The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Time flies and September 1st arrives in a blink of an eye.

Although it is already Saturday, Lin Zhichao still chooses to work for half a day, usually coming to the Media Building office in Causeway Bay.

"Father, how much do you think the box office of "A Better Tomorrow" has been?" Lin Ruikai walked in happily and reported.

Lin Zhichao sat in his office and said confidently: "I remember it was released for 30 days, so it should be 30 million Hong Kong dollars!"

"A Better Tomorrow" was released in early August and quickly achieved great success. The industry did not expect that a new actor (Cheung Ko Wing), a expired actor (Ti Lung), and a box office poison (Chow Yun-fat) would actually star in such an excellent movie; John Woo also made a comeback and finally established his own violent aesthetic shooting style.

Of course, the one who gained the most was Golden Harvest Pictures. The total investment in this movie is only 8 million Hong Kong dollars, and now it will make a lot of money. After all, a box office of 30 million Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong can basically earn more than 15 million (producers and theaters); and Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia will follow , South Korea, will all be big box office sellers.

Golden Harvest Pictures also received a ‘box office guarantee’ – Chow Yun-fat, as he signed a contract for seven films. It doesn’t count as being squeezed. After all, he has filmed several movies, which were mostly at a loss. It was Jiahe who made him turn around. Moreover, Jiahe also saw his influence in the series, and the salary for each movie was more than 400,000 Hong Kong dollars. It can be regarded as raising his worth.

As for Chow Yun-fat, Golden Harvest asked him to shoot seven movies, and he also understood that this was an opportunity. Because Golden Harvest has made Bruce Lee, Xu Guanwen, Sammo Hung, Jack Cheng and other "box office guarantees" popular, it was obvious that they wanted to make him a star when they approached him to sign a contract for seven movies.

What's more, in the Hong Kong film industry, Golden Harvest Pictures is a well-deserved giant because it controls a huge theater chain system.

Lin Ruikai said with a smile: "Father's vision and prediction are really something we can't learn from at all!"

In his opinion, his father had actually predicted success from the moment he planned the filming. Because he knew that his father would also care about this movie.

All the programs and movies that my father cared about were huge successes.

Lin Zhichao said: "There is no need to study. Sometimes luck will run out, but as long as we keep our foundation solid, occasional failures are nothing!"

Lin Ruikai knew that his father was educating him, and he immediately said humbly: "Yes, I have written it down! I want to do media as well. The most important thing is to improve the system. For example, the satellite company model of our Golden Harvest Pictures has attracted many Talent depends on us.”

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "Yes, it is right for everyone to make money!"

Sammo Hung's Baohe, the three Hui brothers' Hsu Pictures, Xu Ke's studio, and Jack Cheng's... all rely on Golden Harvest Pictures for development.

Now Golden Harvest Pictures pays more attention to Xu Ke and trains him to become the third representative 'producer' after Zou Wenhuai and He Guanchang; so even though "A Better Tomorrow" was planned by Lin Zhichao, Xu Ke is one of the producers. , Producers can also share the 'share'.

Lin Zhichao was a little worried about the ambitions of Zou Wenhuai, He Guanchang and others, so he also encouraged Vice President Qiao Shan to participate in the production of many movies.

Of course, although Wan Wenhuai, He Guanchang and others only account for about 10% of the equity of Golden Harvest Pictures in total, they also enjoy high dividends due to their assets including theater chains.

In addition, Hong Kong movies actually have no living space for them to leave, so Lin Zhichao believes that Wrinkle Wenhuai and others will not leave Golden Harvest Movies. He just always has the worst plan.

Next, Lin Zhichao said: ""A Better Tomorrow" has exceeded the box office of 30 million Hong Kong dollars, and broke the record of New Art City's "The Best Partner" at the beginning of the year (without Xu Guanjie, the box office was only 25 million), which has set the next stage for Golden Harvest Pictures at least There are seven films with guaranteed box office, because Chow Yun-fat is now guaranteed box office."

Lin Ruikai nodded and said: "Indeed, Chow Yun-fat's performance this time is really as sensational as his "Shanghai Bund" in the early 1980s."

Lin Zhichao said: "Later, go to Shaw Brothers to recruit someone, the director of "The Frog Prince" Wang Jing, and ask him to shoot a comedy movie for our Jiahe. The treatment will be favorable."

He is familiar with high-grossing movies, including Lam Ching-ying's zombie series, but there is no need to worry about this. Lam Ching-ying belongs to Sammo Hung. Although Sammo Hung is the boss of Baohe Film Company, the general investment and producer are Golden Harvest's Ho Guan-chang. So, I can’t run away!

This Wang Jing had to personally intervene. After all, it would be needed in later Chow Yun-fat's "God of Gamblers" series and Stephen Chow Sing-chi's movies.

And he is now involved in the content of the media group, and plans to do so through his son Lin Ruikai, which can increase Lin Ruikai's influence in the media group.

Lin Ruikai said happily: "No problem, I will definitely handle this matter!"

He was happy that his father finally allowed him to get involved in the entertainment industry publicly, instead of just doing administrative work.

Lin Zhichao nodded. Lin Ruikai and his wife have a good relationship. In addition, this daughter-in-law is the daughter of Lin Zhichao's old friend Li Gaofu, so he will not mess around. Therefore, it is time for him to intervene in the content of the media group.

In this life, New Art City has almost no glory as in the previous life. It was completely dismantled by Lin Zhichao's arrangements. Many movies have been greatly discounted, such as the "Best Partner" series. Golden Harvest has always been supported by Jack Sing, Sammo Hung, and the Hui brothers, so it has always been the "dominating Hong Kong film".

Next, Lin Zhichao said: "Things at Jiahe are almost done, but what is missing about ATV!"

Lin Ruikai said: "ATV's singers are just one step behind now. TVB's singers have steadily surpassed us. Their rookie singing competition has selected many talents. As for "Golden Songs" and "Music Bank", although they are competitors, TVB's Singers who participated in "Golden Songs" are prohibited from participating in our "Music Bank". Dad, we also have to organize an influential new singing competition!"

Lin Zhichao said: "If we hold the same Rookie Song Contest, the potential contestants should go to the Wireless Rookie Song Contest!"

Lin Ruikai said: "Then increase the signing benefits and so on. This will be very tempting to newbies!"

Throw money!

Obviously not. Lin Zhichao doesn't want ATV to continue to be extravagant and wasteful. Although Zhou Liang Shuyi has not explicitly ordered Zhou Liang Shuyi to save costs, he has obviously said that it is time to make profits. After all, the ratings are now at 50% and the profit is over 100 million. One side expects to make tens of millions of profits this year.

You can spend money, but you can’t just throw money!

Soon Lin Zhichao said: "The selection of new singers can also be made into a classic program. I call this kind of program a 'reality show' program. Come here and I will teach you!"

Lin Ruikai was overjoyed and ran to Lin Zhichao's desk. He knew that his father's talent was inexhaustible.

Later, Lin Zhichao said: "This program is called "The Voice of Hong Kong". We invite four guests and give them an electric chair with their backs to the stage, allowing them to decide the performance on stage based only on their singing. Do you want to join his team, which is equivalent to his students? Each instructor can choose 16 students. Of course, before that, there must be a large-scale audition. Only those who pass the preliminary selection can enter the next round. We still have The scores are divided into competition areas for auditions. But after each instructor has selected 16 students, we have actually networked the really good voices. The next step is to enter the internal PK of the team. In the end, only 4 people are left in each team. And The PK between the teams ends with the final. This is just a competition system. Of course, the whole program also needs to incorporate elements of variety shows, such as recording the music history of the academy, which can be matched with the hard work in pursuing music and the degree of hobbies. Here you can add some Exaggerated program effect”

Lin Zhichao marked the key points on the paper bit by bit, and soon a program outline emerged.

This is the world's first true reality show, and I believe it will soon attract the attention of overseas TV stations.

"Father, the budget for this show is very large!" Lin Ruikai said dumbfounded.

He did not expect that his father could create a great program and a creative program in a short period of time.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "This is an IP with huge potential. In the future, we will make money by collecting overseas copyrights, spread Hong Kong culture to the world, drive Hong Kong tourism, and increase Hong Kong's influence. I have always wanted to create a 'Hong Kong' Pop culture' comes to benefit Hong Kong, and you will be my assistant from now on!"

Lin Ruikai asked curiously: "Hong Kong culture?"

Lin Zhichao said: "Innovation in variety shows, such as the world's first reality show I just mentioned, overseas TV stations will definitely consider introducing it for the sake of ratings. There are also innovations in dramas, songs, dances, and movies. In short, from our family, Since the development of video games, we should have understood that with the development of the world economy, it is no longer difficult to have enough food, and people are thinking, so entertainment first is the ultimate goal of mankind. And television, as a It is a communication medium that will have great influence in the future, so I plan to enter the ranks of satellite TV in the next few years.”

Lin Ruikai said quickly: "I am willing to be father's assistant. Father's idea is really great!"

If it were someone else, he would definitely say, how can Hong Kong, a small city, become famous and popular in the world in terms of culture? It would be great to be successful in Asia.

But it was his father who said these things, and he believed them without hesitation, and he was proud to be a part of it.

"Well, you will personally participate in the work of ATV, supervise the development of "The Voice of Hong Kong", and strive to cause a huge response next year."

"OK"

Lin Zhichao nodded. He has already started the development of "Hong Kong Streaming Culture", and the first one is a "reality show" program. Of course, reality shows have to be presented one by one. Anyway, there is no need to worry about someone taking the lead.

Finally, Lin Zhichao suddenly said: "If you ask the agent of Golden Harvest Pictures to go to Taiwan to sign a contract with Joey Wang, the heroine of "The Lakeside Will Be Very Cold This Year", to Golden Harvest Pictures, let Liu Wenliang handle this matter."

Lin Ruikai said without changing his expression: "Okay, I will definitely convey it!"

Lin Zhichao said: "It's not about conveying it, it's about what you mean! As a senior executive of a media group, it is normal for you to select actors with potential."

Lin Ruikai nodded and said, "I understand!"

He didn't dare to doubt anything, after all, his father had a lover outside. But he also considered that his father should just appreciate it, otherwise he wouldn't be filming. After all, his father doesn't like to be in the news.

Golden Harvest Films held a large-scale celebration banquet for the crew of "A Better Tomorrow", and the hotel directly chose the Shangri-La Hotel, the most luxurious five-star hotel in Hong Kong.

The final box office of "A Better Tomorrow" was HK$32 million, directly breaking the box office record and increasing by nearly HK$7 million. More importantly, it defeated New Art City's "The Queen's Secret Order" in one fell swoop, establishing Golden Harvest Pictures' dominance.

As the vice president of the media group, Lin Ruikai also rarely attended with Zou Wenhuai.

Zou Wenhuai knew in his heart that the boss was planning to let his son get involved with Golden Harvest Pictures, and he readily accepted it. Over the years, he has learned how scary his boss is. Even if the biggest loser in the Hong Kong film industry is to go out on his own, he will be punished.

Lin Ruikai also behaved very modestly. He was not directly involved in the affairs of Golden Harvest Pictures, but only intervened sideways. For example, this time he came forward to arrange for Golden Harvest people to poach Shaw Brothers' Wang Jing and Taiwanese actor Wang Zuxian.

"Brother Fa, congratulations!" Lin Ruikai greeted Chow Yun-fat with a smile.

Chow Yun-fat was so shocked that he stood up quickly and said, "Sheng Lin, don't you dare, just call me Ah Fa!"

Lin Ruikai said humorously: "Calling you Afa, doesn't it mean that our Jiahe is incompetent? Now you are our new box office guarantee!"

Although there were three male protagonists this time, Chow Yun-fat obviously performed better, and everyone showed sincere smiles.

"Thank you Lin Sheng for your appreciation, I will work hard!" Chow Yun-fat said modestly.

Afterwards, Lin Ruikai greeted everyone one after another, becoming the absolute protagonist.

During this period, he chatted with Xu Ke and said, "Xu Sheng, Fa Ge is quite suitable for people in the entertainment industry. Recently, I thought of a subject. How about you evaluate it for me?"

Xu Ke said quickly: "Lin Sheng, tell me!"

He didn't expect that both father and son were proficient in movies!

Lin Ruikai said: "Films about prisons express the abuse and oppression of individuals by the system. Prison is a legal space. Although there are all kinds of sensational stories about prison life, the mainstream media's positive portrayal of the legal image of prisons has always influenced the audience. point of view. This is a point of view I want to express!”

Xu Ke nodded and said, "I'll add it all up later. Lin Sheng, do you have a director or screenwriter appointed by you?"

Although he has a studio now, he actually works for Jiahe.

Lin Ruikai said: "Can Lin Lingdong from New Art City be recruited? His brother Lin Lingnan seems to be a screenwriter too?"

Xu Ke said: "The problem is not big. Only a few people in Xinyi City have fixed contracts, and the others are non-contract employees!"

Lin Ruikai said: "Okay, I will talk to Zou Sheng later, and this matter has been decided. If the filming is good, this "Prison Story" will also be a series of movies."

Although Chow Yun-fat has signed a contract with Golden Harvest for seven films, the stipulation is for three years. During this period, he is not allowed to take on other films without permission. However, he can be 'seconded' with Golden Harvest's permission, and one-third of the secondment fee must be paid. .

In fact, before this, Chow Yun-fat only made one or two movies a year, and he was still filming series.

At the celebration banquet that night, Lin Ruikai and Zou Wenhuai left early. After all, the big boss couldn't let go at the scene.

When they returned, Lin Ruikai and Zou Wenhuai said: "Uncle Zou, I may also participate in some film company work in the future. Please give me some advice. After all, I used to do administrative work."

Zou Wenhuai said quickly: "Xiao Lin is too polite, you are my boss, just follow my orders."

"That can work! You are Jiahe's partner. My father said that as long as you are here, Jiahe can be alone in these years. And you are a senior in this industry. If you can give us juniors a few words, it will definitely be of great use. ."

"Since Mr. Xiao Lin is so humble, I won't be polite. If you have any questions in the future, just communicate with me!"

Zou Wenhuai is not worried about the Lin family falling out and abandoning him. After all, box office guarantees such as Sammo Hung and Jack Sung are all his contacts with He Guanchang and others, and they have a close relationship.

Of course, he didn't doubt that Lin Ruikai was here to decentralize power. After all, as the successor of the media group, it was normal for Lin Ruikai to participate in content work! Even his father often communicates with him about content matters.

Then again, Chow Wenhuai thought about starting an independent business, but he found that the Hong Kong film industry was already monopolized by 'chaebols'. Even New Art City barely succeeded with the support of the Kowloon Construction Group.

But in fact, Lin Zhichao, the boss of Jiahe, is also very ambitious. Otherwise, New Art City would lose a lot of wealth just by blocking the distribution in Southeast Asia. Currently, Golden Harvest Pictures is the agent for the distribution of New Art City in Southeast Asia.

Golden Harvest Films' theater chain has always been open to independent film companies, and it is nothing more than a matter of making films.

Lin Ruikai said goodbye to Zou Wenhuai happily. He had recently started to participate in the group's content work and felt that there was really unlimited potential in it.

Especially the 'Hong Kong culture' that his father mentioned, he had already foreseen that it would be a cultural system that would shock the world. (End of chapter)