China Entertainment 1997.

Chapter 394 Heavy!The two trump cards in the Chinese entertainment industry join forces
Hong Kong, The Peninsula Hotel

"Finally, Axuan committed suicide by feigning guilt, which attracted Chen Guorong and his father to stop him, and the Flying Tigers relaxed their vigilance. Then he suddenly shot and killed his father, and was killed laughing..."

Sitting in the restaurant, Cao Xuan and Cheng Long listened to screenwriter Yuan Delin talk about the adapted script of "New Police Story".

After he finished speaking, Cao Xuan didn't say anything. The sheep boss next to him looked at him and asked tentatively.

"Cao Sheng, what do you think?"

"It's okay, evil comes with evil."

Cao Xuan gave an affirmative answer, but Cheng Long next to him was a little hesitant: "Kill my father, is the role of Ah Xuan too bad? I think it's better to commit suicide with guilt."

"There is no such thing as a bad guy. This character takes pleasure in robbing banks and killing people. He is simply crazy. There is no need to whitewash him just because he has childhood shadows.

Even if the audience feels regretful, it is very satisfying to die with the father who created it in the end. "

Cao Xuan still insisted on his own opinion. The original villain of "New Police Story" was suddenly whitewashed. This plot is completely inexplicable.

Because of the emptiness and shadow of childhood, a group of rich second generations casually kill and rob, create bad cases, and put down their butcher knives when they are moved by their parents or the behavior of the male lead. What about those innocent people?

Cao Xuan didn't particularly like the plot of the villain's whitewashing.

No matter what the reason is, if there is revenge for revenge, if there is injustice for injustice, if it is imposed on the innocent, it will die.

So Cao Xuan made a request for the script. From the beginning to the end, this Ah Xuan has no thoughts of repentance, only hatred, and is completely a neurotic and anti-social thug.

In the end, even under his father's scolding and the coercion of the situation, he broke through the only psychological shadow and died with his father.

Several villains in the original version were either killed or arrested, and those parents had nothing to do, all of them looked like white lotuses.

According to the plot, a few villains made such a big commotion and all kinds of abnormal behaviors, and became thugs that caused a sensation all over the country and even the world. He didn't believe that these parents didn't notice it at all.

Especially the hero of the big villain, who is in a high-level position, may even help his son cover up.

Even if he didn't know it, this father was the initiator of all this. As a result, because his son died in the end and cried twice, the audience felt that he still loved his son.

Cao Xuan wondered, if his son cried when his son died, wouldn't other people cry when their son died?

"New Police Story" is essentially a story about a group of "bear children". Since they are bear children, the bear parents cannot be let go.

Of course, some people say that the ending of the original version may be more painful. After the son dies, the father will live in guilt for the rest of his life.

But Cao Xuan felt that this kind of plot did not appear in the movie, so it would be better to die together, the audience would feel more comfortable, and at the same time, it could reflect the ruthlessness of the character Ah Xuan.

In the eyes of Chinese and even East Asian audiences who are deeply influenced by Confucianism, the one who pulls his own father as a backstop when he is dying is definitely the most thug among thugs...

However, there is also a difficulty in this, that is, if such a high-level policeman in the movie is killed by the villain's son, will there be any problems with the review.

The screenwriter and director Chen Musheng looked at each other, and it was okay to be released in Xiangjiang, but it is really hard to say in the mainland.

Seeing this, Cao Xuan offered a solution: "How about filming two versions, at the end Ah Xuan still shot at his father, still showing a breakup and ruthlessness, but because he was pushed by Chen Guorong, his father was not beaten dead, wounded."

Although such an ending didn't directly kill Shuang, there was nothing like killing someone's heart.

For a strong father, it is definitely a great stimulus for his son to shoot at his father.

Adding an easter egg about the father's mental state at the end can also relieve the audience's unhappiness.

Of course, what Cao Xuan hopes more is to die together directly. Given this roundabout ending, it is also considering the review, and it is best to pass the former script.

Looking at Cao Xuan, who was so excited and changed Ah Xuan into a heinous person, Cheng Long was a little confused.

"With such a role, you won't be afraid of the audience scolding you when you play it."

[Ah Xuan] This character was not likable in the first place, but now that the script has been changed, he is an outright villain, even to the point of madness and neurosis.

Although Cheng Long knew it might be better to do so, it was also a burden on Cao Xuan's image. He was afraid that Cao Xuan would be attacked by the audience when the movie was broadcast.

"Since it's rare to play a villain, let's be bad at the end. It's good to have childhood shadows, so I'll find an excuse."

Cao Xuan smiled nonchalantly, and took a sip of coffee: "Actually, I have always liked playing villains, so I can relieve the pressure in reality."

Cao Xuan's words are sincere. As a national idol, Cao Xuan must always maintain a bright and healthy public image in his daily life.

But he is not a saint, sometimes he will inevitably have some negative emotions, and Cao Xuan can't vent his depravity in reality, so he will enjoy the drama in the play and play the bad guy.

In ordinary TV dramas or movies, Cao Xuan is the first leading actor. Even if there are negative plots, he still takes care of the audience's emotions.

Although the script of "New Police Story" has been changed compared with the original version, and the villain role has been greatly strengthened.

With Cheng Long, a man whose fame and influence is not weaker than Cao Xuan's, in charge of positive and active guidance, it is rare for Cao Xuan to play an out-and-out villain without worrying about other things.

To be honest, it is also an important reason why Cao Xuan was able to take this role and play a neurotic villain without any scruples.

Especially when he thinks of the scene where Cheng Long and Xie Feng are beating up violently in the script, Cao Xuan's hands are itchy...

As for whether he will be scolded or not, Cao Xuan actually doesn't really care. If he can tell the difference, he will naturally not scold him. If he can't tell the difference, he doesn't need to be angry with these people.

Hearing Cao Xuan's reasons, several people present looked at each other in blank dismay, but Cheng Long, who is also an actor and a cultural symbol, somewhat understood.

Actors of their level reach a certain level and are influenced by various parties. It is difficult to play a real villain.

Cheng Long publicly stated in Hollywood that he would not play a villain, or even a supporting role, and would accept roles of dual male protagonists.

In China, you don't need to care about villains, but a large family depends on him, and his box office appeal is kung fu + comedy, playing a villain will not attract people.

At this point, Cheng Long was even a little envious of Cao Xuan. Ximen Qing made his debut, but his starting point was too low, which led to his very wide range of acting.

For other popular stars, playing a sex monster or a villain is a breakthrough in his career, and playing a villain or a scumbag is a return to his old job, and the audience accepts it very well.

At present, Cao Xuan has acted in both leading and negative roles, and there is no problem with emotional and martial arts scenes. Whether it is a low-level gangster or a noble son of the Republic of China, his temperament and image are not in the play, and he has been widely recognized.

The only shortcoming is comedy. Since Cao Xuan's debut, except for Bao Zheng in "Youth Bao Qingtian", who is humorous, most of the characters are more serious.

Comedies aside, most types of roles remain. As long as the image positioning fits, Cao Xuan can play almost all of them, and the audience is willing to watch them.

This is actually something that Cheng Long, who is bound by kung fu + comedy, can't do.

And Cheng Long himself understands this. After returning from Hollywood, he has been looking for transformation.

"New Police Story" is subversive to Cao Xuan's image, and it is also a breakthrough for Cheng Long.

The Chen Guorong he played is no longer so good at fighting, and the comedy color has also been greatly weakened. Compared with the kung fu + comedy of the previous "Police Story", this "New Police Story" is more like a drama.

It is precisely because of this that Cheng Long invited Cao Xuan to co-star, intending to combine the influence and popularity of the two to reap box office in Asia.

The box office of the original version of this movie was 4300 million in Mainland China, just over 2000 million RMB in Xiangjiang, more than 800 million RMB in Japan, and close to 600 million US dollars, or about 5000 million RMB in other regions.

The total box office of the scattered pieces is over 1.2 million, which looks good, but the investment of this movie is more than 8000 million, and some say it is 1.2 million.

In this case, the box office needs at least 2.5-3 million or more to pay back.

In this calculation, it can be said to be a disastrous box office failure, but at the same time, Cheng Long's DVD and video tape income has always been high, and some movies even exceeded the box office.

Cao Xuan personally prefers that the film should suffer a small loss, and the loss is not particularly serious.

But now with Cao Xuan, it's hard to say whether it will make more money or lose more.

Anyway, Cao Xuan didn't know how much Cheng Long took. It should be part of the investment share with the film salary. Cao Xuan didn't invest, and directly asked for the film salary - 2500 million.

The price is relatively not low, but considering Cao Xuan's reputation and impression in Asia, it is not particularly high either.

In the final analysis, it mainly depends on whether Yinghuang is willing to spend the money.

And Yinghuang is obviously very confident in the combination of Cheng Long + Cao Xuan, and is willing to take a gamble, not only for making money, but also for the name of Yinghuang.

Others were willing to pay, so Cao Xuan went along with the flow and made some extra money.

Anyway, he got his salary and paid his due responsibilities within a reasonable range. It has nothing to do with him if the investor loses money.

Cao Xuan himself felt that this time was very cool, he got a lot of salary, he didn't have to worry about whether the project would make money, and he could still enjoy the show. Considering that "New Police Story" had a good reputation, he didn't worry about smashing the brand.

Sometimes I get bored with filming my own movies, and it’s good to pick up a few such movies once in a while to relieve boredom...

.........

Overall, the seminar was a joy for both host and guest.

In the previous script, what Yinghuang and Cheng Long were most afraid of was that Cao Xuan would not be satisfied with the fact that Ah Xuan was not likable. Now that Cao Xuan himself agrees, and even wants to step up efforts, there is nothing to say.

Boss Yang beckoned to the other side, and a few young people came over and introduced Cao Xuan.

"These are all newcomers who have more potential in Xiangjiang now, and they will play Ah Xuan's teammates in "New Police Story" at that time."

Cao Xuanyun took a look and was amused, they were all acquaintances.

An Zhijie, who plays the able-bodied Ah Tian in the movie, has just debuted not long ago, and he is a little excited to see two big names, Cheng Long and Cao Xuan.

Wu Yanzu, who plays a hot role, is set to have joined the Marine Corps and has a very high combat quality.

Teacher Chen, who plays the role of the driver in the team, is set to be a racing driver and is good at speeding.

Liuzi... No, Cheng Liuzi, good at hacking programs, computer expert.

Chef Xie, he plays Cheng Long's little follower, and is also a control group for the villain Cao Xuan, he can be regarded as the third male lead.

Compared with the original version, due to the increased role of Cao Xuan, the combat effectiveness of these teams has also increased, and all of them are elites.

Ah Xuan himself is an all-around talent, with top-notch fighting skills, marksmanship, and resourcefulness, and even being caught in the end is a bit of a forced plot kill.

These five newcomers can be regarded as the most popular artists in Xiangjiang nowadays. Even if they can't play the leading role, they are still leading actors, and now they all come to be younger brothers.

But this is also normal, Cao Xuan and Cheng Long are considered to be the two most famous Chinese stars today.

The two teamed up, even if the four heavenly kings were brought in as supporting roles, it would not be impossible, let alone this group of newcomers.

Being able to participate in this movie is a rare opportunity for them.

Seeing Cao Xuan, the Xiangjiang newcomers also consciously greeted him respectfully.

The first time An Zhijie and Azu met, they honestly called "Cao Sheng".

Mr. Chen was clever, and he had met him once before, so he called out "Brother Xuan". Chef Xie hesitated for a moment, and then called out.

The rest of Cheng Liuzi was embarrassed, Chen Xie said a few words and Brother Xuan put him up, and he called Cao Sheng again, it seemed too unfamiliar.

But after calling him elder brother, Cao Xuan called him father and elder brother. This is no longer inferior, but if he called uncle, he couldn't say it looking at that young face...

Cheng Long took the initiative to help his son out of the siege: "Your name is Brother Xuan, we have different opinions."

When the old man spoke, Cheng Liuzi felt at ease and called Brother Xuan. Cao Xuan glanced at Cheng Long, saw him nodding at him, and smiled in response.

The son calls him brother, and the father calls him brother.

Although the seniority looks a bit messy, it's actually easy to figure out. In fact, Cheng Long's eldest brother is more of a title of respect than seniority.

Just like in the music world, except for a few, basically all the singers of the same generation and the new generation are called Brother Xuan like Cao Xuan.

This is not seniority, but a reflection of status in the industry, a recognized leader in the music industry.

In the future, when younger singers make their debut, they will still follow the crowd and call them Brother Xuan on relevant occasions.

When they get old in the future, and the gap between their age and the new generation is getting bigger and bigger, Brother Cheng Long and Brother Xuan will grow up and become Uncle Long and Xuan or Cao.

Cao Xuan didn't care what he was called. Cheng Long was more interested in him than him. He even brought his son here and played the villain.

According to the script, there are several episodes in which Cheng Long is beaten, and the character played by Cheng Liuzi laughs and eats melons.

I thought it would be enough filial piety for Ah Xuan to shoot and kill his father, but after all, it was only the father in the play, this is the father and father, this is the true sense of filial piety...

The bosses were chatting, and the few newcomers couldn't get in the way, so they waited obediently by the side, and only occasionally asked a question before they got a word.

Cao Xuan doesn't care about the casting of "New Police Story". As long as there are no dogs that are particularly disgusting, he will not easily ask.

He cares more about his film "New World" than "New Police Story".

As I said before, the reason why Cao Xuan accepted the film "New Police Story" was largely because he wanted to use Yinghuang's contacts to come to Xiangjiang to film the film, and to open up the joints of all parties.

"New World" involves undercover gangs and the police force. It is impossible for this kind of plot to be filmed in the mainland, not to mention the review, and it does not conform to reality.

There is no need to go to South Korea to shoot. The Korean market is simply incomparable with the domestic market. Cao Xuan was full and used domestic actors to make a movie with a Korean background.

So in contrast, it is most suitable to modify a part of the bridge and change it to Xiangjiang as the background of the plot.

In addition, because of the "Infernal Affairs" series, undercover themes have become very popular in the past two years, and "New World" can also gain popularity.

In the "Infernal Affairs" trilogy, the audience just got tired of watching the undercover villains who infiltrated the police. No matter how difficult it is for the police to infiltrate the gang, they always insist on justice.

Now here comes a blackened frontal undercover agent, and even took the position of the leader of the society. In fact, it's quite touching when you think about it...

However, China is not South Korea after all, and the scale of acceptance is not so large.

An undercover agent who killed a high-ranking member of the police force and became the boss of a club, without a reasonable explanation, failed to pass the review.

For this reason, Cao Xuan made some modifications to the original script, and at the same time borrowed part of the settings from "Black XX: Peace is the Most Valuable" and "Cold War", and finally got the filming permission with the help of the above-mentioned liberalization of the co-production policy. .

But even if the shooting permit is obtained, considering that the crew will still be filming in Xiangjiang, many places have to be taken care of,

Especially for the Xiangjiang Police Force and related associations, it’s okay for people from Xiangjiang to take pictures by themselves, but it’s hard to say that he, a mainlander, took pictures.

That's why Cao Xuan needed to use the contacts of Boss Yang and Brother Cheng Long to smooth over some unnecessary troubles and at the same time gain some corresponding support.

For this reason, "New World" gave 30% of the share to Yinghuang, Cheng Long's company and Galaxy Image.

The reason why there is a Galaxy image is because Cao Xuan intends to ask Du Qifeng to direct "New World".

After all, for this type of movie, Lao Du's ability can firmly rank Top 2 in Xiangjiang.

If Du Qifeng does not take over, directors Liu Weiqiang, Mai Zhaohui, and Zhuang Wenqiang should be fine. If it is impossible, let Chen Musheng or Chen Jiashang do it.

The script of "New World" is solid, and if you find a Xiangjiang director who is of a decent standard and understands crime and gangster films, you can shoot good results.

It's just that Cao Xuan pursued perfection, so he chose Lao Du first, and then other directors.

Boss Yang also understood what was going on, so he helped Cao Xuan introduce a police boss that night, and passed by the police.

It didn't take long for the "New World" crew to choose a second actor, Chen Huimin, who was once as famous as Bruce Lee, to play the role of the second master who pretends to be a pig and eats a tiger against the male lead.

In his early years, he was a double-flower red stick. He had a very wide network of contacts in the association and a high seniority.

Cao Xuan didn't want to get involved too much with those clubs, but he couldn't ignore his scruples. It was one of the best ways to find this old fritter to help mediate.

After simply going through both black and white, to lay a solid foundation, Cao Xuan temporarily put "New World" aside.

After filming "New Police Story", he will make a new album in Chinese, and "New World" will start filming at least until the second half of the year, so take your time, don't rush for a while.

.........

Cheng Long and Boss Yang attached great importance to Cao Xuan, especially the latter, who almost never refused Cao Xuan's request and showed great hospitality.

This is also very understandable. Boss Yang's Yinghuang has always thought about the development of the mainland, so naturally he wholeheartedly wants to make friends with Cao Xuan, a big boss in the mainland.

Aside from that, Fanxing Cinemas currently owns and is building more than 30 theaters, and the number of screens is close to 150, which is almost equivalent to 1/15 of the total number of screens in the mainland.

Right now in the Mainland, Fanxing Theaters ranks fourth, second only to Magic City United, Beijing New Film Federation and China Film Xingmei.

The above three companies all have official background or capital. In other words, Fanxing Cinemas is the largest private theater company in the mainland.

If Yinghuang wants to come to the mainland to take a share, it doesn't have to depend on Cao Xuan's face, but if they can make friends, Boss Yang will definitely be happy to establish a good relationship with Cao Xuan.

.........

On February 2004, 2, "New Police Story" held a launch conference in Xiangjiang
When Cheng Long and Cao Xuan appeared at the scene together, the scene was full of cheers, and the media from Taiwan, Taiwan, Taiwan and even Asia frantically pressed their shutters.

Now the two biggest Chinese superstars join forces, in terms of leading roles, it is far better than last year's "Infernal Affairs 3".

After all, "Infernal Affairs 3", whether it is the two kings or the four movie kings, has the most influence in the Chinese world, and rarely goes out of the circle.

Regardless of whether it is Cheng Long or Cao Xuan, they are truly world superstars with extensive influence on a global scale, and are recognized as the trump cards of the Chinese entertainment industry.

Now it is the first time to cooperate and join forces. No matter what the plot of "New Police Story" is, this gimmick alone is enough to drive the media and the people who eat melons into a frenzy.

Chef Xie, Teacher Chen, Azu and the two members of the cute policewoman and the only female character of the villain team, Twins, respectively.

Usually, they are considered top-notch in Xiangjiang, and they are pestered by the media wherever they go, even to the point of being bored.

But today they finally realized what it means to be "in the cold". All the reporters and media pointed their microphones and cameras at Cao Xuan and Cheng Long, and no one paid any attention to them.

The sheep boss next to him burst into laughter when he saw this scene.

With the combination of the two superstars, the exposure rate of "New Police Story" will definitely not be lacking.

Even if the movie loses money in the end, Yinghuang will completely establish its name in the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan film and television circles. The future related cooperation will be much smoother, and the company's valuation will also take off.

With the "Infernal Affairs" series, Media Asia has gained a lot of limelight in the Hong Kong circle. Boss Yang has long been upset, and this time he has to rely on "New Police Story" to overwhelm him.

However, Cheng Long and Cao Xuan had no time to care about their thoughts, and the reporters' questions frantically rushed to them.

"Brother Cheng Long is my idol. I grew up watching Big Brother's "Police Story" series when I was young (laughs)."

"Yes, this collaboration with Big Brother on "New Police Story" is, in a sense, my personal dream come true."

"The cooperation process is very simple. My brother asked me to come, so I will come."

"I've always said that, I don't care if the villain is upright, but I have to read the script and consider other factors. If the timing is right + a good role, I will take it."

"Cooperate with Teacher Li Lianjie? Who knows what will happen in the future, it depends on fate."

"In the past two days, it's the first time I've visited Xiangjiang in a down-to-earth manner. It's a good experience. It's a very special city with a blend of bustling and urban atmosphere."

"Concerts? If you have a chance, you must come to the Red Hall to hold a few concerts."

"..."

"As I said before, in the entertainment industry, Cao Xuan is my favorite young man under the age of 30."

"Yes, now this statement will be changed, remove all the prefixes, I am the most optimistic about him in the entertainment industry... No, no, no, Cao Xuan is definitely not Cheng Long's successor, in a few years, he will surpass me. "

"I have the idea of ​​supporting newcomers. That newcomer does not include Cao Xuan (laughs). The environment for Hong Kong movies is not good, so we have to work together. I talked with Liang Sheng before..."

"I'm looking forward to it. I've seen his play and he played very well. I believe there must be sparks between us."

"Letting him (Cheng Liuzi) act is actually selfish. The main purpose is to let him learn from an outstanding peer like Cao Xuan."

"Haha, if Cao Xuan were my cub, I'd be laughing now that he's dead."

"..."

How could it be possible for the two superstars to cooperate without interviewing each other's opinions, and a textbook-style business bragging will naturally usher in.

Although it is said to be bragging, but in fact it is quite sincere, but Cao Xuan is always a bit awkward when he hears Cheng Long's saying "Birds should be like Cao officials".

It's not that he feels that he is being taken advantage of. Cheng Long is one year older than his father Cao Shuangguo. It's okay to say that in terms of age, but it's mainly because he thinks it's too unlucky.

(End of this chapter)