Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 140 Mr. Han, can you help me dig out the people under your command?
Han Shanping is almost an unavoidable character in many Chinese entertainment novels in later generations.

From the time he took office in 1999 to the time he stepped down in 2014, all people working in the film industry had to deal with this person.

During his tenure at China Film Group, domestic box office increased from 8.1 million to 218 billion.

As for the role and importance he played in this process, it is a topic of differing opinions.

It inevitably returns to the argument that heroes are made by the times, or heroes make the times.

But it is undeniable that Han Shanping did personally experience, witness and promote this glorious and magnificent industrial development process.

To put it more conservatively, at least the head of China Film Group Corporation went with the flow and did not have a counterproductive effect on the domestic film industry's booming decade.

For Lu Kuan, he defines Han Shanping more as a collaborator.

Because they have the same simple goal: to lead the industrialization of domestic films with commercial blockbusters, and to attract more audiences to the cinema with commercial blockbusters.

Lu Kuan also invited Jiang Zhiqiang to be his supporting actor today. The latter recognized him as much as Zhang Yimou, with whom he had worked before, and was willing to help Lu Kuan set up a special effects company.

The two arrived at China Film Group Corporation, located at No. 25 Xinwai Street, Haidian District, and entered the office of the deputy general manager under the guidance of secretary Gao Chengsheng.

Han Shanping did not look like a hermit facing the floor-to-ceiling window, nor did he look like a leader sitting at his desk.

The deputy general manager of China Film Group, with a short flat head and wearing a black suit, sat on the sofa with a cup of tea in his hand, smiling at the two people who came in.

"Director Jiang, Xiaolu, welcome!"

The three of them shook hands and sat down on the sofa together with Gao Chengsheng. The atmosphere was quite relaxed.

It seems that they have forgotten the unpleasantness of the last failed cooperation.

"Xiaolu, you can surprise everyone every day."

Han Shanping teased with a smile.

"What does Mr. Han mean by this?"

"First, he killed Yan Liang from Hong Kong, then he killed Wen Chou from Taiwan. It's become a joke among the people, haha."

"No, it's just a small misunderstanding, not worth mentioning."

Lu Kuan also picked up the teacup and blew on the boiling water, smiling modestly.

Gao Chengsheng jokingly said, "Director Lu, ever since someone as capable as you emerged in our country, we've been having a blast watching the fun."

"Haha, Lu Sheng is pretty good. At least he's lowered the average age of our industry. Otherwise, it would be boring to deal with a bunch of old guys all day long."

Jiang Zhiqiang also joined in the teasing.

He didn't know what Gao Chengsheng meant by saying this. He said that a wide road can be a hassle, which could be derogatory or a joke.

Jiang Zhiqiang said that Lu Kuan was young, just to give him a warning against the recklessness he might show in front of Han Shanping.

Han Shanping cut to the chase and got straight to the point: "Lu Kuan, I heard from Xiao Gao that you're interested in Hualong Digital's technology and talent?"

The young director smiled modestly and said, "I'm a newcomer in the industry and have some immature ideas. I'd appreciate any advice, Mr. Han."

Han Shanping laughed heartily and said, "Haha, excessive modesty is pride."

The crew-haired man let out a long sigh, leaned back on the sofa, and asked with a smile, "Lu Kuan, do you have any plans for the next movie after Shoplifters?"

Gao Chengsheng hardly said a word. Seeing that his old leader paid so much attention to this young director today, it was obvious that he liked him.

Presumably, they were not satisfied with their investment in the low-budget "Shoplifters" and have started thinking about investing in their next movie.

Seeing the questioning look in Jiang Zhiqiang's eyes, Lu Kuan smiled and said, "My next movie is a science fiction film."

When these words were spoken, everyone in the room was shocked. The three of them looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

The 1999 film "The Matrix" brought great shock to domestic audiences. When will China have a decent science fiction film and when will the Chinese national football team enter the World Cup have become two old-fashioned topics.

By the time the Chinese national football team successfully crossed the finish line in the blessed land of Wulihe in 2001, the audience had long lost hope for the future of domestic science fiction films.

Just as Lu Kuan said when he bought the manuscript from Liu Cixin, the current science fiction atmosphere in China is too bad. Some science fiction writers can't even make ends meet, let alone make science fiction movies.

It can be said that throughout the 90s, the atmosphere of science fiction films in mainland China was broken.

In 92, Hong Kong film "Monster City" by Xu Ke also had more supernatural elements than science fiction elements;
The 95 film "The King of Comedy" is a nonsensical science fiction comedy that is not as elegant as orthodox Hollywood science fiction works.

In the millennium that followed, due to the limitations of special effects and lighting technology, as well as investor resistance and conservatism, domestic science fiction films were essentially extinct.

Most of them are released through DVDs and circulated among niche movie fans as cult films.

"Lukuan, why would you have such an idea?"

Han Shanping was very puzzled by Lu Kuan's decision. Making a science fiction movie at this point in time was no better than throwing money into the water; at least there would be some sound.

Jiang Zhiqiang also advised: "Yes, Lu Sheng, the level of special effects required for science fiction films is too high, and there are not even a few decent special effects companies in China right now."

"How many?" Han Shanping shook his head and smiled bitterly. "There are only two companies in China that can even remotely produce special effects: Hualong Film Group, which is owned by China Film Group, and Digital Film Group, which is owned by Shanghai Film Group. They're basically operating under government regulations, and their craftsmanship can't compare to Hollywood studios."

Seeing Han Shanping hesitate to speak, Lu Kuan explained, "Mr. Han, science fiction films have a huge impact on the development and improvement of the film industry chain."

"The Star Wars series in the 80s pioneered and perfected the production and operation system of special effects films for Hollywood, and also established its own special effects company, Industrial Light & Magic."

"In the 90s, the American special effects industry took a step forward, completing the visual transformation with digital technology and sweeping the world with 'Jurassic Park' and 'Titanic'."

"Mr. Han, the logic behind this is that high-investment, high-spending blockbusters drive the development of the entire film industry, and their special effects companies are also learning by doing and constantly improving."

Han Shanping shook his head and said, "The special effects for 'Dragon Reborn' that you bet with Eagle King on were still made by MPC in the UK. If you want to make a science fiction film now, I'm afraid you'll have to contribute all the profits to the special effects company."

"Mr. Han, I want to start my own special effects company." Lu Kuan chuckled.

"I've asked a friend to recruit some talent from Sikki Animation in Taiwan. Sundance has invited Whiplash to compete in the non-competitive section next January, and I'm planning to go there to scout out some special effects directors in Hollywood."

It was another earth-shattering news. Even an old veteran like Han Shanping, who had seen many ups and downs in the world, could not help but be shocked again and again by this young man who "spoke wildly".

Special effects companies can be said to be an industry that requires long-term investment. Especially in the early 20th century, when the gap between the special effects level between China and the West was huge, establishing a special effects company in China would face very realistic problems:

No work to do!

The era of domestic blockbuster movies has just begun, but there is a huge demand for the industry abroad.

But how can you, a little-known Chinese special effects company, compete for orders with special effects giants like Industrial Light & Magic, MPC, and Weta Digital in the United States and the West?
Han Shanping sighed leisurely. If he had known the saying in later generations that taking too big a step will lead to pulling your balls, he would have said this to Lu Kuan without hesitation.

Han Shanping and Jiang Zhiqiang are both industry leaders, and their vision and ambition are not limited to their own small business.

We also keep an eye on industrial development and industry trends.

In the minds of this generation of filmmakers, being able to promote Chinese films and Chinese culture to the world and to build and improve our own film industry chain is a cause worth striving for.

Seeing that everyone had serious expressions, Lu Kuan smiled and said, "Special effects are the trend of the future. Not only will science fiction films use them, but the entire film and television industry will be dealing with special effects in the future."

"Although the gap between us and the United States and Western countries in special effects is large, it is not an insurmountable chasm."

"For example, Houdini and Maya, software currently used abroad, can be purchased and used directly. Also, some motion capture and visual control equipment are mainstream in the industry."

"Actually, this industry is typically technology- and talent-intensive. I plan to find a knowledgeable special effects director and a dozen production staff to set up a studio. We'll then use this sci-fi movie as training!"

The idea of ​​Lu Kuan came from BASE Special Effects, whose headquarters was later established in Peking.

In 2002, American director Bramble was looking for a post-production special effects department for his film "Deep Sea Rescue". After searching in Beijing without success, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and do it himself, and established BASE VFX.

Hearing Lu Kuan's well-thought-out plan, Jiang Zhiqiang, Han Shanping and Gao Chengsheng all looked at each other speechless for a moment.

Han Shanping sighed slowly and then lit a cigarette.

"Chengsheng, do you remember the time we went to Beijing for a meeting in the winter of 93?"

Han Shanping was touched by the young director's resolute expression: "Remember, President Han."

"That year, domestic film production was halved, audience numbers were down a third from the previous year, and state-owned film studios across the country were in a state of stalemate."

Gao Chengsheng also narrowed his eyes, because Han Shanping's sigh seemed to be dragged into the cold winter of domestic films.

"Representatives from various state-owned factories were complaining at the meeting. The leader asked me to speak, but I didn't know what to say, so I used the words of great men to encourage everyone."

Han Shanping's face seemed to turn red, and he immediately turned to Gao Chengsheng and said with a smile: "Chengsheng, do you remember what I said?"

Gao Chengsheng said solemnly, "You said our mission is to cross the river, but without a bridge or a boat, we can't cross it. Without solving the problem of the bridge or the boat, crossing the river is just empty talk."

When 41-year-old Han Shanping said this and went to Beijing again, he had already become the director of the Beijing Film Studio. Everyone knows the story that followed.

“Hahahaha, that’s right.”

Han Shanping suddenly stood up and transformed from a short-haired leader slumped on a soft sofa into an industry leader with the popularity of a Chinese film boss.

"Where is Chang'an? It's right under the horses' hooves!"

As a young person, you have such magnanimity and broad-mindedness. We should support you!"

Han Shanping arranged: "If you have any interest in the people in Hualong Digital, go and talk to them yourself. It's up to them to stay or leave. I won't force them!"

Lu Kuan agreed with a smile, thus solving the last important matter of his trip.

Those who gain the way help more, those who lose the way help few.

People who really get things done can always get together with people who get things done.

Along the way, whether it was Tian Zhuangzhuang, Jiang Zhiqiang, Gao Chengsheng or Han Shanping who visited him for the first time today, they all admired his dedication to film art and his vision for industrial development.

The so-called straight heart is the place of practice, which is roughly true.

(End of this chapter)