Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 387 I Can Do It Too
Two days later, "Love in the Seaside City" held a grand wrap party.

A wrap party is a celebration held to mark the completion of filming for a TV series or movie. It usually invites all relevant personnel, including crew members, actors, producers, directors, cinematographers, etc.

Many movies or TV series, in order to facilitate publicity, will specifically invite media reporters to participate and allow them to report or film.

However, if the media is present to film, the wrap party loses its original flavor. Everyone becomes a little reserved while eating and drinking, which can also affect the crew members' ability to chat and boast among themselves.

In the past, Cao Yang never invited the media to his wrap parties, so that everyone could eat and drink to their heart's content.

However, this situation is somewhat special.

After about half a month of screenings, Pietà's box office just exceeded 2000 million.

Although the film received good reviews, if you watch it from the perspective of the male protagonist, a psychopath, it's different from traditional art films; the movie is actually not depressing.

However, Lao Tian is not Cao Yang after all.

His box office appeal is no match for Cao Yang's, the film doesn't have any big stars, and the version released domestically has cut out a lot of "hype-worthy" scenes.

The reason the film has achieved its current box office success is that many people went to the theater because they saw Cao Yang's name listed as the screenwriter.

As for the influence of the Golden Lion... it still has some influence, but given the choices available in the market, many people nowadays don't really like watching art films.

Just look at Jia Zhangke's "Still Life" and you'll know.

When "Still Life" was released last year, there was probably some misunderstanding about the market, or perhaps people thought that if Cao Yang's art films could be big hits in China, why couldn't his Golden Lion films?
So, Jia Zhangke stubbornly decided to release "Still Life" on the same day as Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower," both on December 14th.

To this end, Lao Jia took a different approach. He believed that contemporary college students, especially those from key universities, were definitely "literary youths" and would certainly look at Golden Lion Films with special regard.

He then chose to give speeches and build momentum at universities in nine major cities across the country.

At Beijing University, he played the victim, saying that the market had no room for "good people" and that he was competing with Zhang Yimou's "Curse of the Golden Flower" for box office success.

On the one hand, he said that his "good person" status was to meet people with sentiments, and he wanted to see who still cared about "good people" in an era that worships "gold".

Well, Zhang Yimou's movie is called "Curse of the Golden Flower," and his movie is called "Still Life." The implication in his words is quite clear.

Even though Jia Yueting personally linked "Still Life" with "Curse of the Golden Flower," he still overestimated his influence and appeal.

"Still Life" was not entirely powerless against "Curse of the Golden Flower," which was released on the same day; rather, it was completely ignored by the market and was utterly powerless.

The total box office revenue of "Still Life" was 30 RMB until it was taken off the screens.

"Curse of the Golden Flower" grossed over 1500 million yuan on its opening day.

The two are not comparable.

Although Lao Tian was relatively satisfied with the current box office performance of "Pieta", in order to ensure that the film would steadily surpass 3000 million by the time it finished its run, he still discussed with Cao Yang the idea of ​​using the wrap party of Cao Yang's new film to promote "Pieta".

The method is to hold a large-scale wrap party, invite media reporters, and let some reporters "meet" Lao Tian at the wrap party and interview him.

Furthermore, it will also let more people know that Cao Yang was the producer and screenwriter of the Golden Lion film "Pieta," hoping to attract more attention as a result.

Cao Yang is perfectly acceptable.

He owns the copyright to this film, and his fees for producing and writing the script have been converted into a share, giving him a 34% cut.

High box office numbers would also benefit him.

Given Cao Yang's current status, even if he invites media reporters to the wrap party, they most likely won't report on or take any sensational photos or videos to attract attention.

Filming and "interviews" will only be conducted when permitted, and Cao Yang will be consulted before these reports are published.

"Director Cao, I'd like to raise a glass to you. Thank you for giving me such a great opportunity. I'm certain that this will be the most important turning point in my acting career."

When Cheng Long stood up and said this, he seemed to be trying to force a smile, but the smile he did give off a sense of "sorrow," a kind of melancholy hidden in his bones.

Given his current state and his seemingly indifferent attitude towards everything, it's quite remarkable that he even remembered to toast Cao Yang.

This was actually because filming had wrapped up, and the impact of his immersive experience was gradually decreasing, which made him feel "a little better".

However, due to the doubled immersion in the role, it will probably take Jackie Chan more than half a year to fully recover to his previous state.

Cao Yang clinked glasses with Cheng Long, wanting to say something, but seeing Cheng Long's current state, he felt a little guilty.

"Since I chose you, it's because I think you're suitable... Here, it's all in the wine."

Cheng Long started it, and then anyone who was qualified, such as the heads of various departments in the crew and several main actors, came over to toast Cao Yang.

"Director Cao, should I also..."

Gu Changwei, holding his wine glass, asked with a smile.

"roll roll roll!"

With food in his mouth, Cao Yang said to Lao Gu, "Why are you joining in this nonsense?"

Old Gu chuckled, clinked his glass against Cao Yang's on the table, took a sip, and sighed, "Cao Yang, you know, the person I'm most grateful to is you. You were there for me during my most difficult time..."

"Hey, why bring that up? It's all in the wine."

Cao Yang picked up his wine glass and took a sip as well.

Men tend to become more sentimental after drinking a little alcohol, like Lao Gu and Lao Tian.

Old Tian patted Old Gu on the shoulder and said, "Old Gu, that's too much trouble. Look, Cao Yang helped me get the Golden Lion, and I'm not as fussy as you."

Despite saying that, Lao Tian moved his chair closer to Cao Yang.

"Cao Yang, your achievements today are something neither I nor your teacher expected. Hey, don't be fooled by Old Situ's serious demeanor in front of you, let me tell you..."

"cough."

Cao Yang coughed and said in a fake tone, "You're wrong. In my mind, the teacher has always been a very upright and serious person. Don't talk nonsense."

Old Gu, who was sitting next to him, quietly moved his chair over. He thought that next time he could "casually" pass on what Old Tian was about to say to Teacher Situ.

"Give me a break. Do you think you understand him better, or do I?"

Old Tian retorted directly: "He's very arrogant. He often complains to his old friends that his teaching results in this life are not good, that no one will inherit the mantle of documentary filmmaking, and that none of the students he taught are like him."

Chen Kaige doesn't work with him on documentaries, but instead goes on to make feature films, and even wins that Cannes Palme d'Or. It's infuriating!

In his later years, he wanted to properly train a disciple to make documentaries, but the boy he chose, Cao Yang, didn't learn anything good. Instead, he followed Chen Kaige's example and started making feature films as well.

They also keep winning awards that are of little use to documentaries, like the Golden Lion, the Palme d'Or, and the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director...

"It's fine if they win some mediocre awards, but they even tried to emulate commercial films, grossing almost two billion US dollars worldwide. It's infuriating! What's the point of that kind of box office revenue..."

"Pfft..."

"Pfft..."

The first person to laugh out loud was Old Gu. He hadn't expected Old Tian to make fun of Old Situ like that, and to imitate him so perfectly. What a great find! The next person to laugh was a woman. The group looked up and saw it was Big Mimi, a minor character in the movie. They didn't know when she had gotten there and overheard everything Old Tian said.

Old Tian glared at him, pretending to be angry and embarrassed.

"Little girl, what are you laughing at?"

Big Mimi quickly composed herself and explained in a serious tone, "Teacher Tian, ​​I, I... yes, I suddenly remembered something really funny, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud."

"What year are you in? Who is your class teacher? Who is your counselor?"

Old Tian adopted the demeanor of a school leader and threatened.

Although he didn't have any scenes with Da Mimi, he knew that this young actress was a student at the Beijing Film Academy. Otherwise, given her status as a minor supporting character, she wouldn't have dared to come over with a wine glass to offer a toast.

To reiterate, without the added advantage of being a student at the Beijing Film Academy, Da Mimi's current status and position on set wouldn't qualify her to come over and offer a toast; she wouldn't be qualified.

As a native of Beijing, Da Mimi has a straightforward personality and is quite outspoken.

Her eyes darted around, and she remembered an interesting anecdote from the industry, so she tentatively said:

"Teacher Tian, ​​I've signed with Li Shaohong's company. She's been very kind to me and recommended me for roles like Guo Xiang in 'The Return of the Condor Heroes' and Wang Zhaojun. Please don't tell her..."

"Pfft..."

Old Gu laughed again.

As a classmate from the class of '78, even if they weren't in the same class, he must have known that Lao Tian regarded Li Shaohong as his goddess back then.

"What the hell are you laughing at!"

Old Tian grabbed Old Gu and said fiercely, "Come on, you old codger, you've really made something of yourself, haven't you? Let me see what you're made of now, dare to give it a shot?"

Old Gu stiffened his neck, slammed his hand on the table, and stood up. "Are you afraid of me?"

So the two of them went off to have a drinking contest.

"Director Cao, may I offer you a toast? Thank you for taking care of me and for giving me this opportunity."

Seeing that Lao Tian didn't seem to care, Da Mimi breathed a sigh of relief. Then she remembered the purpose of her visit and quickly and cautiously said...

Although she is only a junior in college, she is considered a child star. She played a role in Stephen Chow's "King of Beggars" when she was 5 years old. Later, she also acted in movies and worked as a model. She started acting in TV series in high school.

It can be said that he has a very rich acting experience and a considerable reputation.

It is precisely because I have experienced more and seen more of the world that I know how lucky and difficult it is to be able to act in Cao Yang's movies.

She knew this was a golden opportunity; if she could build a good relationship with Director Cao, make him remember her, or even have something happen...

Then it will truly soar to new heights.

Most importantly, Director Cao is not only the biggest name director in the country, but also exceptionally young and handsome. He's not a lecherous junior director, nor a pot-bellied middle-aged man...

If something were to actually happen, I believe no actress in the film and television industry would be unhappy about it.

That's why she mustered up the courage to come over and toast Cao Yang.

Cao Yang glanced at the large breasts.

Youthful and energetic!
While it lacks the "refined" look of later modifications, it's not quite the "tender beef square" that the critics described in the early episodes.

Cao Yang was certain that the photo of Da Mimi that highlighted her cheekbones was "carefully selected" and was far inferior to her actual appearance.

Come to think of it, someone who can play Li Xiaotao in "The Pink Family" and Guo Xiang in "The Return of the Condor Heroes" must be quite good-looking.

not to mention……

Cao Yang couldn't help but glance at Big Breasts; the nickname really wasn't wrong.

However, it was just a glance. Cao Yang's status is different now, and there are many things he can't do as he pleases, such as having a scandal with a student from the Beijing Film Academy.

This is absolutely unacceptable, because he is a professor at the Beijing Film Academy.

Unless the other person has graduated... They're a junior now, graduation isn't far off.

Pshaw, what are you thinking?

Cao Yang quickly dismissed the thought, guessing that it was probably because he had been drinking and saw something interesting that he started to overthink.

"Ah."

Cao Yang picked up his wine glass, clinked it against Da Mimi's, and said, "You have a lot of talent, you're a good prospect. Focus on acting in the future, and don't learn any bad things from those people in society. I have high hopes for you."

After hearing Cao Yang's words, Big Mimi instantly got a little tipsy.

"Director Cao, thank you, thank you so much. I will definitely listen to you and do my best in filming. I will definitely not learn those messy things. I promise I will not associate with those people... I will definitely hone my acting skills in the future."

Da Mimi picked up Cao Yang's wine glass, then bent down to get a wine bottle not far away, carefully filled it, put the bottle back, and then handed the glass to Cao Yang.

When Da Mimi poured the wine, Cao Yang couldn't help but pause for a moment.

Didn't you just say you wouldn't learn any nonsense?
Didn't you promise not to mess things up...?
So let me ask you, when you gave me the wine glass, did you deliberately wave your... in front of my eyes and rub it against my face and head? Was that intentional, or was it an accident?

At such a young age, he already has quite a few tricks up his sleeve.

Big Mimi returned to her seat, completely satisfied.

At first, Da Tian Tian was too shy to offer a toast, but after Da Mi Mi went, she carefully observed the whole process, even noticing the details of Da Mi Mi pouring the wine.

"Vixen!"

She cursed under her breath.

This girl usually seems carefree and easygoing, but I never expected her to be so cunning.

After reflecting on it, Da Tian Tian wondered if she should learn from it too.

Of course, the target must be a young and handsome director like Director Cao. Okay, I'm specifically referring to Director Cao here. As for others, of course, there's no need to do this.

So, Da Tian Tian cheered herself up several times in her heart, and finally stood up with her wine glass in hand.

She walked nervously up to Cao Yang, and the moment she saw him look up at her, her mind went blank. "What was I going to say?"

Cao Yang was also stunned.

Jing Tian is considered the "big spender" of this movie. She spent 2000 million yuan to buy "advertising" rights, not wanting the movie copyright or a share of the profits. All she wanted was to show her face on certain occasions. Of course, he had to give her some face.

But, sister, you walked over to me with your wine glass in your hand and then lowered your head without saying a word. Did you expect me to stand up and toast you?
Da Tiantian's mind went blank for a moment, and she really forgot what to say, but she couldn't just stay in this stalemate, could she?
In a moment of desperation, he blurted out, "Director Cao, I'm just like Big Mimi. What she can do, I can do too."

After saying that, he picked up his wine glass, drank it all in one gulp, and ran back as if fleeing.

(End of this chapter)