vstars Chapter 101 No Special Treatment
Chapter 101 No Special Treatment
Chapter 101 No Special Treatment
The night breeze was still a bit chilly at the entrance of the Yanjing Hotel.
After seeing Han Sanping off, Gong Yu took out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, pulled one out and handed it to Ren Pingsheng, then lit one for himself.
"This meal today," Gong Yu exhaled a puff of smoke, "was worth it."
"If the Youth Image Project can really be done in collaboration with China Film Group, iQiyi will have a solid foundation in original content."
He patted Ren Pingsheng's arm and said sincerely, "Pingsheng, thanks."
"Mr. Gong, you're too kind. It's a mutually beneficial matter," Ren Pingsheng flicked his cigarette ash. "But Mr. Gong, since we're going to hold a public selection, there will definitely be a lot of promising talents emerging. Don't just focus on the project and end up doing all the work for someone else."
"What do you mean?"
"Take advantage of the good quality and low prices, and invest directly in any promising projects you see," Ren Pingsheng said, looking at him. "Don't bother with any project-based contracts. Investing in the future is always more worthwhile than buying out the present."
"Like voting for your life's work?" Gong Yu said half-jokingly, "Aren't you afraid of stealing my resources by helping your colleagues like this?"
"It only makes sense to be the leader when there are many sheep," Ren Pingsheng stubbed out his cigarette, a sly glint in his eyes. "Besides, if President Gong is eating meat, I can also have some soup and contribute along with him."
Gong Yu was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter, pointing at Ren Pingsheng and shaking his head repeatedly, "You! Fine, once Chairman Han and I have finalized the follow-up, we'll let you know as soon as we have any news."
The two said goodbye at the entrance of the restaurant.
Ren Pingsheng hailed a taxi, leaned back in the seat, and went over the events of the dinner party that evening.
Youth Image Project.
To put it bluntly, this thing is essentially the same as the "11 Degrees Youth Film Campaign" jointly launched by Youku and China Film Group in the previous life.
All of these involve China Film Group endorsing the project, video platforms providing the channels and driving traffic, and sponsors footing the bill.
However, 11 Degrees of Youth is by invitation only, and it only invites young directors like Xiao Yang, Zhang Yadong, and Ning Caishen, who already have a certain reputation and a body of work in the industry.
It has high barriers to entry, a small circle, and operates on an elite route.
The proposal he put forward tonight is closer to a preliminary selection process.
It has low barriers to entry and broad coverage, allowing anyone with an idea to participate.
Both models have their advantages and disadvantages.
However, this lifetime's open selection has a huge advantage that the invitation system of the previous lifetime did not have.
He has already set a benchmark for the industry with "Old Boys" and done a good job of educating the market.
Viewers know what a short film should look like, creators know which direction to focus their efforts on, and video platforms know that this can make money.
Moreover, this is not only helping iQiyi and China Film Group, but also paving the way for himself.
Zhang Yibo asked him what his next project would be, but he had no idea.
There is now.
If this works out, he will definitely take the lead in the competition.
The goal is clear: to secure the "support for theatrical film production" promised by China Film Group!
Based on his past experience and current situation, once the funding arrives, it will be more than enough to make a low- to medium-budget theatrical film.
But simply making a movie isn't enough; you have to sell it.
The prerequisite for selling is that major cinema chains are willing to help you sell it.
As a startup company that has only ever produced online videos, Shengpingshi clearly does not possess such industry standing and distribution capabilities.
Ren Pingsheng is not like Feng Xiaogang or Zhang Yimou; audiences won't buy tickets because of his name.
Therefore, having China Film Group as a backer is the best solution for him to enter the cinema industry.
As China's only national-level film group, China Film Group Corporation (CFGC) distributes more than 60% of the country's total box office revenue each year.
It has deep partnerships with all major cinema chains, which is something no private distribution company can match.
Not to mention that Han Sanping also holds the rights to screen imported blockbusters.
Whichever theater chain listens to you gets priority screenings of Hollywood blockbusters. Whichever chain doesn't, you can forget about getting enough copies and good showings.
The success of "Love is Not Blind" in its previous life, despite its limited budget, was due not only to its effective marketing but also to the crucial role played by China Film Group's distribution support.
Of course, all of this is predicated on the premise that both you and your work are recognized by Han Sanping.
In terms of the work itself, "Old Boys" is a pretty good answer.
But that's not enough. To truly secure his place in the competition, he needs to make another film, one that stands out from the crowd.
This matter needs to be handled with care. There are many talented people in the world. If things go wrong, it will not only damage the reputation of the film, but also Han Sanping's trust in him.
Trust is something that is incredibly difficult to build, but can be destroyed in just one instance.
As for people...
My performance at the dinner party just now was half the battle won.
Where is your other half?
"Go and win an award."
He remembered Han Sanping's words before he left.
It seems I absolutely have to go to the Golden Roc Awards in May.
Within the system, winning an award is never just about honor.
It's a pass that proves you're recognized, accepted, and allowed to enter a higher level of the game.
The next afternoon.
The studio door was pushed open, and Wang Li walked in front, followed by a woman in a black trench coat.
The woman took off her sunglasses, revealing a naturally alluring face.
Holy crap!
Bai Ke, who was eating a pancake at his workstation, suddenly stood up, his eyes wide open. "Liu Xiangjun! Oh no... Zou Xiaodie... no... Teacher Guo Zhenni."
He became more and more excited as he spoke, even getting confused about the character names. "I grew up watching your TV dramas! When I was little, I watched 'The Mute Bride' with my grandma every day. The character you played..."
'
Snapped!
Da Peng slapped Bai Ke on the back of the head, cutting him off abruptly.
"Can't you speak properly? He looks much younger than you. What do you mean by 'grown up watching his shows'?" Da Peng glared at him, exasperated. "Besides, stop making such a fuss and embarrassing our punk brothers, okay? Don't you have to wear a mask and sunglasses when you go out these days?"
While this statement may be somewhat exaggerated, after the explosive popularity of "Old Boys," Dapeng and Bai Ke did indeed become the subject of heated discussions across the internet, and the probability of them being recognized on the street was quite high.
Bai Ke awkwardly scratched his head and sat back down. Xiao Ai watched this scene from the side, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes, thinking that when she could also get the treatment of wearing sunglasses when going out.
Guo Zhenni chuckled at the antics of the two comedians, and the slight tension she had felt about meeting her new boss instantly dissipated.
Ren Pingsheng stood up, nodded to Guo Zhenni, and said, "Sister Zhenni, please sit down."
Guo Zhenni smiled politely and sat down opposite the tea table.
Her temperament is different from Tong Liya's; she is more composed and has a greater sense of distance.
"Director Ren, I'm a straightforward person, please don't mind me," Guo Zhenni said without beating around the bush. "I've been following Yaya's situation closely, and I've also watched your 'Old Boy,' which was indeed very well made."
She paused for a moment, "But what I care more about is my future career path."
"If I join Shengping TV, how will the company arrange things for me? Will I be able to make short films like Ya-Ya, or will I continue to focus on television dramas?"
This is a very real problem.
If LifeVision cannot provide her with a better platform than she has now, she has no reason to join.
Which one do you want?
Guo Zhenni did not answer directly, "If you make a short film, how long will it take to get it onto the big screen?"
"It could be as fast as one year, or as slow as two years."
"What if you continue making TV dramas? Does the company have the resources for that?"
Ren Pingsheng poured her a cup of tea and pushed it towards her.
"Sister Zhenni, to be honest with you, Shengping Vision's core business is indeed online content, but we won't just focus on online content."
He didn't just make empty promises; he presented what had already been achieved.
"The company is currently in talks with Tencent and Baidu iQiyi for financing. Once the funds are in place, we will expand our team and begin preparations for theatrical films. I just met with Chairman Han of China Film Group yesterday, and there will be in-depth cooperation in the future."
Guo Zhenni's eyes flickered; it was China Film Group.
Regarding television dramas, Ren Pingsheng continued, "We don't have our own projects yet, but that doesn't mean we won't in the future. Moreover, before an internal project is launched, we will help our artists connect with external resources, and once the internal project is launched, it will be given priority to our artists."
He looked at Guo Zhenni and said, "To put it bluntly, the roles you can get now will still be available in the future. But what Lifetime Entertainment can give you is something that Sister Wang alone cannot provide."
Guo Zhenni was silent for a few seconds. "What are the terms of Ya Ya's contract?"
"Divided into 60/40, five years."
"Me too?"
"The same standards apply to all non-top-tier artists; there are no exceptions."
This statement is both a rule and an attitude.
Whether you come or not, these are the conditions. Sign it if you want, don't if you don't.
No one begged her.
On the other hand, a boss who sets firm terms and treats everyone equally is much more reliable than a company that discriminates based on personal connections.
Today they might make an exception and offer you a high price, tomorrow they might make an exception for someone else, and in the end no one will take the rules seriously.
Guo Zhenni glanced at Wang Li.
Wang Li didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly.
"Alright," Guo Zhenni stood up, extended her hand, "then I'll have to trouble you to take care of me, Mr. Ren."
Ren Pingsheng shook hands briefly, then decisively released them. "Welcome to the team."
There were no unnecessary formalities, no sentimental promises; the matter was settled in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Wang Li watched from the side and quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Before she came, her biggest fear was that the negotiations between the two sides would fall apart. Guo Zhenni was stubborn, and Ren Pingsheng was a tough nut to crack. If they really clashed, neither of them would give way, and she would be caught in the middle, not pleasing either side.
Fortunately, both of them are sensible people.
Dealing with other sensible people is easier.
While Guo Zhenni was in the restroom, Ren Pingsheng called out to Wang Li.
"Sister Wang, after Zhenni's contract is settled, sign Yin Zheng, Zhang Xiaofei, and Qiao Xiang's contracts as well, with the same terms: 60/40 profit split, five-year term."
Wang Li nodded and noted it down. "I'll contact Yin Zheng and Zhang Xiaofei. As for Qiao Xiang..."
"7
"Qiao Xiang, just ask Bai Ke for his contact information. We're all on the same side."
2
"it is good."
Wang Li turned to get busy, while Ren Pingsheng sat back down at his workstation and stared blankly at the computer screen for a while.
Guo Zhenni's questions reminded him of something.
To expand the talent agency business, it's necessary to find work for the artists under its management.
At present, the market for micro-films and web dramas is only so big, and there aren't many actors that can be absorbed into it.
But TV dramas are different. A TV drama with dozens of episodes can support a large number of artists, including the main actors and supporting actors.
Moreover, TV dramas have a long exposure period; a hit drama can keep actors in front of the audience for one or two months. This kind of continuous exposure is something that micro-movies cannot provide.
I was so busy with "Old Boys" and the domain name issue that I forgot about the copyright of "Scarlet Heart".
I wonder how things are going with Tangren Media's negotiations with Tonghua and Shanda.
He still has a chance if the copyright issue is not resolved.
If Tangren has already taken over... then we need to change our approach.
In any case, we need to find out more about this.
Ren Pingsheng picked up his phone, scrolled through his contacts, and found a name.
Lin Gengxin.
He pressed the dial button.
Beep... Beep... Beep...
"Lin Gou, what have you been up to lately? I'm going to Shanghai next week, let's grab a bite to eat."
"Uh...Brother Sheng?"
Lin Gengxin's voice sounded tired, completely lacking its usual vitality.
"Eat? Sure, I also have a lot of grievances I want to vent to. Tangren... damn, they're bullying us too much."
",