Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 166 Creating a Character

In the CEO's office at Tangren Media, the window was half-closed, and dappled sunlight streamed in.

Liu Shishi glanced at Cai Yinong's gentle yet firm face, feeling curious and puzzled. After the meeting, Hu Ge and Yuan Hong had already left, and she wondered why Sister K had left her alone.

Cai Yinong took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and asked in a leisurely tone with a complex look in his eyes, "Shishi, how long have you been with Tangren?"

Liu Shishi was taken aback upon hearing this. After a moment's thought, she realized that she had signed with Tangren Media in early February 05 after finishing filming "Moon Shadow and Lotus Breeze".

"Exactly two and a half years."

"Two and a half years have passed in the blink of an eye." Cai Yinong seemed to be reminiscing and sighing.

"Shishi, I've kept you behind to talk to you about the revenue sharing between the company and your personal agency."

Liu Shishi nodded slightly, indicating that she was listening attentively, while a slight ripple of emotion stirred within her, and she vaguely sensed something was amiss.

Cai Yinong looked directly at the top female star and calmly said:
"Shishi, I'm going to adjust your brokerage revenue split to 20/80, with the company getting 20% ​​and you getting 80%, as a way of showing Tangren's respect and gratitude for you."

Liu Shishi stared wide-eyed in surprise. Although she had expected that Sister K's adjustment of the profit sharing would definitely be to her advantage, she never expected it to be so ruthless, going from a 50/50 split to a 20/80 split.

Keep in mind that of the 20% that the company takes, it also has to cover artist packaging, marketing, and daily expenses. So, when you calculate it this way, Tangren's earnings are quite limited!
"What, are you surprised?"

"Yes!" Liu Shishi knew the industry situation; the 20/80 split in agency contracts was a privilege enjoyed only by a very few top artists.

Those kinds of celebrities usually don't lack acting opportunities and don't need the company's resources to support them at all. On the contrary, they can help film and television companies mentor newcomers, which is why they can enjoy such preferential revenue sharing.

But given his status, he doesn't seem qualified enough.

Cai Yinong sighed silently. She was helpless. In the two years since Liu Shishi joined Tangren, the company had been plagued by bad luck and turmoil.

Ms. Liu only filmed two TV series with the company. One, "Young Warriors of the Yang Family," was taken off the air, and the other, "Strange Tales of Liaozhai," is facing an uncertain future as it is scheduled to air next year.

However, it's fair to say that the company's top female star hasn't benefited at all from the resources provided by Tangren Media. Ms. Liu is about to film a movie for Tengda Culture, and she's worried that the company's hard-won rise to prominence will be snatched away.

Although Liu Shishi is now the second largest shareholder of Tangren Media and the possibility of her switching companies is very small, human nature cannot withstand the test. If the top star is tricked into leaving the company, she will have nowhere to cry then.

With no other option, Cai Yi-nong could only adjust the commission structure for his agents in an attempt to win over people's hearts.

Moreover, part of Liu Shishi's salary came from her own connections. As for Tangren's internal film productions, their own artists always received lower salaries for their roles, so the company already profited.

It was only a matter of time before the two-eight split happened, so instead of delaying it, she should take the initiative to bring it up, win Liu Shishi's favor, and completely tie her down.

"Actually, I've thought about this for a long time, and now I'm telling you frankly. It will take some time for Hu Ge's career to get back on track. The company is in dire need of rebuilding, and you are the only artist who has the potential to shoulder the responsibility."

During this challenging time, I hope everyone can unite as one and cooperate more closely. You can stay with Tangren and focus on your development, working together to create a better future.

Liu Shishi nodded slightly, sensing Cai Yinong's sincerity and determination, and immediately said, "Sister K, don't worry, I have no intention of switching allegiance."

"I get along very well with you, Lao Hu, and Yuan Hong at Tangren. Besides, I'm now a shareholder of Tangren, and without you even saying it, I also hope the company can reach new heights."

The two women smiled at each other, and Cai Yinong nodded with satisfaction. Liu Shishi was indeed a trustworthy partner.

With tears welling up in her eyes, she said emotionally, "Shishi, hearing your words put my mind at ease. Meeting you is Tangren Media's and my good fortune."

At this moment, Cai Yinong finally felt relieved. God knows how she got through the past year, tossing and turning in bed countless nights, filled with anxiety and unease.

Especially during the period when Tangren Media was on the verge of bankruptcy and liquidation, I couldn't sleep for nights on end, and I lost a lot of hair. I persevered until today, and finally, the clouds have parted and the moon is shining through; there is hope for the future.

"Shishi, this year is a time of great preparation, and next year will be your most important year. The company will start to fully market and promote you, build your persona, and establish a positive image."

Since Liu Shishi has stood by Tangren Media through thick and thin, Cai Yinong naturally wants to do everything in his power to make her a star.

"Creating a persona?" Liu Shishi asked curiously.

"Yes, it means to cultivate a positive, unique, and distinctive image in the public eye," Cai Yinong explained, adding that marketing and packaging are precisely what she and Tangren Media excel at.

Miss Liu suddenly realized: "Oh, I understand, I have considered this."

Cai Yinong asked in surprise, "Oh, you've considered it. Then tell me, what's your public image?"

"As serene as a chrysanthemum!" Liu Shishi said, enunciating each word clearly.

After speaking, she slightly adjusted her posture, a faint smile appearing on her pretty face. Instantly, she appeared dignified and elegant, like a simple and graceful daisy.

Cai Yinong's eyes lit up immediately, and he silently recited, "As gentle as a chrysanthemum, excellent, very apt!"

The eldest sister's face is extremely deceptive; she appears pure, beautiful, gentle, and intellectual, making it easy for her to project an image of freshness, elegance, and jade-like beauty in the public eye.

“Great! This persona is excellent and suits you perfectly! From now on, the company will promote and hype you around this image of a gentle and unassuming person.”

"Oh, we'll have to publicize it extensively!" Liu Shishi said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Silly girl, celebrities and their teams need to establish and spread their persona through various channels such as media, film and television works, and performance activities."

Success is achieved only after the persona is continuously enriched and refined, gaining wider public acceptance. Did you really think my persona would be established just because I chatted with you a couple of times in the office?

Liu Shishi seemed to understand, but she nodded trustingly. In Mr. Song's words, professional matters should be left to professionals. She had no experience in this area, so she should listen to Sister K's arrangements.

"In addition, there is..."

"There's more!"

Cai Yinong smiled faintly, staring at the little face of the top female star: "Of course there are more!"
"Shishi, compared to other female stars in the entertainment industry, what advantages do you think you have that guarantee you a stable place in the industry?"

Liu Shishi really wanted to shout out loud that she had advantages—she had an excellent eye for men! But then she thought better of it. Apart from that, what advantages did she have compared to other female celebrities?

Beauty! Liu Shishi hesitated and shook her head. Female artists in the entertainment industry each have their own unique characteristics. Those who are successful all have a face that can topple empires.

Acting skills? Seems lacking too. Not formally trained, just a newcomer, my acting is still somewhat behind that of professionally trained actors from the top three acting schools; I need to hone my skills.

Hard work, perseverance, and a fighting spirit seem even less appealing! I was my parents' darling when I was a child. Now, I'm dating a childhood sweetheart who's a billionaire, drives luxury cars, lives in a villa, and is spoiled rotten. He can be diligent at work, but he can't bring himself to work himself to the bone for fame. I can't just endure hardship without facing it.

The more she thought about it, the less confident she became. Head bowed, she said timidly in a low voice, "Sister K, I've been thinking about it, and it seems like I don't have any advantages!"

Cai Yinong smiled mysteriously, as if he had everything under control.

"Shishi, when we're family and behind closed doors, I speak the most truthful words. Your face is actually very elegant, with the kind of gentle and classical beauty of the East."

Compared to their early days of popularity, these Hong Kong and Taiwan actresses with thick eyebrows and big eyes don't have that stunning look at first glance.

Compared to many beauties in the entertainment industry, she doesn't have an absolute advantage in terms of looks. However, her natural beauty is enduring and can withstand the test of time.

You need to highlight your unique strengths. You have a classical dance background, and your poise and demeanor are exceptional; these are your two key advantages for future success.

"Charm and demeanor!"

Liu Shishi muttered to herself, then puffed out her cheeks and said angrily, "Sister K, are you saying that because I'm not good-looking, I have to find another way?"

She secretly thought to herself, "No wonder you almost ruined Tangren Media. Your taste is terrible. My face is the only one that Mr. Song loves, and you think I'm not pretty!"

"You misunderstood. What I meant was that everyone is pretty good-looking, so you can only work on your strengths. You should focus on your temperament and demeanor!"

Cai Yinong quickly explained, and after thinking for a moment, added: "Do you think your looks can surpass Fan Bingbing, Gao Yuanyuan, and Liu Yifei? The entertainment industry is never short of beauties."

"I understand!"

Seeing that Miss Liu understood his meaning, Cai Yinong immediately instructed her:

"So from now on, don't laugh out loud like that on set, it's too infectious! Everyone on set calls you 'Liu Haha' behind your back, do you know that?!"

My eldest sister is usually quite well-behaved and quiet in front of strangers, but when she laughs in front of acquaintances, she becomes completely unrefined and a total tomboy, almost like a different person.

"Okay, Sister K, I'll be more careful from now on!"

Liu Shishi was a little unhappy, feeling that Cai Yinong was nitpicking at her. What was wrong with her laughing happily? Who did it bother?
Mr. Song once said that girls who smile a lot are lucky. Sister K really lacks vision. No wonder she almost ruined Tangren. It seems that the company can only rely on me, Vice Chairman Liu Shishi, in the future!
The two whispered and discussed for a while, and finally decided on the future image development direction of Tangren's leading lady.

The following morning, Cai Yinong, along with the three treasures of Tangren Media, headed to Hengdian World Studios to officially begin the resumption of work for the "Legend of the Condor Heroes" crew.

Time flies, and September, with its clear skies and crisp autumn air, has arrived in the blink of an eye!

Within a month, Tengda Group held its first half-year work summary meeting for 07. After the meeting, Song Ci flew to Hengdian to visit the set.

At the end of August, Liu Shishi attended a lively banquet held by the "Legend of the Condor Heroes" crew to celebrate the male lead Hu Ge's return to work after overcoming his troubles, and to express her hope that the crew would be able to wrap up filming smoothly in the future.

September 8th, Saturday, White Dew, is a good day for travel.

At 5 p.m., as the sun set, a Maybach sedan with a Beijing license plate (京A) was driving towards the China Grand Hotel. In the back seat sat Song Ci and Zhang Zhao, who were on their way to attend the Bazaar Charity Gala that evening.

The Harper's Bazaar Charity Gala has contributed countless memorable moments to the entertainment industry. Song Ci, feeling restless after receiving an invitation from the fashion group, decided to join in the fun and watch the top actresses bicker – that would be fun too.

"Besides you and me, who else from the company is attending this charity event?" Song Ci asked casually, looking out the car window at the magnificent sunset clouds.

"All four artists in the company have received invitations and will attend the gala."

"Do all four of you have any acting projects coming up lately?" Song Ci asked curiously. He had been busy with graduation and fundraising for the past few months and didn't really know anything about Tengda Culture. He was with Zhang Zhao today, so he asked about the situation.

Both actresses have work to do. Wang Luodan has been receiving a constant stream of film and television offers since "Struggle".

She took a liking to a period drama called "Years," in which the male lead was Hu Jun. It was a resource introduced by Wang Jinghua in return for her help.

Lu Yi went to film a period drama, "The Legend of the Eight Immortals," invested by Donghai Film and Television Company, and he did so through his relationship with Yu Xin.

As for Qiao Zhengyu and Wang Kai, after "My Love from the Star" and "Struggle," they haven't joined any film crews for the time being; they've been busy with magazine shoots and commercial performances lately.

Zhang Zhao recounted the situation of the four leading artists one by one.

"At the mid-year meeting, I saw your report on the film 'Painted Skin.' What's the progress?"

Zhang Zhao hurriedly replied, "The investment is basically settled. The cost is 60 million, and four parties will contribute."

The company and Donghai Film Group each hold 30%, while Ningxia Film and Dinglongda Company each hold 20%.

Zhou Xun has already been cast as the female lead. The current disagreement is over the male lead. I want Qiao Zhengyu to play the role, while Ningxia Film Studio prefers Chen Kun.

Song Ci nodded slightly. Qiao Zhengyu is currently a top-tier celebrity, and his qualifications and popularity are definitely sufficient. For such a big production, the company will naturally support him to rise to the top.

Is Chen Kun still managed by Rongxingda?

"Yes, Mr. Song."

Song Ci chuckled lightly: "Let Zeng Jia and the two Lis handle this matter. I remember when we were filming 'My Old Classmate,' we let the eldest son play the second male lead. The two Lis owe us a favor, so it's time to repay it! Chen Kun, just bear with it and arrange another role for him."

Zhang Zhao's eyes lit up. The chairman's idea was good. If Chen Kun, the person involved, took the initiative to give up the male lead role, then the Ning Province Film Company would naturally have no reason to insist on anything.

"I will arrange for Zeng Jia to contact Shuang Li tomorrow."

Is the competition among male celebrities very fierce now?

Zhang Zhao sighed, "Qiao Zhengyu, Huang Xiaoming, Chen Kun, Deng Chao, these young actors are all good-looking and famous, and they also have big companies supporting them. The competition is fierce, and they are scrambling for resources and endorsements."

Song Ci advised, "We should still fight for what the artists need to fight for. We can't lose face for the company. Qiao Zhengyu is now the face of Tengda Culture. To outsiders, his failure is the company's problem."

"Don't worry, Tengda Culture is a giant in the industry. Tengda will not bully others, but it is not afraid of trouble either."

Knowing that Zhang Zhao had always been assertive, Song Ci said no more.

"By the way, Shishi mentioned someone to me last time, Zhang Songwen, who is the company's acting coach. Do you know him?"

(End of this chapter)