I'm the director, I'm not bad

Chapter 308 306. The Product of Compromise

As the famous "two Zhangs" in the entertainment circle, Zhang Weiping and Zhang Yimou must be the focus of the crowd wherever they go, that's for sure.

Even in his own crew.

Actors big and small in the circle, after seeing the two of them, who can't save face and call Director Zhang, or Mr. Zhang?
But in Xu Xin's view...

Although it can't be said that he has any prejudice against Zhang Weiping, he does not have a good impression of him. This is the truth.

But the bad impression is not because of things like before Gong Li or Yang Mi played Jiang Chan.But based on a most common point...

He feels that the other party...

how to say.

According to Yang Mi’s words:

"This man is not very smart."

indeed.

My sister's point of view may be more extreme.In her opinion, the film and television industry and the entertainment industry should be viewed separately.

Everyone in the film and television industry looks at acting skills.

So when it comes to interpreting and playing roles, everyone just needs to distinguish between good and bad acting skills.

There is no need to consider such things as personality and humanity.

Just serve the character honestly.

But in the entertainment circle, there are two kinds of people.

One is a smart person, and the other is a not-so-bright idiot.

Applying her template, Xu Xin felt that Zhang Weiping might be that idiot.

Looking at his family history, it can be summed up in a simple sentence.

"The pig on the cusp."

In the 80s, he went into business and started his business as an agent of real estate, aviation food and pharmaceuticals.

Back then...in the era when the business environment was strictly speaking barbaric, it didn't matter whether it was a plunder or a drift, in short, he quickly accumulated a fortune...not a lot, but definitely a lot of wealth.

And what happened next was relatively simple.

His wife is a fan of Gong Li.

As for the wife of a famous wealthy businessman, in those days, it was quite normal to spend tens of thousands of dollars to have a meal with a favorite female star.

Female stars also need this kind of income generation.

After his wife and Gong Li got acquainted, they became friends after coming and going.Then, along with it, Gong Li and Zhang Yimou also got to know the couple.

From then on, the friendship between the two began to develop.

Then, after the filming of "Shake Ah Shake, Shake to Grandma Bridge", Zhang Yimou and Gong Li broke up, which also led to the withdrawal of the investors of "Speak Well".

After all, the investors invested in this movie because of Gong Li.

But at that time, the two broke up, and Gong Li stopped acting, and the investor naturally decided not to pay.

When Zhang Yimou was at a loss, Zhang Weiping, relying on the family fortune he had worked hard over the years, invested more than [-] million yuan to make the film "Speak Well".

This is the beginning of the two becoming partners.

Then the next step is simple, set up a company, and combine the two.

Zhang Weiping's trust in Zhang Yimou made him say something at the beginning:
"The new picture exists for Yimou. One day Yimou retires, and there is no need for this company to exist."

Moreover, for Zhang Yimou's filming, he "does not read the script, and does not read the account book".

Obviously, he has given him a lot of trust.

So, starting from "Speak Well", every movie is produced by the two of them together.

But why does Xu Xin say that he is not smart...

The reason is... In the eyes of outsiders, everyone may think that Zhang Weiping founded the film company entirely for Zhang Yimou.The slogan of "don't read the script book" shows that Zhang Yimou has extremely high creative freedom.

This man is so open-minded.

But the actual situation is that all the calculations are also in the invisible place behind the openness.

Because Zhang Weiping is not particularly rich.

But now he has to rely on movies to make money.

According to the general approach, after setting up an investment company, make more investments, invest in movies with potential, minimize the risk of losing money, and work step by step.

But he didn't go this way.

Instead, he relied on Director Zhang for everything he wanted to make money, and the movies he made.

Of course, they also yelled that slogan at the beginning. This company was founded by Zhang Yimou alone. He didn't plan to use others, and he didn't plan to make much money.It's just that buddies do something together, just for fun.

But the problem is... talking about such a character, from "Hero", to "House of Flying Daggers" and "Golden Armor", you are all rushing to commercial films, and what are you doing for hype... During the period Zhang Yimou and Gao Cangjian filmed "Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles" and it is said that you were so angry that Gao Cangjian was wasting Zhang Yimou's time...

This behavior is a bit reckless.

Therefore, in Xu Xin's view, he didn't have much truth in his mouth.

Not to mention other intrigues, if you want to make money, you are ready to take risks.Don't let the wool be squeezed by one person.

Director Zhang's directing skills are more artistic than commercial.

In art films, his achievements are enough to become a giant in the world.

But commercial films...Although they are not bad, they really can't reach the height of art films.

This is not only Xu Xin's cognition, but also Director Zhang's own admission.

He told Xu Xin that he and Li An are the same kind of person.

Both of them are like old scalpers, they have no "talent" and can only make every movie diligently.

As for Zhang Weiping, since "Hero", I don't know if he has tasted the sweetness or what, and he has always wanted Director Zhang to start transforming into commercial films.

If you trust your buddy and don't read the script or the ledger, why do you interfere with his creative thinking?

If you want to make money, get a money-making attitude.Want to make small money and take small risks.If you want to make big money, take big risks.

Nothing more than that.

But he doesn't want to take risks and wants to make money.In the end, I can only count on Director Zhang for everything...

Keep a small fortune and don't want to encounter big storms...

How can there be such a cheap thing in this world?

Therefore, Xu Xin really thought he was stupid.

Poor and stupid.

He didn't have any pennies in his pocket, but he shouted loudly.

Of course, this is just his personal opinion, and he will definitely not tell others.

Facing Zhang Weiping who walked in, he just put down the script and shouted very politely:
"Hello Mr. Zhang, I'm sorry to interrupt you."

"Hahaha~"

Zhang Weiping patted him on the shoulder quite affectionately:

"Just call me brother. Don't be so polite."

Xu Xinxin said who are you taking advantage of?

What about my brother...

But there is still a humble and "respectful" look on his face:

"Don't, don't, it's too disrespectful. Teacher Zhang~"

He changed his name again.

And Zhang Weiping didn't seem to be entangled, and patted Xu Xin on the shoulder before asking Zhang Yimou:
"How's the progress?"

"good."

Zhang Yimou responded and asked:

"Why did you go this afternoon?"

"A few reporters wanted to find news, and they usually had a good relationship, so they accepted a few interviews on the phone. It's not a big deal..."

Zhang Weiping waved his hand:

"I'm not busy now. When I heard that Xiao Xu was coming, I came to take a look...Xiao Xu, why did you come here from such a long distance?"

"Come and see Director Zhang. No, it's summer vacation, come to Director Zhang to study."

Xu Xin said again very modestly.

"Hahaha~"

Zhang Weiping smiled cheerfully:

"Is that so... how about the same table at night? Yimou, how about it?"

"Don't don't."

When he heard that he was going to yell for dinner, Xu Xin quickly shook his head again:

"Mr. Zhang, I'm here to study. How can I delay the filming progress of the crew. I will follow the crew, watch more and learn more. This kind of opportunity is so rare, it is more important than eating... ...You just treat me as a drama director, and I will practice with Director Zhang, and that's enough. Why do you want to arrange for me to eat, but you treat me like an outsider."

He said exactly what he meant.

Do not delay the filming of the crew.

Follow Director Zhang as a pawn.

Not here to socialize, not to socialize and build relationships, but to learn.

As soon as these words came out, Zhang Weiping couldn't say anything.

I can only show regret on my face:

"That's it... I also said that (guests) are here at home, why should I entertain this first meal?"

"I'm not a guest either."

After saying this, Zhang Weiping smiled and nodded:
"Haha, it's fine, then my family will be out of touch... Yimou, is there any filming plan for tonight?"

Zhang Yimou, who has been checking the screen shot on the monitor, nodded:

"Yes, I guess it will be busy for a while."

"Ah."

Zhang Weiping nodded and didn't leave, just sitting aside and chatting with Xu Xin.

There was no way, Xu Xin had to continue chatting with him.

"Xiao Xu, the box office of "The Wind" should exceed 2.5 million today, right?"

"No, it will be around 2.3. It is estimated that it will reach [-] million when it is released... Once Transformers opens, the box office is estimated to be compressed for a few days. But there should be a rebound~ After all, summer vacation is here, and many people are rushing. Transformers came. "The Wind" should also be able to pick up the box office."

Xu Xin took the cigarette he handed over with both hands, and lit it for him sensiblely.

"How much is your total investment in this play?"

"About 500 million. Counting the later publicity, it's about [-] million."

"Solely owned by Xiying Film Studio?"

"No, they paid two thousand and seven, and I paid one thousand and eight."

This thing is not a secret, you will know after a little inquiring.

So Xu Xin didn't hide it.

"If it's [-] million..."

Zhang Weiping made up his mind and nodded:

"A net profit of more than [-] million is fine. The later DVDs are also a sum of money."

"Ah."

"What about the next movie, do you have any plans?"

"I haven't considered it yet. After all, the child is expected to be born at the end of October and the beginning of November...Maybe there will be no movement in the past two years. Family-oriented."

He spoke the truth.

And Zhang Weiping seemed to have just remembered that the young man in front of him was married and his wife was pregnant.

So while changing the subject, came a sentence:
"We will have the opportunity to cooperate more in the future."

"Eh, sure."

Xu Xin readily agreed.

……

Zhang Weiping stayed on the set until he had finished his evening box lunch before leaving.

However, Xu Xin's focus has changed from watching Director Zhang filming to observing Zhang Mo's work.

no way……

He really couldn't stand the acting skills of these actors.

Except for Ni Dahong who can accept it, including Sun Honglei, he can't accept it.

To be honest, he always felt that Sun Honglei's acting skills were expressionless.

It's not that he doesn't have acting skills.

It's just...his acting needs some role-specific contrasts.

He is very suitable for such a deep role, such as this Zhang San.There's no need for an expression, it's enough for him to cool down his face.

So, this afternoon, I can only say that he played the role in his true colors, but if you want to say something shocking...no.

All emotions are well hidden.

But it is precisely because it is hidden so well that it cannot be seen at all...

It's pretty outrageous.

And he doesn't want to comment on others...

Watching them bluffing, it feels like watching Errenzhuan performance.

It's exaggerated, and... awkward.

Therefore, his focus was naturally on Zhang Mo.

In fairness, Zhang Mo's work level is average.

Not to mention Li Haiping, A Wei in the filming of "Secret" can't be compared.

What is one of the most important jobs of an assistant director?
One step ahead.

When the director is shooting this one, you have to find out in your mind how to shoot the next scene from your own workbook, and after you get the sub-shots, assign the layout tasks in your mind in advance.

For this scene, the director has said that the actors should prepare, and you, as the assistant director, should directly instruct the staff or photographers to take their positions in advance.

In order to ensure that the progress of the shooting will not be delayed.

Or to be more professional, weather factors, light factors and so on must be taken into consideration.Strive to build a rough framework as quickly as possible, and then hand it over to the director for fine-tuning.

In this respect... Zhang Mo did a pretty poor job.

She was by Zhang Yimou's side most of the time, like an assistant.

And these jobs are usually done by Liu Guodong.

Xu Xin didn't know if the father and daughter would communicate in private after the filming ended.

But...he felt that some things would be better asked in person.

For example, "Why did you shoot this one like this" or "I have some thoughts about that scene just now" and so on.

Since you are not a professional assistant director and you come here with a learning attitude, just like a teacher giving a lecture, ask questions that you don't understand in a timely manner.

nor……

So... Xu Xin felt that Zhang Mo was a bit out of place.

But he said nothing.

Instead, when the filming of a scene between Ni Dahong and Sun Honglei was over at night, and the film crew called it a day and was about to go to downtown ZY, they directly handed over the car keys to Zhang Jiao.

Then got into Zhang Yimou's car.

Xu Xin had never seen the driver, nor did he know him.

So after getting in the car, he didn't talk about anything else about the movie.

Instead, they chatted about their plans after "The Wind":

"After "The Wind" is released and Yang Mi's variety show starts, I plan to see if I can get into graduate school next year."

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou, who was leaning on the chair, nodded:

"Well, then what?"

"I don't have any other special arrangements. I stay at home with the children, start making up lessons, read books, and go to the doctorate after I am admitted to graduate school. But I have a script of my own. Does the hotel have a printer? I'll show it to you later. The script... I'm rushing to win the prize..."

"Don't have that mentality."

The moment Zhang Yimou heard this, he waved his hand:
"The works that actively cater to the works, even if they win the award, will appear very utilitarian. Do your own thing well, and face it with a calm mind if you don't win the award. If you don't want to be strong."

Perhaps it was because he was satisfied with Xu Xin's answer, or because he saw that the child had firmly fulfilled the agreement with himself, and chose to settle down after "The Wind".

Rarely, Zhang Yimou, who was in a good mood, made a joke:

"I have a lot of trophies at home, if you really want them, just take a few."

"..."

Xu Xin was speechless.

Xin said that your old man is really generous.

However, after the joke was over, Zhang Yimou suddenly said:
"What do you think of Zhang Mo's work? I see you have been staring at her from afternoon to night."

Zhang Mo, who was sitting in the back row, raised his head subconsciously.

"Great."

Xu Xin answered without any hesitation:
"Sister Mo and you have a good understanding, don't you?"

In the end, he turned around and told Zhang Mo.

But after finishing speaking, came another sentence:
"Sister Mo, what are you going to do in a while?"

"..."

Zhang Mo thought for a while and said:

"Take a break and write some summaries."

"Is that so..."

Xu Xin nodded:
"Not to mention, Hollywood still pays more attention to personal ability."

After speaking, he smiled and nodded to Zhang Mo:

"Our habit here is that the assistant director usually needs to communicate with the director about the next day's work. Pay attention to teamwork..."

What he said was pure bullshit.

It can also be said that Zhang Mo was excused.

Because... summarizing is not what an assistant director should do.

You are an assistant director, and everyone else has rested, so you must be the last one to rest.Don't communicate with the director in advance about the shooting plan, and then communicate with various departments in advance...you write a summary?

What about tomorrow?

All Live Live Save?
Do you want to replace it?
Do you want to communicate with the photographer about the lens?
Is it possible for the photographer to come to the director tomorrow to ask how to assume the position of the camera, what equipment is needed, whether the shot to be shot tomorrow is a crane arm, or a close-up shot...

These are the jobs of the assistant director.

You do nothing but write your personal summary?

But if these words are directly slapped on the face, everyone will lose face.

So Xu Xin found a clumsy, but strong enough step for Zhang Mo to walk down.

It also reminds her: do your job.

As expected, Zhang Mo was stunned for a moment...

After thinking about it, he asked Zhang Yimou:
"Dad, then I'll... go find Brother Liu?"

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yimou waved his hand:
"No, if you want to do it, you can try to write a work plan for what you think you should do tomorrow. Show it to me after you finish writing."

"okay."

Zhang Mo responded:
"At that time, I will write it and bring it to you."

"Ah."

Speechless all the way.

……

When she arrived at the hotel, Zhang Jiao went to open a room.

But Zhang Yimou pointed to the door and said:

"There is a small beef rice shop over there, which is a special delicacy here. You get two bowls, and then come to my room to find me."

"okay."

Xu Xin nodded:
"Are you eating anything else?"

"Don't eat."

"Well. How about you, Miss Mo?"

"I don't eat anymore, I have to keep fit..."

"Haha, what's the matter, in case you're hungry."

Xu Xin responded and walked directly outside the hotel.

At first, Xu Xin thought it was some kind of rice or stewed beef.But it's not, it's a...a bowl of soup that looks like Hu spicy soup, and it contains...very small noodles that are diced like saozi.

Like rice, but with gnocchi.

Xu Xin came in an instant.

This side...it doesn't look bad.

He ordered four big bowls, and planned to give Zhang Jiao some food later.

Then I packed two cold dishes.

Go back with the bag.

Walked to the hotel lobby and handed one of them to Zhang Jiao:
"Here, supper."

"I don't want it! No, no, no! I really don't want to eat it!...Ah? It smells so good! What is this?...Oh, no, no, no..."

"..."

Seeing her upright character, Xu Xin rolled his eyes:
"I can tell you that this bowl of pimple soup is the essence of a cultural drink of thousands of years in the northwest frontier. What you eat is not noodles, and what you grow is not meat..."

"……what is that?"

"It is the history and heritage of this thousand-year-old town."

"..."

Well, for the history and heritage of Zhangye.

Gotta taste it.

……

In front of the sofa and coffee table in the suite.

Two bowls of beef rice, two cold dishes.

No beer.

Holding the spoon, Xu Xin scooped up the gnocchi one by one, and nodded:

"Is this thing suitable for breakfast? It's so comfortable to have a hot bowl in the morning."

Zhang Yimou nodded, compared to Xu Xin's turmoil, he ate in a leisurely manner.

While eating, he asked:
"How many days are you planning to stay here?"

"I don't know. Director Zhang Wu has found a host, and Yang Mi plans to take a look. If it works, I'll go back in early July. If it doesn't work, I may have to leave tomorrow or the day after tomorrow."

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou nodded slightly:

"Well, just get busy when you have to. In fact, there is no need to make a special trip here... I originally planned to ask Momo to follow you in your crew when you open a new play."

"Come on."

Xu Xin directly agreed:
"no problem."

After Zhang Yimou took another spoonful of rice, he said at this time:

"After reading the script of "Three Guns", what do you think?"

"..."

It's fine that he didn't mention it.

When I mentioned it...Xu Xin didn't know how to answer.

Because his heart was a little blocked.

And fell into deep self-doubt.

After thinking about it, he said:
"I did not understand."

"Blood Labyrinth by the Coen Brothers, have you seen it?"

"No."

"You can look back, it's a remake."

"...?"

Xu Xin really reacted for a while before he understood what Director Zhang meant:
"Blood Labyrinth, a remake of "Three Shots"?...a foreign film?"

"Yes. It's just that "Blood Maze" is a very serious horror movie. It's not too much to say that it's dull, and it's more bloody."

"...so you added some humor?"

After finishing speaking, he added another sentence:
"In the style of absurd comedy?"

"Well. But I didn't decide."

Zhang Yimou waved his hand:

"My original intention is to remake this story, the one that remains intact."

"...?"

Hearing this, Xu Xin was even more puzzled.

Although he has never seen the blood maze, he does not know whether this story is wonderful or not.

But if you want to be able to be watched by Director Zhang, this movie is definitely not easy.

But the problem is...

"Why did you think of a remake? I really like this story?"

If so it makes sense.

After all...it's a pure remake, although the director of the remake can also add his own understanding...but overall, in terms of artistry, the director can do very little.

Because the director's thinking cannot escape the frame structure of the story.

Even if you add or delete, you are nothing more than a tinkerer.

It's just a hammer to the east and a hammer to the west to make up for it.

Director Zhang going to remake a movie for someone else?

There's really no other explanation for it than to love the story so much.

But the problem is...

This script... really sucks!

Of course, it is also possible that our old Xu's art "fat making" is not good enough, and he can't understand the core of things filled with this pile of fat.

but……

Xu Xin really couldn't believe that this kind of situation...that he lost his ability to judge whether a script was good or bad, happened to him...and even Director Zhang.

Just weird.

Hearing this, Zhang Yimou didn't answer directly, but pointed to the bedroom instead:
"There is a folder with a black cover on the table, take it here."

"okay."

Xu Xin responded, got up and went into Zhang Yimou's bedroom.

After finding the only black folder among the piles of documents on the table, he opened it and took a look at it while taking it out.

A line of words came into view:

""Thirteen Girls in Jinling""

He was stunned.

I heard Zhang Yimou say:
"This is the story I originally planned to shoot. But... the script is not yet mature, and I plan to polish it again."

"Then what is "Three Guns"?"

Xu Xin couldn't help asking.

Faced with this question, Zhang Yimou just shrugged:

"It's just a product of compromise."

"..."

compromise?

To whom?

Xu Xin became more and more puzzled.

Can Director Zhang compromise?

What a big face...

(End of this chapter)