America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM

Chapter 94 What are female celebrities used for?

Huaxia, Yanjing, Fengzeyuan. (っ◔◡◔)っ

Deputy Director Chen of the Yanjing Optoelectronics Bureau opened a bottle of red wine. If he was one of his own, he would drink white wine.

But considering that Eric is a foreigner, he is definitely not used to drinking white wine, and since there are lesbians, red wine is also quite good.

When he saw the wine opened, he remembered the precautions his family elders had warned him before arriving, and Chen Xing immediately wanted to take it.

Seeing this, Eric patted his leg gently to signal him not to move.

Zhang Ziyi, who was sitting near the door with Susan, quickly stood up and took the bottle. Her English was very good and she was originally called to translate.

Because there are not many internationally famous female stars in mainland China, she is the only one who happened to be in Yanjing at this time.

Now that translation is no longer needed, we naturally have to show our value in other aspects.

Of the three people present, Director Zhou is the highest-ranking, and the level of the direct administration department is the same as Qi Tongwei's level in "In the Name of the People".

Han Sanping and Deputy Director Chen are on the same level, both at the deputy director level.

However, since Han Sanping is in charge of Huaying and is the current boss in the entertainment industry, Zhang Ziyi has to pour the bottle for him first while dragging the bottom of the bottle.

Seeing this, the latter narrowed his eyes slightly and pointed at Eric: "I'm a guest from afar, pour it for Mr. Cooper first."

Having reached her heart, Zhang Ziyi obediently walked to Eric, bent down and poured half a glass of red wine with a smile.

The heating in the room was fully turned on. Zhang Ziyi didn't know if she was wearing special clothes. She couldn't tell when she was sitting. When she bent down, her career line was immediately revealed.

Unfortunately, the two headlights are not outstanding. For Eric, who is used to European and American circles, they are quite average.

"Mr. Cooper, my name is Zhang Ziyi. I have admired you for a long time. In fact, if it weren't for the war, we should have met at the Oscars."

Eric looked at her: "What does this mean?"

"Isn't "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film? It was originally planned that Director Zhang and several of our leading actors would go to Los Angeles together."

"But a few days before leaving, the war suddenly broke out, so considering all aspects, none of our leading actors went, and two producers were replaced."

"If I had gone there at that time, I might have met you. China CCTV broadcast the entire Oscar process live this year, and I saw the moment when you heroically saved the beauty."

"Mr. Cooper, you are like a knight, a handsome knight!"

After Zhang Ziyi finished speaking, everyone laughed together.

After pouring the wine, Zhou Xiaopeng raised the goblet and said: "Then let us use the first glass of wine to welcome the knights who have come from afar.

After taking the first sip, Han Sanping pointed to the exquisite dishes and said: "Mr. Cooper, although your Mandarin is very good, to be precise, it is the best among foreigners I have ever seen, but the authentic Chinese You must have never tried these dishes before, try these, I guarantee you won’t forget them after you eat them.”

Eric picked up a piece of sea cucumber and put it into his mouth, savoring it carefully. In an instant, all the memories came flooding back.

He said with some sigh: "Director Han, Director Zhou, in fact, in the internal restaurant of MGM, I specially hired a chef from Chinatown to cook, but the braised sea cucumber he made with green onion is still inferior to this."

Han Sanping laughed and said: "That's for sure. Fengze Garden was once the venue for state banquets for foreign guests. Among other things, your American Henry Kissinger ate here."

As he spoke, he raised his glass: "So I propose that in order to celebrate that we have dined at the same table with Kissinger, we have a second bite."

After saying that Han Sanping took the lead and downed half a cup, Zhou Xiaopeng couldn't help complaining and said: "Old Han, why are you drinking so much? Mr. Cooper is an American, and this is not popular over there."

Looking at the two white faces opposite, Han Sanping slapped his forehead: "Oh, I'm so excited that I forgot about this, so you can just treat me as your companion."

Eric picked up the wine glass and drank half of it, which immediately attracted applause from everyone.

In fact, he can drink this wine or not, and no one will blame him if he doesn't drink it. The cultural difference is the best excuse, but drinking it will always bring him closer to each other, which will facilitate future work.

"Actually, what Director Zhou just said is not entirely correct. In the United States, we also need to drink when talking about things. We also talk while eating. We only have many more receptions and parties than China."

"But over there, everyone drinks just for fun. You can drink as much as you can. It doesn't matter if you can't. Others won't force you."

"But since I'm in China today, I know there's a saying that when you're in the country, do as the Romans do, so I'll take the lead in the third cup."

After speaking, Eric drank the remaining half, and the red liquid in the goblet was instantly reduced to the bottom.

Everyone followed suit and took a third sip. The difference was that Susan took a small sip, while Chen Xing was worried that his boss would get drunk, and he drank juice in case something happened later.

The others naturally followed suit, and Zhang Ziyi immediately stood up again to pour the wine.

When she arrived, the wine bottle was almost empty after two rounds, but you definitely couldn't fill it half way, so she quickly opened another bottle to refill it for herself.

In a dinner party of this level, the role of female celebrities is probably the same.

It looks similar to a waiter, but even so, many people can't get it even if they ask for it.

If you can sleep with the boss after eating, that would be a dream. If you sleep with someone, you may not have good resources, but if you don't sleep with him, you definitely won't have good resources. This rule applies to the world.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, everyone got closer and gradually opened up the conversation and started talking about serious matters.

Han Sanping said: "Eric, Ms. Susan told me a few days ago that MGM will establish a branch in China. I think it is very good."

"Although there are other companies in Hollywood that have offices in China, they don't have much effect. To be honest, the role of those offices is to lobby for the green light. With the limit of 20 imported films per year, some people can take advantage of it and some can't."

"So far, only MGM has proposed setting up a branch. If this thing can be done, it will definitely create a historical precedent."

Eric nodded in agreement: "I believe this. The reason why I have the idea of ​​setting up a branch is actually because I am optimistic about China's film market."

"Although the scale is not large now, I believe that it will definitely take off in ten years at most. After all, there is a large market of 1.4 billion people here. What MGM wants is to be one step ahead of others and capture this market in advance." Piece of cake.”

Zhou Xiaopeng leaned back and said: "The cake is definitely getting bigger and bigger. Now China's economy is developing at a rapid pace. Now that everyone has money in their pockets, they will naturally pursue enjoyment. Movies are a kind of spiritual enjoyment."

"Jue Zhou is right. In recent years, under the leadership of Director Han, China's film market has become more and more dynamic. If MGM can participate and bring other Hollywood companies into the game, I don't think it will take ten years or five years." We can make the cake bigger every year." Zhang Ziyi said with a smile.

"Xiao Zhang is right. If MGM can attract other major Hollywood companies, I am confident that the Chinese film market will exceed 10 billion in five years." Han Sanping pointed out with high spirits.

But then the topic changed: "But there are some things that need to be made clear in advance. Ms. Susan and I have also discussed these. It is to establish a joint venture if we want to do it, and China Film Group must hold at least 51% of the shares."

Seemingly worried that Eric would not understand, he continued to explain: "Of course, this is not my personal request, nor do I want to embarrass MGM. This is what the law here stipulates. Foreign capital cannot invest in cultural undertakings alone. joint venture."

Of course Eric was well-connected to the policy Han Sanping said, and he had no objection to it. He would abide by the rules of any house he went to.

I recall that when DreamWorks set up Oriental DreamWorks in Shanghai, it was actually a joint venture. DreamWorks’ shareholding was 45%. If I could get 49%, that would be the limit.

The most obvious benefit of a joint venture is the share of the film. Co-produced films are not considered imported and can enjoy the same treatment as domestic films, so to hell with the 13% share.

"Director Han, Susan you mentioned has reported to me. I understand very well. Everything should be done according to the rules. My only hope now is that the project will be implemented as soon as possible, so I flew over here to meet with you. You can Think I'm here to speed up the progress."

Han Sanping laughed loudly: "It's easy for me to say here. As long as the money from MGM arrives, and we sign the contract, from tomorrow onwards I will do nothing but go and run the procedures for you. It will take me a week at most to ensure that all the procedures are completed." In place.”

"So fast?" Eric couldn't believe it.

"It's not too fast. I have been making preparations since Stephen Chow and I talked on the phone. When I met Ms. Susan, I formally reported the matter to the leader, and the leader was also very interested."

"Find a time in the next few days for you to formally meet with the leader. As long as you make a decision and set the tone, a week will be enough to complete the process."

"There are also ready-made office locations. A new building was built at the Science and Technology Port last year. It is still idle and can be used."

Listening to Han Sanping's easy words, Zhou Xiaopeng couldn't help but take out his cigarette and light it.

"Old Han, you are a cultural company. Of course the procedures are easy to go through. But I am in trouble. If MGM wants to take the land to build a factory, it may not be possible in a month, let alone a week."

"There are many departments involved, and there are still various procedures to go through, especially now that we are in a special period. Even if you get the land, you can't start construction."

Eric frowned. He couldn't tell people that he would let go in two months. No one dared to make such an assertion now.

"Director Zhou, is there any way to make the process go faster? It doesn't mean that construction will start after the process is completed, but at least the procedures must be completed first. When the special period is over, MGM can start construction immediately. Don't waste time. "

Han Sanping also said: "Eric is right. The preliminary procedures must at least be completed first. This is real foreign investment. That is giving you credit, Old Zhou."

"If this factory fails, if MGM invests tens of millions of dollars, not to mention this year's investment task, it will be taken care of next year and the next year, so you can burn the incense."

Zhou Xiaopeng glared at him: "It's as if all the benefits fall on me. Isn't it a great achievement for you to establish a joint venture here? Maybe it will be straightened out for you this year, so you can just enjoy it secretly. "

Han Sanping waved his hand quickly: "Don't talk nonsense. The organization makes its own decisions. Can you still replace the Standing Committee?"

It's easy to keep your mouth shut when you drink too much. Eric didn't want to hear what they said was sensitive, so he stopped quickly.

"Director Han, Director Zhou, MGM came with sincerity this time. Cooperation is a win-win situation. This is a good thing for everyone, and I can't stay in China for too long. I still hope that I can get it done in one go." It’s a done deal.”

"You're right. Mr. Cooper is here to make a contribution. Lao Zhou, you can't let go. I introduced Ms. Susan to you directly at that time. I didn't say a word to Ren Laosan of the Cultural Bureau. We are brothers enough. If you lose your temper, I will lose my face."

Zhou Xiaopeng pushed Han Sanping's head away: "Okay, okay, I will remember your kindness. Xiao Zhang, go and ask the waiter to add the signature dragon carp. You, Director Han, like to eat it."

Zhang Ziyi was really treated as a waiter, so naturally she couldn't say no and went out to order the dishes.

As soon as she went out, Zhou Xiaopeng looked up at Eric and said directly: "Mr. Cooper, let's talk behind closed doors. I have a suggestion. You might as well listen to it."

"Speaking."

"Now is a special period. It is difficult to carry out any task, but there is only one, and that is the fight against Africa. Now the attention of the big leaders is on this aspect."

"Let me tell you something that you Americans don't understand. This is called bottom-line work. If you wear the bottom line, you can't wear it. If you wear it, big trouble will happen."

"Once this bottom line is crossed, no matter how well you do other jobs, it is equivalent to adding a zero in front of your performance. Even if you have 1 billion or 10 billion behind you, if you add the zero in front, it will be useless. "

Eric said nothing, pretending to try hard to understand, but how could he not understand in his heart.

"So in order to get things done as soon as possible, I have a proposal. Of course, it is just a proposal. There is no other meaning. Is MGM doing charity work?"

When Eric heard the word charity, he understood it instantly.

"Director Zhou, you mean to donate money to contribute to the fight against Africa. Can you understand it this way?"

Zhou Xiaopeng nodded: "It's comfortable to talk to smart people. In this special period, this approach can instantly increase MGM's popularity across the country."

"The leaders see it and it is convenient to do anything. Moreover, the name of a caring enterprise is also very beneficial to the future development of the company."

"For example, after you have built a factory, you will have to produce it. You will have to deal with many departments later. Where is your reputation? If you are a foreign-funded enterprise that supports the fight against Africa, which department would not dare to give you the green light!"

Eric nodded secretly. Zhou Xiaopeng's proposal was indeed a good one and would be very beneficial to the company's subsequent development.

Having worked on a film crew for so many years in his previous life, he also worked in many departments, and it was common for him to look at people's faces.

You are the director and producer on the crew, and you are awesome on the crew.

Moreover, my feelings for this land are no weaker than theirs, so it would be a good idea to donate some money as a token of my love and mutual benefit.

"I think Director Zhou's proposal is feasible. In fact, charity is also a very common way in the United States. Let's add this when you report to the leader, and then try to arrange a meeting for us within a week."

Seeing Eric agreeing, Zhou Xiaopeng was secretly happy. This was all his further contribution.

"No problem, I just don't know how much MGM plans to donate? I can report it conveniently."

Eric held out a hand: "Five million dollars!"