Chapter 588 A New Figure

Chen Ziyan was so happy because everything at work was going smoothly.

Under her and Lu Qingzhen's management, the brokerage firm Shi Huo is thriving. It has not only signed many high-profile clients, but also pioneered many brokerage models that were previously rare.

Excluding the routine brokerage work that most brokerage firms have to handle, and instead providing high-end brokerage services—isn't that also a way to reduce costs and increase efficiency?

Just as Chen Ziyan and Lu Qingzhen initially envisioned, Shi Huo Entertainment focuses on film and television artists, gradually expanding its reach. Now, they've begun recruiting overseas artists; currently, there's only one, but with one, there will be countless others. On a smaller scale, this is opening up a relatively untapped domestic market; on a larger scale, isn't it also a window for cultural exchange?

People in many countries may not pay attention to the works of Chinese actors and singers, but they will at least glance at the activities of artists from their own countries. Why can some programs receive preferential treatment and extra support in program production simply by inviting influential overseas artists to participate in the program in China? It's simply because the relevant departments believe that they can drive overseas audiences' attention to China and their understanding of Chinese culture, allowing them to see the good and kind aspects that might have been previously blocked out.

Chen Ziyan was convinced that she had made the right move.

Therefore, she will do her best to promote Cai Na's development in China.

Once she's successful, other overseas artists will naturally want to collaborate with her.

Chen Ziyan wants to position her role in the second season of "The Squid Game" as a "signing bonus," and that's the reason why.

She wanted everyone to know that entrusting her agency contract in mainland China to Shi Huo was a worthwhile investment.

The main selling point is that it will "not let you down".

-

In mid-to-late April, the "Jump Up Theater," scheduled to premiere on the first Sunday evening of May, began a massive promotional campaign.

This time, the trailer released is not for a single film, but a montage of several films that have already been shot.

This theater seems determined to establish the concept of a theater, rather than simply piecing together several plays into a so-called theater.

Yuehu TV held a grand media conference to introduce the theater, and several of the main creators who had already been announced came to the scene to meet with everyone.

When asked why she created this theater, Chen Siqi frankly said, "First, I wanted to further enhance the popularity and influence of our Jump Up magazine and media. Second, my boyfriend is in the entertainment industry, and by creating this theater, I can benefit from his fame."

"Isn't shooting one film a week too rushed? Won't the quality of the film be very poor?" a reporter asked.

Lu Yanhe stated frankly: "The fifteen-minute segment I filmed in 'Three Mountains' was shot in one night. Filming time and quality are not absolutely proportional."

Chen Siqi explained, "The reason for a week is quite simple: to control costs and reduce risk. This way, more new directors who haven't directed before can get the opportunity to direct in this theater. Opportunities come at a cost, and no one can be a philanthropist who doesn't care about returns in a long-term project. With one film per week, such a large production volume, without compressing the production time and following the traditional film and television production model, the production costs are unsustainable for any platform, and it's almost impossible to make a profit. Therefore, we choose stories that are not complicated to shoot and can be reasonably completed within a week to adapt into scripts."

"Won't such a large production volume affect the shortage of production talent in the entertainment industry to some extent? Why choose a model of one film per week instead of one film per month? It seems that this is more likely to create high-quality films?"

"It's a very simple principle. If I want to create a high-quality production, should I hire a mature team to film it, or should I entrust it to a team that is mostly composed of newcomers?" Chen Siqi smiled slightly. "High-quality dramas have their own methods. The positioning of Jumping Theater is not like that. People shouldn't have too high expectations for Jumping Theater, thinking that it can produce some high-quality dramas. We all know that it's very difficult. Content creation is always a very risky thing. None of us know what the audience will like. But what we can guarantee is that we will definitely put in 100% sincerity and effort to create a work within the limited resources. Our hope for Jumping Theater is not that it will become a benchmark theater for high-quality dramas. We hope that it will become a cradle for creators, and that in the future, outstanding directors, screenwriters, and actors will emerge from this theater, as well as cinematographers, costume designers, lighting designers, and so on who can stand on their own."

Afterwards, senior executives from Yuehu TV and Aurora Video also took the stage for a dialogue.

When discussing why they supported the creation of such a theater, both a traditional television station and a video platform unanimously stated: "The current film and television production workforce is increasingly concentrated in a small number of individuals and teams. Especially under the influence of cost reduction and efficiency improvement, many mid-tier projects have been cut, leaving young directors and actors without opportunities to rise to prominence. The Jump Theater makes a significant contribution to this industry. It is currently a unique theater that provides large-scale opportunities for young people. As a platform, we may not earn much from this one project, but we can discover and cultivate a group of excellent production talents for our other projects. In particular, we have already discovered and signed several directors through this theater. In the long run, the returns it brings us are even greater."

-

This media conference didn't focus on the star power of traditional film and television dramas; in some ways, it was more like an industry forum.

The discussions and debates it sparked were not only among the general public, but also within the industry.

It's fair to say that the current situation in the film and television industry is not unnoticed or uncommon.

However, what others say is often seen as complaining, as someone feeling "unappreciated," or even if they realize it is indeed a problem, no one has the power to change it under the current circumstances. Even a screenwriter who is competing with others for a hit drama with a sack of money is unwilling to give a new screenwriter a chance for a pittance of a thousand yuan per episode—if they do, they will take away the credit.

By openly stating the positioning of Jump Up Theater in such a public setting, revealing their true intentions and promoting newcomers, Lu Yanhe and his group made it clear that they were going to do it, and that it was worth doing.

At this point, will the rest of you follow suit?

How to follow up?

"In any industry, the more competition there is, the more opportunities newcomers have to rise to the top, and the more prosperous it becomes. Otherwise, it will always be a case of big fish eating small fish and small fish eating shrimp. The entertainment industry, a place that creates dreams for the audience, becomes a feudal dynasty with solidified classes. Over time, it becomes full of rotten old relics, and so-called unspoken rules have emerged."

This is a Weibo post by entertainment critic Guan Suchen after the Jump Up Theater media conference.

This Weibo post has also sparked a lot of discussion.

But it was also like a needle, piercing the hearts of some people.

...

"Are you planning to make a movie for Jumping Theater?"

Liu Zhijiang, the director of "True Crossroads," is a veteran director in the industry. Even though "True Crossroads," which he made with Jiang Yuqian, did not perform well, it was just a minor failure in his resume.

Veteran directors like Liu Zhijiang usually have their own fixed team and apprentices.

In this industry, the master-apprentice system of mentorship still exists extensively. Despite being criticized, it stubbornly persists.

The real entertainment industry is actually too small, and the competition is so fierce. The nature of this industry dictates that resources will always be in the hands of a very small number of people. People are inevitably selfish. If it's not a master-apprentice relationship, why would someone pass on the skills they've honed for half their life to you, and why would they bring you into this industry?

However, some became true master and apprentice, such as the editing master and apprentice Wu Chi and Zhao Yuan.

Some, however, have changed.

Liu Zhijiang also has his own apprentice, Chen Yu. Over the years, Chen Yu has followed him, rising from assistant director to co-director.

To be fair, Liu Zhijiang felt he had treated Chen Yu quite well. He personally mentored him, taught him step by step, provided resources, and gave him opportunities; Chen Yu was involved in every project. Others who didn't get the chance to direct should just jump around looking for projects; what good was it for Chen Yu?

Chen Yu said, “Master, there’s a script at the Jumping Theater. I saw it and contacted them. They’re willing to let me direct it. I’ve always been learning from you, but I’ve never directed independently before. Now I finally have an opportunity, and I want to give it a try. The filming time for this play is only one week, so it won’t affect our company’s projects.”

Liu Zhijiang's expression was rather unpleasant.

Deep down, he really didn't want Chen Yu to film that movie.

It wasn't that he was afraid Chen Yu would go solo. If he were truly worried about that, he wouldn't have brought him along so quickly to co-direct and credit him. Liu Zhijiang just felt that if Chen Yu went to the Jumping Theater to film a movie at this time, he would lose face.

Why would Liu Zhijiang's apprentice need to go to the Jumping Theater to find opportunities?

Liu Zhijiang is a veteran in the entertainment industry, so of course he would feel embarrassed if something like this really happened.

Losing face is no small matter.

Chen Yu said, "Teacher, I'd really like to give it a try."

Since Chen Yu had already said that, Liu Zhijiang was unhappy, but he couldn't directly stop him. First, he wasn't that kind of person; he didn't necessarily want to keep everyone around him. Second, if he really stopped him, it would only make Chen Yu resentful, as if he didn't want Chen Yu to have this opportunity.

Liu Zhijiang hesitated for a moment and said, "If you want to go, of course I won't stop you. But you should think it through. Nobody knows what the quality of those shows at Jumping Theater will be. Besides, you've worked with me on so many shows, shooting one show a week. You should know how difficult it is. You were already the co-director of my last show. In my opinion, there's no need for you to use such a small production as your directorial debut. The risk is too great."

Chen Yu said, “Teacher, I have always been by your side and have received a lot of care. I have never worked alone before. If you asked me to direct a big project right away, I wouldn’t have the courage. I just felt that this project was relatively small and suitable for me to practice. After gaining experience through the Jumping Theater project, I can also prepare myself to direct feature films in the future.”

“Alright, since you’ve thought it through, then go ahead.” Liu Zhijiang nodded.

He didn't show it on his face, but he was still a little uncomfortable inside.

"Teacher," Chen Yu seemed to have something else to say.

"What's wrong?" Liu Zhijiang asked. "Are you worried I'm angry? Do you think your teacher is such a petty person?"

Although he said that, he was still unhappy inside.

Liu Zhijiang thought to himself, "If this gets out, who knows what people will say about it?"

Chen Yu smiled, a pleading look appearing on his face.

“Teacher, I’ve only communicated with them twice via video, and I don’t know Lu Yanhe and the others at all,” Chen Yu said. “I want to organize a gathering, and I would like you to introduce me to them. Otherwise, if I just go there like this, they won’t know what to think of me.”

Liu Zhijiang was taken aback.

He rolled his eyes at Chen Yu.

"Then why did you ask me to introduce you to them before you contacted them?" That way, the opportunity could be attributed to him, so as not to embarrass himself.

Chen Yu grinned shamelessly and said, "How would I know if they would want me? If they don't like me, I'd have to rely on you to put in a good word for me. That would be too embarrassing. I'd lose face, and you'd lose face too."

Liu Zhijiang looked at his student with disdain, his face showing disgust, but he felt a little relieved inside.

"Okay, then you can make the appointment yourself. Let me know when you've decided on the time and place."

Chen Yu smiled and said, "Thank you, teacher."

He added, "This play will be finished soon and won't delay our company's next project. Teacher, will you still give me the opportunity to co-direct?"

"You're already directing a film all by yourself, why would you want to co-direct with me?"

"Teacher, don't you know my own limitations? I still need to work on my skills," Chen Yu said.

Liu Zhijiang was truly relieved.

good.

Thankfully, I didn't bring along an ungrateful child.

That makes sense. At such a young age, one should have some ambition. Otherwise, if you keep following him and filming, you'll still be his student in the eyes of others, still a child who hasn't been weaned.

Liu Zhijiang looked at Chen Yu with satisfaction.

-

"It's been confirmed that you won't be in the second season of 'The Squid Game'," agent He Heng told Jiang Yuqian. "After we finish filming 'Mysterious Ghost' next month, there won't be any new filming plans. We can't keep showing our faces in overseas projects; we still need to play some more substantial roles. Right now, the only female lead role we have in the pipeline is in 'The Telephone'."

Jiang Yuqian nodded and said, "Sister Heng, Director Liu Zhijiang contacted me a few days ago and said that he has a project coming up and wants me to play the female lead. He is still finishing up the script and will send it over once it is completed. Let's give this serious consideration."

"Director Liu Zhijiang?" He Heng hesitated for a moment. "The movie you worked with him on, 'True Crossroads,' flopped so badly. Would you still be willing to work with him again?"

"Although the ratings for this drama were terrible, it wasn't so much the director's fault. That's how serious dramas are; it's just that I didn't carry the show, making people think it was a huge flop. If I hadn't been the lead, and a more established actress with less fame had played the role, people wouldn't have thought it was such a disaster," Jiang Yuqian said calmly. "This time, the subject matter he wants to film isn't serious; it's a period suspense crime drama. And I didn't immediately agree to take it. We'll make a decision once the script arrives."

He Heng then nodded.

“Director Liu is very experienced, but he's definitely not keeping up with the times and the market. His recent films haven't been very successful.” He Heng still had some reservations about continuing to work with Liu Zhijiang. “Yuqian, are you still aiming for awards?”

“No.” Jiang Yuqian shook her head decisively. “Sister Heng, I’ve thought it through very clearly about whether or not I’ll win an award. But like you said, I still need a substantial role in a drama, like ‘The Squid Game.’ I also can’t take on big productions that require me to be on set for months at a time. I can’t afford to waste my time. I need exposure to maintain my current popularity. These are the factors I consider when choosing roles, just like we discussed before. You don’t need to worry about that.”

He Heng breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

She was afraid that Jiang Yuqian would change her mind.

Jiang Yuqian: "Actually, I played two roles this year, 'Perfect Truth' and 'Mysterious Ghost Shadow,' which is about enough. However, since my roles in these two dramas were small, they were all finished in the first half of the year. So I can't keep looking for supporting roles in the second half of the year. Working with director Liu Zhijiang is good because we've become familiar with each other, and even if he's a bit out of touch with the current market, it's because of the subject matter he's working on. This time, he's willing to make a period detective drama that the market likes, so of course I can take a good look at the script again. His script is also a short drama, and the filming time seems to be only fifty or sixty days, which won't be very long."

“That’s true.” He Heng nodded. “Actually, I was thinking that maybe I could talk to Director Wu Zhouyou. If there’s a suitable role for the second season of ‘The Gold Rush,’ you could play a significant one. This show has quite a few viewers around the world. Although it’s not as good as ‘The Squid Game,’ it still has the foundation of the first season, so the second season shouldn’t be bad in terms of viewership.”

Jiang Yuqian thought for a moment and said, "Then can you help me make the contact? I can make a special appearance."

"Mm." He Heng nodded.

-

This Friday, the usually calm film market was suddenly rocked by another dark horse.

Another movie starring Xu Yiren.

There's someone under the bed.

A movie with thriller elements.

Last year, Xu Yiren rose to become a leading actress in a box office hit film with "My Home That Has Not Been Returned for a Long Time".

Unexpectedly, this year she brought another low-budget thriller that was not favored by the market before its release, which grossed 210 million yuan in its opening weekend.

For a time, many people around Lu Yanhe were discussing this movie.

He also took some time to watch the movie with Chen Siqi.

The movie's story is actually quite simple. It tells the story of a female internet celebrity, played by Xu Yiren, who is targeted and stalked by a male fan. He even sneaks into her home, spyes on her, and even interferes in her life until she discovers it... It's a story set against the backdrop of the current live-streaming era.

It shares a similar theme with "My Home That I Haven't Been Back To in a Long Time".

"Xu Yiren is indeed suitable for playing this kind of urban woman," Lu Yanhe commented. "Her acting skills have improved a lot since 'My Home That I Haven't Been Back For a Long Time'."

This actress, who is also quite demanding and difficult to work with, seems to have forged her own path.

Chen Siqi said, "Indeed, with Xu Yiren's two consecutive films of this type achieving box office success, I'm afraid that in the next three to five years, there will be a lot of stories about urban women fighting back against criminals. In fact, there have been several copycat works before, but they were poorly made and didn't make any waves. But 'Someone Under the Bed' was successful again, so it seems that this kind of subject matter really has a market."

Lu Yanhe: "It seems like 'Telephone' can benefit from this."

Chen Siqi: "That's true. When will 'The Telephone' be released?"

"We just finished filming and are rushing to finish post-production, but even at the fastest, it won't be until the end of the year," Lu Yanhe said. "If we had finished filming a few months earlier and caught the summer season, the box office might have been much higher, thanks to the influence of 'Someone Under the Bed'."

Chen Siqi: "There's no need for that. With Jiang Yuqian and Wang Jing starring and you as the screenwriter, this cast doesn't need to piggyback on other movies. Besides, 'The Telephone' is a big commercial film in itself, and the subject matter and concept are both okay. As long as it's not during the Spring Festival, it's suitable for release. If 'The Telephone' really needs to piggyback on other movies, it should be 'The Squid Game.' The female lead and the second female lead of 'The Squid Game' are starring together in a movie, so it should still generate a lot of buzz. I estimate it will generate a lot of buzz overseas as well."

Lu Yanhe nodded.

"This time, 'The Telephone' will also go to the Jose Film Festival to contact overseas film distributors and see what the market is like," said Lu Yanhe.

"Will Sister Yuqian go?" Chen Siqi asked.

Lu Yanhe: "They will go. Both she and Wang Jing will go. They both have brand sponsorships and need to attend brand events at the Jose Film Festival."

"That's great." Chen Siqi nodded. "We can invite them to our dinner party later."

At this year's Jose Film Festival, Chen Siqi is also bringing the team from "Jump Up" to organize a dinner party as a warm-up for the international film critics' forum in June.

Clearly, with two Chinese-language films, *Love Letter* and *Even Faking Death Is Not an Option*, selected for the main competition, this year's Jose Film Festival will see a large number of Chinese filmmakers. As a result, many events have been organized, such as the dinner that Chen Siqi is organizing.

-

I recommend the older book, "I Became the Leading Lady of a Scandal Overnight".

(End of this chapter)