The Road to Superstardom: Starting as a Singer

As Huang Weijie was engrossed in reading the online comments, there was a knock on the door.

Madeline walked in carrying a laptop and a folder.

"Jace, how are you feeling today?"

"Not bad. Hmm, at least the two guys gave it a good response!" Huang Weijie poured her a glass of water. "Work again?"

Madeline nodded and opened her calendar: "Your post this morning received a great response. Walmart and A&F need your continued cooperation in promotion."

"Online or offline?"

"It can be done online."

"Tell me, what do they need my cooperation with?"

"Walmart wants you to start a #BackToSchoolWithJace hashtag on Twitter and MySpace to encourage fans to upload their back-to-school outfits. The reward is ten autographed posters and other gifts for random retweets."

A&F needs you to record a 30-second video sharing your favorite fall outfit—they've already delivered the clothes, they're downstairs, you can try them on later.

Huang Weijie nodded: "Okay, that's easy."

"Then there's the collaboration with China." Madeline turned to another page. "Shanghai Films sent an email saying that the movie 'Painted Skin' is scheduled for release on September 26th, and they hope you can help promote the movie's theme song, 'Painted Heart.' Isn't that the song you recorded when you went back to China in July?"

"Yes, did they say how to promote it?" Huang Weijie asked Madeline.

This matter is worth paying attention to. "Painted Skin" can be said to be one of the few films in mainland China this year that has achieved both critical and commercial success.

Although he is currently abroad, he can arrange for some media outlets to promote him, which will be a way for him to gain exposure in the film industry in advance.

"There are two options. First, record a video clip to be used as a trailer on major Chinese TV stations and video websites. The content should revolve around your creative inspiration and understanding of the film."

Secondly, they hope you can arrange a transoceanic phone call on September 15th to participate in the film's global premiere in Guangzhou.

"The premiere is scheduled for September 26th, so why is it being held so early?" Huang Weijie asked curiously.

Generally, movie premieres are held 2-5 days before the public release, so it's quite rare for a movie like "Painted Skin" to premiere 10 days in advance.

However, while it's rare, it's not unheard of.

For example, preview screenings are held half a month in advance, while large-scale preview screenings are held even earlier.

"Painted Skin" is a commercial film, and the premiere was held not only in Guangzhou, but also in the world premiere on September 16 in Liaozhai's hometown (Shandong Province) and the premiere in Beijing on September 22.

Although the names are different, the core is the same: to promote and attract the audience's attention.

Mainland audiences at this time were actually quite easy to please, even with the precedents of terrible films like "The Promise" and "Red Cliff".

However, as long as the pre-release media promotion and celebrity hype are large enough, it can still attract a large number of viewers to the cinema.

It wasn't that they were stupid, but rather that entertainment options were relatively limited at that time, unlike later generations where there are a wide variety of entertainment options such as short videos and games, making it impossible to keep up with them all. Where would they find the time to go out and watch movies?

"I don't know, but what they mean is that Guangzhou is your hometown, so they would really like you to participate." Madeline shook her head slightly.

"That's no problem, but they didn't want me to come back to China to participate?" Huang Weijie was a little surprised.

"They invited me, but I declined." Madeline raised an eyebrow slightly. "Although you weren't as busy this month as last month, there wasn't enough time to support you going back home to promote a movie you didn't even act in."

"oh."

Oh, so you were the one who refused. Never mind then.

Huang Weijie withdrew his surprise.

"Now for the important part." Madeline turned to another page. "Your third single, 'Just the Way You Are.' The music video is 80% complete in post-production, with the final product expected to be delivered on September 5th. The team suggests a release date of September 8th, Monday."

"What about the album?"

"The album will be released globally on September 15th, a week from now."

As she spoke, Madeline turned to the publicity page: "On September 14th, you need to simultaneously release a 15-second album teaser on platforms such as Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube."

At midnight on September 15th, the digital version of the entire album will be available simultaneously on major music platforms worldwide. The physical CD will be available at major record stores, Walmart, Target, and other retail channels across the United States at 9:00 AM that same day.

We have already communicated with organizations such as Billboard and Radio & Records to ensure sufficient radio airplay on the day of its release.

"In the week of release," Madeline quickened her pace, "you'll need to complete three live radio interviews (including Z100 in New York and KIIS-FM in Los Angeles), two live online signing events (via MySpace's live streaming feature, for a limited edition signed CD), and one Entertainment Weekly cover interview."

"OK," Huang Weijie listened and then asked, "What about the chart performance?"

"Just the Way You Are will be released on radio immediately after its release on September 8th and will be used as the album's title track to chart.

The popularity of "Baby" and "What Makes You Beautiful" will continue, so we'll actually have two songs on the charts at the same time, creating a pincer movement.

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Madeline's eyes. "If everything goes smoothly, you could have at least two Top 5 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 the week of September 22nd. Ideally, one would reach number one and the other number three!"

"Hmm, is that all?"

"NO! We need to fly to Milan early on September 17th." Madeline read out the itinerary, "On the 18th, there will be a pre-show event for the Armani brand, followed by a fitting for the main show in the afternoon. On the 19th, we will attend the Armani 2009 Spring/Summer show."

A small media briefing, lasting about fifteen minutes, followed the show. On the 20th, the brand arranged a feature photoshoot and interviews for GQ Italy.

"After Milan, I flew to New York on September 21 and joined the cast of 'Love Limited Time Contract' on the 22nd."

"Filming is scheduled to wrap up on September 30th. On October 1st, we will return to Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for Saturday Night Live."

Madeline's tone turned serious. "SNL is live, so there can't be any mistakes. The rehearsal period is three days: full-day rehearsals on October 2nd and 3rd, and the live broadcast on the 4th. Jace, you'll be the music guest for that episode, performing two songs—currently tentatively 'What Makes You Beautiful' and 'Baby,' but we can change it if the third single goes well."

"Tsk... there are quite a few announcements." Huang Weijie clapped his hands. "Madeline, have Jessie bring up the A&F clothes. Let's film the VCR first today."

OK.

While Huang Weijie was working, Christine was selecting ingredients at Walmart based on information sent by him.

After pleading for many days, Huang Weijie finally had time to cook for her today.

In a cheerful mood, Christine completely ignored the singing of Huang Weijie and Taylor Swift in the supermarket.

So what if you have a partnership? I have one too!

I not only have.

I can even hold him while I sleep at night!