The battle for traffic in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 532 Ordinary People Who Have Lost Their Motivation to Strive
Bajaria talked about work-related matters, but the atmosphere was very relaxed; it was just casual conversation.

After finishing the live broadcast, they didn't continue with the music topic, but instead talked about the Oscars, which have been postponed to next month, shifting the conversation to movies.

There is a film called "Nomad" directed by a Chinese-American director, which is one of the most popular films during awards season.

However, this movie tells a story set in the United States; it's called "Manchester, America" ​​or "Into America."

However, in the nomination list just announced today, there is also a Chinese-language film, "Better Days," which received a nomination for Best International Feature Film.

"Hollywood is increasingly emphasizing its commitment to multicultural development, which will benefit Asian Americans and Chinese Americans alike. Realistically speaking, this is the best opportunity for Asian Americans like us. We can make a name for ourselves in Hollywood now, but that won't always be the case. So I think you should seriously consider seizing this opportunity."

Bajaira looked into Xu Xing's eyes, trying to express her sincerity.

"..." Xu Xing shrugged helplessly. "Maybe it's because I've been in the industry for too long and lived a comfortable life for too long. Compared to when I first debuted, I now have almost no desire to achieve anything new. I'm content with the status quo, resistant to challenges, and afraid of failure. That's who I am now."

Hollywood has indeed been very lenient towards Chinese Americans.

Not only will a Chinese-American director be chosen this year, but the film "Instantaneous" will also sweep Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, and more the year after next...

But those were all Chinese Americans who had been reformed by the United States.

Hsu Hsing is a relatively traditional person. In her previous life, she felt uncomfortable if she couldn't watch more than five minutes of "The Universe in an Instant" and really couldn't accept the culture of Chinese Americans.

Xu Xing now interacts with many Chinese Americans, but the impressions are generally very negative. The most difficult thing is that some people Xu Xing thought would be more normal under the resonance of capitalists, but they are still full of convert fanaticism, even more fervent in their support of the Stars and Stripes than rednecks.

Movies have a much stronger cultural promotional value than songs; Hollywood only accepts people of Chinese descent.

Xu Xing is a "heretic," and unless he also accepts reformation, he has no chance of gaining their "recognition."

Xu Xingzhen had no interest in trying to please them.

The hard barriers to entry in Hollywood are there.

Just like Netflix, which was only able to sit on the table after joining the Motion Picture Association of America in 2019, and received its first Oscar nomination for Best Picture during that year's awards season.

"Netflix is ​​a great company with countless employees who are always striving for it. I am just an ordinary person, and once I lose my motivation to strive, it is hard to find it again."

Xu Xing sighed.

Bajaria, Erika, and Anya all stared wide-eyed, looking utterly astonished.

They truly hadn't expected that a world-renowned superstar, just 26 years old and at the peak of his career, would harbor such thoughts. Keep in mind, Xu Xing had even flown in from China specifically for the Grammy Awards—

Was the impact of the Grammys on Xu Xing actually much greater than he showed? Is that why he is so disheartened?

Bajaria was the first to adjust, nodding in agreement with everything Xu Xing said.

"I am honored by your sincerity. Perhaps you are just temporarily tired? When I am exhausted, I also want to let go of everything. If I really need to rest, I will take a long nap. When I wake up, I will be full of energy and then make decisions that require a rational mind."

"Maybe."

Xu Xing smiled.

After that, Bajaaria's conversation continued to revolve around her sense of identity as an Asian with Hsu Hsing-chao, as well as discussions about movies.

We talked about Netflix's entry into Hollywood and offered some criticism on behalf of Hsu Hsing regarding the prejudices she faced. But we didn't talk much about it before shifting the topic to international films.

Let's start with the Euro 3, focusing on Cannes, which has a tense relationship with Netflix.

Previously, in order to resist the impact of streaming platforms on traditional films, Cannes required that films in the main competition be released in French theaters, while French theatrical films could only be released on streaming platforms after 36 months.

This resulted in an excessively long window for Netflix films, leading to a falling out between Netflix and Cannes.

The current CEO, Sarandos, is the same person who took a hard line and withdrew all Netflix films from Cannes in 18, while Bajaira, as the current Chief Content Officer, is trying to ease tensions between Netflix and Cannes.

Because Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Frémaux is also trying to bring Netflix back. Last year, he managed to secure Netflix's "Da 5 Bloods," but the pandemic led to the cancellation of the in-person film festival.

“Netflix could never accept such a long window, so the only ones who can change this are them. We are trying everything we can to get them to shorten the window. It’s difficult, but we haven’t given up.”

Bajaria seemed to be trying to inspire Hsu Hsing's ambition.

After expressing her feelings, she inquired about "Blossoms," a film directed by Hsu Hsing and Wong Chia-wei.

This year's Cannes Film Festival also announced early on that it would be postponed to July.

"As far as I know, Director Wang has not yet announced the official wrap-up of filming. I am also not very optimistic about being able to attend this year's Cannes Film Festival."

"And Venice?"

Bajaria's tone was joking.

This year, Cannes is in July, while Venice is in September.

After Netflix and Cannes completely fell out in 18, they were welcomed to the Venice Film Festival instead.

Bajaria hinted that he could help Hsu Hsing win the Best Actor award at the Venice Film Festival.

"If I can't make it to Cannes, there's almost no chance I can make it to Venice. I'm only responsible for acting; everything else is the director's job."

Xu Xing put it very tactfully.

It's practically impossible for someone like Director Wang, a Cannes insider, to participate in other European 3rd edition exhibitions.

As for whether he's a movie star or not... well, Xu Xing's mindset has changed now, so it doesn't really matter whether he is or not.

After all, Cannes, the "most prestigious" film festival, is also the kind of film festival where Selena Gomez (JB's ex-girlfriend) can win Best Actress.

Post-pandemic, Euro 3 has embraced Hollywood even more actively, almost wanting to become three Oscar precursors.

It's not interesting either.

The conversation then shifted to the development of Asian films, discussing Netflix's determination to invest heavily in and support the development of Asian cinema.

"Although we can't enter mainland China, Netflix will support the most talented Asian directors, and we hope that the outstanding actors from China, Japan, and Korea can all shine on the world stage!"

Bajaria spoke with confidence and determination, emphasizing her words when she mentioned South Korea. Hmm... Netflix has indeed provided excellent support for South Korean films.

After the discussion about the movie ended, she started talking about the TV series, specifically "Childhood Games".

Blow, blow, blow!
Netflix stated that it would do everything in its power to ensure the series received the recognition it deserved—in other words, it would lobby for awards.

Basically, they kept emphasizing how important "Childhood Games" was to them and how much they valued it.

After talking for a long time, they finally got to the second season.

“I know how crucial the subsequent development plans are for Zheng Rong and Netflix, so I’m being even more cautious. Many of our initial ideas have been scrapped, and the script isn’t finalized yet. But it should be completed by the end of this year.”

Xu Xing also gave a statement.

Bajaria smiled and nodded.

"Childhood Games is so important that we won't be in a hurry. Maintaining your pace is the best approach, thank you. In addition, our writing team can provide all the support needed for Zheng Rong."

"Thank you."

Xu Xing smiled.

Only then did we talk about other TV series projects.

Zheng Rong has acquired the copyrights to several Hong Kong comics. In addition to the second season of "Childhood Games", they will develop a TV series project called "Kowloon Walled City".

"Chinese action films have the most dazzling spotlight in the world, and this will be our most important project in Asia. But what about 'Dark'? I know it's a script that was completed a long time ago, and it's also a huge series project. 'Childhood Games' should have already proven that Netflix can realize all the dreams of creators."

Bajaria's smile is confident.

Xu Xing pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

“I still feel it’s not perfect. A screenwriter will have 100 drafts before they produce a script.”

"But everything you have is wealth."

Bajaria was incredibly sincere. But Xu Xing still shook her head and made a sarcastic remark.

"I don't want to be a screenwriter whose name is simply credited to someone else's work."

Bajaria did not press the matter further.

Finally, she proposed making a documentary about Hsu Hsing's English album to "document the birth of the world's greatest artist's first English album."

After considering it, Xu Xing agreed.

"However, don't talk about those things in the official documentary."

"what?"

"The greatest artist."

Xu Xing frowned and pouted, making a funny face.

Everyone laughed.

Anya, who had been lost in thought for a long time beside Xu Xing, smiled and then put her hand on Xu Xing's arm.

"But you are, I think you are."

She tried to make herself look serious.

Xu Xing smiled.

"Thank you."

However, when Bajaaria asked Xu Xing to take Miss Anya with her when they left, Xu Xing declined.

Although Miss Anya looked really beautiful today, there was a relaxed smile in her eyes that had previously seemed serious. She was happy to have something happen between her and Hsu Hsing again.

Ms. Zhen was already waiting for Xu Xing at the villa; she was very good at calming Xu Xing down.

After heeding Xu Xing's advice and giving up her work at the studio, Ms. Zhen was at her most innocent, preparing to meet Xu Xing even before she actually saw him.

This time, she even dyed her hair blonde.

Although Hsu Hsing still thinks black hair is the most beautiful, it also feels very fresh. Ms. Zhen can actually create the look of a doll.

Painting on a blank sheet of paper is a wonderful feeling, but to continue enjoying it, you need to constantly seek out the freshest ideas.

Painting a beautiful oil painting is also wonderful, and it's something Ms. Zhen can always provide for Xu Xing.

When Xu Xing was on the phone with Sun Man, she looked over with a touch of sadness and a strong artistic flair, which almost distracted Xu Xing.

"No, Sister Zhen is painting. She won't stop until she finishes a painting."

Faced with Sun Man's questioning, Xu Xing could only offer this explanation.

Fortunately, she didn't insist that Xu Xing pan the camera over to prove it.

So, we continued our conversation about Bajaaria that evening.

"Tell me honestly, aren't you really envious of 'Better Days' winning the Oscar for Best International Feature Film? Whether we work with Netflix or Disney, we can help you get back at them."

Sun Man joked.

The nomination of "Better Days" raises a question: after Xu Xing officially reached the top of the popularity circle, all the achievements worth boasting about were obtained by Xu Xing first. Now someone has been nominated for Best International Film before Xu Xing.

Well, even though the nomination for "Better Days" didn't even trend on Chinese social media because of the director's issues, it generated a lot of buzz among fans.

At the Grammys and Oscars, Yukito, who loves to hype up international superstars, suffered two consecutive setbacks, much to the delight of his jinxed followers.

"No, how many times do I have to say no? Actually, my attitude has never changed. On the contrary, you all think I would be interested, that I should be interested. Actually, it's you who are eager to try it out."

Xu Xing complains.

“…” Sun Man was left speechless. “So, now you…”

"Making an album and preparing to return to China."

Xu Xing said simply.

After hanging up the video call, two dazzling suns on the perfect oil painting immediately loomed over Xu Xing's face.

It's so...

Okay, that was straightforward!

Feeling refreshed after waking up, Hsu Hsing headed to the recording studio to focus on producing the album.

In the afternoon, John arrived and once again complained to Xu Xing about the Grammys.

"Okay, that's what everyone's saying, the Grammys are in big trouble, but it won't really affect it, will it?"

"That's not the case. In fact, the Grammys have been pursuing change in recent years."

After John finished speaking, seeing that Xu Xing was no longer interested in the topic, he changed the subject back to the album.

"Well, I heard Taylor already considers you a true friend. If you invited her to participate in your new album, she would definitely accept. You helped her last year, now it's her turn to repay you."

"..."

“Xing, I’m not doubting your album, but having Taylor on board will undoubtedly bring more attention to the album and make it more successful, won’t it? You said you only wanted to pursue commercial success with this album, and you even invited Ariana for that purpose. Why not get Taylor on board as well?”

John patted Xu Xing on the shoulder.

Xu Xing scratched his head.

"Because I think maybe next time will be better? The next English album. There will be many more opportunities in the future, won't there? I'm at my peak right now, and I can handle all the problems myself. Let's talk about it when I start to decline."

They finally came up with a reason.

Hsu Hsing-chen had indeed considered inviting Taylor Swift to join the project, and had even chosen the songs, but the night at the Grammys was just increasingly awkward to think about.

It was purely enjoyable, but it would be awkward if I met or contacted Ms. Taylor again.

Forcing her to make a phone call while simultaneously and harshly punishing a cheating woman was already awkward enough, and that was just the mildest version of what happened that night...

John was persuaded.

"I want to say that collaboration isn't something that can only happen once, but anyway, okay."

For the next week, with Ms. Zhen's help, Hsu Hsing devoted herself to producing the album. Sometimes when she was tired, she would play basketball with Tsai Chi-ni.

Xu Xing received countless party invitations, but she didn't attend any of them.

Xu Xing's agent, Erika, and Disney producers visited her several times, and she also had lunch with Netflix CEO Sarandos.

But no noteworthy decisions were made.

On March 24, Xu Xingji had basically completed the recording of all the singles for the album and was preparing to return home.

At the airport, Xu Xing unexpectedly received a message from Ms. Taylor.

[Over.]

It's incoherent and doesn't have a beginning or an end.

Xu Xingjiu replied in the same way.

Run away.

(End of this chapter)