novelraw Chapter 211 Zhang Manli's Persuasion
Chapter 211 Zhang Manli's Persuasion
Lin Zhou sat in the chairman's office on the top floor of Zhonghua Building, his fingertips lightly tapping the table. He was thinking about whether Zhonghua Film and Television's first commercial special effects blockbuster could achieve a simultaneous global release like in later years.
He is also very confident that once the special effects for this movie are completed, they will amaze the world.
Although the special effects on his computer weren't great, it depends on who you compare it to. If it were technology from later generations, it would be utterly insignificant.
However, this was the 1980s, computers were not yet widespread, and special effects were just beginning. Even the cheap special effects of later years could easily outshine today's movies.
On Lin Zhou's desk lay a document titled "Preliminary Publicity Plan for the Movie 'Hurricane Hong Kong'".
A big-budget production spanning mainland China and Hong Kong, blending action and chivalry, gangster darkness and family bonds.
Today, thanks to its resources in record labels and television stations, Zhonghua Entertainment has established a firm foothold in the Hong Kong entertainment industry.
Artists have achieved success through records, TV dramas, and television appearances, but they lack a truly representative film.
A masterpiece that swept the box office, won numerous awards, and propelled "Zhonghua Film & Television Agency" to become a "film and television giant".
Andy Lau is currently not very famous, and his acting skills are only so-so. If you want to make him famous, this movie "Hurricane Hong Kong" is a piece of cake. As long as he agrees to star in it, his future fame and success will be basically secured.
Although he will become a superstar in the future, that's a matter for the future. Now, Lin Zhou wants to make him famous in advance, but I don't know if this is the right or wrong thing to do.
Lin Zhou had already had his assistant contact Andy Lau privately. Upon hearing that the script was written by Lin Zhou, the big boss of Chung Hwa, the other party was very enthusiastic and agreed without hesitation. As long as Lin Zhou gave his approval, the cooperation would be finalized.
Lin Zhou hadn't expected that before the news was even officially announced to the public, but was only circulating within a small circle of the company, it would attract an uninvited guest.
There was a gentle knock on the office door, and before Lin Zhou could respond, a capable yet somewhat urgent female voice came in:
"Mr. Lin, I need to speak with you urgently."
The visitor was Zhang Manli, the general manager of Zhonghua Brokerage Company.
Zhang Manli wore a beige business blazer on top and a matching skirt on the bottom. Her long hair was neatly pulled back, her makeup was exquisite, and she exuded a powerful aura.
Since Lin Zhou promoted her to general manager of Zhonghua Brokerage Company, she has gradually developed the aura of a leader.
She was extremely loyal to Lin Zhou, and also exceptionally capable. More importantly, she knew better than anyone where Zhonghua's foundation lay.
Lin Zhou looked up and saw her solemn expression, so he couldn't help but smile:
"Manager Zhang, what happened today that's so urgent? Please sit down and tell me slowly."
Zhang Manli didn't sit down, but went straight to the desk, her gaze falling on the film promotion plan, her expression complex:
"President Lin, there are rumors circulating that we're going to produce a big-budget commercial film, and the male lead is supposed to be a newcomer from another company?"
Lin Zhou nodded frankly:
"That's right, I do have that plan. Although he's not famous now, his future achievements are limitless. I'm at ease having him carry the film."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Manli immediately became anxious, and her tone unconsciously became more forceful, revealing a rare and direct opposition to Lin Zhou.
"Mr. Lin, have you ever considered that the company I manage is a talent agency?"
She pulled out a chair and sat down, leaning slightly forward, her tone sincere and urgent, clearly indicating that she wanted to "present the facts and reason with them":
"President Lin, I've been following you for quite some time now, and I fully support every decision you've made. From finding people everywhere, signing artists, producing TV series, to now venturing into the film industry, your vision has never been wrong."
But this time, I must make it clear to you—hiring an unknown newcomer will do more harm than good, and you could even say it's putting the cart before the horse!
Lin Zhou raised an eyebrow slightly, but did not interrupt her, signaling her to continue.
Zhang Manli took a deep breath and began her analysis with clear and logical steps:
"First, you're just doing the work for someone else."
"This actor is not an artist under our Zhonghua Entertainment. He has his own agency and his own network of contacts."
"Secondly, we pay him to make a movie, and if the movie becomes a hit, who benefits? He does!"
"His salary will increase again, and his position will be more secure, but what tangible benefits will that bring to our company?"
"At most, people will mock them by saying: 'Zhonghua is rich, and can selflessly promote an outsider!'"
Zhang Manli spoke with increasing sincerity, every word hitting the nail on the head regarding the company's development:
"Mr. Lin, think about it. What are our company's artists working so hard as actors, making movies and TV series, for? Is it just to make money?"
"Not entirely. It's about becoming stars! It's about propelling our Zhonghua talent agency to a higher level!"
"We have already achieved great success with the TV series 'A Step into the Past'. Now, the best opportunity to enter the film industry is to use our own artists as the lead actors."
"If the movie becomes a hit, it will make our people famous and increase the valuation of our company. In the future, the artists under our management will have a constant stream of film offers and their market value will double. That's the long-term strategy!"
"By giving the male lead role to an outsider, you are essentially handing over the biggest spotlight and the best opportunity to him."
"When the movie is released, audiences will only remember how well Andy Lau acted. Who will care that it was produced by Zhonghua Films? We spent money and effort, but in the end, we made another artist famous. No matter how you look at it, it's not worth it!"
Lin Zhou paused, then fell silent.
He wasn't unaware of this principle, but he was overwhelmed by the idea of being a "superstar with a sure thing" and wanted to open the door to the film market in the safest way possible.
Seeing that he was beginning to waver, Zhang Manli pressed her advantage, softening her tone but becoming even more resolute:
"President Lin, I know you're worried about box office returns and the risks. But think about it, does our company lack good actors right now? We don't lack people, we lack opportunities for them!"
"As for male actors, what is Tony Leung's status now? He became a sensation after the TV series 'A Step into the Past' aired. His acting is nuanced, and his unique charisma has made him the undisputed number one actor in our group!"
"Is his acting lacking? No. Is he lacking in popularity? No. What he lacks is a representative work on the big screen!"
"Give him a good script and a good role, and he can absolutely carry the box office, transforming from a 'TV star' into a 'movie superstar'! At that point, Tony Leung will be one of us at Zhonghua; the more famous he becomes, the more proud we at Zhonghua will be!"