"Do you know YouTube? It's practically the most fun website in the world; you can always discover new things on YouTube."
"Entering YouTube is like entering a new world. You'll realize that this is the true purpose of the internet: to help you truly understand the world and what those people you're unfamiliar with are doing."
"Here, you'll see geniuses, ordinary people, jokers, scientists, artists, and teachers. Everything you want is here!"
As countries like the UK's BBC, France's Sky TV, Australia's Sydney TV, and Japan's Tokyo TV began reporting on the situation in the United States, the Shoulder Dance successfully radiated from the United States to the entire world.
Many people also learned about YouTube, this emerging video website.
Currently, while YouTube only operates in the United States and its servers have not yet entered other countries, the server configuration, which was retired from the military network, can still alleviate the impact of cross-border internet speed to a certain extent, allowing many people who like novelties to explore this strange website across borders.
Unlike Facebook, YouTube doesn't even require users to have an account; visitors can browse freely, making it simple and convenient.
Howard Hughes reported to Eric: "Boss, tens of thousands of IP accounts from other countries visit the website every day now. We're really taking off!"
"That's good. Both Facebook and YouTube are bound to go global. Facebook took the lead, but it looks like YouTube might catch up from behind."
"Boss, I've noticed a phenomenon: the connection between Facebook and YouTube is gradually forming, and it's not just the most basic link of account interoperability."
"Because we've set up a prize pool, many video creators, in order to win rewards, choose to share their videos on Facebook."
"Of course, this is only a small part; the main force is still the users. Many interesting videos have given everyone a fresh feeling they've never experienced before."
"Many users, after seeing them, actively share them, which also helps their Facebook accounts gain followers. Both sides have formed a mutually promoting effect."
Eric had long anticipated this. Once Lionheart Network goes online after some time, these three will form a Trinity.
They will provide mutual support and ammunition, ultimately forming a situation of mutual promotion.
"Are the videos for 'PPAP' and 'Baby Shark Dance' ready?"
"Yes, they've been in hand for several days, just waiting for your command, Boss."
"Very good. The Shoulder Dance is still hot. Once the buzz dies down, we'll release them to the market to drive another wave of traffic."
"Received!"
Late at night, on a plane flying to China, Eric and Michael sat in first class.
Eric was fine, even though he was currently riding high, having received a Golden Globe and the title of youngest billionaire.
However, his fame was still limited to the United States, and even within the US, many people didn't know him.
If you don't believe it, ask yourself: Who is the youngest billionaire in China? Who is the 51st richest person in the world?
How many ordinary people can answer that? Most people only know the richest person and a few of the most famous ones.
Only when Eric replaces Bill Gates, or wins a major award that attracts more attention from outsiders, such as Best Director, will his fame truly soar.
Michael was different; he was too famous. Even sitting in first class, surrounded by successful elites, they were still very excited to see him.
These people frequently came up to ask for autographs and photos, pushing Eric to the back.
The flight attendants didn't mind, because they were also queuing for autographs and photos.
After a long while, these people finally settled down. So sometimes, celebrities really need to hire bodyguards or buy a private jet or something.
On one hand, it's about their own safety, and on the other, it's about maintaining order in the location, because there have been too many incidents of crazy fan chasing causing congestion and riots.
"Everyone is too enthusiastic; my seat has become a public spot," Eric complained.
Michael smiled and said, "You'll get used to it. The moment you become a big star, these things are inevitable. You'll experience them very soon."
"Forget it. I'm not interested in being gawked at. The spotlight only makes my eyes sting. So I can be a director, but I won't be an actor."
Michael pointed at Eric: "If your face appeared on screen, it would definitely attract countless young girls."
"Hmm, that's what my dad said. He originally planned for me to be an actor, believing that with this face, getting at least to second-tier celebrity status wouldn't be a problem."
"Even if my acting skills weren't up to par, by the time I got older and past my prime, the money I earned would already be enough for the rest of my life."
"Then why didn't you follow that path? It sounds much simpler than what you're doing now."
Eric made a gesture insulting Koreans: "Although it's simple, the upper limit is only that much. If I had really taken that path, I probably wouldn't have been able to help you with your case, and we wouldn't be on a flight to China now."
Michael nodded thoughtfully: "It sounds like everything is destined."
The plane slowly landed at Yanjing Airport. This time, Michael signed a three-day contract with CCTV, charging 100,000 RMB for one performance.
An almost negligible amount, clearly symbolic and far from a Super Bowl performance.
Although the Super Bowl halftime show also has very low remuneration, it is based on union standards. Even if it's low, when considering the artist, artist team, management company, and other parties sharing the proceeds, the NFL would still spend several million US dollars on it.
The remuneration for the Spring Festival Gala is even lower; it's only when inviting foreigners that a sum is spent.
With such a small fee, CCTV naturally had to cover accommodation and other expenses, but Eric rejected that.
The place arranged by CCTV was too crowded and complicated; it was better to stay with him.
After instructing Susan to properly arrange Michael and his entourage, Eric first headed to the Oriental MGM company in the science and technology park.
He had helped with so many things, and the feedback from here was also very quick, giving him a reply before the New Year.
The secretary led him to the office, where Chen Ou and Han Sanping were drinking tea and chatting.
Upon seeing Eric, they immediately stood up. Old Han, with his usual hearty personality, came over for a bear hug first.
Chen Ou was much more refined. The two smiled, shook hands, and sat down.
"Old Han, it's only been two months since we last met. There's no need to be so excited every time, is there? I'm still not quite used to hugging men."
Old Han laughed heartily: "I get excited when I see you, and when I get excited, I act without a plan."
"He has to be excited! 'meg' has already been approved and filming has begun. The organization has discussed his job, and the results will be out in a few days."
Chen Ou explained the reason. They were all people with vested interests, and the results would be announced soon, so there was no need to hide it.
Eric looked up at Old Han: "Promoted to full position?"
"Heh heh. The results haven't been announced yet, but it's almost certain. It should be stable."
"Congratulations! Congratulations!"
Old Han laughed again: "Same to you, same to you. It's also thanks to your support for my work that things have progressed so smoothly."
"In that case, I should call you Chairman Han from now on."
Old Han waved his hand.
"What Chairman Han? Old Han sounds more intimate. I'm used to it. Besides, how can my chairman position compare to yours?"
"You're worth tens of billions of dollars; ten of me combined wouldn't compare to one of you."
"Hahaha, you can't say that. Money doesn't represent power. Hollywood's seven major film companies, and around them, there are powerful second-tier companies like New Line Cinema, Lionsgate, and Dimension Films."
"In Hollywood, I can't be as absolute as you. If they don't want to give me face, they can ignore me. But in China, no one dares not to drink your tea."
Chen Ou said, "That was before. Soon, those people won't dare not to drink your coffee either."
"What do you mean? Did your superiors agree?" Eric turned to look at him.
Chen Ou nodded, motioning for Eric to sit properly.
"Eric, regarding your last proposal, after I reported it to Director Chen, the bureau took it very seriously."
"We held many meetings to discuss it. Although there was resistance, it was finally approved, and after being reported, the leaders also gave their consent."
"In principle, a three-year exploration period has been set. As long as it does not violate public order and good customs or laws, the reintroduction of American dramas for broadcast in China will be allowed."
Old Han patted him on the shoulder: "Eric, the bureau has already decided to proceed according to the results of our last discussion."
"China Film Group Corporation will be fully responsible for the introduction here. The official document is expected to be issued shortly after the New Year."
"Once the document comes down, the introduction work can begin."
"The matter you've been so eager about, it's done!"
Eric's face lit up with joy: "Director Chen, Old Han, you've given me a huge surprise today! I thought it would take at least a few months, even at the fastest pace."
"I was all prepared to deal with resistance, but I didn't expect it to pass so smoothly."
"You must have put in a lot of effort, thank you, both of you, very much!"
Chen Ou nodded: "Friends, we help each other. Eric, you have always helped expand the overseas influence of Chinese film and television culture."
"The leaders are also very supportive and attach great importance to this after learning about it. We have an old saying in China: 'It is impolite not to reciprocate a greeting.'"
"Chinese people wouldn't do something that only lets friends suffer without getting anything in return."
"Even if those small African countries help us a little, China always repays tenfold. A land of etiquette emphasizes benevolence and generosity."
Han Sanping explained: "The reason this passed so quickly actually has another important reason."
"Currently, Korean and Taiwan idol dramas are popular across China, having a significant impact on society, especially on teenagers."
"Therefore, the upper echelons also hope to reintroduce American dramas to dilute the influence of Korean and Taiwan culture, accelerate the integration of the domestic cultural market with international standards, and promote faster maturity."
"Then, when I go back in a few days, I'll immediately set up a new company," Eric said.
"Hmm, for the first drama, I'm considering not broadcasting it on CCTV for now, and letting Yanjing Satellite TV be the first to try it out."
Eric understood Director Chen's concern, still fearing potential negative impacts, so he let a local station take the first risk.
"That's your business, I won't interfere. But since Yanjing Satellite TV is broadcasting it, why isn't Lao Zhou here today?"
"He's busy with the Spring Festival Gala. Tonight is Yanjing Satellite TV's Spring Festival Gala, so he can't get away."
"But I've already told him about it. Lao Zhou is a man of sentiment and understands the rules, and he has already agreed."
"Once he's done today, you can meet and discuss what type of drama to introduce for the first one before you leave."
"As the opening shot, we must make it a success. Only then can we report to the leaders well."
The matter of introducing American dramas was settled so quickly, and Eric was also overjoyed. The three of them had lunch together and talked about meg.
After Eric left the script last time, it was quickly approved after some revisions, and the money was readily available.
Actually, if filming were to start, it could have begun a month earlier. The main holdup was the casting process.
MGM helped find Jason Statham to play the male lead. Although Jason isn't considered a first-tier action actor yet, he is definitely second-tier.
Especially last year, he delivered brilliant fights and performances in 'The Transporter,' written by Luc Besson, which greatly boosted his fame.
This movie only made a small profit at the box office, but the video market was booming, selling tens of millions, better than many big productions.
He was just one blockbuster away from becoming a first-tier action actor, perhaps next year's 'The Transporter 2.'
At this point in time, his salary was not high but his cost-effectiveness was very high. Action films were also in decline, so he was signed for only 3 million US dollars.
The male lead was decided very easily, but the domestic competition for the Chinese female lead was fierce.
After the news broke, not to mention first-tier actresses, even slightly known female actors wanted to participate.
Michelle Yeoh, Karen Mok, Zhang Ziyi, Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing, Xu Qing, Shu Qi, Xu Jinglei.
As long as their age and image weren't too far off, almost all the female stars came out to compete for this role.
Sino-American co-productions, even more than a decade later, are still highly sought after, let alone at this point in time.
Moreover, 'meg' had an investment of 50 million US dollars, split evenly between MGM and China Film Group Corporation.
Two years ago, 'Hero' had an investment of 30 million US dollars, so 'meg' almost doubled that.
With such a good opportunity, getting on board could directly lead to international fame, instantly putting them on par with Gong Li and Maggie Cheung. Who wouldn't be tempted?
Eric was unaware of the internal struggles and competition, but the decision was definitely made by Han Sanping.
The female lead ultimately went to Xu Jinglei, a favored figure in the Beijing circle.
At this point in time, the Beijing circle still held significant influence in the Chinese entertainment industry. To help her secure this role, a considerable price must have been paid.
However, Eric didn't care about these matters. It didn't matter who the female lead was; it had almost no impact on the movie.
'meg' is a male-centric film, or more precisely, a film about a man and a shark. Adding a female lead was purely for co-production and merely an embellishment.
Just like 'transformers,' when audiences choose to watch this movie, who is going to see romance?
After lunch, Eric returned to the hotel. After a short rest, he accompanied Michael to CCTV in the afternoon to prepare for the rehearsal.