[Chapter 403: The Future of Entertainment Needs You]
Watching the excited and eager expressions on the girls' faces below, Linton said nothing more and let the host announce the end of the meeting. However, as the host declared it over, he read out a notice from a note Linton had given him.
He called for Li Xiaoran, Sophia Hu, Yan Danchen, Zeng Li, Gao Yuanyuan, Yin Tao, Michelle Dong, Qin Lan, Ni Hong Jie, Zhang Ziyi, Xu Jinglei, and Li Bingbing -- twelve people to stay behind.
Under the envious and jealous gazes of the others, Li Xiaoran, Sophia Hu, and the others followed the instructions into a small conference room nearby. Soon, Linton, Miguel, and Lin Hao entered and took their seats at the head of the table.
...
Under the eager gazes of the women, Linton began calling their names one by one. Each girl who heard her name stood up energetically and responded.
After calling all the names, with anticipation filling the room, Linton continued, "Let me introduce myself first. My name is Linton Anderson. Besides being the owner of this recruitment for service staff, does anyone here know what I actually do in America?"
"I know," only four people raised their hands high: Li Xiaoran, Zhang Ziyi, Xu Jinglei, and Li Bingbing.
"Ms. Li Xiaoran, why don't you tell us?"
"Mr. Anderson, I know you're a big director in Hollywood, a superstar, and also a top singer."
"Wow!" The others all opened their mouths wide in surprise, but they looked at Linton with even more eager eyes.
"How did you know?"
"I've watched your movies and bought your CDs."
"Oh, I remember my movies and songs haven't been officially released here."
"Sorry, I watched them on videotapes, and the CDs were probably pirated copies."
"No worries, it's not your fault, because the market here doesn't have official copies available. Alright, I'm glad someone recognizes me here. It seems I have at least some fame locally. As Li Xiaoran said, my real career in America is as a Hollywood movie company owner, director, film star, and singer."
He went on, "I asked you all to stay behind because you are very talented. Your one-minute performances on stage today left a deep impression on me. From a professional standpoint, all of you have strong acting talent. With proper training, you have a great chance to excel in film and television.
From where I stand -- and out of responsibility to you -- I think your better future lies in becoming film stars, not working as service staff at my landscaping company."
"Can we really become movie and TV stars?" The crowd buzzed with excitement after Linton's uplifting words, whispering among themselves.
"Mr. Anderson, how can we become movie stars?" A clear, youthful voice spoke the shared thought. Everyone turned to look at Zhang Ziyi, the youngest among the five who raised their hands earlier, only 16 years old.
"Zhang Ziyi, that's a great question. To become a movie or TV star, you first need talent. Then you have to turn that talent into the right skills. Finally, you need opportunities to enter the industry. You all have the talent. I suggest you work hard to gain admission to a film school. At these schools, you'll learn all the professional knowledge needed for acting. More importantly, these universities have close ties to film and television production companies and are highly respected in the industry. Their graduates naturally get more attention from the film and TV world and have a smoother path to landing roles."
"Thank you, Mr. Anderson, for the clear explanation."
Another hand went up. "Xu Jinglei, go ahead."
"Mr. Anderson, I'm currently a sophomore at Beijing Film Academy. As you said, it's easier to interact with the entertainment circle there. but, here, the film and TV industry is still very small. The demand for actors is low, and opportunities to become stars are even fewer.
Many of my seniors can't find roles after graduation and end up changing careers. Even when actors join studios or TV stations, does the job really offer a good future?
Even the lucky few who become stars, their incomes tend to be low. The work is tough -- shooting late into the night is common, and filming scenes out of season can be grueling. Many veteran actors suffer lasting health issues.
I want to ask, is being an actor or star really the path to a good future?"
She was indeed a talented woman -- asking questions deeper and broader than most.
"That was a very good and realistic question, Xu Jinglei. What you're really asking is, what has a better future: acting here or working as a gardener in America?"
"Right, I'm confused. Can you help me analyze this?"
"Of course. I believe others have the same question. Let me ask you this -- do you know how much I make from directing a movie or from a commercial endorsement?"
"No."
"It might not be a fair comparison since I'm a man, but do you know about Vivian Chow?"
"Yes, we've heard her songs and watched her movies."
"She currently earns about 500,000 Hong Kong dollars per film and around HK$5 million annually from endorsements."
"But Mr. Anderson, Chinese actors in mainland get salaries -- at most about 600 yuan per month," Xu Jinglei said again.
"That's true. The film industry there hasn't fully opened up, so people don't see the glamour and benefits of being a star. But I want to tell you, I believe strongly in the growth of the economy, and even more so in the future potential of the entertainment industry.
I know the government has issued reform plans allowing private capital into the film industry, and marketization has slowly begun. These reforms will accelerate. With a population exceeding a billion, the film market will surely flourish and grow rapidly. Countless opportunities will emerge and once the market matures, star salaries will rise dramatically.
You might find Vivian Chow's salary astonishing now, but I bet within 10 years, most top stars will earn even more due to the massive market size."
"Mr. Anderson, do you think we can all become big stars?" Michelle Dong raised her hand.
"I can't make guarantees. I just think you all have talent, but talent alone doesn't ensure success. In every field, only those who work hard to transform talent into skills, and persistently strive, have a chance to succeed. From this perspective, entering the industry gives you a head start. Your outstanding looks increase your chances, but ultimately, success depends on your own effort. In the entertainment industry, opportunities are key -- but I won't discourage you by talking about that now."
"Mr. Anderson, if I choose to be an actor and become a star, could I come to Hollywood to star in your films?" Zhang Ziyi's bright eyes shone with ambition.
Her question was powerful, and soon everyone was echoing it excitedly. "Yeah, yeah, can we all shoot your movies in Hollywood one day?"
"Not all of you can go to Hollywood, that's unrealistic, but I promise that the top five performers who stand out will have opportunities to star in films produced by my company."
...
"Lastly, I want to add, if you choose to quit, I won't let your efforts go to waste. Those who leave will receive a $2,000 stipend each. I hope this helps with your continued studies. Of course, if you choose to continue working at my garden in America, you're welcome as well."
"Mr. Anderson, can we take some time to think this over?"
"Sure, make your decision before the contract signing two days from now. I'll be here this afternoon if you want to ask any questions."
"Mr. Anderson, why are you so good to us?" Li Xiaoran, who had been silent, finally spoke the unspoken thought of the group.
"Because I truly believe your talents would be wasted as landscapers. And I believe the future of entertainment needs you."
*****
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