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

Chapter 156 Brokerage Firm

In the afternoon, in Lin Zhou's spacious office, a stack of documents sat on the mahogany desk.

The top two folders contain a report on the fees charged for "A Step into the Past" since its premiere.

The other is the endorsement invitation materials from various GG companies, with all kinds of cooperation intentions and price lists, which are dazzling.

Lin Zhou held a fountain pen in his hand and was flipping through the documents page by page.

His brows were slightly furrowed, and his eyes held a thoughtful expression.

The data on the GG report is quite impressive. The huge success of "A Step into the Past" has made the GG time slot on Zhonghua TV a hot commodity, with prices soaring to almost three times that before the show started.

The endorsement materials next to it were piled up like a mountain, ranging from daily chemical products to clothing brands, from food and beverages to home appliances.

Businesses from all walks of life are scrambling to sign the lead actors in the show.

However, looking at these disorganized invitations, Lin Zhou gradually had a clear idea in his mind.

Today, Zhonghua TV and Zhonghua Records have gathered a number of promising artists.

Actors like Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, and Carina Lau, who rose to fame with "A Step into the Past," as well as some supporting actors.

And the singers who have made their names on the record label are all promising talents.

However, the management affairs of these artists are currently scattered among different departments. Television stations are in charge of film and television invitations, while record companies are in charge of commercial performances and record distribution. The responsibilities are unclear and the efficiency is low. In the long run, this can easily delay the development of artists.

Thinking of this, Lin Zhou put down his pen, pressed the internal phone on the table, and said in a steady and powerful voice:

"Secretary Chen, please organize these reports and documents, and then please notify Zhang Manli, the manager of the artist training department at the TV station, to come to my office."

A crisp voice came from the other end of the phone: "Okay, President Lin, I'll take care of it right away."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhou leaned back in his office chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the desktop.

What came to mind were the operating models of mature brokerage firms from later generations.

A professional management team not only helps artists select suitable resources and plan their career paths, but also takes charge of the artist's image management, public relations crisis management, and even in-depth exploration of commercial value.

Establishing a dedicated talent agency to integrate all artist resources is an essential step for Zhonghua Group's next stage of development.

When it comes to choosing someone to manage this agency, the first person Lin Zhou thinks of is Zhang Manli.

This woman is capable and obedient, and she is also quite skilled at training newcomers. She even handled the casting of several supporting roles in "A Step into the Past".

More importantly, she has a precise understanding of the psychology and needs of artists, and she is also stable and reliable enough to be the best candidate for general manager.

Not long after, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Go in," Lin Zhou said, raising his eyes.

The door was pushed open, and Zhang Manli, dressed in a business suit, walked in.

She had a professional smile on her face and was holding a notebook in her hand, clearly ready to take notes at any time.

"Mr. Lin, you wanted to see me?"

Lin Zhou stood up, gestured with his chin toward the reception area, and said in a gentle tone, "Manager Zhang, please come and sit down. There's no need to be so formal."

As he spoke, he took the lead and walked to the leather sofa in the reception area and sat down.

Zhang Manli paused for a moment, then quickly followed and sat down properly on the other side of the sofa, her back ramrod straight.

Just then, Chen Man walked in carrying two steaming cups of tea, and placed them on the coffee table in front of Lin Zhou and Zhang Manli respectively.

He said softly, "Please enjoy your meal," and then quietly slipped out, closing the office door behind him.

The aroma of tea filled the air in the reception area, softening the serious atmosphere of the office.

Lin Zhou picked up his teacup, took a sip, and as he put it down, his gaze fell on Zhang Manli. He went straight to the point:

"Manager Zhang, I've called you here today because there's something important I need to discuss with you."

Zhang Manli felt a slight chill run down her spine. She quickly picked up her notebook, tightened her grip on the pen, and said earnestly, "President Lin, please tell me, I'll remember."

"I plan to start an independent brokerage firm."

Lin Zhou said, word by word.

Seeing the surprise flash in Zhang Manli's eyes, he paused and continued to explain.

"This company is mainly responsible for managing the artist affairs of all artists under Zhonghua TV and Zhonghua Records, including film and television invitations, GG endorsements, commercial performances, image packaging, and career planning of the artists. All of these are handled by this company."

Zhang Manli paused, her pen still in her hand. She stared blankly at Lin Zhou, clearly not expecting him to have such a plan.

Having worked in the artist department for so long, she was naturally aware of the current chaotic state of artist management. However, she never expected that President Lin would think of establishing an independent agency to solve this problem.

"President Lin, what do you mean...?" Zhang Manli asked tentatively, already having a vague guess in her mind.

"I want you to take over this agency and serve as its general manager."

Lin Zhou looked into her eyes, his tone serious, without the slightest hesitation.

"Your abilities, your vision, and your understanding of artists are what I value most."

I believe you can run this company well.

These words were like a pebble, stirring up a thousand waves in Zhang Manli's heart.

She suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with disbelief, her lips moved, and for a moment she didn't know what to say.

From artist training department manager to general manager of an independent agency, this was not only a promotion, but also a testament to Mr. Lin's immense trust in her.

"President Lin, I..." Zhang Manli's voice trembled slightly, her heart filled with both excitement and trepidation!

"I'm afraid I... can't bear such a heavy burden."

"You can handle it."

Lin Zhou interrupted her, his tone filled with unquestionable trust.

"You've worked in the production department for so long, you know the industry rules and the needs of artists better than anyone else."

What's lacking is simply a broader platform and a more mature operating model.

As he spoke, Lin Zhou leaned forward slightly and began to explain to Zhang Manli in detail the operating model of brokerage companies in the future.

He started by discussing the artist contract tier system and how to develop differentiated development paths based on the characteristics of each artist.

From the criteria for selecting resources, we discussed how to balance an artist's commercial value and artistic pursuits.

He also mentioned crisis public relations for artists, fan management, deep brand partnerships, and even the management of artists' private lives, and gave corresponding suggestions.

These ideas are undoubtedly ahead of their time in today's Hong Kong entertainment industry.

Zhang Manli listened intently, her pen flying across her notebook, the scratching sound of the pen tip across the paper particularly clear in the quiet reception area.

She nodded at times, frowned at others, and then looked as if she had suddenly realized something, her eyes growing brighter and brighter.

Lin Zhou explained it in great detail, without holding anything back.

To get this agency on the right track quickly, Zhang Manli must fully understand the core of its operating model.

He cited several successful talent agencies from later generations, analyzed their strengths and weaknesses, and put forward targeted suggestions based on the actual situation of the artists under Zhonghua.

After what seemed like an eternity, Lin Zhou finally stopped talking, looked at Zhang Manli's notebook filled with writing, and smiled: "That's the general idea. You'll need to explore and refine the specific details yourself."

Zhang Manli put down her pen, took a deep breath, and the apprehension on her face was replaced by determination.

She stood up and bowed solemnly to Lin Zhou:

"Mr. Lin, thank you for your trust and guidance. I will certainly live up to your expectations and run this agency well!"

Lin Zhou nodded in satisfaction and said:

"Okay, I'll wait for your good news. You can start preparing for the new company from today."

For any needs regarding staff allocation, office location selection, or the formulation of rules and regulations, please feel free to contact me anytime.

"Yes, Mr. Lin!" Zhang Manli's voice was firm and strong.

Lin Zhou waved his hand: "Go ahead, hurry up and try to get this agency established as soon as possible."