It's reasonable for me to be a three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director and an all-around

Chapter 161 The Wise Heart of Lü Sima Zhao, Unaware to the Public? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Kunming, Yunnan.

Several of the main filming locations for "Soldiers Sortie" were set here.

For example, the garrison of the Seventh Steel Company, the village where Xu Sanduo grew up, and the barracks of the Fifth Platoon on the grassland...

Before September, Ruishijie's "Crossing the Guandong" and the newly launched "Soldiers' Assault" received almost no media attention.

Most people's attention is focused on their film projects.

But ever since Hairun's "Bright Sword" became a hit, the industry has suddenly realized: military and war themes actually have such a broad audience base!

As long as the first run gets good reviews and ratings, there's no need to worry about subsequent runs!

As a result, many media outlets suddenly had high expectations for "Soldiers Sortie," so much so that many reporters came to the press conference to mark the start of filming.

"This is director Kang Honglei, and this is screenwriter Lan Xiaolong..."

On set, Hou Hongliang was introducing the behind-the-scenes creative team of the film crew to Lü Rui.

The actors were all there, but they were all waiting on the sidelines. No one dared to interrupt; they could only wait for the big shots to finish their conversation before they could go up and say hello.

"Director Kang, Teacher Lan, thank you both for your hard work these past few days."

Lü Rui took the initiative to extend his hand in greeting.

To my shame, this was his first public appearance after several months of project preparation.

To put it nicely, it's about giving Hou Hongliang more authority and trusting the creative team's abilities.

To put it bluntly, they didn't take this project very seriously...

However, no one objected to this.

He's a big-name director who's managed projects worth over 100 million yuan and just made over 300 million yuan at the box office, so it's perfectly normal for him to look down on a TV series with an investment of only 10 million yuan.

"It's a real honor to meet Director Lü on the first day of filming today. It puts my mind at ease immediately..."

Kang Honglei is quick-witted and doesn't hold back on flattery.

Lan Xiaolong, on the other hand, is a bit clumsy with words, being a writer.

But Lü Rui did not overlook the latter, because he was well aware of the importance of a good screenwriter, which was the foundation for the company to produce high-quality dramas steadily.

After a brief chat, the actors who were waiting nearby came over at the opportune moment.

Seeing this, Kang Honglei smiled and introduced them one by one: "Director Lü, this is Wang Baoqiang, who plays Xu Sanduo; this is Chen Sicheng, who plays Cheng Cai; this is Duan Yihong, who plays Yuan Lang; and this is Zhang Yi, who plays Shi Jin..."

Several people stepped forward one by one and respectfully shook hands with Lü Rui to greet him.

Wang Baoqiang seemed a little reserved, rubbing his hand on the hem of his clothes before extending it, with a simple and honest smile on his face: "Hello, Director Lü, I am Wang Baoqiang."

Lu Rui grasped his hand, his tone filled with genuine appreciation: "I've seen your films 'Blind Shaft' and 'A World Without Thieves,' and your performances were excellent."

Wang Baoqiang blushed at the praise and waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "It's just ordinary, nothing special."

"Haha, act well. You're the male lead in this drama, and you'll be responsible for most of the ratings."

Lu Rui patted his shoulder lightly, glanced at Song Zhe standing next to him out of the corner of his eye, and cursed under his breath: "You bastard!"
If the right opportunity arises...

"Director Lü, do you smoke?"

Chen Sicheng, who had been standing to the side, suddenly took out a pack of cigarettes and was about to light one for Lü Rui.

"Thank you, I don't smoke."

Looking at him, Lü Rui couldn't help but want to laugh.

When Hou Hongliang was talking about casting for "Soldiers Sortie," he mentioned that there was a guy named Chen Sicheng who would take out cigarettes and hand them out to people as soon as he entered the room.

When asked later, he said he came to audition for the role of Xu Sanduo.

Kang Honglei was delighted and immediately decided to cast him as "Chengcai".

Compared to Xu Sanduo's dullness, honesty, and simplicity, Cheng Cai's character is more clever, realistic, and pragmatic.

Chen Sicheng's personality is perfect for the role.

"You don't want to smoke? Okay then."

Chen Sicheng wasn't embarrassed at all, and then he started offering cigarettes to Kang Honglei, Lan Xiaolong, Hou Hongliang and the others.

Although Duan Yihong and Zhang Yi, who were standing to the side, were not as eager to show off as he was, they were careful with their words and tried to leave a good impression on Lü Rui.

Ten minutes later, Hou Hongliang glanced at the time and said, "It's almost time. Shall we go prepare for the opening ceremony?"

“Okay.” Lü Rui replied, and walked towards the offering table with Kang Honglei and Lan Xiaolong.

The actors and the main creative team followed closely behind, and the reporters quickly raised their cameras, all pointing their lenses at the group.

The opening ceremony was very simple, just the usual procedures of burning incense and unveiling the curtain, and it was over in no time.

As soon as the ceremony ended, reporters swarmed around Lü Rui like a tidal wave, instantly surrounding him and bombarding him with questions:

"Director Lü, what are Ruishijie's upcoming TV series plans?"

Will you focus on movies or continue working on TV series?

"I heard that 'Taken' has performed very well at the North American box office. Will you be going to Hollywood soon to participate in promotional activities?"

Surrounded by people, Lü Rui patiently responded selectively, with flashes of light going off all around him.

Chen Sicheng, who had been squeezed to the back, watched this scene with undisguised envy in his eyes, muttering to himself, "Being a director is still glamorous!"

Wang Baoqiang, standing next to him, nodded in agreement and honestly added, "That's for sure. He's both an investor and a director. Although he's younger than us, he's much more capable!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Sicheng subconsciously gritted his teeth, his tone filled with a defiant spirit: "No way, one day I'll be a director too, and enjoy this feeling of being the center of attention!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Baoqiang smiled憨厚ly and said, "Then I wish you success."

He agreed verbally, but he was secretly pondering it in his heart.

As an extra who came from humble beginnings, I feel like I've been blessed by the gods to get to where I am today!

There were so many extras outside Hengdian and Beijing Film Studio, but he was the one who was chosen. He was incredibly lucky!

I wonder if this luck will last and allow me to try being a director someday?
……

"The military-themed drama 'Soldiers' Sortie,' co-produced by Ruishijie and August First Film Studio, officially started filming in Kunming today."

Director Lü Rui appeared at the press conference for the start of filming of "Soldiers Sortie" to announce his latest schedule, which includes a trip to Hollywood to promote "Taken".

With its success in film, television, and animation, Lü Rui revealed for the first time Rui Vision's future development plan, aiming to become a comprehensive film and animation company.

"Lü Rui discusses the drawbacks of film and television production companies and artist management..."

With the start of filming for the new drama, press releases are being issued continuously online.

Lu Rui didn't stay long at the "Soldiers Sortie" crew. After instructing Hou Hongliang to keep an eye on the project's progress, he took his driver to the "The Sun Also Rises" crew next door.

Both film crews were shooting in Kunming, not far from each other.

To his surprise, as soon as he arrived at the film set, he saw the crew packing up their things, seemingly preparing to move to another location and leave.

He walked over to Jiang Wen and asked curiously, "Is filming wrapping up?"

"No, we're just moving to the next filming location," Jiang Wen replied while busy.

How much longer will it take to film?

"It's hard to say, maybe three or four months?"

"..."

Lu Rui remained silent for a moment.

He was truly convinced.

The filming period for "The Sun Also Rises" is quite long; it's been over three months and there's still no break in filming.

Judging from what Jiang Wen said, it seems like filming might not take until the second half of next year!

"Okay, you go ahead with your work. I just came to say hello and have to catch my flight."

Not wanting to cause any more trouble, Lü Rui prepared to leave.

However, Jiang Wen suddenly called out to him, "Hey, there's something I need to tell you."

Lu Rui turned around curiously: "What is it?"

Jiang Wen looked up at him, a smile playing on his lips, and asked in return, "You were the one who supported Lu Chuan behind the plagiarism lawsuit, weren't you? And that nickname netizens gave him, 'Lu the Plagiarist,' was that something you pushed for?"

Lu Rui, of course, wouldn't admit it, and laughed it off, changing the subject: "Director Jiang, what are you talking about? I don't know."

Jiang Wen smiled and didn't press the matter further, since any remaining goodwill he had for Lu Chuan had long since vanished.

To be honest, this guy is pretty stubborn.

Even while embroiled in legal trouble, he still spoke out in the media, saying that "Kekexili" was of great significance, and even brought up topics of human greed and the nobility of life, believing that the second trial would prove his innocence... But not a single netizen believed him.

According to the unearthed materials, he plagiarized not just one documentary, but a total of three!
Lu Rui laughed when he saw it; it was the first time he had ever seen someone so reckless.

Jiang Wen's tone suddenly turned serious: "I don't care whether you're the one plotting behind this or not, you still have to be careful."

That kid has a lot of influence behind him. Before you came along, he was on a similar path to you: making movies, winning awards, boosting box office, wanting to become a leading figure among the seventh generation of directors, and even trying to emulate Zhang Yimou by making official projects, such as the Olympics.

But by showing yourself, you've directly blocked his path. Given his character, he might get jealous and retaliate. You have to be very careful.

Jiang Wen had recently received some information, which is why he specifically gave these instructions.

Lu Rui was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "Okay, Director Jiang, don't worry, I will be careful."

He knew perfectly well that he could stop Lu Chuan for a while, but not forever.

Given their family background, they are destined not to fall easily.

But this does not mean he is afraid!

He'd deal with whatever came his way, and he wanted to see just how much trouble that guy could cause.

Let's stop talking about Lu Chuan here.

"I'm leaving now. Let's get together again after you finish filming." Lü Rui waved his hand and made to leave.

"Don't rush," Jiang Wen changed the subject, curiously asking, "Is there any indication that your script has passed censorship?"

Lu Rui didn't hide anything: "Thanks to you, Grandpa Xie Jin has been a great help, and there are other people helping to coordinate as well. At the latest, by the end of next month, there should be hope."

Hearing this, Jiang sighed with emotion: "You still have to make high-grossing movies! If you achieve success, the higher-ups will value you and be willing to speak up for you in crucial moments, and they'll turn a blind eye to some taboos..."

As he spoke, he suddenly remembered the movie "Devils on the Doorstep" from back then, and felt a pang of resentment.

Those five years of being blacklisted still feel like a betrayal to me now.

At this moment, Lü Rui suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "I saw that censorship document when I went to Director Tian's house the other day. By the way, why didn't you ask for a copy to keep?"

Jiang Wen's face darkened: "How could I not go? I went several times and was scolded and sent away! Damn it, those old bastards are quite cunning. Later, they even tried to take back the documents from Lao Tian's hands, but Lao Tian pointed his finger at them and scolded them instead."

"Hahahaha." Lu Rui couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Jiang Wen smiled and then said seriously, "To be honest, if your script is successful, I think it could win a big award."

Lu Rui sighed: "I hope so."

In fact, he felt there was a chance, and the probability was not small, but he didn't dare to guarantee it.

When it comes to winning awards, unless you're like Li An, who specifically targets the judges' preferences in his topic selection and uses some unusual and ingenious techniques in terms of subject matter, you'll be less likely to succeed.

Otherwise, they will ultimately have to rely on follow-up operations, public relations, and efforts to gain more support.

After all, awards are never just about the work itself.

"Alright, I won't keep you from catching your flight." Jiang Wen waved his hand. "Remember to let me know when you hear about the approval."

"No problem," Lü Rui replied, turning and getting into the car.

……

The plane to Hollywood took off smoothly. During the flight, Lü Rui opened his laptop and worked on his script while continuing to write.

With most things settled down, it's time to move on to writing the script for Twilight.

We've had the copyright for almost a year, but we haven't done anything about it yet, which is a real waste.

Meanwhile, while he was busy, undercurrents were swirling within the crew of "Sunny Sisters".

It's hard to have peace when a group of actresses get together.

Even a six-person dormitory in university can be divided into more than a dozen "factions," let alone a world of fame and fortune like the entertainment industry.
The 14 actresses are divided into two groups, one for middle-aged actresses and the other for younger actresses, and various scenes of factionalism and cliques quietly unfold...

Liu Yifei, the female lead, is alright.

Everyone knows that she is Lu Rui's favorite, and with the added prestige of being the female lead in "Taken," which grossed 3.7 million yuan, no one would easily offend her unless they are foolish.

Moreover, she has a gentle personality, never causes trouble, and is not arrogant. She has also worked with Jing Tian, ​​Shu Chang, and Jiang Xin, and they have a very harmonious relationship.

As for Tang Yan and Wang Ou, although it was their first time working together, the latter two were very clear about their positions and never dared to be presumptuous in front of her.

The trouble mainly stemmed from Fan Bingbing and Huo Siyan.

These two are both from Huayi Brothers, and they constantly compete with each other within the company. On set, they are even more at odds.

More importantly, none of them are pushovers; they all want to win Liu Yifei over and use her influence on the set to put pressure on each other.

The main reason is that after only a few days of filming, the crew figured out the trick.

Director Zhao Peng's attitude towards Liu Yifei was completely different from his attitude towards others!
Others would be scolded if they didn't meet the standards, but even if Liu Yifei made a mistake, he would always guide her patiently and kindly, never showing a cold face.

This made everyone even more convinced of her special status in the crew, and they naturally showed her all sorts of goodwill and closeness on a daily basis.

This afternoon, when she finished work early, Fan Bingbing brought over a bag of imported fruit and smiled as she handed it to Liu Yifei, saying, "Yifei, try this. A friend brought it from abroad. It's especially sweet."

As she spoke, she glanced at Huo Siyan not far away out of the corner of her eye, her tone carrying a hint of deliberate intimacy: "You acted really well in that scene this afternoon. I can't imitate that look in your eyes. You'll have to teach me sometime."

Liu Yifei did not refuse, accepted the fruit, and smiled politely: "Thank you, Sister Bingbing, but I was just guessing. You have more experience than me, so I should be asking you for advice."

Just then, Huo Siyan suddenly brought over a cup of hot milk tea and said, "Yifei, I just bought this hot cocoa, let me warm your hands."

"Thank you, Sister Siyan." Liu Yifei maintained her smile.

Both of them were much older than her, so it was fine for them to call her "sister".

"Oh?" Seeing this, Fan Bingbing said with a forced smile, "Siyan is quite thoughtful."

"Of course, Yifei is the backbone of our crew, and her acting skills are excellent..."

Huo Siyan showered Liu Yifei with compliments.

"How could it be as good as Sister Siyan's explanation? There are many things I don't understand either, and I still need to ask you two for advice."

Liu Yifei knew perfectly well that these two were constantly getting close to her simply because they wanted to use her influence on the set to overshadow the other.

But she deliberately avoided the topic, remaining polite and distant to everyone.

When discussing work, they talk about the play normally... but when it comes to personal matters, she always finds an excuse to leave.

During her breaks, she would either chat and laugh with Jing Tian and Shu Chang, or she would curl up in a corner and read the script by herself, never giving the two of them a chance to come over alone.

For example, right now, seeing the two of them gathered around her again, she made up an excuse and slipped away.

"I almost forgot, Director Zhao said he wants to go over tomorrow's scenes. I'll go find him first, you guys chat."

After saying that, she got up and left without giving them any chance.

In front of Lü Rui, she always habitually let down her guard, speaking with a touch of naive innocence, her eyes curving into crescents when she smiled, just like a little girl who hadn't grown up.

But in front of others, she's more shrewd than anyone else when it comes to scheming!

My current collaboration with Fan Bingbing and Huo Siyan is just a one-time event. Once this production team disbands, the next one might be a competition for resources. There's no need to be overly sincere in trying to get close to them.

As she walked briskly away, Fan Bingbing and Huo Siyan exchanged a glance, their smiles vanishing instantly, and a chill filled the air.

In terms of presence and status, Huo Siyan is naturally no match for Fan Bingbing, one of the "Double Bing" actresses who has already established herself in the industry.

But ever since she joined Huayi, the Wang brothers, Zhongjun and Zhonglei, have valued her highly, so she has gained some confidence by "borrowing the tiger's power".

Fan Bingbing knew exactly what was going on, so she didn't rush to break off relations, but patiently waited.

Waiting for an opportunity to extend a foot and make Huo Siyan fall hard enough!
On the other side, Zhao Peng sat behind the monitor, reviewing today's footage.

How could he possibly miss these undercurrents within the film crew?
But in his view, as long as it doesn't delay the filming schedule or cause an irreconcilable conflict, he can just turn a blind eye and let it pass.

He knows the rules of this industry all too well.

Moreover, both Fan Bingbing and Huo Siyan are shrewd and know how to behave.

Of course, all of this is on the premise that no one provokes Liu Yifei!
Zhao Peng has been working alongside Lü Rui since 2001, so he knows his boss's thoughts all too well.

The fact that Liu Yifei has been able to take on leading or important supporting roles in one film project after another launched by Ruishijie is a very clear signal.

This girl is very likely to be the future "sister-in-law," the boss's wife. He'd better keep a close eye on her.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smack his lips.

When filming "Mystic River" back then, Lü Rui brought Liu Yifei along... until 05, when he became her boss and even wrote a script for her as a birthday gift.

They said it was to promote her, but in reality...

Zhao Peng shook his head and cursed inwardly, "What a beast!"

He's been eyeing that young girl since 2002!
Fortunately, this matter hadn't become common knowledge, otherwise Lü Rui would definitely have earned the reputation of a modern-day "Sima Zhao" (a notorious traitor).

His intentions were crystal clear!
(End of this chapter)