Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 534, Section 532: The Power of Money
Just as Wang Sheng was making his mark in Los Angeles.

Domestically, Han Sanping, upon receiving the news, also keenly recognized the multiple values ​​of the project and actively promoted its implementation.

The value of the Chinese American Film Festival lies in the fact that, at a time when China's economy is rising and it is seeking cultural confidence and export, an exchange platform deeply led by Chinese capital, endorsed by high-end figures, and built in the heart of Hollywood is undoubtedly an excellent channel for cultural export and a stronghold for discourse power.

This is far more proactive than passively participating in Western film festivals.

Through forums, markets, venture capital, masterclasses, and other activities, Hollywood's industrial experience, production management, and technical talent can be systematically "brought in," helping to upgrade the domestic film industry.

At the same time, it also provides a stable and high-standard platform for Chinese filmmakers and their works to "go global".

Beyond official cultural exchanges, such a platform, driven by enterprises, operated by the market, and involving high-level individuals, can serve as an effective supplement to official diplomacy. It is more flexible in form, has a wider reach, and is easier to penetrate into industry and among the general public.

Promoting cultural exchange and enhancing understanding is a universally applicable politically correct approach. Wang Sheng's vision of "two-way in-depth understanding" not only aligns with the high-level requirements for cultural confidence but also demonstrates foresight that goes beyond simple propaganda videos.

Han Sanping compiled a concise report and submitted it directly to the main leaders of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

In his report, he emphasized the strategic significance of the project, the substantial high-level progress already made, and its feasibility, led by Sheng Ying and supported by the government.

The General Administration leadership attached great importance to the matter after reviewing it.

Against the backdrop of cultural "going global" and industrial upgrading, such a project, with its already established high-end framework and implemented by one of the most powerful private film and television companies in China, is a timely boon.

When the government directly intervenes, the procedures are often cumbersome and can easily attract unnecessary attention, while relying on private enterprises and market forces is more flexible and efficient.

Soon, a consensus was reached within the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, and a decision was made to provide full support.

On the one hand, relevant departments were instructed to liaise with Shengying Media to explore how to provide support in terms of policy guidance, resource coordination, and participation as a "guiding unit" or "supporting unit" when necessary, so as to ensure that the project's direction aligns with the national cultural strategy.

On the other hand, through diplomatic and cultural exchange channels, informal contacts were made with relevant U.S. institutions to create a favorable external environment for the smooth running of the film festival.

Thus, the Sino-American Film Festival project has officially evolved from Wang Sheng's personal ambition and business strategy into a key cultural project that receives national attention and support.

Official support began to quietly emerge, echoing and synergizing with the grassroots platform that Wang Sheng had built in Hollywood.

……

The morning light in Los Angeles streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Peninsula Hotel suite, clearly illuminating the weariness on Su Yantao's face, a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

On the coffee table in front of him were various legal documents, draft budgets, lists of contacts, and an empty coffee pot.

Although Wang Sheng had already set up a springboard for him to enter the Hollywood power circle and listed four heavyweight co-initiators, the actual hardships and trivialities involved in getting these big shots into the temple and getting them to willingly contribute to its development were enough to break any broker without a solid foundation.

Fortunately, Wang Sheng left behind not only a list, but also an all-powerful "money power" and the looming Sheng Ying Empire as a guarantee of his credibility.

“Mr. Su, this is the preliminary proposal for the non-profit entity structure of the film festival drafted by Burns Law Firm, along with the corresponding annual budget audit process requirements.” A junior lawyer in a suit, appointed by William Morris, pushed a thick stack of documents in front of Su Yantao, his tone carrying the primness and aloofness typical of a large law firm.

Su Yantao rubbed his throbbing temples and forced himself to start reading. The terms were rigorous, but that also meant hefty legal fees and strict financial oversight.

He subconsciously considered whether Eagle Dragon Media's meager resources could support such a "standard" start.

As if reading his mind, Zhao Jingsong, the director of the international business department of Shengying Media, sitting opposite him, spoke in a calm but authoritative tone: "President Su, there is no need to worry too much about the budget. Chairman Wang has already instructed that the initial five million US dollars of start-up capital from Shengying Media, as the founding main sponsor, will be credited to the joint escrow account that Eagle Dragon has specially opened for this project within three days."

The fees for Attorney Burns, as well as necessary expenses incurred in subsequent collaborations with UCLA, the Producers Guild, and other organizations, will all be directly covered or reimbursed by Shengying.

One sentence, like a stabilizing force, instantly calmed Su Yantao's wavering mind.

Five million US dollars! And that's just seed money!

This is almost equivalent to Eagle Dragon Media's total revenue over several years!

He once again realized that, in his collaboration with Wang Sheng, his own abilities were only fit to be a "ground executive officer."

“In addition,” Zhao Jingsong continued, as if stating a trivial matter, “Mr. Mark Johnson has already conveyed his message through Mr. Robert White, who expressed his willingness to use his influence in the Producers Guild to help us finalize the film sources for the opening and closing ceremonies of the first film festival, especially several independent films that intend to compete for next year’s Oscars and need to be exposed on major platforms in advance. Of course, the necessary ‘public relations service fees’ will be accounted for separately.”

Su Yantao nodded repeatedly, and the last bit of resentment he felt about losing control vanished at that moment.

Without Wang Sheng's capital and connections, his blueprint for the "Chinese American Film Festival" probably wouldn't have even made it into Mark Johnson's office.

"Professor Richard Walter has formally accepted the invitation from the chairman of the academic committee,"

Zhao Jingsong flipped through the tablet in his hand, updating the information: "UCLA is very enthusiastic about co-hosting the first film festival summit forum and is willing to provide venue and some academic resources, provided that the forum's agenda and list of keynote speakers are jointly approved by Professor Walter and Chairman Wang."

"Of course, of course!" Su Yantao readily agreed.

"Ms. Chen Chong's agent replied that she has agreed in principle to serve as a cultural ambassador and co-initiator, but hopes to participate more in the selection of films for the screening section, especially focusing on works by Chinese directors and works that reflect contemporary Chinese life."

"No problem! It's our honor that Ms. Chen Chong can personally oversee this!"

Su Yantao felt like he was dreaming. These people, whom he used to look up to, were now being pulled into his project one by one in this way.

“Mr. John Burns was the quickest to act,” Zhao Jinsong added at the end, with a hint of admiration in his tone. “His team has already compiled a list of potential sponsors for us and marked the contact priorities and key contacts.”

He himself will also mention our fledgling film festival to a few close brand partners at an industry dinner next week.

Financial power paves the way, top-tier connections build bridges, and a professional team executes the plan.

Looking at the efficient operation before him, Su Yantao clearly realized that from the moment the film festival was conceived, Wang Sheng had used capital and power to forcibly elevate it to a level that he could not originally reach.

What he needs to do is make good use of his local resources and execution capabilities to ensure that this giant ship sets sail smoothly on the coast of Los Angeles, and live up to the opportunity that Wang Sheng has given him to "ascend to heaven".

(End of this chapter)