Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 657 Chinese Mutual Aid
Negative news, both domestically and internationally, has been overwhelming. Not only has Zhang Chen's work been questioned and his personal reputation damaged, but even his ongoing projects have faced significant difficulties.

The atmosphere in the conference room of Star Entertainment's headquarters building was so heavy it seemed like water could be squeezed out of it.

Zhang Chen sat at the head of the conference table, with a thick stack of documents spread out in front of him. They were all clippings of recent negative news about him and "Global Times 2" and online public opinion analysis reports.

His core team members sat on both sides, each with anxiety and confusion on their faces.

"Has anyone else felt that something's off about all these recent events?"

Zhang Chen broke the silence first, tapping his fingers lightly on the table as his eyes swept over everyone present.

The employee in charge of public opinion monitoring immediately stood up, holding a data report, and said, "Mr. Zhang, we have detected that negative news in China broke out almost simultaneously, and the sources all point to media controlled by Huayi Brothers and some unidentified marketing accounts. The content is highly similar, which is obviously an organized and planned operation."

"What's even stranger is what's happening in Hollywood~"

The executive in charge of overseas business continued, "Industrial Light & Magic's sudden termination of the cooperation, the various obstacles encountered by the Mission: Impossible 4 project, and the malicious attacks on Ocean 2 by film critics—all these things happened in a short period of time, which could not possibly be a coincidence."

Zhang Chen nodded, his brows furrowed: "I've also sensed this chill. The inexplicable negative news in China and the sudden resistance from Hollywood seem to have some kind of hidden connection. There must be someone deliberately pushing all of this behind the scenes."

Just then, Zhang Chen's phone rang, and the caller ID showed Han Sanping.

He immediately pressed the answer button, and Han Sanping's calm voice came from the other end of the phone: "Zhang Chen, have you run into trouble lately? I've seen a lot of negative news about you, as well as the suppression you've received from Hollywood. This is not a simple matter."

Zhang Chen said with a wry smile, "President Han, you noticed it too? I was just analyzing this with my team, and I have a feeling that there's a powerful force behind it all targeting me."

"It's not as simple as targeting you personally."

Han Sanping's tone became serious: "This is clearly an American media group deliberately trying to smear you. They are afraid that you will become a benchmark for Chinese films to go international, and they are even more afraid that the rise of the Chinese film industry will threaten their dominant position in the global film market. In the end, this is also a form of suppression against Chinese films."

Zhang Chen was shocked; it seemed he was already enjoying the same treatment as Nezha 2.

In the previous life, when "Ne Zha 2" was released in North America, Hollywood used all sorts of despicable means to suppress the film.

They blocked IMAX theaters through an agreement, preventing "Ne Zha 2" from entering premium screening channels.

They also adopted a "cold time trap" strategy, scheduling screenings of "Ne Zha 2" before 9 a.m. or after 11 p.m., when there are very few viewers, which directly affected the film's box office.

What's even more outrageous is the North American film critics' blatant double standards regarding "Ne Zha 2".

It's clearly a well-made and engaging animated film, yet they criticized it relentlessly, calling it "childish" and having "distorted values."

Even Hollywood-produced animated films of the same genre, though far inferior in quality to "Ne Zha 2," have received unanimous praise.

Amazon, citing "cultural sensitivity," removed all collectible figures related to "Ne Zha 2," a ridiculously flimsy reason.

"Third Master, I heard that Avatar has applied for an extended theatrical run in North America~"

"I was just about to tell you about this. 'Avatar' also applied for a license in China, but I rejected it. Not only did I reject it, but I'm also giving 'Pacific Rim 2' the extension key. Humph, if they do the first thing, we'll do the fifteenth!"

But then Han Sanping sighed on the other end of the phone: "But that's all we can do. The six major Hollywood media groups have too much influence in global cultural dissemination."

They can not only control screening channels and influence film reviews, but also manipulate various aspects of culture and public opinion.

For example, negative reviews or distorted interpretations of works by Chinese film companies, deliberately exaggerating certain details, misinterpreting them, and misleading international audiences can negatively impact the reputation and acceptance of these works in the international market.

"They want to use these methods to prevent Chinese films from going international and maintain their monopoly on global film culture. Zhang Chen, the situation you are facing now is more serious than you imagine, so you must be careful."

Zhang Chen took a deep breath and said firmly, "Third Master, thank you for reminding me. I know this won't be easy, but I won't back down. If Chinese films are to truly go global, someone has to be the first to stand up and break their monopoly."

"Well done!"

Han Sanping's voice carried a hint of relief, "I admire your indomitable spirit. By the way, let me introduce you to someone who might be able to help you. Mr. Wang from Wanda, he's currently preparing to acquire AMC Theatres in the US. You're both Chinese working hard overseas, facing similar difficulties, so you should help each other out and stick together."

Zhang Chen's eyes lit up. He knew about Wanda's acquisition of AMC Theatres in his previous life, but he never had the chance to contact Lao Wang.

"Thank you so much, Third Master!"

"If we can cooperate with Mr. Wang, it will definitely be a great help in dealing with the pressure from Hollywood."

“I’ve already spoken to Mr. Wang, and he’d also like to meet you.”

Han Sanping said, "I'll send you his contact information. You two should arrange a time to meet and talk as soon as possible."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Chen immediately shared the good news with his team members, and everyone's spirits soared.

"That's great, Mr. Zhang! Wanda has a strong presence in the domestic cinema market. If they can successfully acquire AMC Theatres, they will have their own screening channels in North America. This is extremely important for the distribution of 'Universe 2' in North America, as well as the overseas promotion of Star Entertainment's films in the future!" the executive in charge of distribution said excitedly.

Zhang Chen nodded and immediately called Lao Wang using the contact information provided by Han Sanping.

After the call connected, Lao Wang's cheerful voice came through: "Zhang Chen, right? President Han told me that we really should have a good talk. I happen to be in Beijing these days. If you're free, how about we meet at the Wanda Hotel tomorrow afternoon?"

“No problem, Mr. Wang, I will definitely be there on time tomorrow afternoon.” Zhang Chen quickly agreed.

The next afternoon, Zhang Chen arrived at the Wanda Hotel on time.

Old Wang was already waiting in the private room. He was dressed in a well-tailored suit and looked very energetic. When he saw Zhang Chen come in, he immediately stood up warmly and extended his hand: "Director Zhang Chen, I've heard so much about you! I've seen all of your Pacific Rim films. They're very well made and have brought honor to Chinese cinema!"

Zhang Chen quickly grasped Old Wang's hand and said with a smile, "Mr. Wang, you flatter me. I'm just learning from you. Your achievements in the business world are truly admirable."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two took their seats.

After the waiter served the tea, Lao Wang spoke first, his tone becoming serious: "Director Zhang, let's not beat around the bush. President Han should have already told you that I'm preparing to acquire AMC Theatres. However, things aren't going smoothly; Hollywood has been secretly obstructing us."

He paused, then continued, “You’re only doing well in North America because your movie is a huge hit, and they’re calling it ‘cultural invasion’ and putting you under so much pressure. I’m going to acquire physical theater chains in the US, which is like directly entering their core territory. They’ll definitely be more wary, and the resistance I’ll encounter will only be greater than yours.”

Zhang Chen nodded in deep agreement: "Mr. Wang, you are absolutely right. Hollywood is afraid that Chinese companies will gain a foothold in the international film market, so they use all sorts of means to suppress us. My film 'Ocean's 2' being nominated for an Oscar was originally a good thing, but it has been met with a full-scale attack from Fox and Universal. They have been smearing the film, attacking me personally, and even affecting the collaborative projects I am currently working on."

"So, we're in the same boat now." Old Wang looked at Zhang Chen with a hint of expectation in his eyes. "Zhang Chen, you need my support. If I can successfully acquire AMC Theatres, your movies will have better screening resources in North America in the future, and you won't have to be at the mercy of Hollywood anymore."

"Similarly, I need your support."

Old Wang continued, "You already have a certain level of fame and influence in the international film industry, and your films are very popular with audiences, boasting a huge fan base. If we can collaborate, your films can bring more box office revenue and viewership to AMC theaters, while AMC theaters can provide a better platform for showcasing your films."

As Han Sanping said, we are all Chinese, and it's not easy to work abroad. Only by helping each other and sticking together can we cope with external pressures and carve out a niche for Chinese companies in the international market.

After hearing this, Zhang Chen felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

At this difficult time when he was being besieged by Hollywood, Lao Wang's words undoubtedly gave him great support and encouragement.

"Mr. Wang, you're absolutely right!"

Zhang Chen stated firmly, "I am very willing to cooperate with you. In the future, Star Entertainment's films will definitely be given priority for release in AMC theaters."

Furthermore, if you encounter any difficulties during the acquisition of AMC Theatres, please feel free to ask if I can help, and I will do my utmost!

Hearing this, Old Wang smiled with relief: "Good! I'm relieved to hear that. With our two companies working together, I believe we can overcome any obstacles from Hollywood."

The two hit it off as they talked, from the development trends of the film industry to the strategies of Chinese companies going global, and their sense of mutual understanding grew stronger.

It has to be said that although Lao Wang has a habit of boasting, his values ​​are still quite sound.

As for the unpleasantness between Zhang Chen and Wang Sicong, no one mentioned it.

Those personal grudges seemed so insignificant in the face of the current situation concerning the overseas development of Chinese enterprises, and the two tacitly chose to put them aside and pretend they never existed.

“Oh, right, Zhang Chen,” Old Wang said as if he had suddenly remembered something, taking out a document from his briefcase and handing it to Zhang Chen. “This is some preliminary plan for my acquisition of AMC Theatres, as well as AMC Theatres’ current operating data. You can take a look. If you have any good suggestions, feel free to give them to me.”

Zhang Chen took the document and began to carefully read through it.

The document details the number of AMC theaters, their locations, the number of screens, annual box office revenue, and major competitors, as well as the acquisition plan and subsequent integration plan devised by Wang's team.

As Zhang Chen watched, he nodded from time to time and occasionally offered his own thoughts.

"Mr. Wang, I think this acquisition plan is excellent and very well thought out."

Zhang Chen looked up and said to Lao Wang, "However, I have a small suggestion. Although AMC Theatres has a large number of theaters, some of the facilities are quite outdated. If these theaters can be renovated and upgraded after the acquisition to improve the viewing experience, I believe it will attract more viewers."

"Furthermore, Chinese films are gaining more and more international influence, and many overseas Chinese enjoy watching Chinese films."

We could create a dedicated 'Chinese Film Zone' at AMC Theatres, regularly screening excellent Chinese films. This would not only meet the viewing needs of overseas Chinese but also allow more foreign audiences to learn about Chinese culture and develop a love for Chinese cinema.

Old Wang's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands, saying, "Great idea! Zhang Chen, your suggestion is excellent! I really hadn't considered this before."

Establishing a 'Chinese Film Zone' not only enhances AMC Theatres' competitive advantage but also contributes to the overseas distribution of Chinese films—it's a win-win situation!

He immediately picked up a pen, wrote down Zhang Chen's suggestion on the document, and said with a smile, "After the acquisition is completed, we will start to move forward with these things as you said. At that time, we will also need your help to select some excellent Chinese films to be included in our 'Chinese Film Zone'."

"No problem, Mr. Wang."

Zhang Chen readily agreed, "I will recommend the best domestic film resources to you, and together we will build the 'Chinese Film Zone' into an important platform for spreading Chinese culture overseas."

The two chatted for a long time until it got dark, at which point the meeting ended.

Zhang Chen felt exceptionally relaxed when he left the Wanda Hotel.

The originally heavy pressure seemed to have been greatly reduced thanks to Lao Wang's support.

He knew that with Wanda as a powerful ally, he would no longer be fighting alone against Hollywood's suppression in the future.

Upon returning to the company, Zhang Chen immediately convened the core team and conveyed the news that he had reached a cooperation agreement with Lao Wang.

The team members were thrilled when they heard the news.

"That's great, Mr. Zhang! With Wanda's support, we'll have a much stronger foundation for our future development in the overseas film market!"

"Yes, if AMC Theatres can be acquired by Wanda, our films will have their own screening channels in North America, and we will no longer have to worry about being held back by Hollywood!"

"Moreover, the cooperation model proposed by Mr. Wang is excellent. We can not only support each other, but also work together to promote the overseas dissemination of Chinese films, which is a great thing for the development of the entire Chinese film industry!"

Seeing the excited expressions on his team members' faces, Zhang Chen was filled with confidence as well.

He knew that although the difficulties ahead were still enormous, and the encirclement and suppression by Fox and Universal continued, he was no longer fighting alone.

With Han Sanping's concern, Lao Wang's support, and the unwavering loyalty of his team members, he will surely overcome this difficulty, break Hollywood's monopoly, and forge a true path for Chinese films in the international market.

That evening, Zhang Chen spoke with Julie again on the phone to find out about her progress in contacting other victims.

In the phone call, Jolie said that several actresses who had been harassed by Harvey had come forward to testify against him, and that she had also contacted a very influential Hollywood actress who had expressed her willingness to join their cause.

“Zhang Chen, we now have enough witnesses, and the evidence is becoming increasingly conclusive.”

Julie's voice carried a hint of excitement, "I think we can choose a suitable time to release this evidence and deliver a fatal blow to Harvey and Fox."

Zhang Chen nodded: "Then let's develop a detailed plan as soon as possible and try to expose Harvey's scandal before the Oscars, so as to disrupt Fox and Universal's plans!"

“Okay! Let’s do it this way!” Julie said.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Chen stood by the window, looking at the dazzling night view outside, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Universal and Fox are both behemoths, and he can't do anything about them for the time being, but he can kill Harvey, this chicken, to show the two monkeys.

(End of this chapter)