On the flight to Shanghai, Zhang Yuan was thinking about the trip to Singapore.

"Huang Xiaoming and Nie Yuan are buying votes."

"It seems that I have pushed them into a corner and they want to outvote me in the online votes, which will also give them more publicity opportunities."

"Humph, it's because there's no Weibo right now, otherwise the money would be spent even more ruthlessly."

But Zhang Yuan was not worried at all.

The reason why he chose to go to Singapore with Li Xiaofeng was to show his face.

So he didn't need to buy a ticket at all.

Moreover, unlike later generations, the gaming market in those days had not yet completely penetrated the market, and the main consumer groups were mainly young and middle-aged people in their teens to twenties.

Among them, college students are the main consumers, and they are also the main force in major forums and BBSs.

Because in that era, the entry threshold for gaming was actually quite high.

Especially for stand-alone games, since the soil for genuine games has not yet been formed in China, there are a large number of folk Chinese translation groups and cracking groups, all of which rely on the love of these bored college students.

How strong are these college students?
They actually turned around the reputation of "A Chinese Odyssey", a "bad movie" that caused Stephen Chow's company to go bankrupt.

After landing at Pudong International Airport, we headed straight to the Broadcasting Building on Weihai Road in Shanghai.

This is the joint office of Shanghai Television and SMG Small Media Group.

As soon as you enter the building, you can see many familiar faces from Shanghai TV station walking in the corridors.

According to the information provided by Li Ruigang, this person has arranged a meeting room on the top floor.

Knock, knock, knock...Zhang Yuan knocked on the door and entered.

"Hello, I'm Zhang Yuan."

"Hello, hello. President Li has asked me to come and greet you." A tall and thin middle-aged man with a Jiangnan-style appearance shook hands with him.

"Mr. Li is in a meeting, come over later. My name is Li Tao, and I'm the person in charge of this project."

"Hello, Director Li."

After the two greeted each other, Zhang Yuan turned his gaze to the side.

In addition to the production staff, several hosts from Shanghai TV were also present.

It is estimated that he will be arranged to participate in the production of a new program and will then participate in the broadcast of the program as a host.

They all looked familiar, and the leader was a fat middle-aged man.

He was already very well-known in Shanghai, but after appearing on a food show, he became famous all over the country.

This person is the famous Nine-Turn Large Intestine Tasting Master Cao Kefan.

Putting aside the big intestine and some negative news about him, his hosting skills are among the best in the country.

The characteristic is that I can endure it, after all, I can eat shit...

There were three young girls beside him, two of them were tall and thin, and one had a big round face.

The man with the big face smiled at him and stepped forward to shake hands.

This person's name is Chen Chen, and he is a new host that Shanghai TV is promoting.

It’s not that she’s very capable, but mainly because her aunt is a senior and middle-level leader at Shanghai TV Station, and her uncle is the director of Shanghai Film Studio.

The background is really hard.

People with connections are indispensable everywhere, even in the relatively "fair" Shanghai.

There are two girls left, one is Yang Lei and the other is Haiyan.

Like the big-faced girl’s relatives, they all belong to the Shanghai News and Entertainment Channel and are known as the Three Golden Flowers in the station.

Zhang Yuan took a look and found that the three golden flowers did not look very good.

"Hello."

"Hello, nice to meet you." Zhang Yuan shook hands with the three girls one by one.

These three usually host entertainment programs and often meet artists and celebrities, so they didn't react much to his appearance.

Mr. Cao, who is "hardworking and persevering", has a keen eye. He found that Zhang Yuan seemed to be most interested in Yang Lei among the three golden flowers.

The handshake lasted the longest and the expression was the most enthusiastic.

"I heard that this guy was able to win over Old Li after just one chat." Cao Kefan thought to himself: "Logically speaking, he must be the smartest of the smart."

"There's nothing special about Yang Lei. He just has an undergraduate degree from Communication University of China and a master's degree from Fudan University."

This academic qualification would put him at the top talent level no matter where he is, but it is just average in Shanghai.

What Mr. Cao didn't know was the reason why Zhang Yuan was so interested in this plain-looking female host.

It was because of this person who later inadvertently influenced the entire structure of China's Internet platform!

She is the heroine of the famous Tudou-Youku battle.

After saying hello and sitting down, Director Li began to ask questions.

"Mr. Li mentioned that you and he had discussed a variety show that was different from the current talent show model."

"We got a rough idea of ​​it. At its core, it's an all-male show, right?"

Zhang Yuan shook his head helplessly, what is this?

I just understood the basics.

“It’s true that it’s all male.”

“But the focus is not on gender, but the format of the show.”

"Your benchmark is nothing more than Mango TV's Super Girl," said Zhang Yuanyu.

The others looked at each other. They didn't expect the young man to speak so directly.

They were very curious. Isn’t Zhang Yuan an actor?

Why is he still doing variety shows?

If an actor is involved in variety show production, what should we professionals do?
So, in fact, these people's attitude towards him is warm on the surface but cold on the heart.

Zhang Yuan was too lazy to negotiate with these middle-level managers of the TV station. After all, they were of little help to his career.

He came here specifically for President Li.

"Since the target is the other party, the goal must be to defeat the other party."

"Then what we need to do is very simple, that is, how to innovate and develop new selling points."

"When it comes to singing, competitions, and this stuff, you can't beat Mango TV. They have already formed a professional system."

Everyone present had a frozen expression.

Anyone who hears that he is not as good as his peers will look unhappy.

"Let's put it this way, Mr. Zhang Yuan, President Li has asked you to be the program consultant. Let's first talk about the general flow of the program. If you have any opinions or ideas, please raise them," said the program director.

"Okay, you speak first." Zhang Yuan leaned back in his chair and listened carefully.

Director Li thought to himself that this young man was very aggressive, and I had to take charge of the situation, so I had to at least let him be quiet for a while.

"First of all, I think we have to start with the program auditions and promotions."

"I think there should be five major war zones, namely Jiangnan, Guangdong and Guangxi, Sichuan and Chongqing, Northeast China, and Yunnan and Guizhou."

Zhang Yuan was trying to hold back his laughter. It seemed like a big deal, but actually he was just imitating the five singing areas of Super Girl.

"The propaganda is that Chinese men should be self-reliant."

As soon as Director Li said this, Zhang Yuan raised his arm.

Several hosts from Shanghai TV looked up and felt that the young actor didn't seem to be giving them enough face.

"You say." Director Li side-glanced and stopped with great dissatisfaction.

“I think this plan was wrong from the beginning.”

Hiss... Several young people in the room gasped.

Aren't you really afraid of being kicked out for talking like that?

The old fox Cao Kefan's smiling eyes twisted.

"You are quite brave, little red man, to dare to speak like that."

"I'm more curious about how his attitude satisfied Lao Li and he even brought him to the stage on purpose."

Just when everyone was looking at him with dissatisfaction, and even several old demons were giving him a look that asked "Does this outsider know how to behave?", Zhang Yuan finally spoke calmly.

"When I came here today, I looked out the window of the plane and saw the largest city in the country with tall buildings and gold everywhere."

"This is Shanghai, how can you guys use such a low-end casting method like a small place like Mango TV?"

"We have to be high-end and classy, ​​and distance ourselves from those local stations!"

Zhang Yuan's words startled the group of young and old men who were just dissatisfied.

The key point is that describing Mango TV as a "small place" is actually in line with the mentality of Shanghai TV.

Secondly, the so-called "high-end" is also very consistent with their positioning.

For people in the imperial capital, everything except the imperial capital comes from other places.

To Shanghai, everyone except Shanghai comes from the countryside.

Both regions are very arrogant, so don't make fun of each other.

Da Zhangwei was once asked this question by an old lady in Shanghai.

"Where are you from?"

"Imperial capital."

"Then coming to the Magic City is finally a big city..."

This is the background color of the city of Magic City. After all, this place is so rich!

Engels wrote in The Condition of the English Workers: "Even the poorest patriot in the East End of London can involuntarily straighten his chest when he thinks of the wealth and industry of Britain."

The lower-class people in Shanghai are actually similar.

Therefore, the word "high-end" has a natural appeal to everyone at Shanghai TV Station.

"Among the top ten of Super Girl, there are a lot of graduates from vocational high schools. Can we have the same show as them in Shanghai?"

Li Yuchun and Zhou Bichang are both undergraduates, but it is Zhang Liangying who graduated from a vocational high school who has the highest singing level. This is purely a matter of talent.

"Right, right, right. We can't be like that small place." Director Li agreed. Zhang Yuan took a look and immediately understood.

"Then what shall we do?"

"We need to compete with Mango TV in a different way and take a path they haven't taken before." Zhang Yuan waved his hand and said, "First of all, we need to position the auditions."

“We’re going to raise the barrier to entry!”

“Only auditions are held at major universities across the country.”

"Without a bachelor's degree, you are not even eligible to enter!"

Hearing what he said, even those people in the Magic City who had seen and eaten it were still shocked.

Back in 05, bachelor's degrees were still popular, and master's degrees were considered high-end talents. If there was a PhD in the family, the family's graves would be filled with pride.

There was no "inflation" of academic qualifications in the country in those days.

"Interesting, keep going." The director became interested.

Zhang Yuan thought to himself, how can I not be able to control you old demons?
"Secondly, our auditions not only have no educational requirements, but are also only held in the country's largest cities. Apart from Shanghai and Beijing, we only hold them in Shancheng, Yuhang, Wuhan and other places."

“Only the elite from big cities will be selected.”

"Should Suzhou be included?" asked a producer.

"Don't even mention places that don't even have an airport." Zhang Yuan directly eliminated Gusu's qualification to participate.

"Next, we can't just do concerts like Mango TV."

"In addition to singing, modeling, dancing, body shape, and everything related to fashion must be done."

"We also need to focus on the progress and transformation of these contestants in the show, and focus on filming how they improve little by little."

“And how to build brotherhood among the players.”

"After each round of elimination, it's best to have a touching farewell scene to earn the audience's tears."

"And in order to attract the audience's attention, the program has to add the concept of celebrity mentors."

"What do you mean?" Director Li and others were confused.

"As I said earlier, in the program, these boys need to improve in singing, body shape, modeling, dancing and other aspects."

"Every aspect of this needs a star to provide guidance."

"Of course, celebrities are just a cover, coming out to evaluate and give pointers. The real class still needs to rely on professional teachers."

"Oh... I understand what you mean. Let celebrities come out to attract the audience, right? That's the judging system, right?"

"Almost the same, but we have to add some teaching elements, and even organize stars and students to perform together."

The others nodded.

This person's idea is so avant-garde that they didn't know it was possible to play like this.

Ordinary talent shows rely on the judges' enthusiastic comments to attract attention, but he actually wanted celebrities and students to perform together.

interesting!
These veterans at the TV station found this proposal new and exciting, and thought it would definitely be a promising idea!
Everyone talked for a while, then nodded and smiled.

The youngest of the three golden flowers of the entertainment channel was also shocked by the young actor whom she met for the first time today.

The artists they have come into contact with who are in their early twenties, there are at least two hundred if not three hundred.

Most of them have nothing in their heads, and without a manuscript, it is difficult for them to complete even a simple interview independently.

Although he looked young, he spoke eloquently and meaningfully, and he convinced several leaders.

"Well, we are very interested in your proposal." Director Li threw the plan document he had prepared aside.

"But there is a problem."

"The core of this program, in addition to the highly educated group of contestants, is the so-called celebrity mentor system."

"But how do we choose among these stars?"

To be honest, various talent shows in China were just starting out those days, and most of the judges invited were just second- and third-tier stars.

First-line stars rarely participate in the recording of such programs.

Even for a TV station in Shanghai, it is difficult to invite top stars to stay on the show.

"As for celebrities, I think we need one each for body shape, singing, dancing, and fashion... By the way, what is the timeline for our show?"

“Probably early to mid-next year.”

Zhang Yuan thought about it and said, "We have to find four professional instructors who young people like to watch."

"Finally, we'll find a chief mentor who will show up at the end as the finale."

"This one is important enough."

Director Li swallowed his saliva. There were some really important people there, but they might not be willing to come to our show.

"You said enough weight, what level is it?"

"Is Liu Dehua important enough?"

Director Li Tao: …

Everyone present:...

This question is asked. If Liu Dehua is not important enough, then no one in the country is important enough.

In those days, the only person who dared to say that he was more awesome than Brother Hua was probably Jackie Chan.

"Liu Dehua is a big name, but we can't be too ambitious. The possibility of inviting him is not high." The director looked bitter.

Inviting Liu Dehua, let alone whether he is willing to come, the budget may not be enough.

What is his net worth and appearance fee?

"Wait a moment, I'll make a call first." Zhang Yuan said, picked up his phone and went out.

Everyone present was stunned.

"Hey, Brother Hua."

The reason why Zhang Yuan asked about the expected broadcast time of the program just now was to schedule the release time of "Crazy Stone"!

It just so happens that the relatively reasonable release date that China Film can offer is before the summer vacation in the middle of the year.

It’s not that it can’t be released at other times, but we have to consider whether the small body of "Crazy Stone" can hold up to the blockbusters of the same period.

"Hey, I'm reporting to you. The crew of Stone has almost finished filming and will start post-production soon."

"Okay." Brother Hua was very happy.

He was deeply moved by Zhang Yuan's high attention to the film from beginning to end.

"By the way, Brother Hua, would you like to help sing a theme song or something?"

“Just treat it as publicity.”

"Okay, I'll contact the music company." Liu Dehua agreed very readily.

"One more thing. I happen to be organizing a talent show with Shanghai TV."

"I checked the schedule and it happens that the show will be aired before the movie is released."

"Do you have time to be on the show and help promote the film?"

A movie has to be promoted before it is released, so Brother Hua doesn’t think this is strange.

However, he originally did not have high expectations for "Stone" and did not plan to put too much thought into it.

But now seeing Zhang Yuan working so hard, he became more concerned.

After talking to him, he returned to the conference room, and everyone at the table, young and old, looked at him eagerly.

"What's the matter...Oh, I called Brother Hua, he will find time to come, but I guess he will only have one or two days to record."

"Fuck!" The director even used swear words.

This guy really invited Liu Dehua!
"But there are some conditions." Zhang Yuan said quickly.

"Brother Hua just happened to have a movie he invested in coming out. You guys need to play the movie's promotional video, and he will also bring all the contestants to sing the movie's theme song together."

Do advertising... Director Li thought about it.

It’s mutually beneficial and the station won’t suffer any loss.

If you don't give them some benefits, they may not be willing to come.

Zhang Yuan is now trying to match both sides to benefit himself.

"In addition to Brother Hua as the chief mentor, I have several candidates in mind for the remaining four mentors."

Now that he is sitting here, he must use his own people.

As a physical instructor, he thought of the "Kung Fu Boy" Wu Jing, whom he had not met for a long time, and thought that there would be no problem in asking him to lead the students in practicing martial arts and doing physical training.

Besides, Wu Jing has been doing averagely in recent years, so I can just help him find an opportunity to show off and make money.

When it comes to dance, Zhang Yuan thinks of his “entry into dance”, Sun Honglei.

In terms of fashion, Zhang Yuan recalled sister Meng Guangmei whom he met on the set of The Return of the Condor Heroes, who was just making a full effort to impact the mainland market and undergo transformation.

In addition, I helped her recognize the true identity of her boyfriend, so if he were to invite her, she would still give him this face.

The only thing left is the singing instructor.

The first person that came to his mind was Wang Fei.

But this guy just got married recently, and is fighting with Brother Li all day long.

Besides, these ladies don’t like the show and won’t come even if you pay them.

He turned around and thought of Su Youpeng, whom he met in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber".

This year, she finished filming a drama called "My Sassy Girl" with Korean star Jang Nara, which will become popular again after it is aired at the end of the year.

But this person has recently started to retreat and work on a stage play. When Zhang Yuan called him, he embarrassedly declined the invitation.

"So what should this singing instructor do?"

Director Li was amazed by Zhang Yuan's connections. How come he knew everyone?

"Got it!" Zhang Yuan raised the corner of his mouth.

"What do you think of Zhang Jingying?"

After hearing this name, all the staff of Magic City TV present smiled bitterly... (End of this chapter)