I'm not a drama freak, I can really see through the script

Chapter 369: The project is approved, aiming to break through the mud and soar into the sky.

Han Ping looked at what Li Xuan had just rubbed out.

The manuscript of "The Age of Awakening".

He was speechless for a long time.

This notebook.
Just looking at it gives you a certain feeling.

A feeling of shock.
Even a rough notebook can convey a sense of 'power' emanating from it.

An unparalleled sense of power.

Is this a script that was come up with in three minutes?
He had no doubt about this.
After all, starting with the scripts for "The Young Pioneers" and "The Long Season," he has always been very good at expressing those things through something akin to self-expression.

But this is too fast!
He accepted it even if it was a rough draft.

But this is too fast!

It's shocking.

After reading the contents, I was even more shocked.

What is a prodigy? This is a prodigy.
"How about it?"

"If it can produce good results, then this script is excellent." Han Ping pondered for a moment, then added, "That's impressive, especially in your area of ​​expertise."

Indeed, sending you to study art was absolutely the right choice.
Li Xuan's talent in this area is absolutely unparalleled.
Sure enough, it was in those two legs.

Li Xuan pursues art, Jiang Wen pursues business; they walk on two legs.
It can be said.

There is no doubt that.

This drama was filmed.

That will yield results and achievements.

"I'll give you money if you want money, and I'll give you people if you want people." Han Ping grinned, looking at Li Xuan as if he were a treasure.

This drama, once produced, is sure to win at least one television award.

“Okay, then I’ll leave my source code to you, Mr. Han.” Li Xuan smiled.

"Yes, then your 'The Age of Awakening'."

Han Ping paused for a moment, then realized what he meant: "You mean... 'Source Code'?"

"Yes, Source Code."

"Isn't it 'The Age of Awakening'?"

“I need to accumulate experience for ‘The Age of Awakening’.” Li Xuan paused for a moment, then continued, “So, I need to make a science fiction movie first, is that right? Didn’t you just say that China needs commercial films?”

When the boomerang hit Han Ping on the head.
I hope that commercial films will develop in their essential way.

But I hope you'll first focus on what you're good at!

Someone else has taken over the commercial film business for me.
Why don't you try making art films?

Our art-house film industry needs talents like you.
This immediately created an awkward atmosphere.
"How about you consider creating something in your area of ​​expertise?"

At this moment, Han Ping spoke in a tone of 'discussion'.

The chairman of China Film Group, the first person to establish a joint public-private film company, was actually discussing things with others in a consultative tone.

One thing that made Liu Yifei, Gao Yuanyuan, and Andy Lau, who were standing next to her, feel a little dazed.

Just now, Han Ping's attitude was still 'appreciative'.

The attitude has now become 'pleading'.

"To make even Han Ping of China Film Group behave so improperly, Li Xuan, have you grown to a point I can't understand?"

At that moment, Liu Dehua thought to himself.

I'm even a little curious about what the script for "The Age of Awakening" is actually about.

His evaluation of Li Xuan was already high enough; after "New World," Andy Lau had absolute trust in Li Xuan's scriptwriting skills.
One script revitalized Hong Kong's commercial film industry, giving old themes a fresh twist.
That's truly admirable.

But at this moment, a book called "The Age of Awakening" made Han Ping lose his composure.

Shocked, curious.

However, out of professional ethics, he avoided the topic and wouldn't look at it no matter how curious he was.

Unless the work is broadcast or the script is made public.

At this moment, in response to Han Ping's words, Li Xuan calmly replied: "Mr. Han, didn't you say that business is business? Whether it's winning awards or consolidating our position, it all ultimately serves the purpose of box office success, and the works we produce all serve the purpose of making money?"

For oneself.

You need two legs to walk.

Although winning awards can bring extra rewards.

But status is something.

It has always been a combination of commerce and art.

Li Xuan feels that he is currently on two paths.

Commercial films and art-house films.

Which attribute is combined with the money attribute?

They also provided films to Hong Kong, whether commercial or art films, especially those with explicit content that were difficult to film on the mainland, which Andy Lau and his crew could handle.

This is also a market.

Criticizing current malpractices.

I can praise, I can sing the main theme, that's my true feeling.

But I also need films to make some "different" voices heard.

These are all opposing yet existent.

Third-front development.

Accumulate but gain little.

I now have the ability to operate three lines.

Absolutely.

And the way he looked at Li Xuan.

Han Ping knew that.

Li Xuan's mindset will not change.

Because from the very beginning, my biggest impression of Li Xuan, and also his biggest personality trait, has never changed.

That is Li Xuan's clarity and lucidity.

He knew clearly what the path he was on was for.

Know what the path you are on represents.

What is the purpose?

There was no confusion whatsoever.

This is Li Xuan's greatest strength.

Therefore, there is no need to "educate" Li Xuan.

"Alright, then as you said, if you want to make a commercial film, then you can give it a try. Do you need any resources from China Film Group?"

He didn't know what kind of science fiction commercial film "Source Code" was. But since it was science fiction...

That would inevitably require a substantial investment.

I think we'll still need external investment.

“Resources are indeed needed, but I don’t need money. I just need China Film Group’s publicity and distribution channels, and I want to go through your distribution channels.”

Sci-fi movies don't require investment?
Han Ping was taken aback: "It's not that I don't believe you, but do you know about investing in science fiction films? I know you've made a lot of money now, but if you invest all your cash flow, it's not a good thing. You'll be stuck."

At this moment, Han Ping wanted to say
Indeed, it's impossible for one person to be a genius everywhere.

Investment in film.

Investment in science fiction films.

The amount of computer-generated special effects and resources invested is unimaginable.

This time it's "The Forbidden Kingdom".

For China Film Group, this may also have been an opportunity to peek into Hollywood's technology.
The technology is really good.

Even though it's two generations behind in technology, it's still far superior to the technology native to China.

The latest generation of technology, when used in Avatar, has almost reached the point of being indistinguishable from reality.

It was quite shocking.
But I also know how those images came about.

Those were all painstakingly created with stacks and stacks of US dollars, painstakingly printed frame by frame.
High investment, high return—this logic, presented visually, is the basic operating principle of American special effects blockbusters.

That's the logic behind science fiction movies these days.

To be honest, he might not have been completely unmoved by Li Xuan's idea to make a science fiction film.

Science fiction has always been a field dominated by foreigners.

It has always been a taboo subject in Hollywood, something that has never been explored domestically.
Where in China can a work touch upon such forbidden territory?

That is the real thing.
"monopoly"

A monopoly on a particular artistic direction.

So if Li Xuan really has this kind of experience.

Ambitions in this regard.

It's not necessarily true that it can't be supported.
But the investment figures Li Xuan mentioned gave the impression that he was talking about something very far-fetched.
With such a large investment, how do you plan to field a special effects team?
"Are you sure it's that little money?" Han Ping asked again to confirm.

Li Xuan nodded: "If I had to choose, I really need to make a 'big-budget' sci-fi film, but China Film Group probably doesn't have that many resources to offer me."

"Yes, that's true."

Han Ping nodded in agreement.

China Film Group's advantage lies in its political resources, distribution channels, and publicity resources. However, in terms of pure financial resources, China Film Group, which follows a public-private partnership model, does not have as much money to leverage.

Purely monetary resources are mostly concentrated in those circles.

Li Xuan, who wanted to build his own circle, went to other circles to solicit donations—those who didn't kick him when he was down were considered to have good manners.

Moreover, their quality isn't exactly top-notch.
Bao added insult to injury
No shortage of money.

However, there is a lack of money to leverage large investments, and Li Xuan has not yet demonstrated any resources that would allow people to invest 'huge sums'.

If he can really become the seventh leader
The resulting chain reaction might lead some people to abandon works affiliated with the Beijing art circle and instead turn to Li Xuan?

"After you finish filming 'Source Code,' the next thing you should do is 'The Awakening.' You absolutely have to get this done."

Han Ping emphasized "The Age of Awakening".

Compared to the low-budget "Source Code," he had more faith in "The Age of Awakening." He couldn't say for sure how popular it would be; the market was something Han Ping couldn't predict.
All I can say is that this is a script with class.
A script with a 'core' of patriotism. Supporting this kind of script is also part of China Film Group's job.

Science fiction movies – you get what you pay for.

However, even for the sake of "Age of Awakening," it wouldn't hurt to bundle "Source Code" with it as a form of support.
"I have high hopes for you. Your thoughts and your expression are exactly the kind of filmmakers that China needs." At this moment, Han Ping liked Li Xuan more and more.

He loves Li Xuan's 'core' so much; it's the core of what an artist should be.

He was the only person he had ever met whose presence was no less impressive than Jiang Wen's.

"Since you've already supported two of my works, then support one more," Li Xuan said with a slight smile.

"Your output is really high! Come on, I can eat any more of your manuscripts!"

Li Xuan immediately produced a copy of "Parasite".

Soon, Han Ping's smile vanished, replaced by a stiff expression.
The film *Parasite*... this... this.
It's definitely a good script, but it's incredibly audacious, especially considering what's hidden inside.
It really makes you wonder how to even begin to comment on it!

When Li Xuan actually took out the third script, Han Ping hesitated, but looking at the script in his hand, he seemed unable to let go.

Although it's daring, the script itself is still a good one.

"Haha, Mr. Han, I was just joking. This notebook wasn't prepared for you."

Li Xuan smiled and took back the notebook, then handed it to Liu Dehua, who was standing next to him.

This is a script prepared for the Hong Kong entertainment circle, titled "Parasite".

The manuscript was released in the name of Shengchang.
A notebook that I most likely can't stomach.

Suddenly, Han Ping couldn't quite understand Li Xuan's image.
Li Xuan left behind only one sentence.

A sentence that made Han Ping ponder for a long time.
"Without freedom of criticism, praise is meaningless. Besides, this can't even be considered criticism; it's just stating some things."

"You may find 'The Age of Awakening' and 'Parasite' different, but they are essentially the same."

Andy Lau took the script of "Parasite" and left, clutching it tightly. He rushed back, intending to go straight back to the company after getting off the plane and immediately start working on the "Parasite" project.

Very quickly, the project was approved in the blink of an eye.
And at this time.

The next three works are all planned.

He directed his own films, "Source Code" and "The Age of Awakening".

There is also a film called "Parasite".

Three film/television works representing different directions
Winning awards, like with "Nanjing Photo Studio," is a "bargaining chip" for winning more awards.

It's the key to winning the title of the seventh generation of directors.

With less than two years remaining, we have the time to achieve our goals.

As for the direction of the three works.

Sometimes, literature is meant to convey meaning; simply copying a movie without resonating with the script's 'core' will not produce the desired effect.
One needs to understand the core in order to enter and simulate the script; otherwise, simply copying the script will only result in something superficial.

It needs to be copied.

It needs to settle.

It requires in-depth study.

Li Xuan remained quiet, lost in thought, deep in contemplation.
“Actually, even someone as talented as you has their own pressures,” Liu Yifei said, looking at Li Xuan. “Sometimes I wonder if you ever get tired.”

Even now, Liu Lili is completely convinced of Li Xuan's talent.
But Li Xuan carries a kind of pressure, or perhaps, a kind of driving force.

Many things are pushing Li Xuan to the top.
"It's alright. When I overcome this pressure and see the benefits it brings, the fatigue will turn into motivation."

Li Xuan smiled at this moment.

Liu Yifei remained noncommittal.

Sure enough, he's still the same old Brother Li.

That fearless and indomitable Brother Li.

(End of this chapter)