Chapter 542 Internal Disagreement
The sun was blazing hot in the late June afternoon.
Wang Jing walked into the meeting room at Tengda headquarters and saw a scene:
The management of the two subsidiaries, Toutiao Video and Tiangong Special Effects, sat on both sides of the long table, like two negotiating parties in confrontation.
When the COO came in, the noisy whispers stopped abruptly.
"Mr. Wang." "Hello, Mr. Wang."
Amid the greetings coming one after another, Wang Jing remained calm. He nodded slightly and walked straight to the main seat and sat down.
Without a single word of greeting, she looked around the room, finally looking at the two helmsmen sitting on her left and right, and got straight to the point: "Everyone is here, let's get started.
The purpose of holding this joint meeting today is very clear: we hope that Toutiao Video and Tiangong Special Effects can work together in the animation field."
A clear and calm voice echoed in the conference room. "Any disagreements should be laid out and discussed clearly today. The group doesn't want superficial harmony, but rather avoiding internal friction and building synergy."
Hou Shen and Zhou Juan, who were named, looked at each other subconsciously and saw a hint of embarrassment in each other's eyes.
The matter had gotten to the point where the COO had to come in to coordinate, which made the two arrogant governors feel a little embarrassed.
"Mr. Zhou!" Wang Jing called out the name first. "Mr. Hou works in the Modern Building and doesn't come to headquarters often. This is half your home turf, so you should start first."
"Okay, Mr. Wang." Zhou Juan cleared her throat and began to report: "Mr. Wang, colleagues, Toutiao Video and Tiangong Special Effects have a unified vision.
That is to jointly build the Tenda Animation Universe and establish a complete closed loop from creative incubation to IP monetization."
"In terms of division of labor and positioning, Toutiao Video is an IP operator and the main traffic base, responsible for front-end IP mining, user operations, market promotion and commercial realization.
Tiangong Special Effects plays the role of IP forge and technology engine, focusing on transforming high-quality IP into top-notch audio-visual products and overcoming technical difficulties."
Wang Jing listened attentively, occasionally jotting down a note in her notebook. She commented, "The strategic plan sounds good. So, what problems have you encountered in implementing it?"
Hou Shen immediately took over the conversation, his voice becoming more urgent: "Mr. Wang, Mr. Zhou hopes to establish an internal settlement mechanism.
We hope that Tiangong Special Effects will adopt a cost price plus priority model for the headline video production project.”
Wang Jing heard this, a barely perceptible smile flashed across his face, and his tone was calm:
"From the perspective of the group's ecological development, it is normal for IP to circulate internally and be given certain resources and price discounts.
This allows Toutiao to obtain top-tier special effects support at a lower cost, while Tiangong can also hone its technology and train its team through these projects. It’s a win-win situation.”
"That's not all, Mr. Wang!" Hou Shen added quickly, speaking even faster.
"Mr. Zhou also proposed that for some key projects, he hoped that Tiangong would not charge or charge a small amount of production fees, and use production in exchange for a share of the later profits!"
As soon as these words were spoken, several executives from Tiangong Special Effects frowned, obviously dissatisfied with this.
"Mr. Hou, please calm down." Zhou Juan interrupted at the right time, trying to ease the tense atmosphere. "I proposed a production cost equity model, which is essentially an exploration of in-depth cooperation with shared risks and benefits.
This isn't about taking advantage of other departments, but about aligning the interests of both sides more closely and motivating everyone to work together to bring the project to its peak."
Zhou Juan felt really helpless. She was not greedy for the production fee, but the copyright fees for film and television were soaring. As a long video platform, Toutiao Video's financial situation has been under pressure.
This was all thanks to the group's previous help in acquiring the NBA copyright, and relying on the strong performance of the sports sector to provide financial support to the entire platform.
In this context, Toutiao Video naturally saves as much as possible in its operations, and would like to spend every penny in half.
Wang Jing's mind was as clear as a mirror. She was well aware that the two companies had a symbiotic relationship in terms of top-level strategy, but there were differences in the specific distribution of benefits and the pace of execution.
Ultimately, the root cause lies in the different KPIs used by the group to assess them.
Tiangong Special Effects, backed by Tenda's strong gaming business and film and television production, has never lacked orders and has made substantial and stable profits.
The group evaluates its technical skills and the quality of its work. It has no need and no motivation to take excessive risks for an external project.
Toutiao Video is currently in the streaming media red ocean surrounded by strong competitors such as LeTV, Youku, and iQiyi. The group evaluates it based on the number of membership growth, user retention time, and profitability.
It must launch content efficiently and acquire users desperately to maintain its leading position in the industry amid fierce competition.
Wang Jing felt a headache. This referee role was truly difficult. Her fingertips unconsciously tapped lightly on the polished tabletop. "Any other questions?"
Zhou Juan sighed softly, "Boss Wang, what we just talked about were only the differences in the general direction.
Later, Mr. Hou and I discussed this and we felt that empty talk was useless and it would be better to test the waters with a specific project first.
So we teamed up with Reading Group to prepare an animated adaptation of the top IP "Fights Break Sphere."
"'Fights Break Sphere', I know this novel. And then?" Wang Jing expressed her approval.
Hou Shen took over the report: "The three parties jointly estimated that the production budget for the first season, including copyright fees, was set at 30 million yuan.
The specific investment plan is: Reading Group, as the IP provider, will invest in the company using the animation adaptation rights of "Fights Break Sphere" as capital and pay an additional 1 million, accounting for 20% of the total investment.
As the platform and main producer, Toutiao Video invested 50%, or 15 million yuan in cash.
As the producer, Tiangong Special Effects, in order to demonstrate its sincerity and determination to share the risk, will acquire the remaining 30% share in the form of cash plus a discount on part of the technical production fee.
Future profits will also be distributed according to this investment ratio."
Wang Jing nodded. In her opinion, the framework of this plan was clear:
"As the main investor and broadcasting platform, Toutiao Video bears the main financial risks and enjoys the greatest right to profit distribution, which is reasonable."
"Mr. Wang, the problem isn't just about money!" Hou Shen unconsciously raised his voice. "The more crucial issue is the production concept! Toutiao doesn't understand animation creation at all!"
He complained bitterly: "The most crucial part of animation is special effects, especially those fighting skills and strange fire in "Fights Break Sphere". They should be presented with the best technology! This is the core of the work!"
Zhou Juan immediately retorted, her tone becoming tougher: "Mr. Hou! You have to consider the actual cost pressure!
How much does a single, top-tier special effects shot for "Buddha's Angry Lotus" cost? Hundreds of thousands! Even millions! If everything were done to movie-quality standards, the budget would be completely out of control!
We have to make some trade-offs and use simplified special effects in some non-core scenes to ensure that the project can catch up with the golden window of the summer season!"
"And the narrative rhythm!" a vice president from Tiangong Special Effects couldn't help but say, "The emotional foreshadowing and growth arcs of the characters in the original novel require a full length to present.
This is the foundation for the character to stand out. We suggest using at least one episode to lay the groundwork for Xiao Yan's early depression and..."
"No! Absolutely not!" The head of Toutiao's video content operations immediately interrupted, "The platform's big data predicts that if users don't see the famous 'broken engagement' scene of 'Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west' in the first ten minutes, it will be unbearable."
The abandonment rate will soar by over 30%! We must spark discussion and emotions in the first episode! The platform needs to be responsible for user data and retention rate! "
The two sides argued back and forth, and the focus of the dispute extended from cost control to creative leadership, and from narrative rhythm to marketing strategy.
The atmosphere in the conference room was no longer peaceful, but became tense, and the air seemed to be filled with an invisible smell of gunpowder.
Wang Jing observed calmly, her mind already understanding the situation. The essence of the conflict was a struggle between creator-centered and data-driven approaches.
Because Tiangong Special Effects has long been engaged in the game business with extremely high quality requirements, it has developed a habit of striving for excellence in projects, even to the point of being somewhat "technical hygienic";
In the fierce competition for traffic, Toutiao Video has long been accustomed to everything giving way to algorithms and user behavior data.
Just as he was concentrating on thinking and weighing how to make a decision that would take into account the demands of both parties while maintaining the strategic height of the group, there was a knock on the door of the conference room.
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Secretary Wang Jing push the door open and walk in with a look of apology and anxiety on her face.
"Mr. Wang, I'm sorry to interrupt this meeting. Mr. Song is back and wants to see you now. He sent you a message, but you may not have seen it."
"Mr. Song is back?" Wang Jing stood up in surprise and subconsciously took out her mobile phone which was on silent mode. Sure enough, she saw several unread messages.
He immediately instructed everyone present: "The meeting is temporarily suspended. Everyone, take a break and calm down."
After saying that, he quickly left the meeting room and took the elevator directly to the top floor.
The door of the chairman's office was open, and Song Ci was hunched over his desk, reviewing a pile of documents.
He looked a little dusty, with a hint of fatigue between his brows from a long journey, but his eyes were still bright and focused.
Jiang Tiantian and Jian Ning quietly assisted in processing documents, sorting and delivering them efficiently, trying to improve efficiency as much as possible.
Wang Jing knocked twice on the open door and walked in with a document. "Mr. Song, when did you arrive at the company?"
Song Ci looked up when he heard the voice, put down the pen in his hand, and smiled gently: "It's been a while."
His schedule this time was extremely tight. He first visited the United States with senior officials. After returning to China, he did not stop and went directly south to visit leaders of three provinces and seven cities in succession.
Immediately afterwards, we negotiated 4G strategic cooperation with Huawei and China Mobile.
He originally planned to meet with SF Express's Wang Wei, but was unable to do so due to the other party's schedule issues, so he flew directly to Donghai to inspect the three major research centers.
From the time I left the capital on the 8th of this month to today, the 24th, more than two weeks have passed.
Wang Jing secretly looked at the chairman, who looked a little tired but still full of energy, and handed the document to him.
He said with a sincere feeling: "Thank you for your hard work in this trip to the United States. Here is the approval document you requested."
Song Ci lowered his eyes and looked at the official document with a bright red seal in his hand, and his expression instantly became serious.
The title of the document is strikingly visible – “Approval on the Establishment of MyBank by Tenda Technology Group”.
This is the official approval document jointly issued by the People's Bank of China, the China Banking Regulatory Commission and other departments, allowing Tenda Technology to establish the first private Internet bank in China.
He carefully browsed the key terms, his fingertips lightly running across the paper for a long time, and then he sighed, "It took nearly three months, repeated communication and revisions, and finally it was approved. It was not easy.
With this license, the group's strategy for developing internet finance has truly embarked on a smooth path."
"Just leave the documents with me. I'll hand them over to Lin Haifeng in a few days."
Wang Jing nodded in agreement: "Okay. Mr. Song, if there is nothing else urgent, I will go downstairs to continue the meeting."
Song Ci asked casually, "What meeting?"
"It's just some conflicts between Toutiao Video and Tiangong Special Effects regarding their animation collaboration..."
Wang Jing took the opportunity to report to Song Ci in a concise manner the focus of the conflict between the two parties at the joint meeting, their respective positions, and the differences in the "Fights Break Sphere" project.
Finally, I took the opportunity to ask, "Mr. Song, how do you think we should coordinate this situation?"
After listening to Song Ci, he leaned back in his chair, his face showing no sign of anger:
"As a group grows in size, it's normal for there to be internal competition and arguments. This reflects the vitality of the organization much better than a harmonious or stagnant environment."
"The choice faced by Toutiao Video and Tiangong Special Effects is essentially a disagreement between long-term IP value cultivation and short-term traffic acquisition.
Toutiao seeks a hit product that quickly builds buzz and drives sales; Tiangong pursues a brand that slowly builds value and becomes a classic. There's no absolute right or wrong between the two.
After a moment of hesitation, a clear direction was given:
"From the perspective of the group's long-term strategy of building a large cultural and entertainment ecosystem, I personally tend to support Tiangong Special Effects' insistence on quality.
However, we must also face up to the enormous pressure Toutiao Video faces in its real-world operations and not just talk about ideals without considering the reality."
"Take the pilot project 'Fights Break Sphere' as an example," Song Ci said, changing the subject. "Since Hou Shen insists that high-quality special effects investment is necessary, we can introduce an internal gambling mechanism.
If he insists on increasing the budget for the top special effects of "Buddha's Angry Lotus", then let him sign a military order and use data to prove that his insistence is effective.
For example, after the special effects scene goes online, can it trigger a certain number of spontaneous discussions on social media?
Can it bring considerable new members to the platform who are clearly attracted by the special effects?
If this is reached, the excess costs will be partially subsidized by the group in the form of strategic investments or adjustments to profit sharing;
If this is not achieved, a corresponding portion will be deducted from Tiangong’s future profit share or project bonus.”
"At the same time, the assessment of Toutiao Video cannot be based solely on traffic." Song Ci continued, "We need to appropriately incorporate long-term indicators such as user satisfaction and IP influence into their KPIs.
The group should use its baton to guide both sides to align their goals as much as possible and reduce conflicts at their root.”
Wang Jing's mind suddenly clicked: "I understand. We should use mechanisms to guide them instead of administrative orders, and let them take responsibility for their own choices."
"I have another idea, and I'd like to take this opportunity to discuss it with you." Wang Jing then proposed the idea, "I'd like the group to take the lead, with Toutiao and Tiangong jointly investing, to establish a Tengda Animation Venture Capital Fund.
This fund is specifically used to invest in promising animation studios, comic platforms, and independent creative talents at home and abroad.”
"In terms of specific division of labor, Toutiao Video can be responsible for project screening and post-investment commercialization guidance based on its platform data and user insights;
Tiangong Special Effects leverages its technological advantages to provide these invested teams with professional technical support and comprehensive production process management, transforming these creative ideas into mature products.”
Song Ci's eyes flashed with approval: "This is a very good idea! Transforming internal competition into a partnership for jointly expanding external territories.
In short, you have to tell Hou Shen and Zhou Juan to expand their horizons.
The advantage of the Tenda ecosystem has never been to compete with each other, but to let the left and right hands join forces to jointly capture the entire external market."
"I understand. I will pass on your instructions and implement them." Wang Jing's confidence increased.
Just as she was about to leave, Song Ci added, "By the way, the group's semi-annual meeting next month is very important and is expected to last about a week.
This time we won’t hold it at the company, but will find a resort hotel with a better environment so that everyone can relax after the meeting.”
"Okay. What's the specific time?"
"We'll have to wait until Chen An's 2013 first half financial report comes out before we can finalize it. The tentative date is around July 15th."
"No problem, I'll give the order."
Song Ci's eyes were deep, and his voice was solemn: "The next three years will be crucial for Tengda.
Before the semi-annual meeting, I will review with each business department of the group one by one to unify ideas and clarify the path.
Then, in the second half of the year's strategic planning, you need to see their clear, long-term blueprint. You and Mr. Zhang should try to make time to participate in the entire process."
"I understand!" Wang Jing nodded seriously.
(End of this chapter)
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