newbobooks Chapter 209 New Art City's Door-to-Door Cooperation
Chapter 209 New Art City's Door-to-Door Cooperation
The "three giants" of Cinema City in Hong Kong's film and television industry split up in the mid-to-late 1980s, each going their own way, but their influence spanned several generations.
At this time, the three had just emerged as a dark horse, forming a three-way balance with Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest. They were far from being as dazzling as they would later become, and still carried the naivety and hard work of someone who had just debuted.
The three of them walked up to Lin Zhou, bowed slightly, and were very respectful.
One of them spoke first, his voice calm and polite:
"Mr. Lin, hello. We are a newly established film and television production company. We apologize for disturbing you by coming to meet us."
Lin Zhou smiled faintly and gestured, "No need to be so polite. Since you're here, you're a guest. Please have a seat."
The waiter promptly brought tea, and the group sat down, still somewhat nervous.
After all, Mr. Lin, the man in front of us, is already a legendary figure in Hong Kong.
Starting from scratch, he built such a large business in just a few years. His keen insight, strong methods, and grand vision are unmatched in Hong Kong.
For a small company like theirs that has just been established, getting even three minutes for a meeting is quite rare.
Mai Jia took a deep breath, gathered her thoughts, and spoke earnestly:
"Mr. Lin, a few of us love movies and wanted to do something ourselves, so we got together and started a film production company."
"We don't have much capital or a good reputation. Last year, we were appreciated by Mr. Lei from Golden Princess and he invested a little money in us."
He spoke frankly, without beating around the bush or exaggerating:
"We know that Zhonghua Cinemas is opening today and is open to all film and television companies."
"We... want to fight for a chance. If we produce a qualified film, we hope to get a fair screening opportunity in Zhonghua Cinemas."
A partner nearby quickly added:
"Mr. Lin, we don't ask for special treatment or to grab prime time slots. As long as we can get on air and be seen by ordinary viewers, we'll accept the normal revenue sharing."
These words are sincere, without any empty talk or unrealistic ambitions.
If it were any other major cinema chain, they would probably have dealt with this "three-nothing new company"—no funding, no reputation, and no representative works—by simply brushing it off.
But Lin Zhou is different.
He looked at the three people in front of him, at these young men with clean eyes and a sense of drive, and he knew very well what was going on.
What they lack is not ability, effort, or talent, but an opportunity.
A fair and undiscriminate opportunity.
Lin Zhou didn't answer immediately. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, looking calmly at the group: "Does your company have any projects right now? Do you have a script, or a fully formed plan?"
Mai Jia's eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly:
"Yes! We have prepared a script called 'Best Partners'. We are very confident in the story, and we are slowly assembling the cast and crew. As long as the theaters can give us a clear answer, we can move forward immediately."
He spoke sincerely, with a convincing tone:
"We know that we're just starting to see some progress, and our films are doing well at the box office this year. But we're willing to learn, willing to change, and willing to polish our films one by one."
Lin Zhou suddenly smiled.
"You've come to me, aren't you afraid I'll just refuse you outright?"
The three were taken aback by his words, then Mai Jia said frankly, "We're afraid, but we have to try. If we don't try, we won't have any chance at all. Even if we fail, we'll accept it."
"Great! I'll give it a try if I get the chance."
Lin Zhou smiled slightly, his tone calm, yet carrying a reassuring power:
"I'm giving you a chance."
These five simple words struck Mai Jia, Shi Tian, and Huang Ming like a thunderclap, leaving them stunned and almost unable to believe their ears.
Seeing their surprised expressions, Lin Zhou continued:
"I don't care if you're a new company, famous, or well-connected. What Zhonghua Cinemas values has never been your background, but the content and the attitude."
"You have a script, you have the determination, and you are willing to make a solid film and make a good film. That's enough."
Mai Jia was the first to come to her senses, her throat dry with excitement:
"Mr. Lin, you...you mean our movie can really be shown in Zhonghua Cinemas?"
"Okay," Lin Zhou nodded, his tone firm, "but I have two conditions."
"Mr. Lin, just say it! We'll agree to any conditions!" the three said almost in unison.
"First, send the script to my company for review by the distribution department and content team. As long as the values are sound, the content is acceptable, and there are no violations, I won't hold you back."
"Secondly, once a film is completed, it will be reviewed according to the normal process. If the quality meets the standards, it will be given screenings. There will be no special treatment in terms of time slots, but it will be absolutely fair. There will be no deliberate suppression of screenings or arbitrary withdrawals."
He paused, his gaze falling on the three of them, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"I can give you a chance, but a chance is just a chance. You still have to walk your own path."
"If it's well-made, Zhonghua can continue to support you, and we can even increase the number of screenings. If it's not well-made, then we'll learn from the experience and try again."
All three nodded vigorously, their eyes slightly warm.
In this circle, they have heard too many sarcastic remarks and seen too many snobbish eyes. No one has ever been willing to calmly give them a fair starting point.
The Mr. Lin in front of me is clearly a wealthy and powerful man, but I don't look down on him at all. On the contrary, he is frank and direct.
"Thank you, Mr. Lin! Thank you so much!" The three stood up and bowed slightly, solemnly. "We will definitely not let you down, and we will do our best to make a good movie!"
The other two also quickly stood up, thanking them repeatedly, so excited they didn't know what to do.
Lin Zhou gestured for them to sit down: "No need to thank me. If you want to thank someone, thank yourself for daring to come here and try to get their help."
He looked at Chen Man, who was waiting to the side: "Assistant Chen, come here."
"President Lin."
"Register their information, arrange for the head of the distribution department to liaise with them, and follow all the formal procedures for script review and cooperation. Do not make things difficult for them."
"Yes, Mr. Lin!" Chen Man replied immediately.
The three of them quickly expressed their gratitude, feeling extremely thankful.
Lin Zhou looked at them and suddenly added, "If you have any difficulties with funding, the production crew, or equipment, you can bring them up."
"Zhonghua is not just a cinema chain; as long as the project is reliable, we can also consider investment and cooperation."
Mai Jia suppressed the surging emotions within her, her eyes filled with unwavering determination:
"Mr. Lin, we don't need the funds. With Mr. Lei's investment, our company isn't short of money for now. We'll contact you again if we encounter any funding gaps in the future!"
Don't be greedy or reckless; focus on doing your own job well first.
Lin Zhou felt even more approval.
"Okay." Lin Zhou smiled slightly. "I'll be looking forward to your work."
The group chatted respectfully for a few more minutes, then, fearing they might disturb them further, they took their leave.
Before leaving, Andy Lau took one last deep look at Lin Zhou.
He knew very well that this brief meeting would change the lives of several of them.
It was Mr. Lin who gave them an opportunity and a path when they had just stabilized their situation.
He kept this kindness in his heart.
Although they have the support of Golden Princess Cinemas, Golden Princess's resources are only so-so. Who wouldn't want to survive with a stronger backer?
……
Watching the group leave, Su Wanqing walked lightly to Lin Zhou's side and said softly with a smile, "It seems you've discovered a few more promising young people."
Lin Zhou picked up his water glass, took a small sip, and looked out at the bustling street.
"The future of Hong Kong cinema does not lie in those old-fashioned structures, but in these young people who dare to fight, dare to venture, and dare to try."
His tone was calm, yet carried a certain confidence that seemed to have seen through the times:
"I'm giving them a chance. Perhaps in the future, they can give Hong Kong cinema a new era."
Su Wanqing gazed at her husband's profile, her eyes filled with tenderness and adoration.
Others only saw twelve modern cinemas and a grand opening ceremony.
Only she knew that Lin Zhoubu was always playing a much bigger game.
From electronics to real estate, to entertainment and media, to film and television production, and now to supporting new companies.
He wasn't doing business.
He is building a business and entertainment empire that belongs to the Chinese people and to the Zhonghua Group.
At this moment, the banquet hall was still bustling with activity and filled with guests.
No one knew that in a corner of this bustling opening ceremony, a simple conversation and a fair opportunity had quietly planted a seed.