I'm the director, I'm not bad

Chapter 692 689. Bak Kut Teh

The premiere of "The Piano of Steel" achieved a box office of over 1000 million, even more than double the box office of "Guanyin Mountain", which caught everyone by surprise.

You know, their film... From the director to the actors, in terms of size, it might not be enough for Liang Bingning alone.

Yes, Qin Hailu is indeed a good actor. She won the Best Actress award in her debut, so her acting skills are definitely fine...

But the problem is that there are too many movie kings and queens in this circle.

Much better acting.

This kind of award is a backing for actors.

But in terms of appeal, it still depends on popularity, coffee status, etc...

What's more, Qin Hailu has it, and Liang Bingning has it.

What Qin Hailu didn't have, Liang Bingning also had.

No matter how you look at it, the two sides don't seem to be of the same order of magnitude.

"The Piano of Steel", which tells the story of a small northeastern town where the economy has plummeted, and there are no big names to join, can it come up with an answer sheet of 100 million at the box office?
Many people do not understand.

But...a short comment with the highest praise on Douban seems to reveal the reason why it can achieve such results.

"As a southerner, I'm not very interested in the Northeast. But I like Xu Xin's movies very much. I remember that he is a co-director, how did he become a producer? But unexpectedly, this movie is very good. See Those lonely steel factories, I seem to suddenly understand what is called "the pain of the firstborn."

A short comment received more than 3000 likes.

Many people are following the thread:
"It's true that it was aimed at Xu Xin at the beginning. After watching it, I felt: Wow, it's really beautiful."

"It's not the bitterness and hatred I imagined. It feels quite interesting."

"The producer of "The Hawthorn" -- Zhang Yimou. The producer of "The Piano of Steel" -- Xu Xin. Therefore, Zhang Yimou = "The Piano of the Steel."

"Upstairs you can make equations."

"It's the first time I found out that Qin Hailu is really pretty, and I feel so charming."

"Wang Qianyuan deserves the title of best actor. Thank you Xu Daohui for bringing us such an excellent work."

Most of these people's words reflect why they chose this movie from the front or side.

Indeed, in March... there is really nothing to see.

In addition to "Guanyin Mountain", it is the weekly news on March 3, and Chen Kun's "Children of a Distant Planet".

The actors of these two films are box office guarantees.

But if we talk about director level... there is really only one Xu Xin.

Although the other party is only a producer.

But this is the same reason that Zhang Yimou is the producer of "The Hawthorn Tree", which has promoted many fans of Zhang Yimou to go to the cinema to watch it.

Xu Xin and Zhang Yimou took exactly the same path.

Use your influence to promote a movie.

And the facts also proved that this film, which made Wang Qianyuan, who acted in a movie for the first time, win the Best Actor award, was indeed worthy of Xu Xin's title of "producer".

With an investment of 500 million, and the cost of publicity is only about 100 million, it can get 5000 million at the box office on the first day, and it will probably exceed [-] million in the first week.

Once again, the Xiying Film Studio has made a big difference with a small one.

Even the Liao Film Factory took off.

And this kind of success achieved by small and big, at first glance, there is nothing.

But the truth is, everyone got what they wanted in this movie.

Wang Qianyuan and Qin Hailu gained fame.

Relying on this movie, Zhang Meng has completely gained a firm foothold in the film industry.

Relying on this movie, Liao Film Studio may be able to achieve the total profit of the previous five years.

As for the West Film Studio... From the tactical level, there are six words: win the prize, win the prize, or fucking win the prize.

At the strategic level, they insist on the brand image of "Xiying's products must be high-quality goods", once again adding a big gold brick to their brand status in the hearts of movie fans.

As Xu Xin himself, it can be said that he has won.

Because he took the first step as a "producer".

His job is definitely a director, but the box office of "The Piano" and the mental journey of fans going to the cinema represent that his appeal is not limited to a "personal work".

Then, as long as he continues to act as a producer in some good movies and movies that are accepted by the audience, his appeal will become more and more terrifying.

Your own work can attract fans.

Works that act as producers can also attract fans.

For outsiders, it doesn't really matter who is the gold medal producer in the film and television industry.

Few people can figure out and remember so many names like a few treasures.

But Xu Xin is different.

He has his own works and is well-known, and now he has proved that he can drive the influence of other works.

From now on, he will really walk on two legs.

Others earn 100 million, he earns 200 million.

This kind of trait of being tough with both hands has made him, who has already begun to take shape as a "big director", the commanding heights of his career have once again been raised a lot.

It can be said that a piece of "The Piano of the Steel" has made everyone who is related to this movie money.

This is not.

In the early morning of the 24th, "The Piano of the Piano" delivered another good news.

The box office of "The Piano" on the second day: 1740 million.

The score went up another 0.1 to 8.8.

According to this trend, breaking 7000 million in the first week seems to be a certainty!

Among all the new movies released from January 1st to now, there are only three movies with a score of 1 or higher.

9.0 of "Wulin Biography"
9.2 of "Guanyin Mountain"
And the 8.8 of "The Piano of Steel"
Of the three high-scoring films, West Film Studio has two of them exclusively.

In the spring of 2011, the entire film and television industry seemed to be their one-man show.

It has made a good start for the prosperity of the Northwest Circle.

……

On the morning of March 3, Xu Xin returned to Xi'an.

After arriving at the factory and getting off the car, I went straight to the small conference room on the second floor of the office building.

I just opened the door and went in, and after seeing a few people inside, I hurriedly said:

"Sorry for being late."

Qi Lei got up to greet:

"Haha, it's not too late! We just arrived... Hahahahaha..."

Looking at his hearty smile, Xu Xin asked knowingly:

"Mr. Qi won the lottery today?"

There are other people from the Yichuang Center at this moment, and his address is very formulaic.

After hearing this, the smile on Qi Lei's face grew a bit more:
"That's right, that's right! Didn't you pick up the lottery ticket! It's just that I didn't pick it up, you picked it up! The big lottery ticket for "The Piano of Steel"!"

"Ha~"

Xu Xin chuckled, and after greeting several other people, he said:
"Then... I hope I will pick up a few more lottery tickets in the future. Besides, Shen Xiaoyang bought this lottery ticket for me, so I have to thank him in return."

Qi Lei naturally understood what he meant and nodded:
"of course."

There was another burst of joking, and after Su Meng helped Xu Xin fill a cup of tea, Qi Lei said:
"Come on, let's not mention the lottery. Let's talk about the money printing machine first~"

While talking, he took a picture of the script in his hand.

"To Our Perishing Youth"

"Director Xu's recommenders are Guo Fan and Wen Muye? Let's start with you."

"it is good."

Xu Xin nodded:
"The reason why I chose them is because both of them have grasped the most important thing in this drama in their proposals, the expression of affection between a boy and a girl in their youth when they have a crush on each other. To put it bluntly Now, whether it's the fight in the dormitory or the friendship between classmates... I think these two people, especially Guo Fan, have a good grasp of it..."

The final selection of the director of "To Youth" officially started in his words.

In fact, speaking from the bottom of my heart, the novel "To Youth" is pretty good.

Compared with original scripts, Xiying Film Factory naturally loves this kind of movies based on original literary works.

Since the novel can be published, it means that at least it has enough support in terms of storytelling, otherwise it will definitely not pass the level of literary editing.

As the "second generation" of the review team, Xu Xin's opinion is very important to everyone.

This small review meeting lasted all morning.

There are seven people in total, and each of them has two recommendation places in their hands.

Among them, Guo Fan and Wen Muye overlapped 3 times and 1 time respectively.

Besides Xu Xin, there were two other people who took a fancy to Guo Fan's proposal.

And the next thing is easy to handle.

Being valued three times represents its excellent quality.

After the morning meeting, the candidates for "To Youth" were finally announced.

Seven people, four votes for Guo Fan.

In addition to the three people who selected the script, the fourth vote was cast by Qi Lei.

And he is also the only one who, like Xu Xin, chose Wen Muye.

The minority obeys the majority.

Guo Fan became the director of "To Youth".

However, because it is a debut work, in order to be able to control the quality, the factory has to choose an experienced director as the supervisor.

The fear is that Guo Fan has no experience in handling some things.

But the candidate has not yet been decided.

At the same time, at the meeting, Qi Lei also made some plans.

Such as turning Guo Fan into a model and putting it in front of all directors, so that everyone can see that Xiying Film Studio is not an old-fashioned old-fashioned company based on seniority, but an enterprise with a pioneering heart.

But this aspect of work has nothing to do with Xu Xin.

After completing the selection of directors in the morning, he rejected Qi Lei's request to have dinner together, and pointed to his computer bag:

"I have to leave quickly, Director Li is still waiting for me in Xiamen."

Hearing this, Qi Lei did not stop him.

He knew that Xu Xin was busy choosing the location for "Scorching Sun".

However, a reminder:
"Remember, the celebration banquet of "The Piano of Steel" in Yanjing on the 31st."

"Hmm...Brother Qi is also thinking about inviting Shen Xiaoyang this time. I have to thank him very much."

"Don't worry, I understand."

After a brief trip to Xi'an, Xu Xin got on the plane and rushed directly to Xiamen.

Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shantou.

These are the three shooting spots selected by Xu Xin in the photos brought back by Xue Yong.

First of all, these three cities are all close to the sea.

Although it is true that Fuzhou is the city farthest from the sea, some counties and cities under him have very good seaside scenery.

At least it looks good in pictures.

He is now going to take a look with Li Pingdong in person.

In fact, for "Scorching Sun", he doesn't have any ambitions.

After his literary consultant Lu Haibo recommended "Sunspot", he thought the story was very good and deep, so he decided to make it into a movie.

It has to be admitted that at the beginning he was really aiming at winning prizes.

Because "The Hawthorn" hadn't been released at that time, and he felt that the story line of the original novel of "The Hawthorn" was very thin, and it was a matter of a special era, so he might not be able to shoot it very well.

This was his truest thought at the time.

Therefore, rather than saying "Sunspot" is a spare tire, it is better to say it is a "unique trick".

But since "The Hawthorn" won the Silver Lion and broke the record at the Venice Film Festival.

At present, except for the "Best Picture" which has been inexplicably missing the major awards, his other thoughts have really been put down.

And the "best film" in his heart is not the three gold medals in China.

The gold content of the domestic three golds is indeed not very good.

He wants to win three gold medals.

But because he won the Silver Lion, he was not too attached to the award.

Therefore, for the current movie "Scorching Sun", his mentality is really peaceful.

It has been more than two years since he got the original book of this movie.

Every storyline in it, every key point of emotional ups and downs is packed in my heart.

Countless times of deduction in the brain, what kind of picture is needed to express...

No one knows better than him.

And because he didn't covet too much about awards, he felt that now... that was really highlighting a Buddha.

Buddhism is a complete mess.

Around three o'clock or four o'clock, he came to the door of the hotel named "Miracle" in Xiamen.

Judging by the size of the hotel, it should have been built relatively early.

This is not to say that he wants to live here, but that Li Pingdong and him have an appointment.

Come buy him tea...

As for the tea...

He and Su Meng looked at the name of "Garden Cafe" and fell into deep thought.

"Are you sure you're right?"

He couldn't help but complain to Su Meng.

My heart said, what is the way of Xiamen people?
wrong.

Director Li, what kind of evil is this?

Invite yourself to drink tea in the coffee shop?

"Director Li's address is here, Brother Xu, I followed the navigation."

Su Meng was also dumbfounded.

Then, Xu Xin called Xue Yong.

He really didn't dare to go in.

I was afraid that after entering this coffee shop, I would ask "Do you have any tea here", and then be typed out.

But Xue Yong really came out of the coffee shop to greet him.

Seeing Xu Xin wearing a mask, he greeted him with a smile:

"Director Xu."

"Brother Yong, have you been beaten?"

"...?"

Xue Yong was taken aback for a moment, not understanding what he meant.

Until Xu Xin pointed to the door plate:

"Come to the coffee shop for tea, won't you be beaten?"

"Uh...hahahaha."

Xue Yong couldn't help laughing.

Then shake your head:

"Director Li won't let me say more, Director Xu, let's go in first."

Xu Xin followed Xue Yong all the way into the coffee shop, and then found Li Pingdong who was carrying him in a small box.

After Li Pingdong saw Xu Xin, he stood up to greet him with a smile, and shouted a word to the waiter. Xu Xin finally understood what kind of tea Director Li had invited him to drink.

Bak Kut Teh...

A snack he had only heard of, but never drank.

Xu Xin was speechless in an instant.

I said, why come to the coffee shop.

After making trouble for a long time, I came to eat.

He can't laugh or cry:
"Director Li, I almost thought I would be kicked out when I came in."

After Li Pingdong was stunned for a while, he understood the point of the joke in his words, and laughed:
"Hahahaha, you'll understand in a while. If this restaurant doesn't taste good, I won't let you come here as soon as you get off the plane. Believe me, the Bak Kut Teh here is very good. After dinner, we just happened to go to Baicheng Beach. The sunset over there is still beautiful.”

At first glance, the conversation between the two sounds like a trip to Xiamen.

But in fact, it is about the location of the scene.

Baicheng Beach, Huweishan Park, etc. The scenery of Xiamen city and the culture of fishing villages around the coast are very complete, coupled with some features of the old city, it is Xu Xin's preferred location.

At noon, he took a bite of the plane meal himself, and he was a little hungry at the moment.

Li Pingdong seems to be very familiar with Xiamen, so he just does as he pleases.

Pour tea and hand cigarettes.

he asked:
"The filming of "Painted Wall" is over?"

"Yes, it's over."

"That's pretty fast."

"Well, the rest is post-production, which has nothing to do with me. When do you plan to start this film?"

"June or July. Make preparations first. By the way, didn't the factory invite you to be a judge?"

Hearing this, Li Pingdong nodded:
"Well, I have already agreed. Silk Road Film Festival, the name is very good~! I heard it was your idea?"

"Ah."

Xu Xin nodded, and roughly explained the ins and outs of this matter.

But Li Pingdong's face showed a bit of emotion.

How many years has it been?

When filming "Secret" in early 07 and "The Wind" in 08, although he could feel the other party's talent, but... In just a few years, Xiying Studio can be said to have started to rise after he joined. It just made him a little confused.

Especially after winning the trophy in Venice last year...

It felt like Xu Xin's talent began to blow out as if he couldn't suppress it.

Whether it is a work or some planning about the movie.

From speed to efficiency to performance...

Everything made him feel...a feeling of "taking off" that he didn't quite understand.

Obviously not yet 30 years old.

But some of the achievements he has achieved are things that many directors may not be able to achieve in their lifetime.

Not to mention anything else, just the temperament on his body...

Childhood has been completely invisible.

It was replaced by a kind of aggressive edge.

It is still hiding.

hidden in a sheath.

However, that sharpness is spreading out all the time, and the hairs of the shaved people stand on end...

As the leading photographer in Asia, Li Pingdong has seen many great directors.more directors...

When filming "The Wind", he found that Xu Xin had completely possessed the temperament of a great director in every gesture.

Now, the aura is clearer.

……

After chatting about the Silk Road Film Festival for a while, the "tea" that Li Pingdong was talking about was also served.

"While eating and chatting, hey, Xiao Xu, try it and see if it suits your taste. The weather in the south is hot and humid, and eating a bowl of this is the most comfortable thing..."

Hearing his words, Xu Xin nodded and put a spoonful of "tea" into his mouth.

Suddenly, a strange smell hit.

The first feeling is that some salty soup has been added to the traditional Chinese medicine.

And following this feeling, a word popped up in his heart.

This soup...

Can't make noodles wow.

Facing Li Pingdong's "how about" eyes, Xu Xin could only give three words against his will:

"not bad."

"Haha, yes, this one is made in Singapore. The aroma of pepper and cinnamon is lighter than that of Malaysia, but it is very sweet..."

"..."

For a moment, Xu Xin didn't know what to say.

It can only be said that the taste is different.

Barely considered edible.

However, Su Meng seemed to like the taste very much, sitting next to her, she smiled and began to gnaw on the ribs.

At this time, Li Pingdong seemed to suddenly think of something, and said:

"Oh yes, I forgot to ask you. I think there are three characters in the script of "Scorching Sun". Do you have a favorite candidate?"

"How many. How?"

"Who do you plan to choose for the role of Xin Xiaofeng? Do you want me to recommend one to you?"

If someone else said this, Xu Xin would definitely refuse.

Zhang Yi has been preparing for this script for a long time, and although the audition was relatively short, Zhang Yi's performance of "condemned prisoner" left a deep impression on him.

For some plots of Xin Xiaofeng in the script, since he confirmed Zhang Yi as the candidate, he has designed many scenes around the other party's temperament.

This is the actor he picked.

But the person who said this was Li Pingdong, and he wanted to save face both emotionally and rationally.

So he pretended to be confused and asked:
"Who?"

"Deng Chao. I collaborated with him on "Painting the Wall" this time. This actor is quite good, and his acting skills are also very solid. When the post-production tasks are not tense, I am reading the script. He and I get along well. Very good, I asked about the script when I was having dinner one day. I didn’t show him the script, but recommended him to read the original. After reading it a few days later, he came to me and asked me where the story was A director wants to shoot, he is very interested..."

"Uh……"

Hearing this, Xu Xin ignored Xue Yong's hesitation.

After thinking about it, he said:
"It hasn't been decided yet. Director Li thinks he is suitable?"

"Ah."

Li Pingdong responded:
"I think he fits the image of Xin Xiaofeng better. Moreover, his face is more upright, which is very suitable for the performance of Xin Xiaofeng's struggle."

"Deng Chao..."

Xu Xin squinted and thought.

It seems that he is seriously considering his possibility.

After thinking about it for more than ten seconds, he nodded:
"Then let him give it a try. I don't have much cooperation with him, and it's hard to comment on his acting skills. It depends on the performance on the spot. How?"

Although he didn't know that this was Deng Chao's request, Li Dao really thought the other party was good.

None of this matters.

The important thing is that he can't refute the opponent's face.

Although he was curious... Deng Chao should be very clear that based on his relationship with the Beijing circle, even if he came to audition, he might not be able to use it.

What is the point of him doing this?
Are you planning to turn the stove down?
Or……

do not know.

Can't guess.

The other party could come if he wanted. Anyway, when the auditions for "Scorching Sun" started, he was looking for actors from the entire entertainment industry this time.

He is now the factory's signboard, but he can't show his stingy appearance.

At least not on the surface.

Xiying Film Studio cannot and will not do Beijing circles.

This is an attitude to be expressed to all.

So the angle selection scale is quite subtle.

In some respects, actors in the Northwest Circle have natural advantages.

But from another level, it is necessary to express the difference between the Northwest Circle and the Beijing Circle.

This scale has to be right.

After all, he is not some unknown director now.

For no reason, what the old man said flashed through his mind:

"The higher you stand, the more the rules restrict you."

really……

The old man does not deceive me.

(End of this chapter)