Who said this top flow is crazy! This top flow is awesome!

Chapter 415 The Beijing Circle Kneels Down: Different Perspectives and Different Identities
Filming for "My Sassy Girl" has wrapped up.

Filming had already wrapped up before the end of the year, and many people still remember Ikeno's "suicidal" announcement of his directorial debut.

This led to the assumption that Jin Xia would be the female lead in "The Wandering Earth" when filming was about to begin.

—Shang Youshu and Ran Qiao's fans are not happy about this.

It's mainly Shang Youshu's fans, because Ran Qiao's fan base is obviously not as large as Shang's. Not to mention compared to Shang, she can't even compare to the rising star Deng Ziman.

The fans who were initially reluctant to see Shang Jie join Coconut Culture suddenly became agitated and started yelling:
"Have some shame, you dramatic fans. Stop bringing trouble to your idol."

"I don't understand why someone with connections is so smug. It's the first time I've seen someone so brazen about using connections."

"Hilarious! Besides relying on Ikeno to make 'My Love from the Star' a hit in recent years, does this drama queen have any other representative works? She was also made famous by Ikeno, but look at Shi Jinwei."

"All I can say is that this drama queen is good for nothing except connections. She has no shame at all. How dare she compete with the company's top female star for resources?"

"?? Don't be ridiculous, the company's top female executive was a shareholder of Coconut Culture before this summer, okay?"

Fun fact: Coconut Culture was formerly known as Chiye Studio, and Chiye Studio's investor was Xia Xia.

"This female lead should be Xiaxia's! A certain lazy female celebrity really went to great lengths for this role, even joining the cast... Don't dream about it."

"The fans are hilarious. One second they're criticizing the company, and the next they're completely different. They're faster than your idol can even catch up on gossip."

"..."

Fans started fighting amongst themselves, and no one cared about the negative news about Shang Jie signing with Yeguo Culture anymore—it was all fans fighting over the role in "The Wandering Earth".

Shang Jie was stunned, feeling like a greenhorn in front of Xiao Chi.

Of course, after this commotion, the news that "The Wandering Earth" is about to start filming can be considered an early official announcement and marketing campaign. After all, it's hard not to attract attention when fans of several top celebrities are vying for roles.

Especially those in the industry.

"The Wandering Earth is about to start filming."

"The Wandering Earth?"

"It's that sci-fi movie by Ikeno."

"...Damn, he's really fast."

Many blockbusters were released during this year's Spring Festival season, and the Beijing film circle, having shaken off the "bad luck" of Ikeno, achieved a rare and commendable result.

Leading the pack is Feng Kuzi, who has always wanted to kneel down to Ikeno. His period film has received good reviews and box office success. It grossed 8 million yuan in just five days. What's rare is its critical acclaim, with unanimous praise on Douban. It is a rare masterpiece from Feng Kuzi in recent years.

The lead actor, surnamed Huang, experienced a small career resurgence and gained recognition among middle-aged actors.

At that moment, the Beijing entertainment circle learned that Ikeno's new movie was about to start filming. They looked at each other, each with their own thoughts.

Feng Kuzi didn't care, although he was a little envious of the hype surrounding Chi Ye's second sci-fi film. He predicted that with the groundwork laid by "The Martian," even if Chi Ye's second film was an epic masterpiece called "The Devil's Fortress," it would still be a huge success.

Besides, given Ikeno's talent and numerous proven track records, he shouldn't be too bad.

But the others were a bit annoyed, with a kind of malicious feeling that this guy was like a persistent ghost—and it was indeed a feeling, because even during this year's Lunar New Year season, Chi Ye was still outmaneuvering them!
"The potential of science fiction films is very high. I've said it before, it's such a pity that domestic audiences have been eating too much coarse food and can't appreciate fine things. It's truly a time when there are no heroes to watch, and only scoundrels can become famous!"

Director Lu gritted his teeth and cursed, "If it weren't for his shady marketing tactics, the results would never have been what they were!"

Upon hearing this, everyone wanted to agree, since Director Lu had already done this, so what else could they do if they didn't go along with him?

However, considering their last remaining convictions, they felt truly guilty and thus remained silent.

Director Lu was still not satisfied when he saw this: "Aren't you angry? We just don't have enough talent in our country, and let such a half-baked bastard like him reap the rewards."

"Well... the key issue right now is Oscar."

Director Yang pondered for a moment before speaking: "If The Martian is indeed nominated for an Oscar this time, it will have a greater impact on The Wandering Earth."

"The Martian" is a guiding light for "The Wandering Earth" and also a calling card. If "The Martian" is nominated for an Oscar this year, then Ikeno's next science fiction film will be a guaranteed hit, without any doubt.

Hearing this, the people in Beijing's elite circle felt even more depressed.

"can you?"

After a long silence, another person frowned and spoke up: "I just feel that's unlikely. What kind of place is the Oscars? Just because 'The Martian' did well at the overseas box office, they're going to nominate him? Does he have that kind of influence?"

"Hmm... I also think it's a bit too sudden."

The other person nodded.

Regardless of the political controversies surrounding the Oscars, it cannot be denied that they have always been the highest honor in the hearts of filmmakers worldwide.

As for the Chinese entertainment industry, it goes without saying that it's not that they don't aspire to the Oscars, but the bar is just too high, especially given the environment within the Chinese entertainment industry, making it extremely difficult to compete.

Ikeno's "The Martian" is an exception, because it is one of the few sci-fi blockbusters in many years that has been able to achieve both box office and critical success both domestically and internationally.

But if this is the reason why "The Martian" will be nominated for an Oscar, people still feel that the chances are slim.

The award selection process involves judging the work itself, but more implicitly, it considers connections, relationships, and influence.

How much influence and connections does Ikeno have overseas?
He's only been famous for a few years. Before "The Martian," to put it bluntly, did he ever have a real voice or a name overseas?
They've only just started out, and they're already nominated for an Oscar... Let alone them, most people in the industry probably wouldn't have much hope.

The nomination is a historic moment and a surprise, but not being nominated is the 99.9% probability.

"Hey, any news from Bingbing?"

"Ling Bingbing? Don't mention her to me. That woman is desperate to make a comeback. Haven't you seen how she's been putting on airs lately because of that TV series?"

"...It doesn't matter anymore. Right now, it's still the Spring Festival season. Speaking of which, Old Chen and the National Director performed quite well this year. Who said Chi Ye wasn't a jinx? Without him, we people in the Chinese entertainment industry are doing much better!"

"Indeed, I think so too. It would be best to retire from the industry as soon as possible. I get annoyed just seeing that name."

……

Chi Ye, known as the "public enemy of the Chinese entertainment industry," doesn't care what others think about the start of filming for "The Wandering Earth." The crew has reached the final preparation stage, and these past few days, he has been wandering around a large film and television city that Wanda built.

Most of the scenes in "The Wandering Earth" will be filmed here, and he wouldn't be sure of the outcome without seeing it for himself.

Fortunately, whether it's Guo Feng's team or the filming location, the course of history has come to this point, and Chi Ye feels that it's time for the production team to officially get started.

When will casting begin?

Guo Feng followed beside Chi Ye, still sporting dark circles under his eyes, but it did nothing to dampen his excitement and exhilaration. Chi Ye felt a little embarrassed, as if he had been treating Guo Feng like a beast of burden ever since they met.

However, "Niu Ma" didn't feel tired at all, which was very rare and further confirmed Guo Feng's dedication to making a large-scale science fiction film.

"When do you think would be a good time to start?" Ikeno asked calmly.

"Now!"

Ikeno nodded in agreement: "No."

Guo Feng: "???"

"It can't be that fast."

Chino was a little speechless: "Let's wait for the casting director's list. Also, if you have any favorite actors, you can let us know, and we can have a meeting to discuss it together."

"Okay... fine."

Guo Feng's answer was hesitant and hesitant.

The production team for "The Wandering Earth" is almost ready, but there are still many things to confirm regarding the cast, although the main roles have been finalized.

Chi Ye is undoubtedly the male lead, but besides him, the female lead is Ran Qiao, which is different from the rumors and the current situation where they are still fighting.

Many people in the industry think that Chi Ye hasn't decided on the female lead yet, and it will most likely be given to Shang Jie, who just signed with him, or his "precious" little drama queen Jin Xia. But people inside the company know that the role is for Ran Qiao, and there's no going back.

It's not that Chi Ye likes Song Hye-kyo that much, but the character design and age of the female lead determined that this role was one that other young actresses couldn't play. The only one who could try was Shi Jinwei, because she was the youngest.

However, considering that Shi Jinwei's figure was too damn good, standing there really didn't quite fit the "daughter" persona, it was very incongruous, so she was also passed over.

The male and female leads have been basically decided, but the other second male and female leads, as well as many supporting characters, are all in a state of "undecided".

Even with the addition of veteran actors and several young artists newly signed by the company, it still wouldn't be enough. This film is a large production and is destined to use some external artists.

"This time, you can choose the artist you want, just like in previous movies."

Thinking of how Guo Feng had previously submitted a long list of names, only to have it rejected by him because the list of celebrities was too high-profile and outrageous, Chi Ye smiled and made a promise.

Guo Feng nodded, not as surprised as he had imagined.

I thought to myself, you've already reached this level, this is how things should be... Okay, okay, it's a good thing after all. It's not good to start the game too hastily. The main thing is that the character is really important. If the character isn't decided yet, we can't start the game.

"Take a break, you won't have this time anymore soon."

Chi Ye gave him a piece of advice, and then was about to leave for the next stop when Xiao Liu ran over and handed him his phone: "Brother Chi, here's the phone."

"Oh?"

Chi Ye was surprised. He had several cell phones, most of which were work phones. He usually kept them with Xiao Liu, and Xiao Liu wouldn't give them to him unless it was an important call.

"Whose phone number?"

"Uh...it's Director Feng's."

"Director Feng?"

Chi Ye was stunned for a moment and couldn't think of who it was—among the directors he knew, were there any with the surname Feng?
"Director Feng Kuzi".

"Ah...ah, my pants."

Chino suddenly realized, then was even more surprised: "Why did he give me his phone number?"

"Ahem... Brother Chi, you've already connected me."

Xiao Liu awkwardly pointed to the thumb that Chi Ye had unconsciously swung across.

Chi Ye remained expressionless and picked up the phone: "Hello? Director Feng? What's up?"

On the other end of the phone, Director Feng, who had just "disbanded" a gathering, immediately broke into a smile on his old face upon hearing Chi Ye's voice. The smile was like the blooming of an old daisy, full of ugliness: "Hey, it's me, President Chi... President Chi, do you remember me?"

"Look at what Director Feng is saying."

Ikeno: "I forgot, who are you?"

Director Feng: "President Chi really loves to joke, haha..."

"How much does 'true love' mean? Give me an example."

Director Feng: "..."

Only then did he realize how sharp Ikeno's tongue was, and he quickly stopped his rambling and asked with a smile, "I heard your company's new project is about to start filming... and you need auditions for roles?"

"No audition, no filming? Who told you that?"

Director Feng said helplessly, "President Chi, please stop teasing me. I didn't mean any harm, I was just asking."

He was rather single, and continued, "I've never meant you any harm... cough cough, what I mean is, if there's a suitable role... could any of the artists under my company audition?"

"I...I heard it from Sister Wen. She said that mentioning her name works."

Feng Kuzi's words were relatively direct, because he had already sensed that Chi Ye's attitude towards him was very bad, and he guessed that if he continued to beat around the bush, the other party would just hang up the phone.

Most celebrities wouldn't do that, but Ikeno is no ordinary celebrity.

He's pretty awesome; he's just average.

Chi Ye didn't argue with Yin and Yang. Kuzi has always been a pragmatic person. I remember a long time ago, he seemed to be about to kneel down, but perhaps due to his pride and ego, he never took that final step.

"It's possible," Ikeno replied affirmatively, but also sincerely, unwilling to deceive the other party: "but it's highly unlikely to pass."

Feng Kuzi remained silent.

"Well then, since Aunt Wen said mentioning her would be effective..."

Ikeno thought.

Feng Kuzi immediately perked up: "Thank you so much, President Chi!"

Ikeno: "Then go find her."

Feng Kuzi: "???"

"You're getting excited too soon," Ikeno said cheerfully. "Come on, if it's really a good fit, I'll consider it."

Feng Kuzi didn't know what state of mind he was in when he hung up the phone, but he suddenly had a feeling that if he went there... he might gradually drift away from the people in the Beijing circle he had been building up for most of his life.

He also considered Ikeno's last answer, which seemed certain but was actually a tease...

This Ikeno is really cunning! He wants to make the Beijing entertainment circle disintegrate from within without giving anything in return!
That's absolutely terrible!!
(End of this chapter)