The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 325 The first director of the new generation
At 2005 am on August 8, 19, at the New Jin Jiang Hotel in Shanghai.

In the conference hall on the [-]th floor, the first three rows of seats were full of people.

On the rostrum opposite the crowd, there was a banner with a large character written on it - Film Directors Seminar from Cross-Strait, Three Regions.

Lao Mouzi, Feng Xiaogang, Chen Kaige, He Ping, Li Shengyao and many other mainland directors came here.

There are also many directors on Hong Kong Island, such as Tsui Hark, Er Dongsheng, Tang Jili, and Wang Jing.

As for Wanwan, there are quite a few, including Niu Chengze, Zhang Aijia, Wei Desheng, and Zhu Yanping.

These are relatively well-known directors, and there are many lesser-known directors. There are more than 100 people in the entire conference hall.

Li Shengyao was sitting among mainland directors, beside him were Feng Xiaogang and Chen Kaige.

"Let's Punch, Dad" earned [-] million box office, becoming the second highest-grossing movie after "Hero".

Coupled with Li Shengyao's special status, he naturally wanted to come.

The night before yesterday, Li Shengyao asked his assistant to write a manuscript about the development of mainland movies. He checked it and corrected a few typos. He should read it later.

At this time, the meeting has not officially started.

Brother Kaizi closed his eyes, folded his hands on his chest, and acted as if no strangers should get close to him.

"The Promise" was scolded, and there was a video mocking him, which made Kaizi very angry, and he filed a lawsuit and took him to court.

But such an approach did not calm the matter, on the contrary, it attracted more ridicule and abuse.

Everyone thinks that Brother Kaizi can't afford to play, and many people say that he is exhausted, and now he is living on his laurels.

Brother Kaizi should not be in the mood to communicate with other people these days.

Feng Xiaogang drooped his eyes, as if he was not awake.

There was a faint fragrance on him, it should be a lady's perfume.

I don't know where Xiao Gangpao went to be cool last night, he wasted a lot of energy, and he is in a state of no state at this time.

Li Shengyao was in a good mood these few days. He arrived in Shanghai by plane from Yanjing yesterday, and had an in-depth exchange with Dong Xuan in the evening. Even though it was late, he was still very energetic.

Dong Xuan said that he was much handsomer.

He was originally a handsome guy with 89 points, but now he has risen to [-] points.

In fact, he was very eager to talk, but all the nearby mainland directors seemed to have something on their minds, and no one communicated.

The directors on Hong Kong Island lowered their heads and looked at some documents, but no one spoke.

The directors on the other side looked at each other, some chatted in low voices, and some got up and walked around.

Just as Li Shengyao was bored and observing secretly, two people walked over.

"Director Li, do you have time for a chat?"

A person is a little bald, his face is full of oil, his eyes are not straight, and he has a smile on his face, but there is a feeling of not smiling.

This person's name is Zhu Yanping, and he can be regarded as a relatively good director of commercial films.

The other man was much shorter, wearing a pair of glasses, a pair of small eyes, and his face was tense, casting shadows from time to time. Standing beside Zhu Yanping, Zhu Yanping looked more upright.

This person is Niu Chengze.

Li Shengyao is a Jay Chou fan, so he naturally knows Zhu Yanping, the director of the blockbuster movie "Assassination".

I also know Niu Chengze, this is Wanwan Garten Eagle.

The conference hall is very large, except for the few rows in front where people are sitting, all the seats in the back are empty.

Thinking about Zhu Yanping's resume, Li Shengyao nodded with a smile, then got up and strode back.

Zhu Yanping and Niu Chengze followed behind him.

The heights of the three people decreased in descending order. Li Shengyao was like a son of a noble family, and the two people behind him were his followers.

Many people noticed the situation here and secretly laughed in their hearts.

After walking more than ten meters, Li Shengyao chose a side seat and sat down.

Zhu Yanping and Niu Chengze stopped opposite Li Shengyao.

"Director Li, congratulations on your achievement. You are now an international director."

Zhu Yanping gave a thumbs up while talking, smiling all over his face.

Niu Chengze followed beside him, nodding repeatedly.

That's what Wanwan likes. He likes to use the word "international" in any profession.

For example, Shu Qi is an international star, and Zhu Yanping is an international director.

Li Shengyao knew about this a long time ago, and he knew in his heart that they were used to saying this, and they didn't really approve of this sentence.

"You're welcome."

"Director Li, I liked watching your previous TV dramas very much, such as "Reply 1988" and "Signal".

Ever since the premiere of "Love Hotel", Lee Sheng Yew has often heard all kinds of compliments, and he has long been immune to such words.

After the release of "Let's Punch, Dad" recently, there have been more praises, not to mention Zhu Yanping, Xiao Gangpao and Lao Mouzi praised him, but he has no response.

Now Zhu Yanping's speech skills are no different from those before.

Li Shengyao listened quietly and let him brag.

Seeing Li Shengyao's calm attitude, Zhu Yanping glanced at Niu Chengze next to him, and his face was a little hot.

Although he wasn't really a great director, he was considered an old man. Now that Li Shengyao was sitting, he stood up and said good things, but Li Shengyao didn't give him face.

If Niu Chengze wasn't there, that would be fine.

He just boasted to Niu Chengze about his influence, saying that he was popular in the mainland, but he was slapped in the face so quickly.

He really wanted to make a big fan in the past.

Li Shengyao sat there, leaning back on the chair, smiling, he had broad shoulders, and he was very attractive in a suit.

At this time, it is like a big boss.

Zhu Yanping observed secretly, and at the same time thought of his own purpose, and then put away the little dissatisfaction in his heart.

"Director Li, I have two main things I want to discuss with you this time."

"You said."

Zhu Yanping glanced at Niu Chengze next to him, and felt a little regretful in his heart. He knew that he would not bring Niu Chengze here.

This scene is not suitable for the presence of a third person.

His demeanor as an international director is gone.

But face is of course important, but the meal is more important.

"Director Li, it's like this. The production of "Life and Death" has been completed, and it will be released in the mainland soon. At that time, Director Li will need to take care of it."

When Zhu Yanping was young, he still had a bit of aura, and the comedies he made were quite funny, and he also made some unconventional niche films, which showed that he had some ideas.

But later, when he got older, he became famous and became an international director in the media.

This ability has dropped a lot.

At the beginning of the year, he had a comedy film - "Two Birds with One Stone". Although many stars were hired, it was messy and ugly, with a box office of 800 million. It must have lost money.

This "Life and Death Showdown" has two male protagonists, and the two male protagonists are Lin Zhiying and Xu Shaoyang.

There is no doubt that these two people have no box office appeal, and this movie will not have a box office of 800 million.

How can such a movie be taken care of?
Noticing Zhu Yanping's flattering eyes, Li Shengyao said with a smile: "There should be a trial screening of this movie before it is released. I believe the managers will make a reasonable arrangement."

Movies like Lao Mouzi, Feng Xiaogang, and Lee Shing Yew naturally don’t need theater managers to judge them, and they can basically have more than 40.00% of the films scheduled for release.

Ordinary movies have little fame, word-of-mouth, or special features, and there will usually be a trial screening before the release.

The audience of the trial screenings were not ordinary people, but managers or senior management of major theaters.

It's up to them to judge how much the film is scheduled for.

Naturally, the films that can make money are ranked higher, and the films that cannot make money are ranked less.

It can't be said that it is 100% accurate, but basically it is close to ten.

Hearing this, Zhu Yanping knew that Li Shengyao was unwilling to help, and felt a little angry. He just said so many good things anyway.

Still he held back.

There is no way, if you want to have a meal, you can't offend this master.

He was still smiling all over his face, and his posture was very low.

"Director Li, please help me out. If we can secure 20.00% of the film schedule, "Life and Death" can be handed over to Fenghua for distribution."

Fenghua has set up its own distribution department, but so far, it has only released "Let's Punch, Daddy".

It is indeed a good thing to have business coming to your door.

Hearing this, Li Shengyao was a little moved, he pointed at the armrest, "I'll think about it."

Seeing this, Zhu Yanping breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he couldn't help being proud, and turned his head to wink at Niu Chengze.

He has done his homework and knows that Fenghua Distribution has just been established and has no business yet, and they need someone to help them strengthen their momentum.

Li Shengyao noticed Zhu Yanping's small movements, and secretly smiled in his heart.

"Seven Swords" will be released soon, and there are some other movies, where is the space to give 20.00% of the film to a movie that has nothing to watch.

Even if Fenghua is really successful, it will take a lot of effort.

"Life and Death" may not have a box office of 500 million, and it may not be possible to get a distribution fee of 60.

This is a thankless job.

"Director Zhu, I can't do this. Feng Hua is a newcomer in the film industry and doesn't have that much energy. Why don't you ask someone from China Film Group."

China Film Group is the biggest investor in "Two Birds with One Stone". Now Han Sanping is annoyed when she sees Zhu Yanping.

Zhu Yanping didn't expect Li Shengyao to refuse, he didn't understand at all.

"Life and Death" has two international superstars Jimmy Lin and Shaoyang Xu.

Why do mainland audiences abandon Wanwan stars?
"Director Li, think again."

"No, I think clearly."

"Director Li, the distribution fee can be increased to 12.00%, is it possible?"

Domestic issuance is cheaper, generally 12.00% to [-]%.

This ratio is the highest.

Zhu Yanping ignored Niu Chengze's reaction and stared at Li Shengyao with wide eyes.

In fact, he had already approached relevant people from China Film Group, but they didn't trust him at all.

Then he looked for other theaters, most of them didn't like "Life and Death", and a few theater executives smiled and rubbed their index fingers and thumbs.

Zhu Yanping naturally quit. He is an international director, so how could he send money out.

The total box office is low, even if 15.00% is mentioned, it is not worthwhile.

It will make outsiders feel that you are blackmailing others.

If it is a movie like "Kung Fu" and "A World Without Thieves", the distribution company will rush to release [-]% of the distribution fee.

Li Shengyao is not an idiot, so naturally he would not agree, "Director Zhu, I can't agree with you, you should find another place."

Hearing this, Zhu Yanping felt a little embarrassed and annoyed. He felt that these mainlanders deliberately made things difficult for him, and they were unwilling to let Wanwan's good movie be released.

Just as he was about to leave, he noticed Niu Chengze next to him, and immediately remembered that he had one more thing to do.

Niu Chengze has already started directing TV dramas and movies in Bend.

However, after all, the market for Wanwan is small, and commercial films are stagnant, so it is difficult to find investment.

Niu Chengze wanted to find investment, so he could only look outside.

Zhu Yanping washed his feet with Niu Chengze several times, and Niu Chengze paid for it. In order to repay the kindness of washing his feet, he wanted to bring Niu Chengze to the mainland to try his luck.

Zhu Yanping remembers that he was very popular with investors in the Mainland.

Unexpectedly, "Two Birds with One Stone" would not work, he was immediately abandoned by China Film.

He didn't know the coal boss, so after wandering for a month, he couldn't find any investment.

Having just seen Li Shengyao, Zhu Yanping suddenly thought that Li Shengyao is not only a big director, but also a big boss, so he wanted to mention something.

Although the possibility is very small, what if it happens?
Zhu Yanping is still very righteous, and he can't forget Wanwan's foot-washing girl.

"Director Li, this is Niu Chengze, you can call him Ozawa."

I can't call him Ozawa, he should be called Xiaoying, Xiaogartenying.

Li Shengyao nodded, "What's the matter?"

"Director Li, Ozawa is our up-and-coming director. He is very thoughtful and talented. He has a project that many people in Wanwan are optimistic about. But I think you have a better vision and may be more interested."

Being favored by people in Wanwan, why do you need to come to the mainland to find supercilious eyes.

Isn't it that no one invests?
Li Shengyao looked at Zhu Yanping speechlessly.

He remembered that Niu Chengze and Huayi had a very hot affair later, and his heart moved, "Fenghua has just entered the film industry, and there are still many things that he is not very familiar with. We don't plan to invest in films from other film and television companies in a short time. I think you can go Hua Yi asked."

Zhu Yanping was taken aback for a moment, he had actually approached Hua Yi, but Hua Yi ignored him.

He felt that Li Shengyao's words were refusals, and felt a little ashamed and angry. He nodded with a wooden face, then turned and left.

Niu Chengze's expression was also not very good, he nodded towards Li Shengyao, and hurriedly followed Zhu Yanping.

Li Shengyao smiled, didn't care at all, and strode back.

They're just two noobs, he doesn't need to pay attention to them.

It was almost [-]:[-] at this time, and the people from Radio and Television hadn't come yet.

Some of the directors closed their eyes and rested their minds, some chatted, and some went out to smoke.

Brother Chen Kai still puts his hands on his chest, looking cool.

Xiao Gangpao dozed off, fishing with his head up and down.

Li Shengyao sat down, and at this moment, there was a bang, and the sound came from Director Wan Wan.

A tall, thin man in his fifties with some white hair stood up, and he cursed unceremoniously, "Cao Ni Mabi."

The man then strode out.

After watching "Kuling Street Juvenile Murder Incident", you must be familiar with these four words. These four words appear more than a dozen times in this movie.

The person who regards these four words as a mantra is the famous Yang Dechang.

Now he strode out.

It is said that Yang Dechang's temper is worse than Zhou Xingxing's, and everyone on the set scolded him.

Ten years after Yang Dechong passed away, Wanwan made a documentary about him. The actors, assistant director, lighting engineer, stylist, and screenwriter in the documentary all said that Director Yang was extremely talented, but at the same time he had a very bad temper. .

This roar directly stunned the others, and they all looked at Director Yang in surprise.

But no one dared to persuade them.

Yang Dechang walked more than ten steps, but turned around again, and unexpectedly came to Li Shengyao.

Under the gloating gazes of many people, Director Yang raised his head.

"Director Li, let's talk."

Li Shengyao didn't expect Yang Dechang to know him, so he couldn't say he was flattered, but he was still very happy in his heart.

"Okay."

He likes "Killing Street Juvenile Murder" very much, "A Day at the Beach" very much, and "Yi Yi" very much.

Among the four major directors, he likes Yang Dechang the most.

After a while, the two sat down in the back row.

This time it was not like Li Shengyao and Zhu Yanping just now, one standing and the other sitting, facing each other.

Both are seated, side by side.

"Director Li, "Let's Punch, Daddy" was well shot."

Without waiting for Li Shengyao to answer, Yang Dechang quickly said: "But it's too vulgar, and there are too few things to think about."

"Well, that's true."

"Let's Punch, Dad" is a commercial film, it only tells a story, directly tells the audience the theme, and does not give the audience more thinking.

This is not something that cannot be discussed.

Li Shengyao has always been very open about this.

Yang Dechang nodded with a chuckle, and a glint of approval flashed in his eyes under the thick lenses.

"My first film is far less mature than your film. I heard that this is your debut film. You are very talented."

Li Shengyao knew his "talent" was there, he smiled and listened.

"You are such an excellent young director, you should make some more interesting films."

What Yang Dechang meant was to make more realistic films, or thoughtful literary films.

He doesn't really watch commercial movies.

Regarding this point, Li Shengyao naturally disagreed.

But do you want to refute it directly? With Yang Dechang's character, would he scold people on the spot?
Li Shengyao thought about it, and felt that Yang Dezhang was so frank, there was no need for him to hold back.

"Director Yang, I think your statement is a bit biased."

Yang Dechang nodded and looked over.

Li Shengyao followed up and said: "We make movies to convey the ideas we approve of. Whether it's a literary film or a commercial film, it's all a vehicle."

"There are many excellent directors like you in Chinese films, and there are enough classic literary films. There are fewer excellent commercial films. I make commercial films, which are more meaningful."

Yang Dechang curled his lips and pointed at the directors in Hong Kong Island, "Aren't there many commercial film directors there?"

"Neither of them can do it, otherwise they won't even be able to defend the base camp on Hong Kong Island."

Yang Dechang laughed when he heard the words, "You're pretty crazy."

"Let's be honest, all but a few will be wiped out pretty quickly."

"That's right, these directors from Hong Kong Island are all unqualified people."

"Well, none of them are very good. Chinese commercial films need new elements."

Yang Dechong understood Li Shengyao's choice, felt disappointed, got up and planned to leave.

Li Shengyao nodded with a smile. Although he admired Yang Dechang, it didn't mean he wanted to support him.

He mainly focuses on commercial films now, and it is impossible for him to make literary films just because Yang De advocates a few words.

Yang Dechang stood up, and just as he stepped out, he took it back.

"Director Li, I heard that you are still the big boss, do you want to invest?"

"Um?"

"I have an apprentice named Wei Desheng who has some talent."

Wei Desheng, Li Shengyao knew that this person had a problem with his position, and this person missed his father very much.

Li Shengyao shook his head with a smile, "I have no plans to invest in other films at the moment, mainly because we have just entered the film industry and are not very familiar with it yet."

Yang Dechang nodded, then strode away.

Soon after, the seminar officially started.

A few representatives from each of the three places on the two sides of the strait went up to speak, which was undoubtedly nonsense, just to give the reporters some news materials.

At about twelve o'clock, the seminar ended.

The big guys left in a hurry.

A reporter found Yang Dechang and asked him his opinion on mainland directors.

"I admire director Lee Sung Yew very much. I think he is the most talented director among the younger generation. If ten or twenty years later, who is most likely to win the Cannes, Venice, or Berlin Film Festival awards, I think it will be him. "

"But it's a pity that he only wants to make commercial films now. I hope he can wake up in time."

As soon as the speech came out, the reporters' eyes lit up and they all wrote down a sentence.

"Lee Sheng Yew - the number one director of the new generation."

(End of this chapter)