I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 164: 162. Let’s go, before they’re ready

Chapter 164 162. Let's go, before they are ready

Xu Xin's heart can no longer be described as surprise.

Looking straight at Zhang Yimou...

His eyes became more and more strange.

Can't help but say:

"What...what do you mean?"

"literal meaning."

With the pen in his hand, the director from Xiying Studio shrugged.

Excited.

Perhaps, movies are the best medicine for him to relax his mind at this moment.

He didn't hide anything, and said plainly:

"Although I don't want to talk to you so much now...Because of your age, knowing so much now may not be a good thing for you."

"If you don't tell me, it will make me feel even more uncomfortable."

"..."

Hearing what Xu Xin said, Zhang Yimou nodded slightly:

"Well... the film and television industry also has hills, you know?"

"The major film studios?"

"It used to be, but now, it is basically a few circles. Beijing circle, Hong Kong circle, Shanghai circle, and our place."

He pointed to the table in front of him:

"Northwest Circle."

"Well…"

Xu Xin was stunned for a moment, and suddenly became interested:

"It sounds like a gang. Who is the strongest? It should be us?"

"Gang shit."

Zhang Yimou was a little speechless.

Why, what the boy said to me in one sentence is the same as defining it as a gangster...

"But you are right about one thing... At least, in terms of honor, we are the most powerful."

Honor...

Hearing this, Xu Xin thought for a while and said:

"Why does it sound like it's supported by several film studios? Yanjing Film Studio, Modu Film Studio, Xiying... That's not right, what about Changchun? I can understand the Hong Kong circle, Hong Kong and Taiwan filmmakers. Changchun Film Factory ?”

"I was beaten to death."

The middle-aged man spoke calmly about a cruel reality.

"From the first movie of New China, to excellent works such as "Five Golden Flowers" and "Shangganling"...It is the same as those other heavy industries back then. Step by step, with the changes of the times, it is inevitable to decline. And now In fact, most of the film resources in Northeast China are concentrated in this mountain. He is actively promoting and interpreting the story of Baishan Black Soil. The few TV dramas in recent years are the cultural epitome of an era. People of your age may not feel it, but in our time Time... who doesn't yearn for the Northeast?"

"Well…"

Indeed, Director Zhang is right.

On this point, Xu Xin really can't empathize...

He has never experienced the prosperity of the Northeast, nor is he a native of the Northeast, so he can't empathize with this aspect.

After thinking about it, he said:

"Then since this thing has a personal circle, there must be a level, right? This...how is it divided? Or...are there any conditions for joining?"

"We can't talk about joining conditions, but when it comes to division, it's actually the same as what we just said. How the earliest directors distinguished where they belonged depends on which film studio he belongs to. For example, Chen Kaige, he is obviously Yan Beijing people, but he has a very obvious label of the Northwest circle. Because he and I were both directors in the West Film Studio at the time. If we want to talk about the division, it was like that at the time. But now after the reorganization of various film studios, the directors create There is a lot of freedom online, so this label is gradually replaced by a way... similar to the circle of friends."

"Like?"

"For example... well, Liang Bingning, you know?"

"That's for sure, Huanzhugege, Jinsuo."

"She is from Shandong, but do you know who she is friends with? Don't say Qiong Yao, she is an artist signed under Wang Jinghua's banner. Does Wang Jinghua know?"

"have no idea…"

"..."

Hearing Xu Xin's honest confession, the corners of Zhang Yimou's mouth twitched, as if he was talking to a duck.

So I stopped explaining these twists and turns, which are still a headache for "Meng Xin", and said directly:

"In short, although several film studios are no longer sharing the world, you can also understand that the film studio has declined, but the circle is still there. Do you understand? These circles are not meant to consciously absorb you, but Said that you will be assimilated by them unconsciously.

How to assimilate? For example, let's say Yang Mi. After making the movie "Golden Armor", first of all, what did she gain? Seeking girls, right? And at this time, for example, if she still wants to find a play, why not talk about it elsewhere, just talk about a few friends around me. Regardless of the screenwriter or the employer, for the same role, she has a greater chance of getting it than others. Can you understand this truth? "

"Yes, because of you."

"Yes. And Yang Mi and my friends around me have achieved each other, but in the same way, with the rise in status, she was the one who asked others to ask for movies to shoot. But what happened after she became famous? For example, another friend, a certain movie wants to find Her. If someone else is looking for it, she might not accept it. But it just so happened that this friend had contact with the two of them before. Whether it was reciprocation or other... She still accepted this drama for the sake of relationship. Then, my friend’s The friend knew that the friend had this kind of relationship, and found Yang Mi. Or Yang Mi valued a certain drama, and she happened to be a friend of the friend... It just came and went, and some people in the circle spontaneously hugged each other. No Consciously, you will be labeled as the Northwest Circle. That’s the reason.”

Following his words, after probably having figured out what Director Zhang wanted to express, Xu Xin nodded:

"Understood. That is to say, the circle...in our circle, is everywhere, right?"

"Yes, it's just different from before when the film studio took the lead. Everyone is in the same system, and they are all colleagues. You help me, and I help you. But now everyone has grasped a certain part of the interest and is driven by interests. into a tight bond."

Zhang Yimou made a very vivid metaphor by crossing his hands and five fingers.

"So...where there are people, there will be rivers and lakes. Where there are rivers and lakes, there will be competition?"

"That's for sure. To give another example, Yang Mi single-handedly competed with others for a role. One of the actors pushed by others is from the Beijing circle. As a director, as long as he uses this actor, he can get the resources of the Beijing circle. It’s a big actor, or a bargaining chip such as publicity investment. And another actor’s acting skills are also up to standard... It doesn’t even matter whether it meets or not, it’s just a lone wolf... Who do you say you use?"

"But what if the two circles meet?"

Xu Xin didn't answer the question whose answer was written on the surface, and continued to ask.

"That involves resource competition. How can I use one without offending the other, or how can I survive in this crack, and how can I get benefits from both sides, or choose a longer-term benefit? ...And the result of doing this is just like what I said before. Whoever helps you a lot, the circle he represents will gradually imprint on you. The debt of favor will be transformed into a kind of life that you can enjoy , but is restricted by a rule. Do you understand?"

"perhaps…"

Xu Xin nodded:

"I can't say I understand everything, but at least I understand this circle...Let's say it's the most basic rule of the game. So...you want me to go to Xiying?"

"Um."

Zhang Yimou nodded, but asked a rhetorical question:

"Don't blame me for helping you plan your life direction without authorization?"

"How can it be."

Xu Xin quickly smiled and waved his hands:

"With your help, how many detours do I take less than others, how can I not know good from bad."

Zhang Yimou couldn't help but rolled his eyes.

This brat... is good at flattering.

He rarely showed this expression, but it was quite interesting to watch.

"I want you to go to Xiying Studio. Actually, on the one hand, I think...Xiying's current situation is not very good. Many people say that Xiying began to decline after the millennium...but in my opinion, it is not. He was in the nineties. It started in the middle of the 1990s... that is, after we directors left one after another, and for some reason, the creative boom began to be "restrained" by more and more people, and it has already begun."

He spelled out the word "restraint" very clearly, which seemed to disapprove.

"And now, in my opinion, after the reorganization of the entire Western Film Studio, the only ones who are supported inside are actually those two or three people. And these two or three people are still the same batch of people who came in sooner or later with us. Including Directors who have emerged in recent years, many people actually hate the so-called constraints, but many people can't understand the truth, that is, the basic elements that determine a director's status, or something, are not... How many high-grossing movies you have made, or your personal style, or how unique you are... It's not. It's a simple example... Let me ask you, do you think I am the best, or Kaige is the best? "

"I'm sure you."

"why?"

Zhang Yimou asked back.

Xu Xin replied without thinking:

"What a great movie you made. "Red Sorghum", "Raise the Red Lantern", "Ju Dou"..."

"He also has "Farewell My Concubine". In terms of artistry, I think it is actually better than mine."

"How rotten is his "The Promise"..."

"I also have "House of Flying Daggers."

"..."

Xu Xin was speechless.

Can we do better?

And looking at his expression, Zhang Yimou was suddenly happy.

Smiling quite happily.

"So, the fundamental reason for determining the status is very complicated. You have to ask me to explain the specific reason, and I may not be able to finish it all night, but what I can tell you is that apart from the work, what determines the status of a director itself is There are many things... just like I insisted before, don't let the outside world announce that you are the designer of the torch... Do you know the reason?"

"Didn't you tell me not to be disturbed by too many external factors?"

"That's just one of them...not even the main one."

"Well…"

"You have to know, first of all, the real information of the torch, who is the designer, where it comes from, and some people who should know will definitely know it. Do you understand this?"

"…Um."

"But for the first time, he may not remember you. And at this time, you keep quiet and work quietly, which is actually in line with some spirits. The labels of low-key, pragmatic, and not caring about some fame and fortune will be affixed first. On you, understand?"

"..."

Xu Xin frowned.

It's not that I'm confused, but I'm curious about what Director Zhang wants to say.

"And why did you talk about it after the Olympics? It's very simple. In the face of the popularity of the Olympics, it doesn't matter who designed the torch, or even how the opening and closing ceremonies are. In the eyes of the leaders, hosting a successful Olympics is more important than Everything is important. And the so-called consummation is our self-connection... To put it bluntly, what you do is just the work you are supposed to do. Praising you is appreciation. Not praising you is your own Points, do you understand the reasoning?"

"Uh-huh."

"But after the Olympic Games ended successfully, you, a young man in his early 20s, took on such a big historical mission, and withstood the pressure to bring this amazingness to the world, but you are willing to be ordinary. It will be amplified by the media on the premise of "Olympic success."

Speaking of this, he seemed to have deep meaning and said:

"Don't think that leaders don't read the news."

"..."

"And after seeing you at this time, it is undoubtedly a deepened impression of you. It is an inadvertent deepened impression, which is much better than you asking for credit. Various media publicity and the like are much stronger. For example, if there is any large-scale event in the future, or something related to film and television, the leader can't think of others for a while, but suddenly thinks of you because of this matter, how many people with your vested interests may You can't get it in your life, and you can't meet it, understand?

And the same reason, it is actually the same reason that let you go to Xiying Studio. Don't resist being labeled. On the contrary, if something can be passed down for decades or even a hundred years, its merits must outweigh its faults. And it just so happens that Xiying Film Studio... At least in my case, I think that because young people today resist these things, it is just useful and owned by it. But because it is not accepted by you, it has a sense of déjà vu that is too powerful to be used as a giant. And the people who are staying at Xiying Film Studio... for now, it is difficult to become a great player. And I think you have that ability. "

"...ha~"

Xu Xin let out a chuckle with a bit of a sigh:

"What you said... I always feel that I am under a lot of pressure. There is always a feeling... that there is no general in Sichuan, and Liao Hua is a pioneer."

"Why isn't Liao Hua a famous general?"

After Zhang Yimou asked, he shook his head directly:

"There is no need for pressure. Whether you can succeed or not, you can also develop your own network. But with Xiying Studio here, it can save you many years of detours. In other words, you The loss is nothing more than some... the money that is the least important to you.

The share is higher, the agency distribution fee is more, and some requirements of Xiying Studio are met on the premise of meeting the standards in mind, and more cooperation... These are the things. Its own atmosphere here determines that the people it absorbs will not be too money-only like other circles.

So, for you, at least at this stage, it is benign and meets your needs. As for what happens in the future... that's up to you. But at this stage, it is indeed the most suitable for you. "Losing" means you have nothing to lose. But what if you win...

Xiao Xu, we are all very old.

The world knows our style, and our style has long been established. The world accepts us, people accept us, accept our style, but also limit our breakthrough. Our ceiling is here, but you are still young, and young people have unlimited possibilities.

And you can make everyone tolerate your willfulness only when you are in a low position, because your willfulness is nothing to them. And only the seemingly willful self-breakthrough can take you to a higher height. Liu Yuxi's poem is actually very correct. Thousands of sails pass by the side of a sinking boat, and only a thousand trees can grow in front of a sick tree. If you look at the past generations of directors in our country..."

He finally put down the pen in his hand, and began to count to Xu Xin with his fingers:

"The first-generation directors are pioneers. As for the second-generation directors, they are all students of the first-generation directors, and the things they shoot are actually focused on realistic expressions. And what about the third generation? Because of the times, the third generation In fact, there are some faults... Let’s not discuss it for now. From the fourth generation, people began to pursue a more natural style and open structure.

Everyone began to follow the path of their predecessors, thinking about what brought us to where we are today. They followed the path of their predecessors and laid a solid foundation for us, the so-called fifth generation, so that we can accept foreign philosophies and aesthetic trends, and have our own value orientation to view the world.

Starting from the sixth generation, that is, your previous generation, they have pursued an independent spirit and freedom, and boarded a train that can make them rich overnight and become famous overnight. You will find that... In fact, directors continue from generation to generation. And it's not just a continuation, it's more like a kind of... The train compartment is so big, the fourth generation gets off, the fifth generation sits in the first class, and the sixth generation occupies all the seats.

Then what about you, the seventh generation?

Going up, the sixth generation is not old yet, the times are changing too fast, they are too late, you will come up. There are conflicts, there are arguments, but the question is... what is your style? Who will carry the banner of the seventh generation? Who can be remembered by people, remembered by history, and become a person who is truly recognized in the future era when ten people can kill seven directors with one brick?

Or is it a group of people who only remember movies and popular stars, but they don’t even know who you are? You can ignore these things now, but as a latecomer pursuing the road of art, if you don’t even have the heart to be a general, then your achievements are doomed to not be very high. so…"

He waved his hand, his tone was calm, but with a long charm:

"When it's time to think about it, think about it. When it's time to be ambitious, take advantage of other people's pursuit of power, sex, money, and desire brought by fame and fortune, and make plans as soon as possible. And when the time comes, people who are in the same era as you will realize that the faster others die, the more precious you will be.

And at that time, everything will naturally fall into place...Of course, all of this cannot avoid a theme, that is, as a director, you must have your own clear and iconic style and works...But you still have to Young, you can take your time, right? But as long as you have a clear line and program of action. We old guys, me, Zhang Wu and others are very optimistic about you and think you have this potential. So, we really want you to be on the right path, get it? "

Speaking, he made the final summary of tonight's conversation:

"Let's go before they're ready."

"..."

Xu Xin was silent, speechless, thinking.

From originally just discussing about movies, to a long conversation.

Although Xu Xin didn't know why the topic got so wrong, he could hear what Director Zhang said.

Faced with this question, he couldn't help asking:

"How to listen to what you mean, it's like fearing that there will be no successors..."

"I'm not afraid that there will be no successors, but I think this is an opportunity for you... I am quite optimistic about the future film market. We old guys have paved the way for you latecomers, just follow along... It won't go astray, will it?"

Zhang Yimou's words made Xu Xin laugh out loud:

"Haha~ That's for sure... But it can't be said so absolutely. There is still a one in ten thousand miles."

"That's why your future is limitless, right? If everyone is on the right path, it will be a hundred battles and advance hand in hand. Then... this era is very lucky for movie fans or people who like movies. But if you are really caught You are right...Of course, I don't believe it. I believe that this circle will only get better and better, because the directors of this generation are here. Become the person who will support the collapse of the building? The achievement may be even greater..."

"It seems that the sorrow of the times is also true..."

"..."

Hearing his words, Zhang Yimou was a little helpless:

"I didn't see it before, why are you still a pessimist?"

"I'll just tell you this, it's a lot of fun..."

As he spoke, Xu Xin glanced at the time:

"It's almost 12 o'clock, should you go to rest? Are you going home? Shall I see you off?"

"Well…"

Zhang Yimou looked at the time, thought for a while, and shook his head:

"Forget it, I won't go back. The top priority is to submit the plan again within a month... I'm thinking, you go back."

"Tomorrow is the Lantern Festival... I won't be going back either, I'll see if I can fall asleep later. If you can, go to bed quickly, otherwise you will definitely be sleepy at this point tomorrow... So are you hungry? Let me get you some food?"

"...OK, what's for supper today?"

"Mutton soup, cumin lamb, steamed buns."

"Well... the mutton that your father sent is delicious, it tastes like the one in my hometown... okay, you go, we will study this scroll later..."

"Hmm. Do you want to change the tea leaves?"

"Okay, change."

"Okay. Try this Pu'er made by my dad?"

"Pu'er can't be brewed like this, you bastard, why don't you even know this... Let's make that white tea, I'll bring that."

"OK~"

After taking the treasure gourd, Xu Xin walked out directly.

First, I went to the water room to get a bottle of boiling water, and then I went to the cafeteria to bring over a plate.

There were only two people left in the Olympic Building at night.

Zhang Yimou seemed to have a good appetite, and he ate steamed buns sandwiched between mutton as meat buns. He felt uncomfortable with a mouthful of meat and a mouthful of soup.

But Xu Xin didn't say a word, and put the one-to-one model made by the prop group in front of the two of them, and the two began to chat about what kind of links should be added after the rolling scroll runs through the ancient times.

Just so busy, it's 2 o'clock in the morning.

For the time being, today's work is over.

After Zhang Yimou left, Xu Xin cleaned the gourd for him, and then closed the door of the small meeting room.

Backed to his rest room, because he couldn't take a shower here, he simply drove out, found a bathing center for a shower, and was not satisfied, so he called for a massage in the middle of the night.

As a result, when I saw the technician wearing high heels, a short skirt, and carrying a box in his hand, I was speechless.

In the end, I didn't call 298 or 398, and just got someone to pull the can.

Then he waved to the female technician who asked if he wanted the so-called "Emperor Package".

After quietly enjoying the aftertaste of leisure for fifteen minutes, he walked out. After returning to the Olympic Building, I threw myself on the bed...I didn't know how long I tossed and turned, and finally fell asleep.

In a daze, the alarm clock rang.

He didn't know how long he had slept, and he washed his face and brushed his teeth again, and when he went downstairs to eat with a somewhat confused mind, he saw Zhang Yimou sitting at the dining table again.

Still looking like he was frowning and thinking.

I guess I'm thinking about something again.

Xu Xin watched with admiration.

Although I know that people sleep less when they get older, but this...it's only after seven o'clock.

Really full of energy.

With unparalleled emotion, he sat across from Zhang Yimou with a tray:

"Director Zhang, good morning."

Then another busy day.

And this whole day's busyness seems to be a microcosm.

Even the Lantern Festival is the same.

Everyone was not in the mood to spend the Lantern Festival, and they were still "quarreling" in the conference room at night.

After the Lantern Festival, it also represents the official end of the Spring Festival and New Year.

Jay Chou is here again.

But Xu Xin only met him very rarely.

After confirming that the editing and review work he took over was doing well, Xu Xin devoted himself to the work.

From the beginning of March to March 20th, the editing of "The Unspeakable Secret" is all over.

is the end in the true sense, from dubbing to soundtrack, everything is over.

Xu Xin watched the movie with Jay Chou in Xiantao Digital.

A total of 115 minutes.

After reading it, he was not as excited as he imagined, and even had a trace of impatience...

If possible, he would not come here today.

Because in the morning he was just a "person who insists on using large LED screens", he was fighting with other Confucians, and he was "fighting" with other people who did not agree with the use of large LED screens, so he was dizzy at the moment.

Even if this movie was his own son, he didn't suppress the fire in his heart.

But I still insisted on watching it, but when Ye Xianglun began to understand the difference between "Lu Xiaoyu" at the final stage of the film, he had already frowned, pinched his chin and stared blankly.

Jay Chou, who has been traveling in Tokyo and Yanjing for a month, felt a palpitation in his heart.

I'm afraid that he will tell me to turn around and take another shot...

The last time he made up the shot of Chaoyin Haifengche, his calves are still shaking...

But in fact Xu Xin has already begun to think about how to deal with those "conservatives" in the afternoon.

After the movie was played, Jay Chou tentatively asked:

"How about it? Are you still... okay?"

"OK."

Xu Xin nodded sincerely.

He is really happy with what he shoots.

Whether it's the rhythm or what... It's a pity, if Director Zhang is not too busy recently, he would definitely want to take the film back and show it to Director Zhang.

But the time for the team members to submit the manuscript again because of this creative plan was approaching.

So he said directly:

"Have you found someone who is going to France?"

"Well, I've found it. I can start tomorrow, and I'll take the re-engraved film back later. If it's submitted for review... I'll hand it over to the person from Xiying Studio you introduced to me?"

"Well, just leave it all to them... okay, I have to quarrel with someone in the afternoon, let's talk about it first. You wait until I finish this month of work, I will love you, okay?"

"Come on! What nonsense are you talking about! Get out of here!"

Looking at the disgusted Jay Chou, Xu Xin laughed and stood up straight away:

"Then I won't worry about this side, that side is more important, okay?"

"Um."

Jay Chou nodded:

"You don't have to worry about anything, just leave it to me."

"OK."

Xu Xin nodded:

"I'm leaving."

"come on!"

"MUA~"

"Go away..."