Generation Z Artists

Chapter 379 The Vulnerable Big and Small Circles
"In times of chaos, harsh laws and severe punishments are necessary; in times of peace, we should allow the people to recuperate and thrive. Is the entertainment industry in its current state chaotic or well-governed?"

In the main conference room of the Guangdong General Chamber of Commerce, Fang Xinghe responded to the questions in a calm and unhurried voice.

The other party immediately replied, "It's not particularly stable, but it's not chaotic either. The basic rules are clear, and private enterprises are full of vitality. Wouldn't overly strict regulation backfire? Would it lead to a return to the timidity of the film studio era?"

Fang Xinghe borrowed the other party's line of thought and quickly refuted it.

"The blacklist system isn't particularly lenient, but it's not to the point of being a harsh law either. Legitimate businesses operate legally, and qualified artists speak freely without being subject to any restrictions. How can that be considered too strict?"

An officer from the cultural affairs department chimed in: "We need to consider the depth of management for Hong Kong and Taiwan artists and businesses."

Once a system is introduced, it must be applied equally to all. However, there are discrepancies in the definition of the same behavior across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It is difficult to simply and crudely apply Mainland standards and bypass the system to manage companies in other regions…

"It's too unpleasant to hide things like this."

Fang Xinghe responded with a cold laugh and laid his cards on the table.

He kept quiet in public to maintain the overall situation, but when he held internal meetings, he took decisive action and revealed his true colors.

"We're communicating privately behind closed doors right now, so why don't we just openly express our concerns?"

I understand your thoughts. Under the basic principle of "one country, two systems," the other side is an autonomous model. Our cultural departments cannot directly interfere too much, for fear of causing negative impacts and provoking resistance and struggle from certain forces.

However, in my view, using a blacklist system to constrain the entire Chinese-language cultural industry is precisely a responsible approach to the overall plan of reunification between the two places.

We must establish a unified, clear, and quantifiable standard for what can and cannot be done, so that everyone operates and creates under the same standard. There should be no exceptions or ambiguities based on personal relationships. This is the only way to eliminate unnecessary noise.

Otherwise, if you pressure the foreign affairs department today, and they use public opinion as an excuse to act sarcastically tomorrow, the cultural circles of the two places will practically be independent, like concessions, each doing its own thing. When will China's cultural industry be able to unite and compete with the increasingly powerful Hollywood movies, Japanese anime, and Korean pop culture?

The moment the word "concession" was uttered, the meeting room fell silent.

Fang Xinghe is too outspoken. His domineering and arrogant demeanor, like a tiger roaring in the mountains, is truly terrifying.

The staff from many departments looked at each other, speechless with fear.

Mr. Fang, is what you said appropriate?

It's certainly inappropriate to do this in public, but in high-level internal meetings behind closed doors, speaking a bit forcefully can actually reduce arguments.

Fang Dahu slowed his speech and spoke again.

“Previously, I claimed that I would blacklist the Hong Kong and Taiwan entertainment industry. Foreign affairs departments contacted me several times for talks. I told them: This is a purely personal act, which is neither illegal nor against regulations.”

The conflict escalated significantly, causing a great uproar, and in the end, they had no way to resolve it.

But if there had been such a method to restrain my words and actions at the time, then I think I could only choose a gentler approach to solve the problem.

Today, we also have colleagues from Hong Kong and Taiwan present. Friends, let me speak frankly: the implementation of the new system is both a restriction on me and a protection for you…

Fang Xinghe's earnest gaze was like nails, piercing the Hong Kong and Taiwan representatives until they were completely deflated.

Damn! This guy is too arrogant!

However, despite their anger, they had to admit that once there were clear rules in the industry, then super-powerful individuals like Fang Xinghe could no longer bully others with impunity. The word "protection" was very apt and appropriate.

It's just... absolutely awful.

The leaders of the judicial authorities, showing great interest, pressed further: "Xiao Fang, why did you propose a system that would clearly serve as a self-limiting mechanism?"

"Because I never intended to use my power to bully others."

Brother Fang was very calm and very sincere.

"My anger is directed only at the phenomenon, not at the dictator mentality that outsiders think. As long as everyone can accept the same constraints, I am also willing to restrain myself."

Because I alone cannot support the great revival of Chinese culture.

I never intended to turn the entertainment industry into my personal playground. If everyone in the industry can be cautious, self-disciplined, and keep their promises, I will be very happy to shut up and focus on my own creative work.

Believe it or not, I truly have no attachment to power, money, or material possessions; those are not what I pursue.

If someone else said this, no one would believe it. They would just sneer inwardly and agree with a simple "Yes, yes, yes."

However, when Fang Xinghe said such things, many people believed him completely on the spot.

Because his life was indeed not extravagant at all.

He doesn't enjoy drinking parties, doesn't go to nightclubs or KTVs, doesn't buy supercars, doesn't collect art, doesn't have affairs with female celebrities, and donates all his spare money.

Aside from his tendency to get angry easily and to criticize anyone he doesn't like, Fang Xinghe is practically a moral saint in the entertainment industry.

At this moment, many people forgot the topic of the meeting and began to wonder—how exactly did Fang Xinghe develop his current mindset?

As a super genius who can do anything, why is your happiness limited to creating?
Actually, this understanding is incorrect.

Creating is only a superficial source of joy; the true, deeper joy comes from personally participating in and driving the great rejuvenation of Chinese civilization.

This was an inevitable historical outcome, which Fang Xinghe witnessed firsthand, and in the process, as a scrap of material, he played a small, albeit uncertain, role.

Having been reborn, I finally have the ability to lead the charge in the cultural field. As long as I do well enough, I can have my own family genealogy and go down in history. This sense of accomplishment is unparalleled.

Perhaps this is the destiny of those who are reborn in China: when wealth is readily available, they are easily influenced by the spirit of five thousand years of Chinese civilization, regarding responsibility and honor as the highest pursuit, rather than being content with the wealth of one's own family.

Fang Xinghe didn't know if other Gen Z reborn would be like this, but his emotional threshold was astonishingly high, and only a great undertaking could satisfy him.

Not everyone can understand his magnanimity, but not understanding is not a bad thing; on the contrary, it will inspire awe.

Mr. Zeng, the current president of the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild (HKPAG), raised his opinion with a chill running down his spine.

"I think we could gradually establish this system, without taking such big steps or rushing things. Let's start with self-discipline and give everyone time to accept and change?"

Fang Xinghe glanced over, but instead of immediately refuting, he asked for everyone's opinion: "What do you think?"

Chen Daoming immediately retorted: "I don't think it's very good. Either don't do it at all, or be strict and try to stop the bad practices from the very first time you take action. Otherwise, who knows how long you will drag it out before you become self-disciplined?"

Wow, that's a really sharp remark.

In the original historical context, Director Chen was a supporter and advocate of the management system for artists with bad records, and the Hong Kong entertainment industry did indeed delay as he predicted.

Zeng served as the president of the association until around 2014. Apart from protecting the rights of artists, he did nothing of value to the overall Chinese entertainment industry.

The next two terms were held by Hendrik Willem Van Loon, who just coasted along and served as a mascot.

It wasn't until 2020, when Gu Tianle was re-elected as president for the second time, that he finally began to promote the "self-discipline guidelines for artists with bad records" as a major issue.

Of course, things aren't much better in the Chinese entertainment industry either.

Apart from the fact that "Western Poison" is a red line, the management methods for other artists with bad records have only gradually gained attention since 2016.

By then, the Chinese entertainment industry had already lost credibility in the eyes of the public.

Bing Shuang Fan Feng Wei Ji Han, there are only tricks you can't imagine, and no tricks they can't pull off.

It's important to understand that when a top celebrity gets into trouble, it leaves an irreparable scar on the entire industry, ultimately leading the public to accept that everyone in the entertainment circle is a villain.

But in reality, this industry isn't all that great, but it's not all that bad either. Lu Yuxiao and Wang Yuwen, that group of abstract Gen Zers, have a strong sense of cheerfulness and vitality. Liu Yifei and Zhao Liying, those older women, are also quite dedicated and professional. There's also a group of backbone members like Baoqiang, Huang Bo, and Li Erpeng, who are all decent people and do a good job.

Whether a person is good or bad depends not on the circles they belong to, but on the combined strength of rules and self-discipline.

If we're talking about what's bad, the financial industry is number one, and the football world is definitely in the top three, but in the eyes of the general public, the film and television industry is the most disgusting.

Ultimately, it is the lax supervision, insufficient punishment, and unclear accountability that have fostered this arrogance.

If all celebrities had a sword hanging over their heads, taking precautions to nip problems in the bud, it would be possible to achieve a clean and upright public image.

"There is no time for you to slowly accept and slowly change."

Fang Xinghe looked at Zeng quietly and replied in this way.

"Self-regulatory norms must be established immediately, in conjunction with administrative guidelines and industry reviews, to create a standardized development path for China's entertainment industry."

If you want to integrate into the entertainment industry in mainland China, you must abide by all of this.

If these negotiations ultimately fail to establish a concrete, standardized model, it means there will be no rules to bind you, and no rules to bind me. Believe me, you won't want to see that happen.

The Taiwanese Godfather Li's face turned ashen with anger: "What do you mean? Are you threatening us?"

"The literal meaning." Fang Xinghe didn't even lift his eyelids, and said calmly, "My original intention has always been just to rectify the situation, but there are other ways besides negotiation."

Fang Xinghe's displayed determination was both terrifying and deeply moving.

The advantage of his notoriety is that no one dares to dismiss his words as mere bluster.

Having said all that, if we don't push for the establishment of a system, it will lead to consequences that no party can afford.

At the opportune moment, the leader in charge of the entertainment industry spoke up: "In principle, everyone agrees and is happy to see the entertainment industry operate in a standardized manner. However, there are still some specific details that require everyone's collective wisdom and discussion to clarify..."

The film bureau leader chimed in, "Yes, for example, the scope of what constitutes a bad record. Xiao Fang, what are your thoughts?" "Four red lines."

Fang Xinghe, carrying the future results with him, immediately launched into an assignment.

"Political irregularities, illegal activities, immoral behavior, and deviations from norms."

It covers political stance, legal bottom line, moral principles, and industry norms, forming a complete constraint system.

The four red lines are independent yet interconnected, forming a tiered control system from rigid enforcement to flexible self-discipline, serving as the core basis for judging disgraced artists and the collective culture of misconduct.

"hiss……"

A chorus of gasps filled the conference room as people gasped for the cold noodles.

The more elites within the system are, the more they can understand the value of Fang Xinghe's explanation.

Brother Fang, you're not from Shandong either, where did you practice your policy essays?
The leaders, their interest piqued, immediately pressed for details: "How exactly are those four red lines interpreted?"

On his own stage, Fang Ge always manages to perform perfectly.

He didn't come to persuade people; he came to announce the results.

Therefore, the certainty in his tone was as if he were the highest commander present.

"First, political impropriety: the highest-level rigid red line, with a veto system."

If any individual directly touches upon fundamental issues such as national sovereignty, ideology, or national sentiment, they will be permanently banned immediately.

The specific regulations are as follows...

Second, illegality: the hard bottom line at the legal level, with judicial conclusions as the core basis.

Based solely on judicial/law enforcement documents, criminal offenses, public security violations, and economic violations are categorized into three main types. Once a formal document is issued by the judicial authorities, the offender will be permanently banned.

Of course, because the scope of public security violations is too broad, the permanent ban penalty is only recommended for serious offenses such as poisoning, prostitution, drunk driving, and disorderly conduct. For other minor violations, a punishment of resistance or notification is sufficient.

Third, immorality: the bottom line of moral constraints, judged by public order and good customs.

This falls into the middle layer, which is above the law and below morality.

If an artist's behavior does not violate the law, but goes against public order and good morals, traditional virtues and generally accepted moral standards, causing serious negative public opinion and damaging public order and good morals and the industry's image, the punishment will be either a limited-term boycott or a permanent ban, depending on the severity of the circumstances.

For example, if my chaotic private life caused serious social controversy, or if someone like my mentor committed serious domestic violence or abandonment during marriage, resulting in an elderly woman throwing vegetable leaves at him, he should be punished…”

The representatives from the Beijing People's Art Theatre in the corner all looked up.

Feng Yuanzheng's eyes widened, his lips trembled, and he almost blurted out "Damn it!"

"Hahahaha!"

The audience erupted in laughter, and all sorts of mocking glances were directed at him, including those from his superiors at the Beijing People's Art Theatre...

Damn it, you traitor!

Feng Yuanzheng smiled wryly, waved his hand, and quickly lowered his head.

But after the laughter subsided, everyone fully understood the scope and theory behind this penalty, and the feeling was very clear.

Fang Xinghe was the only one who didn't laugh; instead, he continued in a serious tone.

"Because there is no unified legal standard for this, the core criterion can only be the 'degree of severity of social impact,' so it relies heavily on the Guangdong General Chamber of Commerce and industry associations' assessment of public opinion. They have great power and heavy responsibility."

Therefore, it is necessary to establish a professional ethics committee within the industry association, specifically for reviewing and identifying relevant situations.

In this regard, the General Association will provide primary guidance, with the association playing a secondary role in self-management. Departmental authority will be strictly controlled, and multiple layers of supervision will be accepted to prevent good ideas from becoming a breeding ground for abuse of power for personal gain…

Swish swish.

In the conference room, staff members from various departments were taking notes so diligently that their pens were almost worn down to sparks.

Fang Xinghe's proposed method is so mature that it doesn't seem like a new policy. It seems to have undergone multiple rounds of refinement, and it has both guiding significance and a basis for implementation.

The power of genius is terrifying!
"Finally, and fourthly, is deviation from norms."

It refers to industry-level codes of conduct, with professional standards as the criteria for judgment.

This requires our industry associations to formulate self-regulatory conventions that conform to their own environment and meet their development needs.

Several key points, including boycotts, diva-like behavior, breach of contract, malicious marketing, plagiarism, and deliberate smearing of competitors, are all within the scope of the crackdown.

This provision relies primarily on industry association self-regulation, supplemented by higher-level supervision. Penalties are relatively lenient, including verbal warnings, written rectification, and industry-wide public criticism. Bans are avoided as much as possible, unless the circumstances are particularly egregious or have a particularly negative impact.

For example, if Huayi smears me, I won't insist on a ban from my superiors; a public reprimand would be enough..."

The two Wangs from Huayi did not attend the meeting, but Xiao Gangpao did.

As soon as Fang Xinghe finished speaking, all eyes turned to Xiao Gangpao, making him sweat profusely.

Dad, stop messing around!
Do you think you're quite generous?

Xiao Gang, I'm almost crying, didn't you see?

Whether he cries or not, nobody cares. With his current status, even if Fang Xinghe really made him cry, no one would dare to stand up for him.

You, Huayi, should take responsibility for the mess you made.

……

Fang Xinghe wrote a lengthy and detailed account, and the situation quickly became clear.

The first question is: Should we do this or not?

It has to be done, it absolutely has to be done.

External public opinion forced the industry to give an explanation, and with Fang Xinghe watching intently on the scene, who dared to object?
The second question is: How exactly should this be done?
Fang Xinghe presented a well-developed plan, giving the participants no opportunity to argue or delay.

Now, we can only do as he says.

The third question is: Who should do this?

After submitting the proposal, Fang Xinghe fell silent, leaving the rest to the individual departments to decide.

There's really nothing to argue about; it's each person's job, and under pressure, their communication becomes quick and smooth.

The final division of labor was as follows:

The State Administration of Radio and Television (SART) wields the "Four No's" sword to regulate the radio and television and online audiovisual fields, prohibiting illegal and unethical individuals from appearing on camera and speaking out, and coordinating relevant control policies nationwide.

The cultural sector is responsible for credit management and the blacklist system in the cultural market, guiding industry associations in self-regulation, and coordinating the supervision of the performance market.

The Performing Arts Association (and the Hong Kong Island Association) has an Ethics Committee, which is responsible for investigating, evaluating, identifying and jointly boycotting artists with bad records, and setting self-discipline and punishment standards.

The Film Bureau is largely irrelevant, only regulating the film market.

The judicial authorities should make judicial rulings on criminal violations as the factual basis for "illegal misconduct," and at the same time, expedite the legalization process of relevant regulations.

When the top leader present announced the successful conclusion of the meeting, a collective sigh of relief erupted from the audience.

With the resolution passed, the overall situation is settled.

Whether some of them like it or not, industry self-regulatory conventions and blacklist systems are irresistibly moving towards reality.

Fang Xinghe slowly stood up and shook hands with each of the leaders who came over, his face calm and composed, as if he had only brushed a speck of dust off his clothes.

Xiao Gang rushed out the door, wanting to call Er Wang as soon as possible to inform him of the results. As he carefully squeezed out of the door, he secretly glanced at the young figure in the crowd.

Envy instantly welled up in my eyes, and the first thing that came to mind was, "A true man should be like this."

Subsequently, my feelings gradually became complicated, including admiration, respect, and fear.

And for the first time in my life, I had the thought: Now that things have come to this, shouldn't I get off the ship?

He didn't consider whether he had boarded the wrong ship, because without Huayi, he wouldn't be where he is today.

But he did begin to fear the future—Fang Xinghe was only 21 years old, and he already possessed such power today. In two more years, what shape would this industry take?

Beijing entertainment circle, Hong Kong entertainment circle, Shanghai entertainment circle, entertainment circle...

The large and small circles, so easily defeated, can never truly step outside this realm, nor break through this starry sky.

Sigh, if only I had known this would happen...

(End of this chapter)