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

Chapter 161: Let's make another award-winning film!

Tian Xiaole's first award was the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes, which, according to unspoken rules, meant he was one of the Cannes insiders.

Stephen Frears, the current jury president, invited him to bring his work to next year's film festival.

The email I received was very sincere; Tian Xiaole still really wanted to try for the Big Three accounting firms, and there was still time.

There are still five months until the film festival registration closes.

He's not like Wang Jiawei, who needs to calculate the time in years to make a movie.

I originally thought that the post-production special effects for [Pacific Rim] would keep me busy and take up my time, but actually I couldn't be of much help.

As long as the team follows the customized direction, presents the visual effect, and produces according to the standard requirements, that's fine.

Tian Xiaole is responsible for verifying the results and keeping an eye on the overall direction.

It's been two months now, and everything is proceeding smoothly.

Since that's the case, let's move the plan forward. I was originally thinking of doing it after the New Year, but it's fine to film it now.

He took out the prepared script from the safe.

After meeting Wang Jinsong last time, Tian Xiaole had a flash of inspiration and felt that he was quite suitable.

He happens to be a teacher, but he teaches undergraduate courses while the male lead in the script teaches kindergarten.

As a performance teacher in the acting class, and having worked with [The Coffin in the Mountain], her acting skills are highly reliable.

Previously, when Tian Xiaole returned to school, he always drove the company's commercial vehicle. Now, he has switched to a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which offers a more enjoyable driving experience, a wider field of vision, and stronger power.

An unfamiliar car with an unfamiliar license plate tried to enter the school, but unsurprisingly, it was stopped.

Tian Xiaole rolled down the car window and greeted him with a smile, "You must be busy." (in Beijing dialect)

"Wow, you've changed your car!"

Old Zhang spoke fluent, authentic Beijing dialect with a smile on his face:

"You don't need to get out of the car, I'll just register the license plate number."

"Okay, thank you."

Tian Xiaole waved and drove into the school, parking in the teachers' and staff's parking space.

School hadn't started winter break yet, and Tian Xiaole was bundled up tightly. Winter in the capital was still quite cold, so no one noticed that he was a famous director.

In the director's office, he was lucky; the person he was looking for was leisurely drinking hot tea.

"Oh, so you're here at school for casting, right?"

When Wang Jingsong saw Tian Xiaole come in, he quickly greeted her.

There are basically no secrets in the industry. Once Xiaole Pictures submits a script for review, people with connections in the industry will have already spread the word.

He was worrying about the graduates when Tian Xiaole arrived, and he figured she must be there to select actors.

"You're absolutely right, but I'm not here to see the students, I'm here to see you."

As Tian Xiaole spoke, she handed over the script she had brought:

"I'd like to invite you to play the male lead in my film."

"Then I need to take a good look at the script. I have to teach classes regularly."

Wang Jinsong became interested, took the script and started reading it. If he wasn't satisfied, he would have an excuse to refuse.

"【Hunting】! That's an interesting name."

The office was quiet, with only the sound of turning pages and the occasional gurgling of boiling water for tea.

Wang Jinsong sat on the sofa, looking very carefully. Since they came to ask him to act, they must be aiming for awards.

Every page is a reflection, a immersion in the role.

Even if a lie is proven false, the truth no longer matters when everyone is prejudiced, and the ugliness and evil of human nature are fully revealed.

"A good story that beautifully portrays the complexities of human nature."

Wang Jinsong calmed down and was clearly very satisfied with the script. Most importantly, Tian Xiaole had won twice and had not lost yet.

Jiang Wu, that movie star, is someone that everyone in the entertainment industry has a bit of an artsy side, and everyone envies him.

"Are you sure you want me to play this role? There's no one else competing for it, right?"

Wang Jinsong wasn't convinced, so he checked again.

"It is indeed you. This character was created based on you."

Tian Xiaole could say nice things without hesitation, and she also explained the script.

Wang Jinsong couldn't suppress his smile; he'd have something new to brag about in the future.

The director who won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival wrote a screenplay based on him!
When are you planning to turn it on?

Tian Xiaole smiled awkwardly: "The script hasn't been submitted yet, but it should pass the review without any problem. Once the crew finishes preparations, we can start filming."

"Okay, just let me know when the time comes. Keep the script, I'll study the character."

Wang Jinsong looked at the script in his hand, seemingly reluctant to put it down.

As someone who studied and taught acting, he knows how difficult it is to find a good role.

Some people act their whole lives and don't even have a single representative work.

Tian Xiaole returned to the company and asked Chen Zhixi to submit the script. This play does not have complicated scenes or shots that require special effects, so filming and post-production should be completed quickly.

I'm thinking about something that's giving me a headache. In the film and television industry, it's notoriously difficult to film dogs and children, and this movie also features a group of kids.

Tian Xiaole thought of Guan Xiaotong, who had the personality of a girl from the capital city—lively, active, and talkative, but not troublesome when filming.

The focus of this film is the male lead; for the other adult roles, we don't plan to use big-name actors, we'll just find them directly from the film studio.

···
The biggest promotional focus for the movie "A Battle of Wits" in China has been on Liu Dehua and Tang Yan.

One has extremely high national popularity, and the other has been nominated for a Cannes Film Festival nomination.

The movie premiere was held at a cinema in Shanghai. Tian Xiaole received an invitation but did not attend.

Busy drawing storyboards and coordinating the crew, I declined any offers because I couldn't get away.

Huayi was as high-profile as ever, inviting many actors and celebrities to participate. The photos released by the media showed a star-studded event.

[Miami Vice] Tian Xiaole checked and found that it had no box office revenue after two weeks of release and was forced to be pulled from theaters.

The General Administration was very efficient. Tian Xiaole's achievements were listed there, and the submitted scripts quickly yielded results.

The latest batch of announcements has revealed information about the script.

"The movie 'The Eight Hundred' is a historical war film."
Screenwriter: Tian Xiaole;

Director: Gao Qunshu.

"..."

"Film [The Hunt]; Social Drama";
Director: Tian Xiaole;

Screenwriter: Tian Xiaole.

The news spread across the internet in less than an hour.

"Xiao Le Pictures has released two films in a row, both written by Tian Xiao Le, who also directed one of them himself. Judging from the synopsis, it seems to be aiming for awards."

Film and television companies, talent agencies, and actors in the industry learned of the news immediately and reacted in unison.

"With two movies in a row, actors are definitely needed. Let's find out about the roles."

Upon seeing the news, Wang Zhongjun immediately instructed his younger brother, and, considering film investment, added:
"By the way, is it possible to secure investment in a film? I'd like to try and get a share in one."

Wang Zhongjun knew the chances were slim, since they had eaten the food all by themselves first, but he still wanted to give it a try.

"Big brother, I'm afraid Tian Xiaole won't listen to reason and won't give us a chance to participate."

Wang Zhonglei has been rejected several times and is now unsure about the relationship between the two sides.

"Let's give it a try first. If it really doesn't work, we can find another opportunity to repair the relationship later."

"alright."

Wang Zhonglei sighed. In the entire mainland entertainment industry, he had never been so subservient.

···
"Old Hu, what was Tian Xiaole like when you were filming Pacific Rim?"

Orange Sky Entertainment is not Huayi Brothers Media Group. The former lacks production capabilities, so Wong Jinghua has to search for resources from all over the place.

In her eyes, Tian Xiaole is the most resourceful person in the industry. He is a big director himself and likes to use mainland actors.

Now that she's filming two movies in a row, she'll definitely need a lot of actors, and this is her opportunity.

"Director Tian is a good person. Unlike those older directors, he is easy to talk to, except when he is being serious during filming."

Hu Jun recalled his time with Tian Xiaole and spoke truthfully.

What about your private life?

"It's quite clean; I've never heard of them messing around on set."

Seeing Hu Jun's high praise, Wang Jinghua was a little unsure. She had met Tian Xiaole before, but didn't know her very well.

With so many actors and stars under its wing, trying to use a honey trap seems like a bad idea.

"Keep an eye on the actor audition announcements, and notify me as soon as there's news."

Wang Jinghua instructed her assistant, "Unorthodox methods won't work; we have to go through the proper channels."
As the record holder for Chinese-language films, Tian Xiaole enjoys a stellar reputation in the commercial film industry.

This return to art-house films has garnered far more attention than that of Jia Zhangke, Gu Changwei, and Wang Xiaoshuai.

For the companies with whom we have established regular partnerships, the first thing that comes to mind is investment.

Han Sanping knew that Tian Xiaole had filming plans, but he didn't expect him to start two films at once, so he came directly to her and got straight to the point.

"Xiao Le, have the investment budgets for the two movies been finalized?"

"Uncle Han, you're in too much of a hurry. I'll let you know when we're out."

You're in high demand right now, so of course we need to keep a close eye on you.

Han Sanping made a joke, and then his old habit kicked in again.

"If the investment isn't too big, bring fewer companies along, so each one can get more."

Tian Xiaole had anticipated this, and he was prepared this time.

"Uncle Han, this collaboration is different from the previous ones. Let's get the budget out and then bring the companies together to discuss it further."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping sensed something was amiss.

After working together for so long, it's still unclear what Tian Xiaole's next move will be.

"Alright, I'll wait for your message then."

Han Sanping reluctantly hung up the phone after not receiving the share immediately.

Immediately afterwards, I received calls from acquaintances, from both Guangxian and Wanda, and I replied to both of them.

At this moment, Tian Xiaole was sitting in his office, receiving a call from Wang Zhonglei.

"In the past, the roles in the movies invested by Huayi were all directly assigned to artists from Xiaole Pictures. You should also give Huayi a few roles in these two movies."

"Mr. Wang, you must have forgotten that what you call a pre-arranged deal was something you only made in exchange for me leading Huayi to make money, right?"

Listening to Tian Xiaole's objective analysis, Wang Zhonglei had no way to refute it, and the facts were indeed as described.

The films they co-invested in all made a fortune, which is why they were willing to give up the female lead role.

"Haha... then let's not pre-select. Let Huayi actors audition normally, and you can choose from them."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, I don't plan to use any Huayi actors." Tian Xiaole refused directly.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhonglei was stunned. Was this a sign that things were about to turn ugly?
He controlled his emotions and said casually:
"It's understandable that unsuitable actors aren't used, but what about the film's share of the budget..."

"Mr. Wang, my movies have never lacked investment, you should know that very well."

Tian Xiaole interrupted the shameless Wang Zhonglei, asking how he had the nerve to ask for a share of the movie.

"--Alright then, let's cooperate again in the future."

"Hmph, dreaming of such a thing."

Tian Xiaole hung up the phone and muttered something to herself.

In the future, we will still seek cooperation with other companies regarding film investment, but we will definitely not accept Huayi's participation again.

After dealing with other investment companies that came to inquire, Tian Xiaole's assistant informed her that a large number of talent agencies and actors were calling to inquire about casting auditions.

"Publish out the requirements for the role in [The Eight Hundred] and have them send over their resumes first."

After instructing her assistant, Tian Xiaole finally looked at the text messages she had received, all from female celebrities with whom she had had in-depth conversations.

After thinking for a moment, I replied to Zeng Li, saying that she could play the role of a colleague who admires the male lead.

She maintained a trusting attitude when the male lead was wrongly accused, but began to waver when everyone questioned him.

【The Eight Hundred】is a male-dominated film, and the few female roles will not be filled by outside actors; the company's own actresses will suffice.
Jing Tian saw the news that Xiao Le Pictures had started production on two new movies, and one of them was casting actors.

"Tian Tian, ​​let me ask Director Tian if there are any suitable roles for you."

As Lu Zhen spoke, he made the call.

"Uncle Lu, if there are any roles I can play, Brother Xiao Le will contact me. He made an agreement with me."

Jing Tian spoke with great conviction, showing confidence in this statement.

Because when Pacific Rim wrapped filming, Tian Xiaole personally told her that he would collaborate with her again if a suitable role came along.

Lu Zhen sighed. This child is good in every way, except that he is too naive. He has said these kinds of polite words to at least eighty people, if not a hundred.

Hearing the busy signal, Lu Zhen guessed that countless people must be trying to contact Tian Xiaole right now.

So far, all of Tian Xiaole's films have been profitable. His projects are highly sought after, with countless film and television companies wanting to invest and actors wanting to participate.

"Tian Tian, ​​your album and movie premieres are at the end of the month. Why don't you give Director Tian a call and ask about the role while you're at it..."

"Uncle Lu, I..."

Jing Tian wanted to invite Tian Xiaole when she met him at the Beijing Film Academy, but the premiere of "Anaconda" and the new album release were on the same day, so she hesitated to ask.

She was able to star in "Pacific Rim" after three months of training, which shows Tian Xiaole's high standards for actors and his rigorous requirements for films.

"He'll probably be very disappointed in me after seeing my performance in Anaconda," Jing Tian thought to herself.

"If Director Tian can come, along with Director Ning Hao, the press conference will definitely be big news and will be of great help to you."

Lu Zhen gave a brief instruction and then left, as he had to prepare for Jing Tian's album and movie launch.

Jing Tian sighed, mimicking an adult, both hoping that Tian Xiaole would come and not wanting him to come.

She is very confused!

"You'll see it when the movie is released, so let's invite you to watch it."

Jing Tian muttered to herself as she called Tian Xiaole.

···
The war film "The Eight Hundred" needed many male actors. Tian Xiaole had auditioned many times before and knew which actors were suitable to play soldiers. This time, he just invited them directly.

Compared to "The Eight Hundred", "The Hunting" has attracted more attention, after all, it was personally directed by Tian Xiaole and was clearly a film intended for film festivals.

Everyone knows that the female lead in this drama doesn't have many scenes, but there are many actresses eyeing her. That's how the industry is; the competition between actresses is much fiercer than that between actors.

Suddenly, all sorts of beautiful women and sweet talk came rushing at him.

Fan Binbin's phone calls kept coming in, one after another, and his intimate and explicit text messages never stopped.

Huang Shengyi and Yan Ni, these old casual sex partners, are just taking a shot first, even if there's no guarantee of success.

Tian Xiaole underestimated the appeal of a role to an actor. When he couldn't find an opportunity in one film, he turned his attention to another.

"There's a role in [The Eight Hundred] that only has a few minutes of screen time, but if you play it well, it will be a highlight of the character. Why don't you come and make a cameo appearance?"

Director Tian~~

In the movie you directed, was the female lead really not a chance? You know my acting skills; I'm very uninhibited.

Fan Binbin's voice was so sweet that it gave Tian Xiaole goosebumps, but she still refused without hesitation.

"Forget about that role, your image isn't suitable."

After realizing he had no chance, Fan Binbin accepted the role of a gang leader in "The Eight Hundred".

···
Zeng Li was very happy, feeling that she had made the right choice. While others were still begging for the lead role, she was already reading the script for "The Hunt".

The script was brought by Tian Xiaole, who invited her to his home for a meal after promising her the role.

Just as she was about to start frying, the phone kept ringing. Zeng Li truly felt how fierce the competition was in this industry.

Several actresses had just openly offered to exchange their bodies for roles, but Tian Xiaole firmly refused.

"Brother Le, you wrote such a great script. A lie full of loopholes can change a person's life, or even cost them their life..."

Zeng Li transformed into a knight, swaying her body with an expression of adoration.

The phone rang again just as it had stopped ringing; it was Jing Tian calling.

"Hello, Tian Tian?"

"Brother Xiao Le, I'd like to invite you to my new album and movie launch event. Are you free?"

After thinking about it for a moment, Tian Xiaole decided that it wouldn't delay the preliminary preparations and agreed.

"Sure, I'll be there."

"Thank you, Brother Xiao Le."

After expressing her sincere gratitude, Jing Tian hesitated slightly. She wanted to act in Tian Xiaole's play, but she was afraid that her acting skills would hold her back.

"Brother Xiao Le, I've been studying hard lately and I'm confident I can get into Beijing Film Academy and become your junior."

"Good luck then, I'll give you a surprise later."

When it came time for the final exam, Jing Tian saw that Tian Xiaole was a judge. Wouldn't that be considered a pleasant surprise?

"Then I'll wait!"

Jing Tian's voice was much lighter. She only remembered the role she was playing after hanging up the phone, as she was too busy thinking about the surprise.

"Brother Xiao Le, here's my surprise."

Zeng Li mimicked Jing Tian's tone, reaching out her hand to ask Tian Xiaole, her expression playful.

This behavior must be taught a lesson. I flipped her over and pinned her down, letting her know who the real king was.

(End of this chapter)