Chapter 106 The background reaches the sky
The crew of "Insidious" was auditioning for the last supporting actress in late autumn.
Zhou Yutang received a call from Wu Heru.
Not long ago, Zhou Yutang dealt with Mr. Wu when he was promoting the movie "Those Years".
At that time, Mr. Wu was very considerate in arranging films for theaters.
Mr. Wu exchanged polite greetings for a while, and then asked Zhou Yutang for a favor. He wanted to insert someone into "Latent", and he wanted the role of Wan Qiu.
Zhou Yutang was slightly startled, but he quickly clarified his thoughts and summarized the key points.
For Mr. Wu, a giant of the Chinese cinema chain, to say hello in person, this person has a very deep background.
Mr. Wu said that he was entrusted by someone, and Zhou Yutang didn't ask any more questions.
After hanging up the phone, he held his chin in his hand, looked at the actor information sent by Senior Brother Lin Liang, and pondered for a while.
The one who wanted to take a shortcut was an actress named Zhu Jie, who looked pretty in the photos.
"Isn't this classmate Lao Hu, who graduated from the 2001 drama class?"
Zhou Yutang simply called Brother Hu: "Lao Hu, how is your relationship with your classmate Zhu Jie?"
"We're in a meeting, wait a minute."
Hu Ge's voice was a bit noisy. After a while, he probably found a quiet place before he said, "Zhu Jie, from Jiangsu Province, is the beauty of our class. Why, have you fallen in love with her?"
"Is this the image of a scumbag in your mind?"
"You are the master at flirting with girls. You abducted our first lady from the Tang Dynasty without making a sound."
"But to be honest, I saw that when Shi Shi was in the company some time ago, he kept mentioning you and smiling happily from time to time. What happened? Can you tell me something?"
"I don't know, girls usually take the initiative to chase me."
"Holy shit!"
Hugo almost fell down the stairs.
"No joke."
Zhou Yutang rubbed his forehead: "I want to ask you something, can you talk to Zhu Jie?"
"That would have been possible back then."
Hu Ge said with a smile: "We haven't contacted each other for several years now. I guess it's quite suspenseful. I heard that she also entered the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center for further study. She seems to have a boyfriend. Are you a thief?"
"It's really important. Please help me find out about her."
Black lines appeared on Zhou Yutang's face.
"Okay, wait a moment, I'll ask some old classmates to ask first."
Realizing that something really important seemed to be going on with Zhou Yutang, Brother Hu stopped joking and went to help contact him.
About ten minutes later, a detailed message was sent to Zhou Yutang.
"Here's the problem."
After reading the message from Brother Hu, Zhou Yutang probably understood who was so proud to let Mr. Wu say this.
This Zhu Jie, her boyfriend Tian Ming, is the chairman of the Magic City Oriental Star Cultural Development Co., Ltd., and another identity is the director of Magic City Satellite TV.
Zhou Yutang pondered for a while and called Zhang Guoli: "Uncle Zhang, are you busy at the moment?"
"Just calling it a day."
"Then I'll ask you about someone."
"Well, you say."
"Tian Ming from Shanghai TV, do you know this person?"
"Tian Ming? I have the impression that I have dealt with the director of Magic City TV several times."
Zhang Guoli thought for a moment, then spoke up and said: "This person has a very deep background. There are elders in his family who are feudal officials, and an uncle who is a senior leader of the Shanghai Film Group."
I see.
Zhou Yutang suddenly understood.
This makes sense.
Why did Tian Ming join the news center of Modu TV just after graduating from university? In the following years, he achieved a rocket-like jump. He first took the position of director of the news department, and then directly rose to the current director of Modu TV.
By the way, the two programs "Come on, Good Man" and "Dance Forest" are produced by Tian Ming.
This Mr. Tian can be said to be a leader among men, both in terms of background and abilities.
Zhang Guoli, who had just finished filming and was resting in his travel trailer, came to his senses, sat up straight in an instant, and said in a slightly solemn tone:
"Xiaotang, have you offended someone?"
Zhou Yutang usually acts steadily and is much more mature than his peers. He rarely asks for help under normal circumstances.
But if you think about it carefully, these two people have nothing to do with each other. Zhang Guoli doesn't know how Zhou Yutang is related to this figure.
"Uncle Zhang, it's okay. It's just that Tian Ming found Wu Heru and wanted to insert his girlfriend into the crew of "Latent"."
Zhou Yutang explained.
After chatting for a few more words, we hung up the phone.
Zhang Guoli sat up straight, thinking about what Zhou Yutang said, and suddenly recalled Zhou Yutang two years ago.
The year before last, Zhou Yutang ran to Hengdian with a bag on his back to solicit investment. This year, even people like Tian Ming and Wu Heru have taken the initiative to ask him for help.
Zhang Guoli opened the small refrigerator in the luxury RV, took out a bottle of red wine produced by a famous foreign winery, poured some, took a few sips, and smacked his lips happily:
"interesting."
"Lao Hu, I don't mean anything else, it's just that your thoughts really need to be purified.
Let me tell you clearly, this is a new TV series project produced by my studio. Your female classmate has fallen in love with a character in it, and someone has found a relationship for her."
"I see, it's her boyfriend, he's very powerful. But why don't you ask Mr. Cai? She's more familiar with these things than me."
Hu Ge suddenly realized.
"Your classmate, of course I'll ask you. If it's okay, I'll hang up now. You can treat me to dinner when you go back to the Magic City."
"Damn! Why do I owe you a meal? Don't hang up?"
Hu Ge was speechless as he listened to the busy signal of the phone hanging up and shook his head.
I always talk about how awesome Zhou Yutang is, but I don’t feel much about it.
But after hearing about Zhu Jie, Hu Ge was really shocked.
Tian Ming is basically the king of the mountain in the film and television industry of Magic City, and Mr. Cai can't even try to curry favor with him.
And Zhou Yutang, I don't know when, has grown to the point where he can be on par with big shots like Tian Ming.
"What bad and evil things have I done in my life that led Hu Ge to think that I was a traitor to Cao Cao?"
After hanging up the phone from Hu Ge, Zhou Yutang reflected deeply.
Not only did he help an old lady cross the street every day, but he also helped to train the acting skills of many actresses. Isn't it a bit of a merit?
However, Hu Ge was quite interesting to his friends. He was just worried that he and Zhu Jie would get into trouble, so he even called to ask.
The reason why Zhou Yutang didn't find Cai Yinong was because Mr. Cai didn't have much reputation in the Magic City.
Even getting Liu Shishi into the Magic City Repertory Theater has been delayed.
Since this was the case, Zhou Yutang directly called Lin Liang and asked him to notify Zhu Jie to audition.
It was said to be a trial performance, but in fact it was just a formality.
After the audition is over.
A high-end hotel.
Zhou Yutang met Zhu Jie and the man behind her.
Zhu Jie is more beautiful than expected. She is a temperamental beauty. No wonder Hu Ge said she is the beauty of his class.
Tian Ming wears a pair of black-framed glasses, a suit and leather shoes. He is not handsome, but he has the temperament of a mature man.
He came to express his gratitude on his own initiative, with a smile on his face and a very polite voice: "Yu Tang, thank you for your help in this matter."
"Originally, the casting director said that there were several candidates, and it was a bit difficult to choose. I would also like to thank Mr. Tian for his good suggestions. Sister Zhu's image and temperament are very suitable for the role of Wan Qiu."
Zhou Yutang gave Tian Ming enough face in front of women.
Zhu Jie successfully won the role and was in a beautiful mood. She held Tian Ming's arm tightly.
"Don't call me Mr. Tian. I'm a few years older than you. You can call me Lao Tian or Brother Ming. Whatever happens in the city in the future, despite my words, I'm still a bit thin-faced there."
Tian Ming smiled and nodded: "I'm usually busy with work, and Xiaojie is on the set. Please take care of me."
"I wrote the script for this crew. The director is my senior brother from Nortel. The male lead Zhang Songwen who plays with Sister Zhu is also from my studio. He is also an acting teacher from Nortel and his acting skills are very good. , there are not so many messy things in the crew, I just want to make this movie a success. If Sister Zhu needs anything, you can call me directly."
"Thank you, Yu Tang."
After exchanging personal contact information, Zhu Jie smiled gratefully.
"Never say thank you."
Zhou Yutang chuckled softly and said: "Brother Ming, it suddenly occurred to me that there seems to be something. I might ask you to help me ask."
"What's up?"
"It's like this. I have a friend who wants to study at the Magic City Drama Center, but can't find a way."
Zhou Yutang was not polite either.
Favors in the circle come and go, and only then can there be favors.
"That's it?"
Tian Ming smiled and pushed up the glasses on the bridge of his nose: "This matter is easy to handle. Xiaojie is also in the Shanghai Theater. I have an elder who is the deputy director. May I say hello? What is your friend's name?"
"Liu Shishi."
"Okay, I remember it."
Tian Ming glanced at Zhou Yutang and nodded slightly.
"Thanks, Brother Ming."
"Why are you so polite? I want to thank you for taking care of Xiaojie."
They are all smart people and it is very comfortable to chat with them.
Tian Ming took the initiative to find a topic: "Speaking of which, Yu Tang and I are actually quite destined. Do you remember last year?"
"Why don't you remember?"
Zhou Yutang immediately answered: "The host of the program on Magic City TV is still Sister Chen Chen."
"That's right."
Tian Ming pointed his finger and said with a smile: "The ratings of that program were a few percentage points higher than usual. I even watched it specially. I remember that you were still optimistic about Qiao Renliang at that time, right? Later Kimi also sang your song in the program The song received a lot of praise from the audience, which gave him a lot of points.”
"Brother Ming, you have a really good memory."
Zhou Yutang also chuckled and said: "KIMI is also capable."
We chatted while eating, and the dinner ended after about an hour.
Watching Tian Ming and Zhu Jie go out and get into the car, Zhou Yutang smiled.
This guy is really interested in Zhu Jie. Otherwise, given his current position, a phone call would be enough.
There are many details to the meal we just had.
Before eating, Tian Ming scalded Zhu Jie's bowls and chopsticks with boiling water, then chatted with Zhou Yutang, not forgetting to peel shrimps for Zhu Jie, and occasionally glanced at Zhu Jie with tender eyes.
It's not true love, it's hard to explain.
"The entertainment industry is so chaotic. What's wrong with me recently? I've encountered a lot of infatuation seeds."
Zhou Yutang shook his head and muttered to himself.
First Chen Guofu and then Tian Ming, both of whom can be regarded as prominent men in this circle, are very good to their own women.
In fact, according to the candidates given by Lin Liang, Zhu Jie is ranked very high.
Even if Tian Ming didn't say anything, there was a high chance that he would be chosen for the role of Wan Qiu, and now he would be earning a favor for nothing.
A slight arc appeared at the corner of Zhou Yutang's mouth.
Zhou Zhengping taught Zhou Yutang since he was a child that China is a society of emotions.
Especially in the entertainment industry, which is a circle full of glitz and glamor, if you want to accomplish something, you sometimes have to trade interests.
"Brother Ming, thank you. You are usually so busy with work, but you made this trip specifically for me."
The driver was driving, and Zhu Jie sat in the back seat of the car with Tian Ming, resting her head on Tian Ming's shoulder with a happy smile on her face.
"as long as you are happy."
Tian Ming gently rubbed his lover's shoulder with his palm: "Besides, I'm not doing it all for you. I really have something to do with Zhou Yutang this time."
"What do you want from him? Magic City TV wants to invite him to do a program?"
Zhu Jie raised her head slightly, with a look of astonishment on her face.
"no."
Tian Ming shook his head and chuckled: "To be able to achieve this level in more than a year, Zhou Yutang's ability is stronger than you think. This young man is very extraordinary."
"I have read that report. Director Ouyang Yang of Mango Channel said that he has a good grasp of the pulse of the market and has his own unique understanding. It is really powerful to make a project popular."
Zhu Jie suddenly nodded.
"That's why my uncle from the Shanghai Film Group asked me to get in touch with him. If there are really opportunities for cooperation in the future, it would be easier to ask."
Zhu Jie came back to her senses after being exposed like this.
Depending on where you stand, your perspective on things will be different.
She was just an actor at the bottom of the entertainment industry, so she naturally had the preconception that Zhou Yutang was a popular niche in the industry.
But looking at Tian Ming's position.
it's not true.
Zhou Yutang seems to have become a being who can talk to people who play chess.
……………………
"Shi Shi, there's news over there."
At night, Liu Shishi was doing Pilates when he suddenly received a call from Cai Yinong.
"Forget it, Sister K, it doesn't matter if you can't get in. It's the same as taking an acting class from the drama teacher."
Liu Shishi took this very seriously and comforted Cai Yinong.
"Shi Shi, if you pass over there, you can go there to study tomorrow. I'll help you adjust your schedule."
"Really? Sister K, didn't you say you wouldn't let me use the back door?"
Hearing Mr. Cai's voice, Liu Shishi was also very surprised and stopped to replenish his fluids.
There are floor-to-ceiling mirrors in the VIP gym, and you can clearly see Liu Shishi's proud figure in a tight-fitting sports suit.
She is tall, has long legs, and has graceful curves. She can be called a curvy beauty.
"I was really stuck at first. I tried so hard to get in touch but refused to let go. Suddenly one of the deputy directors above nodded. They said it was Zhou Yutang who said hello. Did you ask Yutang for help?"
Mr. Cai’s voice was somewhat complicated.
When did Zhou Yutang get so far in the Demon City?
"ah?"
Liu Shishi's pretty little face was slightly startled.
He immediately bit his lip and smiled.
Then meet next time.
You have to thank him properly!
……………………
Liu Shishi's study at the Magic City Theater was just a small episode in his life.
The filming of "Latent" started soon. Mr. Han also returned to Beijing from Xiangjiang and made a special call to Zhou Yutang.
Zhou Yutang is preparing to go to the appointment.
Mr. Han has invited me, so I can’t help but go.
It was only later that Zhou Yutang heard what Sister Ping said in private that "Those Years" was able to achieve such a high box office, not only because the film's emotions can move people, but also because of various reasons such as Enlight Media's strong promotion.
Mr. Han from China Film Group also greeted several theaters behind the scenes.
This made "Those Years" not inferior to "Slam Dunk" in terms of screenings and schedule during its early and mid-stage period.
China Film did not invest in this movie, and Mr. Han would not gain much from doing so, but he did it anyway.
Zhou Yutang was very grateful.
So I pay special attention to this meeting.
Before departure, Zhou Yutang thought about what gifts to bring and called Huang Xiaoming: "Brother Xiao Ming, do you know Mr. Han of China Film and Television?"
"We've dealt with him a few times, what happened?"
"I'm going to see Mr. Han today."
"That's it."
Huang Xiaoming nodded, then smiled and said: "Congratulations, Xiaotang, Mr. Han is very optimistic about you."
"What are Mr. Han's hobbies? Do you want to bring some tobacco, wine, tea or something?"
"Listen to me. You don't need to bring anything. If you come over, it will be the best gift for Mr. Han."
……………………
China Film Group.
Zhou Yutang met this legendary boss in the Chinese film industry.
Han Sanping was wearing a black POLO shirt that is standard for middle-aged men. He had a short haircut and a simple and capable appearance. He looked like an ordinary old farmer.
But Zhou Yutang's attitude was extremely correct.
Because the man standing in front of him is the head of China Film Group, a giant behind the scenes who promotes the development of the entire Chinese film industry.
China Film, the full name of China Film Group Corporation.
This is the leading brother in the domestic film industry. As a content producer, it also controls the distribution and screening of domestic films. Its subsidiaries account for nearly half of the country's theaters.
In addition, he also controls China Pictures’ import, domestic and overseas co-productions, and control of film schedules.
"Yu Tang is here."
Han Sanping took the initiative to stand up and greet him, shook hands warmly, patted Zhou Yutang on the shoulder, and said with a kind smile: "You are young and promising. I have seen your movie. It was very good and very sentimental."
"Mr. Han has oversold us, and there are still many shortcomings."
Zhou Yutang responded politely.
"Come, come, have tea. An old friend of mine brought Pu'er from Hangzhou."
Han Sanping politely poured a cup of tea for Zhou Yutang and asked with a smile: "How does it taste?"
“Really good tea.”
Zhou Yutang praised sincerely.
After being trained by Zeng Li for so long, he is no longer a novice. This tea is slightly bitter in the mouth, but the aftertaste is sweet, the taste is pure and mellow, and it is absolutely extraordinary.
After chatting briefly for a while, the situation was almost settled. Han Sanping finally got to the point: "Yu Tang, I heard that you are working on a TV series with the main theme?"
"Have you heard about it, Mr. Han?"
Zhou Yutang was slightly startled.
""Latent" is very famous in the industry recently, and a few old friends also asked me to watch it. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it."
Han Sanping asked with concern: "How is it? Have you encountered any problems with investment?"
"The total investment for this drama is 20 million. My own studio also invested 40%. Enlight and National Film and Television each invested 20%. The remaining funds are still not enough."
Zhou Yutang heard the elegant meaning of Xiange and asked sincerely: "Mr. Han, please help me come up with an idea."
"You don't have to worry. China Film has been tasked by the above to produce film and television content with theme themes in the past two years. China Film can help with the remaining investment share of this drama."
Han Sanping waved his hand and agreed readily.
Looking at Zhou Yutang again, his eyes were full of appreciation.
This young man is really sensible.
If he doesn’t make progress, who will make progress?