America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 217, Section 216: Three Visits to China

"Do you know YouTube? It's the most fun website in the world; you can always find something new on YouTube."

"Entering YouTube is like entering a new world. You'll discover that this is the purpose of the internet: to help you truly understand the world and what people you don't know are doing."

"Here, you'll see geniuses, ordinary people, idiots, scientists, artists, teachers—everything you could want!"

As countries such as the BBC in the UK, Sky France, Sydney TV in Australia, and Tokyo TV in Japan began reporting on the situation in the US.

The shoulder-shaking dance successfully spread from the United States to the whole world, and many people also became aware of YouTube, this emerging video website.

Currently, YouTube only operates in the United States, and its servers have not yet entered other countries.

However, the server configurations discarded by the military network can still alleviate the impact of cross-border network speed to some extent, allowing many people who like new things to explore this strange website across borders.

Unlike Facebook, YouTube doesn't even require users to have an account; visitors can browse freely, making it simple and convenient.

Howard Hughes reported to Eric, "Boss, we're getting tens of thousands of IP addresses from other countries accessing the website every day. We're really taking off!"

"That's good. Facebook and YouTube will inevitably go global. Facebook has taken the lead, but it looks like YouTube will catch up later."

"Boss, I've noticed something: a connection is gradually forming between Facebook and YouTube, and it's not just the most basic connection like account sharing."

"Because we have set up a prize pool, many video creators choose to share their videos on Facebook in order to get the rewards."

"Of course, this is only a small part; the main force is still the users. Many interesting videos have given everyone a fresh experience they've never had before."

"Many users actively share it after seeing it, which also helps their own Facebook accounts gain followers, creating a mutually beneficial effect."

Eric had anticipated this; when Lionheart.net relaunches in a while, the three will form a unified whole.

They provide each other with support and resources, ultimately creating a mutually beneficial situation.

"Are the videos for 'PPAP' and 'Shark Dance' finished?"

"Yeah, I've had it in my hands for several days now, just waiting for you to give the order, boss."

"Great, the shoulder-shaking dance craze hasn't died down yet. Once the craze subsides, we'll release it to the market again to attract another wave of traffic."

"receive!"

Late at night, on a plane bound for China, Eric and Michael sat in first class.

Eric is doing well, even though he's been riding high lately, winning the Ballon d'Or and becoming the youngest billionaire.

However, his fame is still limited to the United States, and even many people in the United States do not know him.

Don't believe me? Ask yourself, who is the youngest billionaire in China? Who is the 51st richest person in the world?

How many ordinary people could answer that? Everyone only knows the richest man and the most famous ones.

Eric's fame will only skyrocket when he replaces Bill Gates or wins a more prestigious award like Best Director, which garners more attention from outsiders.

Michael was different; he was so famous that even when he was in first class, surrounded by successful elites, people were still very excited to see him.

These people kept coming up to ask for autographs and photos, and Eric was pushed to the back by them.

The flight attendants didn't care, because they were also queuing up for autographs and photos.

After all that, these people finally settled down, which is why celebrities sometimes do need to hire bodyguards or buy a private jet.

On the one hand, it's about being responsible for your own safety, and on the other hand, it's about being responsible for the order of the area, because there have been too many cases of traffic jams and riots caused by crazy fans chasing celebrities.

"Everyone's so enthusiastic, my seat has become a public space," Eric complained.

Michael laughed and said, "You'll get used to it. These things will be essential when you become a big star. You'll experience them soon enough."

"Forget it, I'm not interested in being watched. The spotlight just hurts me. I can be a director, but I won't be an actor."

Michael pointed at Eric: "If your face appeared on camera, it would definitely attract countless young girls."

"Yeah, that's what my dad said. He planned for me to become an actor, thinking that with this face, I could at least become a second-tier star."

Even if your skills aren't up to par, by the time you get older and your career fades, you'll have already earned enough to last the rest of your life.

"Then why not go down this path? It sounds much simpler than what you're doing now."

Eric made a gesture that insulted the Koreans: "It's simple, but there's only so much room for improvement. If we really went down this path, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to help you with your case, and we wouldn't be sitting on a flight to China right now."

Michael nodded thoughtfully: "It sounds like everything was destined."

The plane slowly landed at Yanjing Airport. This time, Maikou signed a three-day contract with CCTV, charging 10 RMB per performance.

The numbers are almost negligible, clearly just a symbolic gesture, far less impressive than a Super Bowl performance.

Although the Super Bowl halftime show pays very little, the standard is based on the union. Even if it's low, the NFL will still spend millions of dollars on it when the revenue is split among the artists, their teams, and agencies.

The remuneration for the Spring Festival Gala is even lower; it's only when hiring foreign performers that a fee is paid.

Since the payment was so low, CCTV naturally had to cover the costs of food and lodging, but Eric refused.

The place arranged by CCTV is crowded and noisy, so I'd rather stay with someone else.

After instructing Susan to make proper arrangements for Mike and his group, Eric first headed to the Oriental MGM company in the technology park.

I've done so much for him, and the feedback here has been very quick. I'll give him an answer before the Lunar New Year.

The secretary led him to the office, where Chen Ou and Han Sanping were drinking tea and chatting.

Upon seeing Eric stand up immediately, Old Han, true to his forthright nature, rushed over and gave him a bear hug.

Chen Ou was much more refined; the two smiled, shook hands, and sat down.

"Old Han, it's only been two months, there's no need to get so excited every time. I'm still not quite used to hugging men."

Old Han laughed and said, "I get excited when I see you, and when I get excited, I act without any sense of order."

"He can't help but be excited. The Meg project has already been approved and filming has begun. The organization has discussed his work, and the results should be available in the next few days."

Chen Ou explained the reasons, stating that they were all people with vested interests, and that the results would be announced soon, so there was no need to hide anything.

Eric looked up at Old Han: "You've been promoted to the top position?"

"Hehe. The results haven't been announced yet, but it's pretty much a done deal, it should be a sure thing."

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Old Han laughed again: "Same to you, same to you. It's all thanks to your support that things have progressed so smoothly."

"In that case, I should call you Chairman Han from now on."

Old Han waved his hand.

"What Chairman Han? Old Han sounds more familiar. I'm used to it. Besides, how can I, as the chairman, compare to you, the chairman?"

"Your net worth is several billion dollars; ten of me combined couldn't equal one of yours."

"Haha, you can't say that. Money doesn't represent power. There are seven major Hollywood film studios, and there are also powerful second-tier companies like New Line Cinema, Lionsgate, and The Imperials."

"In Hollywood, I can't be as dictatorial as you are. If people don't want to give me face, they can just ignore me. But in China, no one dares to refuse your tea."

Chen Ou said, "That was before. Soon those people won't dare not drink your coffee."

"What do you mean? Did your superiors agree?" Eric turned to look at him.

Chen Ou nodded, gesturing for Eric to sit down.

"Eric, regarding your suggestion last time, after I reported it to the director, the department took it very seriously."

"We held many meetings to discuss it, and although there was resistance, it was eventually approved. After it was submitted, the leadership also approved it."

"In principle, a three-year exploration period will be set, during which American TV series will be allowed to be re-introduced and broadcast in China, as long as they do not violate public order, good morals, or the law."

Old Han patted him on the shoulder: "Eric, the department has decided to proceed according to the results of our last discussion."

"The import of this technology in China will be handled entirely by Oriental MGM, and the official documents are expected to be issued shortly after the new year."

"Once the documents are available, the import process can begin."

"What you've been longing for has come true!"

Eric beamed with delight: "Director Chen, Lao Han, you've given me a huge surprise today. I thought it would take at least a few months to catch up, no matter how fast it went."

"We were all prepared to overcome the obstacles, but we didn't expect to get through so smoothly."

"You must have gone to a lot of trouble, thank you so much!"

Chen Ou nodded: "Friends are supposed to help each other. Eric, you've been helping Chinese film and television culture expand its overseas influence."

"After the leaders found out, they recognized and valued it. There is an old Chinese saying: 'It is impolite not to reciprocate.'"

"A Chinese person would never do something like letting a friend suffer a loss without receiving anything in return."

"When those small African countries help us a little, China always repays them tenfold. As a nation of etiquette, we value benevolence and magnanimity."

Han Sanping explained, "There's another important reason why it was approved so quickly this time."

"At present, idol dramas from South Korea and Taiwan are popular in China and have a great influence on society, especially on teenagers."

"Therefore, the higher-ups also hope to reintroduce American dramas to dilute the influence of Korean and Taiwanese culture, accelerate the integration of the domestic cultural market with the international market, and promote faster maturity."

"Then when I get back in a few days, I'll immediately set up a new company," Eric said.

"Well, I'm considering not airing the first drama on CCTV for now, and letting Beijing TV be the pioneer."

Eric understood Chen Ou's concerns; he was still afraid of potential negative consequences, so he let the local TV station be the first to set a bad precedent.

"That's your business, I won't interfere. But let Beijing TV broadcast it. Why isn't Old Zhou here today?"

"He's busy with the Spring Festival Gala. Tonight is the Spring Festival Gala on Beijing TV, and he can't get away."

"However, I have already told him about it. Old Zhou is a man of principle and knows the rules, so he has already agreed."

"After he finishes his work for today, you can meet with him before you leave to discuss what genre your first film should be."

"We must make the first shot count; only then can we report back to our superiors."

Eric was overjoyed that the import of American TV series had been settled so quickly. The three of them had lunch together and talked about "The Meg".

After Eric left the script last time, it was revised and quickly approved as a project, with funding readily available.

Actually, filming could start a month in advance, but the main problem is the casting process.

MGM helped cast Jason Statham as the male lead. Although Statham is not a top-tier action actor at the moment, he is definitely a second-tier actor.

His fame soared, especially after his outstanding fight scenes and performance in Luc Besson's "The Transporter" last year.

The film only made a small profit at the box office, but the videotape market was booming, selling tens of millions of copies, which was better than many big-budget productions.

He's just one blockbuster away from becoming a top-tier action star, which might be "The Transporter 2" next year.

At this point in time, the pay is low but the cost-effectiveness is high, and action films are in decline, so they signed him for only $300 million.

The male lead was easily cast, but the main issue was that the Chinese-American female lead was highly sought after in China.

After the news was released, not to mention top-tier actresses, even actresses with a little bit of fame wanted to participate.

Michelle Yeoh, Karen Mok, Zhang Ziyi, Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing, Xu Qing, Shu Qi, Xu Jinglei

As long as the age and appearance are not too different, female celebrities almost flock to compete for this role.

Films co-produced by China and the United States are still highly sought after even a decade or more later, let alone now.

Moreover, the investment in "The Meg" was $50 million, split 50/50 between MGM and China Film Group.

Two years ago, "Hero" had a budget of $3000 million, while "The Meg" almost doubled that.

Such a great opportunity! If you get on board, you might just soar to international fame and become as famous as Gong Li and Maggie Cheung. Who wouldn't be tempted?

Eric didn't know what kind of internal struggles and competition had taken place, but Han Sanping was definitely the one who made the decision.

The lead role ultimately went to Xu Jinglei, a darling of Beijing's elite social circle.

At this point in time, the Beijing entertainment circle still wields considerable influence in the Chinese entertainment industry, and they must have paid a heavy price to help her secure this role.

Eric didn't care about any of this; the female lead could do whatever she wanted, and it had almost no impact on the movie.

"The Meg" is a male-dominated film, or more accurately, a film about men and sharks. The addition of a female lead is purely for comedic effect and embellishment.

Just like with Transformers, some viewers choose to watch this movie because they want to see romance.

After lunch, Eric returned to the hotel and rested for a while before accompanying Mike to CCTV in the afternoon to prepare for the rehearsal.

(End of this chapter)