Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 207, Section 205: The Division of the Family

In January 1999, the north wind was biting in Beijing.

Beijing Film Studio.

The heating in the factory manager's office was on full blast.

However, the atmosphere between Han Sanping and Wang Sheng, who were sitting opposite each other, was somewhat cold and businesslike.

Several documents were spread out on the coffee table, the top one being a copy of the preliminary framework proposal for the establishment of the China Film Group.

"Did you see the file?"

Han Sanping rubbed his temples, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible fatigue, but more so a calm acceptance of the established facts: "The listing is in February, so all in all, there's only a little over a month left. It's absolutely true that this period is for each family to handle their 'family matters'."

Wang Sheng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the cold, hard clauses in the document.

Although I was mentally prepared, my eyes still twitched almost imperceptibly when I saw "Alliance Production Center" clearly listed as a "removal" item.

This organization, which is deeply intertwined with Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media, brings together technical backbones from thirty film studios, and has created a miracle of "television film" production line, is ultimately an object that needs to be "streamlined" in the process of system integration.

"The Television Content Distribution Alliance has been completely incorporated into the 'Film Studio Television Series Production Collaboration Guidance Group'."

Han Sanping continued, his tone calm and even: "From now on, this group will be led by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Editorial Office, and our soon-to-be-established Zhongying Group. I will remain the deputy group leader."

He paused, looked at Wang Sheng with a complicated expression: "After the group is established, I will be appointed as the vice chairman and vice general manager, in charge of the production process, and concurrently serve as the general manager of Beijing Film Production Company—that is, the restructured Beijing Film Studio. The higher-ups have entrusted me with the task of integrating production resources and building the reputation of 'China's Film Capital'."

This is a good arrangement, ensuring Han Sanping's say within the group and temporarily preserving the relative independence of the Beijing Film Studio's production system.

But the cost is also obvious.

Therefore, the "Alliance Production Center" must be abolished.

Han Sanping: "Of course, companies dominated by social capital, such as Shengying Media and Enlight Media, are not included in this integration."

The Beijing Film Studio's shareholding remains unchanged, but whether it will be subsequently reclaimed by the group is uncertain. As for the employees seconded from other factories…

"All of them will be handled by your Shengying Media." Han Sanping said decisively, "From now on, the Beijing Film Studio, a subsidiary of the group, will only cooperate with Shengying Media on individual projects, on a case-by-case basis. We will no longer share resources, use personnel interchangeably, and be as close as before."

He used the phrase "inseparable," which carried a hint of nostalgia, but more so a resolute determination to draw a line.

"I see."

Wang Sheng nodded again: "Keeping public and private matters separate is good for everyone."

Han Sanping nodded slightly and continued, "In addition, Shengying Media and Enlight Media need to find new office space and can no longer rent the factory's buildings."

This is the most practical way to "separate the family".

Separating physical connections is the most direct and effective way to break away from past deep cooperation models.

Han Sanping was silent for a moment, then took out a slip of paper from the drawer and pushed it over: "This is information I had the factory office collect about several office buildings in Beijing that might meet your requirements. Guomao, Kerry Centre, Yansha business district... go and take a look. Time is tight, the task is heavy, so hurry up and get it done."

Wang Sheng took the slip of paper, on which several addresses and contact numbers were clearly listed in pen.

Looking at the note, he seemed to see the end of one era and the beginning of another.

The large ship, Beijing Film Studio, is adjusting its course, heading towards a broader but more strictly regulated ocean called "Zhongying Group," while the small boat, Shengying Media, must find its own independent berth before that happens.

"it is good."

Wang Sheng put the note away and stood up: "Factory Director Han... no, from now on I should call you General Manager Han. Don't worry, I will handle things here."

Han Sanping also stood up, extended his hand, and shook hands firmly with Wang Sheng: "Shengzi, the road ahead is long. The previous cooperation model has changed, but the bond remains. From now on, let's keep business as it is, and I hope we can continue to cooperate happily on projects."

"must."

Wang Sheng responded with a smile.

After leaving the factory manager's office, Wang Sheng did not return to the familiar dispatch center of Shengying Media. Instead, he called Dajun and, following the information on the note, began the journey to find a new base.

The office building market in Beijing at the end of 1998, while not as prosperous as it would later become, was already taking shape. Twenty years of reform and opening up, with the influx of foreign capital and the growth of private enterprises, the demand for high-quality office space was quietly rising.

Our first stop was the China World Trade Center outside Jianguomen.

The first phase of the building has already become a landmark in Beijing, with its glass curtain wall reflecting a cold light under the thin winter sun.

The lobby is grand and the elevators are fast, but the rental price is equally "high-end".

Wang Sheng did a rough calculation and concluded that, given the current scale of Shengying Media and Enlight Media, if they were to settle here, the annual rent would be a huge fixed expense, which would greatly affect cash flow and the flexibility of project investment.

"It's impressive here, but not good value for money."

Wang Sheng shook his head: "Let me take another look."

The second stop was the Yansha commercial district along the Liangma River.

Located near the embassy district, the area is relatively quiet, and the Kerry Centre is brand new, bright, and equipped with advanced facilities.

The rent is slightly lower than in the China World Trade Center, but it is still quite expensive.

Moreover, the surrounding commercial facilities are more high-end and foreign-oriented, which seems to create a sense of distance from companies like Shengying Media, which are rooted in local culture and often need to deal with various artists and film crews.

"It feels a bit too 'trendy' and not down-to-earth enough," Dajun said, expressing Wang Sheng's feelings.

I visited several places, but none of them were particularly satisfactory.

Either the cost is too high, the geographical location is inconvenient, or the environment is unsuitable.

Until they arrived near the North Third Ring Road, in a rapidly developing area.

There is a newly built office building here, which is called "Jingxin Building".

The building isn't the tallest, but it has a modern appearance and a convenient location, situated on the same North Third Ring Road as the Beijing Film Studio, not far from each other.

Most importantly, the rent is within an acceptable range, and the building's layout is flexible, making it suitable for companies like Shengying Media and Enlight Media that need to divide the space into different functional areas.

Standing in the empty, unfinished building, Wang Sheng looked out the window at the somewhat desolate winter scene of Beijing and made a decision.

"This is it."

He told the accompanying agent, "We need two floors, one for Shengying Media and one for Enlight Media. We need to produce the blueprints and quotes as soon as possible, and try to finalize the contract by the middle of this month."

The agent was overjoyed and readily agreed.

Choosing a location is only the first step in the "separation".

Back at Beijing Film Studio.

Wang Sheng immediately convened a meeting with the core management teams of Shengying Media and Enlight Media.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was somewhat heavy.

The people present, including Monkey, Liu Cixin, Xiaobing, Wang Changtian, and Cai Yinong, all grew up in the Beijing Film Studio compound or through in-depth cooperation with the Beijing Film Studio.

People have mixed feelings about the upcoming relocation and change of business model. They look forward to the future, but they also feel reluctant to leave the past and worried about the future.

"Everyone knows the situation."

Wang Sheng got straight to the point, without any unnecessary emotional embellishment: "With the imminent establishment of China Film Group and the abolition of the 'Alliance Production Center,' our cooperation model with Beijing Film Studio will undergo a fundamental change. This is the general trend, regardless of right or wrong, and we must adapt."

He surveyed the crowd, his gaze sharp and resolute: "The new office location has been preliminarily selected, in the Jingxin Building on North Third Ring Road East. Next, Li Tingting will be responsible for following up on the leasing and decoration matters, with only one requirement: efficiency and practicality, meeting our development needs for the next three to five years."

"Yes, Mr. Wang."

Li Tingting solemnly agreed.

(End of this chapter)