Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 376, Section 374: Alignment Granularity
In October, the capital city was already filled with the colors of autumn.

Golden ginkgo leaves adorn the streets and alleys, adding a touch of poetry to this ancient capital.

October 12th, Friday morning.

Wang Sheng had just finished a meeting about the progress of the interior set construction for "Night at the Museum" when Li Tingting walked in with a newly printed fax in her hand, her steps slightly quick.

"Mr. Wang, this is New Line Cinema's official response."

Li Tingting gently placed the documents on the large mahogany desk, her tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement, "They have extended an invitation to meet with Mr. Kevin Brown, Senior Vice President of New Line Cinema's International Division, and his team to discuss the North American distribution of 'Shaolin Soccer' and the possibility of future strategic cooperation. The date they suggested is... October 22nd, next Monday."

Wang Sheng leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over the clear English printouts and the prominent New Line Cinema logo on the fax paper.

The response was much faster than he had expected, indicating that Jackie Chan's side had put in a lot of effort in making the connection.

"Ten days..."

International business negotiations, especially first-time contacts with major Hollywood studios, are no small matter.

This is not just about discussing the distribution of a film; it could be laying the first step for Shengying Media and even for his personal future plans in the international market.

"We need time to prepare."

Wang Sheng replied calmly, "In reply to New Line, we thank them for their invitation and accept it in principle. However, considering the schedule and preparations, we suggest setting the meeting date for October 29th, the Monday after next. At the same time, we request that they provide a more detailed agenda and a list of participants."

"Understood, I'll arrange a reply immediately." Li Tingting quickly jotted down the key points, then asked, "What about the procedures for going abroad..."

"Start immediately," Wang Sheng said decisively. "You will personally oversee the process, coordinating with the company's administration and external relations departments to ensure that every step goes smoothly."

"Ok."

……

In the following days, the president's secretariat and relevant departments of Shengying Media entered a state of high-speed operation.

In 2001, although the procedures for Chinese citizens traveling abroad for private purposes, especially for business, had been simplified considerably compared to earlier years, they still had to go through a series of steps and were by no means easy.

The first priority is to apply for a passport.

Although Wang Sheng has a special status, he still needs to follow basic procedures.

The company's administration department quickly prepared his original and photocopies of his ID card and household registration book, as well as relevant certificates of the company's registration with the industry and commerce department, and went to the Exit-Entry Administration Office of the Beijing Public Security Bureau to submit the application.

Thanks to advance booking and complete materials, coupled with Wang Sheng's social influence, his passport application was processed through a "green channel" and is expected to be received within five working days.

This bought valuable time for subsequent steps.

Next up is the US visa.

This is the most crucial and also the most uncertain part.

At this time, the application for a US B1/B2 (business/tourist) visa requires a large number of documents.

DS-160 confirmation page, passport, photo, visa application fee receipt, interview appointment confirmation, supporting documents, invitation letter, proof of funds, company credentials, itinerary, personal identification, relevant background materials...

The staff of the Secretariat and the Administration Department worked overtime to categorize and organize all the materials into booklets to ensure they were clear, complete, and effective.

Meanwhile, relevant departments personally communicated with the visa section of the U.S. Embassy in China to try to schedule the earliest possible interview time for Wang Sheng.

In addition, matters such as approval documents for overseas missions, foreign exchange carrying permits, international flight bookings, and insurance during the stay in the United States are also being processed simultaneously.

……

While processing all the necessary certificates.

Wang Sheng invited Han Sanping to a secluded private teahouse near Houhai to chat and align their granularity.

The bamboo blinds were slightly rolled up, and outside the window were the shimmering lake surface and the silhouettes of weeping willows. Inside, only a few warm yellow palace lanterns were lit, creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere with the aroma of tea wafting through the air.

Wang Sheng arrived a moment early, and the tea master was boiling water, warming the cups, rinsing the tea, and brewing it, his movements fluid and graceful.

As a pot of fine Pu'er tea was brewed, its liquor a rich, bright red, Han Sanping appeared at the door of the private room.

"Teacher." Wang Sheng stood up to greet him, his manner showing affection.

"Sit, sit." Han Sanping waved his hand, took off his coat, and sat down on the futon opposite Wang Sheng, taking a deep breath of the tea aroma. "Hmm... good tea. You don't come here unless you have something important to say. Why are you making such a big deal out of inviting me for tea? Have you already arranged everything for your trip to Los Angeles?"

"Almost done." Wang Sheng poured Han Sanping a cup of tea, filling it about seven-tenths full. "The passport was expedited and should be ready by next Tuesday. The visa interview is scheduled for next Friday, and all the materials are prepared, so there shouldn't be any major problems. The flight is tentatively scheduled for October 27th, with a day to adjust to the time difference, and the meeting with New Line Cinema on the 29th."

"Very efficient." Han Sanping nodded, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Wang Sheng through the rising steam. "What are the specific plans for New Line?" Wang Sheng sat up straighter. "According to the information from Jackie Chan's side and New Line's own reply, their intentions are quite clear."

They have some interest in *Shaolin Soccer* itself, but what they value more is the hope of establishing a strategic partnership with us, or rather, with China Film Group Corporation's Shengshi Cinemas, through this collaboration.

He paused, organizing his thoughts: "Simply put, they hope that films produced by New Line Cinema that are suitable for the Chinese market can receive more favorable screening rates through our cinemas, especially during peak seasons like the Spring Festival, summer vacation, and National Day."

They see this as a "fast track" to entering and cultivating the Chinese market. The distribution partnership for *Kung Fu Soccer* can be seen as the key to unlocking this "fast track," or rather, a "trial run" of mutual trust.

Han Sanping listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously stroking the warm teacup, his eyes deep.

Wang Sheng continued to analyze the pros and cons: "The advantage is that if we can handle it well, this will be the first time that Shengying Media, and even the Chinese film industry, will exchange resources with mainstream Hollywood companies as equal partners."

We provide market channels, and they provide at least part of them, along with their global distribution network and production experience.

This will not only boost the North American revenue of "Shaolin Soccer," but also accumulate valuable experience and connections for our own films to "go global" in the future, and may even influence the quality of imported films and cooperation models.

"What about the drawbacks?" Han Sanping asked slowly.

"The downside is that we may, to some extent, be tied to the chariot of new lines."

Wang Sheng bluntly stated, "Screening resources are limited. If we tilt towards new production lines, it will inevitably affect other film companies, including other domestic production companies and imported films from Europe, Japan, and South Korea."

This could trigger some controversy and internal conflicts. Moreover, there is uncertainty as to whether the cooperation with the new line will achieve the desired results.

If *Shaolin Soccer* underperforms in North America, or if the quality of future films supplied by New Line Cinema is inconsistent, we may find ourselves in a passive position.

A brief silence fell over the tea room, broken only by the soft hum of the kettle.

Han Sanping put down his teacup and said calmly, "You see things very clearly. This isn't a simple transaction; it's a strategic game."

Our cards are the huge and rapidly growing Chinese market and the modern cinema network we are building.

If they want a share of the pie, they have to show the corresponding sincerity; they can't just try to get something for nothing.

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice: "The imported film business, although not directly under my jurisdiction. The approval authority rests with the Film Bureau, while the specific import and distribution are handled by the China Film Group's imported film division. But—"

The emphasis of the "but" carries an undeniable weight: "China Film Grand Cinema Circuit is an important sector that I spearheaded and that I still oversee."

Even if it's a Hollywood blockbuster, once a movie is imported, the number of screenings in theaters and the time slots ultimately depend on the theater chains and market data.

I have considerable autonomy here.

Wang Sheng was certain.

Han Sanping continued, "When you go this time, you need to stand tall. Tell them that cooperation is possible, but it must be on an equal footing."

"Market for market" and "channel for channel" are the basic principles.

For the North American distribution of *Shaolin Soccer*, New Line Cinema must demonstrate sufficient resources and sincerity, including a clear agreement on the advertising budget, theater scale, and revenue sharing. They can't treat us like a sucker. As for future screening schedules…

He pondered for a moment and then made a clear promise: "As long as the films they bring are of high quality and suit the tastes of the Chinese market, I will coordinate with China Film Group Corporation to provide the best possible screening support within my capabilities. This is one of your bargaining chips when negotiating with them."

Although Wang Sheng can control the film scheduling in theaters, he wouldn't have the power to make a big fuss without Han Sanping's support.

"Teacher, with your words, I feel much more at ease."

Wang Sheng raised his teacup, offering tea instead of wine, and toasted Han Sanping: "Thank you, teacher!"

Han Sanping clinked glasses with him, his tone becoming earnest: "Wang Sheng, this trip represents not only you and Shengying, but also, to some extent, the face of Chinese filmmakers."

Those people in Hollywood are very shrewd, and also very arrogant.

When dealing with them, one should be neither humble nor arrogant, and always uphold one's bottom line.

We must not yield an inch of the interests we should fight for; we must not lose the slightest bit of the magnanimity we should possess.

We need to let them know that today's Chinese film market is not something they can manipulate at will, and that today's Chinese filmmakers have the ability and confidence to engage in equal dialogue with them!

"I see."

Wang Sheng nodded solemnly, "Teacher, please rest assured, I will definitely stick to the bottom line and show the proper demeanor. I will never lose face."

"Hmm." Han Sanping's face showed a satisfied expression. "If you need any support, just let me know. I will do my best to provide all the necessary assistance. In short, go ahead and talk. I'll take care of things at home."

(End of this chapter)