Entertainment 2000: Supporting female stars will bring you a hundredfold return

Chapter 275 Tang Wen has too many good songs, making it difficult to choose for the Spring Festival Gala.

Audiences' fondness for tough guys or action-packed movie stars is no less than that for beautiful actresses.

Schwarzenegger's Terminator series, which began in 1984, has had a significant impact in the country.

Later, his starring film "True Lies" was introduced to China, and it grossed over 100 million yuan at the domestic box office in 1995.

Sylvester Stallone's "First Blood" series even drove up domestic movie ticket prices from a few cents to one yuan and fifty cents.

On a larger scale, it has promoted the market-oriented reform of the domestic film industry.

The works of these two are too classic.

In addition, they are from Hollywood, USA.

At this time, netizens who lacked confidence were not optimistic that Tang Wen could produce a "tough guy" star!

Moreover, most people are not optimistic about it.

"Stop joking! Don't you understand racial differences? Schwarzenegger must be at least 1.95 meters tall, right?"

"Yeah, those muscles are something we can't build."

"Even if you could train for it, it would take several years, right?"

"I heard that this kind of training needs to start from a young age, but Director Tang has found all adult actors!"

"Even if you train from a young age, you'll never become a Stallone or Schwarzenegger!"

"..."

There are those who hold supporting opinions.

"If Americans can do it, so can we!"

"We have martial arts, our national art, and we are no worse than Americans!"

"Li Lianjie and Cheng Long were also big stars in Hollywood."

"..."

Even the supporters revealed a lack of confidence in their words.

Tang Wen understood that this was due to the times, and he couldn't blame anyone else.

He knew that 20 years from now, the height and physique of the younger generation would be comparable to or even surpass those of Westerners.

But now, if I say it, not many people will believe me.

"Let's intervene," Tang Wen instructed Renren.com.

Renren.com secretly got involved and posted quite a few messages.

From martial arts masters during the Republic of China era to top-level combat heroes during my country's War of Resistance against Japan, as well as Yao Ming who has already joined the NBA, and many other Olympic athletes who have shone in international competitions.

These examples include written materials and photographs showcasing the highlights.

They managed to stabilize the situation, preventing the emergence of any "tough guy superstars."

But when it comes to the number of votes, it's a different story.

Among the male celebrities who came for the audition, Tang Wen admired Ding Haifeng, Hu Jun, and Chen Minghao.

The first two have such upright looks that they would be absolutely perfect as the male lead in a Chinese Interpol agent story.

Finally, Chen Minghao, with a beard, plays a ruthless gangster boss who is preparing to make a comeback, and he can bring a lot of pressure!
However, Hu Jun was unwilling to sign a three-part contract.

He was nominated for a Golden Horse Award and also played a supporting role in "Infernal Affairs II".

Tang Wen has also confirmed that he will play the leading role of "Qiao Feng" in "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils".

The future is bright, and there is absolutely no need to tie oneself to a series of commercial films.

Even Tang Wen's movies.

Everyone has their own ambitions, and it's not good to force them.

Tang Wen set his sights on Ding Haifeng.

Ding Haifeng, who played "Wu Song, the Star of Heavenly Wounds" in Li Xuejian's version of "Water Margin," is equally suitable to play the captain of the Interpol team.

However, after the voting began...

Fei Xiang, who is 191cm tall, received a landslide victory in the votes.

Looking at his slightly mixed-race appearance, Tang Wen hesitated.

If they cast the mixed-race actor Fei Xiang as the lead, and combined with his ability to promote the film through promotional tours, this movie might just be a huge hit not only in Asia.

Maybe he can make it to Hollywood and achieve great success.

As for Ding Haifeng, Tang Wen has two scripts.

Another one is "Train to Busan," a post-apocalyptic zombie film. This movie was based on a comic book in 06.

It's the end of 02 now, so copying this is no problem at all.

South Korea has plenty of material that can be adapted into stories.

Without these two films, I believe they can create even better works.

That's what Tang Wen thought.

In Train to Busan, there is a wrestler character who shines during the zombie apocalypse.

On the run, he not only protected his pregnant wife but also did his best to help others.

It's the same actor, Ma Dong-seok, who plays the role; now it can be given to Ding Haifeng.

The gap between the number of votes for the expense item and those of the other person is getting bigger and bigger.

Tang Wen had a chat with him.

The commotion caused by Fei Xiang's comeback in Taiwan this year after leaving Broadway is nothing special.

Currently, he doesn't get many offers to act in dramas.

After all, I'm getting older, and nowadays young viewers in Taiwan prefer pretty boys.

Tang Wen's "The Outlaws" was his best opportunity.

As they chatted, Fei Xiang, speaking in a standard yet slightly odd tone, said, "Director Tang, I've already hired a professional coach and am working out to build muscle. I've always had a fitness routine, and the coach estimates that I can reach the level of a beginner bodybuilder in a short time."

"Professor Fei is truly dedicated!" These words impressed Tang Wen: "Come over and let's talk about the contract."

Fei Xiang was overjoyed: "Thank you, Mr. Tang."

"Don't disclose this information to the public."

"Understood, I will follow your arrangements!" Fei Xiang thanked him again.

After hanging up the phone, Tang Wen instructed Renren.com to promote other male actors.

A message circulating online, claiming to be from a Renren.com employee, revealed that the production team was dissatisfied with the budget and was preparing to use Ding Haifeng instead.

They're planning a shady operation!
It was as if to verify this.

Ding Haifeng's votes suddenly surged.

This naturally provoked a backlash from netizens.

Countless people started criticizing Renren.com and Tangwen, but the topic of "casting" became even more popular.

Renren.com capitalized on this wave of popularity to attract a large number of new users, further boosting the website's valuation.

Tang Wen didn't care about this little disturbance.

CCTV, Spring Festival Gala production team.

"Mr. Tang, we've been waiting for you! Please come in."

Tang Wen took two quick steps: "Director Jin personally came to greet us, we can't accept that!"

The two politely entered the house, and a short while later, Secretary Li, having received the news, knocked on the door of the production team.

As soon as he arrived, the dozen or so directors in the room fell silent. Secretary Li didn't enter; after greeting everyone, he casually said to Tang Wen, "Come sit over at my place when you're done."

Tang Wen glanced at the tense-looking production team and joked, "Boss, I might get hungry after I finish this."

Secretary Li shook his head and chuckled: "You little rascal, I'll provide meals, okay?"

"Don't worry, I'll definitely go."

Secretary Li left.

All the directors in the room were looking at Tang Wen with strange eyes.

Even the chief director, Director Jin, became more polite in his tone and demeanor.

No wonder Tang Wen was able to appear on the Spring Festival Gala three times last year!

Look at how well they handle relationships; they're better than those who work within the system every day.

Or should we let President Tang come three more times this year?

He tried to probe, but Tang Wen quickly refused.

Don't joke around, being a pioneer only once is enough.

Besides, a certain singer is already preparing to perform his opera-style piece for this year's Spring Festival Gala.

With the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jiangnan CBD after the New Year, he'll have enough to make a splash.

"Our song and dance group has selected three songs by you, Mr. Tang."

A while ago, representatives from Blue Star Entertainment brought the master tapes of Tang Wen's new album, allowing the Spring Festival Gala directing team to choose songs. They really gave the directing team a lot of face.

But the production team was in a dilemma.

Tang Wen's albums are all masterpieces.

They originally only wanted to choose one song.

But after listening to it seven or eight times and going through several rounds of voting, the final number of people selected still exceeded the target.

"Which three songs?" Based on the Spring Festival Gala's positioning, Tang Wen could roughly guess.

"To be honest, Mr. Tang, we love every song of yours, including 'Life in Full Bloom,' 'The New Drunken Concubine,' and 'Seven Mile Fragrance.' Choosing three songs is already our limit."

Tang Wen just smiled, and after thinking for a moment, suggested, "How about we remove 'Seven Mile Fragrance' first?"

He still sang live on the Spring Festival Gala.

The first two songs will be a greater test of singing skills, especially "The New Drunken Concubine," which he will sing in a "female voice," and will definitely give the audience a little shock.

"Blooming Life" has a good meaning, requires hitting high notes, and has a good live effect.

As for which of these two songs to choose, that's up to the Spring Festival Gala production team.

The production team started arguing again when faced with a choice between two options.

"The New Drunken Concubine" blends elements of traditional Chinese opera, representing both inheritance and innovation.

"The song 'Life in Full Bloom' is a rock song with profound meaning, an element that our gala lacked, and it can attract more young people."

"Which of Director Tang's songs doesn't appeal to young people?"

"This song is different; it's about striving..."

The two sides started tearing each other apart.

Tang Wen silently lowered his head and drank his tea, secretly pleased with himself.

Look, even the Spring Festival Gala production team is arguing over this guy's music!

After arguing for half an hour without reaching a conclusion, Director Jin slammed his fist on the table:
"Mr. Tang, how are you feeling today? Why don't you come to the studio for a sound check, and I'll ask the leaders to come over and give me their feedback?"

Tang Wen smiled: "Director Jin invited me here, so naturally I'm prepared to sing. I'll follow your arrangements."

He possesses masterful singing skills; he could easily sing two songs and even hold a concert.

"Excellent, excellent! Mr. Tang truly lives up to his reputation as a singer-songwriter!"

After a flurry of activity, the leaders associated with the Spring Festival Gala sat down below the stage.

Although the leaders are busy, the Spring Festival Gala is their priority recently. They know that the production team argued for a long time about Tang Wen's song.

Curiosity is inevitable, and with Tang Wen singing in person, one can always find the time to listen to two songs.

"Please welcome Director Tang to the stage."

The staff applauded enthusiastically, and many women looked at Tang Wen with the same eyes that of fangirls meeting their idol.

Once on stage, Tang Wen first said a few polite words, and then the accompaniment began.

First came "Life in Full Bloom," a high-pitched and resonant voice that soared straight to the ceiling of the stage.

The song's concept and the performance were so excellent that even the well-informed leaders gave it their approval.

The song conveys a good message of "breaking free from the ordinary" and "transcending oneself".

It's rock and roll, but not rebellious.

It has enough positive energy.

Finished a song.

One of the leaders remarked, "Director Tang's talent is unparalleled; this is yet another masterpiece."

Praises poured in.

Firstly, the song is good.

Secondly, Tang Wen also had a good relationship with the top leaders of the station.

After Tang Wen made a few modest remarks, the prelude to "The New Drunken Concubine" began.

Traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the xun, xiao, and guzheng appeared together, evoking a profound sense of history.

The audience felt a sense of novelty.

Tang Wen slowly opened his mouth and began to narrate the story using a male pop singing style.

As the erhu strings mingled with electronic drumbeats burst from the speakers, he abruptly turned around and switched to a "female voice":
Love and hate can be separated in an instant.
Raising a cup to the moon, my feelings are as vast as the sky.

Love and hate are both uncertain.

When will you fall in love?

"Wow--"

The female staff member couldn't help but scream.

A female Peking Opera voice – this is truly unprecedented!

The age of the performers is evident, and many of the leaders in the audience have some knowledge of Peking Opera.

At this moment, I felt that my previous concepts had been overturned.

Or rather, Peking Opera combined with popular music has given it a new lease on life!
When the song ended, thunderous applause erupted!

The staff and several leaders all stood up and applauded.

Tang Wen put away the microphone and bowed to express his gratitude: "Indeed, 'The New Drunken Concubine' is more shocking."

He stepped down from the stage and shook hands with the leaders in turn.

The station leader in the middle remarked, "When they came to my office and told me they were having trouble choosing between two songs, I didn't think much of it. I thought, what's so hard about choosing? But after listening to them, I realized I underestimated Director Tang's creative talent. It seems our comrades are very dedicated!"

Everyone chuckled softly.

After a brief discussion, one of the leaders made the final decision: "How about we perform both songs together? The second song, 'The New Drunken Concubine,' can be accompanied by a dance."

Tang Wen certainly wouldn't refuse his leader's request.

There are only two songs.

It simply means spending a little more time backstage on the day of the Spring Festival Gala.

However, he cannot participate in all the Spring Festival Gala rehearsals; he can only guarantee to participate in three auditions.

After deciding on the song and performance style, Director Jin asked Tang Wen if he had a suitable dance partner.

They portrayed Yang Guifei through dancing; many of the women around Tang Wen could dance.

In terms of physique, there are several actresses who could play Yang Guifei.

But considering both, only Li Xiaoran remains.

She graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and later joined the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe. Although her dance skills have declined in the past two years, she can still dance the role of Yang Guifei for a few minutes without much trouble.

Tang Wen didn't give a definitive answer: "Li Xiaoran can give it a try."

Li Xiaoran is quite famous for her roles in "Conquest" and "Pink Lady".

Director Jin remembered her and knew that this actress had a striking figure and did indeed resemble Yang Guifei somewhat, so he nodded in agreement: "Then I'll trouble Director Tang to inform her to come over."

Tang Wen acted swiftly and decisively, immediately making a phone call.

Upon hearing that she could perform on the Spring Festival Gala, Li Xiaoran canceled her other engagements and rushed over.

The event was for her to promote the personal care products she endorses. When the brand learned that she might appear on the Spring Festival Gala, they had no objections and offered their strong support.

Several tens of minutes later, Li Xiaoran appeared backstage at the Spring Festival Gala.

"Ms. Li arrived so quickly. Thank you, Mr. Tang, for supporting our work!"

"Not at all, we should thank Director Jin for giving us the opportunity to perform on stage."

After saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled.

Li Xiaoran changed into a Tang-style strapless dress provided by the production team and simply tied her hair into a bun.

The image of a plump imperial concubine leaps out at you.

"Miss Li has a dance background?"

After completing a series of dance moves, including backbends and splits, Director Jin breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the directors of the song and dance group.

They naturally have no objections to things that the leaders have decided.

Moreover, Li Xiaoran's skills are indeed still there.

Next, Tang Wen went to see Secretary Li.

Li Xiaoran stayed with the production team to work with the dance teacher on the movements.

At this moment, she still couldn't quite believe it: She'd already been on the Spring Festival Gala? That was way too easy!

After leaving CCTV, Tang Wen went straight to see Zhang Yimou.

Hero is set to be released simultaneously in the country and the United States.

Today, the premiere of "Hero" was held in the secondary hall of the auditorium.

This was also one of Zhang Weiping's publicity tactics; "Hero" was the first film to have its premiere held at the Great Hall of the People!

(End of this chapter)