1982 Started from Hong Kong

Chapter 223 The master is lonely
This year's Academy Awards were held as early as August.

This award is for a small circle of Hong Kong filmmakers and it is only held for the third time. It is no exaggeration to say that it is for self-entertainment.

But the Golden Horse Awards are of different value. It has now been held for the 21st time, and even for a long time to come, it will still be the highest honor in the Chinese-language film industry.

The Hong Kong Film Awards simply copied the name of the Academy Awards, while the Golden Horse Awards can directly compete with the Academy Awards.

In a nutshell, it is the undisputed number one prize for Chinese-language films.

Zhai Yuan took the beautifully designed invitation letter in his hand and read it over and over again.

He looked up and asked Wang Jin and Chen Lan: "Will the round-trip air tickets to Formosa be reimbursed?"

The two were stumped by this question.

Chen Lan hesitated for a moment and answered uncertainly: "It seems there is no such precedent."

"Oh!" Zhai Yuan nodded and asked, "Does the winning film get bonuses?"

When it comes to the question of money, Wang Jin immediately gave a professional answer: "Here! 50,000 for the best film, 10,000 for the individual award, and 5,000 for the behind-the-scenes award."

Zhai Yuan was obviously not satisfied with the number. He frowned and asked, "I saw that their trophy is a golden horse. Is it made of pure gold?"

This time, Wang Jin and Chen Lan shook their heads at the same time with great certainty.

A pure gold trophy? How could such a good thing be possible!
Although Wang Jin thought the question was stupid, he still answered: "Trophy is usually made of copper with gold plate."

Zhai Yuan rolled his eyelids, pinched the gold-stamped invitation letter between two fingers, and threw it forward. The card flew out of his hand and fell into the gap between the sofa in the corner.

"There's nothing good about it, and you still want me to attend the award ceremony? Pick!"

Wang Jin watched the invitation letter fly out with helpless eyes, wanting to cry but without tears.

That is the first prize for Chinese-language films. Although I, Fatty Wang, am a vulgar director, I do have a heart for winning awards.

Wang Jin resisted the urge to pick up the invitation letter and said, "Mr. Zhai, why don't you ask which movie we are invited to participate in the selection?"

Zhai Yuan looked at him as if he was a fool: "The only movie you can show off this year is your God of Gamblers. Are there any third-level movies?"

Wang Jin put on a fat smile on his face and nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes! It would be very impressive if I come back with any award, and the company will also have face. I will pay for the air tickets myself, so there is no need to trouble you, Mr. Zhai, to spend money."

Zhai Yuan smiled and pinched Fatty Wang's face: "Fatty, do you think they sent you an invitation because your movie is so good?"

After saying that, he raised his chin towards Chen Lan: "Am I right?"

Chen Lan smiled and said to Wang Jin, "Treasure Island's Huang Renzhong is very interested in Miss Lan Juying in God of Gamblers."

Few outsiders knew that this incident was the fuse that led Zhai Yuan to overturn the table with Xinji.

Wang Jin was stunned for two seconds after hearing this. He had heard of Huang Renzhong's fame. Combined with Chen Lan's words, he quickly figured out the purpose of the Golden Horse Awards sending this invitation letter without any reason.

Between winning the award and keeping his job, Fatty Wang chose the latter without hesitation.

"That ugly guy Huang Renzhong actually wants to date Miss Lan? It's just wishful thinking for a toad to want to eat swan meat!"

After Wang Jin finished his angry rebuke, he glanced at Zhai Yuan and continued indignantly, "The big boss of Taiwan said something, and the Golden Horse Awards specially added the selection of "God of Gamblers". I think this award is nothing special, and I won't go even if you invite me in the future!"

Zhai Yuan patted his shoulder with relief and said, "That's right. Don't always think about winning awards. The most important thing for us to make a movie is to make money. What's the use of bringing back a trophy? In short, you should spend more time in the toilet and sit on the toilet more often. This way, you will slowly discover the power of shit, piss and fart. By then, even Chen Shilong, Wu Yusen and Huang Baiming will be defeated by you."

Wang Jin smiled awkwardly and nodded.

Zhai Yuan took out a stack of script papers from the drawer and threw them on the table. "While they are holding art awards, we will continue to make commercial films. It just so happens that Wan Ziliang's schedule is free. Let's take a look at God of Gamblers 2. Calculate the cost and give me a quote. We can start filming at any time."

Chen Lan and Wang Jin's eyes lit up, and they walked to the desk and picked up the stack of script papers.

Sanhe Film Company was established nearly a year ago, and has only produced one movie, "God of Gamblers", so its output is not low.

Xu Jiaqiang and Chen Lan also thought about making a new film, but after seeing the box office success of "God of Gamblers", the couple was somewhat disdainful of other directors coming to them with scripts.

Following several talented directors of New One City, Zhai Yuan has made continuous profits in the film industry, and seems to be leaving the previous waves behind.

While the two were looking through the script, Zhai Yuan sat at his desk, lit a cigarette, and said slowly, "Next year I plan to increase the output of film production. I plan to schedule 10 films for production. If there are sharp directors and screenwriters, I can arrange for them to come for an interview."

After saying this, Chen Lan lost interest in even reading the script and only thought about how to get more spots from Zhai Yuan.

"The overseas distribution of God of Gamblers has been agreed. It will be released in Southeast Asia next month and in Japan and South Korea next year. We haven't found a suitable theater chain in North America yet, but a company is willing to pay $80 to buy out the North American distribution rights."

Chen Lan looked at Zhai Yuan, bit her lip and continued, "I will report the details to Mr. Zhai later."

Zhai Yuan felt that home-cooked food was only suitable for trying new things, and Chen Lan looked like she was ready to throw the jar away.

He smiled and waved his hand, saying, "No, you can just hand over this work to the finance department. I also need to keep an eye on the post-production of the sequel to A Better Tomorrow."

Chen Lan said okay and turned her attention back to the script, but she was somewhat absent-minded.

Wang Jin reads scripts very quickly. A director of his level has already constructed the corresponding scenes and characters in his mind when reading the script.

After handing the script to Chen Lan, Wang Jin leaned on the table and thought about it. He felt that the details still needed to be polished, but the overall plot was already very complete.

Just like the script that Zhai Yuan had previously presented, the script of God of Gamblers 2 also has clear scenes, complete character biographies, and many golden lines. It is the kind of script that a director can shoot in one go as long as he doesn't add his own ideas.

In addition to Gao Jin, Long Wu, and Chen Jincheng, three characters from previous works.

The sequel features many new characters including Qiu Xiaochi, Xiao Fangfang, Xiao Yao, Hai'an, Haitang, Hai Yuan, and Hao Jingzhong.

Although there are many characters, it does not appear cluttered at all.

Wang Jin said to Zhai Yuan with admiration on his face: "Mr. Zhai has profound skills!"

Zhai Yuan smiled and said, "I don't deserve it," "Learn from Director Wang."

When Wang Jin looked back several years later, all he saw was himself in the 1980s.

As a commercial film, "God of Gamblers 2" has a simple and smooth storyline. Zhai Yuan did not make many changes after copying the script.

Of course, it is not impossible.

For example, the classic line “Why doesn’t the God of Gamblers transform into a Super Saiyan?”

"Dragon Ball" was just launched this year, and Akira Toriyama was still madly chasing his idol. The fighting scenes in the work paid tribute to Chen Shilon, and the concept of Saiyans had not even appeared yet.

Zhai Yuan had no choice but to change the Saiyans into the most popular Jedi Knights.

In addition to these advanced lines, some of the smearing plots in the original film should be deleted or reduced, and some other original plots were added to make up the length.

The character of Zhang Baocheng is still retained. Chen Lan also quickly read the script and raised a new question: "The release of "God of Gamblers" in Malaysia was recently blocked because it involves gambling and the local film censorship refused to approve it. This sequel not only involves gambling, but also adds a lot of cruel and bloody scenes. I am afraid that after the filming, Sanhe's movies will be directly blacklisted in Malaysia."

Having already lost the Taiwan market, losing Malaysia would be a huge blow.

This time, before Zhai Yuan could speak, Wang Jin spoke first, "It's okay, Sister Lan. I'm familiar with the censorship system there. We can shoot two versions. The character of Long Wu will be changed to an international cop. He will work with Gao Jin to set up a trap to lure Qiu Xiaochi into the net and finally arrest him. We can cut down on the bloody scenes and it won't affect the normal release."

After this suggestion was approved by the other two people in the office, they briefly discussed the actor issue.

There is definitely no more Xiao Yao played by Jacklyn Wu and Hai Tang played by Cecilia Cheung, as both of them have not made their debut yet.

Liang Jiahui has played the role of Chen Daozai, so it would not be appropriate for him to play the role of Xiao Fangfang.

Zhai Yuan said: "The most important thing for the role of Haitang is a pretty girl. I plan to let Zhong Chuhong play the role."

Wang Jin and Chen Lan had no objection and asked Zhai Yuan, "Xiao Yao just needs to have acting skills, she doesn't have to be too pretty. Does boss Xiao Fangfang have any candidates?"

In the original film, the role of Leung Ka Fai was considered the second male lead, and he was indeed suitable for the mischievous scenes.

If he wanted to find a second one, Zhai Yuan really couldn't think of one for a moment.

He thought for a moment, and a face gradually emerged in his mind. He turned to Wang Jin and asked, "Do you know Chen Baixiang?"

Wang Jin also realized that this was an actor who was suitable for acting funny, and nodded, "Yes! He was my partner in writing scripts when we were at TVB. If Mr. Zhai wants to use his words, I will help you get a schedule with TVB. We are good friends, and the pay won't be too high."

Zhai Yuan nodded and said, "Then let Chen Baixiang do it. You guys think about other roles. Give priority to using the company's artists. Pick a good one for the villain Qiu Xiaochi."

In the original film, Qiu Xiaochi was played by Taiwanese actor Wu Xingguo.

Unfortunately, Zhai Yuan's entire impression of this actor disappeared when Gao Jin cut open his abdomen and removed his heart, and he knew nothing about his acting career before and after that.

…………

November passed quickly.

This month's entertainment section also includes the press release for the sequel to "A Better Tomorrow".

There is also another piece of news that is of no interest to the general public but of great interest to the film industry.

'Wang Jin, son of famous director Wang Tianlin, blasted the Golden Horse Awards, withdrew the film "God of Gamblers" that was originally scheduled to participate in the selection, and vowed never to participate again!'

Judging from the fact that newspapers have to use Wang Tianlin's name in order to attract readers' attention, Wang Jin's current popularity is indeed not high.

Many Hong Kong filmmakers initially thought that Wang Jinfa was crazy, but after a little inquiry, they found out that this fat guy had joined 91 Entertainment. No wonder he was so confident.

There is no need to say much about the relationship between Jiuyi and Formosa.

Zhai Yuan now holds half of the shares of Natural Selection and is the veritable 'cash king' in the film industry. He can easily afford the box office revenue of an entire province or city.

The Formosa Freedom Federation was slapped in the face and immediately issued a statement, adding Wang Jin's name to the banned list.

Zhai Yuan comforted Wang Jin and said, "Don't be afraid of shit. Too many lice won't bite. When I dominate the Hong Kong film industry in the future, I'll see if he can fill that list!"

Wang Jin went home to comfort his father: "If the boss isn't afraid of me, why should I be scared? It doesn't matter. I'm not an investor anyway."

Lan Juying came to the door and said with a sigh without any self-awareness: "I still want to win the Best Actress award."

Zhai Yuan felt that this woman was somewhat ungrateful.

"If you want to win the Golden Horse Award, you must first get the big boss in Taiwan to help you. There are many uncertainties in a foreign country. If the other party refuses to admit it after you lose your virginity, it will be a loss." Zhai Yuan squinted at Lan Juying and said, "But if you only want to win the Golden Image Award, book a room and wait for me tonight. Tomorrow I will let Shi Qiuyi deliver the trophy to you."

Lan Juying blushed and glared at Zhai Yuan with gritted teeth: "Rogue!"

The relationship between the two is pretty good now, and she doesn't mind Zhai Yuan's occasional flirtatious remarks.

Seeing that Zhai Yuan ignored her again, Lan Juying took the initiative to ask, "Why is there no role for me in the sequel to God of Gamblers?"

Zhai Yuan looked her up and down and said, "Are you as pretty as Zhong Chuhong and have a good figure like her?"

Lan Juying was incredulous and looked at Zhai Yuan with the eyes of a scumbag: "It was you who said I was the most beautiful woman in Wutai Mountain!"

Zhai Yuan sneered: "Do you believe me when I tell you?"

Lan Juying was furious. She stood up and made a few provocative poses with her chest and stomach pulled in. She approached Zhai Yuan and angrily said, "How am I worse than Zhong Chuhong?"

Outside the door, Zhong Chuhong, who had just entered, looked embarrassed and hesitated whether to go out and pretend that he didn't hear it.

Zhai Yuan smiled and waved: "Sister Hong, come in and sit down."

Lan Juying turned around in surprise and met Zhong Chuhong's complicated eyes. She was stunned for a moment, her face flushed all the way to her neck, and she wanted to crawl into the ground in embarrassment.

Zhong Chuhong forced a polite smile: "You guys chat first."

After saying that, he closed the door and left.

Lan Juying was stunned for a few seconds, then covered her face and screamed.

Zhai Yuan sighed: "So, there is a God above us. People like me will never speak ill of others behind their backs."

Lan Juying was so angry that she cried in a physical sense. Two lines of tears flowed down her face and she stared at Zhai Yuan with resentment in her eyes.

Seeing this, Zhai Yuan handed her a tissue and said with a smile, "Okay, I'll open a new play for you next time."

Lan Juying sniffed and looked back at the closed door: "So, do you think I am the most beautiful woman in Wutai Mountain?"

Zhai Yuan: “…”

…………

12 month 12 day.

"A Better Tomorrow", which has been promoted for a month and a half, was officially announced for release after a hot midnight preview.

This month, Jiahe and New One City both chose to avoid competition, and the movies that were originally scheduled to be released at the same time were postponed.

There is no way, the momentum of "Wushuang" is too fierce, and its evil publicity in the early stage makes people feel timid.

The two companies are afraid that the situation like last year will happen again.

The films released at the same time had their box office taken away by Jiuyi Entertainment. In the end, not only did they lose the box office, but the championship was also snatched away by others.

Zhai Yuan is not afraid of confrontation at all. When he heard that Jiahe and Xin Yicheng’s release dates were postponed, he found it a bit boring.

Masters are lonely!
(End of this chapter)