Chapter 1996: De-Filmmaking

Zhao Fusheng and Ye Jing really did have matters to discuss.

Earlier, Ye Jing had said he had some objections to Ning Hao's arrangement, and Zhao Fusheng knew that he and Ye Jing would definitely need to meet and talk.

Clearly, the two had differences in their views on the company's future development.

“You came pretty fast.”

Seeing Zhao Fusheng, Ye Jing said with a smile.

He had just returned to the company himself, and yet Zhao Fusheng had already arrived.

“Tell me, what are you thinking?”

Zhao Fusheng got straight to the point, asking Ye Jing.

Failure, mistakes—these are experiences after all. Having developed smoothly all the way to the present, the biggest problem for Future Film was actually that it had been too smooth.

Not that being too smooth is bad, but in such a situation, whatever you do succeeds, which can leave the company's leaders at a loss.

What to do next?

In which direction to develop?

These are precisely the questions that enterprise leaders need to consider.

But now, after a string of successes at Future Film, Zhao Fusheng felt it necessary to plan the future development direction for Ye Jing.

He certainly didn't want Future Film to become a second Huayi.

The notion of de-filmmaking seemed wise on the surface, but in reality, it was no different from idiocy.

Sure enough, hearing Zhao Fusheng's words, Ye Jing thought for a moment and said to Zhao Fusheng, “I think we can now consider whether to de-film.”

“De-filmmaking?”

Zhao Fusheng frowned and asked Ye Jing, “Why do you think that?”

Zhao Fusheng naturally understood the so-called de-filmmaking; in his previous life, Huayi had done exactly that.

The reason was simple: the success or failure of films and TV dramas all hinged on the actors and stars. If a film flopped at the box office, the company would lose money. If a film company failed in several consecutive works, it could easily fall into trouble.

“It's simple. Right now, our film and TV works…”

Faced with Zhao Fusheng's confusion, Ye Jing spoke eloquently.

And indeed, as Zhao Fusheng had guessed, he was spouting the same theory as Huayi.

“In short, we can't bet everything on directors or actors anymore. That's why I agreed to your small theater and variety show base plans.”

Ye Jing said seriously to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng nodded. He quite agreed with Ye Jing's words; the film industry itself carried great risks, and this kind of thinking was not wrong.

“How exactly will it be implemented?”

Looking at Ye Jing, Zhao Fusheng said slowly.

“Diversified operations.”

Ye Jing said decisively, “We can invest, we can build film bases…”

Clearly, this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment idea but a thought he had long considered; otherwise, he couldn't have been so specific.

Zhao Fusheng didn't speak, just listened to Ye Jing talk.

At first, he thought Ye Jing was being conservative, planning to pull some stunt like Huayi did historically, but now it seemed Ye Jing was more mature than he had imagined.

To be precise, Ye Jing's considerations were very comprehensive.

From Ye Jing's plan, Future Film's main business direction would still be film and TV production, but in addition to film investment, he also considered other business areas.

Of course, the core remained the same; the entire plan still revolved around the entertainment industry.

This was something Huayi in the previous life had not considered.

Or rather, Ye Jing's plan, while seemingly breaking away from the film industry, actually expanded Future Film's business scope.

From a specialized film production company, it would develop into a comprehensive enterprise spanning all entertainment industries.

That was Ye Jing's real goal.

It had to be said, it was very attractive.

Originally, Zhao Fusheng had intended to dissuade Ye Jing, but now he found he couldn't bring himself to say it.

“What do you think?”

After finishing, Ye Jing looked at Zhao Fusheng, full of anticipation.

Zhao Fusheng was the boss of Future Group, so naturally he hoped his plan would gain Zhao Fusheng's approval.

“Not bad.”

What could Zhao Fusheng say?

To be fair, Ye Jing's plan was really quite good.

In the original history, Huayi's de-filmmaking wasn't problematic in itself, but it ultimately failed.

In Wang Zhongjun's words, the film team had two problems: first, the accuracy of project selection didn't meet expectations, and the ability to develop projects underperformed, leading to a shortage of reserves. Second, the market positioning and market risk assessment of existing projects were insufficient, resulting in poor execution.

“I know you probably think that the few films our company has made recently were all successful, but in fact, besides Ning Hao's films, we've also invested in several money-losing projects.”

Ye Jing looked at Zhao Fusheng frankly, “When a film does well, everyone claims credit, but when it does poorly, you can't find who's at fault.”

“A film costing tens of millions gets greenlit with just a few words. So let's pull ourselves together: why make a film? What story do you want to tell? What are your market expectations? If expectations aren't met, what responsibility does the producer bear?”

Ye Jing said seriously, “To be honest, I'm a bit uncertain about the current development of the film and TV industry.”

He spoke candidly, without any guilt over his lack of ability, since this was the perception of many in the industry today.

“Heh, you think there are too many film companies now, more and more people entering the industry, but not many high-grossing films, right?”

Zhao Fusheng laughed and said to Ye Jing.

“Yeah, it's a bit hard to see through.”

Ye Jing nodded, “Do you really think the entertainment industry, or the film and TV industry, will see a leapfrog development in the future?”

Hearing his question, Zhao Fusheng smiled lightly, “You have to look at the whole industry within the broader context. Although the global economic crisis has already begun to affect us domestically, we've introduced a four-trillion-yuan stimulus plan. Do you know what that means?”

Ye Jing was startled, somewhat surprised that Zhao Fusheng could bring up national economic construction.

“The development of any entertainment market cannot escape the influence of the external environment; that's beyond doubt.”

Zhao Fusheng said seriously, “So you'll see, within two years, China's cultural and entertainment industry will develop rapidly.”

Ye Jing seemed thoughtful, clearly moved by Zhao Fusheng's words.

Looking at him, Zhao Fusheng sighed inwardly.

There were some things he couldn't say to Ye Jing.

The prosperity of the Chinese film market was built on the foundation of overall socio-economic development and people's spiritual emptiness.

There was deep knowledge in this.

Zhao Fusheng didn't dare to point it out, because once he did, he felt a grand feast called “Harmony” might appear before him.

“Alright then, since that's the case, I'll proceed with the plan.”

Ye Jing pondered for a moment, then looked up and said to Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng nodded, “What about Ning Hao? What do you think?”

“My idea is, his last two works were huge hits. Since I'm optimistic about box office in the next few years, maybe let him take a break, or let him make the kind of films he wants to make.”

Ye Jing smiled, “Good steel must be used for the blade's edge, don't you think?”

Zhao Fusheng was a bit surprised, but on second thought, Ye Jing's words were indeed correct.

Ning Hao's commercial films indeed had their unique qualities and could attract audiences to the cinema.

Even with art films, the guy made them with flair.

In such a situation, rather than having him continue making the “Crazy” series, it might be better to let him consider making what he wanted.

This would also give the audience some breathing room; otherwise, a comedy every year would make him unhappy making them and the audience prone to aesthetic fatigue.

This was no joke.

Once audiences develop aesthetic fatigue toward a certain film or a person's work, it can easily affect the film's box office.

From now on, the reputation and promotion of films and TV dramas would become increasingly important.

Even Stephen Chow had his “The New King of Comedy” moment of defeat.

There was no way around it.

If the audience didn't accept it, no matter how much effort was put into the work, it was useless.

“I'll talk to him.”

Zhao Fusheng thought for a moment and said to Ye Jing.

“Okay.”

Ye Jing nodded.

Although he had interacted with Ning Hao quite a few times, Ye Jing also knew that Ning Hao admired Zhao Fusheng greatly—an admiration that regarded him as a kindred spirit.

In Ning Hao's eyes, Zhao Fusheng was one of the few people who truly understood him.

To this, Ye Jing felt that perhaps this was fate.