Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 615 Tom Cruise's Decision
"Who knew our Director Zhang understood women so well!"

On the way back, Chen Xiaowei couldn't help but sigh.

“Yes, I feel the same way. I used to think he was good at making movies, but today’s analysis of ‘If You Are the One,’ with the female choosing the male and compressing the dating process into a dozen minutes, made me realize that he understands women very well.” Zhong Lifang also felt the same way.

"If our Director Zhang were to make a romance film, it would definitely be great!" Chen Xiaowei seemed to have become a little fangirl.

"It's pretty much done even if we don't film it yet. The company's first romance film, 'Only You,' although Director Zhang wasn't the director, he provided the story framework, and it seems to have broken the domestic box office record for romance films..."

"Sure enough~"

Both are senior executives in the company and both are women, yet they rarely have the opportunity to meet.

Chen Xiaowei: "Are you tired? If not, let's find a place to chat. It's rare for us to meet."

Zhong Lifang was happy to agree: "I'm not tired. I'm used to going to bed late; I usually don't sleep before 2 a.m.."

Zhong Lifang is a workaholic; she only needs four hours of sleep a day to feel energetic.

"Then come with me, I'll take you to a quiet bar I frequent, the atmosphere is really relaxing~"

"Okay, let's go get the car first. You lead the way, and I'll follow behind."

Zhang Chen was unaware that his two top lieutenants were preparing to go out and stage a second show. Back home, Zhang Chen was still thinking about variety shows.

These past two days, he's been completely focused on this, and the most direct feeling he gets is that he started working on variety shows too late.

Many well-known variety shows, both domestic and international, are scheduled to premiere next year, which means that if he wants to secure a spot, he must act quickly.

The Dutch version of "The Voice" will premiere next year, as will "If You Are the One" and the Korean original version of "Running Man"...

The tight schedule led Star Entertainment to launch several variety shows almost simultaneously, which was actually a waste of resources.

If he had started developing variety shows last year, developed one first, and then developed subsequent ones after seeing the results, the results would have been much better, and the production would have been much easier.

Unfortunately, he didn't realize this at all last year, wasting his time.

Now that "The Voice of China" and "If You Are the One" are both confirmed, only "Running Man" remains.

However, "Running Man" is highly professional and is different from "Go Fighting!".

"Go Fighting!" only has an outline, and the rest depends on the player's imagination. It may be simple during the game, but it will be a disaster later on.

"Running Man" is scripted, and each of the hosts has a persona, and the script is written according to the persona.

It may sound simple, but writing a script based on the character design is quite an art.

All reactions must conform to the character's persona.

Moreover, the game segment is very important. First of all, the game must be interesting for the audience to watch.

The host and guests performed according to their assigned roles during the game, which was a highlight that added to the enjoyment.

Zhang Chen hasn't watched many episodes of "Running Man," and he remembers even fewer. The only memorable moments are the name tag ripping game and Zheng Kai's fart.

Zheng Kai is easy to find, and you can even force him to do something, but there can't be only one game like tearing name tags.

Zhang Chen couldn't come up with the overall plan for the program; there were too many details he didn't understand.

No, we still need to find a professional PD.

PD stands for planner, similar to producer, and is considered the primary person in charge of a program.

In terms of outdoor variety shows, the best are obviously from South Korea. Zhang Chen plans to poach a few top-notch producers from South Korea and then have his own people learn from them.

When the ban on Korean entertainment is implemented, Koreans won't be able to come, and our own people will naturally be promoted to official positions.

Yes, that's what we'll do!
Lying in bed, Zhang Chen was envisioning his business empire, unable to fall asleep at all.

Talent cultivation is of paramount importance.

In the film industry, thanks to Star Entertainment's continuous efforts in producing large-scale productions and collaborating with top Hollywood companies, the gap in film special effects, cinematography, and post-production has gradually narrowed.

However, there is a complete lack of variety show appearances.

In 2021, when Zhang Yixing returned to China and served as the producer of a girl group exchange variety show, he discovered that the cameraman's camera movement speed could not keep up with the girl group members' dance rhythm, so he had to personally guide the cameraman on how to move the camera.

That was already 2021, and China still lagged far behind South Korea in this regard, let alone now.

In terms of popular culture, it's undeniable that South Korea is indeed ahead of China.

But it doesn't matter, Zhang Chen can poach people with money; that's the advantage of a huge market.

Take movies as an example. If a South Korean were to make a movie with the same investment, they certainly wouldn't dare to make it into a blockbuster.

Because their market is limited, with only 5000 million people nationwide, they must consider the rate of return on investment.

But if it's made by Chinese people, they can be more unrestrained because the market is big enough.

Whether it's movies or variety shows, the same products have higher profit margins in the Chinese market.

Therefore, with money in Chinese companies, South Korean talent will eventually come to our side.

This scene actually happened in the original timeline. After "Running Man" became popular in China, it actually influenced the production of variety shows in South Korea.

Because Chinese companies are so rich, they are poaching talent with their money. Almost all of South Korea's well-known producers have been poached, with Chinese companies offering them ten times the salaries offered by South Korea.

During the filming of "Running Man", the hosts talked about this with obvious envy, wishing they could immediately come here to make money.

This situation was only brought under control after the ban on Korean entertainment, which in a way saved Korean variety shows.

Zhang Chen understood immediately after thinking it over, and immediately prepared to call Lao Dong and ask him to recruit people on a large scale, poaching people from South Korea on one hand and recruiting people domestically on the other.

But when I looked at my watch, it was already two o'clock, so I gave up the idea and decided to wait until tomorrow.

Afraid that he would forget it when he woke up tomorrow, Zhang Chen got out of bed again, turned on the desk lamp, and began to write and draw in his notebook.

In Zhang Chen's plan, it must be a two-pronged approach.

On the one hand, we let our talents grow in actual projects, and on the other hand, we send people to learn from the experience of similar companies in the United States, Japan and South Korea.

We need to learn from all aspects of the program, including program development, creative protection, audience targeting, contestant packaging, program production, and even lighting and stage design.

The team must be equipped with independent innovation capabilities so that even after his foresight advantage is exhausted, the team can still generate its own revenue.

Since he was going to copy South Korea, Zhang Chen was going to copy it thoroughly.

Its Gangnam Style dance and idol training can all be copied.

Is it difficult to cultivate idols? It's just TFBoys.

Find a few clean-cut and obedient boys, train them, package them, and create different personas for them.

These things were already being done abroad ten years ago, and now they're even simpler.

Find a few songs that fit their image, sing them, and then continuously promote them on Weibo.

Amplify individual traits, create a branded persona: hardworking, talented, vocal, dancing, cute...

When the time is right, they'll appear on their own variety shows to boost their presence; when they're popular enough, they'll hold concerts.

If someone has acting talent, they can be given roles and opportunities for diversified development.

Zhang Chen suddenly discovered the ultimate use of Weibo.

Weibo is very popular and has shown signs of becoming the most popular social media platform, but Cao Guowei has been exploring ways to monetize Weibo.

Despite having a high level of popularity, they have been unable to monetize it.

Zhang Chen realized that there was no need to keep thinking about monetizing Weibo directly.

Weibo can definitely be seen as a 'profit amplifier,' somewhat similar to high-speed rail.

It does not directly generate profits, and its operation may even lead to a certain degree of loss, but it can double the profits of related industries.

Of course, the most important thing right now is still "The Voice of China," which is the flagship program that Zhang Chen plans to use to make a name for himself.

Although "The Voice of China" has been handed over to Guo Xiaohua, Zhang Chen will also strictly oversee the process to ensure that his version of "The Voice of China" is no less than the original in terms of program quality, mentor lineup, contestant strength, and topicality.

He wants to replicate the success of "The Voice of China" and make it a phenomenal variety show.

He talked a lot with some of his subordinates tonight, and they all thought his ultimate goal was to make money.

Making money is only one of the goals; Zhang Chen's ultimate goal is to promote Chinese culture overseas.

Zhang Chen is certain that "The Voice of China" will not only be a hit in the country, but will also become a hit all over the world.

What Zhang Chen wants to do is to make "The Voice of China" flourish all over the world and become a well-known variety show brand worldwide.

Imagine the future: countries with developed entertainment industries like The Voice UK, The Voice USA, The Voice France, and The Voice Korea will all have to buy the programming rights from China. How influential would that be?

Does this count as cultural export?

We have always been a country that imports variety show formats, but now we have transformed into a country that exports formats.

Cultural export, this is not the same as the labor export of sweatshops.

Cultural products have always been the most effective way to enhance a country's image.

Why do we all think America is number one?

Besides the fact that the United States is indeed a strong country in terms of overall national strength, Hollywood movies have played a significant role.

This is the influence of cultural products.

At that time, when audiences around the world watch their own country's "The Voice" program, they will unconsciously think that the program comes from China.

Chinese culture has become a global popular culture.

Some might argue that the popularity of a culture is closely related to a country's strength.

The sudden surge in popularity of Chinese cuisine and the growing fascination with Chinese culture in later generations are all due to the fact that, after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the world suddenly realized that China had become stronger.

South Korea began exporting cultural products to Southeast Asia in 2000, partly due to its increased national strength.

If South Korea and the United States can do it, why can't China?

Is China weak?

China is not weak.

It's just that I've always been observed through tinted glasses by those around me, and viewed with outdated perspectives.

The Olympics was an attempt to break down conventional wisdom, and it proved to be a great success.

Following the Olympics, China launched a cultural program that became a global phenomenon, which seems quite reasonable.

People might be surprised, but they won't doubt it.

They would think that, given the strength China demonstrated at the Olympics, they were capable of doing it.

This is enough.

Moreover, Star Entertainment has a history of producing globally popular films, so it doesn't seem out of place for them to create another globally hit variety show.

Once you've done it the first time, others will take it for granted the second time.

It would be only natural for Star Entertainment to produce other hit variety shows.

Preconceptions are broken down little by little; the establishment of cognition takes time.

Star Entertainment has become a pioneer in cultural export. Its films are hits all over the world, and its variety shows attract audiences from all over the globe.

If done well, it could very well become a national symbol.

Just like how you can't talk about drones without mentioning DJI, or you can't talk about South Korea without mentioning Samsung.

Will the government provide strong support for companies that can enhance national self-esteem and a sense of honor?

These are all hidden benefits.

Zhang Chen didn't say it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

What Star Entertainment needs to do is weather the initial stage of variety shows, wait for them to flourish, and then enjoy the flowers and applause they bring.

……

Paramount Pictures, Executive Conference Room

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the conference room, casting a golden hue over the long walnut table.

Several executives in suits sat around a long table, arguing endlessly. The core issue today was only one thing—the choice of director for Mission: Impossible 4.

Tom Cruise sat in his seat watching the argument between the people opposite him. His fingertips tapped a rapid rhythm on the table, much like the drumbeats of the Mission: Impossible theme song.

Just as everyone was expressing their opinions and arguing, Tom Cruise suddenly stopped what he was doing and said with certainty, "I think Zhang Chen is the best choice to direct Mission: Impossible 4."

The meeting room immediately fell silent upon hearing this.

"What's the reason?"

Tom Cruise further explained: "Have you seen his 'Taken' and 'White House Down'?"

The tight narrative pace, sharp action design, and precise control of tension in those two films were all very much in line with the Mission: Impossible style.

As he spoke, Tom Cruise pulled out a folder and threw it in front of the group. Inside the folder were stills from two movies.

After being passed around among several people, one of them said, "But film critics say he's regressing; 'White House Down' is nowhere near as good as the earlier 'Taken'."

Tom Cruise retorted, "No, they completely misunderstand. 'White House Down' just doesn't have the stunning long takes of 'Taken,' but as an action movie, it's competent."

"But our Mission: Impossible films have never been known for their action scenes~"

"Yes, that's why we need to improve. Mission: Impossible has already reached its fourth installment, so we must innovate."

I admire his ability to capture action shots. Look at this chase scene; the camera's breath and rhythm control have both the realistic impact of a documentary and the tension and excitement of a commercial film.

And in the explosion scenes of *White House Down*, he always manages to find the most dramatic angles amidst the chaos, making the audience feel like they are hiding behind cover.

The others in the room exchanged glances, none of them speaking. Tom Cruise continued, "I once spoke with him. Zhang is a very visionary director, especially with his spy universe. If it could be linked with Mission: Impossible, it would definitely bring a fresh vitality to the series, and the audience would definitely buy it!"

Tom Cruise became more and more excited as he spoke, his eyes sparkling with intense anticipation for the idea, and his admiration for Zhang Chen was evident in his words.

He still vividly remembers what Zhang Chen told him during their last meeting: 'You must make the audience feel that these agents truly live in the same world, like you're in a coffee shop one day and suddenly see Bond from 007 ordering a martini at the next table.'

Thinking about this, he couldn't help but laugh. This guy not only wanted to collaborate with "Mission: Impossible," but also with "007," and maybe he even had ideas for "The Bourne Identity."
But then his gaze dimmed again: "It's a pity. I invited him before, but he didn't seem interested. He's preparing his new film."

"I think it's called Inception~"

"Yes, it's called 'Inception,' and they even invited Tom Cruise to participate, but I declined."

The speaker was Tom Cruise's agent.

"You invited me?" Tom Cruise had no idea about this.

"Yes, but you weren't available at the time, so I declined on your behalf."

The agent spoke matter-of-factly, then, noticing Tom Cruise's apparent displeasure, quickly explained, "Actually, he also approached DiCaprio and Matt Damon, but they both declined. I don't know their reasons, but theoretically, you shouldn't accept a script they don't approve of, otherwise the audience will misunderstand your status."

Tom Cruise was actually very dissatisfied with his agent, but he didn't want to show it in front of Paramount and the other people.

Unexpectedly, an executive suddenly said, "If you really think highly of Zhang Chen, this might be an opportunity."

"What opportunity?"

"Mission: Impossible 4 is short of a director, and Inception is short of actors. We can offer you the lead role in Inception in exchange for him directing Mission: Impossible 4. Of course, all of this is contingent on you being willing to play the role..."

"Of course we don't want that. I've already said it: if others don't want a role, we don't want one either!"

Before Tom Cruise could answer, his agent gave a sharp and aggressive reply.

However, this aggressive attitude quickly turned into disbelief.

Tom Cruise's voice came from behind: "I do."

Before the agent could say anything more, Tom Cruise's voice rang out again: "Thomas, you're fired!"

"what?"

The agent looked at him in disbelief, only to hear Tom Cruise's emotionless voice once again: "You heard me right, you're fired."

"You...you'll regret what you did today~"

The agent felt deeply humiliated that Tom Cruise had fired him in front of a group of Paramount executives.

The agent slammed the door and left, but Tom Cruise seemed unfazed, reiterating, "If Zhang Chen can direct 'Mission: Impossible 4,' then I'd be willing to play the lead role in 'Inception.'"

For a moment, everyone in the conference room had the illusion that the person standing in front of them was not Tom Cruise, but Ethan Hunt.

The last rays of sunlight were gliding past the Hollywood sign outside the window. One of the executives looked at the light in Tom Cruise's eyes and suddenly remembered that when he was filming Mission: Impossible, he had to hang outside the plane himself to complete that scene.

Sasha closed the folder, the metal clasp making a crisp sound: "I'm flying to Beijing tomorrow~"

"I'll go with you~"

(End of this chapter)