Hong Kong 1980: The Savage Era

Chapter 520 522 [Layout of the Film Industry]

Baoxiang Film Company conference room.

Luo Qihong has not paid attention to the film company for quite a long time. Firstly, Hong Kong films are gradually reaching their peak, and people like Sammo Hung are experienced in the film industry and can run the company very well. Secondly, he is really busy and has to make correct decisions on the group and private investments.

Of course, the current Hong Kong film market has reached its peak and will gradually decline, and will not be competitive in the market in 20 years.

Luo Qihong made a decision and prepared to slowly shift the company's capital to the mainland during its peak period. This would be a huge layout that would take a long time. After all, Hong Kong's film market was still okay for the time being.

The total box office of Hong Kong films in 92 was HK$15.3 billion, which placed Hong Kong in a dominant position in the Chinese-language film market. The number of moviegoers throughout the year was approximately 4200 million. Based on Hong Kong's population of 600 million, the average number of moviegoers per person was 7 times.

Last year, there were approximately 215 Hong Kong films and co-productions, 91 more than in 33, which is a slight increase.

In fact, too much film production is very unfavorable to the market. It is high output and low quality, which will cause aesthetic fatigue among the audience and lay the foundation for "decline".

Last year, there were several incidents that threatened first-line artistes from filming. Although they were all covered up by the companies, they were unable to stop the arrogance of the society, which also proved the prosperity of Hong Kong films and the extent to which they can make money.

The artist cooperation studios founded by Golden Harvest Entertainment have blossomed all over Hong Kong. Every actor with some fame wants to open his own film company to make more money and get rid of the constraints of the company.

Fortunately, Baoxiang Film Company’s main business is not to make money from artists, but to make profits from film production, so it is not the most affected.

"In the first half of this year, due to the impact of imported films, even Stephen Chow's "Flirting Scholar" only had a box office of 4000 million. Although there is still the second half of the year, according to our budget, I am afraid that the box office will hardly exceed 4000 million." Sham Kin-hoon reported, "So this year's revenue will be about 20% less than last year."

"I remember that last year's annual revenue was 7 million. If it is reduced by 8%, that is 2 million. The profit will also drop to 6.24 million or 1.5 million. It seems that there is not much difference, but it actually proves a trend that Hong Kong's film market is declining." Luo Qihong put down the report and analyzed in a deep voice.

"If you don't agree to gradually shift the company's focus to the mainland, then we have no choice but to go our separate ways. Do you want to sell the company's shares or buy out my shares?"

Luo Qihong himself is a domineering businessman. The reason why he has always compromised with Sham Kin Fun and Sammo Hung is that the Hong Kong film market was still okay, but now it has shown signs of decline and there is no need to continue compromising.

Luo Qihong knew that there were many hidden talents in the mainland and that the film market was not easy to occupy, but he had to try to find a way out. Sitting and waiting for death was not his style.

Sammul Chan and Sammo Hung widened their eyes in surprise at Lo Chi-hung's decision. In their opinion, the Hong Kong film market was only shrinking temporarily and would gradually get better.

But Luo Qihong's reputation was there, so they didn't dare to question this analysis too much.

"Luo Sheng, the mainland's film market is not very good, and the Hong Kong film market has only gotten a little worse this year."

Before Cen Jianxun finished speaking, Luo Qihong interrupted him and said, "Mr. Cen, this is not a discussion with you, but a notification and a choice. If you need time to consider, I can give you enough time."

Luo Qihong hated Cen Jianxun's style of doing things, as he did not put himself in the right position at all.

If he had not lacked the energy and talent to manage a film company in the first place, he would not have needed to work with Cen Jianxun at all.

"Why is Mr. Luo so pessimistic about the Hong Kong film market?" asked Sammo Hung.

In the past few years, Sammo Hung has made a lot of money, and with the profits from his private film company, he has more than enough to spend in a lifetime, but he loves movies and wants to make Hong Kong films evergreen.

"More than 200 movies are released every year, and it's 'you copy me, I copy you' again. There is a lack of innovation. Doesn't Mr. Hong know that the Xu brothers have retreated behind the scenes?" Luo Qihong said with a chuckle.

These people are blinded by interests. Like the Xu Guanjie brothers, although they may be unwilling, they will eventually have a brilliant exit.

Upon hearing what the Xu brothers said, Hong Jinbao fell silent. As an insider, he certainly knew what the Xu brothers did.

"Sam Hui and others have exhausted their talents, so there should be some differences between them and us." Sham Kin Fun still insisted on his opinion.

Luo Qihong was too lazy to talk nonsense with this guy. Anyway, there were many people willing to accept the equity of Baoxiang Film Company. He had also found new pioneers and managers. It didn't matter whether Cen Jianxun understood or not. "Mr. Luo started planning a long time ago, right? The animation film company was your first step, right?" Hong Jinbao finally remembered what happened before.

Hearing this, Cen Jianxun was slightly stunned. He was also aware of this matter.

"It seems that Hongsheng is very smart." Luo Qihong smiled and said, "Let's talk about other things."

"Axun, continue talking about other things." Hong Jinbao couldn't help but be shocked. Luo Daheng is worthy of being Luo Daheng. His vision is far-sighted.

After the meeting, Hong Jinbao chased to the garage and wanted to talk to Luo Qihong about some other things.

"Luo Sheng, do you have time? I want to talk to you."

"Let's get in the car and have a cup of coffee." Luo Qihong nodded.

When we arrived at a high-end coffee shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, the waiter brought two cups of coffee and then left.

"Does Mr. Luo really want to give up the Hong Kong film market?" asked Sammo Hung, glancing at the coffee.

Luo Qihong smiled and said, "I never said I would give up the Hong Kong film market, but I planned to have some fun with it. Cen Jianxun is no longer a suitable partner, so I want to do it myself."

Sammo Hung was well aware of the role played by Luo Qihong in the early days of Bao Xiang Film Company. Whether it was capital, platform, or script, he did everything for the company. It can be said that without Luo Qihong's strong support, it would be a big question whether Bao Xiang Film Company could survive.

Now that Luo Qihong wants to start a new business, Bao Xiang Film Company will become the next Shaw Brothers Film Company.

Cen Jianxun was drifting, but he did not get carried away and he always maintained his relationship with Luo Qihong.

"So how does Luo Sheng plan to deal with the animation production company and the cinema chain company?" Hong Jinbao asked Luo Qihong what he wanted him to do.

"Mr. Hong, let's be frank. If you are willing to kick out Cen Jianxun, I can support you in taking charge of Bao Xiang Film Company, the cinema chain company and the animation production company. But I have a condition. Mr. Hong, you must execute my decisions and not question them." Luo Qihong knew that Hong Jinbao was a smart man, and he had a large group of people behind him who needed to be supported.

Hong Jinbao showed a painful expression, and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Mr. Luo, can Ah Xun retain his shares?"

Luo Qihong shook his head. "I think I have been kind to Cen Jianxun, but he has seriously hindered my decision-making. I don't want to keep a time bomb around me. I hope Hongsheng can understand."

"I admire your loyalty and righteousness, Hongsheng, but I don't want you to be a pushover and end up hurting yourself."

"Okay, I know what to do. I hope Mr. Luo can give me more time." Hong Jinbao sighed.

"One month, at most one month." Luo Qihong raised a finger and said seriously, "I will be very busy next time and may not have time to deal with these things, so Hongsheng, you have to deal with Cen Jianxun as soon as possible."

"Okay, I'll try my best." said Hong Jinbao.

After Sammo Hung left, Luo Qihong fell into deep thought. Although the film industry did not bring him much profit, it could have a great impact.

The most important thing is the expansion of the family business. The support of industries such as film and television can make the family more stable.

As Hong Kong is his base, its tentacles should extend to all aspects so that it can better resist typhoons. He also hopes that the culture of Hong Kong can spread.

It would be a great thing for the Luo family to use these things to enhance the family's influence on the Hong Kong government.

(End of this chapter)