Entertainment: 1990

Chapter 186, Textbook [To be continued at 11 PM]

Chapter 185 was revised but still couldn't be released—I'm giving up, I'll just post it in the group.

To put it simply, the protagonist, using those three words, stirred up another hornet's nest, and while the two sides were buzzing and exchanging blows, he led a delegation to the frontier to build his reputation.

When he returned to the capital a month later, the struggle between the two sides had escalated to a fever pitch, and he was no longer the focus.

At this time, the authorities were preparing to open up to private capital, but not in a full manner; instead, they planned to first establish a few pilot enterprises.

The first person chosen as a typical example was a man named Zhang, who was widely recognized for his "ideological awareness" and had a large sum of money at his disposal.

Because Zhang Yan was unsure whether it was appropriate to film "The New Dragon and Phoenix," a story that uses the past to satirize the present, at this critical juncture, he simply described the plot over the phone.

After listening, Director Lin laughed and said, "You're overthinking it. Opening up to private capital is meant to help you revitalize the market. It's not your turn to take the lead in propaganda. If you really aim for that, things will get more difficult in 97."

Zhang Yan suddenly realized that since opening up the film and television industry to private capital was mainly in preparation for 97, the higher authorities naturally did not want mainland private capital to touch sensitive issues and send the wrong signal to the Hong Kong entertainment industry.

This makes historical fiction a very suitable subject.

Of course, on the other hand, it is also because mainstream themes are still very popular now, and it will probably not fall into a decade of decline until after 96.

Therefore, the authorities currently do not feel it is necessary to allow private capital to get involved in this area—otherwise, if the film is not made well, it will be a problem; if it is made too well and surpasses all the films made within the system, that will be an even bigger problem.

After receiving instructions from his superiors, Zhang Yan felt much more at ease. He was worried that he might not be able to set a good example and end up making things worse.

Since what the higher-ups want is something to entertain the masses, there's nothing to hesitate about.

"Then there's the issue of marketizing broadcasting rights..."

"It's still under discussion, but it should be soon. After all, it's a supporting policy—you should get the company up and running first. Anyway, it will take at least half a year to finish filming and release the film."

"understand."

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yan looked at Chen Hong, who had just come out of the bathroom: "Honey, how much money do we have in our dream-fulfilling account right now?"

"It's about 720 million on the books."

Chen Hong wiped her wet hair and said, "However, there is still a portion of taxes that haven't been paid. Once that's done, it will be less than 600 million."

Yuanmeng's performance tours in the first half of the year have just ended. This is the net profit after deducting all expenses and commissions, which accounts for about 26% of the gross income.

In other words, from late February to the end of April, a total of more than two months, the Seven Dreamers made a staggering 20 million yuan, which is basically a pace of 10 million yuan per month.

Moreover, this was only after Zhang Yan and Chen Hong repeatedly emphasized that they couldn't rush the schedule like last time. If they had put in all their effort to do gigs, they probably wouldn't have been able to make more than 3000 million.

Zhang Yan pulled Chen Hong into his arms and chuckled, "So, if we go on another trip around the middle of the year, we'll definitely be millionaires—darling, I didn't expect you to be even more composed than me, not even caring about making 600 million in two months."

"Ah~"

Chen Hong sighed helplessly: "Although I know that 600 million in two months is a rather exaggerated amount, I just can't be happy when I think about how I had 2000 million in my hands not long ago."

"Here's some good news to cheer you up—the film and television industry is gradually opening up to private capital, and our Dream Realization is scheduled to be among the first batch of pilot companies to receive access qualifications."

"real?!"

Chen Hong was overjoyed and hugged Zhang Yan, giving him two big kisses, saying, "Darling, you're amazing!"

What made her even happier than fulfilling her dream of entering the film and television industry was that this was accomplished at Zhang Yan's suggestion and impetus.

This is a major event that will be etched in the history of the industry. It is estimated that in just a few years, Zhang Yan's name will be printed in the textbooks of the Central Academy of Drama, Beijing Film Academy, and Shanghai Theatre Academy, alongside those renowned figures in the industry.

Thinking of that scene, she couldn't help but feel excited.

Next, of course...

"and many more!"

Just as the two were about to walk towards the connection, Chen Hong suddenly remembered something and quickly sat up to ask, "Isn't it a bit inappropriate for you to get involved in Zhang Yimou's new movie now?" "Well..."

To satisfy Zhang Yimou, Yu Hua expanded the original text from 7 words to 11 words, but Zhang Yimou was still dissatisfied with some parts.

Left with no other choice, Yu Hua had to ask Zhang Yan for help and even promised him a screenwriter title.

However, while this book is indeed a classic, even after being beautified and modified, the level of explicitness is still shocking. The impact of many scenes combined with the visuals is probably not something that the authorities would like to see.

If it weren't for this whole "model citizen" thing, Zhang Yan just being mentioned in the name wouldn't be a big deal, but now...

"I'll talk to Yu Hua and Zhang Yimou about it later," Zhang Yan said. "Anyway, I was just helping out by offering suggestions and giving some advice, so it's fine if I don't get the title of screenwriter."

It was, after all, Zhang Yimou's new film, and Zhang Yan was still somewhat disappointed. But if it's meant to be a typical film, it should be typical in a certain way.

Thankfully, he changed the ending of "Hair Messed Up," otherwise he wouldn't even be able to keep his 'producer' resume.

Seeing that her suggestion had been adopted, Chen Hong put her arm around Zhang Yan's and excitedly proposed, "If we're going to start a film and television company, the most important things are definitely directors and famous actors. Didn't you say Feng Xiaogang is quite capable? Why don't we bring him over..."

Zhang Yan shook his head and said, "Old Feng is capable enough, but he has only recently made a name for himself in Beijing and Taiwan, and may not be willing to risk offending them by coming to our newly opened private company."

Before filming "A Native of Beijing in New York," Feng Xiaogang might have taken the risk, but now he's just waiting for the TV series to air so he can get independent directing rights. They want him to risk breaking with Beijing TV and go into directing...

At least for now, realizing that dream is still very difficult.

"What's the harm in bluffing?"

"Guan Hu always wants to do something unconventional, and I'm not sure if he can make a good commercial film."

After being rejected twice, Chen Hong drew circles on Zhang Yan's chest with her finger and asked, "What about you? Do you want to give it a try...?"

"I don't have that kind of patience."

Zhang Yan shook his head decisively, then pondered and said, "I think Zhang Guoli seems to have this idea. He has shot commercials and music videos, so he understands the basics. Moreover, he doesn't have the bad habit of being overly ambitious like those formally trained students."

"How about this, I'll talk to him later. If he and Deng Jie are willing to join us in realizing our dream, I'll have someone co-direct 'The New Dragon and Phoenix' with him. It would be best if he had the talent. Even if we don't get the opportunity, at least we'll gain two good actors."

"That's a good idea. Hasn't he been worried about finding a way out? I reckon he'll definitely agree!"

The two chatted back and forth until midnight, with Chen Hong's enthusiasm undiminished.

Zhang Yan, however, was starting to feel the strain, especially since he had only recently returned from the frontier.

So he yawned and lay down, saying, "Let's go to sleep first. I've never seen you this excited when we were talking about record companies. By the way, do you want to switch from a management company to a film and television company? Then you can put your name on the production list."

After he finished speaking, there was no response from Chen Hong for a long time.

Zhang Yan turned his head in confusion and saw her biting her lower lip with a conflicted look on her face.

"what happened?"

"nothing."

Chen Hong leaned into his arms and said nonchalantly, "Let's forget it. If I leave, Wang Jinghua will be the only one in the agency. Wang Zhongqi and Zhang Weining won't be able to control her."

This is, of course, only the superficial reason. The real core reason is that talent agencies are currently the most important source of income for Yuanmeng, while TV dramas are all losing money these days. Even though the authorities have started to consider reforms, they certainly won't be as stable as talent agencies in the short term.

It's possible that in the next two or three years, film and television companies will need financial support from talent agencies.

One controls Zhang Yan's money, and the other takes money from Zhang Yan's money. A smart woman would know which one to choose.

So even though Chen Hong's greatest passion was the film and television industry, she ultimately chose the former, albeit with a heavy heart.

(End of this chapter)