Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 358 Speaking Openly
Cao Yang got off the plane in Beijing, where Dong Xuan picked him up.

After spending a day adjusting to the time difference at Dong Xuan's place, the fatigue from the flight vanished.

When a man is full of energy, he will definitely want to do something else.

What Cao Yang found a bit of a pity was that Dong Xuan's aftereffects from starring in "Black Swan" had disappeared. By day, she was no longer the shy and quiet "white swan" who would even cover her mouth and bite her lip when she was deeply moved.

Fortunately, the passion is still burning, like the single ponytail and double ponytail.

However, just as Cao Yang was enjoying himself as a brave knight riding his horse, Dong Xuan said something rather ominous.

Things like "I'm going to die..." or "I really can't take it anymore..."

What could Cao Yang do? He quickly dismounted, helped Dong Xuan lie down, and then performed CPR on her…

After a long while, Dong Xuan sat up, let down her ponytail, shook her head to straighten her hair, and then lay down again.

Anyone with experience knows that when your ponytail is not loose, it's fine to lie down, kneel, or bend over, but it's not so comfortable to lie down.

Of course, even when lying down at that time, I probably forgot about the discomfort of the ponytail for a while. Only after that period of time passed and I calmed down would I feel it again.

Cao Yang touched the bamboo shoot tip and suddenly thought of the discussion a few days ago about promoting people and boosting their status. It seemed that Dong Xuan's movie also had Taiwanese people in it. He wondered if she had promoted anyone.

Here's the thing: the movie "The Knot," co-produced by China Film Group, Emperor Entertainment Group (Hong Kong), and Longxiang Entertainment (Taiwan), is looking for a mainland Chinese actress to play one of the female leads, Wang Jindi.

Initially, Emperor Entertainment wanted to give the role to Li Bingbing, an artist signed with Huayi Brothers, with whom they had a very good relationship.

Director Yin Li, a graduate of the 78 class of the Fine Arts Department of Beijing Film Academy, wanted to cast Dong Xuan, one of the most prominent actresses at Beijing Film Academy and a Venice Film Festival Best Actress winner, in the role.

Emperor Entertainment Group would definitely oppose it. They have many collaborations and close relationships with Huayi Brothers. Huayi Brothers' CEO, Mr. Wang, has put in a good word for them, so Emperor Entertainment Group naturally wants to make this happen.

So, their reason was that Dong Xuan was too expensive, while Li Bingbing was cheaper.

Yin Li also had his own insistence, arguing that "The Knot" is a special kind of art film, and Dong Xuan's acting skills are better, making her more suitable for the role.

Of course, under normal circumstances, unless you're a big-name director, it's difficult to compete with production companies, and you'll eventually have to compromise.

However, when General Manager Han of China Film Group learned about this, even though he had a good relationship with the two Huayi brothers and Huayi's younger brother, Mr. Wang, had specifically spoken to him, General Manager Han's words were quite interesting—art films should cast actors with good acting skills.

Who has the best acting skills?
Of course, it's Dong Xuan, who won the Venice Film Festival Best Actress award and automatically became one of the four great actresses.

This is tantamount to openly supporting Dong Xuan.

This infuriated Xiao Wang. He had made a solemn promise to Jianbing when they were talking, but the old man surnamed Han didn't give him any face at all, and didn't even bother to be vague.

And so, Dong Xuan landed the role of Wang Jindi in "The Knot".

"In the promotion of 'The Knot,' were you and the Taiwanese actress Ruoxuan listed as co-lead actresses?"

Cao Yang asked curiously.

Xu Ruoxuan is quite famous in Taiwan; she is a very well-known female singer.

But in the film industry, how could her influence, whether domestic or international, possibly compare to that of Dong Xuan, the "Cao Girl" who won the Venice Film Festival Best Actress award?

Just like the "Zhang Yimou Girls," as long as they have acted in Zhang Yimou's movies and are recognized by the public as "Zhang Yimou Girls," even if they are newcomers, they can become famous overnight and basically start their careers as top actresses.

Moreover, Cao Yang's fame and influence are greater than Zhang Yimou's. His "Cao Girls" are even more exaggerated. Almost every one of the recognized "Cao Girls" has won one of the three major European film awards.

Dong Xuan patted Cao Yang's hand, signaling him to stop acting strangely.

"No, President Han put me at the very front; she and Chen Kun are listed side by side."

Dong Xuan replied, but then added after thinking for a moment: "In Hong Kong, I was also the first one in front, but in Taiwan, they put Xu Ruoxuan in front."

"Ah……"

Cao Yang couldn't help but chuckle; how petty of him.

In this respect, Taiwan is not as good as Hong Kong.

The people in Hong Kong are more pragmatic. Even if they disliked Dong Xuan, they still put the most influential Dong Xuan at the top without hesitation for the sake of box office revenue.

That means Dong Xuan. In the film industry, her fame and influence are far superior to Xu Ruoxuan's. If it were Zhang Bing, she would definitely be overshadowed across mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and would have to obediently elevate her status.

This is what Cao Yang is most unhappy about—a female star who is one of the four leading actresses in the mainland film and television industry is not as famous as a Taiwanese singer in the film and television industry.

They make money in mainland China, discriminate against people from mainland China, and act as if it's perfectly normal.

Therefore, this matter must be changed.

Last time, Cao Yang called President Han and Lao Hou to talk about it. This time, while in China, Cao Yang decided to emphasize it again to the people in the Beijing Film Academy: don't let those people mess around, and don't let just any clueless person come to the mainland and get top billing.

"Cao Yang, do you think I can get two nominations for this year's Golden Rooster Awards?"

Dong Xuan turned to look at Cao Yang, her big eyes watery and seemingly able to speak.

Cao Yang pondered for a moment, realizing that Dong Xuan's words were not far-fetched.

Cao Yang watched Dong Xuan's version of "The Knot" when he came back for the Chinese New Year. Her acting skills were clearly several levels higher than Xu Ruoxuan's. Logically speaking, she should have no problem getting a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Rooster Awards.

Why so sure?
"The Knot" deals with sensitive topics, and although it only scratches the surface, it doesn't dare to delve too deeply—of course, if it were to go deeper, it might not pass censorship in mainland China, and it might not be shown in Taiwan either.

Objectively speaking, however, "The Knot" is not a bad movie. The beautiful visuals and touching details that appear from time to time are still worth appreciating.

The director honestly filmed a conventional yet regrettable love story. For them, the era was merely a stage for the most superficial contradictions and sweet smiles between lovers.

The exquisite cinematography, unique camera movements, and the frequent use of still images throughout the film create a constant stream of visual and detail-oriented surprises for the viewer.

Although compared to films like "City of Glass" and "Farewell My Concubine," which also tell the love stories of ordinary people against the backdrop of a great era, "The Knot" is too simple and too simplistic, it is still quite remarkable that it was made to this extent.

It's quite easy to get multiple nominations at the Golden Rooster Awards, especially for Best Actress.

In addition, since the Golden Rooster Awards are now held every two years, films released in the past two years are eligible for selection, so "Black Swan," released in 05, also meets the requirements.

Without a doubt, "Black Swan," which won the Venice Golden Lion and Best Actress awards, is a game-changer for the Golden Rooster Awards. As long as a film participates in the Golden Rooster Awards, it is guaranteed to receive nominations for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.

This is why Dong Xuan asked if she would receive two nominations.

Cao Yang knew Dong Xuan's concerns.

Despite already winning the Venice Film Festival Best Actress award, she still really wants to win the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress in China, as this award represents official recognition to some extent.

There used to be an unwritten rule at the Golden Rooster Awards that art films with high box office returns were unlikely to win awards.

The box office performance of "Black Swan" is relatively small compared to Cao Yang's films in recent years, with only over 80 million yuan in mainland China. Cao Yang didn't pay much attention to it and didn't promote it much.

But for most films participating in the Golden Rooster Awards, this box office performance is not just a matter of being outclassed, it's something to look up to and can't even see the end of.

Cao Yang didn't care about the box office numbers, but to others, it was unimaginable for an art film to achieve such figures.

Dong Xuan was worried that "Black Swan" would be too successful at the box office and she wouldn't be able to win the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress. She was hoping to make a comeback with "The Knot".

"Do not worry."

Cao Yang rubbed Dong Xuan's raised head and said with a smile, "Two years ago, people might have brought up the high box office of 'Black Swan,' but not this year."

Dong Xuan was stunned for a moment, then an excited expression appeared on her face.

Cao Yang understood what she meant. Since no one dared to bring up box office figures, there wouldn't be many obstacles for "Black Swan," which had already won the Golden Lion and Best Actress awards.

"Honey, I want to reward you."

Dong Xuan said with seductive eyes.

Then, she began kissing Cao Yang from his chest, slowly moving downwards...

Ultimately, Cao Yang's weakness was discovered.

"No...no...don't stop..."

...The next day, Cao Yang went to school.

First, I went to Old Situ's office, but as expected, no one was there. Old Situ had long been semi-retired and rarely came to the school.

Not far from Lao Situ's office is Cao Yang's office.

Cao Yang rarely comes to the office, but once inside, it's obvious that it's frequently cleaned and very tidy.

He had only been sitting down for a short while when he heard a knock on the door. Before he could even call him in, he saw Lao Tian push the door open and come in with a smile.

"You've had a good rest? I knew you'd come to school today."

Cao Yang laughed. "What are you talking about? Where else can I go if I don't come to school?"

Sitting down behind his desk, Cao Yang gestured towards the office door with his chin.

"When was that sign put up? When did I become the dean's assistant? And if I'm the dean's assistant, shouldn't my office be in that office building over there? How come it's on the directing department's sign?"

Old Tian rolled his eyes, sat down, and complained, "Who knows what Old Hou was thinking, insisting on giving you the title of assistant dean at the dean meeting? It's just inexplicable."

He then added, "I was thinking of taking over his position as dean after he got out of here, but now I have an extra competitor out of nowhere."

Alright, Lao Tian has been the head of the directing department for several years now. He usually looks serious and earnest, but as long as he's in front of Cao Yang, he can't keep his mouth shut and starts rambling on and on like a train.

"Come on, you're older than Lao Hou. You think you can outlive Lao Hou? Even if you retire, Lao Hou might not. You should think about outlive your old classmate, Senior Brother Xiaojing, first."

Cao Yang also chimed in with his own random remarks.

Xie Xiaojing was Lao Tian's former head of the directing department, and is now the vice dean and director of the Qingdao Film Studio.

The two of them were just chatting idly.

"Hey, I might get another Golden Lion in Venice. When I have two Golden Lions, I can oust whoever I want. Xie Xiaojing is nothing. Even Lao Hou will have to give way to me."

Old Tian continued rambling on.

The two Venice Golden Lions he mentioned were, firstly, for Cao Yang's "Empty Room," which was given the producer position to Lao Tian in order to win the Golden Lion.

Broadly speaking, the Venice Golden Lion is the best film, and it would be reasonable to at least consider the producer's contribution.

However, the top prizes of the three major European awards are all attributed to the director, who is also the biggest beneficiary.

"Alright, do you want me to ask if the Marquis is willing to give up his position for you?"

Cao Yang asked with a smile.

Old Tian smacked his lips and said matter-of-factly, "Of course, Old Hou would be jumping for joy..."

"cough!"

A cough at the door interrupted Lao Tian's words, making his eyes widen.

He slowly turned his head and saw Hou Keming standing at the door.

Old Tian turned his head and glared fiercely at Cao Yang, who was trying hard to suppress his laughter, feeling quite angry inside.

You little rascal! I was just joking around with you, and you're already setting me up for trouble. Is there any junior brother like you in the world?

"You want to be the dean?"

Old Hou asked with some curiosity.

Old Tian glared at him, his neck stiff, and said, "Of course!"

Cao Yang was about to give Lao Tian a thumbs up and praise him for his bravery when Lao Tian suddenly changed his tone.

"Director Hou, I'm not trying to criticize you, but our directing department has both strength and reputation. Isn't it trendy these days to change departments into colleges or colleges into universities?"

In my opinion, we should apply to the Ministry of Education to change the name to Beijing Film University, or Peking University for short. Our directing department should have been renamed the Directing Academy a long time ago, and I want to be the dean of the Directing Academy.”

Well, Cao Yang didn't know how to complain anymore, because there were so many things to complain about.

However, he saw Old Hou nod thoughtfully, seemingly somewhat tempted.

No, Lao Hou, do you really want to change the name to Peking University (PKU)?

Okay, let's not even talk about whether the school can meet the various requirements. Even if it is changed to a university, it will still be called Beijing Film Academy, so there won't be much difference in reality.

Old Hou's way of thinking is definitely different from Cao Yang's. The simplest point is: when a certain principal was in office, he changed the college into a university... This point alone is enough to make it a point that must be mentioned in the school's history.

There are many other hidden advantages, such as the fact that the school's name alone is enough to set it apart from the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

These are things that Lao Hou should consider; Cao Yang doesn't care.

Old Hou closed the office door, walked over, and sat down on the sofa.

Old Tian knew they were going to talk business, but he didn't leave. Instead, he poured himself a glass of water, and as if possessed, placed it in front of Hou Yuan, then poured himself another glass.

Old Hou was surprised that the stubborn Old Tian would pour him water. He nodded to him and then said to Cao Yang, "The graduate students at the school are about to start their dissertation defenses. Can you take charge of this?"

Cao Yang shook his head. "I don't have that much time."

Old Hou, somewhat disappointed, continued, "The selection process for undergraduate and graduate graduation projects at the university..."

Cao Yang shook his head again, "Director Hou, there's still a lot of stuff waiting for me on the American side. I really don't have that much time and energy this year."

Old Hou, still a little disappointed, finally revealed his true purpose: "You can at least attend the school's graduation ceremony, right? You could give a speech to the graduates, wouldn't that be alright?"

As the saying goes, once is enough, twice is too much, but a third time is not. It's just attending a graduation ceremony, just giving a speech... Cao Yang nodded and agreed this time.

Old Hou breathed a sigh of relief.

Cao Yang has not attended the school's graduation ceremony for the past few years, which has made many graduating students feel very regretful. They have left messages on the school's official website and even launched a grand petition.

This put a lot of pressure on Lao Hou, who was really afraid that these students would cause some more trouble.

Then, Lao Hou took out a piece of paper from his pocket, handed it to Cao Yang, and said, "Didn't you want the school to provide a list for reference? This is something we old guys came up with after much deliberation. Take a look."

Cao Yang took the list, glanced at it briefly, folded it up, and put it in his pocket.

This is a reference list of candidates for the Golden Rooster Awards selection committee that he asked Lao Hou to prepare. Lao Hou must have considered more and more comprehensively than Cao Yang, so it is very valuable for reference.

"How about I recommend you to be the chairman?"

Cao Yang asked Old Hou.

He glanced at it just now and saw Lao Hou's name, but it was listed among the ordinary committee members.

Old Hou smiled and shook his head, explaining, "Teacher Li Qiankuan and Teacher Situ graduated in the same year, both in 64. However, Teacher Situ stayed on to teach at the school, while Teacher Li was assigned to Changchun Film Studio."

"Making Teacher Li the chairperson is the best choice, considering both her qualifications and other factors."

After saying that, he smiled and glanced at Cao Yang, then asked in a low voice, "Do you think there's a big difference between having Teacher Li as the chairman and me being the chairman? On the contrary, with Teacher Li in charge, I can do things better."

Then, he continued to point out: "Actually, there are many tricks involved. To achieve your goal, you don't necessarily need to personally charge into battle. For example, there's no need to send in too many graduates from Beijing Film Academy. Just a certain number will suffice."

Think about it, can anyone else be as united as Beijing Film Academy? We don't even need a third of them to achieve our goal. The rest of them can't possibly all unite and oppose us.

Furthermore, if you're still not entirely comfortable with this, even if they're not from the Beijing Film Academy, you can let some people with ties to the academy or to you personally in. Do you think these people would oppose you? They would definitely unite around the people from the Beijing Film Academy.

Do you understand what I mean?

Cao Yang nodded thoughtfully. Hou Yuan's words were a bit complicated, but not difficult to understand.

On the contrary, Lao Tian first curled his lips, but when he saw Hou Keming looking over, he gave Lao Hou a thumbs up and said, "Impressive, no wonder you can become the dean, you are really too cunning... too skilled."

Actually, what Lao Tian was thinking was that Lao Hou was too cunning, and he definitely couldn't afford to offend him in the future, or he wouldn't even know how he was played to death.

(End of this chapter)