"Director Tian, ​​you wanted to see me?"

Guo Fan smiled broadly. Recently, the news had spread throughout the industry that Tian Xiaole was going to Hollywood to film a Marvel superhero blockbuster.

This level of influence is something that directors in the industry don't get. As a commercial film director, he also wants to try his luck in this field.

"Sit down, I have something to tell you."

Tian Xiaole pointed to the sofa, and only spoke after Guo Fan was seated properly so he wouldn't be startled:
"The rumors are true. I've reached a cooperation agreement with Fox to develop the Deadpool IP..."

Guo Fan's spirits lifted, and he had a guess in his mind. Could it be that he was to be the assistant director? He would be more than willing to do so.

"...I'm going to put you in charge of this project. Do you have the confidence?"

"Of course I'm confident. It's just being an assistant director..."

Guo Fan paused mid-sentence, staring blankly at Tian Xiaole, and asked uncertainly:

"Senior, who did you say you'd direct?"

Tian Xiaole smiled, understanding Guo Fan's feelings, and said again:
"I said, you're in charge of directing the Deadpool project?"

"No, what about you, senior brother?"

"I serve as the producer, responsible for quality control."

Guo Fan frowned. He wasn't sure he could film it well. This was a $6000 million project, which was over 4 million RMB.

There are only a handful of people in China who can direct such a large-scale investment.

"What? You're not confident you can do a good job? You've lost money?"

Tian Xiaole could tell that Guo Fan was starting to back down.

It's worth noting that both Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige failed when they tried to break into Hollywood.

He, a complete novice, didn't believe he could make a film that Americans would like and that would be recognized worldwide.

After all, Hollywood movies are distributed globally.

At this moment, Guo Fan was conflicted.

He used to long to make movies, especially sci-fi blockbusters and special effects blockbusters, but when the opportunity actually presented itself, he became a little timid.

"Senior brother, am I capable? I'm afraid I'll mess it up."

"A man is either good or bad."

Tian Xiaole opened the drawer, took out a Deadpool comic, and threw it over.

Guo Fan hurriedly accepted the offer, his hands trembling slightly, fully aware of the project's high value.

"I will write the script, and you don't need to worry about the actors. Just film according to the script."

Hollywood is producer-centric, and apart from a few big directors, many are just puppets.

The director of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series was an unknown director who, under the supervision of the producer, could only film according to the script and had no right to make any changes.

Upon hearing this, Guo Fan felt much less pressured.
"Then I'll take it on, and I'll do my best to film this project."

After making that solemn promise, he added a joke: "With you, my senior brother, backing me up, I can really go all out."

"Okay, you should learn about comics first. After I finish writing the script, you can draw the storyboards, and then I'll arrange for you to go to Hollywood."

"Okay." Guo Fan nodded emphatically, knowing full well that this was a test for him. If he couldn't even understand the most basic story, there was no need to send him.

···
There's a pattern to the three major European film festivals.

The Berlin event has just concluded, and the Cannes Film Festival, which is in the middle of the year, should be accepting applications soon.

The Cannes International Film Festival has always been the dream of Chinese filmmakers.

Every year around this time, a large number of films are submitted for registration.

Just a few days later, a film selector from the Asian region of the Cannes Film Festival came to Tian Xiaole's door, inviting him to submit his work for selection.

As a Palme d'Or winner, Tian Xiaole's treatment is perfectly reasonable.

"Tian, ​​if I remember correctly, your first award was won in Cannes, right?"

"Yes, that's right, they won the Jury Prize on their first try."

Faced with the emotional appeal played by the white foreigner, Tian Xiaole readily admitted it.

The news of filming "Whiplash" couldn't be kept secret.

"Tian, ​​welcome back to Cannes. I believe you will win the Palme d'Or again."

Faced with the foreigner's praise, Tian Xiaole shook his head and said regretfully:
"I must apologize, but I'm going to Venice this time. As you probably guessed, no director can resist the allure of the three European awards."

When the foreigner came to his senses, he realized that Tian Xiaole had not only won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, but also the Golden Bear at Berlin; all that was missing was the Golden Lion at Venice.

However, given the nature of the three major film festivals, it won't be easy to pass them all on the first try, especially for Asians.

But I didn't try to persuade them further. Even if the hope was slim, we had to try before we knew for sure.

After seeing off the Cannes film selectors, Tian Xiaole began copying the script for Deadpool.

···
The film and television industry is waiting for Tian Xiaole to respond to the rumors circulating online and to clarify the veracity of the news regarding his collaboration with Fox.

All eyes were on Xiaole Pictures, and they happened to capture a photo of the Cannes film selectors leaving.

After making some inquiries and verifying with the film selector, the media received a definitive answer.

"Tian Xiaole declined the Cannes Film Festival; [Whiplash] will most likely compete in the Venice International Film Festival..."

"Director Tian Xiaole will be aiming for the three major European film festivals, completing his journey at all three..."

"Following director Zhang Yimou, director Tian Xiaole is the most likely to win all three of Europe's highest awards."

···
The industry has taken notice.

Is he really aiming for his third European gold medal and completing a Grand Slam?

Even someone as talented as Zhang Yimou faltered at Cannes.

Tian Xiaole has won the Palme d'Or!
Okay, that's okay.

But Venice isn't easy to conquer either!
Chairman Marco Müller is a close friend of Tian Zhuangzhuang and is very friendly towards Chinese-language films.

In this light, it seems quite possible that Tian Xiaole will become the first director to win all three major European awards.

Several prominent Chinese directors were being pursued by the media for interviews, with people wanting to know their perspectives.

"Although I haven't seen 'Whiplash' yet, I believe in Xiao Le's talent. He's never left a film festival empty-handed. The only pity is that I wasn't offered the lead role..."

At a party, Jiang Wen gave an interview. The afterglow of "Let the Bullets Fly" hadn't faded yet, and his face was flushed.

Director Chen, Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, and others took a break from their busy schedules to give interviews and promote their new films.

"It's not easy for the three European clubs to complete a Grand Slam. Good luck... My new project is in preparation. In recent years, there has been a lot of chaos online. This is a story about cyberbullying..."

"If we're talking about who has the best chance of becoming the first Chinese-language film to win all three major European awards, then Xiao Le is the one. The humanistic reflections conveyed in his films deserve any award..."

"Director Tian's script is very profound. I personally want to ask him to write a script for me, as I also have an interest in awards... Therefore, I plan to make a film that touches the soul..."

···
Tian Xiaole was showering praise from various directors with compliments, which seemed a bit like popping champagne halfway through the event – ​​not a good sign.

Several top directors in the industry have incredibly high creative energy, with new projects either in preparation or already in production.

A few days ago, the press conference for the start of filming of "The Flowers of War" was held in Nanjing.

Huayi Brothers and Feng Xiaogang seem to have tasted the sweetness of films about suffering, and now they have set their sights on epic novels about suffering.

1942!
The word "suffering" is not enough to describe this novel, and adapting it into an acceptable story for the audience will be quite challenging.

Huayi Brothers announced that it will invest 2 million yuan in filming, striving to faithfully recreate the novel's description as much as possible.

Tian Xiaole was very curious: would the box office be able to break even?
Or has it been officially promised that the organizers will book out entire theaters when the movie is released?

Another point is that with the Oscars approaching, why is Feng Xiaogang still in China?

If I'm not mistaken, the submitted film, "The Great Earthquake," was not shortlisted.

Tian Xiaole ignored the news and started browsing movie information.

Jay Chou's "The Green Hornet" grossed 1.38 million yuan in mainland China and 2.27 million US dollars worldwide.

However, with a production cost of $1.2 million, the producers lost money to gain publicity, so there probably won't be a sequel.

Tian Xiaole sent Jay Chou a comforting text message, and he replied shortly after.

Jay Chou: "More than 2 million US dollars worldwide is already amazing. Whether there is a sequel or not is not important."

Tian Xiaole could imagine that at this moment, Jay Chou was typing with a crooked mouth, stubborn as ever.

I told him not to forget his main job as a singer, and then we ended the chat.

Hearing the knock, Guo Fan called out "Come in" and walked in, his eyes dark and looking like he hadn't had a good rest.

Tian Xiaole handed over the "copied" script: "Draw the storyboard as soon as possible, I need to check if it's up to standard."

If Guo Fan understands the script, it will save a lot of trouble. "The task will be completed with guaranteed quality and quantity."

He held the script in both hands, chuckling foolishly, his eyes gleaming.

"Go find Director Chen and ask her to send a copy of the script to Pangu Pictures so they can register and approve the project."

Finally, Tian Xiaole added, "No matter how important the project is, you must get some rest."

"Okay...I'll go right away."

Seeing Guo Fan's cheerful back, clearly not having listened, Tian Xiaole shook her head helplessly.

When such an opportunity is presented to a junior director, who wouldn't want to seize it?

···
"Brother Le, is this the project you're working on with Fox? This Marvel hero's character is different from other positive figures. Can the audience accept such a despicable character?"

Tang Yan flipped through the script, unsure how to describe the male protagonist, "Deadpool." Unlike other "righteous and honorable" superheroes, he was primarily portrayed as a cheeky and despicable character.

"That's the contrast we're looking for. Audiences are tired of superheroes saving the world, and Deadpool will give them a fresh perspective."

The original storyline is that Deadpool was a huge success because audiences were tired of seeing the "glorious and righteous" superhero.

Suddenly, a cheeky character appeared and instantly won the hearts of the audience.

They believe that this kind of character is closer to ordinary people.

"You're directing this project yourself? I believe you can make it well."

Tang Yan straddled Tian Xiaole's lap, her arms around his neck and her head resting on his shoulder.

Tian Xiaole pulled her closer to his chest, dragging her by the bottom:

"Guo Fan is the director of this project, and I am responsible for producing and controlling the quality."

"Oh! You're not directing?"

Tang Yan was quite surprised. Countless people would scramble to get even a tiny bit involved in such a Hollywood commercial film project.

"As I've said before, this year's main focus is on training directors, so it's time for me to take a break."

Tang Yan looked up at Tian Xiaole with her big, watery eyes and asked, "Brother Le, when are we going to meet my parents?"

"Let's wait for Lao Tian to come back, he should be back in the next couple of days."

As she spoke, Tang Yan became restless, rubbing against him.

Her voluptuous, rounded buttocks awakened the sleeping dragon.

Tian Xiaole picked him up around the waist and carried him towards the bedroom.

Tang Yan, a woman who had been married for many years, pressed her lips against his, her kiss passionate.

···
The next day, Tian Xiaole woke up naturally and was ready to give it her all again.

The internet is buzzing. With the Oscars just around the corner, Zhang Ziyi, as a lifetime juror, naturally wants to make her presence felt.

He posted photos at the airport on Weibo with the caption: Heading to Hollywood, I will cast my vote cautiously.

Many people then realized that there had been no news whatsoever about the "major earthquake" that had been submitted for consideration.

Clearly, the film was not nominated.

Zhang Dapao was the first to lose his composure and immediately fired:
"I really don't know what the association was thinking. If they had chosen 'Hawthorn Tree,' it would definitely have been shortlisted!"

This time, netizens unusually sided with Zhang Dapao.

Trying to make foreigners empathize with the suffering in China is overestimating people's abilities.

Feng Xiaogang kept his tail between his legs and didn't make any comments, believing that he was worlds apart from Zhang Yimou in terms of winning awards.

···
"Boss, Fox has unanimously approved the script, and the project can begin preparations."

Upon receiving the notification from Fox, James immediately called Tian Xiaole.

"Then let's proceed as planned. Director, I'll arrange to go there in a few days. Please take good care of me then."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."

Tian Xiaole could hear James patting his chest, a loud, booming sound.

"By the way, Fox is going to announce the project publicly. Boss, you'd better be prepared. A lot of people will be asking you for roles."

The appeal of an A-list project is undoubtedly enormous for actors.

Whether they are Hollywood actors or actors from any other country.

"We'll cast Ryan Reynolds for the male lead, and we'll let Fox audition for the other roles."

"Shouldn't we include actors of Chinese descent?"

James, recalling Tian Xiaole's care for Chinese actors, couldn't help but ask a question.

"No need, leave the casting to Fox."

"Boss, Ryan is on the set of Green Lantern, and their schedules overlap."

"Let Fox handle the coordination; he's the first choice for the male lead."

"OK then."

James is a little envious of Ryan; his career took off immediately after divorcing Scarlett.

···
In the afternoon, domestic media outlets reprinted the Hollywood news, causing a sensation in the entertainment industry.

"Director Tian Xiaole has reached a cooperation agreement with 20th Century Fox to develop the Deadpool IP. He will serve as both screenwriter and producer. The director and actors are yet to be determined!"

The news caused an instant sensation in the domestic film and television industry.

Many people are curious why he doesn't direct the film himself, but only holds two positions.

The actors didn't care about any of that; they were only focused on their roles.

It's reasonable for Tian Xiaole, who is a screenwriter, to include Chinese characters.

Soon, someone noticed the problem: previous films like "Night at the Museum" and "Now You See Me" were co-productions, but this one wasn't.

It is very clear that the requirement for co-productions is that Chinese actors must participate, and they must play major roles.

Since the project isn't a co-production, I can only hope to land some minor roles.

Regardless of the size of the role, many people are eyeing it.

This is an opportunity to get into the Hollywood spotlight.

···
Tian Xiaole scrolled through the text messages on her phone. Those she had discussed in depth asked rather directly if there were any suitable roles available.

I'm too embarrassed to call people I know well, but I'm more willing to send them text messages.

Gong Li also asked about it, saying that she basically doesn't get access to good projects in Hollywood.

Tian Xiaole gave a unified response: there are no Chinese characters in this project.

This left actors in the industry deeply disappointed.

China Film.

Old Han couldn't sit still any longer; he refilled his teacup twice.

"Xiao Le hasn't called yet."

"No, neither your personal nor your official cell phone has rung."

The secretary replied in a low voice.

Seeing the leader looking like an ant on a hot pan makes me want to laugh, but I don't dare to.

"Give me your phone, I want to see what this kid is up to. He has a good project but doesn't think about his own uncle."

Han Sanping said fiercely.

After the call was connected, the tone of voice changed again.

"Xiao Le, you've been busy. We haven't gotten together since the New Year. Let's have a meal together."

Hearing her boss's coaxing words, the secretary barely suppressed a laugh.

"Uncle Han, I know what you want to say, so I'll just tell you directly."

Marvel IP is a crucial asset for Fox, thus eliminating the possibility of domestic companies investing in it.

"Even your Xiaole Pictures isn't good enough?"

"No, I explicitly refused. They are keeping a close watch on us."

"OK then."

Old Han knew there was no hope, so he stopped insisting. (End of Chapter)

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