Traveling back to 1966, starting by living in a cowshed.

Chapter 212 Homemade Movie

"What we need to do is build a star platform for Zhonghua, not use it as a stepping stone or an investor for others!"

His words were sincere and heartfelt, every word a gem.

Lin Zhou leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and began to ponder. Zhang Manli was right; Lin Zhou understood what she meant.

Just like the ecosystem of later generations, Zhonghua Film and Television will also need its own ecosystem in the future, and the first thing to do is to have its own scripts.

There's no need to worry about that. Zhonghua Daily has many novel copyrights, so adapting them into screenplays won't be a problem.

Then there are the actors. Zhonghua Entertainment has many stars who will become very famous in the future. As long as they are given a chance, they will definitely succeed.

Finally, there's the resource allocation from Zhonghua Group, including publicity, distribution, and cinema screenings!

In addition, the numerous novels and movies in Lin Zhou's space are guaranteed to become hits as soon as they are released, which is the only way to perfectly build the group's moat and form a closed-loop ecosystem.

Zhang Manli remained silent, quietly awaiting his decision. She knew Lin Zhou; he wasn't stubborn or self-willed. As long as the reasons were clear, he would make the right choice for the company's long-term development.

It seemed like he had been pondering for a long time, but in reality it was only a moment. Lin Zhou suddenly opened his eyes and looked at Zhang Manli.

Zhang Manli was staring at Lin Zhou in deep thought when she suddenly saw Lin Zhou open his eyes and stare at her. She felt a little embarrassed and at a loss for what to do.

Seeing that the hesitation in Lin Zhou's eyes had completely disappeared, replaced by his usual decisiveness.

She looked at Lin Zhou and gently nodded to her, saying:

"Manager Zhang, you're right. I didn't think things through. I only thought about achieving the goal in one step, but I forgot about the fundamental development of Zhonghua Film and Television."

Zhang Manli's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, instantly relaxed, and a relieved smile appeared on her face: "President Lin, I knew you would understand."

"I'll have someone reject Andy Lau's offer," Lin Zhou said firmly. "The film project will proceed as planned, but the lead roles will all be played by our own people!"

Zhang Manli's eyes lit up: "President Lin, have you made up your mind?"

"It's decided." Lin Zhou chuckled, his tone tinged with relief. "Instead of spending a fortune to hire outsiders, it's better to give the opportunity to our own people."

"Tony Leung is indeed the best choice for this movie."

"Moreover, judging from his performance in the TV series 'A Step into the Past,' he is quick to learn, has good acting skills, and is well-liked by the public. He is also the number one actor in our group, so he is the only one who can play the male lead."

Zhang Manli nodded repeatedly: "That's right! Tony Leung will definitely be grateful to the company upon receiving this news and will work even harder in his acting!"

Lin Zhou picked up his pen and made a heavy stroke on the cast list, crossing out the three words "Andy Lau" for the lead actor and writing down Tony Leung instead.

Then, he looked at Zhang Manli and formally gave the order!

"This matter is entrusted to you for overall coordination. Immediately notify Manager Li of the film and television company and have him come up with an actor selection plan. There is only one principle—prioritize using artists under Zhonghua's management; use all those who can be used!"

"As for male actors, Tony Leung is the absolute core. Other supporting roles and screen time will be filled by selecting the most suitable artists from the company and focusing on their development."

"As for the actresses, Zhao Yazhi, Maggie Cheung, and Carina Lau are the top priorities. We will arrange important scenes for them based on their suitability for the roles, and make sure they shine in the film."

"The remaining roles, which can be given to the company's artists, will never be leaked to others."

"Our film is not for anything else, but to promote our own artists and solidify Zhonghua's position in the film and television industry."

"From now on, the main characters in any film produced by Zhonghua can only be our own people!"

Zhang Manli stood up excitedly, her voice firm and resolute: "Yes, President Lin! I'll arrange it right away! I guarantee I'll get it done perfectly!"

A huge weight was lifted from her heart, and she felt even more admiration for Lin Zhou—those who achieve great things are open to good advice, do not stubbornly cling to their own opinions, and always prioritize the overall situation.

With such a leader, how could Zhonghua not rise to prominence?

Lin Zhou stared blankly at the three words "Tony Leung" on the cast list for a long time.

While Andy Lau will undoubtedly become a superstar, he is ultimately an outsider. Tony Leung, on the other hand, is the top star cultivated by the entire company, making him one of their own.

With a single film, Tony Leung reached the pinnacle of the film industry, and brought actresses like Angie Chiu, Maggie Cheung, and Carina Lau to the big screen, making the name of Zhonghua Film Company synonymous with a series of classic movies.

This is the real long-term plan.

This is the confidence that an entertainment empire should have.

Zhang Manli hurriedly left the office and immediately dialed the production director's number, her tone urgent and excited: "Let's meet in the conference room immediately! President Lin has important instructions regarding the casting of the new film: all the actors will be from our own company!"

"The male lead has been cast: Tony Leung!"

"Actresses like Zhao Yazhi, Maggie Cheung, and Carina Lau have all been brought into the production; they're being heavily promoted!"

The news spread like wildfire throughout Zhonghua Film and Television.

The atmosphere, which had been somewhat subdued due to the need to hire outside actors, instantly became lively and bustling.

The artists at the agency were even more excited upon hearing the news.

Tony Leung was filming GG when he received a call from his agent informing him that he would be the male lead in the first big-budget film produced by Zhonghua Films. He was stunned on the spot, and his eyes welled up with tears.

From an unknown newcomer to a leading man in the television industry, and now to the opportunity to play the male lead in a movie, all of this was achieved thanks to Zhang Manli's efforts.

He could only repay this kindness with his best performance. Only when he became a big star could Zhang Manli have more say in the group.

Zhao Yazhi, Maggie Cheung, Carina Lau, and others also received notices asking them to audition for roles in the new film at Zhonghua Film Company.

Upon learning that he would be starring in a film project with a script personally written by Lin Zhou, he was overjoyed and filled with anticipation.

They were well aware that this was not just a movie, but also a signal that Zhonghua was strongly promoting its own artists.

As long as they follow the company and Lin Zhou, their acting careers will surely be bright.

Lin Zhou stood by the window, watching the bustling traffic and hurried pedestrians on the street outside. Today, Hong Kong is full of opportunities and ambitious people.

He gave up Andy Lau and chose Tony Leung; he abandoned his own ideas and chose a long-term foundation.

This step, which may seem like Lin Zhou backing down, is actually a key step in the expansion of Zhonghua Entertainment Media.

From now on, Zhonghua Entertainment's Wenhua Media division will no longer be just a small channel company that relies on records, signed artists, and accepting gigs.

It will have its own film and television production, theatrical distribution, and its own star-studded cast.

His own entertainment empire has a place in Hong Kong and even in Asia.