Started as an independent producer in 1988

Chapter 372: Keep adding fuel to the fire!
Huaxia Distribution Company.

The quiet conference room was filled with smoke, and everyone was smoking a cigarette and flipping through documents in their hands.

There have always been basic criteria for importing films, but this time the document has further refined the regulations.

The planning was carried out from aspects such as the film company, plot content, picture elements, film types and proportions, etc.

Many people find such rules difficult to accept.

It seems that if we use this set of standards to select films for import, many good-looking films will not meet the requirements.

This is a standard that becomes a limitation.

The representatives of the theater chains were not very satisfied.

If they only choose bad movies, it will also harm the interests of these theaters.

If no one watches bad movies, how do theaters make money?

The people at Shanghai Film Studio looked at everyone's reactions and felt that today's meeting was going to be interesting.

Perhaps we can seize the opportunity to unite these theater company representatives and gain a certain say in China's distribution.

Chen Shiping is too self-centered and has imposed so many restrictions on imported films. Isn't this leading Chinese-language films into a dead end?

Seeing that no one spoke first, the people from Shanghai Film Studio simply took the lead and said:

“I think this new rule is not a good idea. If we follow this set of criteria, many movies will not be eligible for selection.

Imported films are still of great help to the entire film market, and theaters also need Hollywood blockbusters to fill the gaps in their schedules.

The most critical issue is that the current domestic cinema reform requires money, and adding so many restrictions on imported films is also hindering the reform of cinemas.”

After the person from Shanghai Film Studio finished speaking passionately, everyone in the conference room nodded.

There really shouldn’t be such a strict limit on importing films, cinemas really need money!
After the man in the photo finished speaking, he lowered his head and continued to look at the documents, as if it was not him who had just spoken.

Chen Shiping squinted at him. The person who attended the meeting from Shanghai Film Group was the assistant to the chairman.

Chen Shiping didn't take it seriously at first, but he didn't expect him to be so sharp.

"Assistant Li, right?" Chen Shiping looked at him and asked with a smile, "I know you. You've worked at a TV station before, right?"

Assistant Li was a little surprised. He didn't expect that he knew him.

"Yes, I used to work in a TV station."

Chen Shiping knew this person because he later set up a company called Chinese Culture.

It is a very famous company. The Voice of China was later produced by a subsidiary of this company.

At this time, many representatives of the theater chain companies couldn't help but say, "Mr. Chen, isn't this standard for imported films a bit too harsh?"

Chen Shiping did not answer immediately. After looking around, he said, "Is it difficult for the European and American markets to introduce Chinese-language films?"

After this statement was made, no one spoke. This was an issue of production and distribution, and had nothing to do with these theater companies.

You guys should just work harder on distributing the film, but you can’t let the theaters bear the consequences.

However, the production companies did not see it that way. They could not help but say, "I think Mr. Chen's suggestion is good. If they want to come in, they can come in. If we want to leave, we have to beg for mercy. Only by threatening each other can we make them compromise."

This is a problem caused by the different positions of producers and theaters. It is normal to have conflicts.

Assistant Li said at this time: "Now that we are all about to enter the WTO, it is an inevitable trend to open up the market and integrate with the international community. We cannot violate the laws of the market."

Representatives of theater chains all agreed that Hollywood movies can still bring in a lot of box office revenue, which is a very important source of income for domestic theater chains.

"Mr. Chen, the higher-ups are going to reform the cinema chain again, but that requires money. If we block the import of films, the cinema chain's revenue will be even tighter."

"That's right. Not to mention the projection equipment, many cinemas are old, dilapidated and small now. Rebuilding a cinema will cost a lot of money."

"Even renting a place is not a small expense. The prices of shops are very expensive nowadays."

"The cinemas are not doing well. Increasing the revenue of the cinemas is the practical thing to do. Calling for reform is useless."

Representatives from theater chains complained one after another, and people from several film studios followed suit to refute the allegations.

Anyway, from their respective standpoints, they were both right, and in the end the one who was wrong was Chen Shiping.

Assistant Li from Shanghai Film Studio smiled slightly, wanting to see how Chen Shiping would end up this time.

It is difficult for theaters and studios to reach a consensus on their positions. Producers do not want so many Hollywood movies to come in, so they want to protect their own movies, while theaters want more movies to come in and make more profits.

This kind of problem usually doesn't break out directly, but it's different in the Chinese distribution company.

Cinema chains can also intervene in the import of films, even if they only have the right to participate in name, but this is enough for them to speak out and fight for their interests.

If, as before, importing films is the exclusive right of China Film, then theater chains will have to keep their opinions to themselves.

Now that China has released it, giving them the opportunity to speak, things are completely different.

If Chen Shiping has the ability, he can drive the theater chain companies out again, or he can use other benefits to satisfy the theater chain representatives.

Otherwise, the standard for imported films will become a fuse, causing them to argue till the end of time.

Wouldn't this put Chen Shiping in an awkward position? How would he lead China's publishing affairs in the future?

Here comes the chance to appear in a movie!

Assistant Li has already started thinking about how to gain a dominant position in China's distribution.

This matter must be made bigger, and the theater representatives cannot compromise!
The original purpose of coming to the meeting was to privately unite several members to launch a few Hollywood movies, so that the cooperation between Shanghai Film Group and Hollywood companies could gain enough benefits.

But he didn't expect there would be an unexpected gain!
If this goes wrong, won't Shanghai Film Group have a chance to dominate Chinese distribution again? !
Chen Shiping made a mistake this time!
I thought he really had a plan and could handle anything!

At this time, Chen Shiping looked at Han Laosan, who had been silent. Neither of them was surprised by the current situation.

This issue was taken into consideration when the standard was formulated.

This is the situation they want.

Han Laosan glanced at Chen Shiping, and after receiving the signal, he said, "Don't be in a hurry to quarrel. This standard is for discussion with everyone. If you have any opinions, please speak slowly."

The meeting room was quiet for a while. When someone was about to speak, Chen Shiping looked at his watch and said, "Everyone, I have another meeting later. You can discuss the rest."

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at Han Lao San and said, "Boss Han, you preside over the meeting. Please report to me any progress you make later."

Han Laosan immediately agreed: "Okay, Mr. Chen!"

Chen Shiping nodded, stood up and left, leaving the group of people looking at each other in bewilderment.

Why did the person who made the decision run away?

Assistant Li didn't expect Chen Shiping to slip away, and couldn't help but wonder what he meant.

Just throw the problem out, create a conflict and leave?
Is this a temporary concession, intended to resolve the issue privately?

Assistant Li looked at Chen Shiping's leaving back and suddenly thought of a possibility.

He did it on purpose!
Use this matter to support the development of China's imported film distribution work!
Representatives from theater chains and film studios are arguing fiercely right now, and if this plan is discussed, it will take several months to produce any results.

By the time China Film Distribution finally came to a conclusion, all the quota for imported films for next year had been used up by China Film.

The higher-ups didn't attach much importance to the distribution in China, not to mention that there was China Film Group Corporation which could import films. The higher-ups were not in a hurry to distribute the films in China at all!

Originally, China Film Distribution was just established this year, so it was bound to make some moves. It would have to have imported four or five films, if not more. But now it has been delayed like this, let alone four or five imported films, it would be good to have one!
Damn it, this China issue is no longer just for show? !
After waiting for the normal release of imported films next year, Huaxia will be even more useless. China Film can still regain control of the provincial cinemas through distribution and cinema chain reforms within this year!
By then, the problem with China's distribution will no longer be a problem, and Shanghai Film Group will miss the opportunity to cooperate with Hollywood companies.

If Shanghai Film Group cannot quickly demonstrate its strength and help Hollywood movies be released in China, how can others cooperate deeply with Shanghai Film Group?

Assistant Li had too many questions in his mind at once, and he couldn't help but feel frustrated.

Chen Shiping threw out a light-hearted plan for introducing standards, which disrupted Shanghai Film Group's plans.

The key point is that he also suppressed the newly established Hua Xia Distribution, not giving others the opportunity to direct the film.

Assistant Li couldn't help but sigh. The situation had changed and he didn't know what to do for a moment.

Given the current situation of Huaxia Distribution, how can he work with other representatives to launch Hollywood movies?

The issuance work cannot proceed due to internal instability in China.

It's impossible for him to help Chen Shiping implement this standard plan, stabilize the issuance situation of Hua Xia, and then consider the next step, right?

If he stood on the side of the cinema and firmly opposed this standard, then Han Laosan would definitely continue to argue and drag them into discussing specific details.

Assistant Li couldn't help rubbing his temples. The current situation was too chaotic.

What should I do next?

"Assistant Li, Assistant Li!"

A representative of a theater company looked at him and shouted, "Assistant Li, tell me, is this standard inappropriate?"

"Yes, yes, yes, what Assistant Li said just now was very good. From the international market... or something, anyway, it's absolutely right!"

"That's right, Assistant Li, tell President Han about your opinion just now."

"You can't import films like this. I definitely can't agree to this standard."

Assistant Li touched his chin and said nothing. He felt a little regretful for jumping out just now. Why was he adding fuel to the fire?
Now the fire has burned myself!
The group plans to establish joint ventures with several Hollywood companies as its future strategic direction.

However, when cooperating with foreigners, there must be tangible benefits, and distribution and introduction of films is one of them.

The failure of the release of Emergency Landing had already caused Shanghai Film Group to lose face.

This time, Shanghai Film Group must prove that they can help Hollywood companies distribute their films domestically so that they can take the initiative in subsequent joint ventures.

Assistant Li was really at a loss now. He lit the fire himself, and then found that it was not Chen Shiping who was being roasted, but himself!
I was bewitched by Chen Shiping!

I just thought he was resisting cooperation with overseas companies and was a leftist, but I didn't expect this old guy to be such a cunning person!

At this time, Han Laosan was smoking a cigarette and couldn't help laughing when he saw Assistant Li sitting there without saying a word.

It makes you excited. Were you quite proud of yourself just now?

You must be stupid now that you realize this!

Han Laosan hummed a song in his heart and began to think about how to import films from China Film.

There are so many bad Hollywood movies that it’s hard to choose.

No, no, you can’t choose bad movies. Choose those art films made by Hollywood independent film companies.

There are people in Hollywood who specialize in making literary and artistic films that reflect social issues.

These movies have great artistic value!

Bring in more!
I won’t watch movies about American heroes saving the world, they’re boring!
On the other side, Chen Shiping couldn't help but stretch after coming out of Huaxia.

Although Hua Xia Distribution is dominated by China Film, the composition is too complicated, so it is better to hold it down!

This will save someone from causing trouble every other day!

There will be problems with films imported into China Film Group, let alone the complicated situation of China Film Distribution.

Now let Han Laosan hold back Hua Xia Distribution and Shanghai Film's joint venture plan so that he can free up his hands to do other things.

Although Shanghai Film Group lost the competition with Emergency Landing and The Day After Tomorrow, it doesn’t mean they have become honest.

Chen Shiping glanced at the time and it was almost time to get off work.

Then go home. Who has so many meetings to attend every day?
After returning home, Chen Shiping went to rest on the recliner in the study.

I'm so exhausted from doing this every day!

How nice it would be to listen to the radio and drink some tea.

"father!"

"Dad! Help! My mom is going to kill someone!"

Xiao Xiulin's voice was suddenly heard outside the study, and then Chen Shiping saw Tao Huimin chasing Xiao Xiulin around the yard with a feather duster.

"Chen Xiulin! Did you use my essence water to water the flowers?!"

"Still running! Stop right there!"

Listening to Tao Huimin's voice, Chen Shiping silently turned up the music on the radio.

He lay down on the recliner, changed into a comfortable position, picked up a book and read.

Chen Shiping didn't come out of the study until dinner time in the evening.

As soon as Chen Xiulin saw him, she glared at him and snorted, "Old Deng is so ungrateful!"

Chen Shiping whistled and pinched her cheeks, then ran to Tao Huimin and said, "Wife, I just asked someone to buy you some new cosmetics."

Tao Huimin hummed, then said, "You should pay more attention to her in the future. If you don't, she will destroy the house! Last time she even used my lipstick to draw on the wall. I don't know what she will do next time!"

"I'll give her a lesson later!" Chen Shiping said as he turned around and secretly winked at his precious daughter.

"Okay, wash your hands and eat."

"Got it!"

While the family was having dinner, Tao Huimin couldn't help but ask, "When will Night at the Museum be shown?"

"It's New Year's Day." Chen Shiping said while eating.

Tao Huimin said, "My cameo scene wasn't deleted, right?"

"No, Cheng Kaige dares!" Chen Shiping snorted.

"Then go check it out on New Year's Day!"

"Yes, you can take your daughter with you. I may have to go to Hong Kong on a business trip during the Chinese New Year."

Tao Huimin paused while eating and asked, "Aren't you going to be home for the New Year?"

Chen Shiping cleared his throat and said, "Go on the first day of the new year. There are a few investment contracts that are urgent. Go and deal with them."

"Oh, say hello to Miss Guan for me." Tao Huimin said indifferently.

"understood."

(End of this chapter)