Mandarin Hotel, one of Hong Kong's well‑known hotels.
Inside a luxury private room, Mak Ka, Raymond Wong Pak‑Ming, Sammo Hung Kam‑Bo, Hui Kwong‑Man, Hui Kwong‑Ying, Hui Kwong‑Kit, John Woo Yu‑Sum, and Tsang Chi‑Wai sat around a dining table. They hadn't ordered food yet, clearly waiting for someone.
All of them were in the entertainment industry, most in film. Hong Kong's circle was small, so even if they hadn't met, they knew each other's works.
A few familiar ones whispered among themselves.
They had already exchanged words when arriving, and knew the same person had invited them.
"Apologies for keeping you waiting."
About ten minutes later, three people entered with a waiter. Everyone immediately recognized the youngest man as the leader.
"Waiter, you may serve the dishes," Lin BaoCheng said, then walked to the table.
"Mr. Lin!"
All eight stood to greet him.
"Sit, everyone, let's talk," Lin gestured, taking a seat himself.
"Though you likely know me already, I'll introduce myself. I am Lin BaoCheng, owner of Asia Television and Hutchison Whampoa."
He didn't mention other companies — unnecessary here. For film people, Asia Television was one of Hong Kong's three TV stations, impossible not to know. Hutchison Whampoa had been all over the news recently, so anyone reading papers or watching TV would know it.
"These two are Wu SiYuan, head of Starshine Films, and Zuo XiangQing, head of Starshine Cinemas."
Lin introduced his companions. Wu SiYuan was well‑known in film, directing since 1971, and in 1972 had made a record‑breaking hit. Lin wanted someone experienced in film and management to run his newly founded Starshine Films, and chose Wu.
Wu had his own small company, which was merged into Starshine Films. Lin paid HK$1 million plus 2% of Starshine's shares.
Zuo XiangQing was recruited from Shaw Brothers, formerly working in their cinema chain and familiar with Southeast Asian markets. He now managed Starshine Cinemas.
But Zuo held no shares. Cinemas were heavy assets — Lin invested heavily, with properties owned by the company. He wouldn't give shares away, though Zuo's salary was generous.
Wu's deal: most of the HK$1 million was for buying his company. His 2% stake came with conditions: Lin initially injected HK$20 million, but if more capital was added later, Wu had to contribute proportionally or be diluted.
Wu agreed because he knew a film company needed its own cinema chain to truly stand tall. His old company could never achieve that.
Starshine Films was different. Lin had money, invested HK$20 million upfront, and was building a cinema chain. No fear of films lacking screens. Promotion was covered by Asia Television — a powerful combination.
Though food hadn't arrived, Lin spoke: "You may wonder why I invited you. I'll be direct: I want to invite you to join Starshine Films, to grow together.
On the cinema side, Manager Zuo is already building. Though the number is small now, within months we'll cover Hong Kong, and by year's end, the entire market.
So, if you join Starshine, you won't worry about films lacking screens, or being suppressed by current giants Golden Harvest or Shaw Brothers."
The eight weren't surprised — they had guessed this.
Lin looked at Sammo Hung and others: "I know you already have affiliations. Sammo, you joined Golden Harvest. But I assure you, my offer will be better than theirs."
Wu SiYuan added, addressing Hui Kwong‑Man, eldest of the Hui brothers: "I know you three operate under your own Hui Films, not signed to Golden Harvest, but cooperating with them — co‑investing, then showing films in their cinemas. Correct?"
Hui Kwong‑Man nodded: "Correct. Mr. Wu, you're a veteran, you know."
Wu continued: "If my information is right, your investment returns are often delayed. Golden Harvest takes over a year, sometimes longer, to pay. True?"
"Yes," Hui admitted. Every time their films ran in Golden Harvest cinemas, whether solo or joint productions, costs were reimbursed only after two or three months, and profits much later.
It was frustrating, but unavoidable. Besides leftist cinemas, Hong Kong had only two chains: Golden Harvest and Shaw Brothers. Shaw only screened its own films, leaving them no choice.
"Work with us, and that will never happen," Wu declared, as agreed with Lin beforehand. "At Starshine Cinemas, whether or not we co‑invest, local box office revenue will be settled within half a month after a film ends. The money will be paid directly to the film company."
"Is that true?" Hui Kwong‑Man asked, immediately tempted. Immediate payment would greatly improve cash flow, letting him earn more.
Since Hui Films only cooperated with Golden Harvest, and Golden Harvest treated them poorly, switching wasn't betrayal. He felt no shame — only eagerness to accept.