Huayu: Reborn in 97, transferring to the Central Academy of Drama's star-studded class

In the 1990s, as Taiwanese capital gradually withdrew from the Hong Kong market, the Hong Kong film industry became increasingly sluggish.

The reasons for Taiwan's withdrawal are partly due to the impact of Hollywood movies and the Asian financial crisis, and partly due to reasons that those who know, know.

Thanks to the protection of the motherland, Hong Kong was not greatly affected by the storm, but the situation of the film industry is not optimistic.

Looking at the major film markets around Taiwan, the island has given up, allowing Hollywood to come and go as it pleases, relying on the idea of ​​"enjoying life when it can't compete," and its local films have gradually fallen into self-indulgent artistic creations.

Not to mention Japan and South Korea, whose small size was doubled by the financial crisis and Hollywood, but at least these two countries knew how to save themselves.

A business logic that restructures cultural products allows for social financing using intellectual property rights and brings culture to the world through the animation industry.

This model binds national will with the cultural industry and removes some restrictions on film censorship. To put it bluntly, it means that many things that couldn't be filmed can now be filmed. Many people say they envy this model and hope that our country can do the same.

Actually, that's not the case. Although the Koreans seem to have relaxed their restrictions, they still have a tight rein on them: the chaebols. What they can't film is still not allowed to be filmed.

Secondly, the size is different. In terms of population and territory, the Koreans are incomparable to us. I'm sure everyone has seen what kind of demons and monsters will appear after the Demon-Sealing Tower is opened.

The most important thing is never whether you dare to film or can film, but whether you have the ability to film and whether you film well.

Getting back to the main point, with the surrounding markets in such a state, Hong Kong naturally turned its attention to the mainland.

At that time, Hong Kong films, like foreign films, were subject to import quotas and competed for one or two dozen slots.

If the Hong Kong film industry wanted to seek opportunities in the mainland, it would inevitably have to go through the China Film Group, because at that time the China Film Group was the only "national team" with film import rights.

Before the end of January, Jiang Lai went to the China Film Group building to meet with Third Master.

Without saying anything else, they just made a lot of empty promises.

Jiang Lai confidently declared that 3000 new screens would definitely be built before 2003.

The goal is to achieve full coverage in first-tier cities, significant expansion in second-tier cities, and focused promotion in third-tier cities, forming a nationwide, point-like distribution.

China Film Group will hold a controlling stake in 1,000 of the screens, and a minority stake in the rest.

The Third Master's face turned bright red with excitement.

That's not all. Jiang said that if the profits are good, they will continue to expand, from a point-like distribution to a nationwide network coverage, and become the world's largest market in one fell swoop.

After saying that, he also subtly mentioned that he was acquiring American cinema chains, and that it would be a dream for Chinese films to go overseas and directly earn money from foreigners.

Third Master blushed so deeply he almost steamed, and kept grabbing Jiang Lai's hand, calling him "Good boy!"

When he first approached Jiang's father about the cinema chain, the father only said he would consider it. He was filled with anxiety, but now he can finally relax and make a big splash, creating a glorious chapter for domestic commercial blockbusters.

Third Master was full of confidence. The next step was to wait for the policy from above. However, everything had to give way to China's entry into the WTO, so he could only wait and focus on development first.

In reality, Jiang Lai was just making empty promises; once the 3,000 screens were built, he didn't plan to expand any further.

Modern cinemas all use film projectors, but with the advent of digital projection, film projection will completely disappear from the market.

He needs to leave room for digital projection so that it can be seamlessly integrated later. He can't let his father's investment in the building and land go to waste, nor can he let the money go to waste.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jiang Lai, seeing that Third Master still had things to attend to, tactfully took his leave.

Before leaving, he casually mentioned that he was going to Hong Kong in a few days, and then casually added that it seemed some people there didn't welcome him. Then he didn't say anything more, patted his butt, and left.

As for what will happen next, Jiang Lai has no control over that. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, supernatural beings are not allowed, and gangs will not be permitted either.

Hong Kong, January 31, afternoon.

Jiang Lai walked out of the airport. Before leaving, he had originally wanted to wear a suit, but after thinking about it, he changed into a Zhongshan suit.

At this moment, his collar was buttoned up tightly, his hair was combed neatly, and he looked sharp and energetic.

Andy Lau stood at the arrival gate, wearing sunglasses and a hat, and waved when he was seen from afar.

"Come on, kid! Over here!"

Jiang Lai jogged over, and Andy Lau helped him pull his suitcase towards the parking lot. Along the way, they chatted about all sorts of things, from the weather to flight attendants, and even complained about how terrible the food was at a newly opened restaurant in Hong Kong.

No one mentioned the Xiang family.

Once the car was on the highway, Andy Lau finally spoke, "A lot of people came tonight, many of them came specifically for you."

"Attack me?" Jiang Lai adjusted his seat back. "I'm not some big star."

Andy Lau smiled but didn't reply.

Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The banquet hall was almost fully decorated, with crystal chandeliers hanging down, illuminating the entire hall in a magnificent golden light.

Andy Lau went to attend to matters on set, leaving Jiang Lai to wander around at his leisure.

Jiang Lai strolled around the hotel, went out to look at the view of Victoria Harbour for a while, and then returned to the lobby to sit down, pouring himself a cup of tea and sipping it slowly.

Six o'clock in the evening.

The invited celebrities began to arrive one after another.

A red carpet was laid out at the hotel entrance, and media reporters with their cameras and microphones crowded on both sides, their flashes going off incessantly.

Jiang Lai ran excitedly to the door, ready to play the role of a greeter.

Anita Mui was the first to walk the red carpet, wearing a black sequined dress, her hair up, and large earrings, swaying gracefully as she walked.

She walked to the door and saw Jiang Lai standing there; her eyes lit up.

"Hey? Isn't this Lai-zai?"

"Hello, Sister Mei."

Jiang Lai smiled and gestured for him to come in.

Anita Mui covered her mouth and laughed, "Lai-zai, you're a big boss, don't act like a doorman."

Jiang Lai blinked. When they first met, the other person only knew him as an actor.

Without saying anything more, Anita Mui patted his shoulder and walked into the banquet hall in her high heels.

Next came Leslie Cheung and Maggie Cheung. Leslie was wearing a black suit with a red corsage on his collar. He raised his hand to greet Jiang.

"Long time no see, Lai-zai."

"have not seen you for a long time."

The two shook hands, and Jiang Lai then turned his gaze to Zhang Manyu beside him. She was wearing a dark green long dress, her hair was tied up, and she had an elegant and composed demeanor.

"You look thinner." Her eyelashes fluttered as she carefully examined Jiang Lai.

"How could that be? We haven't seen each other for that long." Jiang Lai turned around in place.

"Wow, Lai Zai, are you calling me out? We just said it's been so long since we last saw each other."

Leslie Cheung leaned over, his expression beaming with delight. Jiang Lai hurriedly explained, while Maggie Cheung laughed uproariously.

"OK, OK, I'll go in first then." Leslie Cheung smiled and went inside.

"That'll teach you to talk nonsense." Zhang Manyu glanced at Jiang Lai with a charming smile, the corners of her mouth curving upwards. "This outfit suits you quite well."

After saying that, he went inside without saying anything more.

It seemed like they were deliberately keeping their distance.

Jiang Lai scratched his head, somewhat confused.

Later, Tony Leung and his wife, Lau Ching-wan, Ng Chun-yu and others arrived one after another. The biggest star was probably Jackie Chan, and the scene was filled with cheers.

Whether they knew each other or not, everyone greeted Jiang Lai when they saw him. Some said a few words, while others exchanged warm greetings.

Jiang Lai was completely bewildered. Third Master, what exactly did you do?

Media reporters were busy taking photos on both sides of the red carpet, and a few of them started chatting quietly.

"Hey, who's that young man standing at the door? Why do they greet everyone who comes in?"

A reporter glanced at it and lowered his voice, "You don't know? That's the boss behind Skynet now."

"No way? Isn't Andy Lau the boss of Sky Screen?"

One person explained, "Yes, this person isn't the boss. The boss is Andy Lau. This person is an investor in the partnership."

"What's the difference?"

The person explaining was momentarily speechless, so another person stepped in to smooth things over, "Hey, I heard this guy wants to protect Stephen Chow, do you think that'll work?"

"You removed the word '吗' (ma), and after looking at this for so long, haven't you noticed?"

"What did you find?"

The person who answered had a mysterious look on their face, "Don't just look at who came, you should look at who didn't come."

The person asking the question paused for a moment, then carefully recalled the list of guests and attendees.

It seems no one from the Xiang family came.