The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 503: Should I be the boss of the jury?

Time has come to September, and another comedy movie "The Journey" invested by Lee Sung-yew was released.

In Lee Sheng-yew's previous life, this movie only received 3000 million at the box office, although it had an excellent reputation.

At this time, Bald Xu had not yet established a firm foothold in the film industry. He was not very good at promoting and arranging films, so his performance was naturally not outstanding.

But now, with Fenghua as its escort and promotions and film schedules following suit, the box office of "Awkward" is rising steadily, and there is absolutely no problem in breaking the [-] million mark in the end.

Apart from "Unfortunately", the biggest news in the mainland entertainment industry in September is that several blockbusters are fighting against each other, each with their own unique promotion strategies.

In the upcoming Guoqing Festival, the four major blockbusters include "Detective Dee: The Great Empire", "The Great Deeds of the Key Party", "Sword Rain", and "Fist of Heroes: Chen Zhen".

There is no need to say more about "Key Party's Great Work". There are a large number of celebrities in it. The fans do not need to be reminded by the producer, and the fans spontaneously promote it.

And "Detective Dee: The Heavenly Empire", "Sword Rain", and "Fist of Heroes: Chen Zhen" focused their promotions on the Venice Film Festival.

"Fall of Swords" and "Fist of Heroes: Chen Zhen" are both one of the opening films of this film festival. I don't know if it is a 300-person auditorium or a 100-person auditorium.

Anyway, the promotion of the two movies was very popular in Venice and became the most popular movie at the opening ceremony. One said that Donnie Yen is a kung fu superstar and allowed Europeans to appreciate Chinese kung fu. The other said that "Sword Rain" is the most emotional martial arts movie and attracted European and American audiences. Return to the pinnacle of Hong Kong movies.

"Detective Dee: The Empire of Heaven" is not the opening film, but Mr. Xu is still capable, and this film was shortlisted for the best film selection.

Of course, it would be a fool's errand to win awards for such a period film.

In addition to these three films, which are extremely commercial in nature and are purely for publicity, there is also a real entry film among Chinese-language films, "Jiabi Gou" directed by Wang Bing.

This film is Wang Bing's first feature film, and his personal characteristics are very obvious. It is somewhat like Chief Jia's first film. It has characteristics, but the camera images are a bit stiff and the editing is not natural.

However, this kind of movie is full of sincerity and has a strong personal style, and it has won the recognition of many judges.

This film was also shortlisted for the Best Film selection and was officially called a "surprise film" by the Venice Film Festival.

There are reports that the film is likely to win awards.

It's a pity that "Jia Bian Gou" lacked luck in the end and did not win the award.

This year's Venice jury's official seal was Quentin Tarantino. The jury headed by Quentin gave the best film to Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere."

Sofia Coppola is the daughter of "The Godfather" director Francis Coppola. Although she is not good at acting, she is still very good as a director.

However, "Somewhere" is not particularly outstanding overall. It is at best an excellent movie, even slightly inferior to Coppola's own "Lost in the East". Many film critics and audiences think this The movie wasn't good enough to win Best Picture.

And Coppola is Quentin's rumored girlfriend, so he is inevitably criticized by others.

When the award presenter called out Coppola's name, many people in the room booed.

The three major European companies are indeed great, but to say that they have no business and are just pure film festivals is to deceive themselves.

Quentin was applauded in Venice, but this matter was not popular in China.

Domestically, the four Guoqing films are currently heavily promoted, and competition among them is fierce. In addition, "1937" has gained a lot of popularity.

First, the Chinese-language film failed in Venice, and second, many talented people were sent to the "1937" crew to rehearse, and they praised the film constantly.

"1937" has gained a high reputation even before it was officially filmed.

Many movie fans are looking forward to "1937" being able to shine in Cannes next year, so many people like to read news about the "1937" crew.

In August, there were a lot less paparazzi outside the "1937" set. By September, these paparazzi were basically back.

Lee Sheung Yew welcomes paparazzi and hopes that more people will promote "1937".

Anyway, there hasn’t been any behind-the-scenes dealings recently, so Director Li is not afraid of people following him.

……

One evening in mid-September, when the crew of "1937" got off work, Lee Sheng-yew was about to go back to the hotel. He received a call, and then asked the assistant director and crew to leave by bus, while he got into a car.

Soon after, Li Shengyao arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel in Ningbo. When he got off the car, Li Shengyao also put on a cap and a mask.

At the entrance of Shangri-La Hotel, a man in his 50s with half gray hair and glasses was waiting there. When he saw Li Shengyao, he immediately greeted him, "Director Li, welcome."

This man's name is Wang Weizhong, a godfather-level figure in the entertainment industry. He has produced many popular TV series and variety shows.

At the same time, he also has many connections in the mainland, including Huayi, Xiangnan TV, and Zhejiang TV.

"Boss Wang is too polite."

Wang Weizhong walked in front, leading Li Shengyao into the hotel and then to the private room.

"Director Li, please come in."

The door to the box opened, and a nice, spring-like fragrance wafted out from inside.

A tall woman wearing a cheongsam stood inside with a smile.

She put her hands on her waist like a stewardess, looking very polite.

The woman has an oval face, almond eyes, her eyes narrow when she smiles, her nose is straight, her lips are red and slightly protruding.

When she wasn't talking, she had a cool temperament.

When she spoke, she was naive and gave people the impression of a stupid beauty.

There is a saying that describes a beautiful woman who is both naive and resentful, and she is the one she is talking about.

This woman's name is Tianxin, she is 35 years old, has never given birth to a child, and is officially mature.

A large round table stood behind Tianxin, and a table full of delicious dishes was already placed on it.

The wind blows in from the window, carrying the fragrance of vegetables and Tianxin's perfume.

"Hello Director Li, I am Tianxin, nice to meet you."

Tianxin spoke first, cooing, which sounded very nice.

In his previous life, Lee Sheng-yew watched some Tian Xin TV series when he was a child. It was really hard for him to resist this beauty.

He had met Chai Zhiping before. Except for Lin Chiling's time, Chai Zhiping always introduced young girls.

This time Wang Weizhong came with Tianxin.

Lao Wang knows men’s preferences very well.

Most people like young girls, but Tianxin is an exception.

Li Shengyao responded and then sat down.

Tianxin did not sit next to Li Shengyao, but opposite him.

Wang Weizhong then sat down, poured tea for Li Shengyao, and then raised the tea cup, "Director Li, if you don't want to drink, we will drink tea instead of wine and have a drink."

"I wish you more and more success and become a world-class top director."

After drinking a cup of tea, the three of them chatted and ate.

Mainly Wang Weizhong said that Tian Xin was in favor, and two people praised Li Shengyao.

Wang Weizhong was born in a military dependents' village. His Mandarin is very standard, almost indistinguishable from mainlanders, and much better than people from Guangdong and Guangxi.

Although Tian Xin has a crooked accent, she is beautiful and cute and is not annoying.

Li Shengyao felt very comfortable listening.

Of course he didn't lose his mind.

Recently, the outside world has been praising "1937" a lot, and they are also praising him constantly, with many kind words.

He often told himself to be cautious and modest.

After eating, Wang Weizhong pulled Li Shengyao and sat down on the sofa next to him.

This time Li Shengyao and Wang Weizhong sat opposite each other, and Tian Xin sat next to him.

Tianxin is dressed in a cheongsam, which perfectly fits her body shape and there is nothing inappropriate about it.

Li Shengyao couldn't help but secretly glance a few times.

In terms of stature, among his women, only Li Xiaoran can match Tianxin.

However, Li Xiaoran is a bit colder and doesn't have Tian Xin's naive and charming attitude. It can only be said that each has his own merits.

"Director Li, we came to see you this time because we have something to discuss with you."

"You said." "Later November this year is the day when the Golden Horse Awards will be held. We would like to invite you to Wanwan to be the jury seal of the Golden Horse Film Festival."

Li Shengyao was slightly startled when he heard this, "Would you like me?"

For example, in Hollywood's Oscars and the Hong Kong Island Golden Elephant Awards, senior journalists in the industry vote together to judge who is the best.

The mainland's Golden Rooster, Wandering Golden Horse, and the three major European competitions all have professional judging panels.

Therefore, there is lobbying at the Oscars. Whoever wins the award depends on who is more popular among entertainment reporters.

People like Golden Rooster and Golden Horse are less likely to be influenced by external public opinion and are relatively more professional.

Jury members are either directors, actors or producers.

There will also be a jury seal.

The crooked Golden Horse Awards are open to Chinese-language films from all over the world. As long as they are produced by Chinese people, they can participate. At this time, the Golden Horse Awards are the most authoritative film awards in the Chinese-language film and television industry.

The jury seals of the Golden Horse Awards are usually those famous directors, such as Yang Dechang, Hou Xiaoxian, Ang Lee, and lastly Zhang Sijia.

Generally speaking, they are all capable directors or actors in the industry who can take action.

Li Shengyao didn't expect that they would come to him this time.

"Yes, Director Li, your achievements are obvious to all, and you are fully qualified to be the official seal of the Golden Horse Awards jury."

Li Shengyao smiled and said, "Mr. Wang is too polite."

Wang Weizhong shook his head. He looked out the window, and then lowered his voice and said, "Director Li, I really want to ask you for help this time. Our crooked film and television industry will never forget your favor."

How much is a favor worth?
Li Shengyao nodded but did not answer.

Wang Weizhong continued: "'Sicario' is a good movie. You can definitely go to Jinma to sign up. Such a movie will definitely win an award."

Wang Weizhong did not say what the award was, but it was most likely a minor award, namely Best Photography and Best Editing.

Li Shengyao picked up the tea cup and took a sip with a smile.

Lao Wang paused for a moment and said, "The "1937" you are currently producing, you can tell from the first glance that you have an idea. A movie like this is a treasure in the Chinese film and television industry. I am optimistic that this movie will be the best movie next year."

This chip is not bad.

In case "1937" fails to win anything at Cannes in May, it can save some face by winning the best picture at the Golden Marathon.

However, Li Shengyao still didn't answer. He listened quietly.

Lao Wang took a deep breath and cursed in his heart, these mainland directors are really demanding.

"Director Li, we can guarantee that "1937" can be introduced next year to ensure that it will be released in mainland China at the same time."

"I know that "1937" is an anti-war film. If it can be released in Wanwan, this film will have an extraordinary public opinion effect."

Wanwan is very resistant to mainland movies and TV dramas, and these grandchildren think they are all stupid.

Given the special nature of "1937", if it can be released in Wanwan, it can indeed create a lot of hype.

Li Shengyao was a little moved. He changed his position and moved closer to Tianxin, "What should I do?"

"You just have to keep the judges doing their jobs."

Wang Weizhong said it very naturally, and there was nothing unusual about it.

Li Shengyao thought for a while, but he still felt something was wrong.

The great directors with Wan Wan's votes can serve as the jury's seal, so why not use them?

There are several great directors on Hong Kong Island, so why not look for directors from Hong Kong Island?

Also, even if Wanwan wanted to find a big mainland director, the first choice would be a small steel cannon.

Huayi has a good relationship with Wanwan.

Li Lianhua won the Golden Horse Best Actress, and Feng Xiaogang later won the Golden Horse Best Actor.

What does it mean to look for him crookedly?
Is it to flatter someone?

Is it the director or the actor?
Li Shengyao thought for a while and then asked: "Mr. Wang, are this year's Best Actor nominations confirmed?"

"I don't know that."

Wang Weizhong's expression changed slightly.

"Oh, let me think about the movies this year."

Li Shengyao frowned and thought for a while, and finally he remembered that the 2010 Golden Horse Award for Best Actor was Ruan Jingtian. At that time, public opinion was in an uproar, and Golden Horse's credibility dropped several notches.

In 2010, Lu Liping won the Best Actress Award for Jinma. The audience did not think anything was wrong about the Best Actress Award. Only Feng Xiaogang criticized Jinma for being unprofessional and said that his wife Xu Fan was more worthy of the Best Actress Award.

Xiaogangpao was obviously helping Jinma divert his attention.

In addition, the seal of the 2010 Jinma jury was an unknown associate professor with no achievements in the industry. He only wrote a few papers. This person is obviously a scapegoat.

He figured it out and glanced at Wang Weizhong with a chuckle.

Wanwan's group of great directors are all people with unique personalities. They will definitely not recognize Ruan Jingtian as the best actor.

Big directors from Hong Kong and Mainland China also want to save face.

The Wanwan film and television industry probably saw him as young and thought he didn't know the ropes, so they wanted to guide him to become a Golden Horse Award winner.

Wang Weizhong felt Li Shengyao's gaze and had a bad feeling in his heart.

"Director Li, there will definitely be no problem with the Golden Horse Award-winning movies, and they won't involve sensitive topics."

Li Shengyao nodded, "Mr. Wang, it's a pleasure to have dinner with you, but I don't have time. The Jury Seal of the Golden Horse Awards is not available to me."

Wang Weizhong hesitated for a moment. He felt that Li Shengyao had guessed something, but he was still unwilling to give in. "Director Li, none of your movies have been released in Wanwan. If you give Jinma the jury seal, Wanwan can host it." A personal film festival for you, there will be a movie theater dedicated to showing your movies, it will last for at least six months, and all the profits will go to you."

Li Shengyao looked at Wang Weizhong strangely, and then whispered: "Are you so optimistic about Ruan Jingtian?"

Wang Weizhong was shocked when he heard this. He never expected that Li Shengyao knew about this.

"The director of Wanwan Hong Kong Island doesn't want to be the jury's official seal. A guy who likes to show off like Xiaogangpao doesn't want to be the jury's official seal. Everyone knows that this is embarrassing. Why do you think I am Are you willing to do this job?"

Li Shengyao stood up and said, "I can reveal this news now. What do you think netizens will think?"

Wang Weizhong stood up hurriedly, waved his hand and said: "Director Li, we didn't mean that. We just asked you to exchange cross-strait movies. We definitely have no bad intentions. We will do everything I just said."

"Director Li, please help, don't spread this matter. We will definitely compensate you."

Wang Weizhong looked at Director Li eagerly.

Li Shengyao paused for a moment and glanced at Tianxin, "Okay, remember what you said. I'm in a good mood today. Just pretend that this incident didn't happen. Let's stop here. I'll leave first."

Wang Weizhong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Tianxin, please send Director Li off."

Soon after, Li Shengyao and Tianxin got into the car together.

Tianxin whispered: "Director, I'm sorry for making you angry."

"Don't be angry, I'm not worried."

Li Shengyao chuckled secretly.

It's none of Ruan Jingtian's business to get awards, let alone Ruan Jingtian. Wanwan can give awards to Zhao Youting or Peng Yuyan if he wants.

Anyway, Jinma sucks, it would be better for mainland audiences to get to know Wanwanren’s style earlier.

Ruan Jingtian is like this, no matter how much he is praised, it is impossible to get up.

Wanwan and Huayi are willing to do whatever they want.

However, the conditions mentioned by Wang Weizhong are still somewhat beneficial to Li Shengyao.

Look, Wang Weizhong really did it.

Director Li just pretended that nothing happened today.

If Wang Weizhong can't do it, then Fenghua Video will no longer purchase variety shows from Wang Weizhong's company, and Fenghua Cinemas will not publicly screen Ruan Jingtian's movies.

He also wanted to send a message to Xiangnan Satellite TV and Zhejiang Satellite TV to ban the artists under Wang Weizhong.

(End of this chapter)