Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 12, Section 12: This is a good thing!
"Okay, we'll wait for you."

hang up the phone.

Facing the probing gazes of the crowd, Chen Yu deliberately remained silent.

Seeing that she didn't speak, Chen Liangxian became anxious: "Sister Yu, what do you mean by waiting for you? Is it because a client is coming to visit?"

"Does anyone really want to spend 9999 yuan?"

The monkey, who initially lamented the lack of business and the wasted potential of such a good advertisement, is now incredulous that anyone would be willing to give it a try.

Wedding videography and wedding photography are not in the same industry. Wedding photos are a must for most people because they use professional film cameras and cover a wide range of services, often costing thousands or even tens of thousands of yuan. Wedding videography, on the other hand, has only emerged in recent years as home-use analog camcorders have gradually gained market share. Those who do this are usually photography studios that mainly focus on taking pictures, or photographers from TV stations or other cultural organizations who occasionally do it as a side job to earn extra money. Very few people actually make it their main business.

The market is unknown.

The customers are also unknown.

In short, I'm not confident.

"Sister Yu, please tell me quickly."

Da Liu and Xiao Bing couldn't hold back any longer and urged him on.

Chen Yu didn't keep them in suspense any longer: "That's right! We'll have customers coming in later!"

The monkey couldn't help but wonder, "Could it be a scam? Just playing a trick on us?"

Wang Sheng stood up: "Whether they're scammers or not, we'll find out soon enough. Chen Liang, you and I will wait at the factory gate. Don't neglect our customers."

"okay."

……

Outside the gate of Beijing Film Studio, the sunlight at around nine o'clock in the morning was already quite dazzling.

On the open ground opposite the factory gate, dozens of people, both men and women, were gathered, some standing and some sitting. Their eyes all carried a similar expectation and anxiety, and their gazes kept glancing at the gate of the Beijing Film Studio and at every person and vehicle entering and leaving.

This is one of the well-known "job hunting" spots in Beijing, a gathering place for "Beijing drifters" who dream of becoming stars or are simply looking for a way to make a living.

Wang Sheng and Chen Liang stood in the shade inside the factory gate, waiting for Ms. Chen.

"See that?" Chen Liang gestured with his chin towards the group of people outside. "Those still squatting here at this hour are probably doomed today."

Wang Sheng glanced at the bewildered or weary faces and nodded.

He understood what Chen Liang meant.

At the Beijing Film Studio, the peak time for "starting work" is usually early in the morning, around six or seven o'clock. Assistant directors and production assistants from various film crews will come out to select people. They can scan the area at a glance, point to whoever they need, and take them away on the spot.

By eight or nine o'clock, those who haven't been chosen yet basically mean they're likely to go hungry today. They can only hope that some film crew is temporarily short of a person or two, or that there are some odd jobs with lower pay and more work.

"It's not easy."

Wang Sheng said indifferently.

In his past life, he had struggled at the bottom of society for a long time and understood all too well the feeling of waiting.

Chen Liang curled his lip: "Who has it easy? If we weren't forced into this situation, wouldn't we be in the same boat as them, or just go home and live off our parents? At least we can still do something for ourselves now."

Wang Sheng nodded but didn't reply.

His gaze swept over the young, still somewhat childish faces, and suddenly he thought of a girl.

Fan Xiaopang...

At this point, he probably hadn't been admitted to Xie Jinhengtong Star School yet, right?

It seems like she won't arrive in the capital until next year or the year after.

Can't remember clearly.

All I know is that she started as an extra, and later...

Just then, a red Xiali taxi pulled up on the side of the road in front of the factory.

A well-dressed woman, around fifty years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and carrying a handbag, stepped off the car. She glanced at the imposing gate of the Beijing Film Studio, then looked down at the slip of paper in her hand, seemingly confirming the address.

Wang Sheng immediately gathered his thoughts and nudged Chen Liang: "Coming."

The two quickly straightened their clothes and hurried to meet him.

"Hello, are you Ms. Chen?"

Wang Sheng smiled politely and warmly: "We are from Shengying Media, and we have been waiting for you here."

Ms. Chen looked up and saw two energetic young men, especially Wang Sheng. Her eyes lit up, and she looked him over carefully for a few moments before a smile of realization and even greater satisfaction appeared on her face: "Oh my, you're the groom from the advertisement, right? You look even more energetic than on TV! It's such a pleasure for you to come all this way and wait for me at the door. You're too kind."

"Of course, you are a valued customer and we must treat you well."

Wang Sheng stepped aside to lead the way: "Please follow me, our office is inside the factory."

Chen Liang nodded with a simple, honest smile.

As Ms. Chen walked into the Beijing Film Studio, seeing the tall sound stages, the workshops and office buildings with various signs, and the occasional staff member in costume or carrying equipment, her sense of trust increased even more.

Working in this prestigious film studio is a symbol of power in itself, which made her feel that the 10,000 yuan was well spent.

When I arrived at the office, which was about 20 square meters, it was simple but very clean.

Chen Yu had already brewed hot tea and served it with a smile.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wang Sheng got down to business, putting the Betacam SP sample tape into the VCR, connecting it to the office TV, and starting to play their carefully prepared "Golden Jubilee Collection" template video.

When the high-definition, professionally lit, and cinematic wedding footage appeared on the screen, Ms. Chen couldn't help but lean forward, watching intently. She especially appreciated the beautiful "veil kiss" and several compositions borrowed from classic romantic films, nodding repeatedly: "Great, great, that's the feeling! It's so much more sophisticated than ordinary wedding videos! It's like watching a real movie!" Wang Sheng, standing nearby, explained: "Ms. Chen, you see, we used broadcast-grade cameras, the image quality far surpassing ordinary VHS. During filming, we used dual cameras to ensure every important moment was captured. The lighting is also professional cinematic lighting, resulting in completely different skin tones and atmosphere. Post-production editing and color grading are all done in the Beijing Film Studio's control room, guaranteeing the final product's quality..."

He spoke fluently and explained the technical terms in a simple and easy-to-understand way, which not only made him appear professional but also helped clients understand where their money was spent.

Ms. Chen nodded repeatedly as she listened, and finally said with satisfaction, "No problem! Mr. Wang, you are professionals, I trust you! Let's do it the way we discussed on the phone, the 'Golden Jubilee Collection' package. My son's wedding is on May 5th, the 5th day of the third lunar month, which is an auspicious day. How would you like to sign the contract?"

Weddings and funerals are all arranged by calculating auspicious dates, which requires calculating the birth dates and times of the newlyweds, as well as the birth dates and times of both families.

In short, the wedding industry is very dependent on availability, much like the movie theater industry.

Wang Sheng asked Chen Yu to produce the prepared contract, which had clear terms and conditions, including the service content, standards, payment methods, and responsibilities of both parties.

"As is customary, the deposit is 30% of the total amount, which is 2999.7 yuan. Is that acceptable to you? The remaining balance will be settled within three days after the wedding. After that, we will deliver the completed wedding movie to you," Wang Sheng explained.

"can."

Ms. Chen readily agreed, counting out thirty-one hundred-yuan bills from her purse: "Keep the change, it's for good luck. I hope you'll take good care of my son and daughter-in-law when the time comes!"

That's how it is these days; if you give them more money, they'll think you'll work even harder.

Wang Sheng didn't stand on ceremony. He knew that if he accepted the money, the other party would feel at ease, so he solemnly assured them, "Don't worry, I will definitely make you and your family satisfied!"

Wang Sheng then asked Chen Yu to issue a receipt.

Waiting break.

Remembering the possibility of a reporter interview, Wang Sheng carefully considered his words and said, "Ms. Chen, our service level is too high-end, which may attract reporters and media coverage. Please try your best to keep it confidential until your son's wedding officially begins..."

Interview with a reporter?
This is a good thing!
I spent so much money on my son's wedding just to show off, didn't I?

Life offers only a few moments of reckoning, and witnessing one's eldest son get married is one of the most important such moments for a mother.

It has to be spectacular, it has to be a grand affair!
Ms. Chen's heart skipped a beat, but she smiled calmly and said, "Definitely, definitely."

Wang Sheng smiled gently: "If you need to communicate with your family, please don't mention the Beijing Film Studio. Just say that you have a professional background in film production. The key is to mention our Shengying Media. If your relatives or friends come to us for business consultation, we will consider providing you with some additional services..."

He simply couldn't believe that Ms. Chen, having spent so much money, could refrain from showing off.

"understand."

……

Both parties signed and sealed the contract.

After seeing off the satisfied Ms. Chen, the three people in the office looked at the thick wad of banknotes in their hands and smiled at each other, their true joy finally blossoming without reservation.

"A great start, brothers!"

Chen Liang excitedly waved his fist.

"..."

……

in the afternoon.

The small office of Shengying Media was once again packed with people, including all the core members, as well as ten young and eager faces.

These were all children of Beijing Film Studio recruited by Chen Liang at Wang Sheng's request.

They were all graduates of the spring training programs of various departments of Beijing Film Academy last year.

However, these people are all graduates of training programs in photography, fine arts, and sound recording, and they have technical skills.

Like Wang Sheng and others, after graduation, he had no job and just wandered around the factory or did odd jobs.

Some children of Beijing Film Studio graduates also attend training programs in literature and acting, but for Wang Sheng at the moment, it's not of much use.

The group of people who graduated from the directing training program were all children of management staff, and they were completely useless.

Upon hearing from Chen Liang that Wang Sheng had received a large order and needed manpower to help, and that there might be long-term work available, everyone excitedly rushed over.

Wang Sheng stood in front of the crowd, his gaze sweeping over the familiar or unfamiliar young faces, all of whom shared the same anticipation. He announced loudly, "Brothers and sisters, our first deal has arrived!"

An excited murmur and applause immediately erupted from below.

"but!"

Wang Sheng raised his voice: "This job is a do-or-die situation! It not only concerns the reputation of our Shengying Media, but also the face of the children of Beijing Film Studio! And it concerns whether everyone here will have jobs and money to earn regularly in the future!"

He paused, looking at the pairs of eyes that had suddenly become serious and focused, and continued, "Wedding video recording may seem simple, but to achieve the cinematic feel of an advertisement, it requires a high degree of cooperation and professionalism."

You've all learned the theory and practiced in training courses, but real-world application is another matter.

From this moment until the wedding on May 5th, everyone, including myself, is in training!

"The training content mainly includes: reinforcing the operation of Betacam cameras, familiarizing oneself with the wedding process, practicing dual-camera coordination, basic lighting, precautions for on-site sound recording, and how to communicate with the newlyweds and wedding planning companies!"

"I will develop a detailed training plan and a task assignment manual. Everyone will have to learn and be assessed! Whoever is capable, skilled, and reliable will be selected! Work points and bonuses will be based on this! Let's be clear from the start: if anyone is lazy, doesn't learn well, or messes things up, don't blame me, Wang Sheng, for not helping you make money!"

Wang Sheng's words were resounding and carried an unquestionable determination.

The children of Beijing Film Studio standing below were not intimidated at all; on the contrary, their eyes burned even brighter.

There's an opportunity! There's hope! Most importantly, there's money to be made!
"Brother Sheng! Just tell us what to do, and we'll do it!"

"I promise I'll study hard!"

"We will never bring shame to our Beijing Film Studio!"

(End of this chapter)