Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 547, Section 545: Valuable Hidden Assets
It was the summer of 2004.

After several months of adjustment, Tsui Hark has completely taken control of the production team's pace, and the aesthetic tone and industrialized process set by Wang Sheng in the early stages have been strictly implemented.

Seeing that the project was on a steady track, Wang Sheng gradually handed over the daily directing authority to Xu Ke, and withdrew himself from the tedious affairs on set to deal with the group's strategy and... a personal matter that he had "delayed" for a long time - his master's thesis.

As a 97 undergraduate student in the Department of Management at Beijing Film Academy, Wang Sheng's enrollment caused a sensation back then.

However, the speed of his career development far exceeded ordinary people's imagination. In just a few years, he built a huge Shengying empire, and he could no longer attend classes and complete his studies on time like an ordinary student.

However, the Beijing Film Academy, especially the Department of Management, always kept a special channel open for him.

Zhang Huimin, the head of the Department of Management, deserves much credit for this achievement.

For several years, this kind-faced and meticulous department head has been Wang Sheng's "invisible gatekeeper" in school affairs.

From coordinating class attendance for those missed due to filming and international business, to arranging for someone to "assist" in completing assignments, and providing "favors" in various exams, Director Zhang handled every detail meticulously.

The reason he has been able to remain in this position until now, even during the change of principals, is largely because the higher-ups know that he is the key figure in maintaining the "connection" between Wang Sheng and the Beijing Film Academy.

Wang Sheng is no longer an outstanding alumnus in the ordinary sense.

His Shengying Media Group, through its A-share listing, the China Film Shengshi Cinema Alliance, film studio collaborations, and a nationwide production and distribution network, has become deeply intertwined with the Chinese film industry ecosystem, forming a de facto "Shengying Group".

Within the film system, especially in the eyes of officials from the Beijing Film Academy's management department, Wang Sheng was not only a commercial success, but also the most powerful "next-generation leader" cultivated by their faction outside the system during the wave of market-oriented reforms.

Regardless of whether he formally enters the system in the future, his capital, channels, content production capabilities, and international influence destined him to become one of the core figures influencing the landscape of Chinese cinema, and the only choice to maintain and expand the interests and influence of the "Beijing Film Academy management faction."

Wang Sheng chose to return to school to pursue a master's degree in management partly to obtain the status of a "student representative," paving the way for entry into organizations such as the All-China Youth Federation and even higher-level bodies like the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

But times have changed, and Wang Sheng's reputation is now at its peak, so he no longer needs the "student representative" stepping stone.

For him, this master's degree is more about giving an account to his alma mater and putting a formal end to this special learning experience.

In late June, the heat of summer was just beginning to set in in Beijing.

Wang Sheng made a rare appearance on the Beijing Film Academy campus and went straight to the office of the head of the Department of Management.

"Director Zhang, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting." Wang Sheng pushed open the door and entered, his tone familiar.

"Wang Sheng, you've finally arrived!" Zhang Huimin immediately stood up from behind his desk, his face beaming with a warm yet measured smile, and quickly stepped forward to shake hands. "I know you're busy. 'Havoc in Heaven' is a globally anticipated project. Is everything going smoothly with Director Tsui Hark?"

"With Director Xu at the helm, everything is proceeding according to plan." Wang Sheng smiled calmly and sat down on the sofa. "I'm just taking a break from my busy schedule to deal with this 'heartache' of my graduation thesis."

“Oh, how can you say it’s a heart problem!” Director Zhang personally brewed Wang Sheng a cup of the finest Longjing tea. “Your practice is the best research! Your thesis topic, ‘On Capital, Technology and Content Innovation in the Reform of China’s Film Industry—Taking Shengying Media’s Development Model as an Example,’ has been reviewed by several of your advisors, who gave it very high praise! They believe that it not only keeps pace with the times but also connects theory with practice, making it highly forward-looking and instructive.”

That wasn't entirely a compliment.

Wang Sheng's thesis is essentially a systematic review and theoretical refinement of his experiences leading Shengying Media in market-oriented exploration, industrialization, and international expansion over the past few years.

The reflections on film industry chain integration, capital operation models, technology-driven content upgrades, and responses to global competition are many areas that have not yet been explored in depth by domestic academia, and their value is far beyond that of ordinary academic papers that merely discuss theoretical matters.

"The framework was built with the help of several teachers, and the group's strategy department provided some support for the specific data and analysis." Wang Sheng said calmly, knowing that the "value" of his paper lay more in its unique practical background.

“It’s a win-win situation, a win-win situation.” Director Zhang sat down with a smile and lowered his voice. “The defense is scheduled for next Wednesday. The review panel consists of myself, Professor Li, and Deputy Director Liu from the Research Office of the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.”

Don't worry about the process; it's just a formality. The main thing is to hear your insightful opinions as the 'practice-oriented chief engineer.' The principal has also specifically instructed us to ensure you graduate smoothly."

Wang Sheng nodded, already used to this kind of arrangement.

At his level, academic qualifications are no longer of great importance, but the teacher-student relationship and connection with his alma mater remain an intangible asset in a culture that values ​​personal connections and factions.

“Oh, right,” Director Zhang said, as if suddenly remembering something, leaning forward slightly and speaking in a more candid tone, “Wang Sheng, what do the principal and I think? Now that you’ve finished your master’s degree, wouldn’t you… consider taking another step forward?”

Wang Sheng raised an eyebrow and looked at him.

"Go for a PhD!" Director Zhang's eyes gleamed. "And in our management department, no less. You see, you're a leading figure in the industry now, with rich practical experience, but you can still elevate your theoretical level."

Pursuing a PhD will be far more beneficial for your personal academic development and for your future opportunities to speak on a larger platform. The university can tailor a training program specifically for you, and the faculty team will be top-notch, including inviting leading experts in the field to provide guidance, ensuring it won't interfere with your regular work. What do you think?

Wang Sheng held his teacup, gently blew away the floating leaves, and did not answer immediately.

He understood the intentions of the Beijing Film Academy.

A doctoral degree bound him more tightly to the school and the "Beijing Film Academy management faction."

The symbolic significance and influence of an industry tycoon with a doctoral degree are different.

This serves as both a showcase of Beijing Film Academy's ability to cultivate "top talents" and a crucial step for factions within the system to consolidate their influence.

Seeing him hesitate, Director Zhang added, "Moreover, think about it, if you have the opportunity to play a role in higher-level cultural policy consultation and industrial planning in the future, having a doctoral degree will make communication much easier, won't it?"

That's quite a straightforward statement.

Although Wang Sheng is now outside the system, his influence has already permeated the decision-making level.

A doctoral degree can indeed be a more convenient "business card" in certain situations.

“Doctor…” Wang Sheng hesitated for a moment, put down his teacup, and a cryptic smile appeared on his face. “I appreciate Director Zhang’s and the school’s kindness. Let me think about this matter. Right now, let’s focus on sending this master’s student off smoothly.”

"Of course, of course!" Director Zhang saw that Wang Sheng did not refuse directly and knew that there was hope. He quickly smiled and said, "You should focus on your graduation defense first. The doctoral studies are not urgent. We'll wait for your news."

A week later, the thesis defense was held discreetly in a small conference room in the Department of Management.

Just as Director Zhang assured, the process went exceptionally smoothly.

The three professors' questions were more like consultation and exchange. Wang Sheng spoke eloquently, combining Shengying's actual cases, from the "Film Studio Alliance" to the "China Film Shengshi Cinema Circuit" channel penetration, from the global distribution of "Night at the Museum" to the award-winning strategy of "Seoul Farewell". His broad vision and precise operational details made the professors nod frequently.

The defense concluded, and the review panel unanimously approved it, awarding it an "excellent" rating.

When Wang Sheng walked out of the defense classroom, Director Zhang was already waiting outside.

"Congratulations, Wang Sheng... no, now we should call you Master Wang Sheng!" Director Zhang smiled and stepped forward to shake hands again. "I will handle the formalities for you as soon as possible. Your degree certificate and graduation certificate will be delivered to your company by someone."

"Thank you for your trouble, Director Zhang." Wang Sheng nodded in thanks.

"Then... about the doctor?" Director Zhang reminded him again, his eyes full of expectation.

Wang Sheng looked out the window, where the summer sun dappled through the leaves of the sycamore trees.

On campus, young students hurried by with their books, full of vigor, but also carrying both anticipation and uncertainty about the future.

“I can pursue a doctorate.” Wang Sheng finally spoke, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable determination, “but I have a few conditions.”

"Go ahead!" Director Zhang's spirits lifted.

"First, research directions must be closely integrated with the forefront of the industry, such as the disruptive impact of digital technology on film production and distribution paradigms, or content strategies in the streaming era, rather than being abstract theories."

"No problem! We can totally customize it according to your industry insights!"

"Second, the learning methods must be flexible enough, as I cannot attend classes regularly. A combination of research projects, thematic seminars, and international exchanges can be adopted."

"Of course, customized training programs!"

"Third, I need to have the final say on the selection of the mentor team. It must include top-notch scholars as well as industry leaders with international perspectives and practical experience."

"Absolutely! The school will fully cooperate to assemble a top-notch team of mentors!"

"That's settled then." Wang Sheng turned his gaze to Director Zhang. "The group office and the school will coordinate the specific details."

"Great! Great! That's wonderful!" Director Zhang was overjoyed and grasped Wang Sheng's hand tightly. "Wang Sheng, Beijing Film Academy is proud of you! The Management Department is proud of you! Don't worry, I will arrange everything perfectly!"

(End of this chapter)