Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 140, Section 138: Overwhelming Power

at the same time.

Meanwhile, in an executive suite at the Beijing International Hotel.

He Xiuqiong irritably pushed aside several copies of the Beijing Metropolitan Daily.

The newspaper's culture and entertainment section prominently featured several sharply worded commentaries.

Titles such as "Princess Pearl: A farcical 'Princess' drama" and "Can history be 'fictionalized' like this? -- A critique of the cultural orientation of Qiong Yao's new work" and "Cross-Strait co-productions should pay more attention to cultural connotation and social responsibility" are common.

While not entirely dismissing the work, the article focused its criticism on its "historical nihilism," "frivolous plot," and "flat character development," even subtly mentioning that "some co-production projects cater to the market at the expense of their cultural leadership responsibilities."

These criticisms came suddenly and were concentrated, as if the media climate in Beijing had changed overnight.

As a producer at Yi Ren Media Co., Ltd., and the actual "frontline manager" of the "Princess Pearl" production team in mainland China, He Xiuqiong is well aware of the importance of the public opinion environment for a TV series, especially a cross-strait co-production.

It is definitely not a good thing to encounter such intensive "cultural criticism" so soon after the start of production.

She wasn't with the crew the whole time. Her trip to Beijing was to coordinate key resources and deal with potential policy risks, but she didn't expect to run into the crossfire of public opinion first.

She picked up her phone and first called her mother-in-law and boss, Chiung Yao, who was far away in Taiwan, to briefly report the situation.

On the other end of the phone, Ms. Qiong Yao's voice carried its usual elegance mixed with a hint of dissatisfaction: "Xiuqiong, the waters in Beijing run deep. We followed the proper etiquette, paid our respects, and gave gifts, so why is this happening? Did we overlook something and offend someone?"

He Xiuqiong repeatedly assured that there would be no negligence in the process: "Mom, I went to the Beijing Film Studio in person and met with that young General Manager Wang. The gift was also a generous one prepared according to the rules of the Beijing entertainment circle."

Although he was slightly disappointed that his investment was rejected, he made polite remarks, expressing his support for co-productions and hoping the production team would abide by mainland regulations. He didn't seem to have any complaints.

"..."

Qiong Yao hesitated for a moment, then asked, "What did you give as a gift?"

"Tea from Taiwan."

"you……"

Qiong Yao was speechless: "What you sent to those people in Taiwan was also 'tea'?"

"Uh……"

He Xiuqiong then realized that she seemed to have underestimated the young man.

Qiong Yao suggested, "First, ask Director Ouyang about the situation. If that doesn't work, I'll try to find connections at higher levels."

It goes without saying that Qiong Yao is a writer, a writer in the Taiwanese literary circle, and a film and television mogul, and that she has access to a wide range of people.

……

After hanging up with her mother-in-law, He Xiuqiong felt even more confused.

After a moment's hesitation, she dialed the phone number of Ouyang Changlin, the director of Hunan Provincial Economic Television Station.

Ouyang Changlin is not only an important partner of "My Fair Princess", but also the person in charge of the future mainland broadcasting platform.

When the call connected, He Xiuqiong briefly explained the wave of criticism from the Beijing media, without directly mentioning Wang Sheng's situation.

Ouyang Changlin listened quietly on the other end, and finally asked, "Mr. He, has your film crew in Beijing... unintentionally offended anyone?"

“No, Director Ouyang.” He Xiuqiong said with certainty, “As you know, we are very careful. We have even paid a visit to the Beijing Film Studio, the largest film studio in the Beijing film circle, with the highest level of protocol.”

“Beijing Film Studio…Wang Sheng?” Ouyang Changlin immediately grasped the key point.

"Yes, it's President Wang Sheng."

He Xiuqiong replied, "He is quite young, but he has an extraordinary demeanor."

Ouyang Changlin paused on the other end of the phone, seemingly thinking quickly, and after a few seconds asked, "At the time, besides expressing support, did Wang Sheng mention any specific...conditions? Or did you politely decline anything from him?"

He Xiuqiong: "He did mention the conditions at the time. Shengying Media wanted to invest in this drama, but we already had investment from Hunan TV and budget from Taiwan. The project was basically settled, so we politely declined."

But isn't this normal in business? He expressed his understanding. "Director Ouyang, you don't think he's...? Although he controls the film studio alliance's TV series distribution channels, we have our own broadcasting platform. He doesn't need to use such methods, does he? Besides, I didn't skimp on the proper etiquette for visiting connections; I personally delivered it!"

Hearing He Xiuqiong's slightly aggrieved and puzzled tone, Ouyang Changlin rubbed his temples.

This producer from Taiwan clearly hasn't fully grasped Wang Sheng's current influence and style in the mainland film and television industry.

He tried to explain in a way that the other party could understand: "Mr. He, Wang Sheng now controls more than just distribution channels. The Film Studio Alliance is a consortium of more than 30 studios and is one of the largest television content providers in China. The weekend 'TV Movie' program is almost a guarantee of viewership for many local stations."

He also has multiple identities to protect him. To be honest, for us TV stations to maintain a continuous stream of content and guaranteed viewership, we all have to give him some face.

He sighed, "Well then, it's hard to explain over the phone. I'll call Wang Sheng myself to sound him out. Don't rush into anything, and don't make any further moves. Wait for my news."

Hearing the busy tone on the phone, He Xiuqiong sat on the sofa, holding her phone and feeling somewhat annoyed.

Why didn't you say you didn't want tea leaves?
……

At the same time, in the living quarters of the Beijing Film Studio, Wang Shenggang had lunch at home with his parents, who were off work that day.

My mother, Zhang Xiulan, makes noodles with soybean paste, and the taste is as authentic as ever.

After dinner, Wang Sheng was about to take a short nap when his phone rang.

Wang Sheng answered the call; it was from the deputy director of Xiaoxiang Film Studio in charge of distribution.

The other party was very enthusiastic. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he got to the point, saying that Ouyang Changlin, the director of Hunan Provincial Economic Television Station, had something important to discuss with him and asked him to act as an intermediary. He asked if it was convenient for Wang Sheng to take Ouyang Changlin's call.

Wang Sheng said in a calm tone, "Director Li, you're too kind. Ouyang Changlin is a pioneer of reform in the television industry, and I've long admired his name. Of course, it's convenient; please ask him to call anytime."

Less than three minutes after I hung up the phone, an unfamiliar number called.

Wang Sheng pressed the answer button, and a male voice with a slight Hunan accent, strong and shrewd, came through the receiver:
"Hello, Mr. Wang! My name is Ouyang Changlin. I have long admired your name and it is very well-known! I have been wanting to learn from you for a long time, but I was afraid of being presumptuous. I apologize for disturbing you today, and I hope you will forgive me!"

Ouyang Changlin's opening remarks were a series of perfectly timed compliments, both enthusiastic and not overly sycophantic. Wang Sheng responded with a smile: "Director Ouyang, you are too modest. Your leadership of Hunan Economic Television, your bold reforms, and the creation of the 'Hunan Television Army' phenomenon are the role models we should all learn from. I have always greatly admired your courage to break with convention."

After exchanging compliments, Ouyang Changlin skillfully steered the conversation toward business, his tone becoming slightly more serious: "Mr. Wang, to be honest, I'm calling today for two reasons: first, to express my admiration and to make your acquaintance, and second, because I have a small matter I'd like you to consider."

A cross-strait co-production project that our station is involved in, called "Princess Pearl," has recently encountered a minor...public opinion storm in Beijing.

Mr. Wang, you have extensive connections and a high reputation in Beijing; have you heard of this? Could you perhaps help resolve this small misunderstanding?

Wang Sheng chuckled, not directly responding to the question, but instead steered the conversation to a broader level: "President Ouyang, speaking of cooperation, I truly admire your courage in pushing forward reforms."

As an "external station," Hunan Economic Television is completely self-sufficient in its profits and losses. It is truly remarkable that it has managed to carve out a path to become an industry benchmark.

Promoting cross-strait cultural exchange and producing co-productions is certainly a good intention, as it helps to enhance understanding.

He shifted his tone slightly, still relaxed but carrying weight: "However, I sometimes tend to overthink things. I feel that when creating content, especially content for the general public, we need to consider not only economic benefits but also social benefits and cultural guidance."

Some dramas are entertaining, but do their core themes hold up to scrutiny? Could they mislead young people's values? These are questions that we content creators should seriously consider.

Ouyang Changlin understood clearly on the other end of the phone that Wang Sheng was pointing out the "values" problem that had been criticized for "Princess Pearl," and had elevated it to the level of cultural guidance and social responsibility.

He gave a wry smile and complained, "President Wang, I understand what you're saying, but the station needs to survive and develop; hundreds of people are waiting to be fed. Sometimes we have no choice but to do it."

Ms. Chiung Yao has a great influence in Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities. If we don't do this project, she will find someone else to do it.

Even if it's not officially broadcast in mainland China, it will inevitably leak in through some...shady channels in the future, and then it will be even more difficult to manage.

Rather than that, it would be better for us to import it through a proper channels, allowing for some oversight. We hope General Manager Wang will understand our difficulties. We are all brother units; could you please lend a hand and help us resolve this current predicament? Hunan Provincial Economic Television will certainly remember this kindness.

After Ouyang Changlin finished speaking, Wang Shengjing slowly opened her mouth, her tone becoming more constructive: "Director Ouyang, I understand your difficulties. It's only natural for a TV station to generate revenue. Since our goal is to create profits and make the platform bigger and stronger, then we have a lot to talk about."

He offered a very tempting proposal: "Here's the deal, Director Ouyang. Personally, and as members of our Beijing Film Studio alliance, we have a very positive outlook on Hunan Economic Television and your team. We have money, creativity, and talent."

I can provide funding, ideas, and a production team to help you create a series of TV programs with phenomenal potential, including variety shows, reality shows, and documentaries—you can choose any genre.

We can share the copyright, and split the advertising revenue 50/50. If you agree, I can immediately mobilize hundreds of millions of yuan to invest in Hunan Economic Television, and together we'll make this market as large as possible.

As Ouyang Changlin listened to the young yet confident voice on the other end of the phone, his heart couldn't help but race.

He had no doubt that Wang Sheng was exaggerating.

The alliance of film studios and the alliance of provincial film companies cannot wage a propaganda war or carry out "underground crackdowns" without substantial financial backing.

and so……

Wang Sheng can mobilize hundreds of millions of yuan; he believes it.

This proposal essentially means that Wang Sheng intends to bring huge amounts of capital and high-quality content to form a deep partnership with Hunan Economic Television.

He quickly weighed the pros and cons.

Collaborating with Wang Sheng will undoubtedly greatly alleviate the content pressure on Hunan Economic Television, and may even create a flagship program that surpasses "Princess Pearl," given the uncertain future of the original series.

However, the "Princess Pearl" project has already been launched. The cross-strait co-production involves a wide range of issues, and Qiong Yao's side is not easy to deal with. If it is abruptly stopped or significantly adjusted, there will be great political and commercial risks.

After a moment's thought, Ouyang Changlin decided to reveal his true intentions and show his sincerity: "President Wang, your boldness and sincerity have deeply moved me! The opportunity to cooperate with President Wang and Beijing Film Studio is one that Hunan Economic Television has been seeking for a long time!"

He first affirmed the intention to cooperate, then changed the subject: "However, Mr. Wang, as you know, the cross-strait co-production project of 'Princess Pearl' involves a well-known writer from the other side, and the policy level is also very sensitive. Once it is started, it will be like an arrow on a bowstring, and it is not easy to stop it easily. Otherwise, it will affect the overall situation of cross-strait cultural exchanges and our Taiwan's reputation."

He proposed a compromise: "How about this? To show our sincerity in cooperating with Mr. Wang, we are willing to share the mainland copyright of the TV series 'Princess Pearl' with you and Beijing Film Studio."

Specifically, all broadcasting and distribution rights revenue in mainland China will be split 50/50 between Hunan Economic Television, you, and Beijing Film Studio.

Furthermore, we are willing to share any derivative revenue generated by this series with Beijing Film Studio in the future.

This is basically the most sincerity we can offer.

I know that some recent comments in Beijing may have caused Mr. Wang some misunderstanding, but I believe it is absolutely a misunderstanding. We sincerely hope to resolve this conflict amicably and work together with you, Mr. Wang.

Ouyang Changlin's words indirectly admitted that he suspected Wang Sheng was involved in the public opinion storm, while also showing his strong desire to cooperate and offering substantial concessions.

Wang Sheng chuckled on the other end of the phone, his tone softening and becoming more friendly: "Director Ouyang, you are indeed a straightforward person, with courage and sincerity. Since you've put it this way, it would seem petty of me, Wang Sheng, to dwell on this small issue."

He paused for a moment, then extended an invitation: "How about this, Director Ouyang, discussing cooperation over the phone is never thorough enough."

If you have the time, you might consider coming to Beijing soon so we can discuss this in person. I have some initial ideas regarding creating a new program for Hunan Economic Television, which I'd like to share with you.

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Changlin felt a great weight lifted from his heart, knowing that the storm was over and that he might even be turning misfortune into blessing, gaining a powerful partner.

He immediately agreed: "That's great, Mr. Wang! I'll arrange my work and fly to Beijing to consult with you in person as early as tomorrow!"

"We eagerly await your arrival."

Wang Sheng laughed and hung up the phone.

Suppressing his smile, Wang Sheng pondered the matter of "Princess Pearl".

That's pretty much the limit for stirring things up to this extent.

As Ouyang Changlin said, there are many reasons behind Wang Sheng's inability to revive "Princess Pearl".

But the results were alright.

Wang Sheng urgently needs a television broadcasting platform with which he can cooperate deeply.

The Beijing TV station is too aloof, and the cooperation is dragging on and on.

In addition, since the capital is the capital, the Beijing TV station cannot be too presumptuous.

Furthermore, Hunan Provincial Economic Television's sister station, Hunan Provincial Television, has already been launched on satellite, and its coverage is far superior to that of Beijing TV...

(End of this chapter)