Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 408 Forming Cliques
The next morning, the sunlight shines through the curtains, automatically triggering the passive skill - noon.

"Mr. Zhang, do you need me to go shopping with you today?"

"No, I have other things to do today."

The land of gentleness is the cemetery of heroes. Zhang Chen doesn't want to give up because of fear. His time is very precious now.

After separating from Wen Yongshan, Zhang Chen rushed to Jiahe.

He went quite early, but Chen Xi went even earlier.

She is full of fighting spirit for the new battlefield.

Halfway through the journey, I received a call from Wong Jing, who started off by making fun of me.

"Brother Zhang, do you like the seafood in Hong Kong?"

Zhang Chen could imagine the pair of playful eyes behind the other person's glasses when he said this.

He could only laugh. How else could he respond? Praise the seafood for being fresh and juicy?

Soon we got to the point. Wong Jing wanted to invest in "Ip Man", and not only "Ip Man", but also "Extreme Job".

Huang started out as a comedian, and Eastern films have produced quite a few comedies, but they don’t work when it comes to mainland China.

To put it bluntly, we still cannot grasp the preferences of mainland audiences.

This was a good opportunity for him to see how mainlanders performed comedy.

"It's not much, please don't be disgusted, we should take it slow and steady, I mainly want to learn from you~"

"Haha, how could that happen?"

Seeking scriptures? Almost all the scriptures were taken last night.

At this stage, 3000 million is a watershed for the performance of Hong Kong films in the mainland market.

Except for some big productions like "Seven Swords" and "Myth", few can exceed 3000 million.

After hanging up the phone with Wong Jing, Peter Lam called again not long after.

Pretty much the same situation.

It seems that Hong Kong film companies are now looking forward to the mainland market, but they just can’t find a way to generate high box office sales.

Mainlanders don't like the movies they shot themselves.

Ask them to imitate the style of mainland directors, but they can't do it.

How can I not be anxious when I can only make a living by watching crime films every day?
"Finally you're here. I just happened to be looking for you for something~"

When Chen Xi saw Zhang Chen, he immediately welcomed him into the office.

Zhang Chen was not in a hurry, but asked leisurely: "How is it, does it feel good to be the head of a company?"

Chen Xi was annoyed: "What's good about that? It's so annoying. I have to deal with the beginning and end of three movies at once. It feels more annoying than when I was in the mainland~, and many filmmakers have vague hostility towards us, and it's not going well to find people~"

Zhang Chen hurriedly comforted him: "Don't worry, write down the names of those who don't cooperate in a small notebook, and make a list later..."

I'm not afraid that you're dancing happily now, I'll make a list for you sooner or later~
"It's to be expected that someone will make trouble, but we should be careful when no one makes trouble. Look at Sony, after it acquired Columbia, it was also tripped up by various obstacles. But as long as we can produce results, they will become clowns..."

As they were talking, there was a knock on the door. It was Chen Xi's administrative assistant: "Chairman, Boss, this is today's stock price report~"

As a listed company, her assistant would deliver relevant reports to her every morning.

After placing the report on the table, the assistant walked out.

Chen Xi picked it up and examined it. Zhang Chen was curious: "What is our market value now?"

"Nearly 150 million Hong Kong dollars~"

“Oh, what about when we acquire it?”

"About 80 million Hong Kong dollars."

Zhang Chen nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad, it has almost doubled. What does this mean?"

“The capital market is optimistic about us?”

"Yes, although the media has been very aggressive and has been badmouthing us, the stock price is not deceptive. The market value has increased by nearly one-fold, which shows that everyone is optimistic about Golden Harvest's performance in the short term..."

"Do you want to make the stock price better?" This time it was Chen Xi's turn to be mysterious.

"How does it work?"

"It's very simple. Help me quickly finalize the main cast of these three films. Once the news is announced, the price will definitely go up. Do you believe it?"

"I believe it~"

"Then hurry up~"

Chen Xi urged him angrily, and Zhang Chen was furious, "Hey, who is working for whom?"

Chen Xi was even more annoyed: "Hey, you should also figure out who I am helping to manage the company~"

"Okay, okay~"

This was not the first time that Chen Xi did not give face to him, the big boss, and he had long been accustomed to it.

"Don't you have any choice yourself?"

"Yes, but I'd rather hear yours."

……

In the mainland, the names of Zhang Chen and Jiahe have been mentioned repeatedly in the past two days.

After years of development, mainland films have already risen, but Hong Kong films are a big banner after all and still have some influence.

Zhang Chen's acquisition of Golden Harvest was considered a milestone event, representing that the mainland film industry had officially surpassed Hong Kong.

People are all amazed that the film industry finally has a listed company. It's strange that Golden Harvest is obviously a Hong Kong company, but everyone always treats it as a branch of Star Entertainment.

As Zhang Chen’s popularity increased, his reports from the past two days were also mentioned repeatedly, especially the one about the science fiction film.

Many people in the circle are also asking about it.

Fat Fan hasn't been very busy lately and hasn't had any social engagements.

I had a good beauty sleep last night and took a shower after waking up.

I felt my skin was a little dry after taking a shower, and just as I was about to apply some moisturizer, the phone suddenly rang.

Looking at the name on the caller ID, she was a little surprised. It was Wang Jinghua~
"Sister Hua~"

"Binbin, I heard that the filming of Painted Skin has been completed. Is everything going well?"

It sounds like a casual greeting. The filming of "Painted Skin" has been completed for half a month. Why do you only remember to show your concern now?

But she still answered: "Well, it went well. Sister Hua, do you want to talk to me about something?"

Seeing that Fan Xiaopang got straight to the point, Wang Jinghua stopped beating around the bush and asked, "Do you know about Director Zhang's new movie? I heard it's a science fiction movie?"

That's what it was for.

She thought about it for a moment, and felt that since Zhang Chen had said it publicly in the media, there should be nothing to keep secret. She nodded immediately, but then remembered that the other party couldn't see it, so she said, "I only know that it's a story about robots fighting monsters~"

"Robots fighting monsters?"

"Well, that's what he said."

"Has the lead actor been decided?"

"I'm the heroine."

"Congratulations, Binbin, for starring in Director Zhang's work again, and it's also the first science fiction film in China. I believe that after this film, you will surpass other actresses in China and become the top actress in China~"

"Sister Hua, stop joking. I'm just trying to make a living. It's not as exaggerated as you say~"

Even though he was very happy in his heart, Fat Fan remained humble in his words.

"Okay, we're already so familiar with each other, so stop being so modest. Your mouth is already stretched to your cheeks~"

The two men were old acquaintances, so they were not so polite when speaking to each other, and could make any joke that was not too excessive.

Fatty Fan really chuckled: "Sister Hua, you really, ...

He said this but couldn't stop laughing.

Wang Jinghua on the other side took the opportunity to say, "Okay, Sister Hua, please ask you if there are any other roles in this movie. I want to get some for my subordinates..."

Wang Jinghua got straight to the point, and Fan Xiaopang smiled and said, "Sister Hua is still so good, she knows how to fight for the welfare of her subordinates, but I really don't know, I haven't seen the script yet, Director Zhang just mentioned it to me..."

Seeing this, Wang Jinghua stopped talking nonsense: "It seems that I can only ask Director Zhang. But if Director Zhang asks for your opinion later, you can also help to say a few good words..."

"Definitely~"

The two of them hung up the phone politely. In fact, everyone was just being polite. Fan Xiaopang knew that the other party didn't need his nice words at all, and Wang Jinghua also knew that Fan Xiaopang's nice words were useless.

There was a knock on the door, and Mu Xiaoguang's voice came: "Binbin, can I come in?"

Fatty Fan had also finished applying lotion and put on his pajamas by this time: "Okay, Brother Guang, come in."

Mu Xiaoguang pushed the door open and walked in, indifferent to the beauty he saw.

"Binbin, I just received a call from Huayi. They are preparing a blockbuster movie called "Double J Project" and would like to invite you to audition for the leading female role."

"Double J Project?"

"Yes~"

Mu Xiaoguang told him what he knew. It was a project that Huayi and Lionsgate were working on. It was the first time that Cheng Long and Jet Li appeared together. The director was Hollywood director Rob Minkoff.

Fat Fan was a little tempted when he heard this, but he immediately remembered Zhang Chen's relationship with Huayi. "Forget it, just push it for me~"

She didn't know if this was a poison bait used by Huayi to drive a wedge between her and Zhang Chen, but whether it was or not, she wasn't going to swallow it.

"Isn't that a bit of a pity? Why don't you give Director Zhang a call and ask him. Maybe he won't mind?"

Mu Xiaoguang wanted her to take on this role. After all, it was the first film in which two Kung Fu superstars, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, collaborated, and it might also be the last.

Fan Xiaopang was also very excited. He picked up the phone in his hand and put it down again and again.

She really wanted to call Zhang Chen to ask, but finally held back.

"Push it~"

Fan Xiaopang finally made up her mind. She didn't even want to go for an audition because she didn't want to cause any misunderstanding to Zhang Chen.

Mu Xiaoguang had no choice but to leave, but before leaving, Fatty Fan couldn't help but ask, "Besides me, who else did they invite to audition?"

Mu Xiaoguang looked back: "Many people, almost all famous female stars have received invitations, but the general consensus is that only you, Liu Yifei and Zhang Ziyi have the greatest chance of winning..."

Fan Xiaopang nodded. Not to mention Zhang Ziyi, after the Golden Globe Awards, she overshadowed Gong Li and became the most famous Chinese female star. Theoretically speaking, she has the greatest chance of winning.

The production company will definitely consider popularity when casting. Zhang Ziyi already has some audience appeal and is undoubtedly a very suitable candidate.

Next is Fan Xiaopang. "Eden Lake" sold well in North America. Although it is a niche horror film, it has already laid a good foundation.

As for Liu Tianxian, it is purely because of her popularity in China.

In terms of international influence, her influence can be ignored, but in terms of domestic popularity, her popularity is unmatched.

Fan Xiaopang never said a word of regret in the end, so Mu Xiaoguang could only leave helplessly.

It's true that he is Fan Binbin's agent, but Fan Binbin's business is basically decided by herself, and Mu Xiaoguang has little say in it.

……

At the same time, Zhang Chen was calling Zhao Benshan: "Uncle Benshan, I have a role that suits you very well. Do you want to come and play a cameo role..."

Zhao Benshan had just finished a roadshow and was exhausted, but he was still very happy when he received Zhang Chen's call.

"What role?"

"A drug dealer, or gangster, or something like that~"

Zhang Chen thinks that Zhao Benshan has good acting skills. If he is willing to develop in the direction of actor, he can become an actor like Choi Min-sik. He just doesn't know if he is willing to do so.

There just so happened to be a drug dealer character in "Extreme Job", and Zhang Chen felt that it would be quite effective if Zhao Benshan joined.

Zhao Benshan on the other end of the phone was stunned. He reacted for a moment and made sure that Zhang Chen was serious and not just making fun of him. The anger that had just risen up in his heart disappeared immediately.

Zhang Chen was still unaware and continued to persuade: "Uncle Benshan, I think you are really suitable. Although the role is not big, you will definitely perform well. Besides, you haven't played a similar role before, right? This is a good opportunity to prove to the people of the country, who said that comedians don't need acting skills..."

Zhang Chen kept talking, but Zhao Benshan didn't interrupt him. He just listened to him quietly until Zhang Chen ran out of words. "Uncle Benshan, I've been talking for a long time, can you please give me something to say~"

Zhao Benshan then said: "Brother Zhang, I am very happy that you can think of your uncle Benshan when there is a good role, but I don't like the role you mentioned..."

Hmm, why does this line sound so familiar?

Zhang Chen wanted to persuade him again, but Zhao Benshan hung up the phone saying he was busy.

Looking at the busy tone on the phone, Zhang Chen curled his lips. If he didn't want to act, then he didn't. Why was he still angry?

He was not angry at being rejected by Zhao Benshan. He still had a backup plan. He continued to dial another number, and after a while, the call was connected:
"Hello, Uncle Daoming, I'm Zhang Chen~"

"Ah, Zhang Chen, are you talking about the guest appearance? Lu Yang has already contacted me~"

Director Chen thought that Zhang Chen asked him to make a guest appearance in "The Man from Lone Ranger".

In the setting of the "Hurricane" universe, Abu is Lao Chen's apprentice. Abu has his own series of movies "The Man from Nowhere" and "Extraction", and Lao Chen also has his own series "Sanction Agents".

So in this drama, Lao Chen played by Chen Daoming and the male lead of "Hurricane" played by Liang Jiahui will both make guest appearances.

After all, it is a spin-off of "Hurricane". If the protagonist doesn't appear, what kind of spin-off can it be called?
It's like "Terminator", as long as the governor doesn't appear, everything is not orthodox.

"Ah, Uncle Daoming, it's not about this, it's about something else..."

Three minutes later, Director Chen had a bunch of question marks on his head: "Do you want me to play a drug dealer, or a comedy?"

"Yes~"

Chen Daoming subconsciously wanted to refuse, "You little bastard, aren't you just kidding?"

Zhang Chen immediately retorted: "I'm not kidding, Uncle Daoming, you've been acting in serious dramas all your life, and the roles you've played are all very serious. Why don't you try to step out of your comfort zone and play some different roles, such as villains..."

Director Chen was so angry that he laughed: "Who said I haven't played a villain? Wasn't I a villain in Black Hole?"

Zhang Chen was speechless for a moment and had actually forgotten about this.

But he immediately added: "What about comedy movies? You have never acted in one, right~"

Now it was Chen Daoming's turn to be speechless.

I've never acted in a comedy film.

Zhang Chen pressed on: "Look, your acting style has been finalized. Even if you want to act, no one will ask you to act in a comedy. I am the only one who still thinks about you..."

This guy is really pushing his nose to the ground~
"Go away, stop it~, kid, I don't know you yet, you must have been unable to find other actors, so you thought of me, I tell you, if others don't want it, I don't want it either~"

Chen Daoming suddenly felt like playing around. Zhang Chen knew he was joking, so he immediately said, "It's not that I can't find someone. I just wanted to get you and Liang Jiahui together again~
The last time you two appeared together was in Taken, which was your first time trying an action film. This time, it’s a good opportunity to try your hand at a comedy…”

This actually moved Director Chen.

He knew that Zhang Chen had always highly praised Liang Jiahui because he could act any role well.

He can play a policeman, a drug lord, a drama, or a comedy.

Moreover, "Red Rose vs. White Rose" and "A Chinese Odyssey" are both the most difficult nonsensical styles.

In terms of acting skills, Chen Daoming believes that he is no worse than Liang Jiahui, but when it comes to the types of roles he can play, it is indeed a bit narrow.

In terms of performance, he still has some baggage.

He considers himself an artist, while Liang Jiahui considers himself only an actor, so there is of course a difference in their performances.

Speaking of which, this is also the difference between Hong Kong actors and mainland actors.

In Hong Kong, being an actor is just a profession. There is no halo and naturally no burden.

But in mainland China, there are too many additional things attached to actors, which invisibly creates shackles for them.

The more Director Chen thought about it, the stronger the voice in his heart became, and he finally agreed: "Okay, I'll take this role. Send me the script later."

Zhang Chen laughed over there: "I knew you would definitely accept it, but I can only give you the script when we get to the set. This is a comedy, and I'm afraid you'll get too immersed in the role, which would have the opposite effect..."

Director Chen wanted to refute, but then he thought that comedy really does not require deep understanding of the characters. If you go too deep, it may not be funny, so he gave up.

Three days later, Golden Harvest held another press conference to announce the main creative team of the three films on the list.

Media gathered in the audience
Chen Xi stood on the podium, controlling the PPT on the big screen: "According to the company's plan in recent years, we will launch at least three films every year, all in the form of co-productions, to promote the accelerated integration of the mainland and Hong Kong film industries. The following are the three films we are about to start shooting this year..."

As Chen Xi pressed the button, the contents of the first PPT appeared on the big screen.

["The Man from Nowhere", directed by Lu Yang, starring Zhang Jin, Andy On, action director Lu Yian, supporting actors Chen Guobin, Wu Yijiang, Huang Ziyang, Zhang Yang, Chen Kui'an, Lam Ka-tung, special guest appearances by Liang Jiahui and Chen Daoming...]

"'The Man from Nowhere' will be Golden Harvest's key project this year, in collaboration with mainland China's Star Entertainment, to be a spin-off of the 'Hurricane' universe. We are very optimistic about the two rising action stars Zhang Jin and Andy On, and we look forward to their sparks in this collaboration..."

Chen Xi made a brief introduction, but some reporters were already complaining that cooperating with Xingchen Entertainment was still Zhang Chen's company, which was like the left hand cooperating with the right hand.
But no matter how much they complain, they can't find any reason to complain.

Although both companies belong to Zhang Chen, in theory, they are indeed a collaboration between two film companies from mainland China and Hong Kong.

Others found that the characters used in "The Man from Nowhere" were almost the same as those in the previous "Kowloon Walled City".

Does this mean that Golden Harvest has already won over a group of Hong Kong filmmakers?

The speech continues
“The second movie, ‘Extreme Job’.

This is a comedy film, directed by Wang Jing, starring Liang Jiahui, Gao Yuanyuan, Wu Zhenyu, Li Cansen, Zhang Mo, and special appearances by Twins, Wu Junru, Zhang Guoli, Simon Yam, and Ge Minhui..."

There were again a large number of well-known Hong Kong stars, and this time the reporters were finally moved.

You should know that not long ago, Zhang Chen made a scene at the Academy Awards and was unanimously condemned by the Hong Kong media. At that time, many Hong Kong filmmakers also stood up to oppose him.

I didn't expect that the situation would be reversed in such a short time.

These two movies have attracted a large number of filmmakers, but what about those who disagree with him? Won’t they end up being isolated?

Someone couldn't help but ask: "Director Wang Jing, what prompted you to cooperate with Golden Harvest?"

Wang Jing still had that smiling face: "Of course it's the money. When I make movies, I never take sides. No matter art or business, southern or northern school, as long as a movie can make money, it's a good movie..."

Wang Jing has always been a very clear-headed person. You can say that he is shameless and that he only cares about whoever feeds him, but you have to admit that he is indeed capable.

He is the king of bad movies, but he has also made many good movies.

He can make any type of film, and is particularly good at comedies.

"The last one is a kung fu film, Ip Man, which tells the story of Bruce Lee's master Ip Man. The director is Wilson Yip, and the stars are Zhen Zidan, Andy On, Gao Yuanyuan, and the action director is Yuan Heping..."

There is no other way to promote it. These days, no one knows who Ip Man is.

Just as the reporters were taking pictures, Chen Xi dropped another bombshell: "The three films this time are all jointly invested by Golden Harvest Films, Media Asia Films, Oriental Films and Xingchen Entertainment. I believe that with everyone's concerted efforts, we will definitely be able to bring you wonderful works. Please wait and see..."

Golden Harvest has finally shown its strength, not only announcing its film list and main creative team, but also showing off its mountain top.

Golden Harvest, Media Asia and Oriental Films formed an alliance, an alliance that no one in the film industry can ignore.

Before the three movies were released, no one could do anything to Golden Harvest. After the release, if the box office flopped, the alliance would naturally fall apart and Golden Harvest would become a drowned dog again.

If there is a big explosion, the alliance will continue and even become stronger.

(End of this chapter)