Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 377 is more popular
Cheng Long has been waiting for news in Beijing for the past few days.

Furthermore, he and his team have reached a consensus in the past few days.

If Cao Yang casts him as the male lead in his new movie, he can refuse both profit sharing and salary, but he can't say that publicly.

His team suggested that he could invest 1500 million yuan in Cao Yang's new film under the name of a new company, or under the name of Cheng Long Emperor Motion Pictures, a company jointly established by Cheng Long and Emperor.

The entire 1500 million was used as Jackie Chan's salary, and this 1500 million investment did not include film copyright or box office revenue sharing in mainland China.

If possible, it would be best to give Hong Kong the distribution rights; if not, giving Hong Kong only dividends would also be acceptable.

This is actually a compromise.

Given Jackie Chan's international superstar status and influence, if he were to join the film without paying a fee or for a very small fee, it would not only disrupt his pricing strategy but also make him seem like he's "too obsequious."

It's detrimental to his image.

1500 million is a relatively "reasonable" number.

Jackie Chan and Jet Li recently finished filming the movie "The Forbidden Kingdom," and both of them received a salary of $1000 million.

However, this film is a commercial film, and the actors' salaries are only a reference point.

When celebrities participate in art films, their pay is almost always halved. If they participate in art films by famous directors, especially if they have a chance to win awards, their pay will be further reduced on top of the halved pay.

At the current exchange rate, $1000 million is more than 6000 million RMB. If we halve that, it's more than 3000 million RMB. If we further reduce that, 1500 million RMB would be a reasonable salary, and it wouldn't damage my image.

After all, it is well known that Director Cao's art films since his debut have all won awards, and they are all prestigious awards.

It's common practice and a consensus among celebrities to receive a 50% pay cut and then a further discount when starring in director Cao's art films.

Even superstars like Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio are no exception.

Even so, a host of big stars still flocked to it.

Especially given Cheng Long's current awkward situation, in order to establish contact and build a good relationship with Cao Yang, and in order to save face for himself, it's not a matter of lowering his salary.

As the saying goes, opportunity favors the prepared mind.

Cheng Long did everything he could, and he got the opportunity.

The solutions he discussed with his team were very satisfactory to Cao Yang, Qingying Film Studio, and China Film Group.

Since Jackie Chan made such a big concession, which was practically equivalent to not taking any salary, Cao Yang finally made the decision to hand over the Hong Kong film distribution rights to him.

Hong Kong's box office market these days, well, it's pretty much dead, but it can still revive occasionally.

Thus, the cast of "Love in the Seaside City," also known as "Manchester by the Sea," is almost complete.

Well, actually, we're still missing the role of the male lead's ex-wife.

Cao Yang originally wanted Hong Saozi to play this role, as she would likely win a Best Supporting Actress award in China for it.

However, when he visited the set of "Mei Lanfang," the things that Sister Hong said to Cao Yang on the way made him hesitate, so he didn't invite her.

Back in Los Angeles, I was pretty much clueless... well, that was "Bai Juice".

But right now, Sister Hong seems a bit resentful, which puts people in a difficult position.

If Hong Saozi were to play the role of the male lead's ex-wife, and the filming took place in Hong Kong, and they encountered "Bai Zhi" again, Cao Yang wasn't lacking confidence in himself, but rather in the feng shui of the Beijing Film Academy's directing department.

Counting birds, counting birds.

Doing outrageous things between men and women abroad is one thing, but in China, one must keep one's distance from married women or women with boyfriends.

After all, the feng shui of the directing department at Beijing Film Academy is so bad that it can easily affect people who come from the directing department.

Let's give this role to Yu Feihong, who is indifferent to worldly desires; she's the only one who's currently available.

The film's preparation work was naturally being followed up by others. What Cao Yang needed to do now was to gather a few actors with more screen time and give them a symbolic briefing on the scenes.

The reason it's described as symbolic is that Cao Yang didn't intend to talk for too long, estimating it to be only about ten days. The main purpose was to let everyone familiarize themselves with the movie's plot and their respective characters.

Old Tian started getting busy.

"Pieta" is scheduled for release on November 1st, which is still more than a month away. However, Lao Tian, ​​along with several main actors including Fu Dalong and Kara Hui, has been frequently appearing in media reports.

Old Tian is quite proactive this time. He has won awards and his status has improved. Now, his only wish is for "Pieta" to have a higher box office.

A few years ago, Lao Tian would have looked down on box office numbers, but with the changing atmosphere in the film industry in recent years and Lao Tian's rising status, his perspective on the issue has naturally changed.

Different positions and heights can indeed change a person's perspective and viewpoint.

It wasn't until Cheng Long joined the crew and participated in Cao Yang's pre-production training that he saw the complete script for the first time.

It wasn't that this was the first time he had seen a complete script; rather, it was the first time he had ever seen a script and learned what kind of story the film was about.

Of course, there are still a few directors in China who, even after the actors have joined the production team, may not understand the script or know what the director wants to film.

For example, Wang Jiawei, and Jiang Wen.

But for Jackie Chan, this was indeed the first time he had ever acted in a film without knowing anything about it, its budget, or the cast.

Jackie Chan received the script in the morning and read it several times until nearly midnight before finally determining what the movie was about.

It was precisely because he doubted that he hadn't understood or had missed something after reading the script the first time that he read it again and again until midnight.

He was certain he understood the script, but he was still confused.

This script... is too counterintuitive.

According to the usual script, shouldn't the male protagonist be "influenced" by his nephew, or see hope in his nephew, and then get out of the shadows, out of his self-isolation, and out of self-punishment?

Shouldn't we eventually make peace with life?
That's the normal thought process, the normal plot development, okay?
What movie has to be so depressing all the time!

Even art films shouldn't be devoid of any hope!

Is this a good way to film? It's too depressing.

If it were any other director, even Zhang Yimou, Jackie Chan would immediately go and discuss the plot with the director—you have to give people at least a glimmer of hope.

However, since Cao Yang was both the director and screenwriter of this film, Jackie Chan kept his thoughts of exploring the topic to himself.

But this thought kept churning in his mind, making him feel really uneasy. He didn't know why he felt uneasy, but he just felt a lump in his throat and couldn't let it go, which led to him suffering from complete insomnia.

The next day, after Cao Yang finished explaining the play to everyone, he specifically asked Cheng Long, "Do you have a general understanding of the film's content now?"

Cheng Long's eyes were a little red. He nodded and said, "I received the script yesterday morning and read it until very late. I read it several times and now I have a general understanding of the script's content."

"Is there anything you don't understand or don't get to know? If so, just say it. If you have doubts or suspicions in your mind, you definitely won't be able to get into the movie."

Cao Yang said.

If you have doubts about the movie, skepticism about the content, or different opinions, even if you can immerse yourself in the story, you'll need to get more involved to achieve the desired effect.

This is the experience summarized by Cao Yang.

Cheng Long hesitated for a moment, but since Director Cao had said so, he felt that it was normal to ask about things he didn't understand, right?
Well, this isn't a question.

So, Jackie Chan tried to use a more tactful tone, saying, "Director Cao, the male lead has realized his mistakes and has punished himself for them for so many years. Shouldn't we give him a glimmer of hope for redemption?"

Cao Yang didn't explain much, but said, "Did you notice in the script that the male lead went out to buy things when the house caught fire?"

Cheng Long paused for a moment. He was sure he had read this passage, but he hadn't paid much attention to the details. By the way, was this related to the question he wanted to ask?
However, he still took out the script, quickly flipped to this part, and saw that the script said: After the male protagonist's party with his friends at home was interrupted by his wife, his friends left tactfully.

He thought about it repeatedly and realized that his wife had a point; the children were still so young and should get some rest.

But he also felt sorry for his friends and had a guilty feeling towards them.

While he was cleaning up the bottles and cigarette butts on the floor, his wife asked him if he had bought diapers when he came home that day. He replied that they were out of diapers.

He remembered this time, but he was so busy with his get-together with friends that he forgot about it.

So, in his haste, he left the bottles, cigarette butts, and tissues he had collected in the trash can next to the sofa, without bothering to throw them out, and hurried out to buy more.

When he returned home, he found his house engulfed in flames...

The police investigation report later showed that the cigarette butt that had not been extinguished ignited the tissue, and the remaining brandy and other liquor happened to be easily ignited.

The fire in the trash can then spread to the sofa next to it, eventually igniting the entire house.

"I feel like I'm the culprit who caused all of this, that it was my negligence that led to the deaths of three children, and that's why I can't get over it," Jackie Chan said softly as he closed the script.

But since he has made an unforgivable mistake, why can't we give him a glimmer of hope and sunshine?
"The protagonist is a kind person. His wife lost her temper in public and interrupted his gathering with his friends. He felt guilty towards his friends."

But he didn't blame his wife, feeling that it was so late and it had indeed disturbed the children's rest... The kinder a person is, the more they will feel self-reproach and guilt, the harder it is for them to get over it, and the harder it is for them to forgive themselves.

Cao Yang sighed, shook his head, and then said with some emotion, "It's precisely because he's kind."

"Is she kind?"

Cheng Long was a little confused.

He had met all sorts of people in Hong Kong and even more outrageous people in Hollywood, but truly kind people were not nonexistent, but rather very rare.

Kind people are more likely to be bullied, but they are also more compassionate.

So after witnessing how kind people don't always receive good rewards, Jackie Chan constantly reminded himself that he could be tactful, loyal to his brothers, and even compassionate, but he couldn't be kind without a reason.

So, is this human nature?

At that moment, Jackie Chan seemed to have an epiphany.

"Director Cao, I understand. You want to explore the good and evil of human nature, self-punishment and redemption, and deeper self-awareness, sense of responsibility and free will through the perspective of such a kind character!"
The protagonist's self-perception is that he is guilty, as can be seen from his attempt to commit suicide by grabbing a police officer's gun at the police station, and all of this stems from his sense of responsibility.

He has the freedom to live in guilt and not forgive himself; this is a manifestation of everyone's free will.

After saying that, Cheng Long looked at Cao Yang with immense admiration.

Director Cao is truly amazing. No wonder all his films, whether art films or commercial films, are classics.

Cao Yang looked up at the sky and then nodded.

"Your analysis is very good. Remember what you've analyzed; it will help you get into character better."

After finishing his conversation with Cheng Long, Cao Yang sighed with some emotion. Human potential is truly limitless, and so is imagination... It's wonderful.

On October 2nd, Cao Yang, along with Cheng Long, Yu Feihong, Zhu Yilong, Lao Tian, ​​and several other main and supporting actors including Yang Mi and Jing Tian, ​​held a press conference to announce the start of filming for "Love in the Seaside City".

As for why Yang Mi and Jing Tian were brought along, Yang Mi was just an afterthought, while Jing Tian was brought out to give her exposure.

Someone invested 2000 million yuan, not wanting copyright or profit sharing, just wanting Jing Tian to appear in public at certain events, such as press conferences or film festivals.

If you think this is too superficial and doesn't suit Director Cao's high standards...

You can think of it as someone spending 20 million to place an advertisement in a movie, and all they need to do is make the "product" appear at special occasions such as press conferences and film festivals.

And this "product" is JingTian.

Cao Yang initially didn't want to do something he didn't want to do for a mere 2000 million yuan.

Then, when others tried to persuade him, they used the above approach.

Cao Yang thought to himself, someone offered 2000 million to buy a banner ad, and he only needed to appear on specific occasions. Would he be willing to do that?
The answer is that Cao Yang is willing to accept it as long as it doesn't affect the movie's plot or cause discomfort to the audience.

Will bringing Jing Tian to a press conference or film festival affect the film?

of course not!

It's not like the plot needs to be changed because of her.

It was just something I did casually.

Since it won't have any impact, I'll agree.

The press conference was held in Beijing. Many of the film's indoor scenes were shot in the studio of the Qingdao Film Studio.

The collaboration between Cao Yang and Cheng Long—one of China's top directors and the most famous international directors—and one of China's top movie stars and the most famous Chinese actor in Hollywood, is an absolutely explosive combination.

So the small press conference venue was packed with media reporters, making it undoubtedly the most explosive entertainment news of the year.

"Director Cao, we noticed that your film 'The Fault in Our Stars,' which you produced and wrote in Hollywood, grossed $2 million at the North American box office. It's a very touching love story."

"Love in a Seaside City" also seems like an incredibly beautiful romantic film. Are you hoping to replicate the success of "The Fault in Our Stars" in China?

During the Q&A session, the reporter whose name was called stood up and asked a question.

Cheng Long almost burst out laughing.

"Love in the Seaside City" is an incredibly beautiful romantic movie.

Okay, judging from the name, it certainly is.

I hope you'll leave the movie theater with smiles on your faces.

"The Fault in Our Stars is unique, and so is Love in the Seaside City. They cannot be compared. I can only say that they are two completely different films."

Cao Yang replied.

He said something, but it was as if he said nothing at all.

The reporters naturally assumed that "Love in the Seaside City" should be a romantic love film of a different type from "The Fault in Our Stars".

It's no wonder the reporters thought that way. "Love in the Seaside City"—just listen to the name; it sounds so romantic, doesn't it?

"Director Cao, does your collaboration with Jackie Chan mean that this romantic film is full of comedic and action elements?"

Another reporter who was named asked the question.

It's no wonder he thinks that way; what are Jackie Chan's labels?
Action comedy star.

Specially designed movements are used to create comedic effects.

Cao Yang thought for a moment. There was no comedy. As for the fighting, the male lead had two fight scenes where he clashed with people. Did that count as fighting?

"This is a completely new attempt, and I hope it will satisfy you."

Upon hearing this, the reporters couldn't help but wonder if Director Cao's answer meant he was going to try incorporating comedic action elements.

It's very possible.

"Brother Jackie Chan, I'd like to ask, what would you like to say about your first collaboration with Director Cao?"

A reporter from Hong Kong asked the question.

Cheng Long rearranged the microphone in front of him, bringing it closer to himself, and he also leaned forward slightly.

This meant the microphone was practically poking his mouth.

"Director Cao is the director I admire most and the director I most want to work with. It is my honor to be selected by Director Cao this time."

He glanced at the reporters below, especially some from Hong Kong, and continued:
"You may not have lived in Hollywood for long and may not be aware of Director Cao Yang's influence. Let me put it this way, you should all know Director Spielberg, right?"
In today's Hollywood, if you interview stars or superstars and ask them whether they'd rather work with director Cao Yang or director Spielberg, they'd probably say they'd like both.

After saying this, seeing the reporters below looking thoughtful, he continued:

"But what I'm trying to say is, what if there's only one option for this problem?"

He laughed and said jokingly, "Perhaps most female celebrities who want to win awards would choose the young and handsome director Cao Yang."

The reporters below also laughed.

However, some reporters seemed thoughtful.

As is well known, Cao Yang did not promote any female stars in the several films he made in Hollywood.

Instead, it produced Johnny Depp's two consecutive Oscars for Best Actor and Mark Ruffalo's Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for "The Dirty Milk".

Cheng Long said that female celebrities would rather choose Cao Yang for awards, but what about male celebrities? Cao Yang promotes male celebrities in Hollywood.

Does this mean that in Hollywood, both male and female stars would prefer Cao Yang over Spielberg?
This idea came as a surprise to the observant reporters.

is this real?
They looked at Cheng Long.

In other words, Jackie Chan has high emotional intelligence; instead of directly making a comparison and stating the answer, he adopted this approach.

It turns out that, without anyone noticing, Director Cao has become a more popular director than Spielberg!

Does being more popular with celebrities mean having greater influence?
(End of this chapter)