Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 383 Noisy
The night before the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony, Jackie Chan held a brief press conference in Suzhou.

The reason it is described as brief is because the press conference was indeed very short, so short that there wasn't even time for reporters to ask questions.

But this brief press conference caused quite a stir.

The press conference lasted only a little over 8 minutes from its official start to Jackie Chan's departure from the venue. Not only did the reporters not get a chance to ask questions, but even Jackie Chan's team was completely bewildered for a long time.

Cheng Long neither followed the plan his team gave him nor used the backup plan. Even after Cheng Long left the press conference, his team didn't know how to smooth things over.

In those eight minutes, Jackie Chan angrily denounced the Hong Kong media for making a mountain out of a molehill and sensationalizing the issue. He even questioned whether the Hong Kong media had a grudge against him, whether they wanted to destroy him, and whether they would be happy if the Hong Kong film industry were to die out completely.
He reiterated the importance of the director to a film, adding that a genius like director Cao Yang only appears once every hundred years in the film industry, and hoped that the media would not disrupt his collaboration with this great director.

He also attributed part of the decline of the Hong Kong film industry to the Hong Kong media, saying that they only thought about hype and attention-grabbing all day long, completely ignoring reality, and were typical short-sighted...

In short, in those 8 minutes, he unleashed his full power right from the start, without any restraint.

He later gave a widely circulated interview in which he said that there were many dark secrets in the Hong Kong entertainment industry that he dared not reveal now, but that he would write a book about them and only dare to publish them 100 years after his death...

If it weren't for his team's timely response—after he had berated the media for eight minutes, and as the media rushed to ask questions, his team simply turned off his microphone and pulled him out—he probably wouldn't have had to wait another 100 years.

Given Cheng Long's current indifference to many things, he's willing to answer any question a reporter dares to ask.

The brief press conference didn't last long, and before the team could even come up with a solution, news about it was already flooding the internet.

"The decline of Hong Kong cinema is partly the responsibility of the Hong Kong media and paparazzi."

"Cheng Long angrily denounced the Hong Kong media for disrespecting the facts, sensationalizing, and trying to grab attention, calling them short-sighted."

"Jackie Chan rarely loses his temper, refuting the Hong Kong media's disrespect for film professionals."

"For a thriving, healthy, and positive film market, the media must play a positive guiding role..."

……

These are basically reports from mainland media. Reports like the fourth one are articles by specially invited commentators of a local youth newspaper.

This article makes no mention of Jackie Chan or the recent media hype in Hong Kong; instead, it focuses on the development and decline of the film market.

It's obvious that this kind of article seems to mention nothing, but it mentions everything.

The Hong Kong media is quite interesting.

Some media outlets vehemently refuted Jackie Chan's words and accused him of disrespecting the media.

Some media outlets used Jackie Chan's words to reminisce about the glory days of Hong Kong cinema, and interestingly, they even partially agreed with Jackie Chan's statement.

Some media outlets, however, are making a big fuss about freedom, arguing that the media has the right to report and comment, and even citing examples of how the media in the UK and the US behave...

Some media outlets, citing Jackie Chan's words, angrily denounced paparazzi for fabricating stories and disrespecting the facts, leading to a crisis of trust in the media among the public.

……

In short, the media in Hong Kong were truly diverse, with some in favor, some against, some attacking each other, some admiring Britain and the United States, and others reflecting on the situation...

Cheng Long's team kept a close eye on the media reports and the attitudes of the mainland media, especially the attitudes of certain media outlets, which made them vaguely feel that Cheng Long's words at the press conference had received implicit support.

Does this... need any remedial action?

The "chaos" in Hong Kong also took them by surprise.

If it's a "major free-for-all," it seems like any attempt to salvage the situation will offend a group of people. So, is there any need to salvage it at all?

We definitely need to develop several follow-up plans; that's their value. As for whether they'll be needed, let's wait and see.

"He's really brave!"

Li Xiaoran scrolled through the trending news online and said to Cao Yang, "He's really offended the Hong Kong media this time. Does he not want to work in Hong Kong anymore?"

Li Xiaoran could imagine that despite the chaotic state of Hong Kong's media, with all sorts of opinions being expressed, the mainstream opinion was still largely critical of Jackie Chan. Only some tabloids would come up with a different perspective just to grab attention.

Hong Kong, having been colonized for nearly a century, has seen many people's values ​​become Westernized, especially the media.

Cheng Long has offended quite a few people this time, especially the mainstream media.

With Jackie Chan's current global influence and status, he can be considered the number one Chinese actor, and he is far ahead of the competition in the commercial film industry.

If he gains recognition from the three major European film festivals, such as winning the Best Actor award, then he will be considered a world-class figure in both the commercial and artistic fields.

Given the Hong Kong media's ability to hype things up, they will definitely mythologize him and make him a "god" among Chinese actors.

But Cheng Long's press conference today has practically cut him off from the Hong Kong media.

Li Xiaoran could imagine that even if Jackie Chan really won the Best Actor award at one of the three major European film festivals, the Hong Kong media would certainly not hype it up.

Cao Yang hadn't expected Cheng Long to be so brave.

The normal approach would be to either ignore this media frenzy in Hong Kong, pretend not to know about it, and not get involved in this trouble.

They could either hold a press conference to explain their dedication to the film and the professionalism of the actors, emphasizing that such dedication stems from their in-depth study of the characters in order to perform well in the film.

The first approach would avoid trouble, but it would likely displease Cao Yang, given the Hong Kong media's pointed remarks.

However, this is a prudent approach. For example, another Hong Kong actor who broke into Hollywood used the phrase "no comment" to distance himself from the issue.

The second approach is the best choice for Jackie Chan. It can explain why the actors got into character, praise his own professionalism, and imply that the director is not to blame for getting into character.

But Jackie Chan chose the third option – unable to stand the media hype and hostility towards the director, he directly attacked the media.

Cao Yang knew very well that, given Cheng Long's past shrewdness and emotional intelligence, he would definitely choose the second approach.

However, he was affected by his immersion in the role, especially since Cao Yang deliberately added two more, which directly affected his emotions off-screen.

Cao Yang has managed to summarize some patterns.

If the actor's immersion in the role is just right, the actor can perform beyond their usual level. It is estimated that the upper limit of this performance may be the actor's highest point of acting skills.

The downside is that the actors will be affected to some extent when they are not filming, but overall it is not a big deal. The actors can distinguish between reality and the movie, and their personalities will not be greatly affected for the time being.

If actors are given more opportunities to experience the role beyond what is already "just right," they will break through their own limits, and the characters in the movie will become a real-life embodiment of the characters.

The downside is that actors are also greatly affected when they are not filming. Although they can still distinguish between reality and the movie, their personality and behavior patterns will be greatly affected. Simply put, they will be like different people.

"He got into character, and his personality was probably influenced by the movie character, which is why he became a bit, a bit, straightforward."

Cao Yang replied.

Is it being straightforward? It means not caring much about anything, saying whatever comes to mind, like the male protagonist in a movie, not caring about other people's feelings.

"Oh, I guess that's probably the case."

Li Xiaoran felt a bit empathetic, and the thought of it made her angry.

Back then, this jerk in front of me, in order to get her into character, "locked" her alone in a small courtyard by the sea, and made her watch sad movies and listen to sad songs every day, repeating this every day for almost two months!
After two months, she felt that life was meaningless...

Does anyone know the suffering she endured back then?
The Hong Kong media are making a huge fuss over nothing. Compared to what she suffered back then, Jackie Chan's ordeal is nothing.

Since I'm already angry, I might as well do something naughty.

"Cao Yang, I heard you came on the same flight as that vixen. I'm a little surprised. Why are you here at night?"

Li Xiaoran said leisurely.

The "fox spirit" she was referring to specifically meant Gao Yuanyuan, a nickname she gave Gao Yuanyuan when filming "Nine-Tailed Fox".

Why did we come here?
It was because Gao Yuanyuan empathized with Yu Feihong's immersion in the role and felt a surge of sympathy that she decided to go and comfort Yu Feihong that night, and share some of her own experiences of getting into and out of character.

Sigh, that's why I say this woman is kind of adorably silly.

Doesn't she realize that although she is a Cannes Film Festival Best Actress and has experience in "getting into character," Yu Feihong is also a Venice Film Festival Best Actress, okay?

If Yu Feihong hadn't gotten into character, how could she have won the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival?

But Gao Yuanyuan, this foolish woman overflowing with sympathy, just couldn't think of this. Did she think that Yu Feihong was able to win the Venice Film Festival Best Actress award because of her acting skills?

"What nonsense are you talking about? We just happened to be on the same flight. There were many people on the plane, including Lao Tian, ​​Lao Gu, Jia Zhangke, Xiao Gangpao, Yu Feihong, Jiang Wenli, and Xu Fan," Cao Yang said, pretending to be nonchalant.

"is it?"

Li Xiaoran sneered inwardly, "I don't believe you two are innocent. That vixen used to fight me for my affections all the time."

She turned around and whispered in Cao Yang's ear, "I'm best friends with that vixen, don't you want us to be together..."

Although Cao Yang knew Li Xiaoran was joking, he couldn't help but imagine the scene for a moment...

"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm not that kind of person."

Cao Yang said righteously.

Li Xiaoran leaned close to Cao Yang's ear, her breath audible.

"Really? You're not being honest. You say no, but your body says otherwise."

Provocation, naked provocation.

If I don't make you call me "Dad" today, I'm not surnamed Cao!

"Ah...what are you doing?"

"What did you say I did?"

"don't want……"

……

The 26th Golden Rooster Awards were held in Suzhou.

This year's red carpet event was much more lively than in previous years.

On the director side, Cao Yang, Zhang Yimou who took a special leave to come, Chen Kaige, Xiao Gangpao, Lao Tian, ​​Jia Zhangke and many other well-known domestic directors were also present.

In terms of actors, there are even more.

Internationally renowned stars such as Jackie Chan, Li Lianjie, Zhou Runfa, Liu Dehua, Li Xiaoran, Gao Yuanyuan, Yu Feihong, Fan Bingbing, Dong Xuan, and Zhang Ziyi, as well as four of the three leading actresses, attended the event.

New generation domestic stars such as Liu Ye, Chen Kun, Huang Xiaoming, and Zhou Jielun also came.

The number of celebrities walking the red carpet was simply overwhelming. Never before in the history of the Golden Rooster Awards has there been so many big stars.

After walking the red carpet, Cao Yang had just found a seat when Zhang Yimou seemed to have spotted him and came over specifically to meet him.

Cao Yang attended the Golden Rooster Awards this time as part of the "Black Swan" film crew. The film was released in the second half of 05. The Golden Rooster Awards are currently held every two years, in odd-numbered years.

Based on its release date, "Black Swan" does not meet the criteria for participating in the Golden Rooster Awards in 05, but it does meet the criteria for this year.

Zhang Yimou attended the Golden Rooster Film Festival with "Curse of the Golden Flower," which was released last year.

The seating arrangement was based on the film crew. Cao Yang's right-hand seat was Dong Xuan, and his left-hand seat was Huang Xiaoming.

Huang Xiaoming was very perceptive. When he saw Zhang Yimou coming over, he knew that Zhang Yimou must be looking for Cao Yang. He immediately stood up and said, "Director Zhang, please sit here. I have something to do and need to go out for a bit."

Zhang Yimou nodded to him and sat down.

Cao Yang thought that Zhang Yimou had come to discuss the Olympics, but he didn't expect that Zhang Yimou hadn't come for that reason.

"You overcame all opposition to establish a special technical category for the Golden Rooster Awards, which I think is excellent. It's an innovation that will encourage the creation of commercial films and allow the Golden Rooster Awards to develop better."

Zhang Yimou looked straight ahead and continued:

"The three major European awards have already shown signs of decline, and they are actively seeking change. The Berlin Prize for Outstanding Artistic Contribution, the Venice Prize for Best Technical Contribution, and the Cannes Camera d'Or, these technical awards have all become permanent awards."

The three major European awards are all seeking change, and the Golden Rooster Awards certainly can't stay stagnant. I originally thought those old...old artists were too conservative in their thinking to keep up with the times, but I didn't expect you to..."

At this point, he glanced at Cao Yang and nodded solemnly, "In any case, I support your reforms at the Golden Rooster Awards, and you did the right thing."

After saying that, Zhang Yimou nodded to Cao Yang, got up and left.

Cao Yang watched the departing strategist, pondered for a moment, and began to speculate.

This year's Golden Rooster Awards, under Cao Yang's leadership, reformed its existing awards system, or rather, added several new awards, all of which are technical categories.

For example, the Best Art Direction award was removed, while Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup, and Best Editing were added.

Best art direction is an award given to the art director or set designer of a film.

Best costume design is an award given to a costume designer.

The Best Visual Effects award is given to visual effects artists.

The Best Makeup award is given to makeup artists or stylists.

Best Editing is an award given to the editor.

In addition to the existing awards for Best Cinematography, Best Sound Recording, and Best Music at the Golden Rooster Awards, there are now eight technical awards.

While it still doesn't have as many technical awards as the Oscars (more than a dozen), it does have the technical awards that are expected.

In this way, some commercial films in the future will be able to compete for technical awards, thereby increasing the participation and viewership of the Golden Rooster Awards.

Furthermore, it can, to some extent, prevent commercial films from winning awards other than technical ones.

Cao Yang's efforts were not only focused on reforming the awards, but also on addressing the influence and control that some "veteran artists" within the Film Association had over the awards.

This could very well create resentment among the veteran artists. They might not be able to do anything about Cao Yang in terms of power, but they could appeal to higher authorities.

Zhang Yimou came to Cao Yang specifically to express his support for the reforms of the Golden Rooster Awards. It's highly likely that someone higher up asked him for a question and wanted to know his attitude.

If we're talking about directors in China who truly have influence over the government, besides Cao Yang, it would be Zhang Yimou, who is currently serving as the chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Even the great poet Chen would have to take a backseat.

Cao Yang kept this in mind and planned to tell Lao Hou and General Manager Han when he got back, so that everyone could be prepared.

However, Cao Yang's current advantage is too great. He is not a lone wolf like Zhang Yimou, but has a large number of people supporting him behind the scenes. These people are not only from Beijing Film Academy, but also another group led by President Han.

Back then, Han himself was nicknamed "Zuo Shan Diao" (meaning "Mountain Eagle"), which shows how powerful he was at the time.

Today, his China Film Group is much stronger than it was back then. Not only does he earn more money, but he has also won many awards along with Cao Yang, including the three major European film awards and an Oscar. These are all assets for Lao Han.

With the Beijing Film Academy now showing a tendency to band together, Cao Yang refused to believe that those people who were just relying on their seniority could bring him down.
Those unwilling "veteran artists" are unlikely to be able to turn the tide.

"What's wrong? Are you in trouble?"

Dong Xuan briefly grasped Cao Yang's hand from below, but the touch was short-lived.

This is in China, not one of the three major European award ceremonies, nor the Oscars. She was still very considerate of Cao Yang, afraid that holding hands with him would cause him trouble.

Although Dong Xuan didn't know what had happened, she felt that it was very likely that they had encountered trouble, based on the fact that Lao Zhangzi had come specifically to tell Cao Yang these things.

Cao Yang smiled, patted Dong Xuan's hand, and said, "It's alright, don't worry. They're just some clowns. They can't accomplish anything, nor can they cause any harm."

At other times, these people might take advantage of their age and seniority to cause trouble, which could give those above them a headache.

They're incapable of achieving anything; they might actually cause trouble.

However, now is not the time for them to cause trouble.

Next year is an Olympic year, so why would Beijing let them cause trouble?

You might try to comfort them with words, but if they make any more trouble, they'll just be being tactless—are you all bachelors? Don't you want to have offspring so you can have a better life?

After next year, whether it's the Golden Rooster Awards or the China Film Association, everything will have become a fait accompli, and their further fuss will be pointless.

Seeing that Cao Yang's expression didn't seem like he was joking, Dong Xuan felt relieved.

(End of this chapter)