Chapter 219

On the very day the official blog of Travel Satellite TV was updated, Xiang TV captured this hot spot for the first time.

From Yao Jia, the director of the film purchasing department, to Ouyang Changqing himself, they all had to cast a scrutinizing gaze at this brand-new Travel Satellite TV.

Only because of the existence of that man.

Perhaps this was not a high-priority major event in the eyes of other satellite TV stations, but for a runner-up like Xiang TV that was even seeking to challenge CCTV's position.

This Travel Satellite TV was clearly coming for them.

Yao Jia sat down in front of the old leader's desk, patiently waiting for him to sign the financial documents.

"Did you eat breakfast?"

"I ate, Station Master, scallion oil cakes."

Ouyang Changqing smiled slightly upon hearing this: "The cafeteria downstairs has too bland a taste; I still like to eat the Changde rice noodles from Sanshan Street next door."

"Station Master, your stomach is not good, and you have been drinking often lately, so you should eat less spicy food."

Ouyang Changqing didn't make small talk with his old subordinate again and capped his pen.

He knew that Yao Jia had been paying attention to Travel Satellite TV and Seeing Lu Kuan, but competition was constant, and there was no need to be so like facing a great enemy.

Just a few words of small talk made Yao Jia relax a little.

"How is it? Did you hear any news about... 'Zhu Xian'?"

"We found the employees who collaborated with the Inquiry Realm last time to inquire about the news. The current leaked plan is still relatively general."

"Overall, this Director Lu probably wants to make the series into a TV movie mode, each episode about 80-100 minutes, and the special effects cost a lot."

Ouyang Changqing nodded noncommittally.

"Filming while airing, his steps are not generally big!"

Yao Jia explained: "I have studied this mode these past two days. Probably in 1996, some TV stations in America began to adopt this production and broadcasting plan."

"This Director Lu should have seen the mode in Hollywood, plus his familiarity with the film and television production industry, he is relatively... confident."

The old station master nodded: "That's right, this kind of shooting efficiency has extremely high requirements for actors and staff, especially the behind-the-scenes production team."

"The screenwriting team must respond quickly, collect audience feedback, and the actors and staff must vacate their schedules to cooperate unconditionally with the filming."

"The most important thing is his biggest promotional gimmick for this trip, special effects."

"This Seeing Lu Kuan should be very confident in his special effects company."

Ouyang Changqing perhaps felt the atmosphere was relatively dull and joked with his female subordinate.

"Yao Jia, I'll send you to use a beauty trap, can you pull 'Zhu Xian' to Xiang TV?"

Yao Jia had been in the system for a long time and knew this was a harmless joke from the old leader.

"Station Master, I am almost 10 years older than him. I would like to take your suggestion, but I am powerless!"

Immediately, she whispered: "Did you forget what that Yang Siwei said last time?"

This was about Yang Siwei deceiving Xiang TV and fabricating the relationship between Seeing Lu Kuan and Liu Yifei.

Ouyang Changqing laughed: "A fair lady, a gentleman is fond of her, it's normal."

These two high-ranking cadres of Xiang TV went off-topic as they talked, but Yao Jia clearly felt that the station master was relieving pressure for her.

Now that the number one person was facing internal retirement, as the second-in-command of the film purchasing and production department, she had to shoulder this responsibility and burden.

"Station Master, actually I have a suggestion."

"Speak."

"I don't know if you paid attention to 'My Sassy Girl' last year, it was very popular in the country."

Ouyang Changqing understood the implication.

"You mean introducing Korean dramas?"

Yao Jia had long been accustomed to the old leader's keenness.

She began to describe the content she had been researching for a long time, about the popularity of the Han Liu in the mainland and market research.

"In 1998, the first batch of Korean singers represented by HOT entered the domestic entertainment industry, followed by the popularity of 'Autumn in My Heart' in Wan Province. The island even directly opened a TV station specifically for Korean dramas."

"Currently, the whole of Asia has a trend of the Han Liu sweeping, including Japan, where the entertainment industry is also very developed. BoA's popularity there is almost on par with Ayumi Hamasaki."

"Industry news recently says that the new popular Korean singer Rain will come to Beiping in March to promote his new album."

"There are also 'Beijing, My Love' and 'Love at Aegean Sea' by Ahn Jae-wook, Jang Dong-gun, Lee Jung-hyun, Kangta, and others."

"Even 'The Myth,' which Jackie Chan and Emperor officially announced for next year, is rumored to be in contact with Korean star Kim Hee-sun."

Yao Jia listed a bunch of examples and gave the final suggestion.

"Station Master, in the country, in terms of content, I think the Inquiry Realm is the industry's premier company. Last night, their prime-time 'Lurk' already started airing."

She paused, deliberated, and decided to be blunt: "It's another groundbreaking spy war work, not an old routine that follows the beaten path. If there are no accidents, it will be another phenomenal existence."

In later generations, Yao Jia was the producer of the god-tier drama "Ming Dynasty 1566," so she still possessed this judgment and appreciation ability.

"Therefore, I think that in a situation where the situation is not very clear, rather than tossing about in the one-acre-three-fen land of domestic dramas, it is better to take the lead in contacting the Korean side."

"Isn't his Seeing Lu Kuan's seasonal drama also learning the Hollywood mode? We use Korean dramas to hit him, there's nothing we can't do."

Ouyang Changqing pondered for a long time and rarely took a box of Furong Wang from the drawer. This was the cigarette brand he often smoked when he was still in charge of Xiang TV Economic Channel, and it had been in the drawer for a long time.

He didn't expect that he couldn't help but take it out again today.

"Do you have a target?"

Yao Jia's spirit lifted when she heard the station master's inquiry; this was a tendency to agree.

"'Jewel in the Palace'."

"This drama had a viewership rating of as high as 50% in Korea last year. The theme is inspirational, and the palace elements fit with our classic 'My Fair Princess,' making it easy to arouse cultural resonance among mainland audiences."

Ouyang Changqing smoked without speaking. Yao Jia only needed to consider the station's strategic development and economic benefits.

But he had to consider and judge from the ideological field of the overall cultural industry.

In such a period, is there any policy risk in introducing Korean dramas as the main prime-time program?

Admittedly, from the first Korean drama "Jealousy" in 1993 to "Autumn in My Heart," "Winter Sonata," "Miss Mermaid," and others in recent years, various stations including CCTV have tried it.

But after the pomegranate, will such cultural input be taboo...

This was the only thing the old station master hesitated about.

Yao Jia was about to continue persuading when Ouyang Changqing's secretary knocked on the door and entered, his face slightly panicked.

"What's wrong?"

"Station Master, this is the latest official blog content from the Inquiry Realm and Travel Satellite TV."

Ouyang Changqing and Yao Jia looked at the content of the manuscript.

Above was the notice about Travel Satellite TV conducting auditions for an activity called "Super Girl" in Beiping, Rongcheng, Wuhan, Modu, and Yangcheng starting February 1st.

Below was the extensive competition system for each division.

50 people from each division were selected by judge voting.

20 people were decided in the semi-finals, with judge voting weighting and cumulative audience voting.

Then there were the promotion matches of 20 to 10, 10 to 7, 7 to 5, and 5 to 3, and finally the champion, runner-up, and third place of the division were decided, with the same winning method as above.

Because the production unit of Travel Satellite TV was in Beiping, the final was held in Beiping.

All runners-up and third-place winners were grouped together to eliminate half, and the remaining ones were combined with the previous champions to compete again, producing the top three of the year.

Yao Jia exclaimed: "Isn't this our station's entertainment channel's 'Super Boy'?"

Ouyang Changqing remained silent.

To this day, the domestic initial imitator of the "American Idol" program—that is, Xiang TV itself—had not made up its mind to operate this program nationwide.

Where did Seeing Lu Kuan get his confidence?

On one hand, the introduction of the American drama mode, and on the other hand, the holding of nationwide entertainment programs.

Even Xiang TV, which had prided itself on its high-profile and pioneering spirit since taking office, could hardly say it could do better in terms of courage.

And the two planners of this Waterloo program last year were still facing inquiries and accountability from the station, and they were probably still at home writing reports.

Ouyang Changqing suddenly extinguished the cigarette butt: "Little Li, call Zhang Huali and Long Danni over."

"Yes! Leader!"

"Wait, notify the leaders of all departments in the station who are at home to have a meeting at two o'clock in the afternoon. Without special reasons, no absence is allowed!"

"Received!"

He turned to Yao Jia again: "Little Yao, go communicate the situation again, and see the specific competition system and activity details of their seasonal drama, especially 'Super Girl'."

Yao Jia took the order and left.

"Details?"

Inquiry Realm Culture Media, Boss Lu was holding a meeting for the variety team that had been pieced together over the past month and a half.

20% were veterans of the TV industry, 40% were top students from relevant colleges like Communication University of China.

And 40% were supporting personnel in media operations, news directing, live TV technology, and even consumer psychology and legal services.

Together, they formed the backbone force of the first generation of phenomenal variety shows.

"Speaking of details, this is the first content that needs to be communicated in today's meeting."

Boss Lu turned to the program host who had just been poached: "Liu Yan, you talk about it. If you were an ordinary audience member or singing enthusiast, and you saw this 'Super Girl' promotional page on the blog now, what thoughts would you have?"

Liu Yan, who was inexplicably poached to Inquiry Realm and Travel Satellite TV and suddenly cued, was stunned for a few seconds before stumbling to give her answer.

"Hmm... it feels very approachable. There is no glittering stage, no exaggerated and gorgeous makeup. It seems like any girl can go up and sing a few lines."

"Even if eliminated, it feels very interesting, no threshold."

Liu Yan's speech was suddenly interrupted.

"President Lu?"

Zhong Lifang brought a woman in, who was holding luggage and looked travel-worn.

The woman looked hesitant, but still nodded to this well-known director in the industry.

"President Lu, you speak first, I'll listen and learn."

The variety team present was mainly composed of relevant professional college students, but there was no lack of veterans poached from different TV stations. Turning their heads to see this face, they were all shocked!

Isn't this Xiang TV's Long...

"Okay, let's continue."

Seeing Lu Kuan smiled and nodded at her, continuing his content communication.

"Everyone has also read the research materials in their hands, which detailed the failures of Xiang TV's 'Super Boy' entertainment channel last year."

"To summarize, it's just a few aspects: too formalized, failed to stimulate the participation enthusiasm of ordinary singing enthusiasts, and the judges were too highbrow."

Long Danni listened below, feeling a bit unconvinced.

She was a senior variety director and planner at Xiang TV, and her career had planned many classic programs such as "Lucky 3721" and "True Feelings."

Her acquaintance with Seeing Lu Kuan was at last year's China TV Golden Eagle Festival.

Long Danni was the general director of the Golden Eagle Festival's star concert and enthusiastically invited Boss Lu to present awards to Liu Yifei and other award-winning actors.

But it was also because of the Waterloo of "Super Boy," which cost a lot of manpower and financial resources last year, that she also encountered some criticism in the station.

Because she was an old subordinate of Ouyang Changqing in the Economic TV Department, she was protected under the name of reflecting at home.

It was just that now, because of the favor of Seeing Lu Kuan's attendance, she was "invited" to Inquiry Realm to listen to this work meeting, and she was still a bit unconvinced.

I admit you film well, but do you really understand variety shows?

Seeing Lu Kuan secretly laughed at her slightly questioning eyes. Since he had invited her over, he had to find ways to keep her.

Inquiry Realm's stall was spread too large, and every business line must be equipped with professional talent.

Just in terms of variety show production, Long Danni was enough to be on her own.

Now what he, Boss Lu, had to do was to beat her into submission first, and then feed her a pie.

"Everyone must put down their airs and see where our selling points really are!"

"It lies in the trustworthiness given by transparent interactive selection, and in the ruthless pleasure given by the cruel and cold competition system."

"It lies in the hot reviews and hot broadcasts given by self-esteem as a joke, and in the perfect ending given by the brilliant future finally selected."

Long Danni was stunned. While the members of the on-site variety production and broadcasting team were still chewing and digesting, she had already captured the shining points of these selling points with inspiration!

That's right!

This isn't a serious idol selection, but an entertainment TV show full of gaffes!

Last year's program was too stiff, just like other serious variety shows in the station. Ordinary audiences were just onlookers, with no sense of participation at all.

She instinctively wanted to take out the notebook she carried with her to record, but just as she raised her hand, she put it down awkwardly.

Still in "Cao Ying"...

Boss Lu continued to instill concepts.

"Everyone must realize the viewership iron triangle of our program."

He raised his fingers one by one: "Amateur contestants who are unprofessional but full of enthusiasm."

"Professional judges who are sometimes mean and sometimes tear-jerking."

"And most importantly, the entertainment masses who are fully devoted and full of sense of substitution!"

Being half a step ahead is a genius, being one step ahead is a madman.

Today, when the wave of entertainment has just blown, it is not realistic to engage in overly professional and highbrow professional programs.

It is precisely this type of "anti-idol" program that allows the public to participate in voting that often arouses higher participation enthusiasm.

Boss Lu left Zhong Lifang to continue to be responsible for team training, preparing for the division activities starting in February, and took Long Danni into the office himself.

"Director Long, what tea do you drink?"

"Just plain water, thank you, President Lu."

Long Danni politely took the paper cup with both hands, and the rising warm moisture slightly thawed her tightly furrowed brows.

She had been in the industry for six or seven years, so it was impossible for her not to know the intention of Boss Lu's enthusiastic invitation for a meeting.

But she was the direct subordinate of the old station master, so she couldn't jump ship no matter what.

"Director Long, do you think there are any mistakes or omissions in what I just said? Please give me some advice."

Long Danni laughed: "How dare I? I just wanted to take out a pen and paper, but I was afraid it would be too presumptuous."

She paused and decided to express her feelings directly.

"President Lu, I am very grateful for your kind intentions, but for a short time, I think it is still very difficult for me to leave Xiang TV."

Boss Lu laughed loudly: "I know you are the confidant of Station Master Ouyang, but it is a pity to say that you have no chance of winning this battle at all."

"It's better to come to Travel Satellite TV to participate in the grand event."

Long Danni raised her eyebrows: "Not necessarily, right?"

Boss Lu decided to put his trump cards on the table without reservation, giving this rational variety show producer the best judgment conditions.

"First, this brand has already been registered by Inquiry Realm."

"President Lu, this program has been done abroad for several years. Everyone is learning, and there is no internal plagiarism, right? It's very simple to change the name."

Boss Lu laughed: "Indeed, but you also need time to appeal, right? Before that, you can't get the approval from the Radio and Television Administration."

The prerequisite for holding such large-scale programs is obtaining approval.

The reason why the first Super Girl of Xiang TV in later generations was only held in Xiang, E, Chuan, and Su was because approval for other regions could not be obtained.

The reason for not being able to get it was also very simple. For example, Modu was also planning the talent variety show "My Show" in 2004, why should they give you approval?

Inquiry Realm was able to get approval because Boss Lu went through Ren Zhonglun's connections to take down this talent show stronghold!

Similarly, the Super Girl of Travel Satellite TV in this life did not designate the Xiang Province division at all, because Xiang TV would inevitably obstruct it.

Long Danni looked at the young director in front of her in astonishment. At this moment, the two words "genius director" and "unscrupulous profiteer" were equated in her heart.

This is hoping to use the "drag" tactic to drag Xiang TV's program to death.

By the time you appeal successfully and get the approval, others have already held it for two months, and you can't even catch up with a hot meal.

"Second, for the champion and runner-up finally selected, Inquiry Realm will provide generous treatment including but not limited to movie roles, TV drama roles, and personal record creation."

"On this point, whether Xiang TV can match the corresponding conditions, I believe Director Long knows in her heart."

Long Danni remained silent. On this point, Xiang TV was undoubtedly at a disadvantage.

In the country today, what other company can have the high-yield and efficient film and television product productivity like Inquiry Realm?

"Third, Travel Satellite TV has already reached a strategic cooperation with Blog Network and Douban. During the activity, the voting, fan guidance, and online publicity work will be exclusively cooperated with by these two websites, of course, including the SMS voting services of Mobile and Unicom."

"Even if Xiang TV comes out with the same product, it is impossible to get cooperation opportunities from these two websites."

Hearing this, Long Danni was truly heartbroken.

This was an all-around encirclement from copyright, channels, and resource matching. With intention calculating unintentional, Xiang TV had no chance to react and resist in the short term.

It seems she can only go back and report to the old station master first, looking forward to whether she can counterattack next year.

"President Lu, I have learned a lot today, but forgive me..."

"Take a look at this again."

Seeing Lu Kuan clicked the mouse and turned the laptop screen in front of him to Long Danni.

The Office 2003 version of the Word document was opened, and the big characters "The Voice of China" came into view.

Curiosity prompted her to continue reading.

Unique selection mode of only listening to the voice;

A powerful guest lineup including Anita Mui, Zhou Jielun, and others;

Personalized performance mode of rotating chairs and star teams;

Long Danni raised her head in astonishment: "This... this?"

"You can go back and continue to deeply cultivate Xiang TV. It's definitely not in time this year. Maybe next year, maybe the year after, in short, the Super Girl mode can still be popular for two or three years."

"By then, Travel Satellite TV will upgrade to 2.0 and 3.0 of talent variety shows, and will always be the object of imitation by other satellite TV stations."

"Travel Satellite TV eats meat, you drink soup, Travel Satellite TV innovates, you imitate."

Seeing Lu Kuan persuaded: "Director Long, are you willing to spend your whole life on the road of chasing after the programs you painstakingly created?"

"I know you are in Cao Ying but your heart is in Han."

"But in terms of talent variety shows and song variety shows, the Inquiry Realm team is not Cao Cao before the Battle of Guandu."

"It is Cao Cao who is in Beiping, holding the emperor to command the princes. We will not give Xiang TV a chance to surpass us."

Long Danni looked at his confident expression and was speechless. The strength and weakness of the enemy and us were judged, and she had no chance to deny it.

"Come to Inquiry Realm. I will only worry about Travel Satellite TV for these two months. There are new movies to shoot below, and I will fully delegate power to you."

"You come to Inquiry Realm to be the head of the variety department, concurrently serving as the deputy director of Travel Satellite TV programs, and the treatment will be doubled compared to Xiang TV."

"Station Master Ouyang has the grace of knowing you, but this cannot be a reason to trap you. Xiang TV can be considered a unit with a high degree of entertainment and openness among satellite stations."

"But no matter how open it is, can it compare to a private enterprise like Inquiry Realm?"

"There are too many red tapes in the system. Here you will have broader room for development. I think this is not a difficult choice."

Long Danni only felt that her throat was a bit dry. Just as she wanted to say something, a message came to her mobile phone.

"Sorry."

Long Danni flipped it open, and a text message from colleague Zhang Huali came into view:

【Sister Long, the station is having a meeting at two o'clock in the afternoon. Remember to bring the review materials. I heard that there is a chance to restart the program this time.】

Review... review...

Boss Lu's words about "too many red tapes in the system" still echoed in her ears.

Long Danni seemed to have all her strength drained, and closed her eyes in despair.

"Okay, I join."

(End of chapter)