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

Chapter 160 [The Eight Hundred] Sniping [Nanjing]!
Miami Vice had a production cost of $1.3 million, but only grossed $6600 million in North America, and only $1.6 million in other countries and regions.

As Gong Li's home base, the mainland is a place that Universal Pictures attaches great importance to. Together with the mainland distribution company China Film Group, a grand premiere was held at the New Century Cinema.

Among all the Asian actresses who ventured into Hollywood, Gong Li was the first Chinese actress to star in an A-list production.

Many directors and actors from the industry attended to show their support, and even Jiang Wenli, who was heavily pregnant, came.

Ge You, Wang Xueqi, Ni Dahong, Gu Changwei, Wang Anquan...

Zhang Yimou, who was expected to attend, did not show up. However, Li Man, the new "Zhang Yimou Girl," came to support her senior.

When Tian Xiaole arrived, Han Sanping had just walked onto the red carpet. Dressed in a black Zhongshan suit, the over-fifty-year-old man exuded a strong aura and waved to him.

"Let's go together, the main actor is about to appear."

Tian Xiaole caught up and whispered, "Lu Chuan's film 'Nanjing,' is it mainly invested in by China Film Group?"

“China Film Group will definitely support special themes, and young directors like him in China are also candidates for training.”

Han Sanping signed his name, placed the pen on the hostess's tray, and the two chatted as they walked.

"I heard the script was rejected, and he went around pulling strings to get it approved, even getting his advisor to come out of retirement. There must be a lot of sensitive content in his script," Tian Xiaole mocked.

"The subject matter of that period of history is probably too bloody."

Han Sanping said dismissively, probably not expecting that Lu Chuan would whitewash Xiao Rizi, creating an image of a soldier who obeys orders and has no choice in his own life.

Tian Xiaole suddenly said, "What if I also made a movie and put it in the same release window as [Nanjing]?"

"Wouldn't what you're doing cause internal strife? There aren't many commercial film directors in the country to begin with, and anyone whose film is scheduled for release with you will definitely be crushed by you."

Han Sanping felt that Tian Xiaole's idea was dangerous, not only because China Film Group was the main investor, but also because of talent development considerations.

He wanted to ask why Lu Chuan was being targeted, but a group of people in the venue came up to greet him, making him swallow his words.

"Director Han..."

"Director Tian..."

Han Sanping was surrounded by a group of foreigners, who seemed to be from Universal Pictures and held the power to license films; their treatment was definitely different.

Tian Xiaole and Gu Changwei nodded to each other. Dong Xuan had a cameo role in the film project that the latter was preparing.

Ge You smiled and waved, unaffected by the box office and critical failure of "The Banquet".

This kind of occasion is a stage for fame and fortune, especially since Tian Xiaole is a successful director. All sorts of people come over to exchange pleasantries and inquire about the post-production of "Pacific Rim," making it seem like they are very familiar with each other.

Suddenly, a loud roar came from outside. It was the audience shouting as Gong Li and the male lead held hands and interacted intimately.

She wore a black sleeveless top and tight jeans, without any high-end clothing or expensive jewelry, and didn't dress up like other female stars to attract attention.

Ning Hao leaned closer and whispered, "As expected of Empress Gong, no matter how casually she dresses, her aura is undeniable."

Tian Xiaole nodded: "Actors with solid works to their name have confidence and don't need to attract attention through their clothing."

[Miami Vice] High production costs made it inevitable for the film to lose money, and the production company wanted to try to minimize the losses by relying on box office revenue from the mainland Chinese market.

However, the film was cut by more than 20 minutes, and many plot points are disjointed, making it difficult to watch and unlikely to achieve high box office returns.

Most of the attendees today were familiar faces, and Gong Li greeted them with a smile.

"Xiao Le, I'll come find you later. I need to go thank my old friend first."

"Okay, don't worry about me, just take care of the others."

Tian Xiaole smiled, eating something.

"A sensible and good younger brother."

Gong Li made a compliment and walked towards the others.

After dealing with the people from Huanqiu, Han Sanping came over again:

"Xiao Le, were you serious about what you just said?"

"Of course, it's not just this movie. As long as there are people willing to invest in Lu Chuan, I will keep targeting him until no one is willing to invest anymore."

Tian Xiaole said firmly, explaining his own plans.

Lu Chuan's films, from "Nanjing," "The Last Supper," "Chronicles of the Ghostly Tribe," to "Bureau 749," all push the limits of the audience's physical endurance.

It's either plagiarism or a terrible movie; it's like the rotten apple in the film industry, disgusting and something to avoid at all costs.

Han Sanping was certain he wasn't joking, so he didn't ask why, but simply gave a reminder:

"Just don't forget China Film Group when it comes to investing."

Comparing Lu Chuan to Tian Xiaole is an insult to the latter. Anyone with a brain can easily see who to side with.

···
After the press conference, Tian Xiaole and Gong Li sat facing each other in a private room at the South Beauty restaurant across from the cinema.

"This movie flopped, so no resources will come my way. You have so many Hollywood resources, so think of me more."

Gong Li was somewhat disappointed; her first big-budget film had flopped like this.

Even for a top-tier action star like Jackie Chan, the failure of Disney's "Around the World in 80 Days" directly led to a loss of resources.

During the film's promotional period, Jackie Chan's presence was downplayed, and the film lost its kung fu comedy characteristics.

From a conspiracy theory perspective, Hollywood doesn't need an Asian superstar; one movie ruined his value.

This disqualified him from starring in big-budget productions, and even with the "Rush Hour" series revitalizing the franchise, he was marginalized.

Gong Li is only considered a third or fourth-tier actor in Hollywood. After a box office and critical flop, an A-list project essentially ended her career as a leading actress.

She might only be invited to play roles with distinctive metaphors.

"Lionsgate has a suitable role, I'll recommend you."

Tian Xiaole doesn't plan to film in Hollywood for the time being, but can only help recommend Gong Li and try to get her more audition opportunities.

"The little kid who used to chase after you for candy has grown into a man in the blink of an eye, and now I need your help."

Gong Li jokingly said that she ate very little and kept putting food into Tian Xiaole's bowl.

"Sister Li, let's not talk about our childhood anymore. I'm a big director, after all. It would be embarrassing if others heard about it."

"Okay, let's not talk about our childhood. Tell me about your current situation. You're not young anymore, so why haven't you found a girlfriend?"

"Won't they pick up those directors' bad habits and only focus on sexually harassing actresses?"

Gong Li adopted an older sister's demeanor and spoke in an interrogative tone.

Tian Xiaole quickly defended himself, saying, "You're wronging me. I just finished filming a big project and I'm so busy with post-production that I don't have time to find a girlfriend."

"None of the directors of the fifth generation are good people. It's not just Lao Zhang, your father is too, and there's also that Gu Changwei. Which one of them didn't use filming as an excuse to hook up with actresses?"

Gong Li complained that Jiang Wenli must have poured out a lot of grievances to her.

"The older generation has never seen the world. As soon as society became a little more open, they would loosen their belts. But our younger generation is different. We focus on building our careers."

Tian Xiaole said firmly.

My inner monologue: I can manage both my career and my womanizing at the same time; it's normal to be dazzled by the allure of the world.

"Sister Li, stop criticizing me. You're still single, aren't you?"

Gong Li said with a double standard, "I'm not short of men, I'll play around for a while first."

Tian Xiaole put down her chopsticks and gave her a thumbs up: "You're really insightful."

After the meal, the two parted ways at the restaurant entrance.

Tian Xiaole returned to the company to arrange a plan targeting Lu Chuan, while Gong Li rushed to other cities to promote the film.

Despite positive reviews, "Rob-B-Hood" failed to gross over 100 million yuan at the Chinese box office.

Huayi, as always, was high-profile and issued a press release.

The films "The Banquet" and "Rob-B-Hood" grossed 2.2 million yuan, accounting for more than half of the total box office in September, revitalizing and boosting the domestic film box office this year...

At the same time, it was announced that Feng Xiaogang is preparing a new film, a script based on the War of Resistance against Japan, which will bring that period of hardship and struggle to the big screen.

Tian Xiaole approached Chen Zhixi and asked her to keep an eye out for domestic directors who could make war films.

If he were to personally intervene to stop someone like Lu Chuan, it would be beneath him.

The movie "The Eight Hundred" was made to target Nanjing.

Tian Xiaole made numerous revisions while copying the script.

The original director of this film was Guan Hu, and its content is highly controversial.

It was clearly a regular army unit guarding the warehouse, but it was distorted and altered by Guan Hu, who was also biased, by fabricating the inclusion of defeated soldiers and weakening the existence of the real heroic regiment.

The film also contains many basic errors, such as snow in Shanghai in late autumn and the wrong ghost flag...

There are also more serious ideological issues. The original film depicted the 88th Division of the National Revolutionary Army as a rout, while the film portrayed it as a heroic unit.

When copying the script, Tian Xiaole avoided or modified these plot points, supplementing the content according to real history.

The first choices were Ning Hao, Lu Yang, and Guo Fan to direct, but none of them were suitable.

They are in the stage of style formation, and having them make war-themed films may influence their future ideology.

Chen Zhixi recommended, "Boss, how about Kang Honglei, the director of 'Soldiers Sortie'? Do you think he's suitable?"

Kang Honglei certainly has a place in the world of war dramas, but being able to direct a good TV series doesn't mean you can direct a movie. However, there are only a handful of directors in China who can make commercial films, and finding a director who can direct war dramas is really difficult.

This is a big-budget production with grand scenes and character arcs, which will put the director's skills to a great test.

Tian Xiaole had a flash of inspiration and thought of a suitable director: the movie "Tokyo Trial," which she had noticed while browsing the news.

Released in September, but the box office was not ideal. Director Gao Qunshu, who can make this kind of film, definitely has a passion for it.

If he were to direct the filming of "The Eight Hundred," he would definitely have no problem with character portrayal and development.

The wildly popular "Conquest" was his first TV series. He had just made some money when he filmed the critically acclaimed "Tokyo Trial".

Thinking of Gao Qunshu, Tian Xiaole looked at Chen Zhixi and said:
"There's a novel called 'The Message.' Go and buy back the copyright, and be quick."

"What about the director..."

"I have a goal, you don't need to worry about it."

Tian Xiaole contacted an acquaintance and quickly obtained Gao Qunshu's contact information.

There are many directors in the industry, but few can attract investment, and even fewer can make money.

Gao Qunshu's film "The Tokyo Trial" has a great concept, showcasing the grand narrative of the International Criminal Tribunal for World War II.

However, the box office revenue was over 20 million.

Having caused investors to lose money, they certainly wouldn't invest in his movies anymore, so Gao Qunshu is preparing to return to the television drama industry.

"Hello, who is it?"

"Director Gao, hello. I'm Tian Xiaole. I'd like to collaborate with you on a film project. If it's convenient, we can discuss it..."

Gao Qunshu certainly knew Tian Xiaole's name. He came from a family of directors, with three generations of directors. The achievements he made at such a young age were something Gao Qunshu could only look up to after living half his life.

Although he didn't know what kind of cooperation it would involve, he readily agreed.

···
Chen Kaige, who had been out of the public eye for a long time, has recently been frequently photographed by reporters after a period of silence.

A man watched Peking Opera for several days in a row at a certain theater, and his story was reported by a reporter.

Chen Kaige generously accepted the interview and took the initiative to talk about his new film, which he plans to bring "Mei Lanfang" to the big screen, having obtained permission from Mei Lanfang's descendants.

The industry was in an uproar. Chen Kaige's Palme d'Or-winning film, "Farewell My Concubine," is a biographical film. Now, returning to familiar territory, what kind of achievement will this film attain?
The film industry is speculating that Chen Kaige was discouraged by "The Promise" and wants to return to familiar territory to prove himself.

Actors and agencies got excited and started vying for roles, betting that this would be the next "Farewell My Concubine".

···
I met Gao Qunshu at the company. He was in his early forties, a typical northern man, and his slightly overweight build made him appear large and burly.

"Director Gao, I have a script here that I think you'd be very suitable to direct. Would you be interested in collaborating with me?"

Tian Xiaole didn't beat around the bush and directly handed over the script for "The Eight Hundred".

"Let me take a look at the script first."

Gao Qunshu almost couldn't resist agreeing. She had heard a lot about Tian Xiaole, such as the fact that the scripts he produced were always top-notch.

He still wanted to read the script first, and Tian Xiaole felt that he hadn't made a mistake in choosing such a cautious person.

He didn't disturb them and started reading the news online.

The official photos of Jet Li in the costume for "The Forbidden Kingdom" have been released, showing him as the Monkey King, Sun Wukong.

Its face was covered in golden fur, which looked very out of place.

Tian Xiaole quickly flipped through other news articles and found Teacher Liu's statement.

He said: "Adaptation is not fabrication. I hope the movie will not vilify Sun Wukong and will be adapted based on the facts."

At this point, both Jackie Chan and Jet Li have confirmed their involvement, but the female lead has not yet been officially announced.

Huayi has really whetted everyone's appetite, making all the actresses eagerly await their roles. They probably don't even know that the roles have already been decided, they just haven't been announced yet.

The box office performance of "Miami Vice" was abysmal, earning only 1400 million in its opening weekend.

Gong Li's passionate scenes weren't cut, so the box office revenue is probably more than that.

After reading the script, Gao Qunshu calmed down and looked at the young man in front of him again.

Despite having overestimated Tian Xiaole, I was still impressed by his talent. He could casually pick up a script and present the cruelty of war as if it were right before my eyes.

He finally made it from the TV drama industry to the film industry, but seeing the box office flop, he has to go back to the TV drama field.

"Director Tian, ​​this is such a good script, are you really planning to let me film it?" Gao Qunshu asked incredulously.

"I also considered directing it myself, or asking a friend I knew, but after watching your 'Tokyo Trial,' I felt that only you could have captured such tragic scenes..."

Gao Qunshu felt a warm glow from hearing this, and didn't forget to ask about what she cared about most first:

What is the production budget?

If you're stingy and try to film the scenes described in the script, the final product will only be shoddy.

"This film has many war scenes, and the estimated investment for filming is 100 million yuan, with publicity and distribution costs to be calculated separately."

A budget of 100 million for a movie is already quite large, not to mention the costs of promotion and distribution.

Tian Xiaole remembered that Lu Chuan's film "Nanjing" had a low budget, definitely less than 100 million yuan, but he boasted that it was an investment of 200 million yuan, which was shameless.

"I'll take this role."

Gao Qunshu almost shouted out in excitement: "Not only is the script of high quality, but the investment is also so high. So many directors dream of this!"

He quickly calmed down and asked, "Director Tian, ​​are there any casting arrangements for this film?"

"You take care of the preliminary work first. I will take care of the actors, and I will personally serve as the producer of this film."

Tian Xiaole's meaning was clear: he wanted to personally oversee the quality of the film.

Gao Qunshu had no complaints. He knew his shortcomings, such as a lack of experience in filming large-scale scenes. With Tian Xiaole as the producer, he felt much more at ease and was not afraid that the movie would be a disaster.

···
As soon as Gao Qunshu left, Chen Zhixi knocked on the door and came in, carrying a file bag.

"Boss, this is the adaptation authorization letter for 'The Message'."

Tian Xiaole took the book and started reading. The original novel wasn't very long, so the content needed to be expanded to adapt it into a movie and TV series.

If they can get the rights to one film first, they won't give it to Huayi Brothers even if they don't actually make it.

"Take the script and submit it for review."

Tian Xiaole put the authorization letter away and handed the script for "The Eight Hundred" to Chen Zhixi.

"Okay, boss."

The media has a keen sense of smell.

That same afternoon, Gao Qunshu was seen entering and leaving Xiaole Film Studio. In particular, the photo of the file bag she was carrying when she left quickly became news on portal websites.

"Director Gao Qunshu is suspected of collaborating with Xiaole Pictures!"

Most people in the industry are asking where this Gao Qunshu came from.

Upon learning that the director of the TV series "Conquest," which had just flopped with the release of "Tokyo Trial," he instantly lost interest.

Regardless of the type of collaboration, at least the director needs to be qualified.

Unlike Han Sanping, who saw the news, he knew that Tian Xiaole was going to target Lu Chuan.

"Why not just get involved myself and 'randomly' find a director to film it?" Han Sanping muttered to himself.

···
"Too late, it's already been bought by someone else?"

Chen Guofu frowned as he looked at the people he had sent out to buy the copyright; the novel he had his eye on had been beaten to it by someone else.

"Do you know who bought it?"

"Chen Zhixi from Xiaole Pictures".

"I know, you can leave now." Chen Guofu waved his hand impatiently.

He was recruited by the Wang brothers, but he hadn't yet achieved any outstanding results. They wanted to adapt this novel into a movie, but someone else beat him to it.

In the president's office, Wang Zhonglei listened to Chen Guofu's story and felt that it was not a big deal. He discussed it with Tian Xiaole and figured they could buy it back by adding a little more money.

In front of Chen Guofu, he called Tian Xiaole.

"Mr. Wang, you wouldn't come here without a reason, what is it?"

Hearing the teasing sounds coming from the receiver, Wang Zhonglei's expression remained unchanged, and he said with a smile:

"Xiao Le, I heard you bought the adaptation rights to 'The Message'. You're not good at this kind of spy drama, are you? I'll offer you three times the price to transfer it to me."

"Hehe, Mr. Wang is so generous, but I'm not short of money and have no intention of transferring the business."

"Let's work together..."

Before I could finish speaking, the phone was hung up.

Wang Zhonglei gripped his phone tightly, and it kept ringing. Tian Xiaole's repeated rejections made him lose face.

"You heard that too, let's switch to another one."

Seeing Wang Zhonglei's face turn a deep shade of liver with anger, Chen Guofu swallowed the words he wanted to say.

(End of this chapter)