Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 219 Hunan and Taiwan are in danger!
On the same day that the official blog of Travel Channel was updated, Hunan TV was the first to capture this hot topic.

From Yao Jia, director of the film purchasing department, to Ouyang Changqing himself, everyone had to cast a scrutinizing eye on this brand-new Travel Satellite TV.

Just because of that man's existence.

Perhaps this is not a high priority in the eyes of other satellite TV stations, but for Hunan TV, which is even seeking to challenge the second place of CCTV.

This travel satellite TV channel is obviously targeting itself.

Yao Jia sat down in front of his old leader's desk, waiting patiently for him to sign the financial documents.

"Have you had breakfast?"

"I ate the director's scallion oil cake."

Ouyang Changqing smiled slightly when he heard this: "The food in the cafeteria downstairs is too bland. I still prefer the Changde rice noodles on Sanshan Street next door."

"Master, you have a weak stomach and have been drinking a lot lately. You should eat less spicy food."

Ouyang Changqing did not exchange pleasantries with his old subordinate and put the pen cap back on.

He knew that Yao Jia had been following Travel Channel and Lu Kuan, but competition was omnipresent and there was no need to be so cautious.

The casual chat just now made Yao Jia feel a little more relaxed.

"How's it going? Have you heard any news about... Zhu Xian?"

"We contacted the staff at the station who previously collaborated with Wenjie to get information, and the plan that has been leaked so far is still relatively general."

"Overall, this director probably wants to make the series into a TV movie format, with each episode running about 80-100 minutes, and spending a huge amount of money on special effects."

Ouyang Changqing nodded without comment.

"Shooting and broadcasting at the same time, this is an extraordinary step!"

Yao Jia explained, "I've been researching this model these past couple of days. Around 1996, some American TV stations began adopting this production and broadcasting approach."

"This director must have seen the model in Hollywood. Coupled with his familiarity with the film and television production industry, he's quite...confident."

The old director nodded and said, "That's right. This kind of filming efficiency places extremely high demands on the cast and crew, especially the production team behind the scenes."

"The writing team needs to respond quickly and collect audience feedback, and the cast and crew need to free up their schedules and cooperate unconditionally with the filming."

"The most important thing is the biggest publicity stunt of his trip, the special effects."

"Lu Kuan must be very confident in his special effects company."

Ouyang Changqing may have felt that the atmosphere was rather depressing, so he smiled and joked with his female subordinate.

"Yao Jia, I've sent you to use the honey trap. Can you bring Zhu Xian to Xiangtai?"

Yao Jia had been in the system for a long time and knew that this was a harmless joke from the old leader.

"Master, my eldest child is almost 10 years old. I do like your suggestion, but I can't do anything about it!"

Then he whispered again: "Have you forgotten what Yang Siwei said last time?"

This is about Yang Siwei deceiving Xiangtai and fabricating the relationship between Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei.

Ouyang Changqing smiled and said, "A gentleman would be attracted to a beautiful lady. That's normal."

These two high-ranking officials from Hunan TV went off topic while talking, but Yao Jia clearly felt that the director was trying to relieve the pressure on himself.

Now that the top leader is facing internal retirement, she, as the second-in-command of the film purchasing and production department, has to shoulder this responsibility and burden.

"Master, I actually have a suggestion."

"explain."

"I don't know if you paid attention to last year's "My Sassy Girl," it was very popular in China."

Ouyang Changqing understood the elegant meaning of the music by listening to it.

"You mean introducing Korean dramas?"

Yao Jia was already accustomed to his old leader's sharpness.

She began to talk about her long-term research on the popularity of Korean Wave in mainland China and market research.

"In 1998, the first Korean singers, represented by HOT, entered the mainland entertainment industry. Then, the drama "Autumn in My Heart" became popular in Taiwan. The island even opened a TV station dedicated to broadcasting Korean dramas."

"The Korean Wave is sweeping across Asia, including Japan, where the entertainment industry is also very developed. BOA's popularity there is almost on par with Ayumi Hamasaki."

"The latest news in the industry is that South Korea's new popular singer Rain will come to Beijing in March to promote his new album."

"There are also "Peking, My Love" and "Love in the Aegean Sea" starring Ahn Jae-wook, Jang Dong-gun, Lee Jung-hyun, Kangta, etc."

"Even 'The Myth,' which Jackie Chan and Eagle King officially announced for next year, is rumored to be in talks with Korean star Kim Hee Sun."

Yao Jia listed a bunch of examples and gave final advice.

"Director, in China, when it comes to content, I think Wenjie is the leading company in the industry. Their prime-time show 'Lush' premiered last night."

She paused, considered it, and decided to speak frankly: "It's another groundbreaking spy war work that doesn't follow the same old routine. If nothing unexpected happens, it will be another phenomenal existence."

Later in life, Yao Jia became the producer of the legendary drama "The Ming Dynasty 1566", so he still possessed this judgment and appreciation ability.

"Therefore, I think that given the current unclear situation, instead of struggling with the limited domestic drama market, it would be better to contact South Korea first."

"Isn't his Lukuan seasonal drama also modeled after the Hollywood model? There's nothing wrong with us using Korean dramas to beat him."

Ouyang Changqing pondered for a while, and rarely took out a box of Furongwang from the drawer. This was the kind of cigarette he often smoked when he was still in charge of Hunan Taiwan Economic TV. It had been in the drawer for a long time.

I didn't expect that I couldn't help but take it out again today.

"Do you have a goal?"

Yao Jia was cheered up when she heard the director's question, which was a sign of agreement.

"Jewel in the Palace."

"This drama had a 50% viewership rating in South Korea last year. The theme is inspirational, and the palace elements are consistent with our classic "My Fair Princess," which is easy to resonate with the culture of mainland audiences."

Ouyang Changqing smoked without saying anything. All Yao Jia needed to consider was the strategic development and economic benefits of the station.

However, he had to make his judgment from the perspective of the ideology of the entire cultural industry.

At such a time, are there any policy risks in aggressively promoting Korean dramas as the main program in prime time?
Indeed, starting from the first Korean drama "Jealousy" in 1993 to "Autumn in My Heart", "Winter Sonata", "My Fair Princess" and so on in recent years, various TV stations including CCTV have tried it.

But after the pomegranates grow bigger, will such cultural input be taboo?

This is the only point where the old director is hesitant.

Yao Jia was about to continue to advise when Ouyang Changqing's secretary knocked on the door and came in, looking a little panicked.

"what happened?"

"Director, this is the latest official blog content from Wenjie and Travel Channel."

Ouyang Changqing and Yao Jia looked at the contents of the manuscript.

The above is a notice about the "Super Girl" auditions to be held by Travel Channel in Beijing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shanghai, and Guangzhou starting from February 2st.

Below is the grand regional competition system.

50 contestants from each competition area will be selected through auditions and the judges will vote.

The semi-finals will decide 20 people, with the judges' votes weighted and the audience's votes accumulated.

接着是20进10、10进7、7进5、5进3的晋级赛，最后决出分赛区的冠亚季军，决胜方式同上。

Because the production unit of Travel Channel is in Beijing, the final will be held in Beijing.

Half of all runners-up and third-place winners will be eliminated first, and the remaining ones will compete again with the previous champions to produce the top three of the year.

Yao Jia exclaimed: "Isn't this the Super Boy from our entertainment channel?"

Ouyang Changqing remained silent.

To this day, the initial imitator of the "American Idol" program in China, Hunan TV itself, has not made up its mind to operate this program nationwide.

Where does his confidence come from?
On the one hand, it introduces the American drama model, and on the other hand, it organizes national entertainment programs.

Even Hunan and Taiwan, which have prided themselves on their high-profile, pioneering and innovative spirit since coming to power, can hardly be said to be more courageous.

Moreover, the two planners of this Waterloo program last year are still facing inquiries and accountability from the station, and are probably still writing reports at home.

Ouyang Changqing suddenly extinguished his cigarette: "Xiao Li, call Zhang Huali and Long Danni."

"Yes! Leader!"

"Wait, notify the leaders of all departments at home that there will be a meeting at 2 pm. No one is allowed to be absent without special reasons!"

"Roger that!"

He turned to Yao Jia again and said, "Xiao Yao, go and discuss the situation. Let's take a look at the specific competition system and event details for their seasonal dramas, especially Super Girl."

Yao Jia took the order and left.

"detail?"

At Wenjie Culture Media, Boss Lu is holding a meeting with the variety show team that was cobbled together over the past month and a half.

20% are veterans in the television industry, and 40% are top students from relevant universities such as Communication University of China.

There are also 40% of supporting personnel in media operations, news editing and directing, TV live broadcast technology, and even consumer psychology and legal services.

Together they formed the backbone of the first generation of phenomenal variety shows.

"Speaking of details, this is the first thing that needs to be communicated at this meeting today."

Boss Lu turned to the newly recruited host and said, "Liu Yan, tell me, if you were an ordinary audience member or singing enthusiast, and saw this promotional page for Super Girl on a blog, what would you think?"

Liu Yan, who was inexplicably called up to Wenjie and Travel Channel and suddenly Cue, was stunned for a few seconds before stumbling to give her answer.

"Hmm... It feels very approachable. There's no dazzling stage, no extravagant makeup, and it seems like any girl can go up there and sing a few lines."

“Even if I’m eliminated, it’s still fun. There’s no threshold.”

Liu Yan's speech was suddenly interrupted.

"Mr. Lu?"

Zhong Lifang brought a woman in, holding luggage in her hands, looking exhausted.

The woman looked hesitant, but she still nodded to the renowned director. "Mr. Lu, please go ahead and I'll sit in and learn."

The variety show team present was mainly composed of college students in relevant majors, but there were also veterans recruited from different TV stations. They were all surprised when they turned around and saw this face!
This is not the dragon of Hunan and Taiwan...

"Okay, let's continue."

Lu Kuan smiled and nodded at her, then continued to promote his content.

"Everyone has also read the research materials in hand. They provide a detailed analysis of the failure of last year's Hunan TV Entertainment Channel's 'Super Boy'."

"To sum it up, there are several reasons: it's too standardized, it doesn't inspire the participation of ordinary singing enthusiasts, and the judges are too highbrow."

Long Danni was a little unconvinced when she heard this.

She is a senior variety show director and planner of Hunan TV. She has planned many classic programs such as "Lucky 3721" and "True Love" in her career.

I met Lu Kuan at last year's China TV Golden Eagle Awards.

Long Danni is the chief director of the Golden Eagle Awards star concert. She cordially invited Boss Lu to present awards to award-winning actors such as Liu Yifei.

But because of the failure of "Super Boy", which cost a lot of manpower and financial resources last year, she also encountered some criticism in the station.

Since he was an old servant of Ouyang Changqing when he worked in the Economic Television Department, he was protected under the pretext of reflection at home.

But now, because she had owed Lu Kuan for attending the meeting, she was "invited" to Wenjie to sit in on this work meeting, and she still felt a little dissatisfied.

I admit that you are good at making movies, but do you really understand variety shows?
Lu Kuan looked at her with a slightly questioning look and laughed secretly. Since he had invited her here, he had to find a way to keep her.

The business scope of the industry is too broad, and each business line must be equipped with professional talents as soon as possible.

Just take variety show production as an example, Long Danni is capable of standing on her own.

What Boss Lu has to do now is to make them stand at attention first and then feed them with promises.

"Everyone must humble themselves and look at our selling point!"

"It's the trust that comes from the transparent and interactive selection process, and the ruthless pleasure that comes from the cruel and brutal competition system."

"It's all about the critical acclaim and popularity it received when its self-esteem was used as a joke, and the perfect ending it gave us when we finally selected a brilliant future."

Long Danni was stunned when she heard this. While the members of the on-site variety show production team were still chewing and digesting, she had already caught the shining points of these selling points!

Yup!

This is not a serious idol audition, but an entertainment TV show full of silliness!

Last year's show was too pretentious. Just like other serious variety shows on the station, ordinary audiences were just spectators and had no sense of participation at all.

She instinctively wanted to take out the notebook she carried in her bag to make some notes, but just as she raised her hand, she put it down awkwardly.

I'm still in "Cao's Camp" now...

Boss Lu continued to instill ideas.

"Everyone needs to realize that we have the iron triangle of ratings for this show."

He held up his fingers one by one: "Unprofessional and enthusiastic amateurs."

"A professional judge who is sometimes harsh and sometimes tear-jerking."

"And most importantly, we entertain the public with our wholehearted and immersive entertainment!"

Half a step ahead is a genius, one step ahead is a madman.

Today, when the wave of entertainment is just beginning, it is not realistic to produce professional programs that are too professional and highbrow.

It is precisely this type of "anti-idol" program that allows the public to participate in voting that often arouses greater enthusiasm for participation.

Boss Lu left Zhong Lifang in charge of team training and preparations for regional events starting in February, and he brought Long Danni into the office.

"Director Long, what kind of tea would you like?"

"Boiled water, please. Thank you, Mr. Lu."

Long Danni politely took the paper cup with both hands, and the warm and moist air slightly thawed her frown.

She has been in the industry for six or seven years, so it is impossible for her not to know the reason why Boss Lu cordially invited her to meet him.

However, she is the old director's direct subordinate, and she cannot jump into this trap no matter what.

"Director Long, please let me know if there are any mistakes or omissions in what I just said."

Long Danni laughed and said, "How dare I? I wanted to take out a pen and paper just now, but I was afraid it would be too presumptuous."

She paused and decided to express her feelings directly.

"Mr. Lu, I'm very grateful for your kindness, but I think it will be difficult for me to leave Xiangtai in the short term."

Boss Lu laughed heartily. "I know you're Chief Ouyang's trusted and beloved general, but unfortunately, you have no chance of winning this battle."

"Why not come to Travel Channel and join in the fun?"

Long Danni raised her eyebrows: "Not necessarily?"

Boss Lu decided to put all his trump cards on the table without reservation, giving this rational variety show producer the best conditions for judgment.

"First, this brand has been registered by Wenjie."

"Mr. Lu, this program has been running overseas for several years. Everyone is learning from each other, so there's no internal plagiarism, right? It's easy to change the name."

Boss Lu smiled and said, "Indeed, but it will take time for you to file an appeal, right? Before that, you won't be able to get the approval from the Radio and Television Administration."

The prerequisite for holding such large-scale programs is to obtain approval.

Later, the first Super Girl Contest in Hunan and Taiwan was only held in Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan and Jiangsu because approval documents from other regions could not be obtained.

The reason why you can’t get it is very simple. For example, Shanghai people were also planning a talent show “Super Boy” in 2004. Why should they give you the approval?

It turns out that Boss Lu was able to obtain the approval document through Ren Zhonglun's connections, which enabled him to take over this important talent show town!

Similarly, this time, the Travel Satellite TV Super Girl competition did not even have a competition zone in Hunan Province, because Hunan TV would definitely interfere.

Long Danni looked at the young director in front of her in astonishment. At this moment, the words "genius director" and "unscrupulous businessman" were equated in her mind.

This is a program that hopes to kill Hunan TV by dragging it out.

By the time you successfully appeal and get the approval document, it will have taken them two months, and they won’t be able to eat shit as soon as their mouth is warm.

"Secondly, the final winner and runner-up will receive generous benefits, including but not limited to film and television roles, and personal album production."

"I believe Director Long knows whether Hunan and Taiwan can meet the corresponding conditions."

Long Danni remained silent. In this regard, Xiangtai was undoubtedly at a disadvantage.

In today's China, which other company can have such high-yield and efficient film and television production capacity as Wenjie?

"Third, Travel Channel has reached a strategic partnership with Blog.com and Douban.com. These two websites will exclusively cooperate with us on voting, fan guidance, and online publicity during the event. This will also include SMS voting services from China Mobile and China Unicom."

"Even if Xiangtai released the same product, it would be impossible for them to get cooperation opportunities from these two websites."

After hearing this, Long Danni felt truly disheartened.

This was an all-round encirclement and suppression in terms of copyright, channels, and resource matching. It was a deliberate and unintentional move, and Hunan and Taiwan had no chance to react or resist in the short term.

It seems that I have no choice but to go back and report to the old director, and hope to make a comeback next year.

"Mr. Lu, I've learned a lesson today, but please forgive me..."

"Look at this again."

Lu Kuan clicked the mouse and turned the laptop screen in front of him to face Long Danni.

The Office 2003 version of the World document was opened, and the first thing that came into view was the big words "The Voice of China".

Curiosity prompted her to continue reading.

A unique selection mode that only listens to voices;

A strong guest lineup including Mei Yanfang, Jay Chou and others;
Personalized performance modes for swivel chairs and star teams;

Long Danni looked up in astonishment: "This...this?"

"You can go back and continue to cultivate Hunan TV. You definitely won't be able to catch up this year. Maybe next year, or the year after. In short, the Super Girl model can still be popular for two or three years."

"By then, Travel Channel will have upgraded to talent show 2.0 or 3.0, and will always be the model for other satellite TV stations to emulate."

"Travel Channel eats the meat, you drink the soup; Travel Channel innovates, you imitate."

Lu Kuan patiently coaxed him, "Director Long, do you want the program you painstakingly created to spend your entire life chasing after the competition?"

"I know that you are in Cao's camp but your heart is with Han."

"But when it comes to talent shows and song variety shows, the team at Wenjie is not Cao Cao before the Battle of Guandu."

"It's Cao Cao who's in Peking, holding the emperor hostage to control the princes. We won't give Xiangtai a chance to surpass him."

Long Danni was speechless when she saw his confident expression. The difference in strength between the enemy and her was immediately apparent, leaving her no chance to deny it.

"Come ask the world, I'll only be worrying about Travel Channel for the next two months. I have a new movie to shoot, so I'll give you full control."

"Come to Wenjie and be the head of the variety show department, and also serve as the deputy program director of Travel Satellite TV. Your salary will be double that of Hunan TV."

"Director Ouyang has been very kind to you, but this cannot be a reason to keep you trapped. Xiangtai is considered to be a very entertaining and open unit among the satellite TV stations."

"But even if we open up further, can we still compete with private companies like Guowenjie?"

"There are too many rules and regulations in physical education. Here, you will have more room to develop. I think this is not a difficult choice."

Long Danni felt her throat was a little dry. Just as she was about to say something, a message came on her phone.

"Feel sorry."

Long Danni flipped her phone and saw a text message from her colleague Zhang Huali:
[Long Jie, there's a meeting at the station at 2:00 PM. Remember to bring your review materials. I heard there's a chance we'll be able to restart the program this time.]

Review... Review...

The many rules and regulations in the system that Boss Lu just mentioned are still fresh in my mind.

Long Danni seemed to have been drained of all her strength and closed her eyes in despair.

"Okay, I'll join."

(End of this chapter)