Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 441 High Importance
On a winter morning, sunlight streamed into the office.

Song Ci looked down as she reviewed the list Liu Rong had sent, a directory of celebrities who wanted to send their blessings via WeChat red envelopes.

The Montblanc pen glides across the paper from fingertip, neatly erasing the names of big celebrities in the entertainment industry one by one.

When nearly a third of the names on the list had turned into ink marks, Song Ci paused briefly, his gaze falling on "Fan Bingbing" in the front row. After a moment of contemplation, he finally put down his pen and closed the cap.

"Take the list. Have the rest of you record your New Year's greeting videos as soon as possible and upload them to the system."

Liu Rong took the list, and her pupils contracted slightly as she lowered her eyes. She hadn't expected the chairman to cross out so many people, which meant that these people had some problems and could collapse at any time.

"Wen Zhang, Wu Xiubo... and even Fan Bingbing..."

His heart pounded, and his voice tightened: "Chairman Song, Fan Bingbing, her?"

Tengda Culture is a shareholder of Fan Bingbing's studio, and Fan Bingbing's current booming career is largely due to the support he receives from Tengda Culture.

Song Ci said in a flat tone: "She's too wild and doesn't know her limits! I heard she's recently been involved with Mr. Xu from Hengtai, so she's not one of us."

People with different values ​​cannot work together. Let Tengda Culture and Fan Bingbing Studio sever ties as soon as possible.

"Okay." The chairman set the tone directly, and Liu Rong didn't dare to ask any more questions.

He sighed inwardly, wondering what Fan Bingbing had done to offend the big boss and ruin such a promising situation.

"By the way, I just saw that you sent an email to me and President Wang through OA, saying that Paramount wants to cooperate with the group? I haven't had time to read the contents in detail yet. Go next door and call President Wang over so we can talk about it in person."

"Ok."

Liu Rong quickly agreed and went to the next office to explain her purpose to Wang Jing.

Wang Jing nodded: "What a coincidence, I was just reading this email. Let's go, don't keep Chairman Song waiting."

The two walked side by side into the chairman's office, but Song Ci was nowhere to be seen. Knowing that he had gone to the restroom, they stood aside and waited.

A moment later, Song Ci came out of the lounge and gestured with her hand: "Sit down."

After the three sat down, Liu Rong immediately reported: "Chairman Song, President Wang, this is what happened."

The Transformers series is Paramount Pictures’ iconic IP. Paramount has been in poor financial condition for the past two years and is hoping that Transformers 4 will turn things around.

Based on the current growth rate of the domestic box office market, the other party estimates that by 2014, the box office of a single film should be able to exceed 2 million US dollars, and therefore attaches great importance to the development of the Chinese market.

Paramount plans to film "Transformers" in Hong Kong, Chongqing, and other locations in China, using localization elements to reduce market development costs and increase domestic box office appeal.

“Paramount has a pretty good idea.” Song Ci smiled slightly. “For such a large-scale project, they should have approached the China Movie Channel Program Production Center or China Film Group. Why did they go to Tengda Culture?”

Liu Rong explained: "The film channel will indeed assist Paramount with filming in China."

The other party contacted us mainly hoping to leverage the group's WeChat, Weibo, and other social media platforms to launch a global promotional campaign for the film's release, thus helping Paramount achieve its globalization strategy.

Wang Jing frowned and pondered for a moment before asking, "What benefits will Tengda get?"

Paramount's offer was a 10% investment share for Tenda, plus some supporting resources.

However, the casting for supporting roles requires director Michael Bay's approval. We can keep providing actors until the director is satisfied.

"The terms aren't particularly favorable. What do you think, Chairman Song?" Since the Huamei cooperation involved foreign investment, Wang Jing didn't directly express her opinion until she understood the chairman's intentions.

Song Ci lightly tapped the table with her fingertips, pondered for a moment, and nodded: "We can cooperate. But we need to add one condition: Tiangong Special Effects must participate in the post-production special effects."

"Transformers is a famous Hollywood special effects blockbuster. Since we have the opportunity to participate, we should seize the chance to learn as much advanced experience and technology as possible."

Then, his tone shifted, his gaze darkening, "Also, we need to keep a close eye on the books. Those people in Hollywood are shrewd; even Wall Street can't outsmart them. Those guys..."

Before he could finish speaking, the phone on the table suddenly vibrated.

Song Ci picked up her phone and saw it was an unfamiliar number. After hesitating for two seconds, she answered the call.

"Hello, are you Comrade Song Ci?"

A deep, authoritative male voice came from the receiver, and Song Ci sat up straight: "I am Song Ci, may I ask who you are?"

"This is the General Office... The leader is scheduled to visit Tengda Group on December 7th. I'm calling to inform you in advance; the official notification and letter will follow. Please make preparations in advance..."

Song Ci was deeply shaken, her heart churning with turmoil. Her fingers gripping the phone tightened abruptly, her palms instantly sweating, and her voice trembled almost imperceptibly.
"Yes, sir! Please rest assured, Director. We will make all the necessary preparations in advance and fully cooperate with the security team to ensure safety and defense."

Sensing the nervousness in Song's tone, the other party gently reassured him: "Comrade Song, don't be nervous. The fact that the leader chose Tengda Group for his first inspection shows his high expectations for you and Tengda."

When the time comes, we should tell the leader the truth, including both achievements and difficulties, so that the leader can truly understand the current state of development of my country's Internet industry.

You can also take this opportunity to bring up any reasonable suggestions you may have to your superiors, but you should be careful to strike a balance.

Song Ci echoed repeatedly, "Understood, understood, thank you for the guidance, Director! Tengda and I will definitely not let you down, sir!"

At the same time, in a charming little teahouse.

Yang Yang, who had come to keep the appointment, pushed open the door to the private room and came face to face with Li Yitong, who was about to leave.

"What a sweet girl! Is she a new artist signed by Tengda Entertainment?"

"This guy is quite handsome. Is this the artist that President Yang wants to sign with Tengda?"

These were the thoughts that crossed their minds when they first met.

Yang Yang collected his thoughts and quickly stepped forward: "Mr. Yang, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Please sit down, I'm sorry I'm early." Yang Tianzhen showed no reservations and went straight to the point: "Yang Yang, have you thought it through? Are you willing to join Alpha Entertainment, a subsidiary of Tengda Culture?"

Yang Yang nodded quickly: "I'm willing, but I can't afford the penalty for breach of contract."

During his years at Rongxinda, although he acted in several dramas, the company took too much cut, and he hardly saved any money.

"Don't worry about the penalty for breach of contract. The company will pay it in advance, and you can pay it back slowly when you earn money."

“I have communicated with you several times before. If the penalty for breach of contract can be resolved smoothly, I will have no problem and can join Aofei at any time.”

Yang Yang breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes for Alpha Entertainment. After all, it was a talent agency under Tengda Culture, and its resources were far superior to Rongxinda's. Yang Tianzhen nodded slightly: "That's good. The company's legal department will handle the contract termination for you. You don't need to worry about the rest."

"Thank you, Mr. Yang. Um..." Yang Yang hesitated, then stopped.

Seeing his hesitant manner, Yang Tianzhen frowned slightly: "Just say what you want to say, don't beat around the bush."

Yang Yang took a deep breath: "Mr. Yang, what is my profit-sharing agreement with the company?"

"Don't worry, Tengda is a big company and it's always fair. The company will split the profits 70/30 with you. Once you've risen in status, we'll adjust the profit-sharing ratio."

Yang Yang was slightly disappointed. He thought he could get 40%, but it turned out to be the common 70/30 contract, though it was still better than Rong Xinda's.

Seemingly sensing Yang Yang's thoughts, Yang Tianzhen smiled reassuringly: "Aofei is not comparable to those third-rate small workshops. The company will provide you with a systematic career plan and strive to make you a top-tier employee within four to five years."

Yang Yang's eyes suddenly lit up, and a glimmer of hope appeared in his heart: "Could you tell me about the specific plans?"

"You have good looks, sunny and handsome, very suitable for taking the route of attracting the most traffic." Yang Tianzhen had already prepared her speech and spoke fluently, "Tengda has abundant resources and can launch a combination of 'blockbuster films' and 'small films'."

Each year, at least one high-budget commercial film is produced, paired with a mid-budget idol or fantasy film to maintain a balance between exposure and critical acclaim.

Yang Yang secretly admired it. No wonder artists wanted to join Tengda Culture. It truly deserved to be a giant in the industry. Its resources and planning were far superior to those of ordinary companies like Rongxinda.

"The company will help you with marketing on social media, regularly posting snippets of your life to enhance your approachability, and building a fan club for you. Variety shows will also be arranged appropriately to maintain your exposure and solidify your public image."

If they can successfully become a second-tier brand, the company will strive to secure covers for the top five fashion magazines and leverage high-end brand endorsements to elevate their image.

Yang Tianzhen spoke eloquently, continuing to paint a bright future for Yang Yang: "In terms of endorsements, initially focus on fast-moving consumer goods, such as cola and shampoo, to gain national recognition. In the long term, shift towards luxury goods and high-end products to enhance commercial value."

He paused, his voice laced with a hint of temptation, "If I can successfully rise to the top and get through the transition and consolidation period, I can move closer to serious dramas."

Furthermore, the company will set up a personal studio for you, making you a star partner of Alpha Group and a source of capital!

"I hope Mr. Yang will continue to guide me in the future." Yang Yang's heart was burning with excitement. He knew Yang Tianzhen was just offering him empty promises, but he was happy to accept them. In the entertainment industry, no artist could resist such a clear path to advancement.

Yang Tianzhen's lips curled up, her smile widening, and she gestured, "Welcome to Alpha Group. It will be a pleasure working with you."

In the afternoon, an emergency meeting was held at the headquarters of Tengda Group, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.

Song Ci's expression was stern, and his voice was firm: "The weight and importance of this matter are self-evident. From this moment on, the entire technology building will be placed at the highest security level, and all personnel entering and leaving the building will be subject to strict checks."

After December, staff from all branches are prohibited from coming to headquarters unless absolutely necessary. All business negotiations originally scheduled to take place at headquarters will be relocated.

The building will not reopen to the public until the inspection is over. Also, you are all senior executives of the group; I don't need to emphasize the confidentiality rules again!

After looking around at everyone, Song Ci turned her gaze to Wang Jing: "President Wang, when leaders came to the company for research and visits before, you were always the one in charge. You have more experience in this area, so you should be in charge of this matter."

Wang Jing's expression hardened, and she repeatedly assured him, "Don't worry, there will be absolutely no mistakes."

"Has the security plan been finalized?"

"The first draft was finished by noon!"

Song Ci nodded: "Let's put it out for everyone to see, pool our wisdom and efforts, give our opinions, and strive to improve it. After the final draft is completed, we will submit it to the General Office and the Security Corps."

Wang Jing manipulated the laptop screen and slowly opened the PPT: "Everyone, the leader's inspection requires the highest level of security."

The first step is tiered protection, with the activity route as the core, dividing the area into a core zone, a warning zone, and an outer zone, and implementing layer-by-layer control.

At the same time, while ensuring safety, we should reduce the impact of overt security measures on the atmosphere of the inspection and avoid excessive tension.

Secondly, background checks were conducted on all personnel within the group involved in the reception to confirm that there were no safety risks.

On the day of the inspection, unrelated personnel must be temporarily relocated to other areas and are strictly prohibited from entering the restricted area.

All personnel entering the core area must wear a designated identification badge, and verification will be conducted on a "one person, one badge" basis.

After the demonstration, Wang Jing looked up and asked, "Chairman Song, General Manager Zhang, and everyone else, do you have any further comments? Let's all work together to brainstorm."

Zhang Yong adjusted his black-rimmed glasses and suggested, "Chairman Song, do you think it's necessary to install surveillance equipment along the route and in key areas to ensure no blind spots, and to assign dedicated personnel to monitor in real time?"

Song Ci nodded first, then shook his head: "Let's install it first! But I can't guarantee whether the leader will inspect according to the original planned route."

"Chairman Song, I suggest that we equip the site with medical emergency personnel and supplies, and set up a temporary medical point on site."

"The inspection route requires strict inspection of items to avoid sharp, flammable or other dangerous items."

Song Ci agreed, saying, "These are all good points!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Jing immediately picked up her pen and wrote down these suggestions one by one, preparing to refine them after the meeting.

Several core executives of the group offered their suggestions and advice to improve the plan.

Song Ci lightly tapped the table, signaling everyone to be quiet: "President Wang, please refine the plan first. We will need to coordinate with the professional team later to ensure it meets official standards and avoids any conflicts between our self-developed plan and the requirements."

"clear."

"One more thing, please hire a few etiquette instructors to train all the senior executives and employees involved in the reception, clarifying etiquette and behavioral norms, such as not taking photos at will and not initiating conversations, to ensure that the scene is orderly."

"Ok."

"On December 6th, I will personally inspect each floor of the building. If I find any oversights in any department, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Song Ci's gaze swept over the faces of the executives with an authoritative air, and his tone was extremely stern: "If any problems arise, not only will the subordinates be held accountable, but the department president himself will have to submit his resignation."

Everyone felt a chill and expressed their determination to take this matter very seriously.

After giving numerous instructions, Song Ci changed the subject: "While security is important during the leader's inspection, the core purpose is to showcase the company's image and demonstrate Tengda Group's world-leading technological strength and scientific achievements."

Mr. Zhang, please notify the Chief Technology Officers of the three major R&D centers—Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence—to report to headquarters for duty. Also, please have core technical personnel from all departments at headquarters on standby and ready to respond.

On the left, Zhang Yong immediately agreed: "This is a matter of great importance. I will personally notify the three experts to come to Beijing."

(End of this chapter)