Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 134 A Tumultuous Time!

The news that Zhang Yimou's new film will be an adaptation of "Thunderstorm" has spread far and wide in mainland China and Hong Kong.

A modern film master adapting another artistic master's work, and even gaining recognition from his descendants, seems far more reliable than Feng Xiaogang's "The Banquet."

Zhang Weiping announced in a high-profile manner that Zhou Runfa would play the male lead.

The announcement disappointed many male actors who had high hopes, depriving them of a great opportunity.

The news that a new "Mou Girl" would be selected through open auditions quickly spread throughout art colleges.

Previous "Zhang Yimou girls" included Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi, who went on to become international superstars.

Countless female students, hoping to become famous overnight, were eagerly awaiting the start of the selection process.

At a coffee shop not far from Xiaole Pictures, Tian Xiaole met Gong Li, who had just returned from Hollywood and looked somewhat tired.

The film "Memoirs of an Artist," which she starred in with Zhang Ziyi, did poorly at the North American box office.

As for its reputation, it has been severely criticized domestically.

A perfectly good Chinese actor, going to perform Japanese geisha.

Even Japanese audiences are boycotting the film, believing it distorts the culture of performing arts, that the dance style resembles striptease, and that it did not use any Japanese actors.

It was boycotted by non-governmental organizations in both China and Japan, who felt it lacked cultural respect.

This is a common tactic used by Hollywood: appropriating and grafting foreign cultures.

"Sister Li is back this time to act in Uncle Zhang's new play," Tian Xiaole asked.

"Well, Zhang Weiping is quite annoying. I didn't want to act in it at first, but Lao Zhang kept calling me and assuring me that Zhang Weiping wouldn't interfere, so I agreed."

Tian Xiaole clearly remembers that Gong Li and Zhang Yimou were about to get their marriage certificate, but Zhang Weiping interfered, and that's when their relationship fell through.

"I'll visit you on set when filming starts."

"I will definitely come, not just when I have time."

Gong Li, adopting the air of an older sister, glared at Tian Xiaole, who immediately raised her hands in surrender.
"Yes, I will definitely go, okay?"

The two were childhood sweethearts; back then, Tian Xiaole was still a child, while Gong Li was already an adult.

In front of acquaintances, Gong Li is quite talkative and not as cold and aloof as she appears.

Before we knew it, we had spent the whole afternoon chatting in the coffee shop.

"Let's have dinner next time. I have many old friends to see this time."

Gong Li declined Tian Xiaole's invitation to a lavish meal, as she would be staying in China for the time being and had plenty of time.

···
The next day, media outlets reported on Tian Xiaole and Gong Li having afternoon tea, describing the story in great detail.

"Director Tian Xiaole and famous actress Gong Li chatted for three hours in a coffee shop, suggesting a possible collaboration."

When Tian Xiaole saw the news report, she thought to herself that if there were a suitable role in the future, there would definitely be opportunities to work together.

Before the rumors could spread, Zhang Yimou announced that the female lead of his new film would be played by Gong Li, thus debunking the false news.

When Tian Xiaole arrived at the company, Chen Zhixi came to report on Shu Chang's matter.

"Boss, Shu Chang agreed to sign with the company without any hesitation. As for the 'Three Drops of Blood' production team, I called them and we communicated. After hearing that it was Xiao Le Pictures, they agreed to pay compensation and withdraw the lawsuit."

"That's good. We should warn the artists signed with the company that morality comes first and they should not be allowed to take on multiple roles without a valid reason."

"Okay, boss."

Huang Shengyi and Xinghui's lawsuit is still ongoing, and the man behind her has also appeared in front of everyone. He has a long, narrow face and is said to be the founder of a certain group.

The two sides are still locked in a tug-of-war, and it's estimated that it won't end for another year or two.

Regardless of the outcome, Huang Shengyi's reputation and future are ruined.

Within a day, the production team of "Three Drops of Blood" withdrew their lawsuit. When interviewed by the media, the director and producer said that there had been a communication problem, which had been resolved through negotiation.

The incident did not escalate over time and had little impact on Shu Chang's reputation.

The entertainment industry is full of gossip every day, and the focus of the media and netizens is on the selection of the new "Zhang Yimou Girl".

According to data released by the new film, the number of applicants reached 6.

With so many people vying for a single spot, the intensity of the competition and the immense appeal of the "Zhang Yimou Girl" are self-evident.

The movie "Fearless" has been released, and according to data released by the mainland distribution company Huaxia Film, it grossed 830 million yuan on its opening day, which is a pretty good result.

I've heard that the behind-the-scenes stories are more exciting than the movie itself, and the distributors have been suppressing public opinion to prevent it from affecting box office revenue.

The second trailer for "The Thieves" has been released, this time focusing on gunfights and action scenes.

Inside an office building, a group of thieves encounters a Korean team, and the two sides clash for the first time in an attempt to seize a priceless gem.

Fan Binbin and Jun Ji-hyun, both wearing tight-fitting outfits, delivered a visceral fight scene. Both are nationally renowned beauties with incredibly sexy figures.

The two actors' clean and crisp scenes together were a feast for the eyes.

When Tian Xiaole was filming this scene, he required the two actors to make their fight look good, so the martial arts director designed a lot of moves for this purpose.

As the police arrived and were about to surround the entire building, both teams used every trick in the book to escape using different methods.

It showcases the skills of both teams, rather than being a mindless, reckless display of incompetence.

Also a three-minute trailer, this one focuses more on action than the previous one, with several lead actors delivering outstanding performances.

At the end of the trailer, several large words appeared.

"On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the [Thieves' Alliance] will meet you!"

This is the second wave of promotional content planned, which also includes two more trailers: one for comedy and one for friendship.

The trailer has generated a lot of buzz online and has attracted many fans of action movies.

"Wow, the last trailer already made me look forward to it, and the action scenes this time are unexpectedly amazing. I didn't expect Fan Binbin's action scenes to be so good."

"Three minutes again, too short, it should be released earlier."

"All the characters are intelligent, and the villains aren't mindless or stupid. I'm looking forward to the movie's release."

···
Shu Chang's lawsuit had just ended without causing any ripples, and now Huang Xiaoming is in trouble again. This time, he's being sued by his own agency.

Tian Xiaole arrives at the [Pacific Rim] training camp, wanting to know what's going on and why the selected actors are having one accident after another.

"My contract is about to expire, and I don't plan to renew it with the company, so they're making trouble for me."

Huang Xiaoming was somewhat helpless. He had taken on roles in "The Emperor of Han Dynasty 3," "The Condor Heroes," and "The Banquet" last year, some of which were over a year old.

Now the agency is using this as an excuse, claiming that he accepted the project without the company's knowledge, and that he also had many other commercial activities, which constitutes a breach of contract.

For talent agencies, once a top-tier actor emerges, they definitely want to stick close to him.

If you don't want to renew your contract, then I'll destroy you.

"Let's resolve this as soon as possible, so it doesn't affect training," Tian Xiaole said.

"Don't worry, Director Tian, ​​we're already communicating with the company," Huang Xiaoming assured him repeatedly.

"Brother Le, the trailer for 'The Thieves' is really good. I'll definitely go to the cinema to support it when it's released."

Jing Tian ran over and said.

Huang Xiaoming was very perceptive and quietly left.

"We will also provide support."

Liu Yifei also expressed her opinion, and Shu Chang, who was next to her, nodded in agreement.

"Then thank you to these young ladies who are quite wealthy," Tian Xiaole joked.

Even the poorest of them all, Shu Chang, could easily come up with 1.5 million yuan to pay the breach of contract penalty, let alone Jing Tian and Liu Yifei.

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​will you film us and make us look as cool as in the trailer for 'The Thieves'?"

Liu Yifei's eyes sparkled. She practiced martial arts while filming "The Condor Heroes" and had always dreamed of filming action scenes.

Jing Tian and Shu Chang also looked over, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Tian Xiaole shook her head, disappointed them:

"The highlight of Pacific Rim is the mechs, not the actors."

"Hmph, we actors are very important too. Our emotional expression and body language are far superior to those of a lump of iron, and they can make the audience feel more empathetic."

Liu Yifei truly deserves her title as a top-scoring graduate; she seems to have a good understanding of the word "actor."

"It's good to have this idea. Keep training."

Tian Xiaole gave a thumbs up and praised him.

Suddenly, Jing Tian said seriously, "Brother Xiao Le, I also want to take the entrance exam for Beijing Film Academy. Then I'll become your junior sister, just like Sister Qianqian."

I believe in you, keep going!

···
After learning about the situation at the training camp, Tian Xiaole was surrounded by a group of people as soon as she arrived downstairs at the company.

"Director Tian, ​​what are your thoughts on the lawsuit filed against Huo Yuanjia by his direct descendants?"

"I've been busy with the trailer and promotion for 'The Thieves' lately and haven't paid attention to other movies. Can you explain why?"

Tian Xiaole was quite curious about what was happening off the field.

One reporter said, "In Jet Li's version of 'Huo Yuanjia,' the character is portrayed as a brute who indiscriminately kills innocent people and is arrogant and belligerent, which does not match the gentle and refined image recorded in history."

The most criticized aspect is the depiction of the Huo family's massacre, which has angered Huo's descendants.

"Oh, I see. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I can't comment on it."

"What's your opinion on Huang Xiaoming being sued by his agency?"

"I believe the two sides can resolve this soon."

···
The news that Wuji was nominated for a Golden Globe Award but did not win it caused a stir among netizens when it reached China.

When Tian Xiaole decided to cast Fan Binbin as the female lead in "Rob-B-Hood", he was prepared for her to be used for publicity.

The two trailers for "The Thieves" have received enthusiastic responses and high praise from netizens.

The promotion of "Rob-B-Hood" has brought Fan Binbin's position forward. As for whether she will get more screen time?

It's unlikely. With an investment of HK$1.3 million and Jackie Chan's fame, Fan Binbin only needs to play the role of a decorative vase.

Han Sanping made a phone call, asking Tian Xiaole to go to China Film Group.

He had some guesses, and estimated it was about the issuance.

The release of "Thief" adopts a global distribution model.

They could have asked Lionsgate for help, given their consecutive successful collaborations, and I believe they would have been happy to do so. However, Tian Xiaole still opted to have China Film Group take charge.

The domestic film market is booming, and many film and television companies are eyeing this lucrative market. China Film Group Corporation holds the power to decide who gets a piece of the pie.

Therefore, with China Film Group handling the distribution, those foreign distribution companies, at least in terms of box office revenue, dare not openly engage in underhanded tactics.

"Uncle Han, is there a plan for the issuance?" Tian Xiaole asked.

"You guessed right. In addition to being released simultaneously in South Korea, Hong Kong, and mainland China, it will also be released in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia one after another."

Han Sanping smiled.

Both trailers for "The Thieves" received positive feedback, but having learned from the experience of "The Promise," he kept a low profile and didn't open champagne at the halfway point.

Tian Xiaole nodded; this was indeed good news.

Changing the subject, Han Sanping said:
"【The Promise】is completely beyond saving. It didn't even get a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. Chen Kaige is a stubborn guy, and he went to Berlin again."

"Is he trying to avoid admitting defeat and prove the audience wrong?"

Tian Xiaole couldn't understand Director Chen's bizarre move, which was to embarrass himself all over the world.

Han Sanping said helplessly, "It's his arrogance that led to the failure of the film today."

Tian Xiaole laughed. So arrogant that she went to be a judge on a talent show? It's only because the price was right.

(End of this chapter)