Chapter 97 95 Oriental MGM, Please Take Me with You
Chapter 97 Oriental MGM, please take me with you
April 1, 2003, today is April Fool's Day, and it is also the fourth day that Eric has come to China.
In the past four days, he has walked through many scenic spots in Yanjing. There is no crowd, and he can shout and scream wantonly. This feeling is very refreshing.
But early this morning, a somewhat sad news came.
On the Internet and in newspapers, the news about the suicide of Hong Kong star Leslie Cheung occupied the headlines of major front pages.
Eric then remembered that today was the day when Leslie Cheung died. When he learned about this news when he was a child, he didn't feel anything.
Although I have watched classic movies such as "A Better Tomorrow", "East is West", and "Across the World", I only paid attention to whether it was refreshing or not. Except for a few stars such as Jet Li, Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow, and Madonna, I couldn't remember any other names of stars.
Madonna was because my father liked her, so Eric remembered it after hearing it many times.
When I grew up and learned about Leslie Cheung, I realized how regrettable it was for such a star to commit suicide.
Public opinion, no matter what era, is an invisible weapon that can kill people.
Chen Xingze didn't react much. He didn't know who Zhang Guorong was. After taking a look, he continued to eat heartily. Peter O'Toole's death would probably make him lose consciousness for a few minutes.
Eric just ate a little and sighed with some regret.
After breakfast, Susan arrived, and the three of them took a car to Yanjing City.
The inspection of the government agencies was very strict. The three of them underwent strict inspections before successfully entering the office building.
In the lobby on the first floor, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng were already waiting there in advance.
After the last dinner, especially after MGM started to pay, the two really worked at full speed, and all non-essential work at hand was suspended. After running back and forth for four days, they finally completed the communication work.
Eric came here today to meet with the relevant departments of Yanjing City to formally discuss cooperation matters.
Seeing the three people coming in, Han Sanping and Zhou Xiaopeng hurried over, and the latter said: "The secretary is waiting in the meeting room upstairs, come with me."
Walking to the elevator, Han Sanping said: "Eric, today's negotiation meeting is a two-in-one. Not only is Secretary Li here, but Director Wang of our bureau is also here. It's best for us to negotiate the two projects at once."
"Your leader is here too?"
Eric asked with a smile, which means that the more the other party values it, the greater the possibility of success.
"It's not the big boss, it's our deputy director in charge of business. The big boss is not in Yanjing, but he also knows about this matter and supports it."
Eric nodded: "It's fine to be a representative, it doesn't matter who you talk to, but when the final decision is made, can it be done without the signature of your big boss?"
"Don't worry about this, he will be back in a few days. I have already reported that you will stay in Yanjing for a week at most, and you will definitely catch up.
After Han Sanping finished speaking, the elevator door opened. As soon as the group entered the corridor, they saw several middle-aged men in cadre uniforms waiting there. There were several people standing behind them, some carrying bags, and some taking photos.
It was also the first time for Eric. Just as he was thinking about saying something to say hello, his hand was grabbed by the leading secretary.
"Hello, Mr. Cooper, you are very welcome. "
Several other leaders also shook hands one by one. They were all important figures who could decide the food, clothing, housing and transportation of millions of people.
Then everyone entered the conference room and sat down. Each person had an ID card in front of them.
Han Sanping, who could call the shots in the entertainment industry, and Zhou Xiaopeng, who could control the power of life and death in the Yanjing Media System, could only sit at the left and right edges of this table.
Since the two of them were directly recruited by the project, they were privileged to sit at the table. The ID cards in front of the two of them did not have their personal names, but the names of their units.
But the most special one was Susan. The cards in front of others were all in Chinese, but hers was in English. There was no way she didn't understand Chinese, so she brought a special translator to this meeting.
"Mr. Cooper, this is the first time we meet. If you haven't seen it with your own eyes, it's really hard to believe that the vice president of a multi-billion dollar company is so young. In our Chinese language, this is called the young are formidable!"
Eric smiled: "Many things just happened to be standing at that corner, and then happened to do those things. Fortunately, MGM is doing well now. Although it has not yet restored its former glory, I believe it will in the future. ”
“This is just like China. Ancient China was the world's economic and cultural center and had a significant impact on the whole world. I believe that China in the future will surely restore its former glory and become one of the world's most important economic centers and entertainment and cultural centers.”
“It seems that Mr. Cooper knows China very well.”
“Yes, at least I think so. Otherwise, I would not have persuaded my father to come to China to establish a branch, because I can see the huge potential of this market.”
The flowery sedan chair was carried by everyone, and the cameras next to it kept clicking. After a few polite words, the meeting began to get down to business.
Director Wang said: “Let me talk about the establishment of a joint venture first. Sanping reported this more than half a month ago. The idea is very good, and we agree in principle.”
“I also met with Ms. Susan a few days ago and discussed it in detail. We also discussed the first draft of the plan internally, and agreed in principle.”
“There are some places where we hope to get more favorable terms.
It is normal to have conditions. Negotiation is a process of bidding and counteroffering, as long as it is not excessive.
"Speaking!"
"First of all, there is the technical issue. This is the most lacking aspect of the current Chinese film industry. I think the cooperation method in the plan is still too conservative. The scale can be appropriately relaxed."
"I suggest increasing the number of directors who come to MGM for exchange and study every year from 2 to 5, and at the same time adding management positions, 3D technology, screenwriting and other professional talents. Only by learning as much as possible can we promote the early rise of Chinese films. ”
"The other issue is the film's distribution. I'm not afraid of everyone's ridicule. We have actually been exploring global distribution, hoping to find a suitable path, but unfortunately we have never been successful."
"Today, Chinese films want to go global and expand their cultural influence, so they can only rely on foreign companies, but it will be difficult to see how people look."
"So Mr. Eric, my second thought is that I hope MGM can help China gradually establish a distribution network, starting with North America."
Director Wang's two suggestions are indeed for the future of Chinese films, and everyone present understands this.
And if everything goes according to track, this talent development plan will indeed be launched almost ten years later.
For example, Guo Fan, Chen Sicheng, Xiao Yang, Yu Baimei and others were all Hollywood students studying abroad at that time, and they each submitted their answer sheets after returning. As for whether the audience is satisfied or not, it depends on personal taste.
But the idea is good, but it’s too simple.
After taking a sip of water, Eric organized his words: "Director Wang, your first suggestion is fine. MGM can even help you contact more major Hollywood companies."
"If you want to learn animation production, I can help you contact DreamWorks, and special effects can help you contact Weta Digital. They are both top-notch in their respective fields."
"The number of people is not a problem. After all, you are paying tuition, and you are not getting free food."
The venue suddenly burst into laughter.
"But regarding the issue of establishing a distribution network, I frankly say it is difficult. There are too many factors involved."
"There are cultural differences, different laws in different countries, different ways of dividing box office accounts, various distribution methods, and varying film quality."
"I hope to treat this matter with a more responsible attitude, rather than simply agreeing and then perfunctory you."
"Based on my experience, the most likely outcome of this matter is that China has spent a lot of manpower, material and financial resources, but in the end the film's distribution can only be circulated in the Chinese community."
"So things can be done, and MGM is willing to help you connect, but it's best not to have too high expectations. Do you understand what I mean?"
What Eric said is to clarify things first and then not to argue. Don't blame me for not doing anything in the end if you don't succeed.
To his surprise, Director Wang did not show any dissatisfaction, but accepted it sincerely.
"Mr. Eric, there is an old saying in China that where there is a will, there is a way. No matter how bad the result is, it is better than nothing at all. The roads are all taken one by one, don't you think?"
Now that Director Wang has made his attitude clear, Eric doesn't care. He didn't work for nothing anyway.
If I help Huaxia expand its market in North America, Huaxia will naturally give the green light to MGM for mutual benefit.
"Well, these two items will be added to the contract."
Next to him, Han Sanping's heart suddenly fell to the ground. Although he didn't say a word, his concentration was highly concentrated.
Once the joint venture is completed, I will have impressive results. If I ask the leaders to work harder, maybe it will be possible to correct it this year.
A smile instantly appeared on Director Wang's face: "Mr. Eric, I wish us a happy cooperation in advance. Secretary Li, that's all from my side. You can talk about your business."
Secretary Li also had a smile on his face. A good start is half the success.
Although it was his first time meeting him, the young man in front of him gave him a capable and pragmatic feeling, unlike some of the liars he had met before who could only brag.
During the negotiation, each one was more boastful than the other. When it came time to pay, it was either for one reason or another, and they pushed and held things back and forth.
"Mr. Cooper, on behalf of the Yanjing Municipal Party Committee and Government, I welcome your investment in building a factory. I won't say anything more. Let's just look at the map. This is a more suitable industrial land around Yanjing. There are three Blocks, you can pick one first.”
The lights in the conference room were turned off, and in front of everyone, the projector slowly came down, and a planning map of the Yanjing area was displayed in front of Eric.
The director of land and resources walked to the side, holding a laser pen in his hand, and the red dot fell on the plot of land and began to introduce the situation.
After more than ten minutes, after listening to the pros and cons analysis, Eric probably made a decision in his mind.
"Secretary Li, the main purpose of MGM's investment in building the factory this time is to serve various peripheral production in the future."
"China's manpower and material resources and other aspects of costs are much more favorable than those in the United States, so I have plans to transfer the production line here in the future."
"Although the land for the first phase is not much, only 500 acres, and the investment is only 50 million US dollars, it will definitely be expanded as it develops."
"I expect that the factory will at least double or even triple its capacity in two years, so reserving land is my focus. Land No. 3 is good, but you need to pay more attention to this aspect."
Secretary Li nodded: "This aspect is not a problem. Our current policy is to encourage investment. Mr. Cooper only needs to get the funds in place as soon as possible. The government will take care of all other running things for you."
"Thank you very much. The money will definitely arrive soon. Susan has registered the company in the past few days, and the advance funds from MGM will come in as soon as the account is opened."
"But I definitely can't stay in Yanjing for a long time. After I leave, Susan will be fully responsible for the business here. When the time comes, I ask the municipal party committee and government to take care of her."
"No problem. Whichever department needs to cooperate will definitely do its best to cooperate. Whichever leader needs to coordinate, which leader will definitely come forward. There are all the preferential policies that should be enjoyed. If the difficulty cannot be solved, ask Ms. Susan to call me directly. ”
"Hahahaha, with your words, I feel relieved."
We discussed a lot of details for more than two hours, and the matters that needed attention were basically agreed upon.
Secretary Li said: "Now that the matter is basically finalized, we will perfect the contract in the next few days, sign it before Mr. Cooper leaves, and then hold a joint press conference. What do you think?"
"I have no objection, just follow Secretary Li's arrangements."
Secretary Li suddenly laughed: "Mr. Cooper, when we first met, I said you were a formidable person, but that is our Chinese tradition, a polite way of complimenting guests."
"But through this exchange, I must say this sentence again sincerely. You can't see the youthfulness of a 20-year-old young man at all. When I was your age, I was still the party secretary in the village. Woolen cloth."
"Not to mention an investment of US$50 million, even if I was asked to approve a note of RMB 5,000, I would have to think about it for ten days and a half, for fear of making a mistake and feeling upset."
“Young people are still courageous and dare to think and act.”
Director Wang looked at the time: "Let's go, Secretary Li. Let's talk about the nice words later at the dinner table. We have put in a lot of effort to recruit MGM this time."
"If Sanping had not maintained communication with others and given the good things to you as soon as possible, this project might have ended up in Tianjin."
"Although Yanjing is the center, you don't have access to the sea. MGM's products must be sold all over the world, so you have to drink three cups in a while."
Everyone in the conference room laughed immediately.
Eric naturally understands what Director Wang said. In the future, MGM will inevitably build more factories in China. The first one to be located in Yanjing was for political policy considerations, and then it will be Guangzhou, Shenzhen and other places.
The world's factory, with its huge demographic dividend and exaggerated cost reduction, it will soon become a place that companies all over the world are flocking to.