Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 649 Joys and Sorrows Are Different for Everyone; Ten Thousand Grass Mud Horses Are Galloping
In mid-June, the highlight of the film market was undoubtedly "The Founding of a Republic," without exception.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 100th anniversary of the Xinhai Revolution. The bureau had already set a goal of "1 billion yuan in total box office revenue for tribute films".

Although a total of 28 films were registered as tribute films this year.
But it's clear to anyone with eyes to see that the 1 billion yuan target will most likely be placed on "The Founding of a Republic," directed by Han Sanping and Huang Jianxin, and another film, "1911 Revolution," starring Jackie Chan.

As for the rest of the films, they are either unknown or have emerged from some obscure corner, and whether they will ultimately obtain the film license and be shown in theaters is still unknown.

On its opening day, "The Founding of a Republic" grossed 20 million yuan.

This result isn't actually bad.

However, compared to Han Sanping's expectations, it still fell short by a little.

However, at this time, another piece of news in the industry attracted more attention from insiders—China Film Group officially submitted a list of films to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television to participate in this year's Huabiao Awards.

Among them, Wu Chen's "1939" is prominently featured.

"Wu Chen was actually persuaded by Lao Han to volunteer for the election?"

In the Shanghai Film Group office, Ren Zhonglun felt a pang of envy upon hearing the news.

The unique subject matter of the War of Resistance against Japan in "1939", coupled with its glorious achievements last year including sweeping the Golden Bear and Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, being nominated for an Oscar, and grossing over 600 million yuan at the mainland box office;
If this film is submitted for the Huabiao Awards, it's almost a certainty that it will be recognized.

He could almost imagine that Han Sanping's mouth was practically crooked with a grin right now.

At that moment, there were indeed two people whose mouths were genuinely crooked from laughing.

One is Li Gan, who is enjoying the envious glances of his classmates Li Xian, Yang Zi, Zhang Yishan and others on the campus of the Beijing Film Academy.

The other is Zhang Yi, who is currently participating in the Shanghai International Film Festival.

"I absolutely have to treat you to dinner!" Wang Baoqiang, dressed in a sharp suit, put his arm around Zhang Yi's shoulder without any hesitation. "You're about to win the Huabiao Award for Best Actor, you have to treat me!"

"Don't talk nonsense. It's not even close to being settled yet, so don't just spout off." Zhang Yi said modestly, but the wide grin that stretched to his ears couldn't be hidden.

"Come on, you!" Wang Baoqiang laughed and scolded. "Your true colors are practically written all over your face now."

Is it that obvious?

Zhang Yi subconsciously touched his face.

"It's only because Old Chen isn't here that we let him see your true colors."

"Hey, it's all luck, it's all luck." Zhang Yi quickly waved his hand, then changed the subject.

"Look at your film, 'Hello! Mr. Tree,' it's pretty good, isn't it? It received a lot of positive feedback at the Shanghai Film Festival. You have a chance too!"
By the way, how did you learn to smoke like that? How do you manage to make it look so fancy?

Zhang Yi and Wang Baoqiang were chatting happily in a corner of the event venue.

The former's film "1939" was nominated for Huabiao Award, and the Best Actor nomination is almost a sure thing;
While the latter's box office prospects are uncertain, it received extremely high artistic praise at the Shanghai Film Festival.
Unlike Zhang Yi's joy, the group from the Film Association were feeling rather uncomfortable.

Everyone's joys and sorrows are indeed different.

Beijing, North Third Ring Road, Federation of Literary and Art Circles Building.

Inside the solemn and imposing building, the atmosphere in the film association's meeting room was somewhat oppressive.

The ashtray was already overflowing with cigarette butts.

“The film ‘1939’ was indeed sent. It was sent by China Film Group, and it was among the first batch.” Someone spoke up first, breaking the silence.

Everyone present fell silent.

Just recently, during an internal meeting, some people were still stubborn, saying they would "wait for the Huabiao Awards to make a statement before we take a look."

Alright, the Huabiao Awards' stance is now very clear: Wu Chen not only participated, but was also among the first batch of nominees.

This made them very uncomfortable.
They were well aware of Wu Chen's rebellious nature.

Since his debut, he has never submitted any of his films to any domestic awards.

When "Black Peony" won Best Actress at Cannes and was nominated for an Oscar, at the height of its popularity, they even humbled themselves and sent someone to invite Wu Chen to the Golden Rooster Awards. However, he refused without even giving them face.

They couldn't do anything to Wu Chen; they couldn't hit him or scold him. The international awards he had won were more prestigious than all the awards their entire association had given out in the past few years combined.

But this time, it's different. "1939" is a film with a strong revolutionary theme, won the Golden Bear, went to the Oscars, and is now actively participating in the Huabiao Awards.

If the Golden Rooster Awards don't take action soon, they'll truly become a laughing stock in the industry.

The bureau is definitely going to be unhappy this time. "Then the Golden Rooster Awards will have to invite them after the selection process begins."

The leader finally spoke, stubbing out his cigarette forcefully, his tone heavy, "And you must invite him properly!"

Everyone looked at each other.

It's not that these words are particularly surprising, since once the results of the Huabiao Awards are announced, the Golden Rooster Awards will have no choice.

Could they possibly do the opposite of the Huabiao Awards from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television?
What they're worried about now is who to send.

The deputies all looked relaxed, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.

According to convention, such matters, both large and small, are usually handled by the secretary-general.

"Jianming,"

The leader's gaze fell upon Kang Jianming.

"I remember, you were the one who invited Wu Chen for the 'Black Peony' project, right? You and Wu Chen are quite familiar with each other."

This time, to show how highly our film association values ​​him, and to elevate the status of our invitation, it's best if you personally go and invite him.

It must be said that the people sitting here all have exceptional vocabulary.

Before Kang Jianming could even speak, the people around him immediately chimed in.

"That's a great suggestion! Why didn't I think of that? Practice makes perfect. Once we're familiar with each other the first time, things will go much more smoothly later on, right?"

“That makes sense. Sending Comrade Jianming is a good way to show our attitude, and the level of respect is just right. It won't be an insult to Director Wu Chen.”

"Yes, Comrade Jianming has already accumulated valuable experience last time. This time, we will definitely succeed!"

As Kang Jianming listened to his colleagues chatting away, he felt like a million grass mud horses were galloping through his mind.

God the hell is ripe!
I'm not familiar with it at all!

Did he exchange a few words with Wu Chen when he went to invite him last time?

That's considered cooked?

He even suspected that Wu Chen had long forgotten about him, after all, that was several years ago.

Moreover, it's usually the secretary-general who runs these kinds of errands.

What's wrong? I embarrassed myself last time, and now that things have escalated, it's my turn to embarrass myself again?

However, since everyone had already gone this far, there was no point in him refusing any further.

He knew his colleagues better than anyone else what kind of people they were.

He could only manage a smile that looked worse than a grimace as he reluctantly accepted the task.

However, he is not someone who can be easily bullied.

"Dear colleagues, since you all trust me so much, I will accept this task."

Kang Jianming cleared his throat and glanced at everyone present.

"However, let me be frank from the start. Everyone knows Wu Chen's temper. My trip this time can only be described as doing my best to convey the sincerity of our Film Association."

He paused and changed the subject:
"However, I can't guarantee whether it will succeed or not."

"If—and I mean just if—Director Wu's situation turns out the same as with 'Black Peony,' it's not because I didn't do my job well. My influence, after all, can't compare to the overall influence of our film association; we're just a small, isolated group."

Everyone was speechless upon hearing this.

Damn, this "non-stick pan" technique is truly masterful.
Everyone present was shrewd; they could easily understand the meaning behind Kang Jianming's words.

Although everyone secretly cursed him as an "old fox," they had to nod in agreement on the surface.

"Comrade Jianming's considerations are very thorough."

"That's how it should be, that's how it should be."

(End of this chapter)