Chapter 536 No Need for Crowning
Zhao Liying was filled with emotion.
She occasionally envied her first-line colleagues who set up their own businesses, opened film and television companies, and set up studios, trying to leap from "chess pieces" to "chess players."
The entertainment industry and the world of fame and fortune is a huge whirlpool. No one doesn't want to take control of their own destiny, or even become the maker of the rules.
But more often than not, she firmly suppressed this restlessness.
With the support of Tengda Culture and being at the top of the film and television industry, we can see the real ecology of this circle more clearly and more cruelly.
Among the six major listed film and television companies today, which one does not have complex and profound backgrounds?
Huayi Company is one of the representatives of the Beijing circle. It has close ties with Huaying Group and can be regarded as an important tentacle of the official film and television marketization.
Huace Film & TV’s rapid growth is inseparable from the strong support of Dongyang Hengdian Group. It is a model of the combination of “local lords” and professional capital.
Wang Changtian, the founder of Guangguang Media, came from Peking TV Station. His natural media background and deep network of personal connections were the foundation of Guangguang's rise.
Bona Film Group and Hualu Baina are backed by super giants such as Poly Group and Hualu Group respectively, and their capital and policy advantages are self-evident.
Even the seemingly "ordinary" Ciwen Media has the powerful Gan Province Publishing and Media Group as its largest shareholder.
If celebrities want to start their own business and make the leap from being a "production factor" who relies on their "skills" to becoming a "capital operator" who controls resources and distributes profits, how can this be achieved by simply investing in one or two hit dramas and making some quick money?
What needs to be overcome is the huge gap in thinking mode, core capabilities, resource barriers and risk tolerance, which are several almost insurmountable obstacles.
Zhao Liying calmed down as her thoughts raced through her mind. Suddenly, an idea came to her mind, and she calmly asked Liu Shishi for advice:
"Sister, the rumor is going around that the entertainment industry's seventh publicly listed company will definitely be one of Tangren, Huanrui, Hairun, and Tangde. Which one do you think has the best chance of being the first to succeed?"
A look of anticipation appeared on her round little face.
Nowadays, when film and television companies go public, they basically introduce "celebrity shareholders" as a means of hyping topics and binding resources.
If we can get some high-dimensional information from Liu Shishi in advance and place a bet in advance, we might be able to make a fortune by cashing in our equity when the company goes public.
Liu Shishi was indeed attracted by this topic. She quickly went through the four film and television companies in her mind, weighing their respective strengths, backgrounds and strategies.
"It's definitely impossible for Tangren." He ruled out his own company first almost without thinking.
With the guidance of her husband, Song Ci, Ms. K has long since moved beyond simple film and television production. Tangren is actively diversifying, with its gaming and e-commerce businesses booming, and will not be going public in the near future.
"As for the remaining three..." She tilted her head slightly, and the light cast a faint shadow on her delicate collarbone.
"Hairun Pictures is a long-established powerhouse, but its development has been rather uneventful in recent years, lacking explosive points and stories that could excite the capital market."
Liu Shishi spoke a little slower, her voice calm but insightful: "As for the remaining Huanrui and Tangde... they each have their own strengths.
Someone who is good at hype, coming up with some "big production plan", and tying up many stars, is very good at catering to market tastes. Investors like to hear such stories.
Another reason is that Zhejiang Blueberry TV, with its state-owned background, is backed by unique platform resources and policy support.”
Finally, he shook his head slightly and said, "Of these two companies, I really can't say which one will go public faster."
Zhao Liying listened carefully, her mind quickly weighing the pros and cons. Liu Shishi's analysis coincided with her own judgment.
From this perspective, it seems that the olive branch that Huanrui Century extended to her before, inviting her to buy shares at a preferential price, is something she can consider next.
After all, the capital market prefers companies that can tell stories.
Just as I was about to ask a few more questions, I heard a polite reminder from the staff: "The crew of "Legend of the Fish", please prepare to enter."
Zhao Liying collected her thoughts, put on a sweet professional smile again, and said to Liu Shishi, "Sister, I'm going to walk the red carpet first. We'll talk again when we have a chance."
Liu Shishi nodded gently, watching the cherry-pink figure merge into the bustling crowd. She didn't linger for long, turning to look for her fellow crew members from "Silent Shorthand."
Originally, with her extraordinary status and unparalleled popularity, the organizers asked her to be the last performer, but she refused.
At her position, it no longer matters whether she is the last to appear or whether she occupies the center position in the media headlines.
In another corner of the backstage, she spotted several colleagues from the "Silent Shorthand" crew and stepped forward. "Teacher!"
Li Xuejian was wearing a plain Zhongshan suit with a D badge pinned to his chest. He turned his head and smiled gently, his voice still hoarse, "Shishi, you're here."
"Are you filming any new movies recently?"
"No." Li Xuejian shook his head, his eyes showing a calmness that went beyond his actor's identity.
"The organization has assigned me some other work and intends for me to shoulder the burden of the Film Association. I have no time to film for the time being."
"You seek quality over quantity, preferring less to less, and quality over quantity."
Li Xuejian laughed heartily, with a hint of admiration and teasing: "Girl, aren't you following the same pattern now?"
Liu Shishi smiled but did not deny it.
At this time, the second male and female protagonists in the play, Wang Kai and Wan Qian, also came over and greeted respectfully. "Senior Sister Shi, Teacher Li."
Although they only played supporting roles in "Silent Shorthand", the popularity of this phenomenal drama undoubtedly brought their careers to a new level.
In particular, Wan Qian benefited a lot, with film offers coming in one after another, and her status and popularity increased significantly.
Inside the Donghai Grand Theater, the lights were bright and the stars gathered. The 19th Magnolia Awards Ceremony was held here.
Liu Shishi and the "Silent Shorthand" crew members Li Xuejian, Kong Sheng, Wang Kai, Wan Qian and others sat in the front row with an excellent view.
At this moment, there was a hint of alienation in her expression, because she already knew the final outcome of the award tonight.
His heart was like a calm lake, more like a guest invited to a ceremony than a nervous competitor.
On the stage, hosts Cao Kefan and Dong Qing worked in perfect harmony with each other, and their infectious opening remarks officially kicked off the ceremony.
The humorous interludes and the review of industry development gradually livened up the atmosphere.
The awards ceremony proceeded smoothly, with awards for animation and online voting announced one by one, to bursts of applause.
Cao Kefan and Dong Qing sang with emotion and responded in unison, cleverly leading the suspense to the major award of the TV drama unit.
The names of the five "Best Screenwriter" nominees and their works were displayed in turn on the huge electronic screen.
When the words "Song Dynasty Ci "Silent Shorthand"" appeared along with the classic scenes in the play, there was an exceptionally warm applause at the scene, and many audience members showed an expression of "as expected" on their faces.
There is almost no suspense, and the winner of this award has already been decided in many people's minds.
"Next, please welcome our award presenters, the famous director Zhang Li and the famous screenwriter Wang Liping!" Dong Qing's voice was clear and penetrating.
Zhang Li is recognized as the "King of Historical Dramas" in the television industry. His representative work "The Ming Dynasty 1566" has a very high artistic standard and is deeply loved by Song Ci.
Wang Liping is a gold medal screenwriter in the circle. Her works are known for their delicate warmth. She has won the Outstanding Screenwriter Award at the 28th Feitian Awards and has extensive experience.
More importantly, the two are the chairman and judges of the jury of this year's Magnolia Awards TV Drama Unit.
The weight and authority of the "Best Screenwriter Award" presented by them are self-evident, and it can be seen that the organizers have put a lot of effort into this award.
Zhang Li and Wang Liping had a brief interaction on the stage, reviewing the importance of TV drama screenwriters and expressing their respect for all the nominees.
Then, Zhang Li said to the microphone in a steady and solemn voice, "The winner of the 19th Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Award for Best Screenwriter is..."
After a brief pause, he scanned the audience, finally stopping at the direction of the "Silent Shorthand" crew. "Silent Shorthand, Song Ci. Congratulations, Mr. Song!"
Warm applause rang out again, and the camera immediately turned to Liu Shishi.
Dong Qing replied at the right moment: "It is very regrettable that Mr. Song Ci was unable to attend the award ceremony in person due to some matters.
But we are honored to have his family, the renowned actress Liu Shishi, accept the award on his behalf. Please welcome Liu Shishi!
The audience's attention was instantly focused.
Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's face remained calm as water. She slowly stood up and adjusted the hem of her skirt. Amidst countless envious, admiring, and inquiring gazes, she walked calmly and gracefully towards the stage.
The spotlight followed her beautiful figure, and every step seemed to step on everyone's heartstrings, bringing with her an aura that needed no words.
She first walked calmly to Zhang Li and accepted the heavy Magnolia Award for Best Screenwriter, then stood in front of the microphone in the center of the stage.
The bright lights fell on her, and the trophy gleamed with golden light in her hands.
Liu Shishi took a deep breath, calmly glanced at her colleagues, bosses, and media gathered in the audience, and began her speech on behalf of the leader.
"I'm honored to accept this honor on behalf of my husband." The voice was carried throughout the venue through the microphone, clear and steady. There was not much joy that should be heard about winning the award, but it was more like stating a fact.
"The script of Silent Shorthand, for me"
Liu Shishi paused briefly, as if weighing her words, her words carrying a kind of indifference that almost looked down upon her. "It's just a small footnote among his countless fantastic ideas that happened to land in the field of film and television."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was a slight silence in the audience, and many people caught the hidden meaning in these words.
A small footnote? Countless fantastic ideas? This clearly means that her husband Song Ci's stage and achievements are far beyond the confines of a small film and television industry.
This award is just icing on the cake for him, but its deeper meaning is that he deserves the award and the Magnolia Awards should give him this honor.
"I'm very happy for him that he has been recognized by the industry," she continued, still without mentioning any thanks to the Magnolia organizing committee or the judging panel, which is extremely unusual at such award ceremonies.
"My husband often said that technology changes the world, but stories connect people," she said, quoting a line from a Song Dynasty poem, instantly elevating the narrative. "I'm grateful to everyone on the crew for transforming his words into such moving and resonant images."
Zhang Li, standing nearby, couldn't help but smile helplessly. As the chairman of the jury, he naturally understood the subtle meaning behind the performance.
Which winner would not first express gratitude to the organizers and judges with tears of gratitude?
But Liu Shishi avoided talking about it and only mentioned "industry recognition", and all she talked about was her husband's broader world.
This attitude has already shown that in her opinion, it is not Song Ci that needs this award, but this award needs the name of Song Ci to add luster to it.
After her speech, Liu Shishi remained calm and composed, holding the trophy and calmly leaving the stage to applause. Her figure left endless aftertaste and discussion among the audience, both in the audience and those watching on TV.
The award ceremony continued, but the atmosphere seemed to become subtle because of Liu Shishi's unique speech.
Immediately afterwards, Zhang Jiayi and famous director Zheng Xiaolong jointly presented the "Best Director Award".
When Zheng Xiaolong read out "Silent Shorthand, Kong Sheng," the crew area erupted in cheers again. Director Kong Sheng excitedly stood up and hugged Li Xuejian, Wang Kai and others around him.
His acceptance speech was traditional and sincere, thanking the organizing committee, judges and the entire crew, which was in stark contrast to Liu Shishi's previous speech.
Afterwards, the highly anticipated actor awards segment began.
Song Jia, who won the Best Actress award last year for her role in "The Cliff," presented this year's "Best Actress" award with director Kang Honglei.
On the big screen, the highlights of the five nominees were played one after another. When Liu Shishi's explosive monologue in "Silent Shorthand" was played, there was a lot of discussion in the audience.
In the end, the award went to veteran actress Song Dandan. Her performance in "The Happy Life of Mr. Jin" was indeed superb and won rounds of applause.
When the camera swept over Liu Shishi, she was smiling and applauding Song Dandan. Her expression was calm, without any sign of disappointment, as if everything was as expected.
Finally, actors Chen Xiaoyi and Huang Zhizhong presented the "Best Actor" award.
When Huang Zhizhong read out "Li Xuejian, "Silent Shorthand"" loudly, the audience burst into the longest and warmest applause of the night!
This is the highest tribute to an old artist with both virtue and talent who has been committed to performing arts for decades and has contributed countless classic roles.
Li Xuejian was obviously a little excited. He stood up, clenched his fists tightly, and tears flashed in his eyes.
He hugged Director Kong Sheng, Liu Shishi and others beside him one by one. He walked onto the stage and received the coveted trophy from the award presenter, his hands trembling slightly.
His acceptance speech was simple yet deeply moving: “I have waited for this award for many years.
Thanks to the organizing committee, the crew of "Silent Shorthand", director Kong Sheng, and my colleagues who worked with me.
I especially want to thank Mr. Song Ci for writing such a great script, and also thank my family for their continued support. I will continue to work hard and make better works to repay everyone!"
The sincerity and humility of the veteran artists formed a sharp contrast with the glitz of this industry, and also brought the evening party to an emotional climax.
Liu Shishi clapped her hands vigorously in the audience, sincerely happy for her teacher. Although this Best Actor trophy was, to some extent, earned by her at the expense of her own Best Actress trophy, which was "balanced" out.
But at this moment, I don’t have many regrets in my heart. Instead, I feel a sense of calmness that the dust has settled, and a sense of relief that transcends the gains and losses of awards.
Her battlefield was no longer here. The glory under the spotlight was dazzling, but those who truly controlled the situation were always those who planned and made their moves behind the scenes.
(End of this chapter)
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