Chapter 9595. Oriental MGM, please take me with you

April 1, 2003, today is April Fools' Day, and also the fourth day since Eric came to China.

In the past four days, he visited many scenic spots in Yanjing. There was no crowd and he could shout and scream as much as he wanted. It felt great.

But early this morning, a somewhat sad news came.

On the Internet and in newspapers, news about the suicide of Hong Kong superstar Leslie Cheung occupied the front pages of major newspapers.

Eric then remembered that today was the day Leslie Cheung passed away. When he learned the news as a child, he didn't feel anything.

Although I have watched classic movies such as "A Better Tomorrow", "A Chinese Odyssey" and "A Chinese Odyssey", at that time I only paid attention to whether they were fun or not. I couldn't remember the names of the stars except for a few such as Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, Madonna, etc.

Eric remembered Madonna because his father liked her song and he heard it many times.

It was not until I grew up and got to know Leslie Cheung that I realized how unfortunate it was that such a star committed suicide.

Public opinion, no matter what era, is an invisible weapon that can kill people.

Chen Xing didn't react at all. He didn't even know who Leslie Cheung was. After taking a look, he continued to eat heartily. It would probably take Peter O'Toole's death for him to be distracted for a few minutes.

Eric just ate a little and sighed with regret.

After breakfast, Susan arrived and the three of them took a car to Yanjing City.

The inspection by the government agency was very strict, and the three people underwent rigorous testing before they were able to successfully enter the office building.

In the lobby on the first floor, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng were already waiting there.

After the last dinner, especially after MGM started to transfer money, the two of them worked at full capacity, suspended all non-essential work at hand, and ran back and forth for four days before finally completing the communication work.

Eric came here today to meet with relevant departments in Yanjing City to formally discuss cooperation matters.

Seeing the three people coming in, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng hurried over, and the latter said, "The secretary is waiting in the conference room upstairs, come with me."

Walking to the elevator, Han Sanping said, "Eric, today's negotiation meeting is a two-in-one. Not only is Secretary Li here, but Director Wang of our bureau is also here. It's best if we can reach an agreement on both projects at once."

"Is your leader here too?"

Eric asked with a smile, indicating that the more the other party values ​​it, the greater the possibility of success.

"He's not a senior leader, but our deputy director who is in charge of business. The senior leader is not in Yanjing, but he also knows about this matter and expressed his support for it."

Eric nodded. "It's fine as long as I can represent you. It doesn't matter who I talk to. But when the final decision is made, can we do without the signature of your leader?"

"Don't worry about that. He will be back in a few days. I have already reported that you will stay in Yanjing for a week at most. You will definitely be able to catch up."

As soon as Han Sanping finished speaking, the elevator door opened. As the group entered the corridor, they saw several middle-aged men in cadre uniforms waiting there. There were several people standing behind them, some carrying bags and some taking photos.

It was also Eric's first time. Just as he was thinking about saying something to say hello, his hand was grabbed by the leading secretary.

"Hello Mr. Cooper, you are very welcome."

Several other leaders also shook hands one by one. They are all important figures who can decide the food, clothing, housing and transportation of millions of people.

Then everyone entered the conference room and took their seats, with an identity card in front of each person.

Han Sanping, who is able to call the shots in the entertainment industry, and Zhou Xiaopeng, who has the power of life and death in the Yanjing media system, can only sit at the left and right edges of this table.

Since the two of them were directly recruited by the project, they were allowed to sit at the table. The identity cards in front of them did not have their personal names written on them, but the names of their units.

But the most special one was Susan. The signs in front of others were all in Chinese, but hers was in English. There was no way she couldn't understand Chinese, so she brought a special translator to this meeting.

"Mr. Cooper, this is our first meeting. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would have found it hard to believe that the vice president of a multi-billion dollar company is so young. As we Chinese say, this is called 'young people are to be feared'!"

Eric smiled and said, "Many things just happened to be standing at that corner, and then happened to do those things. Fortunately, MGM is doing well now. Although it has not yet restored its former glory, I believe it will in the future."

"This is just like China. Ancient China was the world's economic and cultural center and had a significant impact on the whole world. I believe that China in the future will definitely restore its former glory and become one of the world's most important economic centers and entertainment and cultural centers."

"It seems that Mr. Cooper knows Huaxia very well."

"Yes, at least I think so. Otherwise, I would not have persuaded my father to set up a branch in China, because I can see the huge potential of this market."

Everyone was carrying the fancy sedan, the cameras nearby were clicking non-stop, and after a few polite words, the meeting got down to business.

Director Wang said, "Let me first talk about the establishment of a joint venture. Sanping reported this matter more than half a month ago. It's a good idea, and we agree with it in principle."

"I met with Ms. Susan a few days ago and had a detailed discussion. We also discussed the first draft of the plan internally and agreed to it in principle."

"There are some places where we hope to get more favorable terms."

It is normal to have conditions. Negotiation is a process of bidding and bargaining. As long as they are not excessive, it's fine.

"Speaking!"

"First of all, it's a technical issue, which is what Chinese films lack the most at present. I think the cooperation approach in the plan is still too conservative, and the scale can be appropriately relaxed."

"I suggest increasing the number of directors who come to MGM for exchange and study from two to five each year, and adding more professionals in management positions, 3D technology, screenwriting, etc. Only by learning as much as possible can we promote the early rise of Chinese films."

"The other issue is the film distribution. I'm not afraid of being laughed at. We have actually been exploring global distribution, hoping to find a suitable way, but unfortunately we have never succeeded."

"If Chinese films want to expand their cultural influence around the world, they can only rely on foreign companies, but having to look up to others is not easy."

"So Mr. Eric, my second idea is that I hope MGM can help China gradually establish a distribution network, starting with North America."

Director Wang's two suggestions were indeed for the future of Chinese films, and everyone present understood this.

And if everything goes according to track, almost ten years later, this talent training program will indeed be launched.

For example, Guo Fan, Chen Sicheng, Xiao Yang, Yu Baimei and others were all international students in Hollywood at that time. After returning, they also submitted their answers. As for whether the audience is satisfied or not, it depends on personal taste.

It's a good idea, but it's too simplistic.

After taking a sip of water, Eric organized his words: "Director Wang, there is no problem with your first suggestion. MGM can even help you contact more major Hollywood companies."

"If you want to learn animation production, I can help you contact DreamWorks. For special effects, I can help you contact Weta Digital. They are both top-notch in their respective fields."

"The number of people is not a problem. After all, you are paying tuition, not eating for free."

There was a burst of laughter in the meeting hall.

“But as for the question of establishing a distribution network, frankly speaking, it is difficult because there are too many factors involved.”

"There are cultural differences, different laws in different countries, different ways of sharing box office revenue, various distribution methods, and varying film quality."

"I hope to treat this matter with a more responsible attitude, rather than simply agreeing and then perfunctorily treating you."

"Based on my experience, the most likely outcome of this incident is that Huaxia has spent a lot of manpower, material resources and financial resources, but the film's distribution can only be distributed in the Chinese community in the end."

"So it can be done. MGM is willing to help you make connections, but it's best not to have too high expectations. Do you understand what I mean?"

Eric said this to help you understand the situation first and then not argue about it. Don’t blame me for not contributing when you fail to accomplish something.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

To his surprise, Director Wang did not show any dissatisfaction, but accepted it very sincerely.

"Mr. Eric, we Chinese have an old saying that where there is a will, there is a way. Even if the result is bad, it is better than doing nothing. The road is built one by one, don't you think?"

Since Director Wang has made his attitude clear, Eric doesn't care. He is not working for nothing anyway.

If MGM helps China expand its market in North America, China will naturally give MGM the green light, which will be mutually beneficial.

"Okay, then add these two clauses to the contract."

At the side, Han Sanping's heart suddenly settled down. Although he didn't say a word, his attention was highly focused.

Once the joint venture is done, I will have achievements to show for myself. If I ask my leader for help, maybe I can be promoted this year.

Director Wang also smiled instantly: "Mr. Eric, I wish us a happy cooperation in advance. Secretary Li, that's all I have to say. Please tell me your story."

Secretary Li also had a smile on his face. Well begun is half the success.

Although it was their first meeting, the young man in front of him gave him a sense of efficiency and pragmatism, unlike some of the boastful and boastful liars he had met before.

When they are negotiating, they are all boastful, but when it comes to paying the money, they always come up with this excuse or that excuse and drag their feet.

"Mr. Cooper, on behalf of the Yanjing Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, I welcome your investment in building a factory. I won't say anything more. Let's just look at the map. These are three pieces of land suitable for industrial use around Yanjing. You can pick one first."

The lights in the conference room were turned off, and a projector slowly lowered in front of everyone, revealing a planning map of the Yanjing area in front of Eric.

The director of the Land Bureau walked over, holding a laser pen in his hand, and the red dot fell on the land and began to explain the situation.

After more than ten minutes, after listening to the pros and cons analysis, Eric had made a decision in his mind.

"Secretary Li, the main purpose of MGM's investment in building a factory this time is to serve various peripheral production in the future."

"The cost of manpower, material resources and other aspects in China is much more favorable than that in the United States, so I plan to move the production line here in the future."

“Although the first phase of the project only covers 500 mu of land and the investment is only 50 million US dollars, it will definitely be expanded as the project develops.”

"I expect the factory to at least double or even triple its capacity within two years, so reserving land is my main concern. Site No. 3 is good, but I need you to spend more time on this aspect."

Secretary Li nodded and said, "That's not a problem. Our current policy is to encourage investment. Mr. Cooper just needs to get the funds in place as soon as possible. The government will take care of all the other things for you."

"Thank you very much. The money will definitely arrive soon. Susan will register the company in the next few days. As soon as the account is opened, MGM's advance funds will come in."

"But I definitely can't stay in Yanjing for a long time. After I leave, Susan will be fully responsible for the business here. I hope the municipal party committee and government will take care of it at that time."

"No problem. Whichever department needs cooperation will do its best to cooperate. Whichever leader needs coordination will come forward. All the preferential policies you deserve will be guaranteed. If the difficulties cannot be resolved, let Ms. Susan call me directly."

"Hahahaha. I feel relieved when you say that."

We discussed a lot of details and talked for more than two hours, and basically agreed on the matters that needed attention.

Secretary Li said, "Since the matter has been basically finalized, let's complete the contract in the next few days, sign it before Mr. Cooper leaves, and then hold a joint press conference. What do you think?"

"I have no objection. I'll follow Secretary Li's arrangements."

Secretary Li burst out laughing: "Mr. Cooper, when we just met, I said that you are young and promising, but that is our Chinese tradition, a polite way of praising our guests."

"But after this exchange, I must say this again with all my heart. You don't look immature at all like a 20-something. When I was your age, I was still the village party secretary."

"Let alone a $50 million investment, even if I were asked to approve a 5,000 yuan note, I would have to think about it for ten days or half a month, for fear of making a mistake and getting upset."

"Young people are still bold and have the courage to think and act."

Director Wang looked at the time and said, "Okay, Secretary Li, we'll talk about it later at the dinner table. We put a lot of effort into recruiting MGM this time."

"If Sanping hadn't maintained communication with them and given you the good opportunity at the first opportunity, this project might have ended up in Tianjin."

"Although Yanjing is the center, you don't have an outlet to the sea. MGM's products are definitely sold all over the world, so you have to drink three cups first."

Everyone in the conference room burst into laughter.

Eric naturally understood what Director Wang said. In the future, MGM will inevitably build more factories in China. The first one will be located in Yanjing for political policy considerations, and the next ones will be Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other places.

As the world's factory, with a huge demographic dividend and exaggerated cost compression, this place will soon become a place that companies from all over the world will flock to.

(End of this chapter)