Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 53: Whiplash Project Launch

"Uncle Niu, he's gone!"

"Okay, see you tomorrow!"

I drank too much yesterday and drank two bowls of tofu pudding in one go this morning. I broke out in a sweat and my stomach finally felt better.

A few days ago, after Cheng Jingfei and Zhang Jizhong came to discuss the shareholding matters, Big Beard stayed for a few days and discussed with Lu Kuan some matters concerning the casting of "Tian Long".

On the one hand, I listened to his advice, and on the other hand, I looked at the role requirements of Lu Kuan.

Boss Lu doesn't have too much obsession with this. Xiao Feng's position among the leading actors is likely to be unshakable. Due to the relationship with the investors from Taiwan Province, it is estimated that Lin Zhiying will also remain in the spotlight.

There's only Xu Zhu and other supporting characters left, and they're not very interesting.

He looked at his watch and walked to Li Dawei, guessing that Nicholas Tse and others should be here too.

Today is the day to meet and sign contracts with three young Hong Kong actors. Nicholas Tse, Edison Chen, and Julie Yuen will be present.

For the needs of filming, on the one hand, they will participate in jazz drum training before the filming begins, and on the other hand, it is also a way to return the favor and give Liu Guoquan and Li Dawei, mother and son, a publicity opportunity.

It’s euphemistically called a visit from Hong Kong stars to the set.

"Dawei, don't say that your brother doesn't take care of you. It was so hard to convince him to come to Tianjin."

Li Dawei smiled and said, "Thank you! But you only say nice things. If this show becomes popular, won't you benefit?"

Seeing that his mother was not around, he quietly motioned for Lu Kuan to come over and whispered, "Xiao Lu, why don't you invite your sister Jiang to visit you on set?"

Lu Kuan burst out laughing. Director Li still hadn't figured out the relationship between him and Jiang Qinqin, yet he wanted to meet his old lover through him.

Just think about the scene, it would be very embarrassing...

"Well, Sister Jiang has been busy lately. The crew of 'Half Life' has been looking for her recently, haha..."

Li Dawei sighed quietly: "Brother, I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, but your sister Jiang is my first love, and I've always had this in my heart..."

"Hey!"

Lu Kuan had the urge to tell the truth but couldn't, so he could only roar to the sky.

The phone suddenly vibrated. It was Huo Wenxi calling.

"Director Lu, we're outside the studio now. There are a lot of reporters here. Look..."

"Wait a moment, I'll send someone to pick you up."

He didn't have to worry about it, Li Dawei had already arranged everything, including the press conference venue in the studio.

Because Nicholas Tse is still serving his sentence, by mutual agreement, there was no grand opening ceremony.

The cost of the film was limited, so Lu Kuan simply took advantage of Li Dawei's venue and manpower for free and invited more than a dozen journalist friends from inside and outside the industry to carry out publicity and reporting.

Tianjin Foreign Studies University is also a beautiful campus with a strong Republican style. Holding a press conference here is no less effective than holding one in a big hotel.

It wouldn't be too late to launch a publicity campaign after the film returns home with the award at the Venice Film Festival, or before the film is officially released.

Liu Guoquan was also present at the scene. She is now very satisfied with her son's decision to support Lu Kuan in joining the crew. It was a wise decision. He is an excellent actor, contributed the theme song, and also tried every means to increase the exposure of the crew.

Since the travel expenses had been fully arranged beforehand, although the major newspapers and magazines were very puzzled about where this 20-year-old young man Lu Kuan came from, they still tried to say good things about him.

Flatter the cast of the movie, compliment Eagle King on its talented cast, Nicholas Tse on his calmness in times of crisis, and his dedication to work even when problems arise, etc.

Hundreds of fans and moviegoers came to the event after hearing the news, 80% of whom were die-hard fans of Nicholas Tse, and the atmosphere was very lively.

The only mainland actor on the stage was Feng Yuanzheng. His drama "Please Don't Talk to Strangers" became so popular last year that he was scolded by young girls and wives on the street for being a domestic violence man.

This time, Lu Kuan had to visit him three times after returning from Hong Kong before he was able to invite him to play the jazz drum teacher with a dark style.

Nicholas Tse and others are responsible for traffic, and this person is responsible for strength. If they are all just pretty faces, the quality of the movie cannot be guaranteed.

The on-site activities proceeded in an orderly manner. Lu Kuan, Nicholas Tse and Feng Yuanzheng all interacted with fans on site after their speeches. The atmosphere was warm and orderly.

Of course, there are also some uncooperative media outlets that cause trouble.

"Nanfang Metropolis Daily" reporter: Director Lu, what works or work experience have you had before?
Lu Kuan: No, I’m a newbie!

"Nanfang Metropolis Daily" reporter: Then why are investors willing to trust their funds to a novice like you?
Lu Kuan: I am an investor and I am responsible for my own profits and losses!

Apple Daily: Director Lu is now quite famous in Hong Kong. Why do many people call you a Taoist deity?
Lu Kuan: Religious beliefs have nothing to do with occupation. Please respect everyone’s religious beliefs.

Apple Daily: I heard that you have a close relationship with Ms. Mei Yanfang from Hong Kong. Can you tell us more about that?
Lu Kuan: Sister Mei is a female artist with both virtue and talent. She is like an older sister who supports the younger generation. I am grateful for her care, and she will also have a cameo role in the movie.

Apple Daily has always been a media outlet that is unfriendly to mainland China. When the reporter saw that the traps he had dug had no effect, he secretly cursed the young man as a veteran.

In comparison, the problems in domestic media are more normal.

China Film News: Who does Director Lu have in mind for the female lead in the drama? What are your requirements?
Lu Kuan: The film needs some time to prepare, and the three main actors also need to undergo half a month of jazz drum training, and the female lead is still under consideration.

Because the female lead doesn't have many roles, she's probably around 20 years old, pretty, pleasing to the eye, and has decent acting skills, haha.

Out of protection for Concubine Liu Yi, she has not been informed of the news of her role yet. Lu Kuan has also started to lead her in morning exercises to hone her basic skills.

However, being able to collaborate with powerful domestic male actors and several leading young actors in Hong Kong is definitely a good opportunity to improve one's status.

Lu Kuan didn't think too much about it. There was no need for hype for such a low-cost, short-cycle production. He was aiming to export it, win awards, and then sell it domestically.

The welcome dinner was held at the nearby Hilton, and at the main table were Lu Kuan, Feng Yuanzheng, Huo Wenxi and three male actors from Hong Kong.

The other group is the main creators of "Gold Powder", director Li Dawei with Dong Jie, Chen Kun, Su Chang and Liu Yifei and her daughter.

Although there are differences in customs and habits between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the atmosphere at the dinner table was very lively with people being carried in fancy sedan chairs.

Huo Wenxi is a person who knows how to deal with people. Although his Mandarin is not very good, he is used to welcoming and seeing off guests, and he takes good care of all parties.

Nicholas Tse was still depressed about the verdict in the case of taking the blame for someone else, and was not very lively during the meal. Yu Wenle was introverted and just drank in response out of courtesy.

The most active one was undoubtedly Edison Chen. Especially when he saw the two young and beautiful sisters Liu Yifei and Su Chang sitting next to him, he almost felt like he was back in the glamorous world of Hong Kong and became excited instantly!

(End of this chapter)