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

Chapter 172 is shortlisted; she doesn't just want to be a younger sister!
The special effects rendering for Pacific Rim is progressing slowly, but Tian Xiaole is very satisfied with the visual effects of the parts that have already been completed.

The 【Flame Fang】 mech is predominantly red with gold accents.

The paint scheme is inspired by the cultural totem of Chinese red, enhancing the visual effect while embodying traditional aesthetics.

After offering a few words of encouragement to the technical staff, Tian Xiaole left the special effects department.

As I passed by the artists' support department, many people were watching the live broadcast of the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards.

This year's theme is quite interesting: Passing on the torch, carrying on the legacy and ushering in the future.

The emphasis is on the 10th anniversary of the handover!
CCTV and other media outlets broadcast the entire awards ceremony live.

"Curse of the Golden Flower" received 14 nominations, and Gong Li was nominated for Best Actress.

"I think Gong Li deserves the Best Actress award."

"It's hard to say. Given the nature of those people in Hong Kong, they'll prioritize protecting their own people first."

"Boss, who do you think will win?"

Seeing that Tian Xiaole was also staring at the live stream, an employee asked.

"If the jury doesn't play tricks and only looks at acting skills, then it's definitely Gong Li."

After analyzing the situation, Tian Xiaole concluded that the other three nominated actresses posed no threat whatsoever.

"It will be revealed soon."

On the live television broadcast, the Dragon Prince revealed the name of the Best Actress.

Awarded to Gong Li!
"Haha, I knew it was Gong Li."

"The sun has risen in the west. Zhou Xun took it last year, and this year it's given to Gong Li. Have these people in Hong Kong finally figured it out?"

Tian Xiaole did not join the employees' discussion; the award was more of a consolation prize.

There are quite a few co-production films submitted for review by mainland China, including "The Banquet" and "A Battle of Wits"...

Only the Best Actress award has any real significance; the others are just minor, peripheral awards.

[The Eight Hundred] has been under construction at the Huairou base for some time now, and Tian Xiaole is preparing to go there to check on the progress.

After leaving the Second Ring Road of the capital, the roads became increasingly desolate, and it took half an hour to get there.

The scene was bustling with activity, with a six-story warehouse standing tall, but it was being aged to reflect the historical context.

The moat next to the city was being dug, and several excavators were working, making it look like a small construction site.

Upon seeing Tian Xiaole arrive, Gao Qunshu, wearing a safety helmet, walked over and handed him a new one.

"Director Tian, ​​safety comes first."

"How long will it take to complete the entire scene?" Tian Xiaole asked.

"It's expected to take another month or so. Repairing the city and digging the canal aren't difficult tasks. The main challenge is to make the buildings look like they've been through the ravages of war, and to recreate the streetscape of the concession..."

This was Gao Qunshu's first time handling such a large project, and her eyes were filled with excitement; she wished she could do everything herself.

Tian Xiaole was pleased with this sense of responsibility, at least he knew where the money was spent.

"Just go at your own pace, there's no need to rush."

After inspecting the area, Tian Xiaole felt relieved.

Such large projects require a lot of coordination skills from the director, and Gao Qunshu did a good job, with everything proceeding in an orderly manner.

As for auditing the accounts, that's handled by a separate specialist.

I'm afraid that some people below might be dishonest, secretly reporting or concealing information, which could lead to disaster.

Before leaving, Tian Xiaole repeatedly reminded everyone to put safety first.

···
On the 19th, Cannes announced the shortlist for the main competition.

The film is led by Wang Jiawei’s "My Blueberry Nights," which is also the opening film of this year’s film festival.

This is the first time in 60 years that a film directed by a Chinese director has been screened at Cannes. The only pity is that it is an English-language film.

[Secret Sun], [Breathing], [April 3 Weeks 2 Days], [Mongji], [Death Certificate]...

A total of nineteen films were shortlisted and appeared on the official website.

Finally, there is a note that there is also a shortlist of candidates for this year's nominations, which will be announced in two days.

Tian Xiaole watched until the very end but didn't see his own name, nor did he see any of the other six Chinese-language films submitted by China Film Group.

"Were they all wiped out?"

Tian Xiaole's expression betrayed his disappointment. He looked again carefully and indeed there was no name or movie title on the screen.

However, the final supplementary statement caught his attention.

"There might still be a chance."

That's what I thought to myself, clinging to a last hope.

The announcement of the nominees has caused a stir in the Chinese film industry.

The media was ecstatic; this was breaking news, and they reported it immediately.

"【The Sun Also Rises】, submitted by Ying Huang";
The six Chinese-language films submitted by China Film Group Corporation;

Tian Xiaole's self-submitted film, "The Hunting," was rejected by all films submitted to the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

"None of the eight Chinese-language films submitted were included in the shortlist, marking the first time in nearly fifteen years that a Chinese-language film has been nominated for the Cannes Film Festival."

···
Just as Tian Xiaole was feeling disappointed, a comforting phone call came in.

"I didn't make the cut this time, but I'll try again next time. Don't take Cannes too seriously; it's just an award."

Hearing Lao Tian's familiar voice, Tian Xiaole checked the caller ID and confirmed that it was indeed him.

"It's too early to give up now; the reserve list hasn't been announced yet."

The submission time for 【Hunting】was relatively late, and Tian Xiaole is confident that it will be announced on the waiting list.

But Lao Tian didn't think so. He felt that Lao Tian was just unable to accept failure and was making excuses for himself.

"Keep a calm mindset..."

Tian Xiaole interrupted Lao Tian's words of comfort and asked in return:
"You've seen the film, and you also think it can't even get nominated?"

"【The Hunt】Deserves a major award, both in terms of its subject matter and quality," Lao Tian said without hesitation.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Tian Xiaole inquired about the filming progress. Finding that everything was going smoothly, he hung up the phone.

I just finished talking to Lao Tian.

Immediately afterwards, phone calls and text messages started pouring in.

Tian Xiaole was a little overwhelmed, as everyone was there to comfort him.

It was as if it had been destined.

Jiang Wen has a bad temper and has already started cursing.

"We're in the same boat. Those damn Cannes jury members are blind."

"It's too early to draw conclusions; the alternate list hasn't been released yet."

Although Tian Xiaole said this, he seemed a little unsure of himself, wondering if the film would not suit the judges' tastes and would be rejected.

"Haha, you're right to insist. How could our film be worse than others?"

Jiang Wen smiled and encouraged them, but with thousands of films submitted for review worldwide, getting shortlisted was incredibly difficult.

Ning Hao joked about himself.

"You've only lost once, and I haven't even seen what the award looks like yet..."

"I'm in a good mood, don't worry."

Tian Xiaole said with a smile that he might be disappointed about whether he could be shortlisted, but he wouldn't care too much.

···
Jing Tian was wearing a fitted cheongsam, her jet-black hair was styled in a bun, and she stared blankly at her phone keyboard with her fingers on it.

Upon learning that Tian Xiaole's film had not been nominated, she wanted to offer some words of comfort, but from childhood to adulthood, it was always others who comforted her, indulged her, and coaxed her.

For a moment, she didn't know how to comfort her.

After thinking for a while, I started typing on the keyboard.

"Brother Xiao Le, I took your advice. To improve my acting skills, I acted in the stage play 'Lust, Caution,' playing the role of Wang Jiazhi..."

The text message I typed contained no words of comfort, only my recent situation.

On the other side, Tian Xiaole, looking at the text message, smiled with relief.

Lu Zhen could still understand good and bad words, and in order to improve Jing Tian's acting skills, he directly hired the dean of the Central Academy of Drama to provide guidance.

Finally, he was invited to see a play.

The text messages kept coming in, but I didn't pay much attention to them. I'll fight again when I have another chance.

Suddenly, a group of self-reflection experts and critics emerged in the media.

"Chinese-language films have overemphasized commercial appeal, resulting in a lack of artistic merit."

"The collective rejection of Chinese films at the Cannes Film Festival is a consequence of excessive commercial pursuit. If we do not pay more attention to art films, there will be no more Chinese-language films at the three major European film festivals."

"..."

A group of media outlets interviewed directors who failed to be shortlisted.

When faced with reporters' questions, Jiang Wen did not admit defeat.

“Every year, Cannes submits more than 5,000 films, and the judges are always overwhelmed with choices. They can just come to another venue.”

The investment in "The Sun Also Rises" is too high. If it fails to be shortlisted for film festivals and wins prestigious awards, the copyright will not fetch a good price.

Box office revenue alone cannot fill the gap.

When interviewed by reporters, Wang Xiaoshuai gave a vague answer:
"I am unwilling to sacrifice quality for the sake of awards. Directors should hold themselves to the standards of the Palme d'Or."

Wang Xiaoshuai's argument received strong support from director Chen.

"As a director, every film I make should be modeled after 'Farewell My Concubine' in order to create an excellent work."

[Mei Lanfang] This film marks my return to biographical films, and I will prioritize quality...

These remarks have garnered widespread praise from netizens, who believe that commercial films are not suitable for Director Chen, and that returning to art films is his comfort zone.

“Ah Hong, after I finish filming this movie, I’ll take some time to write a script for Arthur and take you and your daughter to the film festival.”

Director Chen stroked his youngest son's head and said to Chen Hong with great conviction:
"Well, I believe you can do it."

Chen Hong nodded and nestled in Director Chen's arms.

The latter smiled, clearly enjoying the feeling of having both beauty and fame under her control.

A large number of media outlets and reporters gathered outside the Xiaole Pictures building.

Their most desired interviewee was Tian Xiaole, the youngest director to achieve success in both commercial and artistic fields.

Immediately, Zeng Li, Fan Binbin, Hu Jun, Wang Jinsong, Liu Yifei, and other actors who had either been his casual sex partners or had worked with him all sent him comforting text messages.

Han Sanping was direct, telling Tian Xiaole to give up art films and focus on commercial films, as the market needs more big projects to drive industry development.

Just two days later, in the afternoon local time in Cannes, the shortlist for the main competition was announced.

···
"Xiao Le, look at the official website, it's out, it's out!"

Tian Xiaole answered the phone in a daze and heard Ning Hao shouting excitedly.

"What came out?"

"The Cannes Film Festival nominees list is out, and your name is on it. Get up and take a look."

Tian Xiaole snapped out of her daze, rushed to the study without even putting on her clothes, and turned on the computer. The one minute it took to boot up felt like an eternity.

The pop-up notification boasted a boot speed that beat 95% of the nation's total, and Tian Xiaole almost couldn't resist smashing it.

Quickly open the Cannes Film Festival's official website; the latest post is the newly announced list of nominees for the main competition.

There are four parts in total, and Tian Xiaole's name is prominently featured in them.

[The Man from London], [The Old Mistress], [Silent Sunshine], [The Hunt]

It would be a lie to say I wasn't worried these past two days, after all, this is the only chance.

Tian Xiaole leaned back in her chair, let out a sigh of relief, and adjusted her mindset.

"Why are you staring at this list so late at night instead of sleeping?"

There is a 6-hour time difference between France and the capital, so the list was released in the afternoon there, but it's now the early hours of the morning.

"I was preparing for my new film when this message suddenly popped up on my computer, which startled me, haha."

Ning Hao was genuinely happy to see Tian Xiaole shortlisted.

"Get some rest. Movies don't have legs, they can't run away."

"How can you still sleep?"

"It's just being shortlisted, what's there to keep me up at night?"

Tian Xiaole yawned, still feeling dizzy from being woken up, and turned off her phone to go back to sleep.

It was late at night, but the media was in an uproar.

Major official media outlets and several major portal websites have repeatedly confirmed whether the information was correct.

The answer was confirmed: Tian Xiaole had registered too late and was now on the waiting list.

Thus, at the 60th Cannes Film Festival, a Chinese-language film was selected, avoiding the embarrassment of a complete failure.

Despite it being the early hours of the morning, the news of Tian Xiaole's inclusion as a substitute quickly took over the front pages of major media outlets, as if it had sprouted wings.

···
The next morning, Tian Xiaole woke up naturally at 10 a.m.

I stretched and opened the door to my room, and there I saw the old lady practicing Tai Chi in the yard.

Good morning, Grandma.

Good morning, Xiao Le.

The old lady finished her week of work and wiped away the fine sweat with a towel that was provided nearby.

"Even if a film is nominated, one should remain calm and avoid arrogance and impatience."

"Got it, grandma."

Tian Xiaole helped the old lady sit down on a chair to rest.

After chatting for a while and catching up on everyday things, the old lady patted Tian Xiaole's hand and said:
"Go ahead and get busy, I bet a lot of people are looking for you."

"Then let them wait. The important thing is to keep you company and chat with you."

"Haha, good, good..."

···
Looking at the announced list of substitutes, Jiang Wen smacked his lips.

I thought we were in the same boat, but it turns out I'm the clown.

Yinghuang also considered applying for a spot on the reserve list, but unfortunately failed.

At this moment, quite a few acquaintances and companies are contacting Tian Xiaole to express their congratulations.

"What does this kid mean? His phone is still switched off?"

Han Sanping tried calling again, but it still prompted him to shut down.

"Chairman Han, I guess Director Tian is trying to find some peace and quiet because he's been contacting too many people," the secretary reminded him.

Han Sanping nodded, a smile never leaving his face.

"Then let's not contact each other anymore, since China Film Group has a share in the film anyway."

Regardless of the film festival's outcome, the copyright prices for films that are nominated and those that are not are vastly different.

Almost the same group of people: Zeng Li, Fan Binbin, Hu Jun, Wang Jinsong, Liu Yifei, Gao Yuanyuan...

Friends with benefits or actors they had worked with all sent congratulatory text messages in unison.

With all other submitted films failing to advance, almost the entire Chinese-language film and television industry was drawn to the news of Tian Xiaole's nomination.

"In next year's enrollment brochure, move the page introducing Tian Xiaole up a bit more."

"There's no need to rush. If we keep bringing it up, we'll surpass Wang Quan'an, who won the Golden Lion."

In the Beijing Film Academy's office area, everyone was excitedly discussing Tian Xiaole's nomination.

The other teachers were a little envious of Wang Jinsong. Everyone else was just coasting along at school, but he was suddenly going to walk the red carpet at the 60th Cannes Film Festival.

"Old Wang, are you confident you can win Best Actor? The school will celebrate with you."

Whether I can win an award depends on the judges' preferences. I'll just go with a learning mindset.

Wang Jinsong smiled and shook his head. Although he had watched the video and felt that he had performed perfectly, the dean's words were too much to ask.

Moreover, this year marks the 60th anniversary of Cannes, making the competition extremely fierce.

"Vice President Wang, it's time to prepare your outfit for the Cannes red carpet."

"Haha, it's time to think about it."

Today at Beijing Film Academy, the discussion revolved around Tian Xiaole, a graduate student at the school.

How to bump into this senior by chance next time became the focus of the students' conversation.

At a martial arts school, Liu Yifei, who was training for "King of Kung Fu," had just finished performing a set of moves with great enthusiasm.

"Sisi, that senior from your school is really amazing. He was nominated in the end and became the only Chinese film nominated for Cannes."

Liu Xiaoli handed a towel to her beloved daughter and said with great emotion.

Then he added, "You've acted in Director Tian's films, remember to congratulate him on his film being nominated, and learn how to interact with people."

"Mom~"

Liu Yifei stopped wiping her sweat and muttered in dissatisfaction.

Although she had sent a congratulatory message long ago, it was just a normal blessing between friends.

Backstage at the Capital Bayi Theater.

Jing Tian sat in front of the makeup mirror, looking very happy with a smile on her face.

"Tian Tian, ​​Tian Tao has been shortlisted for Cannes Film Festival. Remember to send her a congratulatory message and maintain your relationship."
Lu Zhen smiled and gave her instructions, unaware that the smile on Jing Tian's face had disappeared.

"Uncle Lu, what exactly is this relationship you're talking about?"

“You call him Brother Xiao Le, and he’s also your proctor, so you have a pretty close relationship.”

Lu Zhen didn't think too much about it and spoke truthfully.

"I'm not talking to you anymore, I'm going to do my makeup first. Xiao Le... Senior Brother Tian is coming to see my performance."

"What? Director Tian is coming later? Tian Tian, ​​you'd better do your best. This is your chance to show off your improved acting skills."

Lu Zhen exclaimed in surprise and gave a word of advice.

Although he has money, he can't find a suitable project for Jing Tian for the time being, and he's anxious about it.

"understood."

Jing Tian let the makeup artist apply makeup to her delicate, fair face, but her mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts.

"Could they really be treating me like a little sister?"
snort!
I don't want to be a little sister!

Jing Tian muttered to herself.

···
Tian Xiaole had lunch with the old lady before packing up and leaving.

I promised Jingtian I would go see her play.

When I arrived, the performance was about to start.

The theater, with 400 seats, was about 80% full, presumably due to the low ticket prices.

Jing Tian, ​​who was preparing backstage, was somewhat absent-minded and didn't wait for the person she wanted to come.

After being notified by the staff, she adjusted her mindset and began today's performance.

Jing Tian's portrayal of Wang Jiazhi perfectly captures the character's pure and noble temperament.

The stage play version of "Lust, Caution" downplays the eroticism and emphasizes national sentiment.

Jing Tian's performance is more subtle, relying more on body language, and her lines lack tension.

The nuances of the characters' inner thoughts still need to be refined.

This was my first time working on a stage play, and it wasn't for very long, but it was a decent debut performance.

After the performance, the audience gave it a warm round of applause.

The actors on stage bowed to take their final bow.

Jing Tian noticed the expectant figure in the audience.

In an instant, a lot of thoughts raced through her mind: Did she make any mistakes in her performance? Did her senior brother Tian like the performance?
Led by staff, Tian Xiaole arrived backstage.

Jing Tian, ​​still wearing her makeup and cheongsam, jogged up to greet him.

She asked expectantly, "Senior Brother Tian, ​​how was my performance?"

Upon hearing this title, Tian Xiaole frowned slightly, but still praised him:

"The acting was good, and it fit the character's temperament very well."

"With your words, all the hard work I've done these past few days has been worthwhile."

Jing Tian smiled happily, her face showing shallow dimples, her eyes narrowing into crescent shapes, she was very pleased.

"Why are you calling me Senior Brother Tian instead of Brother Xiao Le?" Tian Xiao Le asked.

"I...I don't want to be your sister~"

Jing Tian spoke very softly, and Tian Xiaole had to lean closer to hear her clearly.

Looking at the girl in front of me, because she was wearing a cheongsam, she had an ethereal and elegant air about her, both classical and graceful.

Her bright, clear eyes were more lively, her features were delicate, and her demeanor exuded an innate confidence and grace.

"I never said I wanted you to be my sister."

The two were very close; Jing Tian's large eyes and fair, delicate skin were almost touching.

"Cough, cough."

Congratulations to Tian for being nominated for the Cannes Film Festival.

Lu Zhen appeared out of nowhere and said expressionlessly.

The two of them, as if they were doing something wrong, each took a half-step back.

"Thank you, Mr. Lu."

Tian Xiaole, being thick-skinned, quickly adjusted.

"I'm going to remove my makeup first."

Jing Tian hurriedly left, feeling a bit hot; she had been too close to him earlier.

(End of this chapter)