The literary era since 1979

During the release of "Once Upon a Time in China", Xu Ke and Liu Jialiang had a war of words in the newspapers.

This dispute is not just a conflict between individuals, but also a collision of two martial arts styles and film concepts.

Following the topic of the dispute between Jet Li and Jackie Chan, the dispute between the old and new martial arts has attracted widespread attention and discussion among Hong Kong citizens.

With the help of the media, more and more people were attracted to the cinema to try out the film, and the box office continued to rise, already exceeding 10 million. Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Once Upon a Time in China would definitely become one of the best-selling films of the year.

Therefore, when Gong Xing finished her film roadshow and returned to the crew, she was immediately welcomed by Wang Jing and other crew members.

In addition to flowers and applause, congratulations were heard constantly. All the people I met were nice people, and they all spoke to me in a friendly manner.

Gong Xing saw through the situation but did not speak out. He followed the strategy he had discussed with Fang Yan:

"When I came here, I happened to pass by a tea restaurant. The pineapple buns and yuanyang milk tea there were very good. I ordered one for everyone!"

"Whoa whoa whoa whoa."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone applauded, and everyone was more and more fond of this assistant director who was parachuted in from the mainland.

Even the most disgusting person would have less rejection and disdain in his eyes.

After all, even if we don't consider Fang Yan's favor, we have to consider Fang Yihua's favor. Right now, Gong Xing is more favored by Fang Yihua than Wang Zuxian.

Wang Jing even received guidance from his father Wang Tianlin, and he diligently invited Gong Xing to the filming site just like he was serving Fang Yihua.

Now, the preliminary work of "Baby Smart Stars" has been completed, and it officially started shooting the day before yesterday, with offerings being placed and Guan Gong being worshipped.

The first few scenes were all transition segments of the movie, which were not difficult. They were mainly for the purpose of coordinating the various departments of the crew, and for the actors to find their acting state as quickly as possible, grasp the feeling of the role, and gradually get into the play.

Gong Xing sat in a chair, quietly watching the images on the monitor.

At this time, two stupid thieves, Zhou Xingchi and Wu Mengda, had just been released from prison and were wandering around the streets doing nothing.

The role was quite simple and all one had to do was speak the lines according to the script, but as expected, an accident happened.

Zhou Xingchi suddenly changed his mind and chatted with Wu Mengda in a random manner. It seemed that his words were inconsistent, but it did not feel out of place.

"Pfft!"

The crew members who saw this scene laughed secretly, but Gong Xing didn't understand Cantonese very well, so he didn't understand it for a while.

But just looking at the actions, one can't help but smile, and see that Stephen Chow and Ng Man-tat are taking steps to disregard their relatives.

"Crack!"

Wang Jing stood up from the monitor angrily, "What the hell are you doing?"

Then he came to Zhou Xingchi and Wu Mengda angrily and asked sternly: "Can't you remember such a simple line?"

"No, Director, I memorized the lines."

Zhou Xingchi said: "'I'll get you an AK, and I'll get you a Lever, and you can make your mother bigger and stronger and create more glory'."

"Then you remember it, why don't you say it? It doesn't make sense, why are you saying such nonsense!"

Wang Jing frowned, "Did you do this on purpose or by accident?"

Zhou Xingchi raised his chin and said, "I think adding these lines and actions will make our two thieves appear more brainless."

"So, you walked like that on purpose just now?"

Wang Jing looked unhappy: "Didn't I tell you what to do? Who told you to change it?"

Zhou Xingchi said confidently: "Director, don't you think our performance just now was funnier?"

"Yes, the effect is indeed good." Du Qifeng said in a low voice.

"So what? Is he the director or am I the director?"

Although Wang Jing thought so in his heart, he still refused to give in.

After all, if it was actors like Cheng Long and Gong Xing who wanted to change the play, a small-time director like him would naturally have nothing to say. But someone like Zhou Xingchi, who had only played a supporting role as "Song Bingyi" before, dared to be so arrogant and bully him, the most popular director of Shaw Brothers Films.

So no matter whether the changes to the play are appropriate or not, he has to maintain his authority as a director, otherwise how can he lead the crew in the future!
Everyone in the crew, including Du Qifeng, was aware of this, and no one stood up to defend Zhou Xingchi.

"You arbitrarily tampered with Fang Sheng's script, which was just superfluous, you know that!"

Wang Jing was furious.

"But director, this will really be better."

Zhou Xingchi didn't understand why. As soon as he received the role in "Baby Smart Star", he racked his brains to come up with all kinds of more down-to-earth jokes and more humorous actions, trying to make the comedy effect in the script more prominent and more in line with the tastes of Hong Kong citizens.

I originally thought that all my efforts would be appreciated and applauded by the director, but I didn't expect to be scolded instead. I immediately felt wronged.

"You're stealing the show! You're ruining the show!"

"Do you know how many seconds, frames of film, and how much money you wasted just because of what you did?!"

“How much more time and effort of the staff is left!?”

Wang Jing was preparing to kill a chicken to scare the monkeys and establish his own prestige in the crew, so he kept saying one harsh word after another.

Zhou Xingchi was young and hot-tempered, and still a little unconvinced. Wu Mengda, who was standing by, was shocked and hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over. While he apologized to Wang Jing on behalf of Zhou Xingchi, he also winked at Zhou Xingchi, telling him to shut up.

"Director Wang, this kid is a newcomer and doesn't know much. Don't bother with him!"

"I was also wrong in the scene just now. My tone and actions didn't show the characteristics of a stupid thief."

Wu Mengda is different from Stephen Chow, he is flexible and resilient.

Back then, he co-starred in "The Legend of Chor Liu-heung" with Zheng Shao-qiu, Zhao Ya-zhi, and Wang Ming-quan. He became famous with the role of "Hu Tiehua" and enjoyed a period of glory in the entertainment circle. If he had not lived up to his expectations and developed a bad gambling habit, even if he could not compare with Zheng Shao-qiu and Zhou Runfa, the first-line actors of TVB, he would at least be a well-known star and would not have fallen to the point of being a supporting role for young people.

Precisely because of this qualification, Wu Mengda still has some face in front of Wang Jing.

What's more, Gong Xing also stepped out to smooth things over, asking everyone to take a break and go get some pineapple buns and yuanyang milk tea.

Seeing that they began to beg for mercy, Wang Jing did not continue to scold Zhou Xingchi. He just glared at this disobedient troublemaker with an obvious warning in his eyes. He said, "Continue filming after you finish eating," and left angrily.

The people watching the excitement dispersed, leaving Zhou Xingchi standing there indignantly.

Wu Mengda glanced at him, shook his head and said, "When I was filming, I did what I wanted just like you. I offended a lot of people later. You must not learn from me, or you will be in trouble."

Zhou Xingchi curled his lips in disapproval, "At worst, I can go back to being a minor character. I don't believe I won't have another chance in the future..."

Before Zhou Xingchi could finish, Wu Mengda hastily poked him with his elbow, then grinned at Gong Xing and said in broken Mandarin:
"Ms. Gong, Xingzai just said those words in anger."

"It's okay to say this in front of me, but don't argue with the director."

Gong Xingchi shook his head helplessly. If Zhou Xingchi's behavior happened in a mainland film crew, it would be tantamount to challenging the director's authority.

At the very least, you will be criticized like Wang Jing, and at the worst, you will be kicked out of the crew. If you don't want to act, there are plenty of people who will.

"Yes, yes, Xingzai, why don't you thank Miss Gong for speaking up for you just now?"

Wu Mengda pulled Zhou Xingchi's sleeve.

Zhou Xingchi bowed slightly, smiled awkwardly and said, "Thank you, Miss Gong."

Gong Xing asked: "Why did you do that just now?"

Wu Mengda replied that after they received the role, they went out to observe and experience the streets. One time, in the middle of the night, they encountered couples dating in a dimly lit park. Their conversations were often illogical, jumping to another topic before finishing the previous one. It seemed that the previous and the following were incoherent, but they were not inconsistent. The two of them could laugh like this for the whole night. "Brother Da and I thought this was too nonsensical."

Zhou Xingchi said: "I was thinking about whether I could add this into the play, because I think Fang Sheng's script also has a sense of nonsense."

When Gong Xing heard the word "nonsense", he was completely confused and couldn't understand it at all.

Zhou Xingchi and Wu Mengda could only speak one after another and try their best to make their understanding clear.

"It sounds like a comedy style."

Gong Wei pondered carefully, "But even if you really think it's a good idea, you should discuss it with the director in advance, right?"

Wu Mengda was also helpless. This was what he had originally planned, but who could have thought that Zhou Xingchi would act without authorization and without prior consultation.

"Ms. Gong, you are also an actor."

Zhou Xingchi said seriously: "You should understand that when you are acting, you suddenly get inspiration and can't help wanting to act like this." Then he asked: "You just watched my and Da Ge's performance, what do you think of our performance just now?"

"Although I don't understand your nonsense and I don't know Cantonese jokes, but I see other people are laughing happily."

Gong Xing recalled the scene just now. The posture of the two people walking on the street was both arrogant and funny.

Especially when paired with their original lines, "Is being arrogant against the law? Can you tell me which law stipulates that people cannot be arrogant?"

"I'll just say it!"

Zhou Xingchi clapped his hands excitedly.

"Even if that's the case, that won't work. Don't do it again. Don't act on your own when we're filming later."

Gong Xing advised: "You can discuss it with us first. If you think it is really good, we will definitely adopt it."

"Yes Yes Yes."

Wu Mengda nodded repeatedly, then pulled Zhou Xingchi to drink Yuanyang milk tea.

Zhou Xingchi sighed, "Are you kidding me? I..."

"Shh!"

Wu Mengda was so scared that he looked around and made sure that no one was around. He was relieved and said, "Keep your voice down. If what you said just now gets to the director's ears, you will really be fired. Do you know how many people are vying to act in this play?"

"Of course I know. If it was Fang Sheng who said I was adding unnecessary details, I would admit it, but Director Wang..."

Zhou Xingchi suddenly said this, which scared Wu Mengda.

"I don't care what you think in your heart, but don't say it out loud for others to hear."

Wu Meng replied: "I am speaking up for you because of our past friendship. Don't be so ignorant!"

Zhou Xingchi nodded dejectedly, "Thank you, Brother Da."

Wu Mengda reminded Zhou Xingchi to watch his mouth and not talk nonsense.

"Remember this, kid. This play is related to the survival of Shaw Brothers. Sixth Master and Mrs. Fang are very concerned about it. If someone reports this to them, you may not even have the chance to be bullied in the future. You may be banned forever like Liu Dehua."

"This this……"

Zhou Xingchi frowned. Is there no one who can understand him?
After being criticized by Wang Jing and reminded by Gong Xing and Wu Mengda, Zhou Xingchi restrained himself and no longer acted on his own and made decisions on his own. Instead, whenever he had a new idea or a good idea, he would discuss it with Wang Jing, Du Qifeng, Gong Xing and others.

In other words, Gong Xing and Wu Mengda acted as lubricants, coordinating between the two sides so that the entire crew could operate normally.

Although the final effect was quite good, Wang Jing always felt uncomfortable and always thought that Zhou Xingchi was a difficult person to control.

Therefore, the idea of ​​temporarily replacing Zhou Xingchi came up, wanting to replace him with Chen Baixiang, who was a frequent collaborator and more obedient.

However, he had no right to do so and had to obtain Fangyan's consent. So when the crew was finishing work, he asked Gong Xing to take him to see Fangyan.

In the tea restaurant where he had ordered pineapple buns and milk tea, Fangyan listened to Wang Jing complaining for a long time without saying a word.

The fat guy openly complained that Zhou Xingchi was disobedient, but secretly he felt that as a director, he had to shoot the film completely according to the script, which inevitably restricted his hands and feet, making him like a puppet, and the actors had even less room for free performance.

"Are you done?"

Fangyan picked up the teacup and took a sip.

"That's it."

Wang Jing exhaled, "Fang Sheng, what do you think?"

"From your description just now, Zhou Xingchi and Wu Mengda have quite some ideas."

Fang Yan said: "Especially the 'nonsense', it is indeed very novel. I think as long as it is not too outrageous, just let them do whatever they want."

"But!"

Wang Jing was stunned. He never expected that he would tolerate an unknown extra.

Fangyan added: "However, actions and language can be changed, but try not to change the lines."

Wang Jing echoed, "That's right!"

"I don't mean to say that their changes are bad, but this film will not only be shown in Hong Kong, but also in the mainland, in Taiwan, in other Asian countries, and even in Europe and the United States." Fangyan explained, "There are too many nonsensical jokes in Cantonese, which is not conducive to the translation of the film, not conducive to the audience's understanding, and even more not conducive to wide dissemination. I said it so clearly, did you understand?"

"understand……"

Wang Jing took a deep breath. He could never have imagined that his ambition was so big.

"As for you, the same is true."

Fang Yan said: "Just follow the script and shoot it honestly. You don't need to use your brain too much."

Wang Jing was hit hard by his words, and the expression on his face was extremely depressed.

Fangyan smiled without comment. Many people in later generations believed that it was Wang Jing who made Zhou Xingchi the "King of Comedy". In the early 90s, when Zhou Xingchi was at the peak of his popularity, he had collaborated with other directors. But in terms of word-of-mouth popularity and box office performance, the best works were those produced by him and Wang Jing together. Once upon a time, the combination of Wang Jing, Zhou Xingchi and Ng Man-tat was a symbol of nonsense and high box office.

It's a pity that Wang Jing went north to the mainland to make a living. Although he filmed several good TV series such as "The World's Number One" and "Little Fish and Flower", his movies are not as good as before. "Chasing the Dragon" and "The Man from Macau" are basically old wine in new bottles, and they are always rehashing old stuff.

Zhou Xingchi is quite different, with "Flirting Scholar", "The Soul Returns at Night", "Kung Fu", "Shaolin Soccer"...

From this point alone, we can see the gap between the two.

In front of Wang Jing, Fang Yan certainly couldn't say that you might not be as good as this extra in the future.

After all, it's not very harmful but it's extremely insulting.

So he changed his words, seemingly speaking from the heart: "I know you feel aggrieved because you are a director, but I can tell you responsibly that even Hollywood directors, except for those like Spielberg, feel very aggrieved when making movies."

Wang Jing opened his mouth but forced himself not to speak.

"I chose you as the director because I think your goal in making movies is to make money."

Fangyan crossed his arms and said with a smile: "But have you ever thought that one day you can gain both fame and fortune?"

When Wang Jing heard this, he suddenly became energetic.

"If you let Zhou Xingchi play his best in this play and he becomes famous overnight, everyone will think that you, Director Wang, made him successful. But if Zhou Xingchi's performance in this play is just mediocre and he becomes famous for his nonsense later, everyone will just say that you buried him."

Fang Yan smiled and said, "I have said everything I need to say. It's up to you whether you want to listen or not." (End of this chapter)