?"

"Hmm? Oh, come in~"

Mao Xiaotong lifted the curtain and entered. Seeing Zhao Xiaoding there, she called out, "Photographer Zhao."

Zhao Xiaoding is Zhang Yimou's go-to cinematographer. He was responsible for the cinematography of films such as "House of Flying Daggers," "Curse of the Golden Flower," "The Flowers of War," "Coming Home," "Shadow," "Cliff Walkers," "Sniper," and "Man Jiang Hong."

Upon seeing Mao Xiaotong at the door, the two stopped what they were doing: "Xiaotong, what's wrong?"

"Hmm~"

Seeing the lunchbox on the table, she realized that she had arrived at an inopportune time.

"Um, maybe I should come back later~"

Mao Xiaotong turned to leave, but Zhang Yimou quickly stopped her, saying, "It's okay, we've finished eating. Just tell me what's on your mind."

Zhang Yimou glanced at Zhao Xiaoding with great excitement, thinking that if he let her leave, Zhao Xiaoding would misunderstand.

Seeing this, Mao Xiaotong stopped and said, "Well, Director Zhang, it's like this, I heard that Xingchen Entertainment is going to shoot a web series, and I'd like to go on it, so I'd like to ask you for your advice..."

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yimou directly said, "You're confused~"

Zhang Yimou earnestly advised: "You've already acted in my movies, so going back to make TV series would be going backwards, wouldn't it?"

Remember this: after filming this movie, you'll be a movie star. If a movie star goes to act in a TV series, it's like lowering your status. And the key is, once your status drops, it's not so easy to raise it back up..."

What Zhang Yimou said is absolutely invaluable advice; this is exactly the ecological niche of the film and television industry.

“Absolutely not. Not even a hit drama from Star Entertainment. If you do, you'll be typecast as a TV actor, and it'll be hard to get into movies, let alone a web series…”

Mao Xiaotong was startled. Was it that serious?

Zhao Xiaoding, standing nearby, also advised, "Yes, Xiaotong, Director Zhang is doing this all for your own good. So many TV drama actors try to get into movies but fail. You have such a great opportunity, and it would be a waste for you to go back to acting in TV dramas..."

Mao Xiaotong became a little anxious: "But Director Zhang has helped me so much, and now that he's in trouble, I want to repay him..."

Her words startled the two of them: "Director Zhang? Which Director Zhang?"

"Director Zhang Chen, Director Zhang Chen of Xingchen Entertainment, I heard that the anti-piracy alliance is having a really tough time with his company PPTV. They've been forced to only produce web series, with a budget of only 10 yuan per episode. I was thinking of helping him out, even if it means not getting paid..."

A brief silence fell over the tent, followed by the two bursting into uncontrollable laughter.

Mao Xiaotong looked completely bewildered.

Zhang Yimou felt this wasn't appropriate, so he forced back a laugh and said with great difficulty, "Who told you that PPTV is in a bad situation?"

“I overheard it from those bigwigs; they were chatting, and I happened to be right next to them.”

puff~
Zhang Yimou couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing once again.

"You misheard. PPTV is going to produce its own dramas, but it's not being forced into it. Star Entertainment is a leading film and television company in China, and no company can force it. PPTV is one of the main forces behind the anti-piracy alliance you mentioned, so there's no question of them being in a difficult situation. Their price of 10 yuan per episode is probably due to commercial considerations..."

"Ah~"

Mao Xiaotong blushed deeply, and when she saw the two people opposite her staring at her like she was a fool, her face turned even redder.

"Alright, go back. Your information is incorrect. Starry Sky Entertainment is perfectly fine, and your Director Zhang is perfectly fine too..."

"Oh~"

Mao Xiaotong ran away as fast as a rabbit, only daring to stop when she reached a secluded spot.

"Oh dear, today was so embarrassing!"

……

April 29th, the premiere of "The Witch"
Zhang Chen temporarily left the "Pacific Rim 2" crew in the care of assistant director Lu Yang while he rushed back to Beijing to attend the premiere.

This is Jing Tian's second time taking on a leading role after "Crawl".

Another female-centric movie.

Despite being an action film, Jing Tian's acting skills improved significantly in this movie.

In his own words, he was almost driven to despair by director Johnnie To's constant scolding on set.

Johnnie To's nickname is "To the Cannon," so he must be a tyrant on set.

She knew Jing Tian had a powerful background, so she was quite cautious at first.

But Jing Tian could never meet his requirements, and slowly, she couldn't hold back anymore.

After being scolded several times, Jing Tian's acting skills visibly improved.

The play "The Witch" is not a three-act play.

In a typical three-act play, there will always be a climax in the middle section.

But not in "The Witch".

The whole story is very flat.

The female protagonist escapes from the laboratory, loses her memory, and comes to her adoptive family.

As he grew up, he participated in a talent show, which revealed his superpowers, and a laboratory came knocking on his door.

Then comes the battle between the female lead and the laboratory, which is the only climax of the entire film!
There was no other way but to use this method of screenwriting.

The appeal of "The Witch" lies in the overwhelming power and intelligence of the characters.

He can demonstrate physical strength, easily smashing through walls, and can also demonstrate telekinesis.

But how is intelligence manifested?
Only reversal is possible.

So at the beginning, the witch lost her memory and became a naive and innocent person just like an ordinary person.

This formula is exactly the same as that in "God of Gamblers".

He suffers from amnesia, unintentionally reveals his abilities, and is discovered by his enemies.

When enemies come knocking, the protagonist, spurred on, regains his strength and wreaks havoc in all directions.

But if it's filmed like this, it can only show force, not strength.

So the screenwriter changed their approach.

Both participants in talent shows revealed their superpowers, were approached by a laboratory, and subjected to various tests and bullying.
But in the very end, the director reveals the truth: the female lead didn't actually have amnesia at all.

The so-called exposure of superpowers was to make the laboratory actively seek him out.

For over a decade, she was just playing dumb to deceive others; her deliberate exposure was merely a ploy to obtain inhibitors.

Even the choice of adoptive parents was not accidental, but the result of deliberate selection.

This kind of thing immediately creates a sense of intellectual superiority.

It's equivalent to sublimation.

That's why the audience finds it entertaining.

The price paid is the lack of minor climaxes in the middle, because the more the audience believes that the female lead has really lost her memory, the more satisfying the final revelation will be.

However, if a minor climax is introduced, the audience will guess that the amnesia is fake, and the final climax will be greatly diminished.

(End of this chapter)