Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 37: Beijing Film Studio Actors Troupe
After signing the advertising production contract, it was almost noon.

With a perfectly timed smile on his face, Wang Sheng took the initiative to invite, "Director Hu, you've been busy all morning, would you do me the honor of having a simple meal together? It's almost lunchtime anyway."

Hu Gang seemed to be in a better mood because the project had been finalized. After a moment's thought, he nodded in agreement: "Sure, then I'll let President Wang go to all the trouble. I know a place nearby that serves home-style dishes. The food is pretty good, and the environment is quiet."

"It's up to you."

Wang Sheng readily accepted good advice.

Seeing this, Attorney Tang, who was standing nearby, tactfully said that he had an appointment with a client and took his leave early.

Wang Sheng shook hands with him to express his gratitude and agreed to cooperate again next time.

Li Tingting, still carrying her briefcase, quietly followed behind Wang Sheng, trying her best to play the role of his assistant.

……

After leaving the TV station, the three walked to a restaurant and asked for a small private room.

After ordering, while waiting for the food, Hu Gang took a sip of tea and casually remarked, "Speaking of which, Mr. Wang, your company's business is expanding rapidly now, so the demand for various equipment must be quite large, right?"

Wang Sheng: "Yes, especially as the volume of low- and mid-range business increases, the demand for reliable and durable equipment is huge. Director Hu, do you have any advice?"

"It's not really about giving guidance," Hu Gang waved his hand. "It's just that our station is planning to replace some of the equipment for our frontline reporters in a while."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "A batch of old Hi8 camcorders were phased out, about twenty or so. They were made in 91, Sony cameras, and the quality was top-notch back then. They've been used for five years and are still in pretty good condition."

I was thinking, since you guys do wedding videography, especially the low-to-mid-range business, the Hi8's picture quality is definitely much better than VHS, so it would be perfect. I just don't know if Mr. Wang would be interested?"

Wang Sheng immediately began to make plans in his mind.

In the early 90s, the Hi8 was indeed a good professional-grade device with image quality superior to VHS and ordinary 8mm, but it was still a step below Betacam SP. Last year, the MiniDV, which was even worse than Betacam SP, was released, and the Hi8 became a mid-range product.

In addition, after five years of use, the degree of depreciation and actual performance need to be carefully examined.

More importantly—the price.

He picked up his teacup, blew on it, and chuckled, "Director Hu, you're really something. I just made 50,000 yuan from you, and the money hasn't even reached my pocket yet..."

Hu Gang laughed and said, "Business is all about inflows and outflows. As long as the business expands, the equipment has to keep up, right? The station will definitely have to get rid of these machines. It doesn't matter who we sell them to. We should keep the profits within the family."

"You're right." Wang Sheng nodded. "But I don't know the specific models of this batch of equipment, the extent of wear and tear, and most importantly, how much does the station intend to price it?"

“I’ll have to check the list for the specific model. There’s bound to be some wear and tear, but it’s all normal wear and tear from use. There shouldn’t be any major problems, otherwise the reporters would have already caused a huge uproar,” Hu Gang said cautiously. “As for the price, that’s handled by the station’s purchasing and logistics departments, so I can’t really give a direct quote. How about this, I’ll ask around for you later and try to get you a better price. What do you think?”

Wang Sheng knew perfectly well that Hu Gang was not only trying to curry favor, but also probably hoping to help the station dispose of its obsolete assets and, incidentally, build a closer relationship.

He said, "Thank you so much, Director Hu. Could you please help us find out the specific details and price? If the price is right and the equipment is as you described, Shengying is very interested."

"Sure, I'll take care of it," Hu Gang readily agreed.

Then, the dishes started to arrive one after another.

The group ate and chatted, and the atmosphere became much more harmonious.

Wang Sheng then inquired about the progress of the dating show: "Director Hu, how is the program proposal going with the station's editorial board? Any news lately?"

Hu Gang picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, frowning slightly: "Don't mention it. The process is underway, but it won't be that quick. The main problem is that your program format is too new, overlapping with the station's existing program 'Tonight We Meet,' but the gameplay is completely different. The people in the other program team have some opinions, feeling that you're stealing their jobs."

In addition, several older members of the editorial board are conservative and feel that your approach of turning off or keeping lights on, or reversing power, is too confrontational and lacks warmth, fearing it will have a negative impact. They're still arguing about it.

He sighed, "The earliest we can probably get a preliminary conclusion is the end of the month. It also depends on whether the advertising and sales team can put some pressure on them. If your 'Baihua Leather Shoes' ad is well-made and has a huge impact, I can speak with more confidence."

Wang Sheng expressed his understanding: "Then I'll trouble Director Hu to go to the trouble of mediating. Please feel free to let me know if you need any cooperation from us." "Of course, of course."

……

After the meal, Wang Sheng asked Li Tingting to pay the bill, said goodbye to Hu Gang, and took a taxi back to the Beijing Film Studio.

After a short rest in the afternoon, Wang Sheng went to the Beijing Film Studio Actors Troupe.

Today, the Beijing Film Studio Actors Troupe is no longer as glamorous as it was in the 1980s.

In the tide of the market economy, famous actors went out to perform in various places and film TV series in pursuit of higher income and exposure. Those who stayed in the troupe were mostly actors who were not famous or not popular in the current market aesthetics. They were stuck with the factory's basic salary, rehearsing some plays, or waiting for filming opportunities that might not come for a long time.

He was received by Huang Xiaolei, the deputy head of the actors' troupe.

Huang Xiaolei is a veteran actor who joined the factory in 75, a year earlier than Wang Sheng's father, Wang Baoguo. He has a long career, but his fame has never been particularly high.

He was very polite to Wang Sheng, the "boss" who had recently become very popular in the factory.

"Mr. Wang, what a rare guest! I've heard that your Shengying Media is doing very well, you really bring honor to our Beijing Film Studio!" Huang Xiaolei warmly ushered Wang Sheng into the office.

"Commander Huang, you're too kind. Just call me Xiao Wang." Wang Sheng greeted him with a smile. "We're just doing small-scale work to make a living. We can't compare to the real art that the teachers in the troupe are doing."

"Hey, you can't say that. The market is king now. Being able to break through is a skill in itself." Huang Xiaolei waved his hand and got to the point: "I heard that President Wang came here this time to select actors for the commercial?"

“Yes.” Wang Sheng nodded and briefly explained the requirements for the roles needed in the “Baihua Leather Shoes” advertisement—a simple rural father and an ambitious son.

Huang Xiaolei listened attentively, and after a moment's thought, took out several actor files from the filing cabinet: "There are indeed a few in the troupe who meet your requirements. I think these two might be more suitable..."

He recommended a middle-aged actor in his forties with an honest and simple appearance, and a young actor in his late twenties who looked steady, reliable, and slightly bookish.

It just so happens that both of them were rehearsing with the theater troupe today.

Huang Xiaolei had someone call them over.

Wang Sheng glanced at their information briefly and then asked them to improvise a short segment that fit the character's description.

The middle-aged actor brought to life the silent love and expectations of the rural father, while the young actor portrayed the son's hard work and desire for success.

Although not very famous, he has solid acting skills and his image fits the role well.

Wang Sheng was quite satisfied and immediately decided, "These two actors will do. The pay is 1,000 yuan each, after tax. Filming will take about two days. What do you think?"

In 96, this salary was considered a fair market price for a relatively unknown actor.

Upon hearing this, both actors beamed with joy, clearly satisfied with the opportunity and the compensation.

As the leader of the troupe, Huang Xiaolei was naturally pleased that his actors could earn extra money and that the troupe could also generate income.

He laughed and said, "No problem! Mr. Wang is so straightforward! According to the factory and troupe's regulations, when actors go out to take on gigs, the troupe needs to take a 50% management fee. This..."

"I understand, I know the rules."

Wang Sheng nodded, signaling Li Tingting to go back and prepare the contract: "Then it's settled. Please have Director Huang arrange for a simple performance contract to be signed. I will notify the two teachers in advance once the filming time is confirmed."

"Okay, okay! I'll definitely cooperate with Mr. Wang!" Huang Xiaolei agreed repeatedly.

……

(End of this chapter)