Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 98 Ticket

When Wu Chen returned to Beijing Film Academy, the chill in the school had not yet completely dissipated, but the campus was filled with a certain eagerness to try.

A banner hung high in the wind at the entrance of Beijing Film Academy:

"Warm congratulations to Wu Chen, a sophomore in our university's photography department, for winning the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 55th Berlin Film Festival. Buried also won two awards!"

At this time, Wu Chen was already in Mu Deyuan's office. The Silver Bear trophy on the table was reflected in the dim light. Mu Deyuan touched it and said with a smile:

“Although it’s not the first Berlin Best Director trophy in China, it’s the first for the Beijing Film Academy.”

Wu Chen glanced sideways slightly.

"Previously, it was won by Taiwan director Lin Zhengsheng and Hong Kong director Yan Hao."

Mu Deyuan waved his hand and sat on the sofa. "I'll make a replica later and take it to the school history museum."

Then he looked at Wu Chen with a smile, "Do you know that what you said at the airport, 'filming in China', spread faster than any other news.

I haven't even returned to school yet, but I've already received a lot of messages asking about your latest movie."

Wu Chen grinned: "I didn't expect that."

Mu Deyuan took a sip of tea and said meaningfully:
“You have to choose your partners carefully.

Some people can only be cooperated with, not deeply connected with. If you can avoid cooperating with these people, try not to cooperate.

After all, you have started a company and started to get involved in production. You need resources and allies in the circle, and you also need people who stand on the same line with you. It is impossible for one company to eat everything alone.

Like Zhang Weiping, who your senior brother Zhang Yimou is working with, when the time comes to pry him open, he will have to speak up a little. You should figure out these people yourself."

Wu Chen nodded slightly, he was clear about this.

Now that the copyright of "Buried" has been sold and it will be released in North America soon, I will soon have enough money.

At this moment, Wu Chen suddenly thought of something and asked:

"Teacher, does the school have any good producers to recommend?
I can’t always rely on outsiders, I need my own people.”

Mu Deyuan thought for a moment, then slowly lit a cigarette and said:
"Producer, there are several ways.

Find professionals outside. Some are strong and have money, and they just score points. Some are experienced and professional, but because they learned it from others, their style may not match yours. "

He blew out a puff of smoke and continued:
“First of all, you have to know what kind of producer you like.

In fact, the best thing is to do what Wong Kar-wai did, supporting William Chang as a producer, and cultivate your own team. That way you will feel comfortable and not feel awkward.

When Wu Chen heard this, he thought that many directors in later generations seemed to do the same.

Producers like Ning Hao of Bad Monkey Pictures were all trained in this way.

The advantages are very obvious: high loyalty, more stable growth path, and suitable for oneself, but the disadvantages are also obvious, and it takes time to cultivate.

Mu Deyuan obviously meant to let Wu Chen spend some time training him, which would be both reliable and more comfortable.

"There's a young teacher in the Production Management Department at the academy, Chen Guowei. He doesn't have much experience and only joined last year. If you need me, I can connect you.

Of course, it’s not enough for your company to have only one person. In fact, the people around you are the most suitable. You can ask them if they have any intention in this area. They will follow you and it won’t be much different.”

Wu Chen thought about it and decided to let Mu Deyuan make the connection. He also talked to Xiang Zhuo and Chu Tianshu and decided to go the route of training.

After returning to the dormitory, Park Song-il and the other two were excited for a while.

"Wow, honestly, before I came to Beijing Film Academy, I never dreamed I would be able to touch the real trophies for Best Director at the three major film festivals."

Xiang Zhuo's eyes were burning with love and he couldn't let it go.

"So, is this bear made of silver?" Chu Tianshu looked at Wu Chen curiously.

Wu Chen smiled bitterly and shook his head, "You think so. It's not pure silver, but one third is silver."

"That's expensive, isn't it?" Park Song-il gently touched the bear's head.

"By the way, Tianshu, Xiang Zhuo, I want to tell you something. Of course, it doesn't matter if you don't want to." Wu Chen thought about it and mentioned the producer.

Anyway, he has enough time, so it would be more suitable for him to train a few familiar and reliable people.

Chu Tianshu pondered for a moment and said:

"Brother Chen, you know I'm from Shandong. To be honest, I really want to follow you like Song Ri, but my parents still want me to find a regular job. I want to join CCTV first."

"fine!"

Wu Chen patted Chu Tianshu on the shoulder. He understood that this was, after all, the hometown of Confucius, a place where everything else was inferior except for reading.

After graduation, whether or not you stay in the system, the difference can be clearly seen when you have dinner with relatives in the evening.

Xiang Zhuo didn't have so many concerns and immediately agreed:

"I don't have much to do when I go back anyway. I was thinking of opening a photo studio in Jiangsu and Zhejiang after graduation, but now I don't have to. Brother Chen, when do we start?"

Wu Chen smiled and said, "Don't worry. When you have a project, you can learn from experienced producers first."

As soon as he finished speaking, his phone vibrated, indicating that it was an unfamiliar number. Wu Chen wanted to hang up, but after a moment's hesitation, he answered it.

"Hello, Director Wu."

A low and gentle voice came from the other end of the phone.

"I am Wang Changtian of Light."

Wu Chen was stunned, but Wang Changtian got straight to the point: "I hope to meet with Director Wu."

Because of the attention that many media outlets have shown him in the field of media news in recent days, Wu Chen decided to meet him.

The next day, the two met at a teahouse in the south of the city.

In the teahouse in the south of the city, the wooden door creaks, the aroma of tea fills the room, and there are several calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall, exuding the flavor of old Beijing.

Wu Chen pushed the door open and saw Wang Changtian sitting at the table by the window.

He didn't look like he was in his forties, but rather in his early thirties. He was tall and thin, wearing a gray sweater, with glasses on his nose. There was a scholarly look in his eyes. He was holding a teapot in his hand and pouring tea slowly.

Seeing Wu Chen come in, he immediately stood up and stretched out his hand with a smile.

"Director Wu, I've heard a lot about you."

Wu Chen smiled and said, "Director Wang, I've heard a lot about you."

After a few pleasantries, Wang Changtian quickly got to the point.

"Director Wu, I won't hide it from you. Guangguang has been engaged in TV program production in the past. Programs like 'China Entertainment Report' and 'Entertainment Live' are produced by Guangguang.

But the current situation is pressing, Guangguang has to transform. The film and television industry has developed rapidly in recent years. Unfortunately, I don’t understand it very well, and it doesn’t matter. After thinking for a long time, I want to buy a ticket from Director Wu.

"Admission ticket?" Wu Chen frowned slightly, not quite understanding.

"Yes." Wang Changtian nodded and whispered, "I'll invest in your movie. You can give me as much share as you're willing to give me. I'll pay double the price. I'll bear the losses myself, and if I make a profit, it's enough to just break even. I don't want any more.

I’m currently assembling a distribution team. If Director Wu is unsure, we can partner with other companies to distribute the product. I’ll do it for you at cost.”

Wu Chen was stunned. The conditions were not bad, but too good. Then he looked at Wang Changtian deeply.

No wonder this man later swept through other private enterprises and became a true film and television giant in the country. Such courage and execution ability are not something that ordinary people can possess.

"How did Mr. Wang find me? With your wealth, why don't you invest in some small directors and make a hit?" Wu Chen smiled but did not agree easily.

"Director Wu, in the film industry, to be honest, no one can guarantee that a movie will be a hit at the box office. Even Huayi, for Feng Xiaogang's films, I don't think they can guarantee it 100%.

If I go to find some unknown directors, it seems that I have a lot of opportunities, but based on current statistics, I may invest in dozens of films but not necessarily a hit. I don't want to take chances.

I'm a journalist by profession. Director Wu, do you know what we journalists love most?"

Wang Changtian picked up a cup of tea and looked at Wu Chen with a smile.

"Like big news?" Wu Chen replied uncertainly.

"Yes, but to be more precise, it's certain big news. Because as long as it's certain, I won't make a wasted trip. A reporter's trip costs a lot of money. If it's a wasted trip, it might be a waste of work."

Wu Chen smiled slightly and took a sip of tea. He understood.

Wang Changtian is convinced that he is the certainty.

If he remembered correctly, Wang Changtian did the same thing in his previous life, but because the directors in China were basically monopolized, he could only break out from Hong Kong and invest in and distribute "City of Sadness".

Although "City of Sadness" seems to have good box office results, it is actually a movie that suffered huge losses.

Wu Chen thought for a moment and said slowly, "Boss Wang, aren't you afraid that the sky-high production costs of my film will rip you off?"

Wang Changtian chuckled, his eyes calm and steady: "Since I can find Director Wu, I naturally believe in Director Wu's character.

Wu Chen nodded slightly, and couldn't help but look up to the leader of Guangxian even more.

Wang Changtian continued, "Actually, I'm still in talks with Xiangjiang. Their appetite is much bigger than Director Wu's."

Wu Chen understood that Wang Changtian was making multiple preparations and was determined to join the circle.

After a moment's silence, Wu Chen said, "We're open to cooperation, but Mr. Wang, my film may not start shooting soon. You need to be mentally prepared."

Wang Changtian waved his hand cheerfully: "It's nothing."

Wu Chen thought to himself that Wang Changtian was indeed a master in business.

More importantly, he has a sharp vision, a long-term perspective, and is down-to-earth. He is not like the Wang brothers, who are too ambitious.

Wu Chen clinked his teacup with Wang Changtian's and said with a smile, "Okay, then I wish Director Wang will contribute to China's film industry in the future!"

Wang Changtian drank it all in one gulp. "Director Wu is indeed a man of words. I also wish Xingchen Pictures will continue to shine in the industry!"

"."

(End of this chapter)