Chapter 486: Big Data! Choosing Tencent

"Popular IP? What is this?"

Many people in the traditional film and television industry asked softly, and a small number of people had already reacted.

"IP, that is, intellectual property. IP is content, high-quality IP is good stories and content."

"And popular IP, big IP, super IP, are treasures waiting to be developed, core sharp weapons that can connect and link several industry fields such as literature, film and television, animation, games, etc., and they possess infinite commercial value."

Zhang Qiang talked eloquently above, starting to explain Alibaba's "strategic thinking."

Many people in the film and television circle below stared without blinking, already attracted.

"In the past, the traditional film and television industry never had the concept of IP, and today, Alibaba will define it for it."

"For example, Marvel and DC's superhero series, Disney animation, these are super IPs. They have derived countless works and peripherals, created huge commercial value, and are still continuing to create value."

Zhang Qiang paused, and his tone changed again:

"Changing to the domestic side, although the traditional film and television industry is still very vague about this, it has already vaguely touched the edge of IP."

"For example, the recent internet IP film and television adaptations that have become popular in these few years, and the distant ones like our own super IPs: *Journey to the West*, *Investiture of the Gods*, *Strange Tales of a Chinese Studio*, etc., but the IP-ization is too shallow."

Lin Nan couldn't help but want to applaud; have to say, Alibaba is indeed prepared with real guns and live ammunition for this forum today.

The film and television circle side only heard the explanation and examples of IP, and many people's eyes were shining.

"IP will be the core resource for the film and television industry to compete for in the future; the *Ghost Blows Out the Light* that Lin Nan Film is currently developing is a typical big IP."

Lin Nan was a bit speechless, how come it pulled to him while talking; facing the envious gazes cast by many people around, he could only respond with a smile.

"Even further, Lin Dao Nan himself is an IP. Of course, all the big directors sitting here are IPs."

Why does this sound a bit like scolding people?

"What is a fan movie? It is a movie produced specifically for these IPs to satisfy specific fan groups, achieving precise feeding."

"This way, basically there won't be a situation where the movie loses money; the saying that the film industry is a high-risk industry will also cease to exist from now on!"

As soon as Zhang Qiang's words fell, the film and television circle at the venue was in an uproar.

Everyone resisted his last sentence from the bottom of their hearts; the film industry is a high-risk industry, this is recognized by the industry, how could it cease to exist?

But even if they completely disagreed with Zhang Qiang's statement, they didn't know how to refute it for a while.

Because what Zhang Qiang said really seemed to make some sense!?

Lin Nan felt that it would be a pity if this group of internet people didn't go into pyramid schemes; they are simply too good at bluffing.

"Let's talk about celebrity directors!"

Zhang Qiang looked at this group of people in the film and television circle who were astonished, confused, and at a loss, and was very satisfied.

"Alibaba will film or invest in movies in the future; the director choice will either be a famous big director, or a celebrity; this celebrity doesn't necessarily have to be a director."

"Because according to our formula, the director really isn't important; big directors can add flowers to the brocade, but other star celebrities can also do this. Even later, the film industry will no longer need professional directors!"

If the "IP" just now aroused the strong interest of the film and television circle, the "fan movie" saying "won't lose money" and "the film industry will no longer be a high-risk industry" made the film and television circle collectively resist.

Then this last sentence "the film industry will no longer need professional directors" completely angered the entire traditional film and television industry.

Many insiders had dark faces, especially the directors.

"I disagree with Zhang Dong's point of view; film is business but also art. Every director has their own characteristics; we control the direction and core ideology of the movie with our own lenses and colors. Without a professional director, what are you filming?"

Lin Nan looked at Chen Kaige in a daze; good guy, rarely see Director Chen stand up and speak, have to give him a round of applause.

Many people looked at Lin Nan, then reacted, and the applause sounded like thunder.

"Hahaha, I can understand Director Chen's emotional state; after all, you are a world-renowned big director."

"But what I said is also a fact; film is a commodity first and then the art you mentioned, and how many audiences does your art have? And how is the box office in recent years?"

Damn, one sentence choked Chen Kaige until he had no voice.

For so many years, looking at the entire film and television circle, no one dared to talk to him like this! But today's Zhang Qiang is not a small character in the film and television circle, but a big shot from the internet industry.

Directors and filmmakers stood up one after another to refute, and were forced to sit down helplessly after a few words.

Many bosses of film and television companies also had their worldviews refreshed today.

"Popular IP + fan movie + celebrity director, is the production formula for the film and television industry in the future, it is the general trend!"

Zhang Qiang said with satisfaction. The internet enterprises present responded one after another, and the applause was constant.

"I admit this thinking is not bad, has a certain rationality, but what Zhang Dong said from beginning to end is just a shell. I have different opinions and want to ask."

At the venue, Lin Nan stood up, and a large number of people in the film and television circle looked at him one after another.

"Lin Dao, please speak."

"The most important thing about film and television works is the inner content, which needs to be controlled by people; professional talents often need years of cultivation to be trained."

"But looking at Alibaba's meaning, you don't intend to use professional talents, and you haven't thought about cultivating a professional team; how do you control the quality?"

The eyes of many people around lit up, looking at Lin Nan with full expectation.

"Quality? For the traditional film and television industry, it's called controlling quality. But for us, it can be changed to yield rate, or pass rate."

"An IP-adapted fan work, as long as it satisfies the fans' preferences, it is qualified and successful; it doesn't need a professional team. High quality is not easy to define, but the pass rate is just that simple!"

This answer was unacceptable to many filmmakers, but facts told everyone that the box office of such movies is indeed not low... just like *Tiny Times*.

Without waiting for Lin Nan to continue asking, Zhang Qiang added himself:

"Since Lin Dao asked here, then I will talk about the second key point today."

I saw the big screen turn a page, and three words appeared: "Big Data!"

"Big data is the core magic weapon of the internet industry. It can likewise be used in the film and television industry."

"By collecting everyone's traces on the internet through big data, extracting user preferences, such as preferences for film and television works, keyword frequency, which stars they like, what interests and hobbies they have... finally through screening and summarizing, achieve the customization and precise feeding of fan movies and TV dramas."

Zhang Qiang took out another trump card, making the film and television industry terrified but also having some thoughts; is this to circle and raise all the audiences?

"Audiences are people, people with feelings and thoughts, whose emotions and mindsets are changing every moment, not machines that never change," Lin Nan said sternly.

"Audiences are changing, but big data is also constantly collecting and summarizing. They know what they like, just customize it for them."

"When the application of big data becomes mature, professional directors, producers, and even professional screenwriters and actors will be completely unnecessary..."

Zhang Qiang's words made many film and television companies feel creepy, but also full of magic, making people unable to stop.

"You say precise feeding, but do you know whether the things you feed are food or something else to the audience? Big data is dead, people are alive, and audiences have aesthetic fatigue and weariness."

"In my opinion, using big data to define the audience's preferences, or even forcibly defining the audience, is a barbaric and stupid act."

"Alibaba's method might have good gains in a short time, but in the long run, it will absolutely cause irreparable disaster to the film and television industry, and in the end, the entire industry will be backlashed..."

Lin Nan said heavy words; he felt he should say these words.

All the people in the film and television circle stared at Lin Nan; he really dared to offend Alibaba today!

However, Zhang Qiang on the stage didn't take Lin Nan's words to heart; a sneer appeared on his face, saying:

"Cannot deny, Lin Dao is better at movies and scripts than us. But we understand the market better than you, and the film market is also a market!"

Boom, the venue was completely chaotic. Lin Nan and Alibaba Pictures President Zhang Qiang, the two were really not giving an inch, and started fighting.

"Hehe, then I'll wait and see, waiting to see Alibaba Pictures' results and reputation."

Lin Nan sat down. No way, couldn't win the argument; he tried his best.

"You were awesome today, the media behind will probably be excited to death... but, how come I feel what he said has something to do?"

Wang Changtian leaned over and said in a low voice.

"They are fishing in the pond; we can learn the IP point, but don't touch the next two points."

"Even if they mess it up, they can just pat their butts and leave to play internet, but we people in the industry will suffer," Lin Nan said seriously.

Alibaba's Zhang Qiang alone made so many people in the film and television circle speechless; the internet industry side was even more excited.

The media reporters at the back of the venue were one more excited than the other; today's material was really too much.

Baidu, Tencent, Youzu... one after another took the stage, bombarding in turns.

The film and television industry couldn't parry at all; many film and television companies had even been conquered by Alibaba's set.

In the end, it's all about making money; since internet companies have ways to earn more and faster, why not follow? Even if it's being a little brother!

The forum hadn't ended yet, and the news online had already come out.

"Shanghai International Film Festival: New Thinking of Internet Film and Television and Traditional Film and Television Culture—Summit Forum, held officially this afternoon."

"Alibaba Pictures redefines the development mode of the film and television industry with 'popular IP + fan movie + celebrity director'."

"Popular IP will become the core resource for the film and television industry to compete for, 'big data' will be the most important trump card for the film and television industry in the future!"

"Numerous directors and filmmakers tongue-battled Alibaba, and returned without success..."

"Lin Dao Nan and Alibaba Pictures President confronted each other, bluntly saying that internet thinking will cause disaster to the film and television industry, and was mocked for not understanding the market!"

After five o'clock in the afternoon, the three-hour forum ended.

Outside the venue, most filmmakers in the film and television circle had bad faces, preparing to leave. And the internet enterprises side was happily accepting interviews.

"Wang Zhongjun just got past this?"

Hearing Wang Changtian's words, Lin Nan turned his head and glanced.

Sure enough, he saw Wang Zhongjun chatting and laughing beside Zhang Qiang and the others, and many film and television company bosses were also there; it is estimated that there will be a dinner party in the evening.

"Isn't this very normal."

Lin Nan complained and continued to send messages to Liu Qianqian.

"Lin Dao, Chairman Wang, are you two going back? Do you have time to sit down and have a meal?"

Just as Lin Nan put away his phone and waved goodbye to Wang Changtian, someone suddenly walked over from the side.

The two looked over when they heard the sound; it was Tencent people. Lin Nan could vaguely guess what it was about.

"What a coincidence, I have a dinner party in the evening," Wang Changtian said with a smile.

"Me too, preparing to go out and play, have a candlelight dinner," Lin Nan smiled.

"Then do Lin Dao and Chairman Wang have time in these two days? We sincerely want to invite you two to sit down and chat; of course, if Wanda is there, it would be even better."

"Sure enough"!

Hearing the last sentence, both of them had this word pop up in their hearts.

Wang Changtian looked at Lin Nan with an inquiring look, and the latter thought for a moment and nodded:

"How about this, I will play in Shanghai for a few days; before returning to the capital, we can find a place to have a cup of tea."

"Haha, good, no problem. Thank you Lin Dao and Chairman Wang, I will wait for your news anytime, won't disturb you."

Watching the distant back of the Tencent people, Wang Changtian opened his mouth: "So, you think Tencent is more suitable than Alibaba?"

"At least in terms of attitude, it's a world of difference; what does Chairman Wang think?"

"Mm, indeed. And looking at today, we and Alibaba really can't pee in the same pot."

After parting ways with Wang Changtian, Lin Nan went to find Liu Qianqian.

Today is the first day of the Shanghai International Film Festival; around the main venue, there are movie promotion areas divided up one after another.

Looking over, various posters and standees are dense, and it is a sea of people. There are quite a few actors, stars, and media reporters.

When Lin Nan arrived here, he saw Liu Qianqian and her assistant's figures in front of the *Transformers 4* exhibition area from afar.

She was chatting with Li Bingbing about something, and there were quite a few industry insiders around.

"Qianqian."

Less than half a second after Lin Nan's voice was called out, Liu Qianqian turned her head sharply; her ears are really sensitive.

Seeing Lin Nan, a joyful smile instantly bloomed on her face, "Hurry over."

"Lin Dao, your speech criticizing Alibaba at the forum has already spread in the industry, domineering," Li Bingbing flattered.

"Can't change much, can only do this much."

Lin Nan smiled and replied, then looked at Liu Qianqian, "Where is Zhou Xun?"

"Went to promote the movie with Brother Xiao Ming," Liu Qianqian said, hooking Lin Nan's arm.

"*Transformers 4* will start in a while, Lin Dao happens to accompany Qianqian in," Li Bingbing interjected.

The competition between these few big actresses, secretly or more or less, has some filth, but they won't put it on the table.

Just like right now, Li Bingbing listened to Lin Nan and the two chatting about Zhou Xun with a smile.

"Mm, thank you."

When he just came over here, Lin Nan also saw Fan Bingbing, who was accepting an interview at *The White Haired Witch* side.

This year's Shanghai International Film Festival is really interesting; not one of the big actresses is missing, all brought movies.

After chatting outside for a while, Lin Nan entered the screening hall of *Transformers 4* with Liu Qianqian.

"We walked around for a while after coming out of *Grace of Monaco*, and then ran into Li Bingbing. Sister Xun didn't want to talk to her, so we left."

Liu Qianqian whispered in his ear, giving Lin Nan a lowdown.

Unlike other female stars, anyway, Miss Liu lives very freely now; ever since Lin Nan publicly confessed to her in 2009, everyone in the circle has been giving way to her.

"Has nothing to do with us, just don't pay attention to these things," Lin Nan said softly, staring at the movie on the big screen.

The domestic movies at the end of the month are going to be miserable; this *Transformers 4*, although the plot is a bit weak, the super-long fighting scenes and special effects are very fierce, it is a classic sci-fi blockbuster!

"Of course I know."

Liu Qianqian tilted her head, pouted and said, then leaned on Lin Nan's shoulder and watched the movie seriously.

The two-and-a-half-hour film ended, and the time reached eight o'clock in the evening.

The red lights and green wines of Shanghai's night are even better than the capital; surrounding the film festival, there are wine parties and banquets everywhere.

Lin Nan and Liu Qianqian declined many invitations; the two went to have a candlelight dinner and watched the river view by the way.

The plan for the second day is to go to a few scenic spots to play, and go to Disneyland by the way.

Although Shanghai Disneyland hasn't been built and opened yet, some theme parks have been completed and will receive a small number of people, provided they have status and position.

One night passed, "IP" and "big data" became the keywords discussed by the entire industry, and even the official side was reporting it.

And Lin Nan's criticism of Alibaba's "production formula" was also the focus of heated discussion by everyone.

If it were in the past, there would definitely be more people supporting Lin Nan from the outside.

But not this time; it was actually three-seven, only 30% of people supported him, because the opponent was Alibaba Pictures.

You have to know that at this time, Alibaba is the leader of the domestic internet industry, firmly suppressing companies like Tencent; Old Ma is even an existence like a god!

In just one night, quite a few companies in the film and television industry fell, choosing to surrender!

Of course, in their words, it is looking forward to deep cooperation with Alibaba Pictures and opening a new chapter in the film and television industry.

"*Breakup Buddies* promotion, you should at least come over and turn around twice, making it seem like you didn't invest?"

"What are you urging? *Ip Man 3* and *The Breakup Guru* sides I didn't go either. Today I'm preparing to go out and play with Qianqian."

Wearing big shorts, Lin Nan sat on the sofa answering the phone, trying not to disturb Liu Qianqian's sleep.

"Fine, you're living a good life. Damn it, we're all working for you!" Ning Hao scolded.

"Got it, got it, before I go back, I'll go over."

Lin Nan replied with a laugh. He really admired Ning Hao; calling at eight o'clock in the morning to disturb people's dreams, just for this kind of small matter!

"Remember, don't bluff me, the producer column has your name."

"Rest assured, rest assured."

Urging to hang up the phone, Lin Nan had no sleepiness left.

He prepared to call Liu Qianqian to get up at nine o'clock, and the two would go out before ten.

Thinking that Miss Liu's time for light makeup should be enough, she even had a high probability of choosing to go bare-faced.

"Tencent?"

Lin Nan muttered while opening today's news page.

Tencent's purpose is very simple, it is Tudou's financing.

"Lin Nan Film leads production, plus Tiangong Color support, Enlight is responsible for promotion, Wanda has cinema lines, plus Tudou."

"This has basically formed a closed loop from upstream to downstream, and then to video websites and client platforms, a small ecosystem."

"Seems, it's still missing a 'traffic' input link, then it's really perfect!"

Lin Nan analyzed the current situation; Alibaba aggressively bought shares in Youku, occupying the first opportunity.

And Tencent is definitely thinking of narrowing the gap; after all, they are all just entering the film and television industry, and only in the situation of completely having no chance to find ready-made foreign aid will they choose to go it alone and slowly catch up.

"Tencent it is!"

Lin Nan officially decided, later inviting Tencent to participate in financing. But the shares must be just right, and there must be additional clauses.

The second imported blockbuster of June, *Godzilla*, was released for two days, cutting 156 million box office, connecting to the strength of *Edge of Tomorrow*.

With this, the domestic films in the first half of the month all became cannon fodder.

Huang Xiao and Chen Qiaoen's *Youth Never Returns* was likewise miserable; it was in public release for 8 days, with a box office of only 4 million, and it is estimated that it will be pulled from theaters in these two days.

The domestic movies that haven't been released in the second half of the month, as well as the domestic films in July, don't want to die; they are stepping up promotion at the Shanghai Film Festival these two days.

Liu Qianqian also had the matter of going out to play in her heart, and at 8:50, she hummed and called Lin Nan.

"You hurry up and get out of your bed, I've been up for a long time."

With messy long hair scattered casually, Liu Qianqian blinked her eyes and looked at Lin Nan standing by the bed, "I'm hungry."

"I'll go call for food for you, you hurry up and wash up."

"Mm mm, hurry up."

The voice like a kitten meant that Miss Liu didn't have a morning temper right now, and her mood was still very good, very satisfied.

Half an hour later, it was really as Lin Nan guessed.

Liu Qianqian chose to go bare-faced today, but sunscreen still had to be brought.

Before ten o'clock, the two went out in couple outfits.

Loose casual jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, duck-tongue caps, and big sunglasses, looking like two lovers in the hot love period out traveling.

It's just that Lin Nan also had to be responsible for carrying the backpack, inside were Miss Liu's lip balm, sunscreen, and other things, and also a camera.

"Zhang Dong, Tencent seems to have made an appointment to see Lin Nan Film and Enlight..."

"Hm? They have quite a few ideas, what do they want to do? Are they preparing to cooperate with those two companies after entering the film and television industry? Or are they aiming at Tudou?"

Zhang Qiang said casually, not taking it to heart at all.

In his view, or it can be said that in the entire Alibaba's view, in the process of internet enterprises entering the film and television industry, Alibaba is far ahead of other peers.

"Team analysis, it should be both, but the primary goal is Tudou."

Hearing the subordinate's affirmative answer, Zhang Qiang looked squarely at it.

Currently, Tudou possesses too many film and television copyrights; this was something everyone didn't expect at all before.

With its market share, once listed, the market value will absolutely exceed Youku.

And Lin Nan Film has been constantly scraping high-quality IPs since several years ago, and is still buying now, just hoarding!

It can be said that Lin Nan Film and Tudou are fat meat in the eyes of the internet industry, big fat meat.

"They have refused our investment intentions several times, possibility exists, but not big."

"As for Tencent? Watch them. If it really is Tudou's matter, then we will also stick a foot in, maybe there will be unexpected gains."

"Alright, President Zhang."

Zhang Qiang nodded, "But don't worry, even if Tencent can buy shares in Tudou, so what, they can't occupy the initiative, unlike us..."

Zhang Qiang stopped at the point and didn't continue.

Alibaba has clearly submitted an official letter to Youku's board of directors, and will send people to enter the board of directors to participate in daily decision-making.

As for the next step, it is to slowly cannibalize until Youku is turned into Alibaba's Youku!

Regarding the update: I don't care much about the form of how many chapters a day, one chapter is fine, two chapters are fine. I just simply think about trying to guarantee six thousand words a day, as for how many chapters add up to six thousand, this really isn't important.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 487 =====

(End of Chapter)