Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 280, Section 278: Kung Fu Soccer

The following afternoon, low-hanging leaden clouds blanketed Tianjin, and a dry, cold northerly wind swept through the streets, bringing a biting chill.

The crew of "Lurking" is currently filming interior scenes in the office building at "Jincheng Station".

Wang Sheng sat behind the monitor, watching the silent exchange between Wang Zhiwen and Li Youbin on the screen. The sparks flying between their eyes almost overflowed the screen.

"Cut!" Wang Sheng called for a stop, a satisfied look on his face. "That take is good. Get ready for the next scene, Teacher Jiang, prepare your study scene with Zecheng."

He had barely finished speaking when his phone vibrated. It was a text message from Li Tingting, brief and to the point: "Mr. Wang, Mr. Zhou Xingxing has arrived in Tianjin and is on his way to your hotel."

Wang Sheng stood up and gave a few instructions to the executive director and assistant director beside him: "I've gone over the storyboards and key points for the next few scenes with you. Shoot according to plan, keep a close eye on them, especially the emotional transitions of the actors."

"Understood, Director Wang, don't worry." The executive director nodded quickly.

Wang Sheng put on his coat, wrapped his scarf around himself, and left the film set with an assistant.

The crew members were used to this; it was already rare for President Wang to be able to dedicate himself to the crew at such a high intensity, given his busy schedule.

The air conditioning and heating were turned up high in the living room of the hotel suite.

Stephen Chow sat alone on the sofa, a steaming cup of black tea in front of him.

He was wearing a down jacket he had just bought upon arrival, his face showing some fatigue from the journey, but his eyes remained bright and sharp as he kept looking around at the room's layout.

The door was pushed open, and Wang Sheng walked in, bringing with him a chill.

"Xingzai, you've worked hard, coming all this way." Wang Sheng took off his coat and smiled as he extended his hand.

Stephen Chow immediately stood up, grasped Wang Sheng's hands with both of them, and said in his usual reserved yet sincere tone, "Mr. Wang, I'm sorry to disturb your filming."

"Don't mention it. Even if I'm busy, I have to see you, Xingzai, since you came all this way." Wang Sheng gestured for him to sit down, then sat down on the sofa opposite him. "How was the journey?"

"It's alright, it's alright." Zhou Xingxing rubbed his hands together, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then eagerly got to the point, "Mr. Wang, about 'Shaolin Soccer'..."

Wang Sheng waved his hand to interrupt him and gave his assistant a wink.

The assistant immediately understood and placed the two prepared draft documents on the coffee table in front of Stephen Chow.

"Sing-jai, don't rush, take a look at this first."

Wang Sheng picked up his cup of tea, blew on it to cool it down, and said in a calm but authoritative tone: "Since you've come to me and trust the strength of me, Wang Sheng, Shengying Media, and Beijing Film Studio, then I'll get straight to the point."

Zhou Xingxing picked up the document, his eyes quickly scanning the clearly printed terms.

The more he looked, the more his brows furrowed.

The core content of the draft is simple, yet extremely domineering:

For the "Shaolin Soccer" project, Shengying Media and Beijing Film Studio will jointly make the main investment, fully covering its production costs.

In exchange, all copyrights of this film—including but not limited to global theatrical distribution rights, television broadcasting rights, audiovisual product rights, and derivative product development rights—will be jointly held by Beijing Film Studio and Shengying Media.

However, the draft also provides generous creative space and incentives: Stephen Chow and his team have complete creative autonomy and production control, and Stephen Chow can receive a certain percentage of box office revenue (5%).

This means that Stephen Chow gave up most of his copyright revenue in exchange for financial security to launch the project, access to the mainland market, and an opportunity to earn returns based on box office performance.

“Wang Sheng, this…” Zhou Xingxing put down the documents, his face showing barely concealed struggle.

Handing over all copyrights is like giving away the goose that lays the golden eggs, which is hard for him to accept, as he is used to controlling the fate of his own works.

Wang Sheng seemed to see through his thoughts, slowly put down his teacup, and looked at him calmly: "Sing, I understand your thoughts. But you have to understand that what you want to make is not an ordinary Hong Kong comedy, but one that uses special effects, combines kung fu and football, and aims to penetrate the mainland market."

The risks involved are obvious. Sheng Ying's brand and China Film's distribution network are the only guarantees for this film's smooth release in mainland China. Even if the copyright remains in your hands, how much value can you currently leverage with your company and resources in the mainland? Moreover…”

He paused, his tone carrying a deeper meaning: "If you want to make a co-production, there are certain rules you must follow. This is the price you have to pay to enter the mainland market, and it's also the cornerstone for gaining continued support." Stephen Chow remained silent.

He understood perfectly well what Wang Sheng meant. The mainland market was vast and complex; without local connections to guide him, it would be incredibly difficult for him, a mere "Hong Kong comedy star," to replicate the success of "30 Days."

Not to mention, he used to...

What Wang Sheng offered was a visible shortcut, though at a considerable cost.

He took a deep breath, as if making a decision, and looked up at Wang Sheng, his eyes regaining their businessman's shrewdness: "Wang Sheng, I understand what you mean. Copyright... can be done according to your plan."

However, could you entrust me with the distribution of *Kung Fu Soccer* in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia? I'm quite familiar with those markets and have my own distribution channels.

He then raised a key point that Wang Sheng had mentioned in the draft—name change.

The draft explicitly requires that the film's title be changed to "Kung Fu Soccer".

After a moment's thought, Wang Sheng nodded: "Okay. You can be in charge of the distribution in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. But the distribution plan and profit distribution need to be agreed upon in a separate contract with clear details."

"Of course!" Zhou Xingxing felt relieved when Wang Sheng agreed, and a smile appeared on his face.

By regaining the issuance rights in the market they were most familiar with, they managed to salvage some initiative and economic benefits.

"As for changing the name,"

Wang Sheng explained, "'Shaolin' is a sensitive term in mainland China and could easily cause problems with censorship. 'Kung Fu' is more general, has a clearer target, and is more in line with the positioning of co-productions. What do you think?"

“Shaolin Soccer…that’s fine, more direct,” Stephen Chow murmured, accepting the change.

Shedding his image as a comedy king on stage, he now resembles more of a producer focused on business and weighing the pros and cons.

With the business settled and the atmosphere more relaxed, Wang Sheng changed the subject, mentioning another project that Stephen Chow was interested in: "What are your initial ideas regarding the remake of 'Happy Family'?"

Stephen Chow immediately perked up: "I think Mr. Wong, your original 'dream' setting was already quite ingenious, avoiding sensitive points. But I always feel that if it could really be made into a 'ghost' version, wouldn't the emotional impact be even stronger? That kind of regret and reconciliation between the living and the dead..."

Upon hearing this, Wang Sheng immediately began to explain the core ghost concept of the original version—the original Korean version of "Happy Family."

Of course, in Stephen Chow's ears, this was Wang Sheng's initial idea, which he abandoned due to censorship reasons.

Wang Sheng described in detail how the plot is advanced through ghost possession and the fulfillment of wishes, as well as the touching power of truly saying goodbye to deceased family members when the truth is finally revealed.

As Stephen Chow listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter, and he couldn't help but slap his thigh: "Brilliant! Mr. Wong! So that's how you originally conceived it! This way, the dramatic conflict is stronger, and the emotions are more intense! It's a pity that it can't pass censorship in mainland China..."

His tone was full of regret.

Wang Sheng looked at him and offered another idea: "Just because it can't pass censorship in mainland China doesn't mean it can't be done elsewhere. Stephen Chow, are you interested in trying a different approach? How about making this a Sino-Korean co-production? With the main markets in Hong Kong and South Korea?"

I can contact Taewon Entertainment in South Korea, President Jung Tae-won; he should be interested. We can have a three-way collaboration, with investment shares and profits split proportionally.

Stephen Chow was stunned, then his face lit up with immense surprise and excitement!

What a twist!

The slight displeasure and frustration I felt just now because I was forced to relinquish most of the copyright for the "Shaolin Soccer" project instantly vanished!
The money that "Shaolin Soccer" missed out on could very well be made up for by this "ghost" version of "Happy Family," or even more!

With the Hong Kong market, the South Korean market, and the potential of Southeast Asia, this whole game suddenly becomes exciting!
"Wang Sheng! Your idea is brilliant!" Stephen Chow was so excited he almost stood up. "A co-production! A Sino-Korean co-production! Absolutely no problem! I'll wait for your call. You can act as the go-between, and I'm ready to follow up anytime!"

"Okay, then the 'Kung Fu Soccer' project is settled."

Wang Sheng smiled and concluded the meeting: "I will have the legal and copyright departments follow up on the specific contract details and finalize them as soon as possible. You can start assembling your team now."

"Definitely! Thank you, Mr. Wang!" Zhou Xingxing stood up and grasped Wang Sheng's hand tightly once again.

(End of this chapter)