Acting school started in 1998

Chapter 349 Mr. Han’s encouragement
Diao Yinan said that the script he is currently writing is inspired by a report he saw in a newspaper not long ago, which is real news.

It is said that a farmer wore a fake police uniform and pretended to be a policeman to stop a car and fine him, but he met a real policeman and was taken down.Because this kind of case is uncommon, reporters reported it.

He planned to design the character pretending to be a policeman to be a little tailor in the courtyard of a factory family. He was introverted and cowardly and was often bullied.Moreover, the factory's performance was not good, and his father fell ill and was hospitalized. He also had to bear his father's high medical expenses.

In just a few words, a little person living at the bottom of the city is vividly sketched.

Then by chance, he got a police uniform and met a girl who sold pirated discs in a video store.

One more thing, everyone in the film and television industry these days hates piracy, so they will pull it out to show off to the public. Unfortunately, it is of no use. It is just to vent their emotions.

And this girl, who appears to be working as a clerk in a video store, is actually secretly engaged in the business of delinquent women.Yes, and associate piracy with women who have fallen behind.It cannot be said that it is something for nothing, but at least in the domestic context, it is illegal and dishonorable for women to fall into disgrace.In contrast, selling pirated discs in a video store has become a decent job, which is quite ironic.

Maybe the little tailor wanted to look cool in front of the girl at first, because the police uniform represents power, and wearing the police uniform means being superior to others.

Then he began to evolve. With this police uniform, he could squeeze money from drivers, drive away dissatisfied customers, reprimand customers who asked his girlfriend to sit at the table, beat up factory janitors, etc. It was completely different from his previous useless life. A huge contrast.

Li Tang felt a familiar feeling when he heard this, and couldn't help but said: "Are you planning to write a comedy script?"

"comedy?"

Diao Yinan was stunned for a moment, his expression seemed a little moved, but he immediately shook his head and said: "It's not a comedy, I just want to tell this story, just like..."

He hesitated for a moment and said a little embarrassedly: "Just like "Xiao Wu"."

Li Tang understood. No wonder he would star in Yu Liwei's movie. He was an admirer of Chief Jia.Not to mention, as Chief Jia’s reputation has risen in recent years, many people regard him as an idol, especially those from the grassroots. After all, watching Chief Jia’s movies, many of them are things that everyone has personally experienced. , a bit like a dream coming into reality.

Diao Yinan is from Shaanxi and was born in a factory. His age, life experience, and environment in which he grew up probably have something in common with Chief Jia.

The reason why Li Tang felt familiar was that the story told by Diao Yinan was very similar to a movie called "Fake Phoenix" directed by Wang Zuolin, the old director of the Shanghai People's Art Center, the predecessor of the drama center, before liberation.

This movie tells the story of a company owner in Shanghai who failed in his speculation before liberation, so he induced a handsome barber in the barber shop to pretend to be a wealthy gentleman and propose to the "overseas Chinese millionaire's daughter" who advertised for marriage in the newspaper. Obtain huge sums of money from the "overseas Chinese tycoon's daughter" to save the company.

It turned out that this so-called "daughter of an overseas Chinese millionaire" was actually a young widow. Because she was greedy for a happy life, she faked her identity and advertised for marriage, trying to attract a husband with both wealth and appearance.

A young tailor pretends to be a policeman, a barber pretends to be a wealthy gentleman, a delinquent woman pretends to be a video store clerk, and a young widow pretends to be the "daughter of an overseas Chinese millionaire."The characters are basically the same in terms of characterization, and the characters later tried their best to conceal their true identities during their interactions, but in the end their identities were exposed.

Of course, it cannot be said that the script Diao Yinan is writing is borrowing from or paying homage to "Fake Phoenix", because judging from his reaction, he may not even know that such a comedy movie existed before liberation.

As for Li Tang, he graduated from theater and worked at the Drama Center. Senior Dean Wang Zuolin was to the Drama Center what Lin Weimin’s teacher Wan Jiabao was to the Beijing People’s Arts. He was a foundational figure.In addition to the Magnolia Award, the Shanghai drama circle also has the Zuolin Art Award.So he naturally knew the old dean's works very well.

Li Tang glanced at Zhang Baibai and Liu Fendou who were still chatting with Zeng Jiare, and asked softly: "Then who are you going to cooperate with this time?"

"Uh... the script has just been written!"

Facing Li Tang's embarrassed gaze, Diao Yinan swallowed his saliva, and then said with a shy look: "This time I want to try it myself."

Li Tang understood, this is right!With Zhang Baizhuyu in front, it’s impossible for the rest of them not to be tempted. Every ambitious screenwriter must have a director’s dream.

This Diao Yinan is good at everything else, but a bit boring!Especially wearing a pair of glasses, to use a Shanghai dialect to describe it as "bright but not coquettish, the sky is burning"!
But then the sultry Diao Yinan unexpectedly showed his sincerity and said: "Teacher Li, if there is an opportunity in the future, please give me your support."

There are two types of proud people. One is proud on the surface and often has his nostrils turned upward; the other is low-key but very aloof in his heart.

Diao Yinan belonged to the latter group. Li Tang knew that it was not easy for him to say such pleading words, so he immediately said seriously: "I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate in the future."

The company has been established, so we can't continue to dominate the world by ourselves.In fact, the most important thing for a film and television company is not the actors, but the directors and screenwriters.

For example, the Huayi Brothers, who are currently in the limelight, can dominate the world with just one Feng Xiaogang.The same is true for Zhang Weiping's new pictures, director Zhang Yimou is their signature.

Li Tang naturally also wants to win over a group of people, and Zhang Baibai, Liu Fendou, and Diao Yinan are all good candidates, and after working together on "Metro to Spring," everyone has a preliminary understanding of each other.The only flaw is that these guys, including Cheng Er, who they worked with before, are too pursuing the so-called art, and they are all a bunch of artistic young people.

If a film company wants to achieve real and substantial development, commercial films are the way to go.It's just that the only real commercial film director in China at present is Feng Xiaogang, but he is only limited to the field of comedy films.

In fact, director Xiao Teng has the potential to direct commercial films. This can be seen from his TV series and one popular hit. Unfortunately, this guy has been very popular with Huayi Brothers recently, including the currently popular "Not You" "No" was invested by Huayi Brothers.

When the company was established, Li Tang did not hold any grand opening ceremony, inviting people from all walks of life to come and support.Just invite a few friends to the company to sit down and have a meal and that's it.

It is always right to be low-key in everything, especially in the capital where there are many powerful people. A small film company is simply not enough to look at, so there is no need to be too high-profile.

In the next two days, he visited various contacts, such as Director Qi Xin from the General Administration, and Mr. Han, who had always maintained a good relationship, etc.

He also met an acquaintance at Mr. Han's place. Actually, he was not an acquaintance. He had met him once in Cannes in May and had a pretty good conversation with him.

"Hello, Mr. Yu!"

"Mr. Li, long time no see!"

"Hey, Mr. Yu, you're welcome, just call me Li Tang." Li Tang said quickly.

I was not familiar with him when I was in Cannes before. I only knew that he was the person in charge of domestic distribution for two films, "Legend of Heaven" starring Michelle Yeoh and "With You" directed by Chen Da.

But after I made some inquiries after returning to China, I found out that Yu Dong was originally the distribution section chief of Beijing Film Studio. During the restructuring in 99, he came out and set up a distribution company of his own."My Brothers and Sisters", which sold extremely well last year and ranked among the top three domestic films at the box office of the year, was released by his company.

"Since you two know each other, you don't need me to introduce you. Xiao Li, sit down."

Mr. Han has now removed his subtitles and officially serves as the general manager of China Film Group Corporation, and his authority is growing day by day.However, he has always had a very good impression of Li Tang. From the time he met him three years ago when he was filming "A Very Summer", the young man would come to visit him every year and festival, and he was very polite.Even though what I brought over were all worthless local products, the etiquette was light but the affection was heavy.The most important thing is that the other party has never asked for anything, which makes Mr. Han a little embarrassed.

"Thank you, Mr. Han." Li Tang sat down on the sofa politely, as if he was listening to his teachings.

He deliberately showed goodwill to Mr. Han, but his idea was actually very simple.It's because of the other party's power and influence in the circle.Today's China Film Group is definitely a giant.You must know that those at the top of the biological chain in Hollywood are undoubtedly the so-called old white men from the Big Six. It is no exaggeration to say that these old white men control the fate of almost all the glamorous Hollywood stars.

The same is true in China. For the entertainment industry, Mr. Han is the man at the top of the biological chain. How could he give up such a good opportunity?

There was no purpose in the beginning, it was just an instinctive reaction to protect oneself.Originally taught by Lao Li through words and deeds, he knew from an early age that leaders must be given sufficient respect, their words must be sweet, and their attitude must be sincere. You may not necessarily ask him for anything, but you must not offend him. This is Little people's survival.

Now that you have opened a company, it is even more important to maintain this relationship.

"Xiao Li, congratulations, I heard that your film has been shortlisted for the Venice Film Festival this time!" Mr. Han said with a smile.

"Just being shortlisted for the screening section doesn't count." Li Tang said modestly.

At this time, Yu Dong brought a cup of tea. He quickly stood up and took it with both hands: "Mr. Yu, thank you!"

"It's okay, it's okay. This is what I do here with Mr. Han."

Yu Dong had a smile on his face. He was considered Director Han's capable subordinate back then. The smooth development of the company's distribution business in the past two years was inseparable from General Manager Han's care.

Mr. Han watched the interaction between the two with a smile. When Yu Dong sat down, he continued the topic and said with some emotion: "You don't have to be too modest. It's not easy to be shortlisted."

If nothing else, let’s just say that Century Hero Film Investment Company, a joint venture established by China Film and International Trust and Investment Company last year, brought Director Chen under its umbrella and made its first movie "With You". It also relied on Director Chen’s past It is the winner of the Palme d'Or that has been shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival.

Li Tang didn't know the inside story and told the truth: "This shortlisting is mainly due to the help of MK2 Company. The overseas copyright of "Metro to Spring" has been handed over to them for distribution."

French MK2 is very well-known in Asia. In the past, they mainly cooperated with Japanese movies.Later, through Kitano Takeshi's matchmaking, Director Jia's "Platform" was released, which achieved great success, and only then began to pay attention to Chinese independent films.Including last year's "The Third Man" sold very well in Europe, and I made a lot of money.These are no secrets to Mr. Han and Yu Dong.

But as soon as he finished speaking, he heard Yu Dong eagerly say: "What about domestic distribution?"

"The schedule has not been determined yet," Li Tang said.

"Subway to Spring" was originally completed in order to participate in the Venice Film Festival, and its domestic release has not yet been put on the schedule.In other words, they now value foreign markets more than the domestic market where piracy is rampant.

"Can you hand it over to our company for distribution?" Yu Dong then asked very directly.

"Uh……"

Li Tang obviously didn't expect that the other party would be so straightforward. He subconsciously glanced at Mr. Han, only to see the old man sitting there smiling and saying nothing.

He hesitated for a moment and then said: "Mr. Yu, there are other collaborators on this film. I don't have time to reply to you now. But personally, I still hope to cooperate with your company."

Yu Dong was still a bit fussy, and his expression didn't change much after hearing the first half of the sentence. He always kept a smile on his face. After listening to it, he seemed to be relieved and said with an even bigger smile: "Teacher Li, I don't dare to do anything else." Brag, if you entrust "Metro to Spring" to our company for distribution, you and your partners will definitely not be disappointed."

The reason why Yu Dong is so positive is entirely because of the domestic box office performance of his previous film "The Third Man".Although it only has more than 900 million and less than 1000 million, it is already a very remarkable thing for a domestic literary film.

For example, the movie "Legend of Tianmai" that is currently being released with a large number of big names, he has spent a lot of effort, and the current domestic box office has barely exceeded 2000 million.Unfortunately, as high-definition pirated discs and high-definition resources on the Internet continue to come out, it is obviously impossible to break through the 3000 million target.

Li Tang glanced at Mr. Han pretending to be hesitant, then nodded and said, "I will definitely convey your words to other collaborators."

"Subway to Spring" bears the label of Qingying Film Studio, but Qingying Film Studio does not have the ability to distribute it nationwide.Originally, Li Tang planned to hand over the film's distribution to Shanghai Film Studio, after all, there had been good cooperation before.

In fact, to be honest, the domestic box office market is like this. As long as it has the ability to distribute nationwide, it will be the same no matter who distributes it.But since Yu Dong took the initiative today, Li Tang just took the opportunity to sell a favor to Mr. Han.

Although the words are not fully expressed, the meaning is already there.

As expected, Mr. Han showed a satisfied smile, and then said with concern: "I heard that your studio has moved to 798, and you even got a place for the boss."

Li Tang was surprised that Mr. Han even paid attention to such a trivial matter, but at the same time, he also reflected from the side that there are still people in the circle who pay more attention to him.

"I just moved here not long ago. I rented the place at the end of last year because it was cheap and the place was big." Li Tang said a little embarrassed.

Yu Dong interjected with some confusion at this time: "Didn't you say that the 798 area is going to be demolished?"

Although he was confident in his heart, Li Tang still looked worried on the surface and said quickly: "Is it true?"

"I also heard that..."

Before Yu Dong finished speaking, Mr. Han waved his hand and said: "798 is a military industry and will not be demolished. In fact, the place Xiao Li rented is quite good. It is now very popular abroad to transform abandoned industrial plants into office buildings. Everyone says To be in line with international standards, I think the 798 area will see great development sooner or later."

What does it mean to stand high and see far? This is called far-sightedness.Although Mr. Han's position has information advantages, his own vision is still admirable.

"Hey, Mr. Han, I'll lend you some good advice."

Li Tang looked "silly and sweet", and then said in a reporting tone: "It's just that the studio has been upgraded. We have just established a company, Shengtang Film and Television Co., Ltd."

"Shengtang Film and Television? Well, the name is impressive enough, and it can compete with Century Heroes, which we established last year! This is great. Now that we have established our own business, the structure should be enlarged."

Mr. Han nodded frequently, looked at Yu Dong again, and said with a smile: "When Xiaoyu planned to go it alone, I encouraged him in the same way."

Oops, this sentence is unusual, it is clearly comparing myself to Yu Dong.

Li Tang looked flattered and said: "Mr. Han, I'm just making a small fuss now, and I'm still far from being as good as Mr. Yu!"

(End of this chapter)