Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 409, Section 407: A Perfect Match
March 2002, 4, early morning.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the heavy curtains of the Peninsula Hotel suite, casting a long, thin golden line on the carpet.

When Wang Sheng woke up, Li Xiaoran was still fast asleep beside him.

She was curled up, her long hair spread out on the pillow, her breathing even.

Without disturbing her, Wang Sheng quietly got up, walked barefoot to the French windows, and pulled back a corner of the curtain.

Victoria Harbour awakens in the morning light, its surface shimmering. Star Ferry ferries ply the calm waters, while the skyscrapers of Central on the opposite shore appear and disappear in the pale blue morning mist.

A scent, a blend of the saltiness of the sea and the vibrancy of the city, seemed to seep in through the glass.

He took a deep breath, feeling the unique pulse of this international metropolis in the early morning.

……

After washing up and changing into a neatly ironed custom-made shirt and trousers, Wang Sheng went to the dining area of ​​the suite.

My assistant had already prepared breakfast: a simple Western-style breakfast with a cup of black coffee.

He ate while flipping through the day's briefing prepared by his assistant.

In addition to the Hong Kong Island media's preview reports on tonight's Hong Kong Film Awards (with "Shaolin Soccer" naturally being the focus), there were also several faxes from Beijing and North America.

"Shaolin Soccer" has grossed over $4500 million at the North American box office and its momentum remains strong. The briefing from New Line Cinema is becoming increasingly enthusiastic.

The other document was a progress update from the Shengying Media listing working group. Everything was progressing according to plan, but he needed to confirm the persons in charge of several key nodes.

His gaze lingered for a few seconds on a summary of recent developments in the South Korean film market, and a clearer picture of his upcoming meeting with Jung Tae-won took shape in his mind.

……

At 9:50 a.m., Wang Sheng sat down in the small conference room attached to the suite.

The view here is excellent, overlooking most of Victoria Harbour.

At exactly 10 o'clock, the knocking sounded on the door.

The assistant led Jung Tae-won in.

"President Wang! Annyeonghaseyo!"

As soon as Zheng Taiyuan entered, he greeted Wang Sheng in Korean with a beaming smile. He quickly stepped forward, grasped Wang Sheng's hands tightly, and shook them vigorously a few times. "Congratulations, President Wang! 'Kung Fu Soccer' has achieved another great success in North America, truly shocking the world! When I heard the news, I was so excited that I couldn't sleep all night!"

His Chinese had a distinct Korean accent, but he spoke fluently and with great emotion.

Today he was wearing a dark blue striped suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he looked exceptionally energetic, even a little too formal.

"President Zheng, you're too kind. Please have a seat."

Wang Sheng smiled and withdrew his hand, gesturing for him to sit on the sofa opposite him, maintaining the composure of a host with a neutral attitude.

Zheng Taiyuan did not sit down immediately. Instead, he took a long, valuable-looking sandalwood box from beside his exquisite briefcase, presented it with both hands, and said respectfully, "President Wang, this is just a small token of my appreciation. I heard that you are interested in traditional culture. This is a piece of Ming Dynasty porcelain."

Wang Sheng glanced at the wooden box; its workmanship was exquisite, and its texture was antique. The contents inside were probably worth no less than six figures in RMB.

He did not refuse, and nodded slightly to his assistant beside him. The assistant stepped forward, took the item, and carefully placed it aside.

"President Zheng, you're very kind," Wang Sheng said casually, skipping the gift-giving segment. "Let's get straight to business. You came in such a hurry because of the pilot program for the import and distribution of Chinese and Korean films?"

"Yes, President Wang!"

Zheng Taiyuan leaned forward slightly, his face full of smiles, but his eyes were sharp. "I deeply admire the openness and vision shown by your country's relevant departments!"
This is absolutely a landmark step in promoting cultural prosperity in East Asia!
And it is entirely deserved that President Wang's Shengying Media was selected as one of the first pilot companies!

He first flattered him, then changed the subject and got to the heart of the matter: "I wonder what specific ideas President Wang has for the introduction of these three films each year?"

We at Taewon Entertainment sincerely hope to contribute to this great cause by leveraging our strong partnership with your company and our understanding of the Korean film industry.

Wang Sheng picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, and took a slow sip without answering immediately.

Zheng Taiyuan's eagerness was within his expectations.

This pilot program is a stepping stone for the South Korean film industry, and for Jung Tae-won personally, it is a fast track to the top of South Korea's cultural industry chain.

Setting down his teacup, Wang Shengcai spoke slowly, his tone steady yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness: "Ideas, of course. Since it's a collaboration, it should look like one; it can't be a one-way input."

He held up three fingers: "First of all, my initial idea is that these three slots cannot all be used to import purely Korean productions. At least... one slot must be used for Sino-Korean co-productions."

Zheng Taiyuan's eyes narrowed, and he listened attentively.

“A co-production,” Wang Sheng continued, “means that both sides need to be involved in the scriptwriting stage, and the main roles must be played by actors from both China and South Korea. Not cameos, but real main roles.”

Funding and production teams can be allocated proportionally, but Shengying should take the lead in core creative ideas and final editing rights.

What we need is not simply the import of cultural products, but rather cooperation, learning, and absorption to ultimately improve our own industrial capabilities. This is also the model that the authorities would like to see.

Zheng Taiyuan quickly processed the information.

Co-productions are more complex to operate and the distribution of profits is more sensitive, but once successful, their influence is far greater than that of simply importing films, and they can more deeply bind the interests of both parties.

After a moment's thought, he nodded emphatically: "Co-productions are a higher level of cooperation, and I completely agree! Thai Won Entertainment is willing to fully cooperate in finding the most suitable projects and cast."

Wang Sheng nodded and then presented his second condition: "Secondly, the import model, as you know, is 'batch distribution,' which means buying out the distribution rights. But I don't want to pay the entire buyout fee in precious US dollars."

Zheng Taiyuan was taken aback, somewhat puzzled.

Wang Sheng explained, "We can explore the 'film-for-film' model. For example, Shengying is interested in the distribution rights of a South Korean film and assesses its value in the Chinese market at $100 million."

Therefore, we can use the South Korean distribution rights of a Chinese film that may have market potential in South Korea to offset part or all of its value.

The specific ratio will be discussed based on the quality of the film.

This can reduce the consumption of hard currency and enable deeper resource exchange.

Of course, if we encounter a key project that we are determined to acquire and whose assessed value is extremely high, we can pay an additional amount in US dollars as a supplement to the 'film-for-film' agreement.

Jung Tae-won's eyes lit up!
This is absolutely brilliant!

"Swap films"?
This will not only alleviate the pressure on foreign exchange expenditures for both sides, but also create a two-way circulation!

Wang Sheng's vision and courage are truly extraordinary!
"Brilliant! President Wang!"

Jung Tae-won couldn't help but clap his hands, "This model is fantastic! It promotes communication and reduces costs! I completely accept it! Tae-won Entertainment is willing to act as a bridge to encourage Korean film companies to accept this innovative cooperation method!"

“Very good.” Wang Sheng was satisfied with Zheng Taiyuan’s reaction. “Then, thirdly, regarding the selection of films.”

He looked directly into Jung Tae-won's eyes, as if he could see through his thoughts: "President Jung has been deeply involved in South Korea for many years and has extensive connections. Naturally, he can recommend and select films that you think are suitable and submit them to me for review."

Shengying will also establish a dedicated team to closely monitor the dynamics of the South Korean film market.

If there are any films I'm interested in, such as... certain works that stand out in terms of genre, theme, director, or actors, I'll let you know directly, and you'll be responsible for contacting and negotiating with them.

Zheng Taiyuan understood that Wang Sheng was clearly defining the division of power and responsibility, giving him room to maneuver and benefits while firmly grasping the final choice and control.

Wang Sheng might not want the films he recommends; but he has to find a way to get the ones Wang Sheng specifically requests.

"Understood, President Wang!"

Zheng Taiyuan immediately expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is a great honor to have your trust in allowing me to participate in the initial screening!"

Rest assured, I will do my best to provide you with the most professional film list that best meets the needs of the Chinese market.

For the project you specify, Taiyuan Entertainment will go all out to secure the distribution rights with the most favorable terms!

He paused for a moment, then his tone became extremely sincere, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement: "President Wang, to be honest, this precious window is of great significance to me and to Taiyuan Entertainment."

This is not just a business deal, but also... a symbol of recognition and status.

Within South Korea, my successful collaboration with you has earned me the high regard of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I, Jung Tae-won, will forever remember this kindness!

Wang Sheng smiled slightly, waved his hand, and appeared nonchalant: "It's just a win-win situation. President Zheng is capable, so naturally we are willing to cooperate with capable people."

Zheng Taiyuan repeatedly agreed, and the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

He hesitated for a moment, then a knowing smile appeared on his face. He lowered his voice and said, "President Wang, for the sake of a smoother and closer collaboration in the future, if you have any artists you are interested in in South Korea, whether it's for artistic exchange or to deepen your understanding, I can help arrange it and ensure a pleasant and smooth process."

This was said in a subtle way, but the meaning was clear.

Wang Sheng glanced at him, his mind perfectly clear.

He leaned back on the sofa, smiled, and said with a hint of mockery and detachment, "President Zheng, there's an old Chinese saying, 'A gentleman loves money, but he acquires it in a proper way.'"

I'm not a tycoon, and I'm not particularly interested in those kinds of blatant deals. Cooperation is about chemistry and mutual strength. That's all for today, President Jung.

"I see!"

Jung Tae-won suddenly realized and said with a look of enlightenment, "I will definitely find a Korean celebrity that you like!"

(End of this chapter)