Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 312: The female lead has been replaced?
Zhang Chen was overjoyed at Ma Xin's visit.

He has long been aware of the limitations of the stage play industry and has been striving to transform Happy Twist into a film and television company, but he is worried about not having a suitable opportunity.

Although stage plays enjoy a very high artistic status in the arts and culture circles, they don't make as much money as film and television projects.

Even if a large theater is packed to capacity, the audience for a single performance is only a few hundred or a thousand people.

How can it be compared to movies and television, which reach millions or even hundreds of millions of viewers? The economic benefits are worlds apart.

The entertainment industry is booming like never before, and investors and stars are making huge sums of money. Zhang Chen is naturally envious, but he had previously been hampered by a lack of connections and repeated setbacks, so he had to temporarily give up.

Unexpectedly, a stroke of luck occurred to them. The director of Tengda Culture, the leading company in Beijing's entertainment circle, took the initiative to approach them and invited actors from Happy Twist to participate in the movie. The opportunity just happened!
"Director Ma, please come in. Shen Teng is inside."

Ma Xin was warmly led by Zhang Chen into the backstage dressing room, where a group of actors had just finished their performance and were chatting.

Zhang Chen coughed, drawing everyone's attention: "Let me introduce you, this is Ma Xin, the director of Tengda Culture."

The people in the lounge weren't stupid. A director was visiting at this time, and looking at the boss's happy face, they probably came to cast actors.

So he quickly got up to greet the director, hoping to make a good impression.

"Oh dear, I was wondering why the magpies in the trees in the courtyard were chirping so loudly when I arrived at the theater today. Turns out they were welcoming Director Ma." Shen Teng clapped his hands, his words brimming with humor, cleverly breaking the slight awkwardness in the room.

Ma Xin nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Shen Teng. In close proximity, he could feel Shen Teng's seemingly innate comedic charm.

After observing for several days, he concluded that Shen Teng's comedic style included both exaggerated and quirky performances as well as delicate emotional expressions, skillfully blending humor with the warmth and absurdity of real life.

"Hello everyone, I'm here today to invite you all to star in my new film," Ma Xin said directly, his voice gentle.

The director's words startled everyone, and they immediately began whispering among themselves.

"Really? They actually invited us to make a movie? Is this a windfall?"

"It's probably a supporting role, otherwise why would they invite everyone to join?"

"I've heard of this director Ma Xin. He's a leading figure among the new generation of directors and directed 'Jin Daban' starring Fan Bingbing."

Shen Teng quickly realized what was going on and his face was full of smiles: "Does Director Ma need us to make a cameo appearance? No problem, it would be an honor for us to work with Director Ma. Everyone will definitely give their all."

Ma Xin shook his head slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his face serious: "It's not a cameo. Shen Teng, you're the male lead, and I want everyone in this room too."

After saying that, he seemed to remember something and added, "There might be one or two actors who don't have suitable roles."

These words caused an instant uproar in the dressing room, with everyone looking on with surprise and staring intently at the director.

Shen Teng winked and said jokingly, "Otherwise, you'd be a great director who can make movies. With your eye for talent, you'd be one of the best in the world."

Ma Xin was also amused by Shen Teng and laughed heartily. He admired him in his heart, thinking that Shen Teng was indeed an outstanding actor who had performed on the Spring Festival Gala. His quick wit and captivating performance were truly exceptional.

"Take a quick look at the script first." After saying that, he took a script out of his briefcase and handed it to her.

Shen Teng quickly took the script with both hands, looked down at the cover of the script in his hand, and couldn't help but softly read it aloud: "Goodbye Mr. Loser".

When he saw the signatory's name next to it, his pupils contracted slightly, and he was very shocked: "Director Ma, is the screenwriter the Song Ci I know?"

"What do you think? In Tengda, besides that Mr. Song, how many Song Dynasty poems can we find?"

"Mr. Song's talent is evident to all. I must read his masterpiece carefully." Shen Teng complimented him, then composed himself and began to carefully examine the script.

The others, upon hearing that the script was actually written by the famous screenwriter and the richest man, were also very curious and gathered around, standing on either side of Shen Teng, peeking at the script.

Most of the people in the room would be actors in the film crew in the future, so Ma Xin didn't stop them from reading the script.

"Director Ma, let's sit down and talk. Hey, Xiao Ai, go get Director Ma a glass of water."

"Please, Mr. Zhang."

Ma Xin, being a guest, followed the host's lead and sat down with Zhang Chen for a chat.

"Director Ma, is your film still short of funding?"

"We don't need any more funding; the filming funds are already in place."

Ma Xin understood Zhang Chen's meaning. Which company in the industry wouldn't want to rely on Tengda Culture's production team and distribution capabilities to test the waters of the film industry? Unfortunately, not everyone can easily board the giant ship that is Tengda Culture.

When Zhang Chen's first plan failed, he resorted to a less desirable option: "Director Ma, it's an honor for Shen Teng and the others that you've chosen them. We can discuss the pay and other details."

Even within Happy Twist, there are several young people who are very interested in making movies. I wonder if they could come to your film crew to do odd jobs after filming starts, so they can learn and broaden their horizons?

Ma Xin knew that this request was one of the implicit conditions of the person who wanted to use Happy Twist, so he readily agreed: "No problem."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen's face lit up with joy, and he began to ponder which trusted confidants to send to the film crew to learn from their experience, in order to accumulate experience for Happy Twist's future foray into the film industry.

Ma Xin could easily see through Zhang Chen's thoughts, but he didn't care. There are many intricacies and twists and turns in the process of setting up a film crew from start to finish. It's not something that a few odd-job workers can figure out.

While the two chatted about various things, Shen Teng had already flipped through the script. The story was very interesting, and he was still enjoying it.

"Director Ma, do you want me to play Xia Luo?"

"Yes, I think you should be able to handle this role with ease."

"Thank you for your affirmation." Shen Teng was overjoyed to see the admiring look on Ma Xin's face. Even a stage actor yearns for the big screen.

He then subconsciously looked at the company boss, Zhang Chen, and saw him nod slightly, so he understood that the boss and Ma Xin had basically reached an agreement.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Teng immediately stood up and replied, "Thank you, Director Ma, for thinking so highly of me. I'll take the role."

"Great!" With the male lead confirmed, Ma Xin breathed a sigh of relief. "As for the details of the salary, the producer will discuss it with you later. Tengda has always been fair in its dealings and will offer a reasonable salary." Tengda Culture has always been known for its transparency and has a great reputation in the entertainment industry. Shen Teng was not worried at all about the production team withholding salaries. He was more concerned about the role arrangements for the other actors, especially his longtime partner, Ma Li.

"Director Ma, I've just finished reading the script and I've found that the image and temperament of the female lead, Liu Xuemei, are a good match for Ma Li. Could you please take a look and see if she's suitable?"

After Shen Teng finished speaking, he turned to his good partner who was standing quietly to the side: "Mali, what are you standing there for? Come and give Director Ma a few lines."

With his friend shamelessly charging forward, Ma Li knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and was about to step forward to communicate with the director when Ma Xin spoke first.

"The actress chosen for the lead role of Liu Xuemei has been decided. Ma Li, I've seen your performance and I really like your stage style. Let's work together again next time."

Ma Xin felt a slight pang of regret. He also felt that the role of Liu Xuemei was quite suitable for Ma Li, but unfortunately, as the director, he couldn't make the decision. Tangren's top female star was the empress dowager who could give orders to the entire crew.

Mali's smile froze instantly, his expression changed slightly, and after a long pause, he gave a wry smile: "Thank you, Director Ma."

Seeing that the director didn't give Mali a chance to speak, Shen Teng was still unwilling to give up and wanted to try again for his friend.

"Director Ma, would you mind revealing who the female lead is?"

"It's Liu Shishi, the top female star of Tangren Media."

Seeing this, Shen Teng assumed that Ma Xin chose Liu Shishi as the female lead because of the popularity of the Four Little Actresses, so he tried his best to persuade her otherwise:
"Director Ma, movies really test acting skills. Why don't you reconsider Ma Li? Her acting skills will definitely not disappoint you."

Ma Xin's silence led everyone to mistakenly believe that the director was considering something. In order to increase the chances of choosing Ma Li, Shen Teng gritted his teeth and tentatively probed:

"Director Ma, Ma Li and I have been partners for many years and have a great understanding. If she doesn't play the female lead, I would feel uncomfortable if someone else played the role, and I might have to reconsider whether to participate."

Upon hearing this half-threatening remark, a sharp glint flashed in Ma Xin's eyes, and his tone turned icy:

"Shen Teng, if you think you can use this to control me, you've miscalculated. There are countless people who want to act in my movie, and you're not the only one who can get the lead role."

Looking back through history, many people in this world are not lacking in talent, but simply lack an opportunity to showcase themselves. If you're unwilling to play the lead role in my movie, someone else will naturally appreciate it.

Ma Xin's sudden change of attitude caught Shen Teng off guard. He stood there dumbfounded, losing his usual quick wit, unsure of how to respond.

"Director Ma, I'm sorry, Shen Teng was just speaking out of consideration for a friend. He misspoke. I hope you can forgive him," Zhang Chen said, trying his best to persuade Ma Xin and calm him down.

Ma Li was moved by Shen Teng's courage in standing up for him, but also anxious because he had angered the director. As Shen Teng's confidante, she understood her friend's longing for the big screen.

Although there is an unwritten hierarchy of contempt in the entertainment industry, stage actors look down on film actors, and film actors look down on television actors.

But when it comes to the opportunity for a stage actor to step onto the big screen and showcase their talent to millions of moviegoers, how many stage actors can refuse such a coveted chance?

Now, the director has taken the initiative to invite Shen Teng to play the male lead in a film produced by Tengda Culture. If he misses this opportunity, he may regret it for the rest of his life.

Ma Li acted decisively and sincerely said to the director, "Director Ma, I apologize to you on behalf of Shen Teng."

He was just confused for a moment; please don't take his words seriously. I know what he's thinking; he absolutely desperately wants to act in your movie.

After saying that, Ma Li kicked Shen Teng hard: "What are you still standing there for? Quickly apologize to Director Ma."

The boss and his friend went to great lengths to speak well of him, and Shen Teng didn't want to let them down.

He sighed helplessly, stood up, and bowed slightly to Ma Xin: "I'm sorry, Director Ma. I acted impulsively and spoke without thinking. I hope you can forgive me."

The atmosphere in the lounge was somewhat oppressive. Ma Xin, feeling a bit disheartened, waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit down: "Let's sit down and talk."

Shen Teng, I know you're unhappy and resentful that I didn't use Ma Li, who has perfect chemistry with you and is a better actress.

But I can tell you definitively, the producer of this film can be changed, the male lead can be changed, even I, the director, can be changed, but the female lead must be Liu Shishi.”

Ma Xin's words left everyone bewildered. Shen Teng was utterly baffled. The entire crew, from the producer and director to all the actors, could be replaced, yet Liu Shishi was able to manipulate them like this; it was simply incomprehensible.

Did Liu Shishi join the cast with her own financial backing?

"Yes, but that's not the main reason."

Shen Teng was even more confused: "Director Ma, why? I really can't figure out which individual Tengda Culture needs to be wary of in the entertainment industry?"

Faced with the male lead's question, Ma Xin felt an urge to reveal Liu Shishi's identity, but she restrained herself and only gave a vague answer:
"You'll understand later why Liu Shishi is called the top female artist, while other top female artists in other companies don't have this title."

Ma Li seemed to be deep in thought. Although Ma Xin did not say it explicitly, she vaguely knew the value of Liu Shishi's title of "Number One Sister".

She used to wonder how Liu Shishi came to be known as "Number One Sister" and how she gradually gained recognition from netizens. Now, seeing Ma Xin's solemn expression, she understood a little better.

"Shen Teng, as the saying goes, you can't force a melon to ripen. Today we are indeed short on time, so please think about some things carefully."

This is my business card. Call me if you've made up your mind before the end of the month. Mr. Zhang, thank you for your time. Goodbye.

"I'll see you off." Seeing that Ma Xin was determined to leave, Zhang Chen had no choice but to get up and see him off.

A moment later, Zhang Chen returned to the lounge and saw Shen Teng staring blankly at Ma Xin's business card. He said with exasperation, "You're such a disappointment!"
"Where did your usual quick wit go? Is that the kind of thing you should say on a first meeting? Who do you think you are, a superstar or a movie star, threatening a director like that!"

Ma Li tried his best to ease the tension: "Mr. Zhang, please calm down. Old Shen did it for me. Director Ma left his business card, which proves that he still values ​​Shen Teng."

At this moment, Shen Teng secretly regretted it, but fortunately the director appreciated his talent and left his business card, so there was still room for maneuver.

"President Zhang, please don't be angry. I regret it too. I just wanted to test Director Ma, but who knew Liu Shishi was so important! How can she be so powerful? I've never heard of her having any background online."

Zhang Chen spat out: "You don't know anything! A beautiful woman's face is her background, plus the aura of a celebrity, countless rich people flock to her."

In a day or two, call Ma Xin and finalize things. Even if you don't act yourself, don't jeopardize the brothers' futures.

Upon hearing this, Shen Teng looked around at his fellow drama club members and saw that they were all staring at the business card in his hand with hopeful eyes. He felt even more regretful, realizing that he shouldn't have acted impulsively and should have thought more about his brothers.

(End of this chapter)