Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 212 Xing Zai
The girl agreed without hesitation, but the young director remained noncommittal.

The two watched the movie in silence and took a car back to the hotel together.

Liu Yifei's appearance is somewhat similar to the character, but the most important thing is to be able to portray the intelligence, courage and perseverance of this respected female writer.

It demonstrates her inner noble character.

Anyway, there are still four years left, so let's wait and see how she can grow.

According to her current development speed, her annual income may reach 40 to 50 million in four years. Will she still be so determined to say that she wants to act at that time?

But there is one thing she can do now.

"Sister Chunru is under a lot of mental pressure because of writing books. You can spend more time talking to her when you have nothing to do."

"Just use the title of this role as an excuse to enlighten her."

Concubine Liu Yi nodded: "Yes, I understand."

She suddenly turned her head to look at Lu Kuan, who had been silent all day.

“Why did you think of making this movie?”

"According to what you said, this kind of movie is destined not to appear as a pure commodity. Aren't you afraid of losing money?"

She thought about this question for a long time, and she saw a contradiction between ideals and reality in Lu Kuan.

Just like the difference between his life and his film work, the former is dissolute and the latter is pure.

Liu Yifei suddenly found that she seemed to have never really known him or entered his heart.

Lu Kuan was silent for a long time before he slowly spoke.

“Some things are destined to be done by someone.”

"Like her, born in the United States, she could have plunged into the American dream like millions of Chinese immigrants and enjoyed life in a capitalist country."

"But she exhausted her youth in order to expose this history, endured tremendous mental stress, and lost time with her children and family."

"There are many things you don't know, such as the media influenced by the Japanese right-wing forces who slandered and ridiculed her, and some extremists who stalked and threatened her."

Upon hearing this, Concubine Liu Yi clenched her fists and once again witnessed the ugliness of this world underwater.

"I just happened to come across this incident, and I just did my part."

"As long as I have a clear conscience, that's all."

Perhaps because he felt the atmosphere was too depressing, Boss Lu smiled and made a joke with her.

"If you really play this role well and make it famous, and it makes a global impact, you might never get advertising from Japanese brands again."

Concubine Liu Yi said disdainfully: "I am not like you, Grandet, it doesn't matter."

The two of them chatted and laughed as they entered the hotel lobby, only to be met by an uninvited guest!
Lu Kuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Director Hou, why did you chase me all the way to Canada?"

Hou Xiaoxian remained calm and said, "I'm sorry that the Golden Horse Awards caused you trouble last year. I invited you early this year, but you refused."

"What should I do? As the president of the Directors Association, I have no choice but to come here by myself, and I'm traveling on public funds."

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, and he is coming here for me, what else can I say? The road is wide!

"Director Hou, would you like to have a drink?"

Hou Xiaoxian's eyes lit up: "Obedience is worse than respect."

Boss Lu laughed and asked A Fei to take Liu Yifei back to her room. He and Hou Xiaoxian smoked a cigarette at the hotel entrance first.

"Director Lu, you had a fight with someone last month, why did you move me out?"

Lu Kuan was stunned, and then he remembered that it was during the debate with the "Seven Gentlemen" at the Beijing Film Academy that the matter of Hou Xiaoxian filming "A City of Sadness" was revealed.

Hou Xiaoxian laughed and said, "Your popular science isn't a big deal. Some young people in Taiwan like to surf the internet these days, and they'll come and scold me after seeing what you said!"

"You, Old Hou, have been making random movies, and now our island's film market is so depleted, and it's all been taken over by Hollywood."

Lu Kuan laughed in silence, this turned out to be an unintentional mistake on his part.

"Director Hou, I owe you this favor."

"How about this, next time you need special effects for a movie, Butian Films will give you a discount. How about that?"

Hou Xiaoxian laughed: "You are trying every possible way to attract business for your own company!"

"Last time, the organizing committee really didn't do a good job of organizing the event. Because of the intervention of relevant government departments, a lot of embarrassment occurred. This time..."

Boss Lu sighed silently. It can be said that the other party's sincerity was indeed sufficient.

Not to mention the frequent phone calls over the past two months, he has now condescended to come and invite me as the president of the Directors Guild.

But he had said all sorts of harsh words online before, and had cursed the other person out like a dead horse, so there was no way he was going.

"How about this, Director Hou, let's sign up for 'Thief'. I'll have Feng Yuanzheng, Zhou Xun, Fan Bingbing, and the others go and show up."

"But as you can see, the filming progress was delayed a while ago due to Zhang Ziyi's issue. The post-production time for this kind of special effects film is very long."

"I have to finish the film before Cannes next year, and it will be released worldwide in June. The time is really tight..."

He may not care about the Golden Horse Awards, but the actors' efforts should be properly praised, and he cannot deprive them of their rights because of his position.

Hou Xiaoxian felt embarrassed to persuade him anymore seeing how embarrassed he was. After all, he was a refined and reserved art film director, and he was not as thick-skinned as an old hand like Boss Lu.

"Well, that's all that can be done."

He felt particularly unwilling to give up, and unusually loudly said, "Then I'm going to give you a good feast tonight, otherwise this trip will be in vain!"

"Hahaha, I'll definitely keep you company."

Both of them could drink a lot, and they drank for almost the entire night before Ah Fei helped them back to the crew hotel.

The next day, Wang Baoqiang called his boss, still using that naive tone.

"Boss, Director Li asked me to go with him to the Golden Horse Awards, and I'm specifically asking for your permission."

Lu Kuan thought that this kid had finally gotten his bearings. He knew that he and the Golden Horse Awards were at odds and still knew to say hello.

"Okay, I understand. Perform well and try to win the award."

Wang Baoqiang on the other end of the phone finally felt relieved and looked at Zhang Songwen beside him with gratitude.

Suddenly, Boss Lu's voice came from the phone again.

"By the way, Huayi has a movie called 'A World Without Thieves' filed, and they might be casting soon. You can go and try."

Boss Lu now has connections in the Film Bureau, and Feng Xiaogang went to Butian Films to inquire about special effects, so he learned the news.

Zhang Songwen heard it clearly from the side and taught Wang Baoqiang to speak by lip movements: Agree, agree.

"Yes, Boss, I will work hard!"

Wang Baoqiang is now sharing an apartment with Zhang Songwen in Peking. He jumped three feet high after hanging up the phone!

"Brother Songwen, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know how to report this to the boss."

"Oh! What's the big deal? Just do your best."

It would be a lie to say that Zhang Songwen was not envious, as he was one of the first old people to follow Lu Kuan.

He initially co-starred with Wang Baoqiang in "Blind Well", which was invested by Mr. Lu, but his role had very few scenes.

Over the past two years, I’ve played minor supporting roles in “Stone” and the currently filming “Lush.” I’ve made some appearances, but I’ve never had a role that would allow me to shine.

Even Hu Ge later became the male lead in "Chinese Paladin", and the shrewd male lead Wang Xiaojian in "Love Is Not Blind" was taken away by Zhu Yawen, a sophomore student at the Beijing Film Academy.

It seems that he is also preparing to sign a contract with the company.

Fortunately, he is patient and knows that the boss likes dedicated actors the most. He always tells himself to accumulate his knowledge and he will surely wait for the day when he can shine!
On December 2003, 12, the crew of "Alien Land" completed all filming tasks in North America, and the last few scenes moved to Chedun Film and Television City in Shanghai.

The last two highlights are that Lan Jiangshui, played by Liang Jiahui, invites his former student Dr. Ximai to Chinatown, and the two die together.

Lan Yue, played by Liu Yifei, and Alexander, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, decided to destroy the password door from inside Ximai Farm, isolating it from the human world forever.

The reason why the last two scenes were shot in China was first to comply with the regulations of co-productions.

To qualify as a co-production, the Chinese side must contribute no less than one-third of the capital, there must be Chinese actors in important roles, and the film must be shot domestically.

The second is to achieve publicity effect.

During the filming period in North America, a star visited the set every three days and a behind-the-scenes footage was leaked every five days, constantly hyping up the crew and attracting attention.

But the film will be released worldwide after all, so in addition to North America, the two major box office bases of Asia and Europe must also be won over.

The promotion work for the European box office will be put on the 2004 Cannes Film Festival after that year.

The chairman of the jury at this year's Cannes Film Festival is Quentin Tarantino, Lu's wolf friend. He will invite "Alien Land" to participate in the non-competitive unit.

For this kind of sci-fi commercial film that is purely for attracting attention, don't think about winning any awards. Make good use of the opportunity of the film festival to promote it well. More box office revenue is better than anything else.

The marketing in Asia will start from the completion of the two major films and gradually build momentum until the film is released in June next year.

From the project's preparations to the setbacks along the way, and the numerous publicity efforts leading up to filming's finale, Lu Kuan racked his brains and put in every ounce of effort. The film's massive investment, involving Miramax, Lionsgate, China Film Group, and Eagle King, meant that success was the only option.

Early in the morning of the 2nd, a large number of security teams arrived at the Chedun Film and Television City to perform their duties.

Even so, countless fans of Leonardo DiCaprio, Liu Yifei, Liang Jiahui and others were still waiting outside the studio early, holding gifts, autograph books, T-shirts and other items.

"I'm coming!"

"Sissi! I love you!"

"Little Leo, I want to give birth to a child for you!"

Fans watched as Liu Yifei approached from afar, and her attire was truly indescribable. . .

Yang Siwei followed her and wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into!
She had just taken her final exam yesterday and didn't have time to go to Shanghai to meet up with Liu Yifei. Liu Xiaoli in Peking hadn't followed her yet today.

Why didn’t I come earlier to supervise her getting dressed!

How can I let her wear whatever she wants?
Did this dress save your life?!

How come you're dressed so poorly and yet walk with such a steady and confident stride?
Fans, tears welling up in their eyes, quickly changed the subject: "That fucking washing machine guy must have been underpaid, so Sissi can't even afford clothes!"

"Yes! That must be the case! It hurts!"

"Brothers, find an internet cafe and go to the Dragon Knight homepage to start ranting!"

Director Dragon Knight, unaware that he had been targeted by the enemy, was "welcoming guests" on the set.

Since it is for publicity, today's show will definitely be attended by many big-name audiences.

Yu Dong, Wang Changtian, Dong Shuangqiang, Ren Zhonglun of the host Shanghai Film Group, and Gao Chengsheng, who represents Han Shanping;

There was also Jiang Zhiqiang who failed to cooperate with Lu Kuan on these two occasions;

Li Shoucheng’s representative is Huo Wenxi, Xiang Huaqiang’s representative is Zhang Baizhi, and so on.

In the circle, everyone supports each other. Even Huayi sent Bingbing, but she also came because she had a role to play.

At the end of the movie, there is a scene where a supporting character bids farewell to Concubine Liu Yi. She plays a role with only two lines.

While everyone was greeting and chatting, a Hong Kong director whose Mandarin was not very good came to visit.

"Lu Sheng, excuse me for disturbing you."

Zhang Baizhi was the first to react. Why was Stephen Chow here?

Zhou Xingchi and Tian Qiwen arrived together. The former was still wearing his own costume. It seemed that he had been upgraded from a dock gangster to a hotel security guard.

He wore a white shirt, a black bow tie, and a large red and black checkered apron on his chest, making him look like Xiao Shenyang.

Although the width of the road is a bit strange, it is natural to show courtesy to distinguished guests.

"Director Zhou, hello, nice to meet you."

Dong Shuangqiang, Yu Dong, Jiang Zhiqiang and others also came over to say hello.

Zhou Xingchi is not very good at socializing, but Tian Qiwen on the side is very thorough and flatters every single one of them.

Leonardo DiCaprio was being interviewed by Asian media outside when Liu Yifei happened to walk into the studio and was surprised to see the two directors shaking hands.

Zhou Xingchi glanced at her sideways and said, "Pretty girl, do you still remember me?"

"Hello, Director Zhou!"

Liu Yifei was a little embarrassed. She rejected the female lead and then went to work as a stunt double for Lu Kuan Films.

Although it is a personal choice, it is still a bit embarrassing to say so.

Stephen Chow made a rare joke: "I was wondering why you refused to act in my drama, it turns out it was because Lu Kuan is too handsome."

Concubine Liu Yi smiled awkwardly and said, "No, no, he's not as handsome as you!"

Zhang Baizhi and Fan Bingbing on the side watched them greet each other and interact, their eyes looking at their noses, their noses looking at their mouths, with different thoughts in their minds.

Lu Kuan asked Zhou Xingchi to sit down on a chair: "Director Zhou's 'Kung Fu' is about to wrap up, right?"

"It's just these past two days. I knew you guys were coming, so I came to say hello and watch you film a scene. Is that okay?"

Without waiting for his answer, she feigned anger and said, "Don't call me Stephen Chow, just call me Stephen Chow."

Boss Lu readily agreed: "Oh, hooray, Xingzai."

"Wow, you're really screaming. I'm almost twenty years older than you."

Lu Kuan smiled and said, "Isn't that perfect? ​​Wouldn't it make you younger?"

Zhou Xingchi is such a weirdo. I laughed so hard that tears almost came out when I heard what he said.

Except when he was playing supporting roles, he hadn't heard anyone call him that for many years.

For example, Xiao Huang in the crew really asked her to call him Xingzai, because they needed to play together and changing the name could bring them closer.

However, due to his current status in the industry, he rarely hears this title.

Zhou Xingchi suddenly said calmly, "I finally understand why you can make works like "The Thief" and "The Drummer". Lu Kuan, you are a weirdo, just as weird as me! Haha!"

It is said that people who act in comedies are most prone to depression. Coincidentally, Charlie Chaplin, Jim Carrey, and Mr. Bean are no exception.

Comedy usually carries the core of tragedy, just like Stephen Chow's "The King of Comedy", although it is full of laughs, the character Yin Tianchou illustrates the connotation of tragedy.

Boss Lu looked at him laughing, scolding, and expressing himself freely. He thought that this attitude towards life was a way to vent his mental stress.

Zhang Baizhi originally wanted to reminisce with Zhou Xingchi, but he didn't expect that Lu Kuan could get along so well with him.

Perhaps in the whole of Hong Kong, apart from his direct descendants, no one else has spoken so much to Zhou Xingchi in recent years.

Including her old employer.

Lu Kuan suddenly waved to Fan Bingbing who was not far away.

"Bingbing, come here."

Lu Kuan smiled and said, "Say hello to Xingzai!"

Fan Bingbing glanced at him in surprise, but didn't dare to call him out: "Master Xing, nice to meet you."

Zhou Xingchi smiled and said, "I've seen your play and hope we can have a chance to work together in the future."

Communicate when you should communicate, interview when you should interview, and market when you should market.

At 10 a.m., the crew officially started filming.

A group of big names watched the performance outside the studio.

Everyone present had seen Lu Kuan’s two famous works, but many people were watching him direct a movie for the first time, and they were inevitably curious.

The first scene we shot today was the last scene of "Foreign Land".

The female supporting role played by Fan Bingbing and Lan Yue, played by Liu Yifei, bid farewell to Lan Jiangshui. Fan Bingbing was Lan Jiangshui's female student. She inherited her teacher's will and is responsible for monitoring the closed Ximai Farm in the human world.

[Liu Yifei and Leonardo entered the farm with a death-defying determination, preparing to close the passage from the inside.]

This is a dilemma: if the farm is closed, the human world with an expanding population will no longer be able to obtain resources from Ximai Farm;
However, if it is not closed, the monsters that evolve at double the speed in Ximai Farm may destroy the human world at any time.

As He Xi said in the original novel: Humanity must bear one of these two evil consequences.

Hollywood commercial films are like essays, the beginning and the end carry the most weight, and the last scene is also carefully designed.

Lu Kuan picked up the intercom to guide the movement:

"The three of you should walk towards the entrance together. Cao Yu, please note that the camera should move back a little first, and then move forward in the opposite direction."

"Yes, director."

"Bingbing, pay attention! This scene features an over-the-shoulder shot of the male and female protagonists. You'll suddenly stop after hearing Concubine Liu Yi's explanation, because she didn't tell you before that you won't be coming out once you go in."

"Then Liu Yifei and Leo gradually stopped. At this time, the camera kept moving back. When the male and female protagonists suddenly turned to face Bingbing, the camera suddenly moved in, synchronizing Bingbing's shock at the news with the audience's shock. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Okay, director.", "Got it."

"Come on, try one first."

"'Alien Land' Scene 52, First Shot, First Take, Begin!"

Fan Bingbing walked silently side by side with Liu Yifei and Leonardo.

"Lan Yue, I'm sorry for the teacher's passing. I hope you can return safely this time, otherwise he..."

When Liu Yifei and Leonardo reached the entrance of Ximai Farm, they looked at each other and she suddenly turned around.

"Senior Sister, I won't be back."

Fan Bingbing showed a surprised expression at the right time and was about to speak.

"Crack!"

(End of this chapter)