Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 141, Section 139: Recruiting Talented Individuals

I hung up on Ouyang Changlin.

Wang Sheng scrolled through his contacts and dialed a number he hadn't used in a long time.

The phone rang several times before being answered.

A slightly hesitant and surprised voice came from the other end: "Hello? Who is this?"

"Brother Changdian, it's me, Wang Sheng," Wang Sheng introduced himself in a relaxed tone.

"President Wang?!" Wang Changtian's voice instantly rose eight octaves, filled with unbelievable surprise and a hint of barely perceptible shame: "Oh my! It really is you! It's been so long since we last contacted each other. What made you, such a busy person, think of calling me?"

Last year, Wang Sheng handed over the creative idea for the "If You Are the One" program format to Wang Changtian, who worked at Beijing TV, hoping to collaborate on launching the dating show "It's You".

Wang Changtian was overjoyed and filled with pride.

However, after layers of approval and revisions by the station, the final broadcast version deviated from Wang Sheng's original vision and became a hodgepodge. Coupled with the poor broadcast time and insufficient publicity, the program received a lukewarm response after airing and hardly made a splash.

Wang Changtian felt he had let Wang Sheng down and that brilliant idea, so he was too embarrassed to contact Wang Sheng again.

"What, can't you chat with old friends when there's nothing wrong?" Wang Sheng laughed, his tone completely unconcerned. "How have you been lately? Still busy with that 'BJ Express' at the station?"

"Yes……"

Wang Changtian's voice lowered: "President Wang, I'm sorry, last time..."

"Hey, we're all family."

Wang Sheng interrupted him and comforted him, saying, "Brother Changdian, you're exaggerating. Creativity is static, but people are dynamic. There are many factors that contribute to the success or failure of a program. The station's mechanisms and resource coordination are crucial. It's not entirely your responsibility. I think it's not that the idea is bad, but rather that it may not have found the most suitable environment and operating method for it."

Hearing this, Wang Changtian felt a little better, but at the same time, he was also curious about Wang Sheng's purpose in coming: "Mr. Wang, is there something you need from me?"

Wang Sheng's smile faded, and his tone became serious: "Brother Changdian, let me be frank. Are you still interested in developing television entertainment programs? Not the kind that's restrictive like 'It's You,' but large-scale variety shows that can truly ignite the market and lead the trend."

Wang Changtian's heart skipped a beat, and he blurted out almost without thinking, "Interested! Of course I'm interested!"

As soon as he said those words, he realized he had lost his composure, but his long-suppressed passion had already been ignited.

"To be honest, Mr. Wang, I'm incredibly frustrated at the station! There are too many rules and regulations; good ideas are either completely distorted or simply can't be implemented. I've been wanting to... sigh..."

Wang Changtian sighed and didn't say anything more, but his meaning was already very clear.

Wang Sheng sensed the resentment and longing in his words, knowing the time was right, and then threw out the real bait: "Brother Changdian, I know your abilities and your sensitivity to programs. Staying within the system has indeed limited the full expression of your talents. Would you like to change your environment, come to the Beijing Film Studio, or my Shengying Media?"

He paused, giving the other person time to process the information, and then continued to press on: "If you're willing to come, I can fully support you in developing television entertainment programs. We can establish a dedicated subsidiary, how about... um, 'Enlight Media'? Specializing in television program production, distribution, and event planning."

You'll be the general manager of this company, fully responsible for content and operations. Besides a competitive annual salary, I can also give you some equity, or stock options. If the company grows, you'll be one of the founders, sharing in the profits. How about it? Interested in building a business together?

Wang Sheng's words were like a bombshell, creating a huge uproar in Wang Changtian's heart.

Leaving the system and joining Beijing Film Studio/Shengying Media?

Should we establish a dedicated company?
General manager?
Equity incentives?
Every word is incredibly alluring.

Although Wang Changtian was considered a key member of Beijing TV, his career advancement was limited due to the serious seniority system, making it extremely difficult for him to independently lead a major project.

The conditions Wang Sheng offered were practically the perfect platform for him to realize his ambitions—sufficient autonomy, ample financial support, and an equity commitment to share the profits.

This was far beyond what his fixed salary and limited sense of accomplishment at the TV station could offer. Wang Sheng knew that for a talented person like Wang Changtian, who was idealistic and capable but trapped within the system, the greatest temptation was the "stage" and "ownership".

Give him a stage where he can fully display his talents, and grant him a portion of ownership of the business, and you can maximize his potential and loyalty.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, broken only by Wang Changtian's slightly heavy breathing. Wang Sheng didn't urge him, patiently waiting.

A few seconds later, Wang Changtian's voice rang out again, filled with a do-or-die determination and excitement: "President Wang! Thank you for thinking so highly of me! I... I promise you! To be honest, I've wanted to work somewhere else for a long time, but I haven't had the right opportunity or platform! I won't hesitate to accept the conditions you've offered! As long as you trust me, Wang Changtian, I will do my utmost to make this 'Enlight Media' you mentioned a success!"

"Good!" Wang Sheng smiled with satisfaction: "I knew Brother Changdian was a man of great things! Then it's settled. As for the details... are you free tonight? Want to grab a drink?"

"I'm free! I absolutely have to be free!" Wang Changtian quickly agreed.

After agreeing on a meeting place and time for that evening, Wang Sheng ended the call.

……

As soon as he started work in the afternoon, Wang Sheng went to the factory manager's office in Han Sanping.

"..."

After listening to Wang Sheng's explanation, Han Sanping pondered for a moment and asked, "Wouldn't the investment be too large to start a television program business?"

Wang Sheng had anticipated Han Sanping's question, and he explained clearly, "Uncle Han, my decision to do this is based on several considerations..."

"First, television movies and long-running dramas are our core business and are very important. But entertainment programs, especially large-scale variety shows, have stronger topicality, explosive power, and brand-building capabilities."

A successful hit variety show can bring not only direct advertising revenue, but also huge platform influence and audience loyalty.

This market has enormous future potential, and we must plan ahead. Establishing a dedicated program production company is precisely to professionalize and scale up this business.

"Secondly, although we now have an advantage in content production through the alliance, the broadcasting channels are still controlled by the TV stations. This time, Document No. 37, which regulates TV stations and tightens procurement and severely reduces prices, is a warning."

If we can establish in-depth strategic cooperation with dynamic and enterprising TV stations like Hunan Economic Television, or even become their important content supplier, we can reduce our dependence on the traditional distribution system to some extent and avoid being "held hostage" by broadcasting platforms in the future.

Helping them create programs is both a collaboration and an infiltration, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of how television stations operate and aligning our interests.

"Third, you can't put all your eggs in one basket. Film and television investment has a long cycle and relatively high risks."

Entertainment programs have short production cycles, flexible formats, and controllable investments. If we can successfully create several hit shows, we can generate a stable cash flow, complementing our film and television business and enhancing our overall resilience.

"Fourth, entertainment program production involves many aspects such as planning, directing, camerawork, post-production, artist coordination, and advertising and marketing, which requires a high level of comprehensive ability from the team."

Developing this business will allow us to cultivate and reserve a large number of versatile media professionals, which is crucial for the long-term development of Shengying Media and Beijing Film Studio.

"Fifth, Hunan Provincial Economic Television's sister station, Hunan Provincial Television, has already been launched and covers the whole country. Maintaining a good relationship with Ouyang Changlin is paving the way for our content to be featured on satellite television and enter the national market in the future."

Wang Sheng's analysis was progressive and insightful, demonstrating both strategic vision and practical considerations, which drew frequent nods of approval from Han Sanping.

"Hmm...that makes sense."

The doubt in Han Sanping's eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by admiration: "Shengzi, you really have foresight. I don't really understand entertainment programs, but after hearing what you've said, it truly is a blue ocean. Cooperating with Hunan Economic Television can both make money and pave the way, killing two birds with one stone. Your idea is excellent!"

He waved his hand dismissively: "We'll do it your way! The factory will support the establishment of the program production company. You just need to coordinate whatever resources are needed. You'll be in charge of liaising with Ouyang Changlin, just make sure you handle things appropriately."

"Thank you for your support, Uncle Han!"

(End of this chapter)