1990: Starting from Baojia Street

Chapter 290: Arrogant at first and respectful at the end, "The Sixth Sense" is confirmed to be released

After coming out of the studio, Yuan Heping asked Zhang Xinyan, "Are you going to audition for Chen Hong?"

Zhang Xinyan nodded and said, "Of course, if there is nothing special, I will let Chen Hong play the heroine."

In fact, when Zhou Yan said Chen Hong's name, Zhang Xinyan had already decided that as long as there were no major problems with Chen Hong's performance, he would use Chen Hong.

The core of the TV series "The Master of Tai Chi" lies in the male protagonist played by Wu Jing.

If Zhou Yan had proposed a candidate for the male lead today, Zhang Xinyan would probably not agree, but as for the female lead, Zhang Xinyan is not obsessed with any one person.

Besides, Chen Hong is not a messy actor, she has actually played Diao Chan. Her current reputation is higher than those of the female characters they chose before.

Seeing that Yuan Heping was still not in a good mood, Zhang Xinyan said with a smile, "Chen Hong is pretty and her acting skills are not bad. She is now very famous in the mainland because of her roles in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and Panasonic's commercials. She is even famous in Neon She has some fame, so if she plays the heroine, it will be a good thing for our TV series. "

Yuan Heping sighed, "I know, I just didn't expect that Zhou Yan would interfere in these matters."

"He didn't interfere. Didn't he give suggestions? He didn't say we must use Chen Hong."

Zhang Xinyan said with a smile, "Don't think too much. Maybe they don't think so. And even if they do, so what? We only want the result. As for the rest, we don't have to worry about it."

On the one hand, Zhou Yan is different from the past. Several movies have made him one of the first-line directors. On the other hand, he had a close relationship with Han Sanping, and people in the factory had to give Han Sanping some face.

Zhou Yan looked at Senior Lu up and down, then smiled and said, "The condition is not bad, I haven't been beaten down by difficulties."

In comparison, Zhou Yan, an investor, is already very rare. Other investors have all kinds of strange requirements.

"That's good."

Yuan Heping is not a young man, he knows that what Zhang Xinyan said is right.

Wang Xiaoshuai was introduced to Zhou Yan by Senior Lu, but now that Wang Xiaoshuai's movie has been filmed early and won an award, he is now considered to be a rising star.

He quickly adjusted his attitude and said, "It seems that you are very optimistic about their new TV series."

Zhou Yan nodded, pulled up a bench next to him and sat down, "Let me tell you some good news. Basically there will be no problem this time. Once confirmed, the movie "Grown Up" will be released early next year."

If the movie loses money, Huo Siqi will definitely be a little disappointed, but it won't be a heartache. After all, this little money is nothing to Qizhi.

After chatting for a few words, you will feel that he is like a young teacher who doesn't talk much, and sometimes he feels like a scholar.

It's not Yuan Heping's fault. Whether it's Huo Siqi or Zhou Yan, they are different from ordinary bosses.

……

With more contact, these previous impressions will be broken. Among the people Yuan Heping and others have met before, there is no one with a similar style to Zhou Yan.

"Director Zhou, you are here."

"Although he didn't say it explicitly, what he said later seemed to be telling us that if we didn't use Chen Hong, there would be no investment."

In retrospect, Zhou Yan never said that "The Kung Fu Kid" would make money in the first place, and at that time Zhou Yan also said that he would invest less. It was because he wanted to win over Zhang Xinyan and Yuan Heping that he invested more money.

Senior Lu was the first to cooperate with Zhou Yan, but the development in the past two years was not smooth.

Huo Jianqi only cooperated with Zhou Yan last year, and this year he received investment to shoot "Winner", and the filming of the movie is about to be completed.

"I'm afraid this movie won't do very well at the box office, so you have to be mentally prepared."

Hearing Zhou Yan's words, Huo Siqi was surprised and said, "Do you think you're not optimistic about the box office of "The Kung Fu Kid"?"

Huo Siqi on the other end of the phone nodded and didn't ask any questions. He knew that Zhou Yan didn't say this last night, and it must be because Zhang Xinyan and the others were present.

Zhang Xinyan agreed, "Don't worry about this. If she doesn't cooperate, I will go to Zhou Yan personally to raise the matter."

It's just that Yuan Heping didn't regard Zhou Yan as an investment boss before, so his mentality didn't change.

However, "Growing Up" filmed by Mr. Lu has never passed the review due to various problems, and it has not been released until now.

"I haven't seen you for a while."

"If you say that, I understand."

Senior Lu smiled and shook his head, "Hey, it's not a big deal. I can bear it well."

After Zhang Xinyan and the others left, Zhou Yan called Huo Siqi and told him that he could safely invest in the TV series "The Master of Tai Chi". Even if "The Kung Fu Kid" didn't make any money, Qizhi could invest extra money.

As soon as he entered the director's office, everyone greeted him one after another.

"Okay." Yuan Heping nodded, and then added, "I agreed, if Chen Hong is unwilling to learn, no matter what happens in the future, I will replace her."

"Our company is short of money now, but Qizhi has money. We can't resist risks, but Qizhi can resist risks and let them contribute more money. We work behind the scenes, which can support the people in our company without taking risks. It’s too risky. If the TV series makes money, even if we make less money, it will still be profitable.”

After talking to Huo Siqi on the phone, Zhou Yan went to Yanjing Film Studio to look for seniors.

"Director Zhou is here."

"Really?" Senior Lu sat up straight, his eyes gleaming behind his lenses.

……

"Well, I'm very optimistic about it. I think this is also a good opportunity for Qizhi. We should take advantage of this opportunity to enter the TV drama market."

Zhang Xinyan patted Yuan Heping on the shoulder again, "Give Chen Hong an audition early, confirm her, and then send her to learn swordsmanship. We can be stricter about this matter, and Zhou Yan will definitely not say anything."

When they see Zhou Yan for the first time, they will feel that he is like a film and television star. His appearance is among the best among actors.

Zhou Yan now has very deep connections in Yanjing Factory, and he is even better at speaking than second-generation factory workers like Tian Zhuangzhuang and Chen Kaige.

Zhou Yan greeted and responded one by one, and then walked to Senior Lu's workstation.

Seeing Senior Lu's reaction, Zhou Yan laughed secretly. This guy wasn't as indifferent as he said just now.

In fact, Zhou Yan can understand it. After all, this is the first film independently directed by Mr. Lu, which is of great significance to him.

Such a long time has passed since the preparation of this movie, and there is still no hope of being released. Anyone's mentality will collapse.

Especially when all the friends around you are doing well, your mentality becomes more likely to be unbalanced.

"No problem. Tomson will do some promotion for this movie in a while. I need your cooperation. You should be prepared in advance."

"no problem."

"How is your health lately?" Zhou Yan asked.

"It's okay. I pay attention to it, and there's basically no problem."

"Well, your health comes first. Only when you are well can you think about other things. What are your plans after this movie is released?"

"I actually have plans. I also have another script, but "Grown Ups" hasn't been released yet, so it's a bit early to think too much about it."

Zhou Yan nodded, "Then let's wait until "Grown Up" is released before we talk about this."

Senior Lu sighed slightly, "Actually, I'm not in a hurry now, because I know that I may face this situation again in the next movie."

"Grown Up" went through several versions in order to be released.

In fact, without Zhou Yan's help, the release might have been delayed even longer. On the one hand, Zhou Yan provided ideas during the revision, and on the other hand, he also helped with the operation.

In fact, many film festivals have invited Senior Lu to take "Grown Up" to the exhibition, but Senior Lu has never agreed.

Every failure makes one wiser. Tian Zhuangzhuang’s example is right in front of him, and Senior Lu doesn’t want to take the risk.

Moreover, Senior Lu still wants the movie to be released publicly. If he goes to the film festival on his own initiative, he will most likely lose the chance to be released.

Zhou Yan could tell that Senior Lu felt regretful. After all, after several revisions, the movie was already very different from what Senior Lu originally wanted to make.

Zhou Yan has nothing to say about this. Strict review is a double-edged sword. Although it will limit the directors' creation, it will indeed prevent some problems.

If some movies are released without review, there will be big problems.

"Wang Feng will also be with you for this movie's promotion, and there will be an exclusive interview on Yanjing TV Station." Zhou Yan said.

Senior Lu nodded, "I will cooperate when the time comes. The music for this movie is thanks to Wang Feng."

"It's just mutual success. I think he's a good match and I'm very happy."

Zhou Yan looked around the office again and asked, "Have you seen Lao Huo recently?"

"Young Master, it seems that the filming of his new movie is quite busy. I just saw him here last month with Ning Jing from your company."

Ning Jing had signed Zhou's contract earlier, and this time Huo Jing started filming "Winner", and she was the heroine of the movie.

Zhou Yan nodded, "Okay, that's it. I'll go find Factory Director Han."

"Ah."

After leaving the director's office, Zhou Yan went to the factory director's office and chatted with Han Sanping for a while.

When it was time for lunch, Zhou Yan didn't go back and stayed in the factory for lunch.

The aunt in the cafeteria was quite happy to see Zhou Yan.

"Xiao Zhou, I haven't come to eat for a long time. There happens to be braised pork today. Sister, I'll give you some more lean meat."

After that, she gave Zhou Yan an extra spoonful, most of which was lean meat.

It's not that lean meat is more popular, but she knows that Zhou Yan prefers lean meat. In fact, Zhou Yan still prefers to eat fat and thin foods, but he usually works out, so he eats less fat when he can.

Han Sanping next to him said with a smile, "Sister Liu, you are too partial. I don't even get this kind of treatment."

"Haha, Xiao Zhou is young and growing." "He's still growing. He's much bigger than me." Han Sanping said with a smile.

"Isn't that all fed? Xiao Zhou lost weight when he first came here."

Zhou Yan said with a smile, "I have to thank Sister Liu for feeding me."

When Zhou Yan first came here, he was really thin, and because he was good-looking and could talk, the aunt in the cafeteria liked him very much. Although he was not famous at that time, she would give him more treats when making meals.

Now that Zhou Yan is famous, not to mention, he has privileges every time he comes.

After the two of them finished eating, and on the way to find a seat with their lunch boxes, Han Sanping joked, "You, a non-staff member, are more capable than me, the factory director."

"Just because we are non-staff, we have the privilege to break the rules."

"What you said makes sense." Han Sanping smiled and extended the topic to movies, "It's like making movies. People say that things are easy to do within the system, but in fact, if you want to carry out reforms, you still need those outside the system. Someone will do it.”

At this time, the two of them found a seat and sat down. Zhou Yan wiped his chopsticks and replied, "There are advantages within the system, and there are also flexibility outside the system. Learning from each other's strengths and complementing each other's weaknesses, win-win cooperation may be the answer to some of the current problems." ”

"Now the waves in the industry are gradually rising, and the road ahead is foggy. We need wave-breakers like you, Third Brother, to point the way."

Han Sanping laughed, shook his head and said, "We brothers, let's stop saying these polite words. As for me, I can only do service at the back. The ones who really break the waves are people like you who can see through the fog. "Spring in the Cowherd Class" "has been a huge success in the Mainland, which is a good start. I am now thinking about making one or two more movies next year, which will be released at about the same time to support the schedule near the end of the year. I have been thinking about it for a long time. , this matter still depends on you. Now in China, when it comes to box office appeal, you are the first, no one dares to be the second.”

Zhou Yan knew that Han Sanping was mentioning a new movie again, but he really didn't have any ideas for a new movie right now, so he didn't bother with it.

He lowered his head and took a bite of the braised pork, then gave a thumbs up, "The quality of the braised pork in our factory has not dropped at all over the years."

Han Sanping smiled and said, "If you like to eat, eat more. If nothing else, it's okay for you to eat meat in the factory. As long as I'm in the factory for a day and I have a bite of meat, I'll give you priority."

"Third brother, I remember what you said."

"It's best to remember. I'm just worried that you won't come to eat. When you come to the cafeteria to eat, Sister Liu will be happier than usual. This place is not half a home for you."

"Indeed, it's no different from my own home."

The two chatted meaningfully for a while, and then started chatting some gossip.

Halfway through the meal, a figure approached the two of them.

"Hey, what a coincidence, Director Han and Director Zhou are both here."

Zhou Yan looked up and was surprised to see the person speaking. It turned out to be Xu Fan.

He and Xu Fan had almost no interaction, that is, they met twice during the Spring Festival Gala rehearsal.

Xu Fan and Huang Hong collaborated on a sketch this year called "Live Broadcast Tonight", which is quite close to Zhou Yan's show, only two or three shows apart.

Among actresses, Xu Fan looks very ordinary, and she looks more mature. Although she is only in her twenties and has not married yet, she has the feeling of a housewife.

She stood next to the table with a smile on her face and looked very enthusiastic.

Han Sanping smiled and said, "Xu Fan, why do you have time to come to the factory today?"

"I came here with Director Feng."

"Oh, Director Feng is here too. How was the filming of "Enemies and Sons"?" Han Sanping asked.

"It's all going well."

Han Sanping explained to Zhou Yan with a smile, "Sunward Film and Television invested in the adaptation of Wang Shuo's film "I Am Your Dad". Wang Shuo and Feng Xiaogang are the directors, and Xu Fan is the heroine. This film is also a co-production between Sunward Film and Television and us."

Zhou Yan nodded, "Oh, that's good. Is Teacher Wang here too today?"

Among these people, Zhou Yan was somewhat interested in Wang Shuo.

In the Chinese literary world, Wang Shuo is definitely not among Zhou Yan's favorite writers, but I have to say that Wang Shuo is definitely a special one.

According to Wang Shuo's character, "special" should also be what he pursues.

Moreover, Wang Shuo played a role in improving the income of Chinese writers.

"Director Wang didn't come today, so it's just me and Director Feng." Xu Fan said.

"Oh." Zhou Yan didn't say anything else.

However, Xu Fan continued, "Director Zhou, congratulations. "Springtime of the Cowherd Class" has such a high box office and was shortlisted for the Berlin Film Festival. I watched the movie and was very moved. Teacher Zhou's spirit of preaching and practicing is really inspiring." I admire it. When I watched the movie, I was thinking that only a director like Director Zhou who is a teacher can make such a movie."

Zhou Yan was surprised to hear Xu Fan complimenting him.

Xu Fan and Feng Xiaogang are a couple, and they are almost bound together now. However, the relationship between Zhou Yan and Feng Xiaogang is not very good. If others don't know, Xu Fan should know it.

So why is Xu Fan coming over to flatter him now?
Just when Zhou Yan couldn't figure out the motive of Xu Fan's behavior, he suddenly heard Feng Xiaogang's voice.

"Xu Fan, you...hey, Director Han and Director Zhou are both here."

Feng Xiao seemed to be looking for Xu Fan when he suddenly saw Han Sanping and Zhou Yan with very surprised expressions.

Although Feng Xiaogang's acting skills were good, Zhou Yan could still tell that this chance encounter was very deliberate. There was no obstruction in the cafeteria, and the situation here could be seen from a long distance. It was impossible for Feng Xiaogang to come so close to see Zhou Yan and the others.

"Director Feng, have you eaten?" Han Sanping said with a smile.

"I just finished eating and was about to leave. When I went to the toilet, Xu Fan disappeared."

Xu Fan smiled and said, "I see Factory Manager Han and Director Zhou here, come over and say hello."

Feng Xiaogang said to Zhou Yan alone, "That's a coincidence. It's rare to see Director Zhou here. Recently, I see news about Director Zhou on TV every day. Your movie "Spring of the Cowherd Class" was so great." alright."

Zhou Yan was startled by his arrogant and respectful attitude.

Probably Feng Xiaogang saw that Zhou Yan was in the spotlight, so he came here specifically to ease the relationship, but he didn't want to come directly, so he asked Xu Fan to take the lead.

After all, Xu Fan is a woman, so the atmosphere needs to be relaxed.

"Director Feng is overrated, but it's just good luck. I heard that you and Teacher Wang Shuo are filming a new movie. If you join forces, the results will definitely be very good."

"Then let me borrow some good words from Director Zhou."

After that, he pulled Xu Fan again and said, "Director Han and Director Zhou are having dinner, so we won't disturb them. We will visit again when we have time."

"Okay, walk slowly."

After the two left, Han Sanping wondered, "Why do these two people feel so weird?"

Zhou Yan smiled and said nothing, just concentrating on the food in the bowl.

……

The next morning, Zhou Yan received a call from Bregman.

Bregman told Zhou Yan that "The Sixth Sense" has been confirmed to be released on March 29.

In fact, Columbia originally planned to release it in mid-March, but because the Oscar nomination list was announced, including Zhou Yan, the release date was finally set for March 29th.

The Academy Awards ceremony is on March 25th, and March 29th is the first Friday after the ceremony. It is obvious that Columbia is betting that "Sense and Sensibility" can win the Oscar for Best Score.

If "Sense and Sensibility" can really win the Best Score Award, it will definitely be beneficial to "The Sixth Sense", and Columbia will definitely use this award to promote the movie.

Even if "Sense and Sensibility" does not win the Best Score Award in the end, it will not be a loss for Columbia. It can still use nominations to promote it, but it will definitely not be as powerful as winning.

"There will be a premiere on March 29th. Will you have time to attend?" Bregman invited.

"I'm afraid it will be difficult. I will probably be very busy in March and April."

Bregman had already anticipated this situation. Let alone the premiere of "The Sixth Sense", even the Oscars invited Zhou Yan to attend the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, but he didn't agree.

It would be great if Zhou Yan could agree to attend the Oscar ceremony, and he would just happen to attend the premiere of the movie.

"That's really a pity. When we were chatting at the celebration party for "Sense and Sensibility" two days ago, you were mentioned. You have a lot of credit for "Sense and Sensibility" achieving such good results this time."

"The main thing is that you filmed it well and the actors acted well. The soundtrack is not that strong."

"It is true that the effect of ordinary soundtracks is not that obvious, but this time you are different. There are many fans of your music and Mariah Carey who go to the movie for the music."

Bregman is telling the truth. The soundtrack this time played a very strong role in promoting the movie.

Nowadays, when many people hear "young and beautiful", they think of "Sense and Sensibility".

Of course, the effect is reciprocal.

Zhou Yan's music boosted the movie box office, and the release of the movie also boosted the sales of the album "Yulinling".

"Yulinling" is Zhou Yan's best music album in North America. It is much better than the previous "Flying Piano Boy" soundtrack. This album has sold more than one million copies in North America.

"Haha, if it really has such a big effect, will Colombia consider giving me a little more share?" Zhou Yan joked.

"No problem. When we cooperate next time, we will definitely increase the share ratio." Bregman smiled, "Do you still care about this share? "The Sixth Sense" has your investment. If this movie If the box office is high, you can get a lot of money.”

"It's hard to say what's going to happen in the future."

"If the box office of "The Sixth Sense" can exceed 60 million US dollars, we will also hold a celebration party. You must come then."

"Forget it is 60 million. If the North American box office can exceed 100 million US dollars, I will definitely go there."

Bregman on the other end of the phone was stunned for a moment, then laughed, "Then I hope you can come to the celebration."

Bregman is quite confident about "The Sixth Sense". He believes that the North American box office of "The Sixth Sense" should be at least 50 to 60 million US dollars, and if it performs well, it can reach 80 to 90 million US dollars.

But it is not easy to say 100 million US dollars.

(End of this chapter)