I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

   Chapter 559 557. Dinghaishenzhen

  The word-of-mouth news of "Love in the Hawthorn Tree" began to ferment in the country.

   It can even be said that there is no better scenery for a while.

Starting from the topic of "don't eat pineapples", the good feedback from Italy made people in China feel radiant, and then the heat from China spread to Italy, and finally Italy passed the Venice Film Festival The news came back with a more detailed report...

  All the links are like a positive passage. After all the links are opened up, the popularity of the movie, which costs nothing at all, begins to leap into everyone's field of vision with a terrifying increase.

   In fact, movie promotion is like this.

  Whether the money invested or the celebrity effect is worth mentioning, it is all for one thing.

   That is to let more people know about this movie.

   Knowing about movies, as long as they have spare time, these people who know about movies may turn them into box office at any time, bringing actual profit.

  The essence of so-called advertising lies in this.

  And "The Hawthorn Tree", in the eyes of knowledgeable people, has formed a kind of overwhelming publicity in this way... like a prostitute.

   Of course, not only "The Hawthorn Tree".

   This terrifying enthusiasm made the 67th Venice Film Festival shine on the Chinese side.

  The degree of attention has reached an unprecedented peak.

  By taking advantage of this wind, even self-cast films like "Jiabian Ditch" trapped in a windless place have gained a lot of attention.

  Even these fallen leaves, which are engulfed by the wind, can move forward with the wind for a long distance, and you can know how big the "Hawthorn Tree", which is the body of heat, has expanded to.

  So, on the 4th day, "The Hawthorn Tree" was quickly finalized, and after it was confirmed that it would be released on December 22, the first trailer was released quickly.

  The trailer is on well-known video sites such as Youku and Tudou, especially Youku, which is currently the largest. It took only one hour for the trailer to exceed 500,000 hits.

  In the piano solo "BELLACIAO", the CP feeling between Liu Yifei and Lin Gou, and the look back at Liu Yifei who can almost be said to be "because it does not belong to the aesthetics of the times, so she highlights her beauty"...

  Let's not talk about Liu Yifei, even ordinary viewers have goosebumps unconsciously.

  She... how can she be so beautiful?

  As some insiders who have been paying attention to the movement of Xiying Studio, everyone understands one thing...

   Best, "The Hawthorn" won't win any awards this time.

   It just wins and then the whole thing becomes horrific.

  The most intuitive guess: How much can the box office reach?

   No one dared to think.

  But the overall investment of this film is less than 20 million.

   40 million return to capital.

  The rest is pure profit.

  Later-stage publicity... With this release, the cost is also very little.

  As for the momentum and scale of "The Hawthorn Tree", if you make a conservative estimate, what's the matter... it can sell for 100 million, right?

   This is conservative.

   How about more courage? 1.5? 2?

   Good guy.

   Is this Xu Xin some kind of chicken that lays golden eggs?

  Dedicated to small and big?

OK.

  The more I think about it, the more terrifying it becomes.

  Especially the manufacturer behind him... Xiying Film Factory won't mention it, this Shanghai Film Factory... I'm afraid the mouth is crooked?

  So.

The time is right here, and every day there will be frontline reporters breaking out some stories such as ""The Hawthorn" is full and there are no seats left", "The ratings of "The Hawthorn" are rising all the way", "Xu Xin, Liu Yifei, Lin Xun's new street shoot, the restaurant diners are warmly welcome "The news slowly passed.

  On September 4th, "The Hawthorn Tree", which was rated by more than 9,000 people, officially surpassed "Black Swan", which was rated by more than 13,000 people, and ranked fourth in the main competition film rating list with a score of 9.0.

   surpassed "Black Swan", which still maintains 8.8 points, and "Necessary Killing", which has dropped to 8.6 points.

  Although for the practitioners, everyone knows in their hearts that these are just word-of-mouth from the audience.

  Whether you can win the prize or not has nothing to do with the score.

  But "The Hawthorn Tree" has a terrifying increase in the number of people, coupled with the recent popularity of the Venice Film Festival in Italy, the official Venice has urgently started adding shows.

  "The Hawthorn Tree" began to blossom on the 4th in several major movie theaters in Venice, and even began to squeeze the movie stalls of other movie theaters.

  No way, the film festival has started for 4 days, and the films of each unit have already begun to survive the fittest.

  The soil of the survival of the fittest is matched with those Italian people who came from other places just to watch this movie.

  If the Venice Film Festival does not want to be branded as a fool, it must follow the market trend.

   Not to mention...Mark Muller is a genius himself.

  His favorability towards China far exceeds that of many people in Italy.

   On the fifth day, Xu Xin went to see "The Empire of Heaven".

   also went secretly.

  Li Pingdong explained some "traditions" of foreign film festivals to Yang Mi. Although it was a bit superstitious, but in order not to be ashamed of her husband going abroad, Yang Mi also had a good science education with Xu Xin this time.

  For films going abroad, it is best not to meet in formal occasions.

Ominous.

  You can contact in private, just like Li Pingdong calling Xu Xin to drink, it's no problem.

  But it’s better for everyone to pretend not to know each other when it comes to movies. Otherwise, whether you were infected with bad luck and infected me, or I infected you... no one can tell.

   It makes sense to think so.

   What's more, regardless of the movie itself, the investors of this movie are basically from the Beijing circle.

  There is no need for communication on both sides.

  So, in line with the principle that if you don’t pay for coins, you are companionship, the people from "The Hawthorn Tree" went.

   I read it.

  Support and support, it is enough to express the meaning of unity.

   And as far as the quality of the film is concerned...

  Xu Xin is quite willing to give him a high score.

  Whether it is "Sword Rain" or "Chen Zhen" or this "Empire"...

   To be honest, this time he really returned to the days when he rented Hong Kong movie CDs and watched it when he was a child.

  Once Mr. Xu made a move, although the serious martial arts flavor was not strong, all the necessary elements were complete.

  Whether it's action design or scene plot...all deserve a high score.

   He even likes to call it "the first year of new martial arts".

  Because the plots of these few films are not based on their old roots, it can be seen that everyone is groping for new things.

   It looks good in shooting, and it looks good in shooting.

  The quality is really hard.

  So after the premiere of "Tiantian Empire", the score quickly dropped to a score of 9.0, which squeezed "Black Swan" again, and it should be justified.

   But still the same sentence, the score is a reference.

   "Black Swan" is rushing to win awards, and the artistic elements are at least three or four floors. But "Tongtian Empire" is a serious commercial film model.

  Awards... It is very realistic to use Li Pingdong's words:

   "It's impossible to win awards, but as long as word of mouth can be maintained, they should be able to get a good box office when they are released this month."

   Lo and behold, that's it.

  A Venice Film Festival, from which everyone gets what they need.

   After realizing this, on the night of the 5th, Xu Xin returned to the hotel and compiled a report.

The main content of the report is "A mature commercial film festival must not only maintain the gold content of the awards, but also bring all-round improvements to the film itself, film producers, investors, directors and other groups in order to attract more excellent films. talents, and make efforts for the prosperity of the Chinese film market.”

  So... Xu Xin sometimes thinks differently from ordinary people.

  He is walking on a path of interpreting everything he has seen, encountered and experienced from his own unique perspective.

   is different and unique.

  But what he could detect, after sending it to Qi Lei, when he woke up on the 6th, he saw Qi Lei's text message reply:

   "Boss Tian likes this report very much, and has already begun to get people to start researching it. He told you to calm down. Everyone in our factory is waiting for you to come back in Xi'an, and celebrate your success!"

  …

  Thus, time passed again in the increasingly intense atmosphere of the film in Venice.

   In the blink of an eye, Xu Xin has been here for 12 days.

  The carnival of the Venice Film Festival has also come to an end.

  One after another, all the stars from all over the world who are eligible to participate in the film festival began to gather in this water city.

  The young director who has scored 9.3 points and is second only to "Sorrowful Trumpet" and "Silent Soul" in the main competition unit, at this moment in Venice's Marco Polo Airport, finally found his mentor.

  At the same time, he is also the Dinghaishenzhen of the crew of "The Hawthorn Tree".

   "Director Zhang, this is this!"

  Looking at Zhang Yimou who came out of the exit pushing the suitcase, Zhong Changyou waved his hand.

   After Zhang Yimou nodded, he was quickly surrounded by a group of reporters.

   There are domestic and foreign ones.

  The old man's English level is also average, but Sheng brought Pang Liwei by his side.

  After being surrounded by people, he did not continue to move forward, but pointed to the side with great experience:

   "Let's not block the road, talk over there."

  As soon as the director spoke, the reporters immediately followed him to the side.

   "Director Zhang, as the producer of "The Love of the Hawthorn Tree", have you received any news in China? Are you optimistic about the current award-winning situation of "The Hawthorn Tree"?"

"I think I still have a mentality that focuses on participation. This is the first time Xiao Xu has participated in such an important international film festival. He is still young, and I hope everyone will not put so much pressure on him. He has done well enough .I think his achievements at the Venice Film Festival are far more important than any awards. So I don’t speculate on whether he will win an award, but I am very happy that his works can be recognized internationally.”

  As soon as Zhang Yimou opened his mouth, many domestic reporters were taken aback.

   Xin said that your "deflation" is more obvious?

   If you lose before you win, it makes you understand.

   Is it really for Xu Xin to decompress?

"Director Zhang Yimou, the audience in Italy spoke highly of "Under the Hawthorn Tree", and we all think it is an excellent work. And its ranking also proves its worth. We would like to know your participation in this film What is the degree of completion? Has he ever conflicted with your ideas?"

  Following Pang Liwei's translation, Zhang Yimou nodded:

"Thank you for your support of "Hawthorn Tree", but equally, "Sorrowful Trumpet" and "Silent Soul" are also very good works. So my point of view is that as long as you participate, you are a victory. After all, you can be shortlisted All the works in the main competition are excellent. Rather than winning an award, I value Director Xu Xin's learning process here.

   As for the degree of participation, the two of us had disagreements except during the casting stage. I insisted on using amateur actors with no acting experience, but he chose Yifei, an excellent actor. At other times, I didn't overly participate in the whole movie. So if this work is considered to be complete, I may not even be able to reach one percent. "

   "Director Zhang, Director Zhang, what about actors? Do you think Liu Yifei can become a new girl? What about Lin Xingxin? How do you evaluate his acting skills?"

   "Liu Yifei's words..."

   Speaking of this, Zhang Yimou was silent for a moment, then nodded:

"She's on the right track. She's washed off her luster, so she doesn't need to be called a girl. I believe those of you who have watched the movie will understand what I mean... Lin Xinxin, in this movie, It is true that he does not have as much room for development as Liu Yifei, but his ability to show his full abilities in a small amount of time also indirectly proves his excellence. Therefore, if possible, I hope to cooperate with these two young actors in the future I also hope that they will continue on the right path. I am very optimistic about their future achievements."

   One topic after another was brought up, and Zhang Yimou, who clearly understood his position in Venice this time, did not mean to be stingy with his praise.

  The interview lasted nearly 20 minutes. After answering a lot of questions, both Chinese and foreign, he finally bid farewell to the reporter politely and came to Zhong Changyou's side under the spotlight.

   "Director Zhang."

   "Well, Xiao Zhong, long time no see."

  Following the greeting, Zhong Changyou hurriedly opened the door of the commercial vehicle.

   But when Zhang Yimou saw the empty middle row of seats inside...subconsciously wanted to ask Zhong Changyou something.

   But he didn't speak in the end.

   He got into the car directly, smiled and waved at the media, and then Zhong Changyou closed the door.

   And the moment the car door closed, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder.

  Turn your head...

  I saw Xu Xin, who was huddled in a corner, not even daring to raise his head, smiling at him wickedly.

   "..."

  Zhang Yimou was stunned for a moment, but suddenly became happy:

   "Haha, brat!"

   "I'm almost falling asleep, and you are too slow..."

  At this time, Zhong Changyou and Pang Liwei opened the trunk to put their luggage, so Xu Xin still didn't get up, and continued to lean on the back seat and said:

   "What did I ask you?"

   "What else is there, it's nothing more than how you look at these things you have done...I helped you reduce the pressure."

  Zhang Yimou didn't look back, looked at the reporter in front of him who was taking pictures on the windshield of the commercial vehicle and said:

   "Don't look at them now surrounded by flowers, once you don't win the award, the direction of the wind may change in an instant... In the future, when facing these media, it is enough to lose first."

"clear."

  Although Xu Xin understood the truth a long time ago, he still readily agreed.

   It wasn't until Pang Liwei and Zhong Changyou got into the car and the car slowly drove out of the airport under the night that they finally sat up straight.

   "Xiao Xu, let's change seats?"

   "Eh, good."

  He and Pang Liwei changed the front and rear seats and sat in the middle seat.

   Then I heard Zhang Yimou say:

   "How did you make such a big commotion?"

   "I don't know either... I heard that a pizza caused such a big reaction in China... I'm so stupid."

  Xu Xin looked innocent.

  Hearing this, Zhang Yimou smiled relaxedly:

   "But it doesn't matter, you have made such a big noise, Venice has to weigh it."

  "...It won't be a compromise, right? If it's really coerced by public opinion to get me an award, then I'm not willing to ask for it."

  He would never say this in front of anyone.

   Except for the old man.

  Because it is hypocritical to say this no matter where you put it.

   But it doesn't matter to the old man.

  Because the old man understands him.

  So, after hearing this, Zhang Yimou nodded:

"Of course. Do you know why Venice's final evaluation is the jury, but there is also a ranking? In fact, it is to let everyone see that the award-winning movies are well-deserved. The directors, actors and other people in the jury Whether it is film critics or audiences.

  Essentially, everyone is a film practitioner and lover.

  In addition to the Venice Film Festival under the leadership of Mark Muller, it has always followed the route of "a movie is a movie". There are other factors, but in this peaceful situation, they will not take the lead in doing anything "right". At the very least, there is a relatively fair competition platform. The rest...just let it be. "

   "..."

  Xu Xin's eyes showed a little strangeness.

  Although he didn't know what the old man said to the media.

  But how did you get to yourself and start to decompress yourself?

   Do I look that vulnerable?

   But he did not refute, just said:

   "Are you tired here?"

"how?"

   "I'll put the things in the hotel for a while, shall we go to eat? I found several good restaurants in advance, and then we can go to the movies..."

   "What are you doing, dating?"

   "..."

  The old man's words really confused him.

  I said in my heart that after you got the marriage certificate, the old man really changed his skin.

  Even you are like this, so Auntie Ting might become so inflated...

   "Ha~"

  Zhang Yimou chuckled:

   "Venice, I know you much better. How many times have you been here?"

   Speech is flat.

  But behind it is the absolute confidence of winning two Golden Lions and one Silver Lion, and incidentally helping Gong Li win a Best Actress Award.

   That is the top of the mountain for Chinese-language films at the Venice Film Festival!

   Overlook the sky!

   "...tsk."

  Xu Xin smacked his mouth.

  Nodding sincerely:

   "Well, sloppy."

  Hearing this, Zhang Yimou smiled even happier, looking at his disciples:

   "Take your time, you are still young, why are you in a hurry?"

  …

   "Well, this one? The seafood stew in this restaurant is good."

   "..."

   "Ever eaten?"

   "...No, I think his pasta is good."

   "Then you have to try."

   "...Eh, good."

  Xu Xin nodded like a primary school student, and followed the old man as if going home into the restaurant recommended by Ai Qing.

  Facts have proved that Xu Xin can't move the door, let alone the axe.

  People are really familiar with the road.

   While at the dining table, Zhang Yimou looked around the environment of "ALCOVO", with a look of reminiscence in his eyes:

   "It doesn't seem to have changed... How did you find this restaurant? There is a fish market next to it. The ingredients are very fresh every day, and meals are cheap..."

   "..."

   Is it an old man after all?

awesome…

   Xu Xin sighed, pointing to Ai Qing next to her:

   "She brought me here."

  Zhang Yimou's eyes fell on Ai Qing:

   "Are you from Venice?"

"right."

  Ai Qing nodded:

"I was born in the United States. When I was six years old, my parents divorced, and I went back to Italy with my mother to live. I lived in the United States until I was in high school. But I still like it here, so I go back to Italy every summer vacation. I am here to accompany my mother. But because my mother remarried, I will return to the United States to accompany my father during the winter vacation."

   "Then you now..."

   "Teach English and Italian in Yanjing. Then I will volunteer in the United States or Italy during winter and summer vacations, or teach Chinese to children in schools in Venice and New York."

  Hearing this, Zhang Yimou nodded:

   "That's amazing..."

  He could tell that the girl's family was in good condition.

   On the one hand, it is the luxury brand of clothing, on the other hand, when they settled down in the hotel just now, the girl just arrived downstairs and drove a Maserati.

  Although Maserati doesn't have much money, it can prove from the side that this girl has a lot of things.

   "Ai Qing is amazing, and I plan to learn foreign languages ​​from her after returning to China."

  As soon as Xu Xin finished speaking, Zhang Yimou suddenly understood something, and asked Xu Xin with a smile:

   "Do you not understand?"

   Take a look, fellow-minded people...

"…Um."

  Xu Xin felt a little helpless:

   "I really don't understand...I've almost turned around Venice in the past few days..."

   "Hahaha~"

  The smile on the old man's face grew brighter:

   "Like me, when I came here, I also wanted to see how other people make movies, but I..."

   Speaking of this, he paused, and then continued:

   "After I, Gong Li, and others entered the cinema, they left within ten minutes."

   Eyes full of relief.

   Then it turned into regret:

"It's a pity, I can't learn anymore. I was invited to be a judge of some international film festivals, and they especially wanted to prepare a Chinese subtitle for me... But you are at a good time, I have to learn. Look at Mimi , Didn’t she also start learning from scratch? Young people, quick-witted, accumulating over time... You will definitely come to these occasions in the future, and it’s good to master English.”

   "Well, I think so too. After all, I plan to take all the gold cups from the 9th University..."

   "..."

  Hearing this, the corners of Zhang Yimou's mouth twitched.

Fine.

  Although there are many awards in the 9 major awards that are not valued by some filmmakers... But whether it is true or not, it is always a good thing to have a dream.

  So, amidst the chatting, the feast began.

  As a dinner party for the old man, although it is not so formal, it is better than warmth.

   After a meal, the time has come to more than 9 o'clock.

  Xu Xin asked:

   "Are you sleepy? If not, let's go to the movies? "Sword Rain" has a midnight show at 10:30."

"OK."

   Zhang Yimou nodded after drinking two glasses of red wine.

  He came this time to give Xu Xin a platform, so there is no pressure from the film. In addition, I have been busy with "Jinling" since the beginning of the year, and after preparing for so long, it is time to take a vacation for myself.

   "Let's go."

"Um!"

  Xu Xin settled the bill, but Zhang Yimou had already left.

   But Pang Liwei deliberately lagged a few steps behind. Xu Xin turned around after paying the bill, found her by his side, and asked:

   "Sister Pang, how are you doing?"

  Pang Liwei nodded slightly:

   "It's okay, there's nothing wrong with it...but I'm always uneasy..."

   "Haha~"

  After understanding what she meant, Xu Xin nodded:

   "It's okay, just enjoy the Venice Film Festival in a down-to-earth manner. Don't worry about other things~ If there is anything else, let's go back to the hotel and talk."

  Hearing this, Pang Liwei felt relieved:

"good."

  (end of this chapter)