Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 213, Section 211: Old Li is indeed a handsome young man.

February 22, 1999, afternoon.

Wang Sheng arrived at the animation workshop, which had been converted from an idle workshop at the Beijing Film Studio.

This is one of the few departments that still maintains close daily cooperation with Shengying Media.

The popular science animation project "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit 3000 Questions" is an important step for Wang Sheng in planning future film and television special effects and technology reserves, and also a link to maintain a good cooperative relationship with the Art Department of Beijing Film Academy.

Inside the workshop, the atmosphere was focused and quiet, with only the scratching sound of paintbrushes gliding across celluloid sheets and the soft hum of computers running.

Executive Vice Director Cao Zhiming was discussing something with several teachers and students from the Beijing Film Academy around a series of original drawing tables. When he saw Wang Sheng come in, he quickly came to greet him.

"Mr. Wang, what brings you here?" Cao Zhiming was somewhat surprised, after all, today was the first day that Shengying Media officially started working at its new address.

"Come check on the progress. Is everything going smoothly here?" Wang Sheng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the brightly colored and adorable character design drafts and background images of "Rainbow Cat" and "Blue Rabbit" on the workbench.

"Successfully, very successfully!"

Cao Zhiming led Wang Sheng to a wall covered with storyboards and progress charts, and pointed to the clear markings on it, saying: "We have now completed all the original drawings and coloring for episode 29, and are currently working on post-production compositing and dubbing."

Currently, production capacity is stable at one episode per month. At this rate, the remaining episodes can all be completed within the year, definitely in time for the broadcast schedule after next year's Spring Festival.

Wang Sheng looked at the progress chart carefully and nodded.

The production rate of one episode per month was already considered highly efficient in domestic animation production at that time, thanks to the technical support of the animation major's teachers and students at Beijing Film Academy and the relatively standardized assembly line operation.

Although it cannot compare to the speed of industrialized mass production in later generations, it was a solid step forward by the end of the 1990s.

"We cannot relax our quality control." Wang Sheng emphasized: "The accuracy of popular science knowledge is the top priority, and the expressiveness of animation must take into account both its entertainment value and the forward-looking nature of our technological exploration. In the short term, this investment is to cultivate talent and accumulate technology. In the long term, it lays the foundation for us to get involved in more complex film and television special effects and even animated films in the future."

“Understood, Mr. Wang. We regularly invite science professors from Beijing Normal University to review the scientific knowledge points in the script, and we are also trying out some new rendering techniques for the animation.” Cao Zhiming replied earnestly. He knew that Wang Sheng’s expectations for this project were far more than just a children’s animation that would be forgotten after it was shown.

After spending about half an hour in the animation workshop, Wang Sheng expressed his satisfaction with the progress, offered a few words of encouragement, and then got up to leave for the main building conference room.

Attended a seminar on "The Birth of a Warrior" (or "The Birth of a Warrior"), a key film project of Beijing Film Studio (Beijing Film Production Company) in 1999.

……

The conference room was filled with smoke, and the atmosphere was both serious and enthusiastic.

China Film Group has been officially established.

Han Sanping, Vice Chairman and Vice General Manager of China Film Group and General Manager of Beijing Film Studio, sat in the main seat, flanked by the studio's artistic backbone, production managers, and the core creative team of "The Birth of a Nation," including director Chen Guoxing, lead actors Li Xuejian, Li Youbin, Chen Jing (who played the older version of Ye Wenjie), and Teng Rujun.

Wang Sheng's arrival attracted a lot of attention.

Although he has now "separated from his family and lives independently," his vision, ability, and financial resources, especially the Sheng Ying Media behind him which can still mobilize enormous resources, mean that his influence in this industry has remained largely unchanged.

Old Han gave all the job opportunities that offered him the best protection to Wang Sheng.

"Shengzi is here, please sit down." Han Sanping pointed to an empty seat next to him, his tone familiar.

Wang Sheng nodded in greeting and sat down next to Li Youbin.

Li Youbin smiled gently at him.

Old Li is indeed quite handsome for his age.

The meeting is discussing the filming details of "The Birth of a Nation," a grand narrative film that tells the story of how scientists and the People's Liberation Army of New China successfully developed the first atomic bomb under extremely difficult conditions in the 1950s and 60s.

The project has a profound background, aiming to praise the selfless dedication and patriotism of the older generation of scientific and technological workers and military officers and soldiers, and has strong contemporary and political significance.

"The location for the filming in the Gobi Desert of Western Regions has been preliminarily selected, and the local troops will provide us with tremendous support. Although the climate is the biggest challenge, it is also an indispensable part of authentically recreating the historical atmosphere," Director Chen Guoxing introduced the preparations, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity and excitement.

"As for the actors, Xue Jian's portrayal of General Feng Shi is very fitting in terms of temperament, and Li Youbin's portrayal of the scientist is also very upright..." the production director added.

Wang Sheng listened quietly.

He knew that this film was an important tribute film produced in 1999, with high artistic achievement and profound ideological significance.

In this life, thanks to his appearance, the investment from Shengying Media, and the overall improvement in the production efficiency of Beijing Film Studio, the project's launch and filming schedule were brought forward.

Han Sanping looked at Wang Sheng and said, "Shengzi, your Shengying Media has really been a lifesaver this time. The investment of ten million has relieved a lot of our financial pressure." The Beijing Film Studio doesn't lack this kind of investment now, but the goodwill must not be broken.

Wang Sheng smiled and said modestly, "President Han, you flatter me. It is an honor for Shengying to participate in such an important project."

We are not just looking for a return on investment; we also hope to contribute to recording and promoting this history that the Republic must never forget.

That's a nice way of putting it, but everyone here is a shrewd person. They know that behind this investment, there's both Wang Sheng's way of reciprocating Han Sanping's personal support and his consideration of enhancing Shengying Media's brand image and industry standing by participating in mainstream key films.

"Based on the current progress, the crew expects to be able to head to the Gobi Desert in western China at the beginning of next month for on-location filming."

Han Sanping flipped through the schedule: "It's more than two months ahead of our original plan. If everything goes smoothly and post-production follows up in a timely manner, the film is expected to meet the audience within the year."

Upon hearing this, Wang Sheng's heart stirred.

He leaned forward slightly, took over the conversation, and suggested in a serious tone, "President Han, Director Chen, since the filming schedule has been brought forward, I think we can have a more strategic consideration regarding the release date."

All eyes turned to him.

"Oh? What are your thoughts?" Han Sanping asked with interest.

"I believe the best time to release the film 'The Birth of a Nation' is October 1st this year, National Day."

Wang Sheng clearly stated, "In this special year, presenting an epic work that tells the story of how our country broke the nuclear monopoly and stood tall as a national treasure is of extraordinary significance. This is the best tribute!"

He paused, observed the reactions of the crowd, and continued his analysis: "Releasing the film ahead of schedule will not only perfectly match the theme of celebrating the 50th anniversary and gain top-down publicity support, but also attract audiences to the cinema to the greatest extent possible in the atmosphere of national celebration, so that they can feel this sense of national pride."

This is the best choice, both in terms of the film's social impact and its potential market benefits.

The meeting room was quiet for a moment, then a murmur of discussion broke out.

"A gift for National Day, that's a great idea!" A veteran art committee member from the factory was the first to express his agreement.

"The time is a bit tight, but if the filming in the Gobi Desert goes smoothly, it's not impossible to make it happen with a full-speed post-production push," Director Chen Guoxing pondered, a spark of inspiration igniting in his eyes.

As a director, who wouldn't want their work to shine the brightest at the most important moment?

Han Sanping tapped his fingers lightly on the table, clearly weighing his options quickly.

As a senior executive of a group, he needs to consider many more aspects.

A successful and influential tribute film would undoubtedly be a significant asset for the newly established Beijing Film Studio, and for him personally to gain a foothold and a voice within the group.

“Shengzi’s suggestion makes a lot of sense.” Han Sanping finally made the decision, his tone decisive: “The ‘Emerging from the Sky’ project team, all our work from now on must revolve around the core goal of making this a film to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China! We must ensure the progress and guarantee the quality! We want this film to make a resounding ‘Oriental thunder’ on the big screen this October!”

The atmosphere of the meeting became even more heated and urgent because of this clear goal.

The subsequent discussions became more specific, focusing on details such as logistical support for filming in the Western Regions, coordinating actors' schedules, and assembling a post-production team.

Wang Sheng didn't say anything more. He knew that his suggestion had been adopted, and he could leave the remaining professional work to Han Sanping and Chen Guoxing.

His ten million investment and this crucial suggestion have secured Shengying Media's presence in this major tribute film and its potential future profits.

The seminar lasted until the evening.

After the meeting, Wang Sheng called Li Youbin over.

Old Li chuckled softly: "Mr. Wang, what can I do for you?"

"Guidance is out of the question."

Wang Sheng smiled and said, "Teacher Li, it's like this. I'm planning to produce a TV series about the War of Resistance against Japan, and I'd like to invite you to play the male lead. If you're interested, I hope you can spare some time in the second half of the year."

Li Youbin thought for a moment and nodded slightly: "Okay, Mr. Wang, I'll be waiting for your project."

"Okay, I'll contact you later."

"Row……"

After chatting for a couple more minutes, Li Youbin left.

(End of this chapter)