Entertainment: Since 1990

Chapter 324 The Future Development of Chinese Cinema

"So he really can wield a sword?"

Although Xu Qing is almost thirty, her personality is actually quite similar to that of a young girl; she's really a bit quirky and mischievous.

She felt that since she, the female lead, was training here every day while the male lead was nowhere to be found, it wouldn't be a big deal if he embarrassed himself a little.

Little did she know, her little scheme had already failed the moment Cao Jian made his move.

That sword cry wasn't something an ordinary person could produce.

This shows that although this man is rich and busy, he probably exercises regularly.

I just don't know if you practice swordsmanship regularly?
The other people around also learned a lot about martial arts after this training.

Chen Hao, in particular, plays a nun from the Hengshan School, and her swordsmanship needs to be studied intensively.

Upon hearing the sound of the sword, her large eyes widened even further.

Is the boss really that strong?
To everyone's astonishment, Cao Jian performed a standard sword incantation, then wielded his sword with graceful, flowing movements.

He was practicing the popular folk Tai Chi sword technique, which was elegant and agile. The sword in Cao Jian's hand was wielded freely and gracefully.

The surrounding audience was completely stunned.

Did the director have this trick up his sleeve?
Moreover, he looks so good even in casual clothes; he would probably look even better in period costume.

Little did they know that Cao Jian had studied martial arts in college in his previous life, and his physical education teacher had also taught him this set of sword techniques used for performance.

After his rebirth, he learned some kung fu from Jackie Chan, so he didn't need to participate in training. He was confident that he could be competent as Linghu Chong.

"clap clap"

Cao Jian's performance didn't last long, but the applause around him never stopped.

"He actually stole the spotlight."

Although Xu Qing thought this way, her eyes were drawn to Boss Cao's demeanor just now.

Is this really the legendary director, or a billionaire?
"So handsome."

The other women saw stars in her eyes, especially Chen Hao. At this moment, she finally understood why so many girls in the company liked the boss.

This man is not only capable, but also charming.

Women will always admire strong men; it's something passed down in our genes over millions of years.

The main thing is that Cao Jian is still so strong.
"It's embarrassing."

After demonstrating a few moves, Cao Jian sheathed his sword and handed it to Xu Qing: "Yingying, how was it?"

"Did you practice your swordsmanship secretly when you had nothing to do?"

Xu Qing was still unconvinced, but she had to admit that this man was much better at it than she was.

"Don't forget, I acted in the movie 'Swordsman II'. When I was filming that movie, I specifically sought out a martial arts instructor to learn from, and I also learned from Jackie Chan."

Seeing Xu Qing's disappointment, Cao Jian felt a little smug.

"It was a mistake, a real mistake."

Xu Qing actually believed Cao Jian's story and patted her smooth forehead, saying, "Oh right, I almost forgot, you played Linghu Chong in a movie and now you're playing the same role in a TV series. This is a kind of publicity stunt, isn't it?"

However, she also revealed Cao Jian's little scheme to direct and star in this drama.

When others heard this, they also realized it.

It turns out that the director had planned the publicity gimmick from the very beginning. It seems we have to act well, because we might become famous with this drama.

"Your swordsmanship is truly excellent."

When Cao Jian arrived at the office, martial arts instructor Yuan Bin couldn't help but praise him.

"A man must constantly exercise."

"Makes sense."

Yuan Bin laughed heartily, revealing a knowing look that every man understands.

That day, Cao Jian checked on the actors' learning progress and inquired about their understanding of the characters.

I had just finished my work when I suddenly received a call from Chen Kaige.

"Mr. Cao, you're back in Yanjing? Do you have time? Let's have a casual meal together, and I can introduce you to a friend while we're at it."

"See you tonight."

Cao Jian had nothing else to do anyway, and since he was focusing his work on China, he still needed to maintain a network of connections.

Furthermore, as a representative of the fifth generation of directors, Chen Kaige naturally knows a great deal of people.

Throughout the day, Cao Jian learned about the training progress of most of the actors. Their kung fu skills were indeed quite good, especially Li Jie, the actor who played Lin Pingzhi. With his excellent dance background, his martial arts movements were graceful and beautiful.

In Zhang Dahuzi's "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer", the two most outstanding characters are Yue Buqun and this person.

Although the bearded man likes young and beautiful actresses, "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" is considered one of his better films.

Cao Jian has much to learn from in this regard.

Of course, the most eye-catching are the actresses; their martial arts performances are not only beautiful but also pleasing to the eye.

With three great beauties—Xu Qing, Hu Jing, and Chen Hao—plus the middle-aged beauty Ning Zhongze, and the exotic Lan Fenghuang, this version of "Swordsman" will definitely surpass Zhang Dahuzi's productions.

In the evening, Cao Jian left the training base and went to the city for a banquet.

"Director Cao, please come in quickly."

As soon as Cao Jian arrived at the private room at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Chen Kaige was already waiting for him at the door.

The fact that someone is hosting a dinner here suggests that the friend they're introducing is definitely not of high status.

"Director Chen is still as charming as ever."

Cao Jian didn't know if Chen Kaige had found a girlfriend yet, but for a big director like him, finding a girlfriend should be quite easy.

But finding someone like Chen Hong or Gong Li is not easy.

"That can't compare to Director Cao. You're an Oscar winner. I doubt you'll ever achieve that in your lifetime."

The two exchanged pleasantries before entering the private room.

Inside the antique-style private room, a middle-aged man, not yet fifty, dressed simply, was smoking.

Cao Jian recognized him at first glance; he was none other than Han Sanping, the future head of China Film Group and the current director of Beijing Film Studio.

But he pretended not to know him and waited for Chen Kaige to introduce him.

"Director Cao, let me introduce you. This is the director of Beijing Film Studio, my best friend in the film industry, Director Han Sanping."

"Hello, Factory Director Han."

Upon hearing Chen Kaige introduce him as his best friend, Cao Jian extended his hand, secretly chuckling to himself.

You really screwed over your best friend with an incredibly boring movie.

"Director Cao is truly young and promising."

Han Sanping stood up, shook hands with Cao Jian, and said with a smile, "I didn't expect that Director Cao would still be willing to come back to the mainland to film after going to Hong Kong."

"To be honest, going to Hong Kong was a last resort. However, the mainland has developed rapidly in the past two years and has great potential for the future. I must come back and contribute to the country's cultural and entertainment industry."

"insightful."

Upon hearing Cao Jian's words, Han Sanping felt quite impressed with the young man's insight.

People say this person has a keen eye, is incredibly talented, and has exceptional insight; now it seems that his reputation is well-deserved.

The film and television industry in mainland China has indeed developed rapidly in the past two years, showing a strong trend of surpassing Hong Kong.

After they introduced themselves, the food was served quickly. After a few drinks, Han Sanping smiled and said, "Director Cao, I know a little about your situation. What are your thoughts on the development of mainland Chinese films?"

"Is Director Han testing me?"

"Not at all, I'm just sincerely asking for advice. After all, Hong Kong is in line with international standards, and I imagine that Director Cao's willingness to return to the mainland must mean he has a different perspective on the film industry."

"Then I'll just say a few words. Please don't laugh if I don't say anything good."

Cao Jian then said without any further politeness, "The lives of ordinary people today have undergone earth-shattering changes compared to ten years ago. As people's material lives improve, their demand for spiritual life will certainly increase as well."

Han Sanping couldn't help but nod in agreement with his words, while Chen Kaige was even more surprised that Cao Jian's insightful observations were so sophisticated.

This is something someone who never even went to college could say.

There really are geniuses in this world.

Cao Jian continued, "But nowadays, most people can only watch movies on television, and in some places, open-air movies are still popular. Why is that?"

"How many cinemas are there in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai? A dozen or so at most, right? Ordinary first-tier cities have five or six at most, and second- and third-tier cities have even fewer. How can such conditions meet the needs of the people? And the production of movies has always been controlled by a few film studios."

"Therefore, I believe that developing cinema chains while opening up film production is the future trend."

These words struck a chord with Han Sanping.

He works in the film industry and is well aware of the problems that Chinese films are currently facing.

Cao Jian's words were absolutely spot on.

The future head of China Film Group stood up excitedly and shook Cao Jian's hand: "Director Cao, you are absolutely right. If Chinese films are to develop, they should indeed start from two points in order to keep up with the international situation."

"Mr. Han, you're too kind. I was just expressing my own thoughts; it's a bit like showing off my limited skills before an expert."

After Cao Jian finished his polite remarks, Han Sanping said, "Director Cao, do you have any good scripts lately? We can collaborate on them, which would be a good start for private companies to invest in mainland films."

Cao Jian apologized, "Yes, I do have some, but my plans for this year are already full."

"Next year is also an option, and Beijing Film Academy is planning a company restructuring, so cooperation would be even better next year."

Han Sanping must seize this opportunity to collaborate with Cao Jian and produce a film that achieves both critical and commercial success, which will boost the development of cinemas.

"Since Director Han values ​​this so much, let's cooperate this time."

Cao Jian had originally planned to film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," and it would be best if China Film Group were willing to endorse it.

I also want to make a truly commercial film for China, so that China can flourish ahead of schedule.

Han Sanping was very satisfied with the meal.

The two sides also reached an agreement on the importation of "Shaolin Soccer".

Although Chen Kaige had always been relegated to a background role, he eventually managed to secure the opportunity to serve as assistant director in Cao Jian's film.

If it were someone else, he would feel it was beneath him to be the assistant director.

But Boss Cao is different; he's an Oscar winner. It's not shameful to work for him.

Moreover, since Han Sanping values ​​this person, they should take the relationship even closer.

In addition, Cao Jian also inquired about the script for "The Grand Mansion Gate". It is said that the script is almost finished. Cao Jian asked Chen Kaige to convey his message that if the film is to be made, he would be willing to fully invest in it.

In May, Cao Jian was busy in Yanjing organizing the script and assembling the crew for "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer". He also visited the set of "Palace of Desire".

This drama not only features Chen Hong, but also her goddaughter Liu Yifei and company artist Li Bingbing. It's only right that I visit them.

"Director Cao, what brings you here?"

However, the person most excited about the arrival of someone like Boss Cao was actually director Li Shaohong.

It's an honor to have such a big shot come to your production team.

"I just came to take a look."

"Director Cao, is there anything you can point out?"

Li Shaohong naturally seized upon this Oscar winner, believing that his comments would definitely benefit the film.

"Nothing much to say, it's pretty good."

Cao Jian didn't know what to say. After all, he had only watched part of "Palace of Desire" and hadn't finished it, mainly because he didn't like the atmosphere.

"By the way, Director Cao, you also run a film and television company in China. I wonder if there's any chance of collaborating?"

"There should be."

Cao Jian was absent-minded, but when he heard about collaboration, he thought of Li Shaohong's other play, "The Orange is Red".

He did a relatively good job directing this film. For the others, Liu Yifei could be the female lead. It wouldn't hurt to work with this person for the sake of my goddaughter.

"Godfather, I miss you so much."

Liu Yifei had wanted to greet Cao Jian for a long time, and as soon as the annoying Li Shaohong left, she rushed over.

"This girl is closer to her godfather than to her biological father."

Seeing her daughter like this, Liu Xiaoli shook her head helplessly.

But then I thought about it again. Her biological father rarely spends time with his daughter, while Cao Jian sees her often and dotes on his goddaughter, so their relationship must be close.

"Little girl, you've grown taller in just a few days."

Cao Jian looked at the increasingly graceful girl and felt happy.

"I'm even prettier now."

"It really is beautiful."

Although Liu Yifei is only twelve years old, she already has the potential to become a great beauty.

The second half of May was a relatively busy period for Cao Jian. He was either in Beijing preparing for the play "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" or in Guangzhou handling work matters.

I occasionally go back to Hong Kong for a few days to check on TVB and see how Faye Wong is doing with her record company.

In May, Wang Fei's new album "Fleeting Years" was released.

Because the title track was composed by Cao Jian, it sold out as soon as it was released. In addition, "Meet in 1998" was still playing in the streets and alleys during the Spring Festival. Now, Wang Fei has become the most popular female pop singer in China, without exception.

Of course, they can't be compared to those on the national team.

Zhang Baizhi's "Star Wish" has finished filming, and he is currently recording the theme song "Star Wish".

Cao Jian knew very well that the movie wasn't actually very popular, but the song became a hit.

Therefore, this girl is already making money for the company.

Of course, it's also more beautiful.

At the end of May, a month before this year's World Cup, Cao Jian took his band on a chartered plane to Paris on June 20th to prepare for the opening ceremony performance.

For many Chinese people, their exposure to the World Cup began in this year.

Previously, China had very few color TVs, and even television sets were scarce.

However, in the past two years, the popularity of color TVs has been increasing, which has led to a surge in watching the World Cup among young people.

Cao Jian's trip to Paris to participate in the World Cup opening ceremony rehearsal made headlines in newspapers around the world.

In particular, the most popular newspaper in Northwest China, the Huashang Daily, devoted most of its page to this news.

Cao Jian is the pride of their Northwest.

However, after arriving in Paris, Cao Jian's first action was not to meet up with Lee Hyori and Sun Yanzhi, but to take a montage of highlights from "Shaolin Soccer" to the World Cup organizing committee.

He wanted people all over the world to see this movie through the World Cup.

We also want more Chinese faces to appear on platforms like the World Cup.

(End of this chapter)