Chapter 686:
Zhou Yutang sat back on the leather sofa, with his legs naturally crossed.
He flipped through the Lunar New Year film schedule handed over by Pei Kang's secretary.
Sitting opposite, Pei Kang mentioned a name that Zhou Yutang was not happy to hear:
"Yu Tang, this opportunity is really rare."
Just yesterday, there was a big news at the Tokyo International Film Festival Awards Ceremony.
The Tokyo International Film Festival officially awarded Wu Baige a Lifetime Achievement Award.
That is, the "Samurai Award".
This award was only launched last year.
It is said to honor the achievements of filmmakers who continue to show the world innovative films that transcend eras.
Last year's winners were Neon directors Takeshi Kitano and Tim Burton.
This year, Yamada Yoji and Wu Baige were given.
Yoji Yamada has directed films such as the "Men Are Hard" series, "Happy Yellow Handkerchief", "Mother", "Brother", and "Little Me", and is one of the most famous directors in neon contemporary times.
Wu Baige is an Asian pioneer who entered Hollywood very early. He is famous all over the world with his reputation in the film industry for 20 years.
After reading the news, Wu Baige became energetic again, and Zhou Yutang wanted to laugh a little.
But he was a professional and would definitely not laugh in front of Pei Kang.
Putting the schedule in his hand on the coffee table in front of him, Zhou Yutang leaned back with a comfortable posture and said, "La Dong, if there is no problem with the schedule, let's settle it."
"This is a turnaround arrangement."
La Pei Kang nodded, pushed up the gold-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose, and continued to use his sharp tongue:
"Yu Tang, please think about Director Wu's play. You will definitely not suffer a loss when the time comes. The chief screenwriter and artistic director of the play will also be retained for you."
Since the failure of "Taiping Wheel", Wu Baige has cheated several investors.
I went to Bay Province to recover from my injuries, and then went to Neon to participate in the Tokyo Film Festival.
During this time, all the big directors in the industry are making moves, and Wu Baige is no exception.
When he attended an official event at a film festival, he revealed in an interview that his next film will be an adaptation of Ken Takakura's "The Hunt."
Behind this film are Media Asia and the Neon Consortium, with China Film Group also having a hand in it.
La Pei Kang is planning to make a cultural exchange project, and his first choice is to invite Asia's top star Zhou Yutang to star in it to ensure a box office guarantee.
"Now You See Me 2" was a huge hit, and media outlets from various countries in East Asia reported on it. Zhou Yutang's current box office appeal is frighteningly powerful.
There is even a rumor in the industry that a movie starring Zhou Yutang will have a guaranteed box office of 1 billion.
When Pei Kang came over to be the lobbyist, Zhou Yutang looked indifferent and said calmly:
"La Dong, don't you know my relationship with Director Wu?"
Everyone inside and outside the circle knows that Zhou Yutang and Wu Baige have an old grudge.
As for Director Wu, who didn't think highly of mainland actors, the governor never tolerated him.
Even when Han Sanping was in office, every time they met during the schedule, they would hit him on the head.
After a few movies, Zhou Yutang stepped on Wu Baige and took over, which greatly damaged his reputation in the mainland.
Even Zhang Zhao, the boss of LeTV Pictures, had no plans to start a new movie for him after the Oriental Titanic hit the rocks and sank, and even complained at a private party.
LeTV is the main producer of "Peace Wheel", and it was originally a project that Boss Jia personally named.
The results have affected Boss Jia's efforts to paint a pie for shareholders.
——From "Red Cliff" to "Taiping Wheel", who would dare to use him if he failed to make a project?
However, after all, Wu Baige was able to rest on his laurels since he had been a great influencer in Hollywood in his early years.
This time, it is China Film Group, led by Media Asia and Neon Capital Group, with nearly 300 million in funds, half of which is budgeted, and is planned to be used on Zhou Yutang.
"Yu Tang, let's forget about the past."
"We have to look forward. Director Wu's project is the hottest suspense drama on the market today. The original work is very classic, and this role is very suitable for you. It really has a lot of potential."
La Peikang was so excited that he continued to persuade: "Divide it into aspects, I will make the decision, and I will give you another point."
"Thank you very much, Dong Meiyi. He and I are not the same people, so there is no possibility of cooperation."
Zhou Yutang shook his head, with a sincere and helpless smile on his face, and said:
"This is not a matter of money. I may have two projects to cooperate with Warner next year."
La Pei Kang felt Zhou Yutang's firm tone, so he didn't insist anymore. After some polite greetings, he stood up and left.
"Boss, let's go."
Ni Ni's face looked a little weird, and he hesitated to speak, glancing slightly from the corner of his beautiful eyes.
Zhou Yutang stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of the office on the ninth floor, with his hands in his pockets and looking down expressionlessly.
There was no expression on the clear and stern face.
After standing quietly for a while, watching the Cadillac drive away, Zhou Yutang sat on his boss's chair:
"Do you want to ask why I don't give Pei Kang face?"
Director Wu probably really wanted to prove himself in the Chinese film market, so he made what he considered to be a huge concession.
With Pei Kang as the middleman, the conditions offered were even more attractive. It is estimated that no one in the entire entertainment industry could refuse such a generous offer.
As long as Zhou Yutang nods, the project has not even started. Just the starring fee, the production fee, the chief screenwriter and the art director, etc., will make at least two small goals.
Not counting subsequent box office dividends.
"You must have an idea of your own."
Ni Ni smiled and said.
"Our relationship with China Film Group is no longer the same as before."
An imperceptible smile slowly appeared on Zhou Yutang's lips: "Why should I cooperate with Wu Baige and support him?"
Ni Ni smiled.
She also felt that Pei Kang was a little dizzy.
In other words, he wants to make progress too much.
Anxious to make more achievements outside of Jiangdong to prove that his ability is not inferior to Han Sanping.
After all, Zhou Yutang was brought out by Han Sanping.
There were even outrageous rumors in the circle at the beginning. It was rumored that Zhou Yutang worshiped Han Sanping as his godfather, and in exchange for the support of the mountain eagle, he became the governor who could cover the sky with his hands.
But in order to change the embarrassing comment that he relied on Zhou Yutang to lead the industry, he wouldn't go to Wu Baige, right?
It's been 5102 years, and I'm still superstitious about Wu Baige. What achievements has he made in the past few years?
Having followed Zhou Yutang for such a long time, Ni Ni knew to some extent what his boss was thinking, and the one he despised the most was Wu Baige.
——Don’t you, Director Wu, look down on mainland film and television people?
Then I will praise the mainlanders.
After these years of operation, popular artists from the Koto family have emerged one after another.
Actors from both Hong Kong and the Bay Province have to look up to him. In the early years, the phenomenon of domineering workers in the entertainment industry in Hong Kong is no longer visible.
In addition to artists, it also promoted capable new-generation directors from the Jiangdong genre such as Lu Yang, Wen Muye, and Guo Fan.
Among Jiangdong's three generals, which one of the film and television projects has a commercial performance that is not better than Wu Baige's?
In the future, there will be more talents in the mainland film and television industry. By then, Wu Baige may not be able to make a living in China.
"Nini, go call Ren Zhonglun and invite him to Jiangdong for tea."
Zhou Yutang sat in a relaxed posture on the boss's chair and put his legs on the coffee table.
One hand was placed relaxedly on his thigh, and his index finger tapped rhythmically. His eyes were lowered, glowing with an inexplicable depth.
The meaning of progress is not to do whatever you want.
But don’t do anything if you don’t want to do anything.
Now he has enough confidence.
If you don't like something, don't do it.
That's all.
"La Dong, you made the trip yourself, and Mr. Zhou didn't give you any face."
After coming out of Jiangdong Building and returning to China Film Group, the secretary couldn't help but complain about his leader.
China Film Group is the leader in China's film and television industry.
The head of China Film Group is equivalent to the leader of the martial arts alliance.
Who dares not to give face when giving orders to the heroes?
Probably the only one left was Zhou Yutang, who refused without leaving any room.
"Haha, you are young and energetic. It is understandable that such a capable person would have a bad temper."
Pei Kang took off his pair of gold-rimmed glasses and wiped them carefully with neon imported deerskin glasses cloth. He didn't show any anger at all. Instead, he raised his head and glanced at the secretary:
"Why, I don't even have the capacity to accommodate others?"
"No it's not."
The secretary was so frightened that he trembled: "Boss, your courage is beyond words. I remembered that there seems to be another document to be processed. I will go and explain it first."
"Go ahead."
La Pei Kang waved his hand and motioned for him to go out.
He lay down on the back of the chair, closed his eyes and rested for a few minutes.
Then he put on his gold-rimmed glasses again and dialed Han Sanping's number with a warm smile.
"Mr. Han, you're welcome. Sister Jia is writing a new novel. That's a good thing. When the time comes, we'll vote for the gold medal in screenwriting. We'll hold an anonymous vote. We won't avoid relatives when we recommend good people."
No problem, definitely no problem. The project with Warner will be officially announced at the summit in a few days. Sister Jia can go over and be a producer."
Zhou Yutang hung up the phone, and Ren Zhonglun, who was sitting on the single sofa in front of him, put down his teacup and said with a smile:
"Old Han, you still have to worry about so many things even after you retire. But Yu Tang, you are really serious. This screenwriting gold medal award is very good. I heard that Lao Mouzi's new play was written here?"
"Well, it was a script written by a screenwriter from Bay Province."
Zhou Yutang picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and put it down steadily: "Director Ren, how is the listing of Shanghai Film Film Corporation going forward?"
"What, are you interested?"
Ren Zhonglun was sitting slightly leaning forward, and his lenses reflected two masses of light: "Do you count your share?"
China Film Group and China Film Group are both state-owned cultural enterprises.
It's just that such a large-scale state-owned enterprise reform involves internal structural restructuring, asset evaluation, etc., which are all difficult tasks.
The two companies entered the IPO preliminary review list at the same time in 2012.
In order to land safely and smoothly, both Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun had a secret talk with Zhou Yutang and reached a certain tacit understanding in private.
Therefore, movies produced by the Koto Group often feature the two giants China Film and Film Group.
It's a pity that it couldn't be promoted during Han Sanye's term, and the momentum is almost over now.
Hearing Ren Zhonglun talk about this, Zhou Yutang couldn't help but chuckle and said: "Director Ren, if I want to play with this, I won't trouble you."
"You're right."
Ren Zhonglun was stunned for a moment, then laughed.
Bald Xu relied on a series of "囧" to perform a very beautiful capital operation.
Jiangdong Entertainment in the hands of Zhou Yutang is a behemoth in the entertainment industry. It has many popular film and television resources. If it really wants to operate, the subsidiary company can just make a few moves and harvest leeks easily.
Taking a sip of clear tea, Ren Zhonglun continued to talk about his ambitious plan: "I plan to integrate and operate the trading rights of the Shanghai Film Festival in the next step."
Zhou Yutang was a little interested.
The Shanghai Film Festival is the only international A-class film festival in China.
Why has it always been so unimpressive?
Movies are art, but also a capital game driven by interests.
An international film festival wants to enhance its influence.
The most important thing is to provide a platform for cooperation and trading for investment companies, film and television project workers, and international buyers in addition to the award-giving process.
And there is a fundamental flaw in the Shanghai Film Festival, that is, its film trading market is not tied to the film festival.
Like the Berlin Film Festival abroad, once the two parties reach an agreement, they can trade.
At the Shanghai Film Festival, if you want to trade copyrights, you have to apply for approval first, and then go through the procedures of various departments, which is greatly affected by the unique system of China.
Just like this year's Shanghai Film Festival, Zhou Yutang's Jiangdong Entertainment actually accounted for more than 90% of the transaction volume.
This is the result of his use of connections to promote it.
It is hard to imagine this at a foreign film festival like Berlin, where the transaction volume is easily 80 or 90 million US dollars.
"The film festival is the best place to promote films and trade, and this is the real value of the Shanghai Film Festival in the future!"
Ren Zhonglun's tone was passionate, and he really had some of the domineering spirit of the Shanghai Film CEO.
"Mr. Ren, your opinion is great." Zhou Yutang admired him sincerely.
"It will be next year. If there is a project, bring it to Shanghai Film."
"If there is a chance, I will definitely cooperate with Mr. Ren."
Zhou Yutang rarely saw Ren Zhonglun so high-spirited.
If the Shanghai Film Festival can have greater trading power, it will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the entire Chinese film industry.
While listening carefully, Zhou Yutang also expressed his own views from time to time.
In the end, Ren Zhonglun received a call from his secretary, and the conversation did not continue to go deeper.
Otherwise, this matter is too complicated and involves too many things. I am afraid that we may not be able to discuss a conclusion even if we talk until the evening.
Ni Ni followed Zhou Yutang to see Ren Zhonglun off, and asked with a smile in the elevator: "Boss, it's rare to see you talking to Director Ren for so long."
"Ren Zhonglun is very ambitious."
"Then are we going to lean towards Shanghai Film Studio between China Film Studio and Shanghai Film Studio in the future?"
Ni Ni suddenly spoke, causing Zhou Yutang to look sideways and shake his head and laugh.
As the elevator was rising, he taught Ni Ni a lesson.
China Film Studio and Shanghai Film Studio are harmonious on the surface, but to some extent they are also in a competitive relationship.
When Han Sanping was in office, he could firmly suppress Ren Zhonglun. Now, La Peikang, in the words of President Han, has more Confucian spirit than domineering spirit.
As Zhou Yutang's secretary, the things she came into contact with determined her vision and pattern.
The lower circles in the entertainment industry have their own struggles for petty gains.
The upper-middle class also has the same resource squeeze and tearing.
At the top of the pyramid, there are still games and battles between big figures.
It's just that
Compared to those unpresentable fights, this kind of battle between big men involves power and the formulation of industry rules.
This is undoubtedly more thrilling and makes Ni Ni's heart waver.
From this side angle, the man next to her is perfect like an impeccable sculpture.
In addition to his handsome appearance, his deep scheming is more like a poison that can intoxicate people.
Ni Ni retracted her gaze, brushed the hair by her ears, and forced herself to calm down.
While she was thinking rationally, her long legs wrapped in flesh-colored stockings crossed and closed, and her toes lightly touched the ground, and her movements were full of charm.
Reflected in the elevator mirror, it unconsciously attracted Zhou Yutang's attention.
The numbers were jumping quickly until "8", when Ni Ni seemed to be curious and asked: "Boss, how are you going to stand?"
Ding!
The elevator door opened.
Zhou Yutang strode out with a gentle smile on his face: "My position is right there, no need to take sides."
"Nirvana in Fire" finally ended, and the official Weibo account reposted the news immediately.
The main actors of "Nirvana in Fire" also reposted the Weibo to celebrate the happy ending.
The audience wanted to see Lin Shu survive and be with Princess Nihuang.
The result was not as expected.
After Lin Shu rehabilitated the Red Flame Army, the enemy invaded and the border was in danger. He led the troops personally to protect Daliang in a tragic and decisive way and died on the battlefield.
After being Mei Changsu for so long, it was a kind of romance to end the show in the way of Lin Shu, who had once pulled a long bow and subdued a fierce horse.
It just touched many viewers who had been watching the show in front of the TV for more than a month.
Many viewers cried.
This ending can be said to be BE aesthetics. The ratings broke a new high that night and triggered online public opinion.
Director Kong Sheng once again established the quality reputation of Noon Sunshine.
The acting skills of the lead actor Hu Ge were recognized, and Wang Kaikai became more popular because of his role as Prince Jing, reaching the peak of his acting career.
With the two hit dramas "Why Sheng Xiaomo" and "Nirvana in Fire", Wang Kaikai is now a stable first-line actor in the circle.
Endorsements, film remuneration, etc. are all taking off.
The industry is all impressed by Zhou Yutang's terrifying ability to create stars.
Zhang Ruojun and Zhu Yilong were both brought up by him, and later Chen Xiao and Li Jian were also first-line actors.
With the addition of Kaikai Wang, Jiangdong Entertainment is booming.
Of course, even the supporting actors have benefited from this drama.
The fate of many actors who were not famous before has changed.
Teacher Wang Jinsong, who played the role of Yan Hou, who is cold on the outside but warm on the inside and cares about the world, vividly; Liu Yijun, who plays the role of Ning Guo Hou Xie Yu, who is obsessed with power and plays with people's hearts; Wang Ou, who plays the role of Qin Prajna, who is full of charm...
Having participated in such a hit film and television project, their resumes have been added with a strong stroke of ink, and many crews have extended olive branches to them.
Shanghai TV is in high spirits, because of the popular "Nirvana in Fire", it has occupied the throne of the first-line TV station in China alternately with Jiangsu Province for more than a month.
But recently, a certain Shanghai celebrity suddenly broke out a big thunder.
The ex-wife of Zhou, who is famous for his Shanghai-style clean talk, publicly revealed explosive news on Weibo:
"Zhou Libo is indeed an excellent actor, who talks nonsense and confuses right and wrong.
Okay, I will uncover your "painted skin" one by one! Let's see if you are a human or a ghost, and let the world judge!
Please remember: "Facts speak louder than words", don't you feel ashamed when you tell lies? In this bright and clear world, how can you confuse right and wrong?"
The eloquent little essay can be called Thor's hammer.
No one expected that Zhou Libo, who claimed to be elegant and elegant, actually had a 4-year history of blasphemy.
"The Magic City TV Station has escaped a disaster."
Zhou Yutang was in the office, flipping through the online comments, almost all of which were scolding.
There are also many passers-by with a sense of justice who left messages on the websites of relevant departments to ban him.
I can only say that it was a great job.
Ni Ni beside him sighed, "Blueberry TV is in bad luck."
Zhou Libo was a famous figure in Shanghai circle at that time, but he was later poached by Zhejiang Blueberry TV at a high price.
The ratings of the show in recent years can only be said to be average under the pressure of several ace variety shows of Mingjie Company.
There is a red-headed document from above.
Any artist involved in malfeasance will be banned from performing arts within three years.
How many three years can a star have?
Zhou Libo was ruined, but the glory of the past few years has made him earn money that ordinary people can hardly reach in their lifetime.
"Sooner or later, something will happen."
"Boss, why are you so sure?"
"People who touch this thing will not have a good end."
Signing with Jiangdong Entertainment did not seem to change Zhang Ruolan's life much.
The crew was making secret preparations and had not disclosed too much information to the public.
She first went back to school, handled the leave of absence procedures, and then went to the mountain school for intensive training for this role.
Zhang Ruolan didn't really understand the value of Shanxia Academy.
But she checked the relevant information on the Internet privately, and then summarized the key information through the envious tone of her best friend Zhang Yuxi, and the first time she met the three-time Golden Horse Award winner Zhou Gongzi in her acting class.
This is a very mysterious acting training institution. Liu Yifei, Jing Tian, Li Xin and others have all received acting training in Shanxia Academy.
There are very powerful professors from the Central Academy of Drama who provide one-on-one guidance on acting. Even Zhou Gongzi will come to teach people when she has time.
This made Zhang Ruolan, who had just entered this circle, feel a little at a loss.
Liu Yifei, Liu Shishi, Zhou Gongzi and others are all figures in the entertainment industry.
She asked Zhou Shufang cautiously: "Director Zhou, this school at the foot of the mountain is very expensive, right?"
"The tuition fee is about hundreds of thousands a year, you don't have to worry about that."
With a beep, Zhou Shufang opened the password lock of the apartment and said with a smile: "Director Zhou has explained that there is only one thing you need to do now, that is, to experience what acting is under the guidance of Teacher Liu Tianchi."
"How is it? Is it difficult?"
"Teacher Liu is very good, I don't know if I can meet her requirements."
Zhang Ruolan always felt a little embarrassed and a little worried.
Not only Zhang Yuxi, but also her friends felt that she was hit by a pie in the sky.
The heroine of Jiangdong Grand Commander's new play is the new fish girl, isn't she about to ascend to heaven?
During this period.
The most shocked are the parents at home.
The two once suspected that their daughter was defrauded. Fortunately, they were small business owners with quick minds. After receiving Zhou Shufang's call, they digested the fact that their ordinary daughter was going to be a star.
The most excited ones were her two younger sisters and brother.
They all asked her for Zhou Yutang's autograph, which made Zhang Ruolan extremely embarrassed.
I just met Governor Zhou once.
She had already moved out of Zhang Yuxi's house.
It's not that the friendship between the besties broke down, but it's always inconvenient to live in someone else's house for a long time.
Besides, the company arranged a free residence for her.
"Don't worry, it must be difficult at the beginning."
Zhou Shufang took her to see the house enthusiastically and helped her carry the suitcase in: "But Mr. Zhou's vision has never been wrong. Since he chose you as his heroine, you should trust him. What about the other luggage?"
"Well, there's not much luggage."
Zhang Ruolan took the suitcase from Zhou Shufang very considerately and showed her a bright smile: "Sorry to bother Director Zhou, I'll go buy some daily necessities later."
It's about 90 square meters of single apartment, with simple decoration, complete furniture, and brand new home appliances.
It has everything you need, you can move in directly with your luggage, mainly because it is close to the Shanxia School.
"No way, I'll take you to buy it."
Zhou Shufang took Zhang Ruolan to a nearby shopping mall without saying anything and arranged everything for her.
She had just signed the contract and was just an amateur, so the company hadn't arranged an agent for her yet.
Zhou Shufang, the director of the artist department, was so thoughtful and considerate that Zhang Ruolan was deeply moved and soon regarded her as a close sister.
"Sister Fang, you are so kind to me."
"We are all family, why are you being polite?"
Zhou Shufang patted Zhang Ruolan's hand and smiled meaningfully: "Maybe, I will have to rely on you in the future."