Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 262, Section 260: Venturing to Northeast China
The noise and glory of the awards ceremony were kept outside the Shenyang Gymnasium.

The evening breeze carried the chill unique to late autumn in Northeast China, fluttering the red banner hanging in front of the hotel.

The words "Warmly congratulate the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival on its complete success" on the banner were still eye-catching under the lights.

Wang Sheng and Han Sanping did not linger. After politely declining several groups of reporters who tried to surround them and the warm greetings from their colleagues, they were guided by the organizers to the Shenyang Hotel, the venue for the official dinner of the film festival.

The hotel banquet hall was brightly lit and bustling with activity, where most attendees would enjoy drinks and conversation, continuing the excitement and conversation that followed the awards ceremony.

But Wang Sheng and Han Sanping did not stop there. They were led through the noisy main hall, along a thickly carpeted corridor, and into a quieter private room with heavy doors.

As you push open the door, a warm atmosphere mingled with a faint scent of tobacco and tea wafts in. Compared to the lively atmosphere in the lobby outside, the atmosphere here is more serene and solemn.

The private room was spacious and decorated in a Chinese style, with mahogany furniture that exuded a sense of calm and grandeur.

There were already seven or eight people sitting around the round table. When they saw them come in, they all stood up.

"Factory Director Sanping, Director Wang, congratulations! Double happiness, no, triple happiness!"

A middle-aged man with a refined demeanor and wearing gold-rimmed glasses spoke first with a smile. He was the mayor of Shenyang, surnamed Xu.

"Mayor Xu, you're too kind. Congratulations! The film festival's success wouldn't have been possible without the strong support of everyone in Shenyang." Han Sanping immediately put on a warm but tactful smile, quickly stepped forward to shake hands with Mayor Xu, and kept a very humble posture, giving the host ample face in his words.

Wang Sheng followed closely behind, smiling, and shook hands with everyone present.

My gaze swept across the room and, besides Mayor Xu and several officials who were clearly from Shenyang's cultural and propaganda departments, there were also several elderly men with gray hair and distinguished bearing. They were highly respected seniors in the film industry, whom I had met briefly in the lounge earlier.

Wang Sheng was equally courteous and took the initiative to greet him.

In addition, there was an acquaintance present.

“Teacher Zhao, you’re here too.” Wang Sheng extended his hand.

"Oh, Mr. Wang! Chairman Han! How could I not come and join in the fun at such a grand event!"

Zhao Benshan grasped Wang Sheng's hands with both hands and shook them vigorously, then shook hands with Han Sanping politely.

His reputation in Northeast China, especially his influence among the people and his role in the Spring Festival Gala skit, gave him enough confidence to appear at this event and to become an important bridge connecting Beijing's resources with the local culture of Northeast China.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, the roles of host and guest were clearly defined.

The waiters quietly began to set out the dishes, with exquisite Northeastern dishes and Cantonese seafood arranged alternately, showing the host's attention to detail.

Mayor Xu, as the host, raised his glass first: "On behalf of Shenyang, I would like to welcome Chairman Han, Director Wang, and all the seniors and colleagues present. I would also like to congratulate Director Wang on winning three awards tonight, including the Hundred Flowers and Golden Rooster Awards. His young talent and achievements are truly a blessing for the Chinese film industry!"

Everyone raised their glasses in response.

After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

Mayor Xu steered the conversation toward Wang Sheng, speaking sincerely: "Director Wang, I watched your film 'The Pursuit of Happyness' with my whole family. It was a great film! Not only did it have a high box office, but more importantly, it captured the resilience and hope of ordinary workers in our old industrial base of Northeast China during its transformation period. It embodies the spirit of the people of Northeast China! We welcome you to come to Northeast China often and make more great films like this."

Wang Sheng put down his chopsticks, leaned forward slightly, and replied earnestly, "Thank you for your recognition, Mayor Xu. The Northeast is a land with a rich history and countless stories. 'The Pursuit of Happyness' is just one aspect of it."

In fact, Shengying Media has always been committed to exploring local culture and combining it with film and television production. Besides movies, we are also experimenting with television dramas.

As he spoke, he naturally turned his gaze to Zhao Benshan.

Zhao Benshan understood immediately and took over the conversation. His loud voice, thick with a Northeastern accent and full of infectious energy, instantly drew the attention of everyone at the table: "Mayor Xu, distinguished leaders, I have to say something about this. President Wang's words are not just polite talk; he's a man of action!"

The TV series we worked on, "Liu Laogen," is a story rooted in our black soil! It tells the story of how a farmer-entrepreneur leads his fellow villagers to develop tourism and run businesses, experiencing all the joys and sorrows—truly a story for us Northeasterners!

He vividly described the plot and theme of "Liu Laogen," gesturing excitedly as he spoke: "This show, I wouldn't dare say it's highbrow, but I guarantee it's down-to-earth, entertaining, and thought-provoking! President Wang is truly supportive, providing maximum guarantees from the script to the investment to the later distribution."

"Look, it's already scheduled for release in December! It'll premiere on Liaoning Provincial Satellite TV, Jilin Provincial Satellite TV, Heilongjiang Provincial Satellite TV, Beijing Satellite TV... and dozens of other important local stations! This is all thanks to Mr. Wang's efforts. Without his nationwide distribution network, it would have been difficult for our show to be broadcast so quickly and widely!"

Liaoning Satellite TV, Jilin Satellite TV, and Heilongjiang Satellite TV all went live this year, while Beijing Satellite TV went live last year. Zhao Benshan's words both praised Wang Sheng and highlighted the positive role of the drama in promoting Northeast rural culture and showcasing the spirit of farmers in the new era.

Upon hearing this, the officials and senior figures present nodded in agreement, their gazes towards Wang Sheng now carrying a deeper meaning.

It takes skill to integrate resources to produce a blockbuster movie, but it takes even greater vision and strength to humble oneself to support TV dramas with strong local characteristics and promote them nationwide.

The conversation naturally turned to the exploration and dissemination of Northeast culture.

Several local officials spoke with great familiarity about the local historical and cultural resources, from pre-Qing Dynasty sites to the turbulent Republican era, from industrial civilization to folk customs. Their tone was filled with pride, as well as a desire for more people to understand and appreciate them.

Wang Sheng listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with questions, showing great interest.

After the discussion subsided, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and seemingly casually uttered an idea:
"I have benefited greatly from the introductions by the leaders. The Northeast has a profound cultural heritage, especially the history of 'Crossing the Guandong,' which is magnificent and full of epic sense of pioneering, survival, and integration."

Millions of people from Shandong, Hebei, and other places left their homes for survival and development, coming to this black soil, working hard to reclaim wasteland and defend the border, eventually settling down and multiplying... This story contains countless moving tales, and countless complex human struggles and emotional entanglements.

He paused, looked around at the crowd, and seeing that several local officials, including Mayor Xu, showed focused and even somewhat excited expressions, he continued slowly:

"I was thinking, since we have 'Liu Laogen' which shows the changes in rural Northeast China today, could we also make a 'Crossing the Guandong' series? Not a movie, but a long TV series. We could use the lives of one or several families across several generations to present a panoramic view of that history of immigration, entrepreneurship, and integration from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, and even to the early days of the People's Republic of China."

This film is not only for people in Northeast China, but also for audiences across the country and even Chinese people worldwide, allowing everyone to understand this large-scale and far-reaching process of migration and integration within our nation.

"Crossing the Guandong?"

Mayor Xu's eyes lit up, and he unconsciously sat up straight: "Director Wang, your idea... is very bold!"

The head of the publicity department immediately chimed in: "This subject matter is fantastic! It's absolutely a golden calling card for our Northeast culture! It has both a profound sense of history and strong dramatic conflict and family sentiment, making it easy for the audience to resonate with it."

Seeing that the other party was interested, Wang Sheng further refined his idea: "This drama will have a large investment. The scenes, costumes, and props must be carefully selected to restore the historical feel."

Filming locations could be in Northeast China, the area around Shenyang, or forest areas and rural areas that better reflect the atmosphere of that era. We can assemble a top-tier team of historical fiction writers to polish the script, ensuring historical accuracy and a compelling story.

He looked at Mayor Xu and said sincerely, "If the cultural and publicity departments of Shenyang are interested, we can try to cooperate."

Shengying Media and Enlight Media are responsible for the main investment and production, while Shenyang can provide assistance in policy coordination, provision of filming locations, support of historical consultants, and organization of local extras.

We could even consider developing a cultural tourism project themed around "Crossing the Guandong" in or around Shenyang, leveraging the filming location, to realize the long-term value of the film and television IP.

Wang Sheng's plan was clearly not a spur-of-the-moment idea.

From the moment he proposed the collaboration on "Liu Laogen," he had already been planning a deeper development of Northeast cultural resources.

The subject matter of "Crossing the Guandong" is grand in scope and profound in significance. If successful, its social and economic benefits will be extremely considerable.

Mayor Xu was clearly impressed by this grand plan. He exchanged glances with several other local officials, and they all saw the excitement and support in each other's eyes.

"Director Wang, your suggestion is excellent! Very valuable!" Mayor Xu's tone became firm: "We in Shenyang are very interested in cooperating on this matter! So, after the banquet, I will immediately report to the city's main leaders."

Tomorrow, no, the day after tomorrow, we'll organize a special meeting to bring together officials from the Culture Bureau, Tourism Bureau, Publicity Department, and relevant districts and counties. We'll discuss the cooperation framework in detail and strive to get this project moving forward as soon as possible! Just let us know what kind of support you need!

"That's great! With the support of Mayor Xu and Shenyang, we are even more confident in making a good film of 'Crossing the Guandong'." Wang Sheng smiled and raised his glass. "Then let's wish the collaboration a success, and toast to exploring and promoting Northeast culture!"

"cheers!"

The atmosphere in the private room reached its climax, with the clinking of glasses producing a crisp and pleasant sound.

Zhao Benshan was overjoyed. Although he was not directly involved in the project, Wang Sheng's growing success in adapting Northeast culture into film and television would greatly benefit his future development.

Han Sanping listened and watched silently. "A film and television base in Northeast China? The investment environment here..."

(End of this chapter)