The Entertainment Industry in Turmoil: Young Actresses All Want to Rise to the Top

Standing on the podium, Shen Mo didn't rush to speak. He first winked at the audience and gave them a slightly mischievous smile.

"Hello everyone, fellow freshmen!"

"Standing here, the pressure is immense. It feels even more nerve-wracking than filming on set!"

A burst of good-natured laughter and even more enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

"To be honest, seeing you all really touched me."

He leaned slightly forward, his hands resting naturally on the edge of the podium, as if chatting with a friend.

"It reminds me of when I first enrolled in school. I was clutching my acceptance letter, thinking I was about to become a superstar, but I was shocked by Teacher Wang in my very first acting class."

He laughed and pointed to Wang Chunzi in the audience, "I gave her a good scolding, saying I was moving my arms and legs in unison, was I trying to play a ghost?"

The audience burst into laughter, and Wang Chunzi, sitting in the audience, couldn't help but rub her forehead and shake her head with a laugh.

"So you see," Shen Mo said, shrugging.

"Who wasn't a newbie once?"

"Don't be afraid of making a fool of yourself, don't be afraid of making mistakes. Our rehearsal hall at Beijing Film Academy is the place for you to go all out!"

His tone became more lively, as he tried to close the distance further.

"During these years when we could 'go all out,' I'd like to share two insights with everyone, which can be considered my humble advice as a senior student!"

"First, find the 'fire' within you!"

"Don't learn things just because others think they're impressive; learn things that excite you so much that you can't sleep at night."

"Maybe you want to bring to life a marginalized character, maybe you want to use the camera to shoot a ridiculous but fun story, or maybe you want to edit a nonsensical but technically unexciting short film."

"Find this thing, and then, like beating a level in a game, persevere to the very end!"

"Second, find a 'skin' that's uniquely yours!"

The moment this gaming term was uttered, the young people in the audience smiled knowingly.

"Stop thinking about becoming 'the next so-and-so,' it's boring! Our school has no shortage of role models."

"The teachers will lay the most solid foundation for you, like giving you a full set of max-level equipment. But ultimately, you have to use that equipment to create your own combos and show off your own style!"

What's popular and trending now might be outdated tomorrow, but a unique and authentic you will always have a market!

Then, he changed the subject, his tone tinged with a hint of smugness.

"Of course, passion alone isn't enough; you also need resources!"

"So, as your senior, I'm giving everyone a 'game gift pack'."

"I just finished discussing it with Dean Zhang and Professor Wang, and we've finalized the agreement. Our Inkmark team will establish the 'Inkmark Scholarship' to help struggling students with some of their living expenses and assist them in completing their graduation projects, allowing you to focus more on 'leveling up'!"

He raised his voice, his tone inviting: "And of course, there's our 'Ink Shadow Alliance,' which will open its doors to provide everyone with top-notch internship opportunities!"

"Besides that, whether you're a directing major, screenwriting major, or cinematography major... as long as you have an idea, just bring your complete script to Inkhen and come find us."

"I've opened a special 'Potential Director Incubation Station' for the Beijing Film Academy. As long as you pass the review, we'll provide a one-stop service, from funding to production to promotion, to help you turn your ideas into finished products!"

"Most importantly, every student from Beijing Film Academy who comes to us to incubate a work will have their costs deducted after publication."

"The remaining profits are all yours!"

Shen Mo's last words were like a bucket of cold water poured into a boiling oil pan, instantly triggering a violent reaction.

The moment the words were spoken, the entire auditorium fell into an extremely brief silence.

The freshmen seemed to be collectively paused, their eyes wide, as if they were digesting this overwhelming promise.

The next second, "BOOM—!!!"

A sound wave, more intense and longer than ever before, suddenly exploded out!

It wasn't just simple applause; it was a mixture of incredulous gasps and ecstatic screams that nearly lifted the ceiling of the auditorium.

"Did I hear that right?!"

"We get all the profits?!"

"Holy crap! Really?!"

"Is Shen Mo doing charity work?!"

"Senior is awesome!!!"

Many students were so excited that they jumped up from their seats, especially those majoring in directing and screenwriting. Their faces turned red, and they waved their fists vigorously, as if they could already see their works being published.

Some people even excitedly hugged the classmates they had just met.

A screenwriting student, wearing black-rimmed glasses and appearing somewhat introverted, suddenly grabbed the arm of the person next to him, his voice trembling.

"Did you hear that? It's not a scholarship, it's box office revenue sharing! Our ideas can directly turn into money?!"

His eyes shone with a light he had never seen before.

A girl from the directing department in the back row covered her mouth with both hands, and her eyes instantly turned red.

She had been working part-time for half a year to save money for her graduation project. This news was the most direct respect and recognition for her dream.

"Senior! I love you!"

Turn the page, and you'll find yourself in another world.

It's unclear which daring girl shouted at the top of her lungs, but it drew good-natured laughter and even more enthusiastic applause from those around her.

All eyes were focused on the smiling senior on the stage, their gazes filled with unparalleled gratitude and admiration.

Shen Mo's truly generous "gift package" completely broke down the students' defenses.

He not only gave them a ladder to pursue their dreams, but also the dignity and future that creators crave most.

At this moment, he has already been deified in the hearts of these new students.

Finally, he straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the excited faces, his tone sincere and powerful.

"Fellow students, university life is like opening a blind box; there may be surprises or shocks."

"But don't panic, enjoy the experience, have fun, fall in love, and of course, remember to hand in your homework!"

Amidst everyone's laughter, he concluded.

"May you not only learn to act and make films during these four years, but also find your shining self."

"I look forward to seeing you all at the top in the future! Thank you everyone!"

Amidst the excited cheers and burning gazes of the Beijing Film Academy students, Shen Mo finally managed to escape.

Under the protection of their respective class teachers, they returned to the dean's office with Zhang Huijun and Wang Chunzi.

Zhang Huijun's gaze toward Shen Mo was more complex than before, a mixture of amazement, gratitude, and an indescribable shock.

Shen Mo's final promise regarding profit distribution was not merely generous, but also a bold move that nearly overturned industry norms.

He knew perfectly well that once this news was officially announced, it would not only provide opportunities for students on campus, but also erect a shining golden signboard for the Beijing Film Academy.

It is foreseeable that next year and in the years to come, countless young people with dreams of making movies will flock to apply to the Beijing Film Academy because of the support policies provided by Mohen.

Wang Chunzi's face showed undisguised worry. Ignoring the dean's expression, she grabbed Shen Mo's arm.

"Xiao Mo, isn't it a bit too much to say that all the profits will go to the students?"

"Of the many movies produced each year, only a tiny fraction make it to theaters, and those that actually make money are even rarer, perhaps one in a hundred!"

"The profits from this one can at least cover the losses from the other ninety-nine."

"You promised them all the profits, but have you considered how much money you'd be losing?"

She genuinely cared for her student, fearing that he might act impulsively and take on too much of a burden.

Seeing her worried expression, Shen Mo felt a warmth in his heart. He gently patted the back of her hand and smiled calmly.

"Teacher, please don't worry. I never said I'd pay everyone who comes."

He winked slyly. "My exact words were, 'Take your perfected draft and come to me,' and it has to be 'approved by the reviewer.'"

"Besides the people from Mohen, shouldn't the judging panel, including Dean Zhang and experienced seniors from the Beijing Film Academy, help me with the selection? We can't just film any script, can we?"

"These are new directors who haven't graduated yet or have just graduated. They probably won't be able to secure investment if they go out on their own. I'm just giving them another chance, relatively speaking."

He paused, then began to calculate the accounts in a relaxed tone.

"Besides, teacher, think about it, how much can a new director's film possibly cost?"

"They can't possibly expect me to hire international superstars or produce some kind of blockbuster with hundreds of millions in special effects right off the bat, can they?"

"A decent independent film that reflects their ideas and abilities, with a production cost kept to a few hundred thousand or even a million, is already considered a very good setup."

"And how many students in our directing and cinematography departments at Beijing Film Academy are capable of making films? As far as I know, this year's class only has about 30 students in two classes."

"Even if they are all exceptionally talented and bring me qualified papers, the total investment in this area over a year is still within the students' budget."

Finally, Shen Mo suppressed his smile, turned his gaze to Zhang Huijun, and spoke in a low and firm tone.

"Director Zhang, let me speak from the bottom of my heart."

"As you can see, the entertainment industry is now controlled by a few giants like Huayi Brothers. Resources are stagnant, seniority is the only factor, and it's like a stagnant pool that's about to rot."

"I did this not just to give back to my alma mater."

"I would rather use this 'tuition fee' to nurture our own talents at Beijing Film Academy."

"If only three or five out of the dozens of people I sponsor can stand out, no, even just one or two who are truly sharp and talented."

"The students dare to challenge us; in the future, I'll lead them to give that stagnant pool a good fight!"

"Let's see if the wave of newcomers is stronger, or if the old walls they've built are more solid!"

Zhang Huijun listened quietly to Shen Mo's meticulous and ambitious words, remaining silent for a long time.

He simply stared intently at Shen Mo, as if trying to get to know this young man all over again.

He is clearly different from the traditional students of Beijing Film Academy. He has a clear strategic mind in business and is also quite good at acting in the entertainment industry.

Finally, he slowly stood up, walked to Shen Mo, and patted Shen Mo's shoulder heavily.

Go for it! Beijing Film Academy will always be your support!