Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 155, Section 153: The Rebel King in Action
The last few days of November 1997 passed quietly amidst the huge uproar caused by the premiere of "30 Days" in Beijing, and time entered the last month of 1997.

The public outcry did not subside after the tour ended; on the contrary, under the conscious guidance of Wang Sheng and the Beijing Film Studio alliance, it intensified.

Carefully planned film reviews were serialized in major newspapers and magazines, the enthusiasm of the audience on the radio hotline almost burned through the telephone lines, and even government employees discussed the film during their leisure time.

Especially in Jiangsu Province, where the controversy had already "caught fire," discussions about why "30 Days" could not be released simultaneously with Beijing spread from newspaper columns to the streets and alleys.

At a newsstand on Guanqian Street in Gusu, citizens buying breakfast would point at the culture section of the newspaper and argue; in a department store at the entrance of Jinling New Street, a young couple complained about not liking this "first national cinema-level New Year's film".

Even some highly respected figures in the local arts and culture scene spoke out in radio interviews, calling for breaking with conventions and allowing good films to reach local audiences more quickly.

This pressure from public opinion inadvertently provided the best cover and popular support for the quiet actions of the "Seven Roads Against the King".

……

Thursday, December 4th.

Early in the morning, as the management of Jiangsu Film Company, as usual, sipped tea and read the daily newspapers of major cities in the province, preparing to begin their workday, almost simultaneously, the headlines of the culture and entertainment sections of the metropolitan newspapers from seven cities—Suzhou, Nanjing, Liangxi, Pengcheng, Longcheng, Jinghai, and Guangling—or the most-listened morning news programs in their respective cities, all broadcast an explosive piece of news:

"Great news! The highly anticipated Lunar New Year comedy '30 Days' will premiere in our city tomorrow!"

"Through direct negotiations with the production companies Beijing Film Studio and Forbidden City Film Group, our city has successfully acquired the rights to '30 Days,' which will be released simultaneously in Beijing on December 5th!"

"No need to wait any longer to see a good movie! '30 Days' will be showing simultaneously in major designated cinemas throughout the city tomorrow!"

Although the wording differs, the core message is the same—"30 Days" is scheduled for release on December 5th, simultaneously with Beijing! Moreover, the source of the news points directly to the "production company," completely bypassing Jiangsu Film Company.

This "act first, report later" move caught the Jiangsu Film Company completely off guard! The office director's teacup hung in mid-air, the business section chief's newspaper slid to the ground with a clatter, and the entire management team was thrown into chaos.

"boom!"

In the general manager's office of Jiangsu Film Company, a teacup clattered against the table.

"They've rebelled again! They've rebelled once more!"

The general manager was furious, his face turning ashen, his chest heaving violently: "The last time they did this was back in '93 when the policies were first relaxed! It's only been a few years since things calmed down? Suzhou is outrageous! They get cocky just because the economy is doing a little better! Nanjing... how can Nanjing set this example?!"

……

After a while.

Conference room of Jiangsu Film Company.

The air was thick with smoke, and the atmosphere was heavy.

The ashtray quickly filled with cigarette butts, and a gloomy cloud hung over everyone's faces.

The executives present were equally indignant.

The deputy manager in charge of distribution broke the silence first: "This is blatant provocation! It must be dealt with seriously!"

"..."

His analysis is not entirely without merit. Economically strong cities in southern Jiangsu, such as Suzhou and Liangxi, may not always fully trust the provincial company's overall planning, while important towns in northern Jiangsu, such as Pengcheng, also have their own unique demands due to their geographical location and historical background.

Wang Sheng and the Beijing Film Studio alliance accurately grasped this point and successfully pried open this crack by using "30 Days" as "bait".

If they privately promise more favorable revenue sharing, more flexible scheduling autonomy, or even hint at establishing long-term direct supply partnerships, it's hard for the film companies in the seven cities to resist.

"We must sue them!"

The general manager slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup lids jump: "Immediately report to the Provincial Radio and Television Bureau and the Provincial Propaganda Department! Accuse the Beijing Film Studio Alliance of violating distribution regulations and maliciously disrupting the order of our province's film market! At the same time, in the name of the provincial company, issue a stern warning to the film companies in those seven cities, ordering them to immediately cease their illegal screening activities, otherwise we will consider suspending the supply of all other films to them and holding the relevant responsible persons accountable!"

The command was executed swiftly.

The messenger, delivering documents, rode his motorcycle through the cold wind, spreading the provincial company's anger to every corner.

However, this time, Jiangsu Film Company's counterattack seemed somewhat powerless and ultimately came to nothing.

They underestimated their opponent's preparations and overestimated their own deterrent power.

First, the feedback was not as strong as they had expected.

The relevant leader spoke with considerable caution on the phone: "Old comrade, we must consider the overall situation. The public opinion situation is very clear now; the people all want to see this movie."

On the one hand, the public opinion surrounding "30 Days" was too strong, and the public opinion base was quite good. The higher-ups were also unwilling to easily bear the blame of "hindering the release of good movies".

On the other hand, the Beijing Film Studio alliance was not without foundation. Han Sanping's connections in Beijing, the halo of Wang Sheng as a newly emerging "young entrepreneur" and "cultural reform pioneer," and perhaps the news that Wang Sheng had been nominated by the All-China Youth Federation to participate in the 11th National People's Congress election in Beijing, all forced the higher authorities to be more cautious in handling this matter.
Secondly, those seven municipal companies were unusually united this time, or rather, their interests were highly aligned.

They established a hotline to communicate privately, share information, and work together to cope with the pressure from the provincial company.

They jointly replied to the provincial company, claiming that direct cooperation with the production company was in accordance with the spirit of relevant policies, aimed at meeting the growing cultural needs of the people, and was a positive exploration of market-oriented reform.

This reply was impeccably written, full of quotations and allusions, clearly indicating that it had been guided by an expert.

Furthermore, they have established a "good and sustainable cooperative relationship" with the Beijing Film Studio Alliance, implying that future film sources will not be entirely dependent on provincial companies.

This killer move made the provincial company hesitant to act rashly.

Cut~
More importantly, advertisements for the simultaneous screening in seven cities have already been released, and ticket pre-sales have begun. It's a case of "the arrow is on the bowstring, and it must be released."

Long queues have formed outside major cinemas, and the public's enthusiasm has been completely ignited.

If the provincial company forcibly obstructs the process, triggering a greater backlash from citizens and the media, no one can afford to bear that responsibility.

Faced with pressure from both above and below and the fait accompli, the anger of Jiangsu Film Company could only gradually subside into a helpless sigh.

They could only watch helplessly.

This "surprise attack," planned by Wang Sheng and launched in seven cities, successfully tore a clear crack in the traditionally monolithic provincial film distribution system with its precise strategy and perfect timing.

The news sent shockwaves through the national film industry, sending a chill down the spines of every provincial-level film company!
(End of this chapter)