Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 384 The First Sister's New Drama

As February begins, the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival gradually fades, and people end their holidays and return to their work and study posts.

At the Four Seasons Hotel, a waiter in a sharp suit gestured, "This way, please. Mrs. Song is waiting in the VIP room ahead."

Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng followed closely behind, occasionally glancing at the interior of this international luxury hotel. Passing through a long corridor with ornately decorated walls, they soon arrived at the VIP room at the end.

The waiter opened the carved wooden door: "Please come in."

Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng entered the room and saw Liu Shishi, dressed in a beige turtleneck sweater, leaning against the window railing, gazing at the street scene of Beiping.

Hearing footsteps, the woman turned around and smiled slightly: "President Hou, Director Kong!"

"President Liu!" The master and apprentice exchanged a few pleasantries with the eldest sister and then sat down opposite her.

Liu Shishi waved to the staff in front of the door: "President Hou, Director Kong, the Italian food at the Four Seasons Hotel is very authentic. Let's eat and chat."

The two naturally went along with the host's arrangements.

"A Florentine steak and a sea bass in tomato sauce!"

After Liu Shishi ordered the dishes, Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng added pasta and Margherita pizza.

During the break between serving the dishes, the three of them started chatting.

"What have President Hou and Director Kong been busy with lately?" Sister Yi asked curiously. It seemed that Daylight Entertainment hadn't made any moves since its establishment.

"Last year, my teacher and I took on the TV series 'The Family of Wenzhou,' which was invested in by Zhejiang Radio and Television Group. We just finished filming not long ago, and we're using this series to get the team working together," Hou Hongliang quickly replied, reporting the company's recent work to the major shareholder.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi asked, "Are President Hou and Director Kong currently available?"

"Yes."

"That's great!" The first sister nodded happily. "I invited you two here today because I have a new drama that I plan to entrust to Daylight Entertainment for production, and I need to trouble President Hou and Director Kong."

Hou Hongliang was greatly surprised. He didn't expect the top female star to ask him to be a producer. Everyone in the industry knows that Cai Yinong of Tangren Media is her go-to producer.

Kong Sheng was also curious: "Why didn't President Liu hire Tangren Media to film it?"

"This is a spy drama, not the kind of period drama that Tangren is good at," Liu Shishi explained, taking a script out of her bag and handing it to the two of them.

Kong Sheng took the script, his eyes lighting up with excitement, and began to carefully peruse it: "Silent Shorthand, written by Song Ci."

Upon hearing that the screenwriter was the richest man, Hou Hongliang immediately turned his head and focused his gaze on the script: "I didn't expect it to be Mr. Song's new work. No wonder it's worth President Liu personally leading the project. The story must be very exciting."

The richest man is renowned for his talent, and his screenplays are considered a hit-making machine in the entertainment industry. The currently popular movie "Goodbye Mr. Loser" is one of his works.

"I almost forgot to congratulate you. 'Goodbye Mr. Loser' has already reached 8.5 million yuan at the box office, and the 10 billion yuan mark is just around the corner." Hou Hongliang knew that at this stage, the 10 billion yuan box office was a foregone conclusion and an inevitable trend.

Liu Shishi was all smiles. "Goodbye Mr. Loser" grossed 8.5 million yuan in 19 days, breaking various records for domestic films. Tengda Culture and the director are already preparing to hold a celebration banquet on the Lantern Festival.

"The film market is really booming, with box office revenue climbing year by year," Hou Hongliang sighed softly. The entertainment industry is now flourishing, with countless hot money pouring in.

"Brilliant!" Kong Sheng, holding "Silent Shorthand," couldn't help but slap the table in amazement when he saw the plot twist.

Seeing that the renowned director Kong Sheng was deeply captivated by the storyline, Liu Shishi asked with pride, "Director Kong, what do you think of the script my husband wrote?"

"Excellent! Mr. Song truly deserves to be called a literary giant. The plot is full of twists and turns, and it is truly a masterpiece." Kong Sheng praised it three times, and put down the script with lingering enjoyment, still savoring it.

Hou Hongliang eagerly took the script and quickly skimmed through the outline.

The script framework for "Silent Notebook" is based on the legendary secret agent Anna.

The story tells of Song Hongling, an underground Communist Party member who infiltrated the inner circle of high-ranking Kuomintang officials between 1942 and 1949, serving as a stenographer. With the help of her superiors, she repeatedly transmitted important intelligence, and the plot subtly mirrors many historical events.

Kong Sheng suppressed his excitement and said seriously, "President Liu, you will naturally play the lead role of Song Hongling. Are there any other roles planned?"

"The male lead, Lu Chengyu, who is Song Hongling's contact and the manager of Kong Family Department Store, will be played by my master, Li Xuejian. As for the other roles, Director Kong can arrange them as he sees fit."

After the male and female leads were cast, the leading lady frankly said, "To be honest, I have very high expectations for this drama!"
Master Xuejian also has high hopes for the role of Lu Chengyu, hoping to win one of the "Three Great Television Awards," so the filming must be done to perfection.

Kong Sheng was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Liu Shishi to have such grand ambitions. From the very beginning of its preparation, this film, "Silent Notes," had been aiming for major film and television awards.

He instantly felt a pressure on his shoulders. Although his TV dramas have always been well-received and won numerous awards, he was not sure if "Silent Notes" could secure an award.

Hou Hongliang's gaze was deep as he pondered to himself. Liu Shishi was already a top-tier actress in the entertainment industry, and the movies she starred in were huge hits. It seemed that she was planning to transition to serious dramas in order to make it easier to win industry awards.

"Mr. Liu, I've just skimmed through the script, and the subject matter certainly has great potential for winning awards. However, there are many variables in the film and television industry, and no one can guarantee that we'll definitely win an award. My teacher and I can only do our best."

Liu Shishi nodded: "I understand that. We should strive for excellence. My mentor and I will also put in more effort to refine our acting skills. Please take good care of the preparations for 'Silent Notebook', Mr. Hou and Director Kong."

Hou Hongliang secretly breathed a sigh of relief at the sister's understanding attitude, but a lingering worry still remained in his heart.

After all, she holds a prestigious position as the top female host and is also a major shareholder of the company. If "Silent Notes" fails to win any of the "three major television awards," it will inevitably affect her trust in herself and her teacher.

"Mr. Liu, how were the budget and investors arranged for this drama?"

"This drama is fully funded by my personal studio. I asked Tangren Media's production department to calculate the budget, which is around 30 million yuan."

To ensure the costumes, makeup, and props reach top-tier quality, I've decided to add another 20% to the budget, bringing the total investment to 3600 million.

"President Liu is very generous," Kong Sheng complimented. Based on his years of experience, he judged that a production budget of 3600 million yuan was more than enough to support a high-quality production.

Both the visual quality and cinematic language are breathtaking. With ample funding and a compelling story, he has more confidence in his chances of winning awards.

At this point, the waiter served exquisite Italian specialties, and the three of them enjoyed the food while continuing their discussion.

Liu Shishi, holding a knife and fork, gracefully cut her steak: "Director Kong, please let me know once the male and female leads are confirmed."

Kong Sheng quickly put a slice of pizza into his mouth: "I'm planning to organize a public audition, would you like to participate?"

Liu Shishi thought for a moment: "If I have time on the day of the audition, I'll go and take a look. Mr. Hou, Director Kong, would you like some red wine?" "No, no." Hou Hongliang waved his hands repeatedly, "We have to go to CCTV this afternoon to discuss business, so it's not appropriate to drink."

"In the second half of the year, CCTV's Drama Management Center and Tengda Culture have a collaborative project called 'Parents' Love,' which my teacher and I are considering taking on."

The eldest sister looked puzzled: "President Hou, if you and Director Kong keep taking on external film and television projects without Daylight Entertainment investing, it will be difficult for the company to develop."

Hou Hongliang patiently explained: "Actually, the company's first film and television project is already in preparation. The teacher has taken a liking to a novel called 'Nirvana in Fire' on Qidian Chinese Network and wants to adapt it into a TV series. Unfortunately, the copyright of this novel is held by Tengda."

Furthermore, after the Lunar New Year, Tengda plans to integrate its platforms, including Qidian Chinese Network, into a single subsidiary, Reading Group, so the purchase of copyrights has been temporarily put on hold.

"I see!" Sister Yi nodded slightly. "I'm also a shareholder of Daylight Entertainment. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."

"Then we'll have to rely on President Liu!" Hou Hongliang and Kong Sheng exchanged a smile. Having such a powerful and influential shareholder as a backer certainly brought a lot of convenience.

When they were negotiating to purchase the copyright, the other party agreed without hesitation as soon as they heard that Liu Shishi was a shareholder of Daylight Entertainment. They were just waiting for the reading group to be integrated so that they could acquire the copyright of "Nirvana in Fire".

As the three chatted amiably, they arrived at the executive canteen of Tengda Group headquarters.

Song Ci ate his lunch slowly and deliberately, while sitting opposite Liu Rong, the president of Tengda Culture, who had rushed to the headquarters.

"Mr. Liu, you seem to be in a hurry. Haven't you had lunch yet? Jian Ning, could you go and get Mr. Liu some food and bring it over?"

"Okay." Secretary Jian Ning, who was sitting at the next table, stood up, put down her bowl and chopsticks, and quickly went to get her food.

"Thank you for your trouble, Secretary Jian." After thanking her, Liu Rong got straight to the point and began to report on her work.

"Chairman Song, we have received news from the United States that Lionsgate plans to acquire Summit Entertainment and has reached a preliminary agreement with Summit Entertainment's management. They are now seeking our opinion."

"Lionsgate! The most successful independent film company outside of the Hollywood Big Six." Song Ci murmured to herself, "What are your thoughts on this?"

Liu Rong said solemnly, “Chairman Song, although the business situation of Peak Entertainment has improved after accepting the company’s investment, the debt pressure is still huge and there is still a risk of bankruptcy liquidation. I personally suggest that you agree to Lionsgate’s acquisition.”

After speaking, she cautiously observed the big boss's reaction, but Song Ci's expression remained unchanged, showing no sign of change.

At this moment, Jian Ning, wearing high heels and carrying a tray, brought over the food: "President Liu, I didn't know your taste preferences, so I just randomly ordered a few of today's special dishes."

"Thank you, I don't have any dietary restrictions."

"You eat first, let me think about it." Seeing that Liu Rong hadn't touched his chopsticks, Song Ci gestured. After all, it involved the acquisition of assets worth hundreds of millions, and there was no room for haste; he needed to consider it carefully.

"Lionsgate! The Big Six!" Song Ci weighed the options repeatedly in his mind.

If Summit Entertainment is destined to be sold and changed hands, he would prefer to choose one of the six major Hollywood studios as buyers, since the six giants are all backed by large media groups that control the discourse in the United States.

Has Summit Entertainment been in contact with the six major film studios?

Liu Rong put down her chopsticks and said helplessly, "I have made contact with them, but the six major giants either pushed the valuation of Peak Entertainment to an absurd level or simply didn't care about it."

What is Lionsgate's valuation of Summit Entertainment?

"$4.5. Lionsgate, valued at $10 billion, is willing to acquire Summit with a cash-and-stock deal."

"Such a big difference." Song Ci was somewhat surprised. Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment are both the most successful independent film companies outside of the Big Six Hollywood studios, yet their valuations differ by more than half.

Liu Rong quickly explained, "The valuation difference between the two companies' film divisions is not significant, but Lionsgate's television drama business has always been doing very well, and its paid dramas are very popular in North America."

Song Ci frowned slightly and fell into deep thought. The initial investment in Summit Entertainment was out of strategic need. Tenda needed to establish overseas channels, and with the appeal of co-developing the Twilight series IP, Tenda invested 1.2 million US dollars to save Summit Entertainment.

However, if Summit Entertainment is acquired by Lionsgate, based on the valuation of the two companies, Tenda could own 12.4% of the new Lionsgate shares, but without management rights. This amount of shares would not be of much significance to Tenda Group.

“But it seems there’s no better option.” Song Ci shook his head helplessly. “12.4% of the shares isn’t a small amount; it gives us some say.”

"As long as Tenda can be guaranteed the development rights to the Twilight series IP, I'll agree to Lionsgate's acquisition."

Liu Rong kept the boss's instructions in mind: "Chairman Song, Lionsgate has expressed that they are very eager to develop in-depth cooperation with Tengda. They will only increase the conditions that Peak Entertainment promised before."

"Anyone can say nice things. Let's settle this as is. You can communicate and handle the follow-up matters with the Industrial Investment Department."

"Okay," Liu Rong replied, then suddenly remembered something and asked Song Ci, "Chairman Song, Ma Xin asked me to inquire with you. He wants to adapt your novel 'Left Ear' into a movie. I wonder if you could grant him the necessary authorization?"

“Alright, let him take the picture.” Song Ci readily agreed.

The box office success of "Goodbye Mr. Loser" brought Tengda Culture a fortune. Although director Ma Xin may not have been the primary contributor, he had put in a lot of effort. At this point, it would be unreasonable to refuse his request.

"I thank you on his behalf."

"Show me the initial cast list after it's finalized."

"Left Ear" was, after all, her first published novel and the source of her first pot of gold, marking the beginning of her career. Therefore, Song Ci had high expectations for the film adaptation of this novel.

"Of course, the lead actor selection is up to you," Liu Rong said, then added, "I'd like to recommend Yang Zi for the second female lead. What do you think?"

Song Ci readily agreed: "Sure. As long as the role suitability is not an issue, we will definitely give priority to using artists from our company."

Seeing that the chairman was in a good mood today, Liu Rong decided to bring up the backlog of matters at once: "Chairman Song, Yang Mi is currently very popular, extremely famous. I'm planning to set up a personal studio for her. What do you think?"

Song Ci remained noncommittal, her tone indifferent: "Isn't Zeng Jia trying to win her over? Planning to start a film and television company together when her contract expires?"

Liu Rong's pupils widened slightly: "Is this really true?"

“Your control over the company is not as good as Zhang Zhao’s. He reported this to me a long time ago. You have been with Tengda Culture for more than half a year. Logically speaking, you should have been aware of it.

Song Ci bluntly stated, "Zeng Jia, Yang Tianzhen, and others all had the idea of ​​starting their own businesses independently."

But it doesn't matter. Even if they go independent, they still won't be able to do without Tengda Culture's support. I anticipated this, which is why I've never been interested in artist management.

Hearing that his employees were secretly planning to leave and start their own businesses, Liu Rong was shocked: "It was my oversight. I will go back and thoroughly review the entire company."

(End of this chapter)