Abstract Art Award Winner

Chapter 393 The Production Team's Inhumane Practices
However, the variety show will be in a few days, and Zhou Le has already booked his flight to Zhejiang.

But before that, Zhou Le needed to visit other people's homes.

Because it concerns something more important.

The previous advice from director Zhang Yimou, and the possibility of that council member.

This also concerns his foundation in the industry and his future influence, so it must be taken seriously.

So he decided to go see Chen Daomin first.

Before going, Zhou Le did his homework and didn't choose any flashy but impractical gifts. Instead, he brought a cake of high-quality old Pu'er tea, since he knew from previous collaborations and conversations that Chen Daomin had a taste for it.

The appointment process went smoothly. When Chen Daomin heard that Zhou Le wanted to visit and seek advice, he readily agreed.

Chen Daomin's home is decorated elegantly and with a scholarly atmosphere. It doesn't look like a celebrity's residence, but rather like an enlarged study of a scholar.

I was dressed in simple cotton and linen loungewear, with a calm demeanor. When I saw Zhou Le, I smiled gently and said, "Zhou Le, you're here. Have a seat. I heard you just finished filming. Why don't you take a break?"

"Teacher Chen, I apologize for disturbing you." Zhou Le respectfully handed the tea to the aunt next to him before sitting down in the guest seat. "It's alright. Work isn't tiring at all; it's just what I'm supposed to do."

“Yes, that’s definitely how it should be.” Chen Daomin nodded and personally poured Zhou Le a cup of tea. “But speaking of this, I suddenly remembered that Director Zhang Yi called me before. Actually, we’ve known each other for many years. He has a strong drive for film and high aspirations. We’ve collaborated since ‘Hero’, ‘House of Flying Daggers’, and even earlier, ‘Red Sorghum’. He’s a true filmmaker.”

Zhou Le took the teacup with both hands and listened attentively.

He didn't rush to bring up anything about the association or the board members, but instead sincerely asked for advice on acting and drama.

He knew this was the area that Chen Daomin valued most and was most willing to discuss.

"That's true. But Mr. Chen, I've always admired your skills on the stage. Film and television dramas can rely on editing and reshoots, but stage plays require real skills. I'm not a professionally trained actor. Although I've acted before and people say I did well, I still feel that what I've learned in books and online isn't deep enough. May I ask you what you think is the biggest difference between film and television acting and stage acting?"

Or, to put it another way, how can we integrate the powerful stage presence and emotional impact of stage plays into film and television, while also adapting it to a narrative style that fits the film without feeling jarring? Zhou Le's question was very insightful, expressing both admiration and hitting the nail on the head.

Sure enough, Chen Daomin's eyes lit up with admiration and interest in talking when he heard this.

He slowly sipped his tea and said, “Film and television and stage plays may both seem like performances, but they are actually two different languages. Stage plays rely on amplification and extension; every action and every line must be conveyed to the hearts of the audience in the last row.”

Film and television, especially close-ups, capture the smallest details and inner emotions. Good film and television actors need to know how to restrain themselves and simplify their performance on camera, but their inner energy cannot be diminished; in fact, it should be even more abundant…

He spoke eloquently, discussing everything from the Stanislavski system to the expressive style of Chinese opera, explaining complex concepts in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

Zhou Le listened intently, occasionally raising his own questions and insights, and the two chatted very congenially.

After chatting for more than an hour, Chen Daomin casually mentioned, "Director Zhang called me this morning and specifically mentioned you. He said you are a promising talent, have ideas, are willing to work hard, and will be able to shoulder great responsibilities in the future. He suggested that the association could consider giving you more responsibilities, such as... a director position."

Zhou Le felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the real drama was about to begin.

He sat up straight, his attitude becoming even more humble: "Director Zhang and you are both too kind. I am young and inexperienced, and there is still so much for me to learn. There are so many excellent senior teachers in the association, I..."

Chen Daomin waved his hand, interrupting his self-deprecation: "Seniority is accumulated gradually, but ability and achievements are visible."

Director Zhang rarely misjudges people, so his statement naturally indicates he believes you're qualified. The association needs fresh blood like yours—energetic and full of new ideas.

He paused, his tone becoming more earnest, "He has ambition, and he hopes that the people he admires can also have ambition. Actually, I think so too, and I also have high hopes for you."

Whether you become an actor or a director in the future, you must remember not to become a complete slave to the market. Box office is important, of course, but if you only cater to it, the things you make will become fast-moving consumer goods that you will forget as soon as you've had them.

Even for the sake of high box office returns, the film itself must have value and be entertaining. And this "entertainment" goes beyond mere visual stimulation; it must also withstand scrutiny.

He looked at Zhou Le with a deep gaze: "The primary purpose of a film is to entertain the public, not to lecture people with a stern face. You should understand this principle. However, how to cleverly and naturally integrate positive meanings and values ​​that everyone can understand and resonate with into entertainment is a true test of skill, and that is what our industry should strive for."

Zhou Le nodded solemnly: "Teacher Chen, I've remembered what you said. Entertainment and thought-provoking content are not contradictory. A good work should be a perfect combination of the two, and I will work hard in that direction."

“Hmm,” Chen Daomin nodded in satisfaction. “I will do my best to push for the board member matter. Although I am the chairman, the voting process will still be necessary in the end. But don’t worry, with your current achievements and popularity, plus the support of us old guys, I don’t think anyone will object. Just focus on doing your job well and produce more good works, that will be the best response.”

"Thank you, Teacher Chen! I will definitely live up to your and Director Zhang's expectations," Zhou Le said sincerely.

At noon, Chen Daomin invited Zhou Le to his home for a simple meal. The food was light and delicious, and they chatted about interesting things in the industry and their views on art and literature. The atmosphere was harmonious and relaxed.

Zhou Le got up to say goodbye in the afternoon, feeling that he had benefited a lot and felt much more at ease.

After leaving Chen Daomin's house, Zhou Le immediately met with Wu Jing.

Unlike his serious and formal meeting with Chen Daomin, he was much more relaxed and casual when meeting Wu Jing.

They met at a boxing gym that Wu Jing frequented. The two sparred for a while, working up a good sweat, before taking a shower and sitting in the rest area in tank tops and shorts, drinking sports drinks.

"Brother Jing, what have you been busy with lately?" Zhou Le asked, wiping his sweat with a towel.

"What else could I be busy with? Working on a new film, I recently got my hands on a bodyguard." Wu Jing took a swig of his drink. "Even though I'm the producer, I still have to read the script. I'm practically bald from all the thinking. Hey, by the way, I heard Director Zhang recommended you for a board member position in the association? That's impressive, bro!"

Zhou Le smiled and said, "I just came from Teacher Chen Daomin's place. Brother Jing, this is mainly because the seniors are too kind to me."

Wu Jing slapped his thigh: "Forget about that, we're all brothers, who else would I support if not you? Don't worry, it's a sure thing! I'll definitely vote for you." He agreed very readily, "But what about what Teacher Chen said?"

"Teacher Chen is a very kind person. He encouraged me a lot and gave me a lot of advice," Zhou Le said with emotion.

“Teacher Chen is a true master.” Wu Jing also expressed his admiration, then changed the subject, “Getting down to business, we need to start looking for actors for ‘The Guardians’ in advance. They need to be able to endure hardship, and the action scenes are important, not just for show.”

Do you have any recommendations? Looking for promising young talents who are also skilled in martial arts.

Zhou Le asked almost without thinking, "Zhou Ye, what do you think?"

“Zhou Ye?” Wu Jing pondered for a moment. “Is it the one from ‘Better Days’ who played the female student who bullied others? Wei Lai? I remember seeing her at the film festival.”

“Yes, that’s her.” Zhou Le nodded. “This young lady is hardworking, not spoiled, and has a natural talent for acting. Plus, she’s quite versatile.”

“Sure, I do have a vague recollection of that. That energy level is right.” Wu Jing became interested. “Later, you can act as a go-between and have her audition and chat.”

After all, with director Yuan Heping personally overseeing the project, the standards are bound to be high. The cast is impressive this time: I'm the producer, plus actors, and Eighth Master is directing. I'm even planning to bring out my senior brother to bolster the lineup. You definitely have to come. We're also in contact with Nicholas Tse. The rest will require careful selection.”

Upon hearing the lineup, Zhou Le's eyes lit up: "This lineup is too strong! Brother Jing, if you put it that way, then I have to go! But let's make a deal," he said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "don't put any young, pretty faces in there, unless they're like Liu Haoran who has some ability and a solid foundation."

Wu Jing laughed heartily: "Don't worry! My temple is too small to accommodate all those ancestors. What I need are real talents who can fight and perform! By the way, you can invest some if you want, but the share won't be too large. There are too many people eyeing this piece of meat."

"Understood, I'm happy to participate. I'll leave the investment to you." Zhou Le readily agreed.

After talking with Wu Jing, Zhou Le felt more confident.

A few days later, in Dinghai District, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province.

The new season of "Hahahahaha" is about to begin filming its "Survival on a Desert Island" special.

Zhou Le, Deng Chao, Chen He, Lu Han, and Wang Baoqiang met up first.

The production team told them that there would be two more guest stars at this stop. Zhou Le invited one, and Wang Baoqiang invited the other.

On the way, they chatted and guessed who the guest was.

Although they knew it beforehand, they still had to act it out again on the show.

All I can say is that a few people got together.

Nothing he says seems like an act.

Zhou Le described his invited guest as being of medium height, a little older than the others, male, with top-notch kung fu skills, and very handsome.

Immediately, everyone started speculating, suggesting names like Zhao Wenzhuo, Wu Yue, and Zhang Jin.

But Zhou Le said none of those were true.

Deng Chao was taken aback: "You didn't invite Professor Wu Jing here too, did you?"

Lu Han thought for a moment and said, "Could it be... Jet Li? Le'er is amazing!"

When Zhou Le mentioned Sha Yi, everyone was speechless.

"You call sand art one of the best skills?"

Zhou Le laughed: "Of course, Bai Zhantang's kung fu is second to none, isn't it?"

"What else?"

Everyone looked at Wang Baoqiang.

No one guessed it was Liu Haoran.

Until the two got into the car.

"Hey! Isn't this Bai Zhantang?" Deng Chao immediately teased.

Sha Yi looked embarrassed and said, "That was all in my younger days."

Liu Haoran greeted everyone politely: "Brother Chao, Brother He, Brother Lu, Brother Le!"

Zhou Le smiled and patted Liu Haoran on the shoulder: "Haoran, we meet again. How have you been lately?"

"Hey, Le-ge, you're doing great. You just finished filming a movie." Liu Haoran said with a bright smile.

Wang Baoqiang and Liu Haoran have a very good relationship because of the "Detective Chinatown" series. As soon as they met, they talked about the interesting things that happened during the filming.

Once everyone was present, the car started, and they ate something along the way. After arriving at their destination, the production team distributed task cards and showed them photos of the destination.

With its azure sea and sky, pristine white sand beaches, and swaying coconut palms, it looks like a perfect vacation paradise.

"Wow! This place is amazing!" Lu Han exclaimed.

"The production team is being so generous this time? This looks like a five-star island!" Chen He expressed his doubts.

Deng Chao stroked his chin: "Something's definitely up to no good! I have a feeling it's not that simple."

Sha Yi: "Who cares, as long as it looks good! I'm looking forward to it!"

Liu Haoran nodded, "It looks really good."

Zhou Le shook his head: "These photos don't look quite right. I'm afraid this isn't an anti-fraud theme. The production team is always inhumane. If it were really that good, how much work would we have to do?"

However, the production team quickly shattered their illusions: "Ladies and gentlemen, conditions on the island are limited. Therefore, each of you can only bring a few essential items to the island."

Now, please open your suitcases; we will be screening them. If you take out the same items, you can negotiate which one to keep; if they are different, then unfortunately, that item cannot be brought to the island.

A chorus of wails immediately erupted.

"No? Come again?"

"I knew it wouldn't be good!"

"Then wouldn't we be truly engaging in wilderness survival?"

"bring it on."

Left with no other choice, the group began to search through drawers and cabinets.

In the end, Zhou Le brought a complete tea set, a foot bath tub, and dumbbells; Deng Chao brought tea; and the others brought slippers, underwear, and socks. In total, they didn't leave much behind.

It also includes a wilderness survival manual that Zhou Le brought.

"Le'er, you're just going to enjoy life."

"Haha, absolutely. The environment may be harsh, but life is your own."

Everyone laughed when they saw Zhou Le's manual.

"Le'er, you came prepared!"

"This is so professional! Anyone who didn't know better would think we were going to some godforsaken place."

But several grown men gathered together.

The sounds of laughter were incessant.

Zhou Le also made a suggestion: "Actually, next time we can do something more interesting, like opening some blind boxes from express delivery, and using whatever you get inside."

The director thought for a moment and said, "That's definitely a good idea."

However, as they chatted, the conversation drifted to Zhou Le's new movie.

Zhou Le didn't expect them to help promote the show.

But this level of publicity is still very effective.

With hundreds of millions of views, it would cost at least a million dollars to achieve that.

And most importantly, the program aired right around the time the movie was released.

(End of this chapter)