Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 181 The response was enthusiastic
There was another burst of laughter at the scene, and Leonardo was confused.

Lu Kuan explained: "Leo, the girl next to you is Liu Yifei, a young actress, and translating is her part-time job today."

Leonardo raised his eyebrows exaggeratedly: "Liu? It's very similar to my name! Nice to meet you, Liu!"

Liu Yifei smiled and said thank you, then looked up and saw Lu Kuan's dissatisfied look.

Hey.

The third question is about road width.

A reporter from the Nanfang Daily asked: "Director Lu, this movie stars mostly Hollywood stars, was probably filmed in North America, and is entirely in English. Can it still be considered a Chinese film? Will this movie be beneficial to Chinese cinema?"

The question is difficult to answer, which is the normal style of Nanfang media.

Refer to Zhang Ziyi's later "Memoirs of a Geisha", she originally relied on her own strength to squeeze out the small-time actors, but her reputation was very bad.

Because she touched upon the rising tide of nationalism, she was unlucky enough to be scolded.

This issue is a bit sharp. If it is not handled properly, the enemy will easily accuse you of being a traitor and selling out your country, and portray Boss Lu as being servile to Hollywood.

"The quality of a film can probably be evaluated from several aspects."

"First, the source of funds. I've already explained it, so I won't go into details."

"The second thing is the nature of co-productions. I don't know if this reporter has done any research on the film industry, but take the well-known films like 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Matrix' for example."

"The director of The Lord of the Rings was a New Zealander, the special effects were done in New Zealand, the scenes were shot in New Zealand, so can this be called a New Zealand film?"

"The same goes for The Matrix. Can we say it's a Canadian movie or an Australian movie?"

"No, both of these can only be described as Hollywood movies."

"It is undeniable that the filming, shooting, project establishment and even special effects of this film 'Alien Land' will mostly be completed abroad."

"But we can't judge things by appearances. For example, the level of special effects in China is low, and a few years ago, even a simple animation had to be processed abroad."

"This time, the special effects cost accounts for more than half of the $7500 million budget. We plan to take the domestic special effects team to New Zealand, Australia or North America for training and to learn from their advanced experience."

"If something like this is beneficial to Chinese special effects and Chinese films, isn't it also beneficial to Chinese films?"

There was a lot of discussion in the audience, and some were surprised not only by Lu Kuan's foresight in industrial development.

I was even more shocked by the high cost of special effects production. The cost of special effects for one movie is enough to make more than a dozen domestic movies!

Everyone is full of expectations for this "Foreign Land".

Boss Lu is still continuing to output.

"Let's get back to the nature of the film. Besides the source of funding, a film also needs to have its core ideas and plot design."

"There's a very important concept in Alien Land, which is that there's a location in the movie called Westmore Farm, where time passes thousands of times faster than in the real world!"

“Are there any viewers who think this is like some of our mythological stories?”

A reporter in the audience raised his hand: "One day in heaven is one year on earth!"

"Yes, very good. This idea was proposed by a Chinese science fiction writer, and it was inspired by our nation's myths and legends."

"The film will also be shot in Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities. The most righteous scientist in the film is of Chinese descent, not to mention that our heroine is a special forces soldier proficient in ancient Chinese martial arts!"

"Reporter, do you still think this isn't a Chinese film?"

Boss Lu said with a smug look, "Why not?"

Han Shanping led the applause, and warm applause broke out at the scene.

Old Han must be applauded. He is the producer. If this movie is not under the banner of spreading Chinese culture and promoting Chinese films going overseas, where will his political achievements come from?

This Nanfang media is so hateful. If it weren’t for Lu Kuan’s cleverness, I, Old Han, would have to spend a lot more effort!

The press conference is basically coming to an end.

The journalists left the venue in an orderly manner, feeling satisfied, and the reception dinner organized by the Q&A organization was about to begin.

The onlookers had a great time watching;

Fans met their idols;

The journalists completed the performance;
The stars have become closer to Boss Lu;
Yu Dong, Wang Changtian, Yao Jia, Shanghai Film Group's Xu Pengle, including Dong Shuangqiang, Gao Chengsheng, and the big and small Wangs in front of the screen.

They all clearly realized in their hearts that the capital prototype of Wenjie, the domestic entertainment industry and even the Chinese entertainment industry, is gradually taking shape, and a giant ship is about to set sail and head out to sea!

As expected, domestic media was in an uproar the next day, while foreign media were still processing the news due to time constraints.

But with the participation of Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio, marketing the topic will not be a problem.

No matter whether you praise or criticize, compliment or scold me, just mention me!
"Peking Evening News": Young director Lu Kuan's new work "Foreign Land" has been approved with a total investment of 7500 million US dollars, and Hollywood's top stars have gathered!
"West China Metropolis Daily": "This movie is an authentic Chinese movie, with a huge amount of Chinese elements, Chinese mythological concepts, monsters from China's "Classic of Mountains and Seas", and ancient Chinese martial arts." This is what Lu Kuan, the director of "Foreign Land", said.

China Film News: We are delighted to see a Chinese director enter Hollywood and see another genius carrying the banner of blockbuster films after "Hero". He has a bright future ahead of him. Best wishes to you! "Alien Land"!

"Yangcheng Evening News": We can once again see Chinese elements in Hollywood movies, and not just our Kung Fu and martial arts. This is an exciting future. Following the successful entry into the WTO and the bid for the Olympic Games, this is another exciting news!

Yoko Evening News: Recognized by Chinese directors and Hollywood's top actors and producers, this young director, who has already taken on the banner of commercial films from his first film, is attempting to take center stage on the world stage. Go! The road ahead is bright! Go! Chinese cinema!

Of course, not all of them are singing praises and sending blessings. Some media are still saying sarcastic words under the slogan of neutrality!

Apple Daily: Apart from the dramatic retractions of confessions by Xu and Dong, the entire press conference became a show for Wenjie and Lu Kuan to flaunt their wealth, including this weird pseudo-science fiction film. How long will we continue to embarrass ourselves internationally?
"Nanfang Daily": It is unbelievable that private capital would attempt to control and interfere with state-owned television stations. This is a dangerous signal!

The next day, the United States' Los Angeles Times, France's Le Figaro, Italy's Cinema, as well as international mainstream film media such as Screen and Variety all published related reports.

First, the Los Angeles Times, which is close to Hollywood, conducted an exclusive interview with Leonardo. In the interview, the latter sang praises for the young Eastern director and even said that even Martin Scorsese admired him very much.

"Figaro" conducted an exclusive interview with Lu Kuan at the Cannes Film Festival, and highly recognized the young director's exploration of film narrative techniques, but this time he bluntly said that it was a wrong choice on his part. Such a talented director should not have plunged into the arms of commercial films too early!
Variety compared this Chinese director with Li An and John Woo, who have already made a name for themselves in Hollywood, and suggested that this is a genius who is not only proficient in Hollywood film techniques but also has some creative ambitions of his own, and that North American audiences should look forward to this blockbuster.

He Xi, Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang and "Science Fiction World" all expressed their support on their official blogs. Even more excited were the few science fiction fans in the country.

I have always been familiar with Hollywood's science fiction blockbusters, and this time I can finally support a science fiction film with the connotation of my own country and culture!
These science fiction fans flocked to the blog homepages of Wenjie and Lu Kuan, offering suggestions and leaving messages as actively as the previous "Chinese Paladin" fans.

"Director Lu! I think 'Six Paths of Life' has a stronger story, you can consider it!"

"The above poster's film, 'Six Paths of Life,' involves a government conspiracy and won't pass muster. Don't harm anyone!"

"My cousin is the editor-in-chief of Science Fiction World. I heard that Wenjie has already bought the adaptation rights to over twenty short and medium-length stories. Don't panic, everyone, just come one by one!"

The aura and popularity of the $7500 million movie were so dazzling that it even overshadowed the topic of the change of ownership of Travel Channel.

As for the previously controversial "real-name reporting" by the two women, Xu and Dong, it now seems more like a joke and has completely lost its attention.

Force can defeat skill. In the face of powerful strength, these evil tricks are child's play and cannot stand the test of time.

What's more, when facing a dirty guy like Shanglu Kuan, his methods are even dirtier than yours.

This society hates those who have, laughs at those who don’t, despises those who are poor, and fears those who are rich.

Lu Kuan and Wenjie suddenly caused such a big stir, and there were many people on the Internet who were pessimistic about them.

"He only made two movies with a combined gross of no more than 2000 million RMB, and yet he dared to go to Hollywood and embarrass himself. Lu Kuan probably won't even know how he died!"

"It's just a gimmick to attract attention. The people in China who really want to see good films are directors like Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige. These young people are too frivolous and will never achieve great things."

"I'm Zhang Zhi, Class of 2003, Computer Science Department, Huaqing University! I'm really pessimistic about 'Alien Land'! Here's why: Last year, Rain Wu's 'Windtalkers' premiered. It had a $1.15 million budget and starred Nicolas Cage, but what happened? It grossed less than $4000 million in North America, nearly bankrupting MGM! So what if you're more successful than Rain Wu?"

This comment topped the list in terms of the number of likes and replies, hanging high at the top of Lu Kuan’s blog homepage, which was quite eye-catching.

At 2003:9 PM on September 9, , near Chedun Film and Television City in Shanghai. Liu Yifei also saw this post and replied to him angrily using the account [Zhaluji]:

"I'm Jiang Yiyan, Class of 02, Acting Department, Beijing Film Academy! I'm not a fan of the real-name system, Zhang Zhi, Class of 2003, Computer Science Department, Huaqing University. Here's why: Your mom gave you the wrong name. You should be called Zhicang!"

Zhang Zhi replied: "Jiang Yiyan from Beijing Film Academy, right? I'll remember you. You actors have no manners, you curse people the moment you open your mouth!"
Liu Yifei chuckled and was about to continue arguing with him. Jiang Yiyan probably wouldn't see it, and even if she did, she wouldn't doubt herself.

After all, I am so simple and kind, as pure as the road is wide!
"Xixi, stop playing and get ready to go."

Liu Xiaoli packed her luggage and asked the driver to wait downstairs.

"Oh, I see, Mom."

Today is the day for audition for the "Kung Fu" crew.

Liu Xiaoli couldn't bear to blame her daughter for rashly rejecting the offer for "Foreign Land", so she could only discuss with Yang Siwei to make a multi-pronged attack and try several movies.

Judging from what was announced yesterday, Lu Kuan’s attitude towards his daughter is pretty good. He doesn’t treat Sissi like a class enemy or a traitor.

From this perspective, working for him for free in the past two years can't be considered a bad thing. At least the original close relationship was maintained.

The mother and daughter got out of the car outside the audition venue.

Zhou Xingchi was a genius with an eccentric personality, which was the unanimous evaluation of him by many of his collaborators and even enemies in later generations.

His unusual thinking was highlighted in the film "Kung Fu" which was launched in 2003.

From secret project establishment and secret casting to a falling out with investors midway, one wonderful drama after another was quietly unfolding in the mist.

Before that, Zhou Xingchi almost blocked all the news. He didn't need any warm-up, publicity or marketing, which was completely different from Big Beard.

Chedun has some of the earliest film and television bases in China.

During the few days he has been stationed there, he has visited many film and television shooting locations, including Nanjing Road, Shikumen alleys, and Mahler Villa. He is very satisfied with this ancient building complex with a Republican era background.

All that was left was to build and arrange classic scenes such as Pig Cage Village and Axe Gang according to his requirements.

But now there is a thorny issue that must be put on the agenda: the choice of the heroine Fang'er.

Given Yan Zi's excellent performance in "Shaolin Soccer", she was originally the most competitive candidate for this role.

However, there were too many negative news about her after a certain incident, and Zhou Xingchi was too lazy to argue about it, so he decided to find a pure newcomer to play the role.

"That Huang Shengyi is quite good, so we told them to stop looking for him. Who is this person today?"

Zhou Xingchi has the habit of taking a nap, and after dinner he asks his assistant to call him on time.

"Young actress Liu Yifei is also a student in the acting department of Beijing Film Academy."

"Oh, I know that. As for Zhao Linger, let's take a look."

"Xixi, how are your preparations going?" Liu Xiaoli unscrewed the lid of the hot water cup and handed it to her daughter.

Concubine Liu Yi wore a plain white dress today, with a little makeup on her head and a bun on her hair, and only a little eye makeup.

This is also to make it more consistent with the image of a mute girl.

She was very conflicted during this period, and it was her own decision to refuse the interview and directly take the role in "Alien".

"Alien Land" made a splash at the press conference of Wenjie yesterday. The three-day preliminary screening for the leading actress is about to begin, and she has also signed up.

Will she be directly screened out by a scumbag?

But even if she was nominated, she didn't have much confidence in her acting skills and abilities. This was Lu Kuan's movie, and his strictness was best known to Concubine Liu Yi.

Now everything depends on herself, so she had to make more attempts, and then the studio decided to audition her for "Kung Fu".

This character is the heroine in a movie by Stephen Chow, the king of Hong Kong comedy. It is a very valuable and popular role.

Refer to the experience of the unknown Huang Shengyi who won several newcomer awards after "Kung Fu" and became famous overnight.

"It's okay, I will try my best!"

"Director, the people are here."

The assistant knocked on the door of the hotel conference room and let Liu Yifei and her daughter in only after getting Zhou Xingchi's approval.

Judging from the working style of the crew members, it can be seen that this is a director who is very strict with rules.

He wrote, acted and directed this movie all by himself, and his personal voice is extremely strong.

Liu Yifei introduced herself confidently and gracefully. She was no longer a young girl just starting out.

Having experienced so many crews and working with Lu Kuan, who is even more picky than Zhou Xingchi, he can easily handle these routine processes.

Zhou Xingchi saw that she was still very young, and smiled gently, looking at her appearance and how well she was suited to the role.

It's not an exaggeration to say that she is as beautiful as a fairy, but she is different from the image of a mute girl in his mind.

The background of "Kung Fu" is the Magic City in the 20s, where a mute girl makes a living by selling things on the streets.

The character shouldn't have such a graceful and elegant temperament. Even though she has a simpler makeup and outfit today, she still exudes some of Bai Xiuzhu's nobility.

Seeing that the director didn't say anything, Tian Qiwen took the initiative to guide the audition process: "Hello, Yifei, I saw in the introduction that you have some dance skills, right? Please give a simple demonstration."

He is Zhou Xingchi's old partner. Since they started working together in the 90s, he has always been by his side, participating in the performances and behind-the-scenes work of Zhou Xingchi's works.

Later, he became the chairman of the Hong Kong Film Workers Association and a director of the Academy Awards Board of Directors.

If Zhou Xingchi is the Hitler of the "Kung Fu" crew, then Tian Qiwen is his Himmler, the first think tank and confidant.

"Good director."

Liu Yifei briefly demonstrated a modern dance and was suddenly interrupted by Zhou Xingchi.

"Liu Yifei, you've starred in two costume dramas, The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils and The Immortal Sword. There should be action scenes and wirework in those scenes."

Liu Yifei stopped dancing stiffly and replied, "Yes."

Zhou Xingchi nodded noncommittally, stood up and walked out the door, but he didn't forget to nod to the little girl: "Thank you for the audition."

Liu Xiaoli paced anxiously outside the door, thinking to herself that it was bad as the audition ended in less than 5 minutes.

As soon as I entered the door, I saw the cute Liu Yifei standing there with a script in her hand and fanning herself.

"Why so fast!"

Liu Yifei smiled bitterly: "I don't know either. It seems like I didn't act at all. The director just kept staring at me."

Liu Xiaoli estimated that the situation would not be too optimistic, but there was nothing she could do for the time being.

Cheng Jingfei is already in a state of panic, so is he going to look for Lu Kuan?

Sissi would definitely not agree.

Concubine Liu Yi said nonchalantly, "Let's hurry back to Beiping first, shall we? I have an audition for 'Foreign Land' the day after tomorrow, and I need to get ready!"

The girl was full of fighting spirit, but she was still worried that her audition application would be rejected...

Zhou Xingchi returned to the room with his hands behind his back, turned on the computer and looked at the audition materials submitted by Liu Yifei, which was a CD of her performance clips in dramas such as "Whiplash" and "Chinese Paladin".

Zhou Xingchi called his partner and said, "Tianji, come to my room."

(End of this chapter)