The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 331 A shot at the Oscar for Best Director! My best chance to win!
……

Naza originally thought that she was Shirley Yang and Lu Zhiyuan was Hu Bayi, and that she would be able to have a little romance in this movie.

Let her experience the sweetness from a great director!
She had been looking forward to this for a long time.

……

"I was definitely overthinking it!"

Naza rolled up her sleeve and looked at the bruises on her arm. This was already the seventh bruise... She was in so much pain that she almost cried.

"Nazha, are you sure you can do it?"

During the fight, Naza was kicked away by Nicolas Cage and crashed into a foam mat that had been prepared beforehand.

According to the plot, Nazha should have gotten up and charged at Nicolas Cage again, then swept his leg and punched him in the head!
However, after being bumped, Nazha seemed to have a stitch in her side and fell to the ground, motionless.

When Lu Zhiyuan saw this, he went up and asked a few questions, a hint of concern in his eyes!
"Brother Yuan, I'm fine!"

Naza really wanted to say, "I can't take it anymore, I need to go to the hospital."

However, at this moment, many people are watching her.

She's been out in the world since she was a child, and she knows that dignity is earned through one's own efforts! Even if she wants to cry, she has to go back and cry secretly.

It's so embarrassing to cry in front of so many people!

"Okay, continue!"

Lu Zhiyuan himself had no dance background or movement skills, so he could only be a quiet, handsome man and leave the battlefield to Wang Baoqiang and Nazha.

However, the action scenes in "Mojin: The Lost Legend" emphasize a cold and swift style, imitating the pattern of "Taken".

It features the exaggerated movements of Chinese Kung Fu, full of physical beauty, but also incorporates modern fighting techniques and power, emphasizing a one-hit kill!

However, regardless of the effect, both require a very high level of basic skills.

Lu Zhiyuan doesn't have time to learn this.
These shining moments are all for Gulnazar!
A cool and aloof female fighter!
This is more likely to become popular than a simple vase.

The reason why Dilraba became popular in the movie "Upgrade" is not only because Lu Zhiyuan set her IQ to be 250, but most importantly, because she fought very coolly!

In addition, there's HitGirl from Kick-Ass!
Besides the role of Hit-Girl, what other memorable roles has Chloe Moretz played?
Anyway, Lu Zhiyuan couldn't remember!

The reason why Hanikezi's character Artemis in "Real Steel" became a worldwide sensation, even to the point that one of Lu Zhiyuan's bodyguards changed his nickname to "A-T", is because Hanikezi's mech fighting style was incredibly cool.

Although Hanikezi wasn't fighting personally, in the eyes of the audience, the mecha hunter [Qin Palace Guard] was Hanikezi's embodiment!
She may never be able to shake off this label for the rest of her life!

In a word!

For beautiful female celebrities, a character with strong combat abilities is a shortcut to fame!

……

Filming has been underway for almost a month.

Most of the scenes have already been filmed.

However, Lu Zhiyuan is a perfectionist.

While the Led virtual filming space was fantastic, he still felt it lacked the awe-inspiring presence of nature!
Therefore, after finishing filming here, he plans to take the filming team and the main cast to Kunlun Mountain to film some natural scenery.

Not too many.

All you need is one or two long shots!

Everyone can relax a bit.

Consider it a winter trip, a chance to celebrate Christmas early.

"Brother Yuan, I've taken a quick look at the footage."

"The footage we shot is quite different from the novel 'Ghost Blows Out the Light.' I'm afraid that after the film is released, fans of the original work will criticize us!"

Inside the LED virtual production and shooting space, Guo Fan always stood in for Lu Zhiyuan, sitting behind the monitor to watch the effects.

The footage is impeccable.

However, Guo Fan had some concerns about the plot.

The main issue is that Lu Zhiyuan removed many of the unique features from "Ghost Blows Out the Light".

For example, Lu Zhiyuan removed a lot of the plots about folk customs, feng shui, metaphysics, historical legends, etc.

For fans of the original novel, this part of the plot is the most exciting part of the work!
"Xiao Guo, before answering your question, let me ask you something first. You must have watched the Ultraman tokusatsu series when you were a kid, right?"

Guo Fan was born in 1980.

Ultraman Jack was introduced to China in 1993.

Under normal circumstances, Guo Fan should have watched Ultraman when he was in junior high school.

"Brother Yuan, I understand what you mean!"

Lu Zhiyuan only gave a slight hint, and Guo Fan understood instantly.

Lu Zhiyuan meant that the reason why Ultraman was able to become popular all over the world was because the plot was simple enough.

If the Ultraman TV series were to frantically tell the audience about Japanese history and Ultraman tokusatsu culture, how could it possibly become popular?

The kids' heads are spinning from watching this!

Lu Zhiyuan's films have always been aimed at 12-year-old children!

Foreign history is very boring for a 12-year-old, and even adults may not be interested in folk tales.

Would Chinese people be interested in Indian folk customs?

Are you interested in Indian history?
Perhaps someone will be interested.

But Guo Fan felt that most people wouldn't be interested.

How many Chinese people have seen Baahubali, India's most popular movie?

"Xiao Guo, it's good that you understand!"

"The reason I wanted to make this movie is firstly because of the novel 'Ghost Blows Out the Light.' After reading it, I found it very interesting and also very suitable for our filming style."

"Ghost Blows Out the Light" is one of the few IPs, besides science fiction novels, that is suitable for extensive use of special effects and the construction of fantasy scenes.

This is Lu Zhiyuan's specialty in filming!
"In addition, 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' was a prelude to our filming of 'The Great Wall'."

"We need to let foreigners understand a little about the ancient Chinese culture and myths from 3000 years ago. But this must be distinguished from folklore and real history."

“We cannot explain to them certain folk metaphysics that we ourselves cannot understand and have never studied.”

"Even these folk customs and metaphysics are different in every place."

"For example, I am from Zhejiang but grew up in Xi'an. I know nothing about the shamanistic practices, fox spirits, or weasel spirits in Northeast China."

"Furthermore, the corpse-driving in western Hunan, the Gu poison in Miao territory... these things sound even more mysterious."

"To be honest, given the cultural differences, they would most likely take these as jokes and think we live in the primitive era!"

"Just as we cannot understand why Indians regard cow urine as holy water and believe that it can cure all diseases."

“I don’t mean to offend Indians, but from the perspective of a normal person who has received a modern education, I really can’t understand it.”

"As for the knowledge of feng shui compasses, I think it's a bit far-fetched to explain it with metaphysics. It's better to use astrology, mathematics, and geology, which are more in line with my modern scientific view."

"Judging others by our own standards, we ourselves may not even understand or believe in the feng shui, metaphysics, folk customs, and history depicted in 'Ghost Blows Out the Light.' So let's not pretend to be experts and promote them to foreigners."

"However, we can look at it from a different angle."

As the director, Lu Zhiyuan wouldn't easily impose the feng shui and metaphysics depicted in the film onto the audience, especially foreign audiences.

This is a completely thankless and arduous task.

However, this part of the plot can serve as a guide.

Lu Zhiyuan's films typically tell a very complete and fantastical story. He likes to ambiguously blur some philosophical concepts, but this gives the audience an entry point.

It piqued their interest, making them want to learn everything behind it.

"For example, our film uses a lot of visual symbols from the Sanxingdui culture. If foreigners are interested, they can easily find a lot of research on the Sanxingdui culture by doing a simple search."

that's enough!
Lu Zhiyuan couldn't tell whether the feng shui metaphysics in "Ghost Blows Out the Light" was true or false, but he suspected that most of it was probably made up by the author.

Since it's made up, it's bound to have many flaws.

When reading a novel, you can skim over it.

However, if it is an epic film, it is best to be grounded in reality and avoid being too exaggerated in terms of plot.

Movie special effects can be exaggerated, but the plot description cannot be too exaggerated.

Just like Tom Cruise's Mission: Impossible 8, there are no visuals, just talk, and he keeps saving all of humanity... Lu Zhiyuan glanced at it a few times and found it particularly boring.

The plot is so exaggerated that it doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

In the film "Mojin: The Lost Legend," Lu Zhiyuan plans to abandon folk legends and instead use visual symbols to graft onto the Sanxingdui culture.

Because the latter was actually unearthed, right here in Guanghan, Sichuan.

A large number of experts, both domestic and international, have conducted research on this topic.

The various symbols, rituals, and artifacts of the Sanxingdui culture... although we don't understand them yet, they are more reliable than the folk customs in "Ghost Blows Out the Light".

A true story, guided by a blockbuster movie, will definitely generate a huge public opinion effect around the world.

Lu Zhiyuan could even expect that the release of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" would accelerate the research on the Sanxingdui culture.

If the butterfly effect occurs, speeding up the excavation of Sanxingdui and uncovering some more strange and unusual things... this movie would definitely cause a sensation!
"and many more!"

Thinking of this, Lu Zhiyuan suddenly had an idea. He shouted at Xin Yukun, "Brother Kun, come here for a second!"

"Brother, what's up?"

Xin Yukun was chatting with Nicolas Cage over there. The project was almost finished filming, and he was planning to relax in Los Angeles for a few days.

"Brother Kun, could you help me contact the Sanxingdui archaeological expert project team and ask them if they need any financial sponsorship?"

Lu Zhiyuan had heard in another time and space that the Sanxingdui archaeological project team was unable to make progress due to insufficient funding.

After all, archaeology is a business that doesn't make you much money.

How long will it take to make money by charging admission fees?

For the local economy, archaeological activities are even a drag on economic growth. This is because archaeology doesn't generate much economic benefit, and it requires significant financial investment every year.

He heard that the annual budget for the Sanxingdui archaeological work is only about 3000 million yuan.

This is a pittance to him!
Most importantly, the artifacts unearthed from the Sanxingdui culture can be linked to his next two films in a real-world context!

The advertising costs saved amounted to more than tens of millions.

After all, if any super important artifacts are unearthed at the Sanxingdui site, not only domestic media but also media from all over the world will report on it.

"Hey bro, are you alright? Sponsoring an archaeological project?"

Xin Yukun was somewhat puzzled.

Lu Zhiyuan enjoys playing with futuristic technologies, such as drones and robots... If Lu Zhiyuan were to invest tens of millions of US dollars in these, Xin Yukun wouldn't be surprised at all.

But what about the Sanxingdui archaeology?

What does this have to do with Lu Zhiyuan?
If it's the Xi'an archaeological team, then it's understandable.

But Guanghan, Sanxingdui?

What does this have to do with Lu Zhiyuan?
At this moment, Xin Yukun suddenly realized something, pulled Lu Zhiyuan aside, and whispered, "Brother, tell me honestly, have you secretly met a girl from Guanghan, Sichuan?"

"Stop the nonsense. Let's get down to business. If handled well, it could boost our movie's box office by at least $1 million."

"By the way, use the name of the 'Mojin: The Lost Legend' project team."

The movie promotion will cost tens of millions of US dollars.

If those tens of millions of dollars were poured into archaeological research, how much could be accomplished?

Moreover, it won't interfere with the movie's promotion!

Simply kill two birds with one stone!
Lu Zhiyuan didn't even need to do the math to know that this was absolutely worth it!

"Row!"

"You're the boss, what you say goes!"

Xin Yukun readily agreed.

It's not enough to just use one's own personal savings. As for the "Mojin: The Lost Legend" project team, will the other investors have any objections?
probably not!

Because Lu Zhiyuan has never done anything that would be detrimental to the project.

Everything he does may seem incomprehensible at first glance. For example, after filming "Upgrade," he spent $2000 million to have someone modify a mantis excavator to create a Jaeger.

At the time, Xin Yukun thought Lu Zhiyuan had gone mad!
Later, all of these Jaeger robots were used in the filming of the "Real Steel" series. After filming was completed, these Jaeger robots even began touring the world.

Everywhere we went, the tickets were sold out!
The $2000 million has already been multiplied several times over!
"Sanxingdui, sun worship... Kunlun Shrine, Queen Mother of the West... Yin-Shang culture, the Mysterious Bird of Destiny?"

Xin Yukun pondered for a while in the corner, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt that these three things were from the same era, so they must have a lot in common!
It's hard not to let your imagination run wild!

After watching "Mojin: The Lost Legend," viewers will feel a strong sense of immersion when they see the Sanxingdui culture again, and when the next film, "The Great Wall," is made.

From a long-term perspective, sponsoring the Sanxingdui excavation would indeed be of great benefit to their film.

"Although I don't know if it will be effective... the Sanxingdui archaeological team probably won't spend much money. Giving them 1000 million US dollars would probably be more than they can spend in two years!"

$1000 million? No big deal!
Lu Zhiyuan spent 3000 million US dollars to build this LED virtual shooting and production space!
……

"Next, let's get ready to go back to China and head to the entrance of the Kunlun Mountains."

In Los Angeles, Lu Zhiyuan spent a month building the set and another month filming. In the blink of an eye, Christmas is almost here.

However, he took a look at the footage shot in the Led virtual production space.

He was quite satisfied with most of the scenarios.

However, some wide-angle shots and LED virtual production spaces are difficult to capture with stunning effects due to the limited scene.
We must film on location!
Therefore, Lu Zhiyuan is preparing to take several main characters to Northwest China to capture a magnificent and breathtaking world-famous painting!
"Director, when do we set off? I can't wait!"

When Nicolas Cage heard that he could go to China, he immediately got excited.

Because Xin Yukun told him that she could introduce him to some Uyghur girls, like Nazha and Hani, who are so cute.

Nicolas Cage has already started shouting that he's leaving tonight and not waiting until tomorrow.

"Director, I have a question for you."

Mackenzie Foy is a very quiet girl. She is the youngest in the entire cast, only 14 years old, and quite shy.

The main problem is that she gets shy whenever she sees Lu Zhiyuan.

She absolutely loves "Art Students"!
[Li Wen] The scene where she scatters money on the rooftop of the InterContinental Hotel to commemorate her lover is, in her opinion, the most handsome shot in the entire universe!

Dr. Li is fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, his face turned to the audience. He picks up an Orca device and smiles slightly. The next shot shows the Hellbeast, which sends chills down her spine and makes her scalp tingle. She thinks that Dr. Li, the villain, is incredibly charismatic!
Lu Zhiyuan's two roles have made him a heartthrob in the eyes of European and American audiences, no less so than Leonardo DiCaprio!
Moreover, Lu Zhiyuan's status in the history of film worldwide slightly surpasses that of Christopher Nolan!
Originally, the two were considered equals, twin stars of this era!
However, after the release of Interstellar, Nolan's reputation plummeted.

Because everyone is comparing Interstellar to Real Steel 3.

Without comparison, people only think that "Real Steel 3" is a decent science fiction movie.

However, with Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity" and Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar" serving as supporting elements, everyone realized just how excellent "Real Steel 3" was.

In an instant, Lu Zhiyuan's reputation and historical status skyrocketed!

"Maggie, what do you want to ask?"

When Lu Zhiyuan is not working, he is always in a good mood.

Mackenzie Foy hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Director, I noticed that on set you often explained various acting techniques to Nazha, practically teaching her how to act step by step. But you've never had as many demands on me. Is it because my role isn't important?"

Upon hearing this question, Lu Zhiyuan couldn't help but laugh.

How do I explain this?

Naza's acting was so bad that I couldn't bear to watch it.

As for Mackenzie Foy, although her role is not as important as Gulnazar's, it still requires a lot of acting skills to shine in key moments.

However, she acted very well!
A former child star, she has filmed more than 50 commercials and was even noticed by Christopher Nolan. Her emotional outburst in "Interstellar" was also superb.

In that movie, her acting was far superior to that of Anne Hathaway, the lead actress; she was not just a pretty face in a commercial film!

He's a potential talent for art films!

"Maggie, you acted wonderfully. Keep it up, find your own style, and you'll be a sensation in Hollywood!"

Lu Zhiyuan offered some encouragement.

"Thank you."

Mackenzie Foy smiled at Lu Zhiyuan, then whispered, "Director, I've studied ballet for many years, and I also know taekwondo. In addition, I'm very good at jazz."

Nothing!
Dance, martial arts, music... mastering three major professions!
At only 14 years old, how can she be so talented?
This is Lu Zhiyuan's favorite all-purpose tool!

After understanding all this, Lu Zhiyuan couldn't help but smile: "OK, I'll remember! I'll call your agent next time there's a suitable role."

The lead role, Lu Zhiyuan, will be reserved for a Chinese actress.

After all, apart from himself, there is a high probability that no other director will be able to promote Chinese actors.

But for the second female lead, he could find a suitable Western actress.

This little girl is quite interesting.

……

on the way back.

Lu Zhiyuan suddenly remembered something and asked Hanikezi, "By the way, Hanikezi, have you been in contact with Mr. Harrison Ford lately?"

Speaking of Harrison Ford, Hanikezi's face showed a hint of sadness: "Grandpa Ford was filming Star Wars: Episode VII in London last month when he was hit on the foot by the hydraulic door of the spaceship. His bone was exposed. He was seriously injured and should still be recuperating at home."

Is there such a thing?
Lu Zhiyuan was quite surprised to hear this news.

He had also wanted to cast Harrison Ford in a cameo role, such as a scholar at a university researching Chinese mystical symbols.

However, since the old man's leg was broken, he should stay home and recover.

I won't bother you.

"Hey Benny, can you do me a favor?"

Unable to find Harrison Ford for a cameo role, Lu Zhiyuan called Benedict Cumberbatch. On January 1, 2014, the third season of the Sherlock series, starring Cumberbatch, garnered over 9 million viewers in the UK!

In addition, he has made many films.

For example, the upcoming film "The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies".

And, he starred in the biographical film "The Imitation Game," which tells the story of Alan Turing, the "father of computer science."

In short, Benedict Cumberbatch's on-screen image is very fixed, basically equivalent to "a smart person".

"Of course! It would be my pleasure to serve you, Dr. Li!"

Benedict Cumberbatch happened to be in Los Angeles.

Because his movie "The Imitation Game" is about to be released, just two weeks from Christmas!

Although Benedict Cumberbatch is quite busy, he also has to work on movie promotions.

However, he also wanted to be like Tom Hiddleston, to work for Lu Zhiyuan, and get the lead role in a super blockbuster movie!

……

Benedict Cumberbatch is extremely efficient.

He arrived the next day, without even needing to change his clothes.

Because he arrived wearing an overcoat and a hat; all he was missing was a walking stick, and he could have played Sherlock Holmes right away.

This character doesn't have many scenes, just a few close-ups. Then, Benedict Cumberbatch briefly explains the meaning of a certain mysterious symbol to Shirley Young.

He instantly got into character.

He took out a magnifying glass, his fingers trembling slightly, then took a deep breath, and his eyes instantly changed, becoming somewhat neurotic.

Then, he started reciting his lines incessantly.

After saying that, he paused for half a second, looked up and asked, "Did you understand? If you understand, then hurry up and leave!"

He portrayed Frankenstein's monster state very well!

"Crack!"

"very good."

Lu Zhiyuan really envies British directors, who use such top-tier actors.
Look at your own side again?
People's joys and sorrows are not the same.

Lu Xun said this so well; it's truly a profound truth.

"Benny, are you available next year? I have an epic fantasy film about the East and I need a wise man, like Gandalf."

In the movie "The Great Wall," there should be some supporters from the West in the palace of the Queen Mother of the West.

After all, Lu Zhiyuan had read history and knew that there were many skulls of white slaves in the burial pits of the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Clearly, during their conquests, the tribes of the Shang and Zhou dynasties captured many white people and even exterminated them.

The rest went to Europe.

In ancient times, there must have been many different races on the land of China!

For example, the Guifang tribe during the Yin-Shang period should be a tribe belonging to the Caucasian people!

Benedict Cumberbatch was somewhat surprised to receive Lu Zhiyuan's invitation. After hesitating for a moment, he looked embarrassed and said, "Next year, I'm working with Marvel on a Doctor Strange movie, which will probably be filmed in the second half of the year. So, I'm sorry."

If Lu Zhiyuan's movie were filmed in the first half of the year, Benedict Cumberbatch would be happy to befriend this great director, even if it's just for a cameo role.

After all, a favor was left behind.

Lu Zhiyuan is a very particular person. After Tom Hiddleston played supporting roles for him twice, Lu Zhiyuan directly took Hiddleston to film "Godzilla: Monarch" and promoted him to the male lead.

Although Tom Hiddleston, the lead actor in this movie, was completely overshadowed by Lu Zhiyuan, the supporting actor... his salary was still paid!

As the lead actor in a film that grossed over $12 billion, Tom Hiddleston received worldwide publicity upon its release, which undeniably boosted his fame.

Not to mention, the Godzilla project isn't finished yet.

In two years, there will be a MonsterVerse collaboration with King Kong.

Throughout the entire series, Tom Hiddleston should be the male lead!
With this series and Tom Hiddleston's important supporting role in the Marvel series, he won't have to worry about being unemployed for at least the next 10 years!

Being an actor is a very difficult profession, especially in Hollywood.

Many people just drift along and then disappear.

Only a handful of people, such as Harrison Ford and Morgan Freeman, have been able to work from age 30 to 70 and still have film offers.

However, these people also benefited from the times.

In this day and age, the competition among actors is becoming increasingly fierce.

Even Benedict Cumberbatch couldn't imagine how many of them would be able to make it to retirement.

While you're young, seize every opportunity you can!

Save more for retirement!

……

After filming a few additional short scenes, the film's material became richer... This gave Lu Zhiyuan more options during the editing process.

Filming in Los Angeles has finally come to an end.

On December 20th, Lu Zhiyuan led everyone in preparation for returning to China.

Dilraba is no longer suitable for going out to deliver goods.

Because, according to the timeline, she is already 5 months pregnant, and her belly should be quite big... If she goes out casually and is accidentally photographed, it will cause a huge uproar!
Therefore, she saw Lu Zhiyuan off at home.

"Sister Dilraba, I'm leaving!"

"Sister Dilraba, don't worry, I will take good care of the teacher. I won't give Sister Nazha any opportunity to take advantage of me."

Hanikezi felt no pain at the thought of parting; on the contrary, she was very much looking forward to it.

"Ah."

Dilraba nodded without saying anything.

That brat, she doesn't even call me "Master's Wife" anymore, she just calls me "Sister" now.

Moreover, she calls her mother-in-law "Mom," just like she does herself. It's as clear as day!

"Teacher, I'll wait for you outside."

Hanikezi greeted the others and then hurriedly got into the car.

Lu Zhiyuan hugged Gao Yuanyuan, and then chatted with Dilraba for a few minutes alone.

"Honey, you need to take care of yourself, eat on time, and dress warmly."

“I know you’re going to film on location in the Kunlun Mountains next. It’s so cold, don’t go up there yourself. Let Brother Kun go first. He’s tough and can take a fall without any problem.”

Listening to Reba's constant muttering, it was as if she had endless things to say, wanting to explain them to herself.

A warm feeling welled up in Lu Zhiyuan's heart as he gently hugged Reba in his arms: "I'll be back for the Spring Festival in two months at most! Thank you for your hard work during this time."

This year's Spring Festival is on February 19th.

Aside from his father, the people most important to Lu Zhiyuan are all in Los Angeles this Chinese New Year, so he will definitely be coming here.

In addition, the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony was held on February 22nd!
This year's Oscars were almost the least star-studded ever.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the movie "Birdman" will sweep the Oscars, winning four awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Screenplay!
Why?
He admitted that "Birdman" was very well made, full of philosophy and reflections on life.

This story even borrows from a Greek myth.

Icarus has a pair of wings made of wax and feathers, which allow him to fly in the sky.

However, because he flew too close to the sun, the wax melted and his wings fell apart, and he eventually crashed to his death.

The protagonist in the movie "Birdman" is, in a way, someone who is pursuing the sun.

He strives to approach the ultimate beauty of truth, but if he gets too close, he will burn himself out.

Such metaphors are indeed very interesting.

However, there are similar metaphors in several of Lu Zhiyuan's works!

Moreover, his films have better visual effects, stronger storytelling, and are loved by audiences all over the world!
Box office results speak for themselves!
Why doesn't he win as many awards?

Lu Zhiyuan was extremely dissatisfied.

With that in mind, he couldn't help but call James: "Help me win Best Director at this year's Oscars! Are you confident?"

The director of "Birdman" is named Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Who is this?
To those in the industry, he is considered an artist.

But to the general public, he was just an unknown person!
“Boss, if this were any other year, I would have hung up the phone immediately to avoid giving you the wrong expectations.”

"However, public opinion this year has been far too favorable for us!"

"I think we can give it a try."

James was not surprised to receive this call.

Lu Zhiyuan asks him every year to inquire whether there is any chance of winning Best Director this year.
Unfortunately, all the movies Lu Zhiyuan made were made with box office success in mind.

The Oscar judges knew this, so even though his films were full of philosophical speculation and mythological metaphors, the judges just wouldn't give him an award.

In fact, the judges gave him the Oscar for Best Actor, but not the Best Director award.

Under normal circumstances, it would be almost impossible for a commercial blockbuster like "Godzilla" to win the Best Director award.

However, Lu Zhiyuan's version of "Godzilla" is not a typical commercial blockbuster; it is more like a social commentary film!

This film caused a huge sensation in Europe, Russia, the United States, and Japan.

Countless people are discussing the nuclear leak incident.

The New York Times even published several editorials to discuss the Sellafield nuclear power plant incident!

The movie "Godzilla: Monarch" was the highest-grossing film of the year worldwide, and it was also the most talked-about film of the year worldwide!

Dr. Li is also one of the most charismatic characters of the year!

As a Hollywood veteran, James understands very well the criteria for Oscar selection.

Under normal circumstances, unless Lu Zhiyuan makes another film like "The Coffin in the Mountain," using light and shadow to tell a story and depict the struggles of humanity through light and shadow, just like David Fincher.

Instead of telling a story with amazing special effects!
In today's increasingly politically correct Hollywood, blockbuster films with super special effects are almost impossible to win any major awards.

However, this year is a special year!

The movie Interstellar sparked widespread discussion in November, but ironically, it also boosted the popularity of Real Steel 3.

In addition, Alfonso Cuarón's "Gravity" won Best Picture, while Lu Zhiyuan also went home empty-handed in the same category!

Many viewers in North America felt sorry for Lu Zhiyuan!
Many academic judges are now reflecting on why Lu Zhiyuan, the second greatest director in history, lacks major awards.

Among the films Lu Zhiyuan has directed in the past, "Upgrade", "Real Steel 3" and "Art Student" are all worthy of winning Best Picture or Best Director!
But, unfortunately, I didn't get it!

Godzilla: Monarch also deserves this title. However, the film's box office was simply too high!

The Oscar judges were also in a very difficult position.

When they are caught in a dilemma, if James were willing to do some public relations to tilt the scales in their hearts a little in favor of Lu Zhiyuan.

Lu Zhiyuan's chances of winning Best Film or Best Director have greatly increased!

“James, you know I’m not particularly interested in awards. But without awards, people will think my films lack artistry!”

"If Birdman can win awards, why can't I?"

With just $20 billion short and a maximum of three movies, Lu Zhiyuan could become the all-time leader, surpassing Spielberg!

He absolutely has to win a big prize!
Otherwise, some people would question his status as the greatest in history!

"Boss, everyone knows you're a master of light and shadow, a true artist. Don't worry, I'll definitely get you the Best Director award!"

James has inside connections.

This year's Best Picture will most likely go to "Birdman." Now that it's won Best Picture, does it also have a chance to win Best Director?
This is too much!

This isn't just an unspoken rule anymore... this is clearly a boss trying to suppress him!

No!

From now on, he will contact Netflix, contact Universal Pictures, and if necessary, he might even secretly negotiate with Disney... In any case, he must help Lu Zhiyuan fulfill a small dream!

Consider it a birthday present for him!
……

Back in China.

Lu Zhiyuan and his team arrived in Kashgar region without stopping.

He was going to film here the scene before the main trio entered the Kunlun Mountains.

An ultra-wide-angle lens reveals the magnificence of nature and the insignificance of humankind.

Those towering mountains, like blades of divine punishment, tore the scene apart. The rugged lines of the mountains, the overwhelming power of nature.

Without a single word, just by showing it to the audience, everyone can realize... what kind of adventure is the main trio on?
"Oh my goodness!"

"world masterpiece!"

Nicolas Cage's first trip to Northwest China, his first trip to the entrance of the Kunlun Mountains, the Tasha Ancient Road!

He was so stunned by the magnificent scenery before him that he was speechless.

He couldn't help but get out of the car and, facing the grandeur and breathtaking beauty of nature, took off his hat in respect.

After crossing the ancient road, the scenery changes again: snow-capped mountains and vast天地 (heaven and earth) make one feel their own insignificance.

Only amidst such magnificent scenery can humanity truly believe in the existence of gods!

Because this world is the will of the gods.

"Brother Kun, arrange for a drone to shoot some ultra-wide-angle shots!"

In December, the weather in the Kunlun Mountains is extremely cold. Lu Zhiyuan plans to return to Kashgar to rest for a while after filming.

"understand!"

For such a small matter, Lu Zhiyuan didn't need to give any instructions; Xin Yukun immediately led a group of his men to take pictures.

We've been working with Lu Zhiyuan for several years now.

One must never become rusty in the skills of cooking.

Nicolas Cage also got out of the car.

He pretended to admire the magnificent scenery, then quietly found Xin Yukun and asked with a frown, "Akun, I've run into a problem. You told me that you can use WeChat's 'Shake' feature to find nearby beauties to match with. I used Director Lu's photo, and sure enough, I quickly added quite a few local beauties."

Using Lu Zhiyuan's photos to pick up girls? You've got some nerve!

However, Xin Yukun felt that the use of Nicolas Cage's photo was good.

Because Lu Zhiyuan, with his fair complexion, tall and slender build, and artistic temperament, is indeed very attractive to Uyghur girls.

Naza, Dilraba, and Hanikezi are like magnets, always sticking to Lu Zhiyuan's side!
That is the evidence.

"and then?"

At this moment, Xin Yukun was busy with his work while casually chatting with Nicolas Cage.

"I added a lot of girls. I chatted with them while using a translation app. Most of them were from Yili. I looked at their Moments, and they were indeed quite pretty."

"But there's a problem!"

Nicolas Cage looked somewhat embarrassed, as if he was ashamed to say it aloud.

"what is the problem?"

Xin Yukun found it strange.

You're a big star, do you really need me to teach you how to pick up girls online?

“They asked me for money after only a few words of conversation.”

“I’ve had them all, from 5 yuan to 10 yuan. There was even one person who asked me to borrow 200 yuan, saying he broke something and needed to pay for it.”

"I don't understand... We're just online friends, why would they ask me for money?"

Nicolas Cage thought it was some kind of local code and was getting restless.

But before rushing over, he decided to consult with the veteran Xin Yukun to avoid being scammed!

"hehe."

Upon hearing this, Xin Yukun smiled knowingly: "Congratulations, you've drawn local girls! They are genuine Yili natives!"

Xin Yukun encountered this situation the last time he came to Kashgar.

Picking up girls online...

Then, after chatting for a few minutes, the other person found an excuse to ask him for money.

He was completely dumbfounded.

I was thinking to myself, what's going on?

He had never encountered anything so direct even in mainland China!
Later, after he gained more experience and knowledge, he discovered that this was actually a normal phenomenon in the local area.

The locals are used to it.

Girls like Gulnazar, Hani, and Dilraba, who willingly spend money on Lu Zhiyuan... are relatively rare!
"By the way, you can do the same for boys!"

"After a few words, they'll find some excuse to borrow money from you. And, most likely, they won't pay it back."

Xin Yukun sighed and began to recount the past.

"Ah Kun, something's wrong with you!"

At that moment, Nicolas Cage paused, looking over with a strange expression.

(End of this chapter)