Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 488 Returning to China, Big Film Festival
The hostess was not decided immediately, not for any other reason, but simply because Diane asked us to wait another night.

Kristen's father is a program producer at Fox TV and her mother is a screenwriter.

Similar to Blake Lively, she is also considered the second generation in the circle and knows all the rules.

He appeared at the door of Zhang Chen's room that night.

Since others took the initiative to ask for international exchanges, could Zhang Chen still refuse?

The reality is, it’s not easy.

……

The next day, the Twilight project team held a regular meeting
Zhang Chen directly suggested: "What do you think of Kristen Stewart for the role of Bella?"

Men are actually very easy to please...

"I think she's a perfect fit. Her image is exactly what I imagined Bella to be." Mel, the original author, is obviously very satisfied with Christine.

Director Catherine also nodded: "I think it's okay. Her facial contours are very linear, and it will look good in the photos. She also has a good CP feeling with Paul Wesley."

Zhang Chen also thought it was good and the driving skills were pretty good.

"Since no one has any objection, let's choose her."

Diane sneered beside him, knowing what was going on.

But she certainly couldn't ruin Zhang Chen's plan, so she immediately said, "Okay, I'll go find her to sign the contract later."

Seeing that the lead actor had been decided, Dai An got down to business: "The budget for our play is 3500 million, including publicity and promotion.

Catherine, I need a budget sheet. Twilight is a best-selling novel. The main audience for this kind of movie is book fans. If you want to be successful, you must restore the scenes in the novel to the greatest extent possible. I need to know which scenes need to be restored..."

Tens of millions is not a lot of money to make a movie, so Diane has to be thrifty.

Especially for films that are based on original works, the original author is likely to get stuck on details and focus on them, which would be a disaster for the film.

But we cannot be too lenient. The novel has a huge fan base. If the movie is too different from the novel, it will easily cause dissatisfaction among book fans. The most direct consequence is the collapse of word of mouth.

Soon, the contract was signed. The female lead Kristen Stewart was paid $200 million and the male lead Paul Wesley was paid $50, mainly because he was a newcomer and had no works.

As for Blake Lively, she was given a supporting role, the protagonist's sister and a member of a vampire family.

Blake Lively was very worldly-wise and had no complaints at all, so she gave the gift again.

Then, the news that the first Twilight movie "Twilight" had been approved was announced and spread among book fans, causing quite a stir.

When the photos of the male and female protagonists were made public, there was basically no major opposition.

For those teenage book fans, it is enough that the male protagonist is handsome and the female protagonist is beautiful.

They know the plot and everything, they just simply want to see handsome men and beautiful women fall in love.

……

Everything in "Twilight" is back on track, and the day has come for Zhang Chen to leave.

There are still a lot of things waiting for him in the country.

At the airport, Diane sees her off.

"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on this movie for you. I hope it won't ruin the reputation I've just built up~" Diane said self-deprecatingly.

Zhang Chen said: "Don't worry, Diane, I promise you that Twilight will become another of your masterpieces. It will become the best best-selling book adaptation movie after Harry Potter..."

"Are you so confident?"

"of course."

He patted Diane's shoulder again and said, "Just stay in the cube and help me run the company. You know, my main battlefield is not in Hollywood, and you have the final say here~"

Dai An spat: "He just paints cakes for me."

Zhang Chen is not just talking big.

In the original time and space, Summit Entertainment was just a third-rate company before "Twilight", not as good as the current Cube.

After "Twilight", it was directly promoted to the second-rate and was able to be on par with Lionsgate, which shows how powerful this novel is.

If a peak can do it, why can't a cube?

……

The plane soared into the sky. The first-class cabin where Zhang Chen was was very spacious and the stewardess was very beautiful.

It would take him 8 hours to land in Beijing.

Zhang Chen reclined the seat a little so that he could lie more comfortably.

He remembered what Chen Xi said on the phone last night:
In Hong Kong today, the wind direction has already changed drastically.

The Hong Kong media, which had previously called for his death, immediately made a 1.4-degree turn in their attitude after hearing that he was the boss of Cube and produced the movie "Juno", which grossed million yuan.

It’s true that whoever gives you milk is your mother.

After learning that Zhang Chen had the ability to go overseas, Hong Kong media all sang praises.

No one spoke up for Huang Dong anymore.

Even this guy isn’t reported on anymore.

It seems as if Huang has never appeared in the media.

The same goes for the Academy Awards. Zhang Chen doesn't know whether to describe them as being able to bend and stretch, or as being both competent and independent.

He actually asked someone to mediate and wanted Zhang Chen to attend next year's Academy Awards ceremony, on the condition that he would be given a certain award.

Where did all those strong bones go? It seemed like the spine was broken in an instant.

Zhang Chen didn't give them a reply yet, leaving them alone...

……

Landing in Beijing
As soon as I came out of the exit, I was dazzled by the flash lights.

Then a wreath was placed on her head.

This time when he returned to China, Xingchen Entertainment deliberately promoted it and held a large-scale airport reception. The area was already surrounded by reporters and media.

Of course we need to promote it!
Having suffered so much criticism during this period, with its reputation falling from the peak to the bottom and then back to the peak, Xingchen Entertainment certainly needs to vent its anger.

Zhang Chen also needed to vent his anger.

He was in North America, and although he was not involved in specific matters, Chen Xi reported to him every step.

Otherwise, how could Chen Xi have the confidence to do this and that?

"Director Zhang, are you aware of what's happening in Hong Kong during your time in the United States?"

Zhang Chen nodded: "I roughly know. Chen Xi and Manager Dong both called me afterwards."

"Do you agree with their approach?"

This is obviously someone who wants to stir up trouble.

Zhang Chen nodded affirmatively: "Of course, I think they did the right thing."

Wow~
Media: "Don't you think the ban is a bit too radical?"

Zhang Chen didn't care: "Adults should be responsible for their own actions. Okay, let's not talk about these unpleasant things anymore. If you don't have any other questions, then I'll leave."

“Yes, yes, yes~”

"Director Zhang, do you support pregnancy before marriage?"

“No.”

Zhang Chen felt that today's questions were very sharp.

“Then why did you make a subject like Juno?”

“The national conditions are different. As a foreigner in Hollywood, I can’t touch mainstream movies, so I can only work on marginal themes.

So the Cube produces either low-budget horror films or particularly bold films like Juno.

Getting pregnant before marriage may not be a big deal in the United States, but choosing to give birth to the child is considered a rebellious act even there.

I just had an outline of the story at the time, but it was my producer Diane who ultimately made it happen.”

"Will you do similar subjects in the country?"

"How is that possible? The national conditions are completely different, okay?"

Zhang Chen really wanted to say that even if it was done, it would definitely not pass the review, but thinking that it might lead the topic to the review system, he did not say it.

“I heard that you have started a new project called Twilight?”

“Yes, it’s based on a best-selling book.”

"Can you tell me what it's about?"

"Vampire is a love story of vampires~"

“Will it be introduced into the country?”

"Well, I'm afraid not. This is a very American movie. Domestic audiences may not like it..."

Vampire culture and werewolf culture actually don't have many audiences in the country.

Among the best-selling novels in the West, only Harry Potter still has some influence. Others, such as "The Lord of the Rings" and "Game of Thrones", are not popular.

"Are you coming back for the College Student Film Festival this time?"

"That's partly the reason, but also partly because my junior brother's film 'The Man from Nowhere' is about to be released, so I came back to help promote it..."

At this time, someone specifically asked, "Did you know that the filming of Red Cliff directed by John Woo officially started a few days ago?"

Zhang Chen shook his head: "I don't know."

"You two are both well-known directors. Do you have anything to say to Director Wu?"

Zhang Chen was about to say no, but suddenly thought of something and stopped talking: "Then I'll remind Director Wu that the Three Kingdoms theme is a treasure of Chinese culture. Since Director Wu has decided to film the story of Red Cliff, he must make it grand and don't make it into a gangster movie..."

Amidst the laughter, Zhang Chen did not dare to stay for too long. He answered a few more questions and then left.

This is an airport after all, and he doesn't want to cause congestion because of him. …

Xingchen Entertainment, Corridor

Zhang Jin, dressed in a neat and slim suit, was standing at the side of the corridor smoking when footsteps sounded from behind him.

Look back
It’s Yang Qing.

"Brother Jin~"

Yang Qing also came here to smoke.

Zhang Jin nodded, then put the cigarette in his left hand, took out the cigarette box with his right hand, and flicked out a cigarette.

Yang Qing stopped taking out a cigarette halfway and took it.

"I want to try Brother Jin's Huazi too~"

With a "click", he lit it for himself, took a deep breath, and the smoke wafted out from the corners of Yang Qing's mouth.

Call ~
The smoke from his mouth came out in the shape of a column of smoke, and Yang Qing made small talk: "Otherwise Director Lu said you were a thug in a suit, you look really handsome in a suit~"

Zhang Jin smiled coldly, "Brother Qing, please stop joking with me. I'm so nervous now."

"What are you nervous about?"

"Of course it's the movie. The Man from Nowhere will be released on May 1st. I'm a little unsure..."

Hearing this, Yang Qing nodded in agreement.

It is indeed too tragic.

This year's May Day period can be called a death period.

In one month, three Hollywood blockbusters are released.

In the first half of the month, Spider-Man 3 was released on the same day as The Man from Nowhere, in the middle of the month it was Target, and in the latter half of the month it was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Zhang Jin's scalp tingles when he thinks of these three films.

Especially Spider-Man 3...

Sequels to popular movies usually come with their own traffic, let alone "Spider-Man".

In comparison, "The Man from Nowhere" can only be regarded as a spin-off of "Taken", and it is unknown whether it can beat him.

"Why did the company schedule the release of The Man from Nowhere in May? Couldn't it be delayed a few months?"

At this time, a voice sounded in the distance: "I know why?"

It’s Lu Yang!
Lu Yang also came over to smoke.

Zhang Jin popped another cigarette, and the three of them stood side by side in front of the window smoking.

After taking a few deep puffs, Lu Yang said, "It's not that the company doesn't want to change, but in the next few months, no one was kind.

June: Pirates of the Caribbean 6

July: Transformers

August: Harry Potter 8

In November, "Jason Bourne" and "Die Hard 11" will be released, and the rest are the National Day and Lunar New Year holidays.

I asked Manager Dong, and he said that the schedule was set by Director Zhang himself..."

"This year is really weird, there are so many sequels to popular movies, and they are all blockbusters..."

“Can’t domestic films be released during the protection month?” Zhang Jin still didn’t give up.

Lu Yang shrugged. "It's unlikely that there will be a domestic film protection month this year. It seems that the Americans complained to us at the WTO, saying that we often release two Hollywood blockbusters together, so this year's schedule is like this..."

Only then did the two of them realize that there was such a hidden story.

The few of them talked and chatted, and soon finished a cigarette.

"Let's go~"

Lu Yang asked everyone to go back. Yang Qing rolled his cigarette butt on a stone and prepared to go back. However, Zhang Jin said, "You guys go back first. I'll have another cigarette~"

"Smoking is harmful to health~"

The two of them left jokingly. Zhang Jin lit another cigarette for himself, but his brows unconsciously frowned.

Lu Yang is the director, he is the actor, and he thinks more than Lu Yang.

As we all know, in addition to the main line of "Taken", the agent universe also has two branch series.

The "Lone Agent" series about 'Abu' and the "Sanction Agent" series about 'Lao Chen'.

Although Abu and Lao Chen are master and apprentice in the play, in fact, the two series are in a competitive relationship.

If "The Man from Nowhere" fails, the company's next focus will definitely shift to "The Man from Nowhere".

Even though Lu Yang is a director, failure certainly won't affect him.

He is Zhang Chen's junior fellow apprentice, favored by his parents and well-connected.

Even if "The Man from Nowhere" failed, he would most likely direct "The Man from Nowhere".

But if that happens, Zhang Jin will be in trouble.

The first work he took the lead in failed, and it is hard to say whether he will be able to get another chance to take the lead.

Therefore, Zhang Jin put all his efforts into "The Man from Lone Star", performing all kinds of dangerous actions himself and striving to do his best.

But fate plays tricks on us and we have to face such a deathly time.

Zhang Jin is under a lot of pressure.

……

April 4, the 28th Beijing University Student Film Festival Awards Ceremony
Although the event was not of high standard, there were many big names attending.

Xingchen Entertainment can be said to have won a great victory.

The Best Director award went to Ning Hao for "Crazy Racing".

The Best Debut Award was given to "Kowloon Walled City". As Lu Yang's first work, "Kowloon Walled City" has a very unique style. From the perspective of a newcomer, no work can rival "Kowloon Walled City".

The most popular actress among college students was given to Fan Binbin.

Absolutely well-deserved.

The three most distinctive awards of the film festival are the most popular actor, actress and director awards among college students.

Unlike general awards, these three awards are purely audience awards.

Online voting accounts for 25%, and on-site voting by college students accounts for 75%.

It is truly the 'Most Popular Award among College Students'.

It is no surprise that Fan Binbin won the title of the most popular actress among college students. The two films, Painted Skin and A Quiet Place, are really in line with the preferences of college students.

“Thank you for your support. Two years ago, you also voted for me because of The Shallows.

Two years later, I received everyone's favor again and won this award. I want to say thank you everyone and thank Director Zhang.

I won the 'Most Popular Actress among College Students' award twice because of starring in Director Zhang's works. I hope that next year, I can still win this trophy with "Pacific Rim". Thank you everyone..."

Fan Xiaopang’s speech was quite special, as it directly turned into a wish-making scene.

But it caused cheers from the students.

"Pacific Rim" is so popular that it is also the most favorite genre among young people.

When it came to the question of 'most popular director among college students', no one was surprised when the guest read out Zhang Chen's name.

There was no suspense that Zhang Chen won the award.

Fan Binbin was able to win the 'Most Popular Actress among College Students' award for starring in his works. If this award was not won by Zhang Chen, then there would be something shady going on.

“Thank you for your kindness, the Grand Film Festival has always been my favorite film festival.

I don’t think anyone would think there is something fishy about my award.

I have always said that college students are the most difficult group to buy. They are very simple and honest. Good is good and bad is bad.

Two years ago, when I won this award, I was still a student like everyone else, but now I have graduated.

Thank you to the audience for giving me this award again. The only thing I can do is to continue making movies that everyone loves to watch.

Finally, I also followed Ms. Fan Binbin’s example and made a wish. I hope I can win this award again next year with Pacific Rim!”

The next day's newspapers all used the photo of Zhang Chen holding the trophy as the front-page headline.

The titles are usually - Star Entertainment Film Festival Yang Wei!

At this year's film festival, Xingchen Entertainment has reaped great rewards.

None of the three directors under the company were left out.

Best Director Award, Best Virgo Award, Most Popular Director Award among College Students~
One trophy per person!
But no one thinks it shouldn’t.

Xingchen Entertainment has now become the number one film company in the country and is recognized by its peers.

If we talk about the past, Huayi was still resentful.

But since it was revealed that Zhang Chen also had a film company in Hollywood, Huayi accepted its fate.

It’s impossible not to admit it.

The reputation of your "Night Banquet" was earned by others.

Two days later, The Man from Nowhere premiered.

……

This is my first time writing about Chinese entertainment. The first few posts were a disaster.
The 6000-word chapter was deleted until only 1000 words were left before being released.

(End of this chapter)