The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

After the Spring Festival, "Fist of Fury", which was released for 30 days, grossed 4 million at the box office in Hong Kong, making Golden Harvest Films majestic. Golden Harvest Films, which has been in development for two years, has not only surpassed Shaw Brothers Films in terms of production, but has also built three modern studios in the New Territories.

Of course, the studios in the New Territories are only temporary for Golden Harvest Films. In Lin Zhichao's view, when the time comes, he plans to purchase an industrial land no less than Shaw Brothers Cinemas (Clear Water Bay) in Tseung Kwan O from the Hong Kong government for the construction of a "media center".

At the end of the release of "Fist of Fury", "The One-Armed Swordsman vs. the Blind Man" directed and starred by Wang Yu began to be released in Hong Kong theaters, and the theaters managed by Golden Harvest gave the greatest support.

For a time, Shao Laoliu did not hesitate to take action personally and took Wang Yu's film company to court on the grounds of copyright infringement.

At the same time, some media even revealed that Shao Laoliu cursed Zou Wenhuai and Wang Yu for colluding in front of Shaw Brothers employees - eating the noodles on the bottom of the bowl.

The implication is that Wang Yu's departure from Shaw Brothers movies and the filming of the one-armed sword theme were all planned by Zou Wenhuai.

Miramar Hotel and Restaurant.

Wang Yu hurriedly found Zou Wenhuai and said, "Manager Zou, Uncle Liu is suing me now. I don't know whether he can win the lawsuit, but I can't afford the high legal fees."

Zou Wenhuai drank tea calmly, then handed over a note slowly and said: "The lawyer has been contacted, and I will pay for you. But the exchange is that you have to continue filming "One-Armed Boxing King" , as investors, we will continue to cooperate with you when you shoot movies in Hong Kong in the future."

A one-armed series can easily exceed one million at the box office, and the profit at the Hong Kong box office alone can reach 400,000 to 500,000; plus overseas distribution, there is still a million profit. The profits from the two one-armed series were enough to pay for the high legal fees, with half left over.

Wang Yu naturally agreed happily, after all, who dares to be his investor now!

Next, Zou Wenhuai gave another face-to-face instruction: "In this lawsuit, you have to grasp one thing - that is, you and I were once the main creative staff of "One-Armed Sword", and we are just playing around with it. If necessary, I can issue an explanation and Testify that you participated in the creation and production of "The One-Armed Knife" to prove that Shaw Brothers cannot sue and win."

The movie "The One-Armed Swordsman vs. the Blind Man" itself is a side project. It is too difficult for Shaw Brothers to collect evidence. In addition, the original creator and producer Zou Wenhuai has resigned, so it is impossible for Shaw Brothers to win.

Of course, there is also a lack of copyright awareness in Hong Kong, and the courts will also give full consideration to this factor; after all, once an infringement is established due to a slight glitch, Hong Kong's cases will probably fill up the court's desk.

"No problem! With your guarantee, I know it."

Wang Yu's anxious mood suddenly relaxed.

Zou Wenhuai added at this time: "Being a boss is not easy. It is different from fighting and killing on the set. Of course, the income is also different. So in this lawsuit, you can't act on your whim. You must cooperate with the legal team and be serious." face."

He instructed Wang Yu to consume the energy of Shaw Brothers' movies, but he himself did not need to participate, so he was very happy.

Wang Yu suddenly said in high spirits: "That's right, how can you make more money as an actor than as a boss! Don't worry, I promise to be energetic and deal with this lawsuit." Zou Wenhuai said with satisfaction: "Okay, happy cooperation!"

“A pleasure to work with”

After the two left, Zou Wenhuai couldn't help but smile playfully.

In the past, he was Shao Laoliu's subordinate, and his status was very different; but now, he only needs to take out a chess piece to play with Shao to applause, which is so happy.

But he thought of one thing and suddenly broke into a cold sweat.

Suppose he leaves Shaw Brothers and sets up his own film company, what will happen next?

First, there is no theater support and no studio equipment.

Second, Bruce Lee and Li Hanxiang will definitely choose Golden Harvest Films, which has a lot of money.

Third, he could only poach Wang Yu and film the theme of "One-Armed Sword". Then facing Shaw Brothers' fierce pursuit and only one million Hong Kong dollars in legal fees, it would be a disaster for him, not to mention the cost. energy; the final result is to dampen the spirit, disrupt the position, and force development; the key is, Jiahe Movies will still rise.

Amazing!

His boss has already made up his mind. With or without him, Golden Harvest Films will still rise.

But the boss cherishes talents and chooses to share 20% of the profits with everyone, and he alone will take 10%. His income last year exceeded his lifetime savings.

Zou Wenhuai saw Shao Laoliu 'scolding' him in the newspaper. Although it was an internal scolding revealed by employees, he was still unhappy; therefore, he planned to 'attack' Shao Laoliu as well.

Hitting the snake seven inches is naturally about Shao Laoliu's stinginess, so Hong Kong media soon reported:

"Shao Lao Liu is very famous in the entertainment industry for his mastery of calculation."

"Once director Yue Feng and screenwriter Xu Guo were acting as temporary directors. After the filming, production director Zou Wenhuai gave Xu Guo a director's fee of 1,000 Hong Kong dollars. When Uncle Liu found out, he asked the accounting department to negotiate with Xu Guo and asked Xu Guo to 'self-discount' , the charge could only be 800. Xu Guo was so angry that he tore up the check on the spot and refused to pay a penny, and said - Boss Shao will not be much richer if he has 200 more, and I will not be much poorer if I am 1,000 less."

"Once again, when filming a martial arts film on location, martial artists were hired as extras, and each was paid two yuan. Boss Shao was afraid that the martial artists would be left empty-handed, so he asked the female staff to exchange a large bag of 'big cakes (coins)' and go to the scene to distribute the money. They had to be named. The martial artists only had change to pay for the painting. Originally, when filming this kind of scene, a total amount of change was required. Therefore, the martial artists felt that their character had been insulted and announced a strike."

"Once again while filming a movie, there was a scene where a martial artist wanted to eat fried steamed buns. The stage manager signed a purchase order and asked Boss Shao to approve it, stating that '20 Hong Kong dollars is enough for 100 fried steamed buns.' Boss Shao immediately refused because The steamed buns in the Shaw Brothers cafeteria only sell for 1 cent each, so why do 100 steamed buns cost 20 Hong Kong dollars? The result is that the actors and martial artists put on makeup, but cannot wait for the steamed buns, and the filming cannot be completed, but Shaw Brothers still has to get close to them, resulting in a loss of nearly 10,000 yuan. Hong Kong dollars. It turned out that the steamed bun chef at Shaw's canteen took leave and needed to buy it from outside. This immediately made Boss Shaw heartbroken and summoned the script manager to scold him - you have to explain the situation clearly. I am willing to invest hundreds of thousands in a movie. How could you be stingy with these 20 Hong Kong dollars?"

"Wang Yu's salary was increased from 200 to 800, and he received 1,200 for each film. This is the result of Zou Wenhuai's countless efforts to stabilize big-name stars with high salaries. The result is that Wang Yu has achieved huge box office revenue for Shaw Brothers movies, and he has been filming for one year There were nearly seven or eight films, but the average monthly income was only HK$6,000. As a result, Wang Yu defected and established his own film company."

"Bruce Lee made it clear that he was only willing to make movies with Shaw Brothers, with a salary of US$10,000 per movie, but the boss of Shaw Brothers refused."

For a time, the Hong Kong media reported a lot more about the grievances between Boss Shao, Wang Yu, and Zou Wenhuai, which was a feast for the eyes.

In mid-February, Kwai Chung Container Terminal 1 was put into use first, and a grand opening ceremony was held. Many guests were invited to attend, including Hong Kong government officials headed by the Governor of Hong Kong, Dai Lincheng, the Taipan of British-owned foreign companies in Hong Kong, and officials from the consulate in Hong Kong. , representatives of European and American shipping companies, and celebrities in Hong Kong.

Currently, Hong Kong's Kwai Chung Container Terminal has invited four tenders. Among them, Pier 1 is operated by "Global Sea-Land Transport", Pier 2 is operated by "Modern Container" established by three European shipping companies on the Far East route and local companies, and Pier 3 Invested and operated by Japan's Oyama Shipping, Pier 4 was acquired by the 'International Container' formed by Hutchison International and Whampoa Dockyard last year. At the same time, the Hong Kong government is also preparing to invite tenders for the No. 5 Kwai Chung Container Terminal this year.

Lin Zhichao did not participate in the bidding for No. 4 Kwai Chung Pier, nor does he plan to participate in the bidding for No. 5 Kwai Chung Pier. The reason is simple. First, he does not want to show aggression. After all, now is not the time for a decisive battle with the British capital. Second, these docks will almost fall into his hands in the end anyway, so there is no need to act now.

Universal Group and Sea-Land Combined Transport have joined forces to operate No. 1 Container Terminal. This terminal is currently the largest. Universal Group can also take the opportunity to learn and develop in this area. Of course, Lin Zhichao prefers to focus on the development of global container terminal investments in the name of Hutchison Whampoa in the future. Universal Group can also participate in joint ventures or invest a small amount in container terminals.

The opening ceremony was spent in a lively atmosphere. Just as Dai Linzhi finished cutting the ribbon, container ships sailed on the sea. The big 'W' letters on them made people know at a glance that they were the fleet of the Global Group; after all, the global ship seal There are too many ships in 'W' (world), and they must be the fleet of the Universal Group, which is very eye-catching and domineering.

"Everyone, that is our global shipping container fleet. It is now sailing back to Hong Kong from Europe with full cargo, just in time for the opening of Kwai Chung Container No. 1." Lin Zhichao introduced with a smile.

Everyone thought that such a coincidence must have been carefully planned by you!

Dai Linzhi said with a smile: "Global Shipping and Sea-Land Transport are all shipping companies that operate container terminals. Your cooperation in developing this Terminal 1 will definitely inject strong power into Hong Kong's container transportation."

‘Malcolm’, the founder of Sea-Land Combined Transport, said: “Container transportation has become a global transportation trend. Hong Kong has a natural harbor and a convenient location. The container transportation business will definitely develop rapidly.”

Everyone present lamented Lin Zhichao's good interpersonal relationships. He not only had close relations with American officials, but also had a close relationship with Malcolm, the father of American containers.

If Lin Zhichao hadn't roped in Malcolm to jointly bid for Pier 1, and Global Shipping had made a separate bid, the result would have been hard to predict. It is not a matter of funds, but the Hong Kong government needs you to guarantee how many containers will be handled every year before it will hand over the terminal to you.

There are three European shipping companies and five local companies participating in the No. 2 Container Terminal. It can be seen that the Hong Kong government attaches great importance to the qualifications of the bidders.

Container Terminal 3 was developed solely by Japan's Oyama Shipping, but behind it is the entire Japanese government and shipping; because Hong Kong's trade and shipping are inseparable from Japan's contribution; Japan lacks domestic resources and relies entirely on overseas imports, and Hong Kong is the most A good trade transit point.

As for the bidding for Container Terminal 4, the prospects for global container transportation were already very clear, so it was no longer a problem for Hutchison International and Whampoa Shipping King to jointly bid. (At this time, Whampoa Dockyard was only an associate company of Hutchison International, and the two were not merged)

Lin Zhichao invited everyone to watch the "container unloading" on the spot, and reporters, along with them, started to visit carefully.

The container ship sailed into the berth, and after it stopped, the hoisting began to rotate, and the truck queue created by sea-land transportation was already lined up. Prepare to load the container boxes into the container stacking area.

Some terminals for these containers are Hong Kong and some terminals are Japan. They will be diverted at that time.

There was thunderous applause as the first truck loaded its containers and left the scene.

Dai Linzhi sighed and said: "This saves time and improves efficiency. It is amazing. The container transportation invented by Mr. Malcolm is really an important invention in the history of shipping."

Malcolm smiled and said: "The complete theory proposed by Mr. Lin was more than a year ahead of me. I think he deserves a lot of credit."

Lin Zhichao waved his hand quickly and said: "Thank you, Mr. Malcolm. I was just talking on paper at the beginning, which is far less than your contribution to container transportation. Practice is the foundation of success."

Everyone looked at the close relationship between the two, and suddenly felt incredible. You must know that the two should be competitors, right? Even if the relationship is not bad, it shouldn’t be very good!

Afterwards, everyone visited the entire Pier 1 to learn about its operations.

With the operation of Container Terminal 1 affecting all aspects of Hong Kong's economy, the media naturally applauded.

Media Building.

Lin Zhichao met with Zou Wenhuai to discuss Jiahe Films.

"I heard that during the filming of "Fist of Fury", director Luo Wei often considered himself Bruce Lee's mentor, which led to great conflicts between the two, and even conflicts broke out?"

Faced with Lin Zhichao's problem, Zou Wenhuai didn't dare to take a peek. After all, Bruce Lee has now become the box office guarantee of Golden Harvest movies.

"This is the case. I communicated with both of them and settled the conflict between them."

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said: "Let's do this. Let Bruce Lee direct, write, and star in the third movie. From now on, Luo Wei will not participate in his movies. We manage these big-name stars, not only money, but also giving them the maximum His sincerity, and more importantly, his care for the details. Bruce Lee went to college in the United States and has participated in screenwriting and directing work on two films, so it’s not a big problem!”

Zou Wenhuai was stunned and then said: "We have one more contract with Bruce Lee. Do we want to cooperate like this for the fourth film? I can keep an eye on the conflict between the two and it will not affect the third film."

He said this just to be sure. In fact, he didn't want Luo Wei to be reused, and the reason was more private.

Lin Zhichao said resolutely: "It's okay, Bruce Lee is the key, not Luo Wei! I believe that a movie written, directed and acted by Bruce Lee might be able to exceed the box office of 5 million Hong Kong dollars!"

Zou Wenhuai no longer had any objections and said: "Okay, I won't be able to arrange it right now, I'm afraid Luo Wei may have some ideas!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Then let him please, he is not an important figure in Jiahe Films."

"Okay, I understand what the boss means!"

In addition to Bruce Lee and Xu Guanwen, Sammo Hung was also hired by Chow Wenhuai to work in Golden Harvest movies. Shaw Brothers' movies showed a one-sided situation. Therefore, Jiahe at this time is simply full of talents. For example, in the later period, Sammo Hung and Jack Cheng were not picked up by other film companies, including Lo Wei, who was also unable to pick up Jack Cheng.

After chatting with Zou Wenhuai for a while, he left in a hurry. Nowadays, even American production companies have paid attention to Jiahe Films, not to mention that overseas distribution work is very heavy, so Zou Wenhuai is indeed quite busy.

As the boss, Lin Zhichao only participated in the general work layout and did not participate in the detailed work. It was also his job as a boss to discuss some film work with Zou Wenhuai. Anyway, he did not directly give the script or anything, so it was not too much.

After Zou Wenhuai left, Lin Zhichao thought for a while.

He planned to list Golden Harvest Films in 1972 and strive to raise HK$50 million for investment in the "Media Center" in Tseung Kwan O.

The valuation of Jiahe Films is not only its production business and distribution business, but also the crazy expansion of theater lines in recent years. From the beginning, he himself invested more than 20 million in cash.

Therefore, raising 50 million Hong Kong dollars may not be a problem as long as you find the best time.

Listing Jiahe was not because Lin Zhichao was short of money, but because Lin Zhichao felt that going public would be more beneficial to him and that he could earn more from the stock market. Zou Wenhuai and other teams can also convert the dividend rights into stocks, but of course they have to be diluted a lot, after all, the theater chain assets are very heavy.

"Boss" Li Ziduo walked in and said respectfully.

"Well, how's it going with Oriental Publishing House?"

Li Ziduo immediately reported: "The sales volume of "Manke World" magazine has exceeded 70,000 copies, and the sales volume of "Manke Daily" has exceeded 80,000 copies. Oriental Publishing House occupies 80% of the Hong Kong comics industry, which is thanks to the old Hong Kong style The comic style is gradually declining, and many cartoonists have begun to change careers."

This is an inevitable phenomenon. Instead of letting Hong Kong comics just compete in a small way, it is better to change the style from the beginning and compete with the Japanese comics industry.

Oriental Publishing House bears such responsibility and currently has 45 cartoonists and screenwriters, including 15 interns. In other words, Oriental Publishing House will recruit a training class every few years. At the beginning, the academy will be around There are about 30 people, but they will be gradually eliminated, and only 15 will be left in the end.

Lin Zhichao asked: "What about finances?"

Only then did Li Ziduo discover that his boss actually checked the accounts earlier this year and did not listen to his financial report.

He quickly said happily: "Although we have many comic talents, our current financial situation has undergone fundamental changes. Last year, our profit reached HK$800,000 for the first time, and the situation is still improving. Overseas income has increased a lot. This is a very important reason.”

A very beautiful report card. You must know that cartoonists such as Huang Yulang and Shangguan Xiaobao were almost all their own writers and screenwriters at the beginning of their previous lives, with at most a few apprentices working as assistants. This way, they can make money in the beginning.

And Oriental Publishing House has 45 comics professionals and can still make a lot of profits, which shows that the business is very good.

Lin Zhichao said: "So I have always emphasized the need to develop the thinking and innovation of young cartoonists. The success of works such as "Fist of the North Star" and "Fist of the North Star" and "Captain Soccer" is the best proof that old cartoonists have long been unable to keep up with the times. "

Li Ziduo nodded and said, "Yes! And our comics are more positive. Like some of the remaining cartoonists in Hong Kong, they are mainly about soft emotions and violence."

I’m talking about Huang Yulang and Shangguan Xiaobao. These two people are already representatives of old Hong Kong-style comic talents.

Lin Zhichao said: "When you mention it, I remembered one thing. With the popularity of Bruce Lee's kung fu movies, I'm afraid there will be a peak in old Hong Kong-style comics. In this regard, please pay attention."

Li Ziduo said seriously: "Okay!"

Finally, Lin Zhichao emphasized innovative thinking and must allow his comic book clubs to innovate.

Li Ziduo said: "Well, this is what our publishing house has always emphasized, and now some excellent works are being produced. Everyone is already working in such an environment, and it will only get better and better."

Lin Zhichao nodded with satisfaction. In fact, he planned to produce "Gundam" comics in two or three years, so he needed to have a group of talents under his command.

Oriental Publishing House pays very high salaries to its comic talents at the beginning, but in the later stage, they will fall into the "middle-class trap"; they implement the "Shaw Brothers Movie" model, where they receive a fixed salary and will not receive any share in the future.

This will indeed result in the loss of talents in the future, but this is what Lin Zhichao can accept. After these talents go out, they will bring seeds to the entire Hong Kong comics and completely change the structure of the Hong Kong comics industry.

More importantly, Lin Zhichao holds many "big IPs", so these works are completed by teamwork, not by one or two cartoonists.