RPAGF Chapter 208 The Hong Kong Film Market Landscape is Broken
Chapter 208 The Hong Kong Film Market Landscape is Broken
For the next month, Hong Kong was completely flooded with the words "Zhonghua Cinemas".
From newspapers to television, from the streets to teahouses and theaters, everyone was talking about it.
No one expected that Lin Zhou, who had been making rapid progress in electronics, real estate, and mainland investments, would quietly extend his reach into the film and television industry.
Moreover, with this move, twelve cinemas opened simultaneously, directly placing the company among Hong Kong's top-tier cinema chains.
What shocked the industry even more was the promise made by Zhonghua:
It is not exclusive, not monopolistic, and open to all film and television companies.
Mr. Shaw and his senior executives at Shaw Brothers displayed varying expressions upon seeing the invitation. Although Mr. Shaw was inwardly furious, he outwardly smiled slightly.
"This Lin Zhou has truly exceptional vision. He doesn't form cliques; he's destined for great things."
Jiahe responded directly: "We will definitely be there on New Year's Day. It's an event hosted by Zhonghua Group, so we have to give them face."
The group of promising young directors at Cinema City were even more excited—another theater chain meant another way out.
For a time, the entire Hong Kong film and television industry turned its attention to Zhonghua Group.
Numerous film and television companies, star directors, and producers have responded, confirming their attendance at the opening ceremony on New Year's Day.
Some were curious, some were watching, some were expectant, and some were secretly wary.
But no one dared to underestimate it.
Because behind this cinema chain is Lin Zhou and Zhonghua Group, which is now at its peak and is highly valued even by the mainland authorities.
……
Time flies, and it was December 31, 1981 in the blink of an eye.
The interior and exterior of the Zhonghua Cinemas Causeway Bay flagship cinema have already been completely renovated.
A red carpet stretched from the entrance to the street, and the huge "Zhonghua Cinemas" sign shone brightly in the night. Poster stands, light boxes, and colorful flags were all in place.
The security team, personally led by Zhao Jianjun, was fully mobilized and deployed around the cinema to ensure the ceremony tomorrow goes smoothly.
Chen Man led dozens of employees from headquarters to conduct final checks, rehearsals, and material verification overnight. Everyone was in high spirits and showed no signs of fatigue.
Headquarters of Yuen Long Industrial Park.
The light in Lin Zhou's office was still on.
Su Wanqing walked in with a cup of hot milk and gently placed it on the table. Looking at the man who was still working on documents at the table, her eyes were full of tenderness and heartache.
"Are you still busy with the theatrical releases?" she asked softly.
"Okay, let's go over tomorrow's procedures again, making sure there are no mistakes." Lin Zhou looked up, took the milk, and took a sip, feeling a warm sensation instantly spread throughout his body.
"I just asked Chen Man, and she said that almost all film and television companies will be there tomorrow, and even several big-name directors and stars have confirmed their attendance."
Su Wanqing couldn't help but laugh, "A-Zhou, you're going to stir up another storm in Hong Kong."
Lin Zhou held his wife's hand and smiled slightly.
"This isn't a storm."
He said softly:
"In the future, Zhonghua Cinemas will start from Hong Kong, enter the mainland, and go global."
"We don't just produce electronic products; we also produce culture and stories that belong to the Chinese people."
Su Wanqing looked at him quietly, her eyes sparkling.
On New Year's Day, 1982, the Causeway Bay area was already bustling with activity as soon as it was light.
Colorful flags and banners lined both sides of the street, and a bright red carpet stretched from the intersection all the way to the entrance of the flagship cinema of Zhonghua Cinema Line. A huge sign that read "Zhonghua Cinema Line Opening Ceremony" was hung high up.
Zhao Jianjun led all the members of Zhonghua Security to their posts. Dressed neatly in black and with upright posture, they maintained order at the scene without making a sound. They were neither aggressive nor did they exude an air of strict discipline that kept people at a distance.
Just after eight o'clock, guests from all walks of life began to arrive.
Shaw Brothers, Golden Harvest, Cinema City, Golden Princess... almost every well-known film company in Hong Kong sent representatives to the event.
Many well-known directors, popular actors, producers, and distribution moguls arrived by car, drawing gasps of surprise from passersby as soon as they appeared.
Reporters surrounded both sides of the entrance with their cameras and microphones, flashing lights everywhere, turning Causeway Bay into a scene resembling a film festival red carpet.
As Lin Zhou's assistant, Chen Man was one of the highest-ranking members of the group. She led the group's staff in an orderly manner to guide people to sign in and take their seats, always with a polite smile on her face.
At 9:40, Lin Zhou and Su Wanqing arrived at the scene side by side.
Lin Zhou was dressed in a gray suit. He was in his thirties and, due to the spatial alteration of his body, he had an upright posture and a calm and reserved demeanor, yet he exuded an aura of someone who had long held a high position.
Su Wanqing, dressed in a light blue dress, was gentle and elegant, and stood beside him, complementing his beauty perfectly.
The moment the two appeared, the room fell silent for a moment, followed by even more enthusiastic applause.
"President Lin!"
"Mr. Lin, Ms. Su!"
The bigwigs from all walks of life stepped forward to shake hands and greet him, their attitudes polite and respectful.
Today, Zhonghua Group spans electronics, real estate, security, entertainment and media, and has invested in multiple sectors in mainland China. Its asset size, political and business connections, and industry influence have all placed it among the top in Hong Kong.
Moreover, today he made a move by opening twelve cinemas, which is a huge blow to the film industry. No one will underestimate this young industry tycoon.
Lin Zhou smiled and nodded, exchanging pleasantries with everyone in a calm and measured manner, neither arrogant nor overly enthusiastic.
At 10:00 AM sharp, the opening ceremony began on time.
Lin Zhou stood on the stage and gave a brief speech. He avoided lengthy platitudes and empty rhetoric, focusing on just three key points:
"First, Zhonghua Cinemas is open, fair, and transparent, welcoming all those who are serious about making films."
"Secondly, we do more than just screen films; we are more willing to support good content, good teams, and good works."
That's right. As long as you have a good script, even individuals without funds can come to us for investment. However, you must first pass our review and approval process.
"Third, I hope to work together with everyone here to make Hong Kong cinema bigger and more successful."
As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the audience.
Many film and television company executives exchanged glances, all seeing surprise and disbelief in each other's eyes.
Nowadays, Hong Kong cinemas are either monopolized by large companies or have harsh divisions and layers of exploitation. Lin Zhou, who made his stance clear from the outset that he was "not exclusive and would not hold others back," is almost unique.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was successfully completed.
Amidst the deafening sounds of gongs and drums, the crackling of firecrackers, and the falling of a red ribbon, the four large characters "Zhonghua Cinema Line" were officially unveiled.
At the same time, twelve cinemas across Hong Kong opened their doors simultaneously, officially launching the free movie screening event.
Citizens flocked in, filling the theater to capacity almost instantly, far exceeding expectations in terms of excitement.
Chen Man walked quickly to Lin Zhou's side and reported in a low voice: "President Lin, news has come from all the cinemas that the seats are completely full and the word-of-mouth feedback is excellent."
Lin Zhou nodded slightly, not surprised.
In this day and age, a good viewing environment, high-quality equipment, and free trials are enough to make a strong impression.
"Make proper arrangements for the reception, and don't neglect the guests," he instructed casually.
"Yes."
The celebration transitioned into a cocktail party, with the hotel banquet hall brightly lit and filled with the clinking of glasses.
People from various film and television companies gathered around Lin Zhou, talking to him, probing cooperation terms, understanding revenue sharing models, and inquiring about scheduling rules.
Lin Zhou responded patiently, with a serious and clear attitude:
"As long as the content is compliant and of good quality, and passes our review, Zhonghua Cinemas will treat all content equally and without discrimination."
"Profit sharing is transparent, contracts are clear, there are no hidden clauses, and box office revenue is not suppressed."
After a few words, many people from small production companies breathed a sigh of relief and showed genuine smiles.
For them, big cinema chains have high barriers to entry and a hostile attitude. If they could have another fair way out, then small companies like theirs could grow bigger and stronger, and then it would be time to make money.
Just as Lin Zhou was talking with a representative from Jiahe, Chen Man walked over again quietly and whispered:
"Mr. Lin, there are some young people outside. They say they are from a newly established film and television production company and want to discuss cooperation with you. They didn't make an appointment in advance and are asking if it's convenient for you to meet them now."
Lin Zhou raised an eyebrow slightly.
Those present today are either established companies or industry celebrities; it's rare to see a new company taking the initiative to come to us.
"Let them in."
"Yes."
Shortly after, three young people entered the banquet hall, guided by staff.
The person walking at the front was tall and handsome, with a youthful yet clean-cut sharpness in his eyes. Even in a setting full of big shots, he did not appear flustered, but rather showed a bit of polite restraint.
Lin Zhou's gaze paused slightly.
Happy Valentine's Day everyone! May you all find your other half soon!