Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 214, Section 212: Intercepting Another Opportunity
After Li Youbin left, night quietly enveloped the Beijing Film Studio area.

The cold wind swept across the bare tree trunks, making a soft whistling sound.

"Shengzi..."

Han Sanping called out to Wang Sheng, who was about to turn around, and gestured in the direction of the living area: "Let's walk, it's on the way."

The two walked side by side along the familiar cement road toward the residential area.

The shoes made a slightly dull sound as they stepped on the frozen, hard ground, making the surroundings seem even quieter than in previous years.

"The factory has become much quieter since that person moved away."

Han Sanping stood with his hands in his coat pockets, staring at the dark main building. His tone was devoid of emotion, more like an objective statement.

Wang Sheng followed his gaze but did not respond.

As the wheels of time roll on, the ripples of personal emotions seem insignificant in the face of grand changes.

He is more accustomed to looking forward.

After walking in silence for a short while, Han Sanping suddenly brought up the subject: "Chen Kaige's 'The Assassin's Creed' has completely failed."

Wang Sheng listened intently.

This epic film, originally scheduled for release at the end of 98 on another timeline, was postponed to January of this year due to its "butterfly effect"—the sudden emergence of "The Pursuit of Happyness" and the social discussions it sparked. This made Beijing Film Studio and Forbidden City Film Company more cautious in resource allocation and release date selection.

Intending to avoid the limelight, the result seems to be even worse.

"It was released in January, and the box office... was atrocious." Han Sanping's tone was heavy, but also carried a hint of barely perceptible relief. He was glad that Wang Sheng had strongly opposed the large-scale co-investment by Beijing Film Studio and instead invested in the cinema.

“I heard that they didn’t even recoup a fraction of the production cost. Last year, when it was sent to Cannes, it didn’t make much of a splash and received a lukewarm response.” He sighed, “Old Chen has suffered a serious blow to both his reputation and his reputation this time.”

The image of the simple yet resolute face he had seen at the meeting earlier immediately came to Wang Sheng's mind—that of Teacher Li Xuejian.

He is one of the lead actors in "The Emperor's Shadow," playing the tragic assassin Jing Ke.

Wang Sheng felt a pang of regret that the veteran artist, known for his superb acting skills and low-key personality, was inevitably drawn into this big-budget production that failed both commercially and critically.

But he knew that this was an inevitable result of the contradiction between personal artistic ambitions and market acceptance, as well as the production conditions at the time, under the director-centric system, and not the fault of the actors.

"The film itself... has too grand a scope, and there might be some issues with the narrative. It doesn't quite suit the tastes of today's audiences." Wang Sheng carefully considered his words, refraining from kicking someone when they're down.

Han Sanping nodded, indicating that he agreed with his opinion.

The conversation then shifted from the failure of a specific film to a broader industry-wide discussion.

"However, the industry is moving forward nonetheless, and the pace of standardization is accelerating."

Han Sanping calmly recounted: "In January of this year, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, together with the Ministry of Culture, issued a document, 'Notice on Carrying Out Activities to Combat Smuggled Films,' which clearly designated China Film Group Corporation as the sole importer of foreign films, and vowed to severely crack down on the distribution and screening of smuggled films and regulate market order. This time, the higher-ups are determined to crack down hard on smuggled films and pirated DVDs in the market."

This is indeed good news.

Smuggled films and rampant piracy have long been a persistent problem plaguing the legitimate film market, especially for domestic films.

This crackdown has greatly curbed the previous practice of semi-public or public screenings of smuggled films (mainly Hollywood and Hong Kong/Taiwan films that have not been imported).

Many cinemas and distributors have had to curb their practices for fear of hefty fines and license revocation.

Unfortunately, the strict crackdown policies only blocked the illegal channel of "smuggling," but failed to provide enough legal products to meet the market demand.

So, the huge demand instantly shifted to another channel—pirated CDs. "Is the world of film completely finished?"

"Ah."

Han Sanping responded, slowing his pace and lowering his voice, which carried a hint of revealing the internal situation: "There's more to it. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television has already begun to study and prepare to open up the distribution of domestic films to private capital at the appropriate time."

Wang Sheng's heart skipped a beat.

This is a fundamental change that touches the core of the industry!
For a long time, the distribution channels for domestic films have been basically controlled by state-owned enterprises such as China Film Group and provincial film companies, making it difficult for private capital to get involved in the core distribution process.

If this liberalization is truly implemented, it means that companies like Shengying Media will be able to establish their own distribution networks, no longer completely dependent on others, resulting in a more complete industry chain and significantly enhanced autonomy.

Yu Dong founded Bona because he benefited from this wave of policy dividends and the support of Lao Han.

In the original timeline, after Beijing Film Studio was integrated into China Film Group, the vice president of China Film Group in charge of distribution divided distribution into several major regions.

Yu Dong served as the deputy manager of the East China region, further accumulating personal connections and eventually getting involved with the daughter of the CEO of Jinling Film Company.

But right now, Yu Dong has been kicked out by Wang Sheng to take charge of the 'personal customization' business, and has been away from the core of the Beijing Film Studio for two or three years.

Some time ago, after news of the restructuring broke, Yu Dong, who had made a fortune from commissions on 'personalized customization' services, resigned and joined Shengying Media.

According to Chen Liang, this guy has several mistresses.

These are all minor issues.

Being away from home most of the year and not keeping a mistress makes the problem even bigger.

With Shengying Media around, Yu Dong's role has become even smaller.

Old Han didn't try to persuade him.

"Of course, this is a major issue with a wide scope, and it requires time to demonstrate and formulate detailed rules."

Han Sanping continued, his tone certain: "But I estimate that we should have a preliminary statement by next year at the earliest, or the year after next at the latest, and we might start with a pilot program."

He stopped and turned to look at Wang Sheng, his gaze sharp in the night: "Shengzi, don't worry. When that day comes, I, the newly appointed vice president of the group, dare not say anything else, but I will risk my reputation to fight for you and Shengying Media to obtain a pilot qualification!"

These words carry immense weight.

Han Sanping holds the position of vice president in the newly formed China Film Group, in charge of production, and his influence and power are unprecedented.

His commitment stems from his recognition of Wang Sheng's abilities and the potential of Shengying Media, as well as his gratitude for the close cooperation over the past few years and his exploration of ways for the group to deepen its cooperation with high-quality social capital in the future.

Wang Sheng didn't say any empty polite words, but nodded solemnly and said in a deep voice, "Uncle Han, I will remember this favor. Shengying Media will definitely not let you down."

Some promises need no words; actions speak louder than words.

Han Sanping patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction and started walking again.

The two had already arrived at the apartment building where the Wang family lived.

Warm light shone through the window, and the sounds of the television and family members could be faintly heard.

"Alright, we're home. Go on upstairs."

(End of this chapter)