Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 525, Section 523: Those who leverage power also become power themselves.

Su Yantao's statement means that the foundation for negotiations has been laid.

The next step was to fill in the framework set by Wang Sheng with concrete details.

The assistant brought a laptop and quietly and efficiently took notes on this conversation that could potentially influence the future landscape of Sino-US film exchanges.

"Chairman Wang, with you and Shengying at the helm, the future of this film festival has suddenly become much brighter."

Su Yantao set the tone first, then took out a somewhat rough draft plan from his briefcase and handed it over with both hands. "These are some of our initial ideas. Please take a look. The details are not yet mature, so I'd like to take this opportunity to ask for your guidance."

Wang Sheng took the draft, but didn't immediately flip through it. Instead, he placed it on the coffee table beside him, lightly tapping the cover with his finger, and calmly looked at Su Yantao: "Mr. Su, first tell me your specific ideas. How do you plan to set up the stage for the first session?"

Su Yantao's spirits lifted; he knew the moment to demonstrate his abilities had arrived. He cleared his throat and began to explain clearly and logically:

"Chairman Wang, our initial plan is to hold the first film festival in Los Angeles this fall, around November, with a duration of five to seven days. This is mainly to avoid the summer blockbusters and the year-end awards season, and to have a relatively independent window of opportunity."

Regarding venues, Eagle Dragon can leverage local resources to connect with several suitable cinemas as the main venue and screening locations, such as the Chinese Theatre or Arc Light Hollywood Cinema, both of which are highly landmark and professional.

Wang Sheng nodded slightly.

These venues are indeed the top choice for film events in Los Angeles, and Su Yantao is quite reliable in managing local resources.

"In terms of the event content, we plan to set up several core sections."

Su Yantao continued, "First, there are the opening and closing films, which need to be heavyweight productions. Second, there's the main competition section, which we envision naming the 'Golden Angel Award,' aimed at recognizing outstanding Sino-US films of the year. Initially, we'll have core awards such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay. In the future, we may consider adding awards such as Best Co-production."

As he spoke, he observed Wang Sheng's reaction. Seeing that the other party did not interrupt, he felt relieved and continued speaking.

"In addition to the competition section, there will also be an official screening section, which will showcase representative commercial and art films from China and the United States this year."

We also plan to set up a film market to provide a platform for Chinese and American film companies and producers to negotiate projects and trade copyrights.

In addition, the film forum is a key focus, inviting leading figures, directors, screenwriters, and technical experts from the film industries of both countries to engage in in-depth dialogues on industry hot topics, cutting-edge technologies, and cooperation models.

Wang Sheng listened and thought that these structures were fairly standard, the standard for an international film festival.

He interjected, asking, "What about the judging mechanism? How is the fairness and authority of the awards guaranteed?"

"We plan to assemble an international judging panel."

Su Yantao had clearly considered this issue: "The chairman hopes to invite a film master who is influential in both countries and even globally to serve as the jury member. The jury members will be composed of well-known directors, actors, screenwriters, and critics from both China and the United States, striving for diverse perspectives and fair evaluations. Of course, the final list still needs to be reviewed by you, Chairman Wang."

He naturally handed the final decision-making power back to Wang Sheng.

Wang Sheng remained noncommittal, then asked instead, "What about our unique features? If we're just copying the models of other film festivals, why bother starting from scratch? How can we highlight the core theme of 'China-US relations,' as well as our unique values ​​and perspectives?"

This question hits the nail on the head.

Su Yantao pondered for a moment, then put forward several more targeted ideas:

"Chairman Wang's insight is excellent. We do indeed need differentiated competition. I have a few preliminary, albeit immature, ideas:"
First, we will establish the "New Forces in Chinese Cinema" section, which will focus on the debut or second films of China's new generation of directors, providing them with a window to showcase their work on the international stage.

Secondly, we will plan the "Hollywood Master Class" series, inviting top Hollywood directors, producers, and special effects masters to share their industry experience and creative insights, which will be a valuable learning opportunity for Chinese filmmakers.

Third, and this is something I personally find very meaningful, is the possibility of establishing a "China-US Film Cultural Exchange Contribution Award" to recognize individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to promoting film exchanges between the two countries.

At this point, Su Yantao paused slightly, seemingly considering his words, before tentatively saying, "In addition, perhaps we could allocate some resources to the selection of screening sections, focusing on works that can profoundly reflect the social realities of both countries and have a humanistic concern."
Whether it's from China or the United States, true communication lies in understanding the full picture.

His words were rather subtle, but Wang Sheng immediately understood the subtext—it coincided with his own fleeting thought about "reverse analysis." A barely perceptible, playful smile appeared on Wang Sheng's face. He didn't directly respond to Su Yantao's last point, but instead turned his gaze to his assistant, who was quietly taking notes: "Have you noted everything down?"

"Understood, Chairman Wang," the assistant replied respectfully, looking up.

"it is good."

Wang Sheng looked at Su Yantao again and made a decision: "The framework is generally feasible, but the details need to be polished. The name 'Golden Angel Award' is acceptable, but the trophy design should have both Eastern charm and be acceptable to the West. I will involve the group's design team in this matter."

The list of the judging panel chairperson and members will be initially proposed by Eagle Dragon and then submitted to me for final confirmation.

He spoke at a steady pace, yet with an undeniable air of control.

"The opening and closing films will be negotiated and selected by the Film Festival. They must be works that reflect the highest level of the film industries of both countries or are the most representative of cooperation."

Eagle Dragon is responsible for the specific execution of the film market and forum, but the list of invited important guests, especially heavyweight figures from the United States, requires review and assistance from Sheng Ying's international business department.

"As for the 'New Forces' section and 'Master Class' you mentioned, the ideas are good and can be retained and refined. The 'Cultural Exchange Contribution Award' also has its value."

Wang Sheng paused briefly before finally emphasizing the core intention: "The final approval of the film selection rests with the joint organizing committee. We must ensure the diversity and artistic value of the selected films, and more importantly, we must ensure that they promote genuine, in-depth, and unbiased understanding between filmmakers and audiences from both countries."

He didn't spell it out more clearly, but Su Yantao already understood and nodded quickly: "Understood, understood! Everything is centered on promoting deeper understanding."

"Regarding funding," Wang Sheng continued, "Shengyinghui will act as the founding main sponsor and invest the first installment of funding. The specific amount will be determined by the International Business Department based on the budget plan."

However, at the same time, Eagle Dragon must leverage its local advantages and actively explore other sponsorship channels, including but not limited to American commercial brands and cultural foundations.

For a film festival to thrive in the long run, it cannot rely on funding from just one party; it must develop its own revenue-generating capacity.

Ticket revenue, market transaction commissions, and brand partnerships should all be clearly outlined in the business plan.

"Yes, yes! Chairman Wang's consideration is very thorough, we will definitely do our best!" Su Yantao agreed repeatedly.

"The specific legal documents, bylaws drafting, budget review, and all subsequent coordination matters," Wang Sheng concluded, "I will delegate the responsibility to the International Business Department of Shengying Media Group. They will form a dedicated project team to liaise with your Eagle Dragon Media. Mr. Su, I hope you and your team's professionalism will satisfy me."

"Please rest assured, Chairman Wang! Everyone at Eagle Dragon will do their utmost to live up to your trust and expectations!" Su Yantao stood up and excitedly assured him.

He knew that from this moment on, although the "Chinese American Film Festival" was named after China, its guardianship was firmly in Wang Sheng's hands.

Su Yantao became the ground executive officer for this grand project in Los Angeles.

After exchanging a few more details, Su Yantao took his leave, satisfied yet slightly nervous.

He needed to go back immediately and, according to the tone set by Wang Sheng, reorganize and refine all the plans.

The suite returned to silence, with only the constant background noise of Los Angeles traffic outside the window.

After tidying up the notes, the assistant asked softly, "Chairman Wang, after tidying up the notes, should we send them to Director Zhao of the International Business Department immediately?"

Wang Sheng waved his hand: "Send it to him and tell him to assemble a team as soon as possible and get him into work mode."

Additionally, remind him that while we must maintain control in the cooperation, we must outwardly give Eagle Dragon sufficient respect and space, since they are the local power.

"Understood." The assistant noted down the key points and quietly left.

Wang Sheng walked alone to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the dream factory called "City of Angels," and murmured, "Those who ride the wave are also riding the wave..."

(End of this chapter)