novelnext Chapter 150 It's truly good when everyone is doing well.
Chapter 150 It's truly good when everyone is doing well.
Chapter 150 It's truly good when everyone is doing well.
At 10:05 a.m. Beijing time on June 21, 2009, Air China flight CA988 smoothly taxied onto the runway of Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Outside the porthole, the Shanghai sky during the plum rain season was a hazy, leaden gray, with thick, low-hanging clouds and fine rain weaving a curtain that left fleeting streaks on the wings.
The aircraft tires made a steady screech as they touched the wet runway, and after a slight jolt, the behemoth slowly slowed down.
Jiang Yu unbuckled his seatbelt and gently stretched his neck, which was slightly stiff from the long flight.
"Boss," Wang Wei, who was beside him, had already efficiently packed her laptop and several priority-marked documents into her briefcase, and reminded him in a low voice, "President Ren has confirmed that he is waiting outside the VIP channel. President Chen sent a message half an hour ago, saying that Hynix Korea hopes to schedule the next round of formal talks in early July and asked if your schedule allows it. In addition, President Wang from Beijing sent three final comparison reports of the supercomputing center proposal, and needs your directional opinions within 48 hours."
"Tell Jingming that early July is fine. He can coordinate the specific time. I'll go to Seoul. I'll look at Wang Jian's report tonight." Jiang Yu said concisely, his gaze still fixed on the window.
Wang Wei's fingers tapped rapidly on the phone's keyboard, silently conveying the instructions.
Stepping out of the cabin, the familiar smell of aviation kerosene and humid air hit me, followed by the muggy heat of the Jiangnan plum rain season, where you could practically wring water out of the air.
The VIP passage was unobstructed, and as soon as Jiang Yu turned the corner, he saw a scene that could be described as "grand".
Ren Zhonglun, the head of Shanghai Film Group, stood at the very front, with two subordinates following behind him on the left and right.
Mr. Ren was clearly dressed up carefully today, wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and neatly pressed beige casual pants, trying to create a sense of importance without being overly formal.
The smile that almost spilled from his round face, and his loud Mandarin that could almost penetrate the background noise of the airport, instantly revealed his eagerness and excitement.
"President Jiang! Oh my, we've finally got you back! You must have had a long journey!"
Even from a distance of seven or eight meters, Ren Zhonglun's enthusiastic greetings echoed throughout the arrival area, drawing frequent glances from several other passengers who were also waiting for someone.
He strode forward with agile steps, reaching out his hands early to firmly grasp Jiang Yu's hands with great force and frequent shaking.
"Look at your complexion! The romance of Paris and the gentlemanly manners of London really do take care of you! You're glowing and full of energy! And look at us, stuck by the Huangpu River every day, suffering from this stuffy rainy season, we're practically growing mushrooms!"
This exaggerated, almost comical greeting nearly made Wang Wei, who was behind Jiang Yu, lose her professional composure. She quickly lowered her head slightly, pretending to adjust her bangs to hide the smile on her lips.
Jiang Yu, however, was already used to the style of this "Shanghai local tyrant," and maintained a polite smile, responding calmly: "President Ren, you're too kind. It's really an honor to come in person amidst your busy schedule. I think you're the one who looks radiant. It seems that Shanghai Film Studio has been doing very well lately, with one good thing after another."
"Oh dear, Mr. Jiang, please don't flatter me! We're just trying to save face, suffering for it all!" They appear glamorous on the surface, but are miserable inside!
Ren Zhonglun sighed with feigned distress, but showed no sign of letting go of Jiang Yu's hand. Instead, he pulled Jiang Yu towards the VIP lounge next door. "Come on, come on, the car is ready. Let's talk in the car! This awful weather makes me feel sticky and uncomfortable after standing for a while."
He seemed to only just notice Wang Wei then, immediately putting on a warm, beaming smile: "Assistant Wang! You're working so hard! You're becoming more and more like President Jiang's right-hand woman!"
He then turned to the two people behind him and introduced them, "This is my secretary, Lu Hao, a young man who is meticulous in his work. This is Wang Ming, who used to drive special vehicles in the army; his skills are top-notch!"
He gave a thumbs up, "Absolutely reliable, and the person is dependable. Today, they were in charge of Mr. Jiang's transportation in Shanghai. Safe, comfortable, and guaranteed to satisfy you!"
Lu Hao was in his early thirties, wearing frameless glasses, with a refined and fair complexion. He was dressed in a well-fitting light gray shirt. He stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said in a steady voice, "Hello, President Jiang, hello, Assistant Wang, you must be tired from your journey."
With proper manners and clear eyes, he is clearly a meticulous person.
The driver, Wang Ming, had a completely different demeanor.
Around forty years old, with a buzz cut, a lean and muscular build, and a pine-like posture, even in a simple dark jacket, he couldn't hide the composure and competence that came from rigorous training.
When Jiang Yu's gaze swept over him, he simply nodded calmly, his eyes sharp yet reserved, without uttering any further words.
"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Ren." Jiang Yu nodded to both of them and briefly introduced Wang Wei.
The group split into two black sedans.
Ren Zhonglun insisted that Jiang Yu, Wang Wei, him, and Lu Hao ride together in the first spacious Mercedes-Benz V-Class van, driven by Wang Ming; the rest of the bodyguards and entourage rode in the car behind.
The car smoothly drove out of the airport and merged into the elevated traffic leading to the city.
Ren Zhonglun sat in the passenger seat, almost turning half his body to face Jiang Yu in the back seat. Once he started talking, he was as talkative as the Huangpu River, his enthusiasm even more surging than the strong air conditioning in the car.
"President Jiang, you really have no idea!"
Ren Zhonglun slapped his thigh, his expression exaggerated, his tone carrying seven parts admiration and three parts sourness, "Ever since the 15th of last month, when you Light Chaser Animation and Disney announced your big news about collaborating on the Pacific Rim series, wow, the domestic film industry has been like a bucket of cold water poured into a boiling oil pot, it's blown up!"
He counted on his fingers, spittle almost flying onto the windshield: "Everyone says President Jiang is this one!"
He gave a thumbs-up again, "Quietly making a fortune, and then a game-changer! An A-list production series, distributed globally, and Light Chaser Animation is one of the key controlling parties! This is absolutely unprecedented in the history of domestic film companies! Before, when we dealt with Hollywood, we were always following behind, and we had to be grateful and fight tooth and nail for even the smallest scraps they left behind. But you've taken the table, and are the ones who can order the food! This vision, this skill, you can't argue with that!"
He seemed to think that verbal praise alone was not enough, so he leaned forward, lowered his voice, and adopted a stronger Shanghainese accent.
"You know what? These days, a few old guys in the industry get together for tea, and the conversation always ends up back to you, Mr. Jiang, and Light Chaser Animation. With your nuclear weapon of digital cinematic technology," and your content production spanning both sides of the Pacific, dominating the domestic and international markets, and your financial resources are terrifyingly abundant—everyone's saying privately that the future of Chinese cinema is likely to see a shift in leadership! If our old state-owned enterprise, Shanghai Film Group, can't keep up with your pace, Mr. Jiang, we might really become relics in a museum, only good for buying tickets to visit and learn about history!"
These words were extremely flattering, almost to the point of being nauseating, and the underlying anxiety and eagerness to catch the fast train were also blatantly obvious.
Wang Ming, who was driving, remained expressionless, as if he were wearing earplugs.
Lu Hao, sitting in the back seat, wore a polite smile and nodded appropriately, serving as a suitable background figure.
Wang Wei glanced at her boss discreetly in the rearview mirror, secretly marveling: This Mr. Ren is really going to such lengths to curry favor and show his loyalty.
Jiang Yu knew perfectly well that Ren Zhonglun's anxiety was not an act.
As a long-established state-owned film enterprise, Shanghai Film Group has a long history and solid financial resources. However, in recent years, under the dual impact of marketization and Hollywood blockbusters, the drawbacks of the traditional system have become increasingly prominent. It is slow to respond and lacks innovation, and its former advantages are being eroded little by little.
Watching the "new species" of Light Chaser Animation rise rapidly with its global vision, cutting-edge technology, and flexible and aggressive market tactics, while Shanghai Film Group barely gained any core benefits in the previous rounds of cooperation, this fear of being left behind by the times is excruciating.
His almost "flattering" posture today has only one core demand: no matter what, he must squeeze into the giant aircraft carrier that is about to set sail, "Pacific Rim," and occupy an irreplaceable position in this giant ship of light, and must not be excluded from the core circle again.
"Mr. Ren, you flatter me too much. That's too kind," Jiang Yu said calmly, a smile that was neither arrogant nor overly humble. "The small achievements that Light Chaser Animation has made today are inseparable from the support and understanding of our seniors and colleagues in China. The Chinese film market is like the Huangpu River—wide, deep, and turbulent. No one or two boats can monopolize the scenery. Everyone has their strengths, and only by working together can we sail more steadily and further. Shanghai Film Group is a century-old ship on this great river, with profound heritage and a solid foundation. We always hold it in the utmost respect and always keep the door open for cooperation."
These words are a model of diplomatic language.
Neither being flattered nor closing the door completely, the speaker fully affirmed the other party's historical status and expressed an open attitude towards continued cooperation, but did not mention a word about specific cooperation on "Pacific Rim," leaving ample room for imagination and negotiation.
A glint flashed in Ren Zhonglun's eyes, realizing that the young man before him was far more composed, experienced, and resolute than he had anticipated.
He chuckled, wisely ceasing his relentless pursuit, and smoothly steered the conversation toward cultural trends, recent important film festivals and exhibitions, and his predictions and analysis of the summer film market. His tone was familiar, and his words were packed with information.
The car passed through the skyscrapers of the Lujiazui Financial District, flew past the majestic Oriental Pearl Tower, drove along the Bund, a belt of international architecture that has witnessed a century of change, and finally turned into the old city with a strong local flavor, stopping in front of the elegant building with the golden plaque of "Shanghai Old Restaurant".
In the drizzle, the old restaurant's lanterns swayed gently under the eaves, creating a charming contrast with the wet bluestone path. Separated from the outside world's hustle and bustle, it possessed a tranquility and elegance that seemed to have been tempered by time.
Led by a waitress dressed in a dark green brocade cheongsam, the group walked on the old teak floor to a private room on the second floor called "Agarwood Pavilion". As soon as they opened the door, a light and elegant sandalwood fragrance mixed with the aroma of fine Longjing tea wafted in.
Two guests were already seated at the round table.
At the head of the table was an elderly man in his sixties, whose hair was neatly combed, each strand of silver hair exuding a sense of rigor. He wore a pair of thin gold-rimmed glasses and had a lean face. He was none other than Han Zhengming, the president of the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Sitting next to him was a middle-aged man in his fifties with a kind face and thick eyebrows. He was Jin Guoping, the director of the Shanghai Animation Film Studio.
"President Jiang, it's an honor to have you here!" Dean Han stood up first, his smile warm and infectious, and extended his hand.
"Dean Han, Director Jin, thank you for waiting. I apologize for the slight delay in your flight." Jiang Yu stepped forward and shook hands with the two men in turn, his attitude respectful yet composed and confident.
Jin Guoping shook hands more firmly, his palms somewhat rough, his eyes fervent: "President Jiang, I've heard so much about you! It's great to finally meet you in person! You look even more energetic than in the magazines!"
Ren Zhonglun laughed heartily, skillfully playing the role of matchmaker and livener: "We're all family, no need for formalities! Dean Han even turned down an academic review meeting from a ministry to come all this way, and Director Jin squeezed time out of a mountain of pressing matters at the factory. It's fate that we're all sitting at this table, all for a better tomorrow for Chinese film culture! Sit, please sit down, let's enjoy some authentic Shanghainese cuisine and chat freely!"
Everyone took their seats in order.
Ren Zhonglun naturally sat in the host's seat, Jiang Yu was seated in the guest of honor seat next to Dean Han, Director Jin was on the other side, and Wang Wei and Lu Hao sat in the lower seats for easy recording and service.
The exquisite local dishes began to unfold like a scroll painting, and the initial conversation naturally revolved around the feast before them.
Ren Zhonglun, as expected of a seasoned gourmet, could readily recount the selection of ingredients, cooking time, anecdotes, and even related stories from Shanghai for each dish, making his tales witty and entertaining, eliciting frequent bursts of knowing laughter throughout the meal.
Dean Han then discussed the "rich and dark sauce" characteristic of Shanghai cuisine, citing classical texts to illustrate the inclusive and fusion-of-Chinese and Western cultural features of Shanghai.
Director Jin wasn't a man of many words. When he tasted that authentic braised pork, he squinted his eyes in satisfaction and let out a long sigh.
After a few cups of perfectly warmed Shaoxing rice wine, our stomachs were warmed, and the atmosphere became more lively and harmonious.
Seeing that the time was right, Ren Zhonglun gave Dean Han a wink.
Dean Han understood, elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin, looked at Jiang Yu, and spoke sincerely and directly.
"Mr. Jiang, I am a few years older than you, so I will not beat around the bush. I have come here today for two reasons. First, I have long admired your talent and the legendary achievements you have made in creating the 'Chasing the Light' project, and I am eager to make your acquaintance. Second, I am here on behalf of the Shanghai Theatre Academy to learn from this industry benchmark and seek the possibility of in-depth cooperation in the future."
He paused briefly, organizing his thoughts, and continued, "To be honest, Mr. Jiang, art schools in China, especially in the cultivation of performing arts talent, are generally facing a real dilemma: there is a worrying disconnect between the classic and systematic performance training system within the academies and the ever-changing market demands, especially with the practical standards of the top international film industries. However, once they enter the crew of high-concept, special effects-heavy, and fast-paced international blockbusters like 'Pacific Rim,' facing ubiquitous green screens, complex motion capture systems, and Hollywood's highly industrialized and meticulously divided filming process, many excellent students experience a great sense of maladjustment, even feeling lost and helpless. The skills they have honed in school for many years suddenly become unusable."
He adjusted his glasses, his gaze sharpening and becoming clearer: "I've observed that in recent years, Light Chaser Animation's projects, whether Sino-US co-productions or independent developments, have shown a clear trend towards internationalization and professionalism in their actor selection. Your company doesn't seem to be confined by the traditional barriers of the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama in its actor selection. Wang Zhi, Zhu Yilong, and Zhang Jin, with their diverse backgrounds, have all found suitable positions and shone brightly in Light Chaser Animation's projects. This fully demonstrates Mr. Jiang's decisiveness and keen eye for talent. Our Shanghai Theatre Academy has cultivated its expertise in acting education for decades, its reputation for strength and heritage is widely recognized, and it has provided countless pillars of the Chinese film and television industry. However, compared to our two sister schools in Beijing, we do face some objective inconveniences and lags behind in connecting with the most cutting-edge film industry resources, creating top-tier practical platforms for students, and ensuring that teaching results are tested by the market more quickly. This is why I'm sitting here today."
Dean Han's words were frank, honest, and of a very high standard.
It not only pointed out the core issue and subtly flattered the other party, but also clearly explained its own advantages and core demands, maintaining a dignified yet respectful stance and making its demands reasonable.
"Dean Han's insightful observations truly illuminate the industry's pain points, which are also issues we, as content creators, frequently ponder."
Jiang Yu nodded in agreement, setting down his porcelain cup. "In casting, Light Chaser Animation always adheres to a core principle: suitability is paramount. We look for actors who can bring the soul of a character to life. School background and mentorship are dimensions we use to fully understand an actor's growth trajectory, but they are by no means decisive factors, much less a barrier. Establishing long-term, stable, and in-depth strategic partnerships with top domestic art schools has always been a crucial part of our company's talent strategy."
After a brief moment's thought, he proposed a systematic cooperation plan: "How about this: Light Chaser Pictures and the Shanghai Theatre Academy jointly launch the Light Chaser-Shanghai Theatre Academy Future Actor Elite Program." This program could be a multi-layered, comprehensive cooperation system.
He held up three fingers, explaining clearly: "The first layer is 'bringing in': Our company's core directors and producers regularly or irregularly hold sharing sessions at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, bringing the most practical experience and the latest technological applications from top Hollywood and domestic film crews directly to teachers and students."
"The second layer, reaching out": In key film and television projects for the future of the industry, if there are suitable roles for newcomers to develop and grow, whether main or supporting, or distinctive characters, we promise to establish a green channel, prioritizing selection from the Shanghai Theatre Academy's recommended list or through special selection activities jointly organized with the school. Specifically, for example, in our upcoming global casting call for *Pacific Rim*, and for some subsequent co-productions, we can clearly reserve two to three important audition slots for the Shanghai Theatre Academy."
Upon hearing about two or three audition slots and keywords like "Pacific Rim," Dean Han's eyes visibly lit up. This wasn't just ordinary polite talk; it was a real, tangible resource that could be included in the admissions brochure and the school's work report!
Jiang Yu continued, "The third layer is incubation and support: We can jointly establish a 'Chasing the Light's Rising Stars Creative Fund, which will annually provide targeted support to a group of outstanding students from the Shanghai Theatre Academy's Literature and Directing departments for their graduation plays, experimental short films, or micro-films. We will provide appropriate financial support and can bring in our production team to offer professional guidance. For particularly outstanding talents, Chasing the Light Pictures will offer priority internship and contract opportunities. In this way, from classroom teaching to industry practice, from on-campus incubation to market integration, a relatively complete closed loop is formed."
This proposal is well-structured and progressively elaborated.
It has both the "face" that can quickly enhance the school's influence in the short term and the "substance" that can solidify the foundation for talent cultivation in the medium and long term, thus building a solid integrated ecosystem of industry, academia and research cooperation, which combines sincerity and vision.
Upon hearing this, Dean Han's face immediately lit up with a smile of satisfaction and appreciation. He repeatedly said, "Excellent! Mr. Jiang's idea is both strategically sound and highly feasible, perfectly aligning with our academy's current development strategy of teaching reform and industry-academia-research integration! Shanghai Theatre Academy can immediately establish a special working group, led by myself, to coordinate the details with Mr. Jiang from your company. Once the details are finalized, we can sign a framework agreement as soon as possible. Mr. Jiang, on behalf of all the faculty and students of Shanghai Theatre Academy, I sincerely thank you for your forward-looking support and substantial investment in arts education!"
He raised his glass first, this time with a more solemn gesture than before.
"Dean Han, you're too kind. Teaching and learning go hand in hand. This is also an important measure for Zhuiguang to broaden the source of high-quality talents. It's a win-win situation." Jiang Yu raised his glass and gently clinked it with his, the clear wine rippling slightly.
With Dean Han's core concerns addressed, everyone's attention naturally turned to Jin Guoping, who had been relatively quiet since the beginning.
The director of the Shanghai Animation Film Studio had been listening quietly. When the topic turned to him, he put down his teacup and sighed before speaking. The sigh was long and heavy, filled with complex emotions that were hard to describe.
"General Manager Jiang, General Manager Ren, Dean Han—everyone here is a leader in the industry and a discerning person. I won't bother with any fancy words. Our Shanghai Animation Film Studio is truly on the edge of a precipice; one step back means an abyss."
He raised his hand and pointed to the direction shrouded in rain outside the window, his eyes somewhat vacant.
"The grandeur of *Havoc in Heaven*, the tragedy of *Nezha Conquers the Dragon King*, the fantastical nature of *The Legend of Sealed Book*, and the magic of *Three Monks*."
The Zen-like quality—that was the golden age of Chinese animation, a pride etched into the bones of our generation. My father was a key animator in the factory; I grew up amidst piles of paint and celluloid sheets, taking over his brush and spending thirty years in this old building. But then—”
His voice deepened, taking on a rough, sandpaper-like quality, "The wheels of time have rolled in. Television sets have become widespread, foreign cartoons have flooded in like a tidal wave, the factory's mechanisms are outdated and can't keep up, and creativity seems to be stuck in a long cycle of repetitive labor."
We've been exhausted by the pressures of work and survival. For almost two thousand years, we haven't produced a single animated feature film that can truly impress audiences in theaters, earn praise from our peers, or remain a source of fascination for children for years to come.
Jin Guoping raised his head, his eyes slightly red. These were not tears of sadness, but a deep-seated resentment and regret, like an old craftsman watching his life's work about to be buried in dust.
"The factory has several hundred employees, mainly relying on low-end processing orders for overseas animation or producing some subsidized children's television animation to barely keep it running and pay basic wages. But I'm not resigned to this! Mr. Jiang! What we hold in our hands is the purest and most unique cultural gene and aesthetic code of Chinese animation! It's the rendering of ink painting, the intonation of Peking Opera, and the soul of folk tales! Looking at those so-called domestic animations on the market now, which either imitate Japanese and American styles superficially or only care about making quick money with crude 3D modeling and awkward jokes," my heart aches as if being cut by a dull knife!
Ren Zhonglun patted Jiang Yu on the shoulder at the opportune moment, his tone becoming more serious, and said, "President Jiang, Lao Jin's words come from the bottom of his heart. The Shanghai Animation Film Studio brand isn't just for Shanghai, it's for the whole country; it's an insurmountable monument in the history of Chinese animation. Watching it decline is painful for us veteran filmmakers. Last time you mentioned on the phone your interest in animated films and your plans for development, I truly believe that helping Lao Jin and the Shanghai Animation Film Studio isn't just a business collaboration, but a responsibility for cultural inheritance—a good deed that benefits the present and future generations! Moreover, frankly speaking, if Light Chaser Animation wants to truly set sail in the blue ocean of animation, is there a more substantial starting point than collaborating with the Shanghai Animation Film Studio? Its decades-old heritage is a priceless treasure that money can't buy!"
Jin Guoping looked at Jiang Yu earnestly, his eyes filled with a desperate hope and the last vestige of dignity of an old animator.
Jiang Yu had indeed previously revealed to Ren Zhonglun his strategic intention to enter the field of animated films.
This is not only based on the rise of the animation industry in his previous life, but also stems from his personal special feelings for the classic works of Shanghai Animation Film Studio, as well as his accurate judgment on the gap between the huge potential and the current situation of the domestic animation market.
Collaborating with the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, which possesses a unique aesthetic system and a group of "national treasure-level" veteran artists, is undoubtedly a shortcut to quickly occupy the cultural high ground. However, it also means facing a series of complex problems such as its deeply entrenched institutional mechanisms, talent gaps, and rigid creative thinking.
"Director Jin, President Ren," Jiang Yu began slowly, each word carrying the weight of deep thought, "I have always held firm confidence and expectations for the future of Chinese animation. I personally have great respect for the Shanghai Animation Film Studio's past glories and profound artistic heritage, which is also an important basis for our consideration of cooperation. I am indeed very interested in cooperation. If we want to truly recreate its glory, or even usher in a new era, we must face all the problems head-on and work together to carry out a radical and drastic reform."
He analyzed the situation meticulously, getting straight to the heart of the matter, like a calm surgeon analyzing a patient's condition.
"First, our creative concepts and audience positioning must be revolutionized. We cannot simply be guardians of museums, nor can we work in isolation and entertain ourselves. We must conduct in-depth research on the aesthetic tastes, emotional needs, and consumption habits of today's mainstream global audience, especially the younger generation who have grown up with the internet. While firmly inheriting the charm of Eastern aesthetics and exploring the uniqueness of Chinese culture, we must boldly embrace modern narrative rhythms, universal value resonance, and advanced audiovisual language. The story is always paramount; it must be sincere, moving, and imaginative enough. The characters must be vivid and charismatic enough to resonate across cultural backgrounds."
"Secondly, the technology and production process must be comprehensively upgraded and integrated. The craftsmanship of traditional hand-drawn animation and its ultimate pursuit of lines and colors are priceless treasures. They must be deeply and organically integrated with the most advanced CG technology, 3D rendering, rigging animation, special effects compositing, and even the virtual production and real-time rendering engine technologies that our Light and Shadow Digital is exploring at the forefront. What we are doing is not simply retro or collage, but creating a 'new Chinese style' animation visual aesthetic system that belongs to the new era of Chinese style and reaches international first-class standards."
"Third, management and operational mechanisms must be modernized and market-oriented. A project management system centered on the producer needs to be established, along with professional market research, IP development, and brand operation teams. The 'iron rice bowl' mentality must be completely broken, and a compensation, incentive, and profit-sharing mechanism closely linked to market value must be established to maximize the enthusiasm and creativity of core creative and technical personnel."
"Fourth, stable and patient capital support is essential. High-quality animated films are a capital-intensive, technology-intensive, talent-intensive, and, most importantly, time-intensive industry that requires meticulous, long-term work. They need a solid foundation of long-term, stable capital from companies that truly understand the principles of animation creation."
Every word was like a precise scalpel, calmly and incisively dissecting the root causes of the Shanghai Animation Film Studio's deep-seated problems, while also clearly pointing out the direction for its revival.
Jin Guoping nodded repeatedly as he listened, his dim eyes growing brighter and brighter, as if he had finally seen the light of a lighthouse in the endless darkness.
"Yes! Yes, yes, yes! What you said, General Manager Jiang, hits the nail on the head. It's the same problem we old folks have been pondering every day, but we don't know where to start! As long as there's a clear direction, reliable financial support, and truly knowledgeable and reform-minded modern management, our factory's retired but still passionate veteran artists and technicians will definitely unleash an energy that will surprise everyone! What they lack is never skill or passion, but an opportunity for their lifelong learning to shine again, for this era to see and cherish it!"
Seeing Jin Guoping's excitement, Ren Zhonglun clapped his hands and laughed, "Look! Old Jin's got it all back! President Jiang, you've hit the nail on the head! If this works out, it will be a landmark event for the rebirth of Chinese animation! As a local state-owned enterprise, Shanghai Film Group will fully support and cooperate! We'll provide policy coordination, local distribution resources, venues, and government relations—no problem at all!"
Dean Han also sincerely remarked, "President Jiang is integrating cultural resources with an industrial mindset, connecting creation, technology, talent..."
The market is the lifeblood of education! Perhaps our stage design, animation, and dramatic literature departments at the Shanghai Theatre Academy can also find entry points within this grand framework, allowing students to participate in project practice, which will be an invaluable educational experience.
Seeing that the time was right, Jiang Yu took the opportunity to present his long-conceived specific cooperation plan.
"Based on the above consensus, my initial idea is: Light Chaser Animation, as the main initiator and controlling shareholder, will join forces with Shanghai Film Group and Shanghai Animation Film Studio to jointly invest in and establish a brand-new, fully market-oriented Oriental Dream Animation Co., Ltd." Light Chaser will contribute cash, international resources, project management experience, and some technical support, and will be responsible for the company's strategic planning, core IP development, major capital investment, and global market expansion. Shanghai Film Group will contribute cash, local policy resources, distribution channels, and some venue support. Shanghai Animation Film Studio will contribute brand licensing, its creative team, some fixed assets, and its unique traditional animation techniques and aesthetic system as intangible assets.
He paused, allowing this crucial information to fully disseminate, before continuing, "After the new company is established, we won't rush into producing a large-scale theatrical feature film. I suggest that we concentrate our resources for approximately 6-12 months to meticulously craft a high-quality, experimental, and benchmark animated short film or series. Simultaneously, it should be broadcast on major domestic video platforms to accumulate an initial core fanbase and positive word-of-mouth. After the success of this foundational work, we will then dedicate the entire company's resources to officially launching our first animated feature film, targeting the global market with a substantial investment. This first film must assemble the strongest cast and crew, meticulously polish the script and visual effects, striving for a global sensation, thoroughly establishing the 'Oriental Dream' brand, and redefining 'Made in China' animated blockbusters!"
This plan is to proceed step by step, steadily and surely.
Jin Guoping was so excited he almost jumped up from his chair. "Great! Great! This is a solid approach! President Jiang's considerations are so thorough! I agree! I completely agree! President Jiang, as long as you take the lead, everyone at our Animation Film Studio, from me, the director, to the most junior animators, will be of one mind and work together to fully cooperate with the new company! We'll provide manpower and technology without hesitation!"
Ren Zhonglun excitedly slammed his hand on the table: "President Jiang is farsighted and has a grand vision! It's settled then! Lu Hao, you immediately coordinate with President Jiang to get the tripartite cooperation agreement and framework agreement drafted as soon as possible! We need to race against time and put this into practice!"
Dean Han added with a smile, "It seems that in the future, our Shanghai Theatre Academy will not only produce actors, but also animators and screenwriters. President Jiang, if needed, our outstanding faculty and students in related fields are very willing to contribute to the 'Oriental Dream'."
The atmosphere in the private room reached a fever pitch because of the animation company's concept. Jiang Yu casually changed the subject, turning his attention back to Ren Zhonglun.
"By the way, Mr. Ren. Regarding the Pacific Rim project you've been interested in—"
He paused deliberately, noticing that Ren Zhonglun's ears were practically perked up and his body unconsciously straightened up. "After internal evaluation, considering Shanghai Film Group's strong localized distribution capabilities and resource integration advantages in China, especially in East China and Asia, we do believe there is room for cooperation."
Ren Zhonglun's heart leaped into his throat. He tried his best to remain calm, but his eyes were overflowing with anticipation.
Jiang Yu continued unhurriedly: "Our initial consideration is that we can allocate 15% of the final investment share for the first Pacific Rim film, at a 10% premium, to accept cash investment from Shanghai Film Group."
Seeing Ren Zhonglun's eyes light up instantly and his mouth slightly open, Jiang Yu added the crucial condition, "However, this 15%..."
The investment rights and corresponding box office revenue sharing will be limited to the film's net box office revenue in major Asian markets. Box office revenue from North America, Europe, and other regions will not be included in this sharing.
Ren Zhonglun quickly did some mental calculations.
Even with a 10% premium, a 15% share is an absolute once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to squeeze into a global A-list production like Pacific Rim!
Although the revenue sharing is limited to the Asian market, everyone knows that this type of monster mecha blockbuster has huge market potential in Asia, especially in China and Japan!
He suppressed his excitement and asked, "Then, Mr. Jiang, regarding this premium portion and the condition that revenue sharing is limited to Asia, what additional costs does Shanghai Film Group need to pay?"
Jiang Yu smiled slightly and presented the real terms of the exchange: "The premium reflects the scarcity of the project's resources and our selection criteria for partners. The limitation on the revenue-sharing scope is based on considerations of the overall global revenue balance of the project. In exchange, we hope that Shanghai Film Group can fully utilize its administrative resources to assist us in resolving all the cumbersome official procedures for co-productions, such as project approval, censorship, and filming permits, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. At the same time, Shanghai Film Group needs to invest resources and efforts commensurate with its share in the film's promotion and distribution in Asia, especially in mainland China."
In exchange for a 10% premium and regional revenue sharing restrictions, they secured Shanghai Film Group's full support in key administrative resources and a green light for future co-productions!
Ren Zhonglun instantly understood the essence of the deal: Shanghai Film Group had no shortage of money, but what it lacked was the opportunity to participate in top global projects and a ticket to join the Light Chaser Animation franchise.
Administrative resources and personal connections are precisely where long-established state-owned enterprises like Shanghai Film Group have the greatest strength!
Using what you do best to exchange for the rarest opportunity is a match made in heaven!
"No problem! Absolutely no problem!" Ren Zhonglun practically patted his chest to guarantee, "President Jiang, don't worry about the co-production procedures! Shanghai Film Group has some influence! We'll absolutely guarantee a smooth process, getting it done as quickly as possible! As for publicity and distribution, needless to say, it's our own project, we'll go all out! That 15% share—we'll take it!"
The meal lasted from 12:30 pm until almost 4 pm.
As I left, the rain outside the window seemed to have intensified, splashing water droplets on the bluestone slabs of the hotel courtyard with a crisp sound.
Ren Zhonglun personally escorted Jiang Yu to the car. Wang Ming had already opened the car door and was holding up a large black umbrella, which was tightly covering Jiang Yu's head.
"President Jiang, your words today are truly invaluable! Better than ten years of study! No, better than ten years of factory management!"
Ren Zhonglun gripped Jiang Yu's hand tightly, his face a mixture of excitement and determination. "Don't worry, I'll have Lu Hao form a special team to handle everything from now on. They'll be on standby 24/7, reporting to President Jiang and Assistant Wang at any time!" He then turned to the silent driver, "Your task for the next few days is to accompany President Jiang and ensure his safety, convenience, and comfort during his stay in Shanghai!"
"Understood, Mr. Ren," Wang Ming replied calmly, his voice not loud.
He carefully protected the top of the car door frame with his hand, and only after Jiang Yu and Wang Wei were seated did he gently close the car door, his movements smooth and professional.
The car slowly drove away from the stone road, which was washed exceptionally clean by the rain, and rejoined the city's traffic.
The car finally quieted down, a stark contrast to the hours-long, heated discussion, clashes of interests, and excitement of reaching a consensus at the dinner table.
Back at the hotel, Wang Wei finally breathed a long sigh of relief, rubbed her neck which was a little sore from listening and taking notes so intently, and chuckled softly.
"Boss, Mr. Ren's enthusiasm today could probably boil the Huangpu River three times over. In just one meal, you not only gave them the tickets to 'Pacific Rim' that they wanted most, but you also conveniently arranged talent channels for the Shanghai Theatre Academy and the animation revival plan for the Shanghai Animation Film Studio. When Dean Han and Director Jin left, their eyes were like they had found a treasure."
Jiang Yu leaned back in the soft leather seat, closed his eyes, and rubbed his slightly throbbing temples.
"It's not an arrangement, it's strategic collaboration. Each party gets what they need, finding a win-win balance. Ren Zhonglun's biggest need is the sense of presence and security from participating in top global projects, and to be tied to our fast track; Dean Han needs to break down geographical barriers..."
Securing top-tier practical resources for students and enhancing the college's competitiveness: Jin Guoping yearns for a lifeline and an opportunity to revitalize his life's work. We, in turn, need Shanghai Film Studio's solid local foundation and administrative power, the Shanghai Theatre Academy's stable and high-quality talent pool, and the Shanghai Animation Film Studio's prestigious reputation and the rich cultural heritage behind it.
Wang Wei nodded as she quickly jotted down key points on her tablet: "Understood. So, would the condition of giving Shanghai Film Group a 15% Asian share with a 10% premium for 'Pacific Rim'—"
"That's fair." Jiang Yu interrupted her, his eyes still closed, but his thoughts were clear. "The total budget and expected global revenue of 'Pacific Rim' are there, and with a 15% share in Asia, even with a 10% premium, the amount Shanghai Film Group has to pay isn't much for their size. What they're getting is the qualification to participate in a global A-list production and priority for future in-depth cooperation. They'd be more than happy to exchange it for the administrative resources they have no shortage of and a portion of their future marketing and distribution investment. We, in exchange for a small monetary premium and the relinquishment of regional revenue, have gained significant convenience in advancing projects in Shanghai and even East China, as well as an ally bound to an important domestic market."
He paused, then added, "Notify the legal and financial departments of Light Chaser Animation to prepare a draft investment agreement for *Pacific Rim* as soon as possible, clearly specifying the revenue-sharing scope in Asia, the premium percentage, and the additional obligations of Shanghai Film Group. Also, notify General Manager Jiang to have the Strategic Investment Department, in conjunction with the Content Development Department and the technical team from Light & Shadow Digital, establish a project preparation team for 'Oriental Dream Animation' as soon as possible. I need to see a detailed business plan and a draft framework agreement for the three parties' cooperation within a month."
After Wang Wei left, Jiang Yu finished washing up, and his personal cell phone vibrated. It was a Beijing number.
The call connected, and Han Sanping from China Film Group spoke with a probing tone: "President Jiang, I heard you're back in Shanghai? How did your chat with Fatty Ren go? Was he again crying poor and hungry, clinging to your leg begging for food? Haha! When are you coming back to Beijing? I've been talking about you so many times, saying there's good tea waiting for you to come and taste—"
Almost simultaneously, Wang Wei's work phone began to ring frequently, with inquiries coming in one after another from Enlight Media, Bona Film Group, Huayi Brothers Media, and even Hong Kong's The Music Association, all with similar content.