Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 506 Newcomers, New Dramas, New Projects

On May 6th, the sky was clear and cloudless.

Inside the office, Liu Rong, president of Tengda Culture, sat upright in his chair, his eyes intently scanning the financial and entertainment news scrolling on the computer screen.

The most prominent headline at the top of the page is about the latest strategic investment news from Tengda Group.

On May 5, Tenda Technology reached a strategic investment agreement with two major South Korean entertainment companies, YG and JYP.

Acquired a 5% stake in YG Entertainment for approximately 3.15 million yuan and a 5% stake in JYP Entertainment for approximately 5250 million yuan...

"Having already invested in SM Entertainment six months ago, Tenda Technology now becomes the second-largest shareholder of South Korea's three major entertainment companies, demonstrating its strong capital strength..."

Liu Rong smiled slightly, marveling at the group's rapid and steady progress in the cultural and entertainment sector.

Across from him, Vice President Wang Qiang chuckled, breaking the silence in the room, his tone carrying a sense of pride:
"Mr. Liu, the internet is buzzing right now. Everyone's saying that the group's series of moves have built an unbreakable 'Korean Wave strategic alliance' on the banks of the Han River."

Liu Rong nodded slightly, scrolling through a few more related comments. Then she shook her head, her gaze remaining fixed on the screen. "Actually, the core purpose is copyright."

After the group's investment, Qianqian Music successfully acquired the highest quality and most core music copyright resources in South Korea. This is a real barrier that others cannot overcome in a short period of time.

As one of the presidents of Tenda's entertainment system, she is at a higher level than Wang Qiang, and her perspective is more macro and strategic.

We are well aware that the group's expectations for Qianqian Music go far beyond simply making it a music player.

Instead, the goal is to develop it into a core content node that connects users, supports social interaction, and builds a cultural and entertainment ecosystem.

This substantial investment, while seemingly headline news in the entertainment section, is actually the most crucial move in the overall strategic game of the entertainment industry.

Wang Qiang was taken aback upon hearing this, and his body involuntarily leaned forward:
"I thought they were attracted by South Korea's mature industrialized star-making system and global marketing network, preparing for future idol development and content export..."

“That is certainly an important added value,” Liu Rong interrupted his subordinate, his tone firm, “but it is not the primary goal.”

Our top priority right now is to use the best exclusive content to keep users firmly engaged in our ecosystem.

Music is a gateway to traffic, a form of social currency, and an indispensable part of the group's comprehensive entertainment ecosystem.

Wang Qiang nodded thoughtfully, digesting this higher-level perspective: "Understood, President Liu."

After reading the news, Liu Rong shifted her gaze from the screen to her deputy, turning the conversation to business: "How's everything going with the production of 'Joy of Life'?"

Although her voice was calm, her eyes became noticeably more serious when she mentioned the project.

"The 400 million yuan investment is not only being overseen by Mr. Wu of the Reading Group and Mr. Zhou of Toutiao Video, but COO Mr. Wang is also very concerned about this big project. We absolutely cannot afford any mistakes."

"Don't worry." Wang Qiang quickly sat up straight, repeatedly assuring him.

"Everything went smoothly. Although the cast and crew have somewhat complicated backgrounds and connections, Director Ma is a strong leader and can keep things under control. Besides..."

He smiled, a hint of pride in his voice, "In our Tengda project, no one dares to be so tactless as to cause trouble."

I just went to the film set a few days ago. Director Ma said the filming is progressing faster than expected, and we anticipate wrapping up filming on time at the end of July.

Liu Rong nodded slightly, relaxing a little: "It's good that things go smoothly. This is our first major foray into the field of male-oriented IP adaptations. We can only succeed, failure is not an option."

At this time, there was a knock on the door.

"Please come in," Liu Rong called out.

The door was pushed open, and Yang Tianzhen entered first, a professional smile on her face. She stepped aside to let the person behind her in.

"President Liu, President Wang," Yang Tianzhen greeted, "Director Zhang is here."

Upon seeing this, Liu Rong and Wang Qiang immediately got up and went to greet them.

"Director Zhang, welcome, welcome!" Liu Rong extended her hand proactively.

The visitor was Zhang Yibai, a well-known director in China, who is hailed as one of the representative figures of the sixth generation of Chinese directors.

Despite his fame, Zhang Yibai dared not be negligent in front of Tengda Culture, the head of an industry giant, and quickly took a few steps forward with a big smile.

"Mr. Liu, you're too kind. I'll need your and Mr. Wang's help in the future."

Behind the smile, a subtle, almost imperceptible bitterness lurked. As a once-influential figure who ushered in a new era of youth romance dramas in mainland China, his career seems to have stagnated in recent years.

Compared to his contemporaries who have made a name for themselves in the international film scene or in the realm of commercial blockbusters, he seems somewhat quiet.

After receiving the invitation from Alpha Group, and after careful consideration, I finally decided to join Tengda Culture, a company with strong resources and a broad platform, hoping to find a new breakthrough in my career here.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group took their seats on the guest sofa.

Liu Rong was the first to express her gratitude, speaking sincerely: "Director Zhang, welcome to the Tengda Culture family. From today onwards, we are all one of us."

Zhang Yibai nodded repeatedly: "It is my honor, and I look forward to creating better works with Tengda Culture."

After the pleasantries, the conversation quickly turned to business.

Liu Rong looked at Yang Tianzhen: "President Yang, have you already discussed the project with Director Zhang?"

Yang Tianzhen nodded in response: "Yes, we have already discussed the remake plan of 'Fleet of Time' with Director Zhang in detail."

Liu Rong said solemnly: "Director Zhang, the IP of 'Fleet of Time' has special significance for Tengda Culture."

This is the final installment of the company's founding "Youth Trilogy," and the entire company is taking this film remake very seriously. We're counting on you.

Zhang Yibai felt this sense of importance, and his anxiety was replaced by professional confidence.

Filming youth movies is one of his strongest areas of expertise. He immediately straightened his back and confidently assured him, "Don't worry, Mr. Liu!"
I've carefully studied the original novel and the previous TV series adaptations, and I have a strong connection to this story.

We will definitely put in our best efforts to deliver a result that satisfies both the market and our fans.

Hearing this, Liu Rong smiled with satisfaction. For a seasoned director, a few pointers are enough; there's no need to interfere too much with the details.

"Okay, I'm relieved to hear Director Zhang say that. Mr. Wang will be the producer of this film and will coordinate all the resources."

The female lead has been cast; it will be Li Yitong, a newcomer from Alpha Group. As for the male lead and the other supporting roles…”

He paused, showing the director full respect, and said, "Let Director Zhang and General Manager Yang discuss and decide together. I trust your professional judgment."

Zhang Yibai felt relieved, even somewhat pleasantly surprised.

I thought that I would be forced to fill all the roles with people by capital and have limited say, but I didn't expect that I would still have a lot of autonomy in choosing actors.

The decision to choose the male lead, in particular, demonstrates a great respect and trust in his professionalism. "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Liu. I will definitely choose the actor carefully and find the most suitable one."

After exchanging a few more words about the project timeline and budget, Zhang Yibai and Yang Tianzhen took their leave to prepare for the specifics.

The office door closed again. Liu Rong thought for a moment, then turned to Wang Qiang and asked, "By the way, have you cast the actors for that TV series script 'One Servant, Two Masters' that Northwest Circle sent over?"

Wang Qiang immediately replied, "The script has been evaluated and it is indeed very good. It has a strong sense of realism and plenty of comedic elements."

Currently, only the male and female leads, Zhang Jiayi and Yan Ni, are basically confirmed. Other roles are still being cast and have not been finalized.

“Hmm,” Liu Rong pondered, her fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the sofa armrest, “Let’s keep the role of the male lead’s daughter for now.”

Wang Qiang immediately understood: "Did someone put in a good word for us?"

Liu Rong nodded, her tone flat: "Yes. A little girl named Guan Xiaotong, a child star, came to me through connections."

It's just a minor role, it won't affect the overall situation, I just agreed to save face. Someone will contact you later, you can make the arrangements.

Wang Qiang wrote down the name: "Guan Xiaotong, I understand."

Liu Rong had complete confidence in his deputy's abilities and gave him final instructions:

"For the next period of time, I will focus my main efforts on negotiating with South Korean broadcaster SBS to remake the major project, 'My Love from the Star.'"

This is part of the company's overseas expansion strategy. As for the projects I just mentioned, please put in your best effort and ensure their successful implementation.

Hearing that the president had entrusted him with overseeing several projects, Wang Qiang felt a surge of joy and a sense of responsibility, and solemnly promised:

"Don't worry, Mr. Liu! I will keep a close eye on every step and ensure that nothing goes wrong!"

Liu Rong smiled slightly as she looked at his energetic demeanor.

News in the entertainment industry always travels extremely fast.

In the morning, Tengda Culture internally approved the film version of "Fleet of Time". In the afternoon, staff and actors with connections in the "Joy of Life" crew in Hengdian had already gotten wind of the news through various private channels.

At this time, the film set entered a temporary break for set adjustments.

The female lead, Jing Tian, ​​sat on a recliner, resting with her eyes closed while holding her phone to her ear.

"Aunt Zhao," she said in a low voice, with a hint of hesitation and discussion, "Tengda Culture is going to remake 'Fleet of Time' into a movie. Do you think I should try to get the lead role?"

After a pause, he added the most important reason in his mind: "Films produced by Tengda Culture have very secure investment and distribution, and their box office performance has always been solid."

On the other end of the phone, agent Sister Zhao paused for a moment, then calmly analyzed, "Tian Tian, ​​you've been working in the film industry for the past two years, making quite a few big-budget movies. But judging from the results..."

Carefully choosing his words, he said, "The word-of-mouth and box office results may not have met expectations. I think it might be an opportune time to consider returning to the TV drama field and give it a try."

“TV series…” Jing Tian repeated softly, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, her expression complicated, and the shadow in her heart that she was unwilling to touch easily resurfaced.

I can't help but recall a few years ago when I confidently took on the lead role of Princess Yu Shu in the TV series "The Myth," investing a lot of effort and resources into it.

After the broadcast, the spotlight and audience reviews were almost entirely stolen by Liu Shishi, who played the supporting role of Lü Su.

The frustration of not getting the reward she received is still fresh in her memory, and it was one of the important reasons why she resolutely switched to the big screen later.

Sister Zhao understood Jing Tian's concerns and advised, "Tian Tian, ​​times have changed. The market has changed now."

Look at the most popular and commercially valuable female celebrities today, especially those born in the 85s: Liu Shishi, Liu Yifei, Yang Mi, and Zhao Liying. Which one of them didn't establish themselves by starring in a phenomenal hit TV series?
Movies can elevate one's image, but to truly achieve widespread national recognition and a solid fan base, you need television dramas. You need hit shows that speak for themselves.

Jing Tian listened, his gaze drifting blankly to the staff coming and going on set, silently agreeing in his heart.

Those four have indeed achieved remarkable success in the television drama field, and their popularity and recognition are extremely high.

"Shall I give it a try?" His tone was still somewhat uncertain, but he had already softened.

Sister Zhao gave a very positive response: "I think it's possible. We can put the film project on hold for now, carefully select projects, and temporarily shift our focus back to television. You need a representative work that will truly make you memorable to television viewers."

“Okay.” Jing Tian’s personality had a rare kind of obedience, especially in professional matters, where he trusted his agent’s judgment.

"Aunt Zhao, are there any good TV dramas available recently?"

After asking the question, she seemed to remember something and quickly added, with a touch of willfulness and a clear goal, "However, I won't take any roles that aren't for the female lead."

Sister Zhao was prepared: "I've already been keeping an eye out for you. There's a project I think is pretty good, called 'Ban Shu Legend,' it's a female-centric story."

I've been watching it for a while, but the show has recently run into some minor problems.

"What's wrong?" Jing Tian asked curiously.

"The screenwriter of 'Ban Shu Legend' is Zhang Wei, who is also the screenwriter of Liu Shishi's female-centric drama 'The Imperial Doctress'."

Originally, the project "Ban Shu Legend" was initially planned to be invested in by Liu Shishi Studio and Tangren Media.

But for some reason, I heard that the screenwriter and Tangren Media had a minor disagreement, and the project is currently stalled; they are looking for new investors.

"I see." Jing Tian's eyes sparkled, and a sudden idea popped into his head. "How about we buy the copyright of this project directly from the screenwriter?"
Then why not just collaborate with Liu Shishi's studio? Anyway, who the screenwriter is isn't important; what matters is the project and the people you collaborate with.

Sister Zhao considered the feasibility of this plan: "Buy out the copyright? Hmm, I think it's worth a try."

Seeing that the agent agreed, Jing Tian smiled happily: "Aunt Zhao, then I'll trouble you to follow up and plan this matter!"

"It's no big deal, leave it to me," Sister Zhao readily agreed.

With the business settled, Jing Tian relaxed and suddenly remembered something, asking, "By the way, Aunt Zhao, Senior Sister Shi should be in Hengdian these days, right?"

"Yes, that's right. She's in the crew of 'The Imperial Doctress,' filming at the Ming and Qing Palace."

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian's voice rang with excitement: "Great! I'll visit my senior sister at the Ming and Qing Palace in a couple of days! It's been so long since I've seen her."

Sister Zhao listened, her words full of agreement and advice: "That's right. Visit her more often, don't let your relationship grow distant. Your uncle mentioned before that it would do you no harm to maintain a good relationship with Liu Shishi."

"Okay, okay," Jing Tian mumbled in response.

A hint of helplessness appeared on her face. She approached Liu Shishi not out of any particular ulterior motive, but rather out of a simple desire for friendship.

Her earlier thoughts about Song Dynasty poetry have long since vanished. She simply feels comfortable being with Liu Shishi, nothing more.

(End of this chapter)