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

Chapter 215 Every country has its laws, and every industry has its rules. The local forces are really too impolite. (Seeking monthly votes)

"The crime-themed co-production film 'New World,' jointly produced by Ruishijie and Yinghuang, has been officially launched today."

"The story of 'New Vision' mainly revolves around undercover agent Li Zicheng, who assists the police in cracking down on the gangster group 'Golden Gate.' Just when he thought his undercover career was over, his superior, Chief Jiang, repeatedly threatened him to continue his undercover work to complete the 'New World' plan... The death of his elder brother, Ding Qing, made him realize the reality of being a pawn, and he ultimately chose to defect."

"The casting for 'New World' has been completed. The film will star Hu Jun, Ning Li, and Wang Yanhui, with Yu Feihong, Lin Jiadong, Qin Pei, Zeng Jiang, Nicholas Tse, and others in supporting roles."

...

There has been considerable information leaked about this new project involving Ruishijie and Yinghuang.

After all, the casting process was open to the entire mainland and Hong Kong, so how could it be kept secret?
At first, no one thought much of it, simply because the project was directed by a newcomer, Lu Yang, and the investment was only 3000 million RMB.

Compared to other films invested in by Yinghuang, such as "Rob-B-Hood" and "The Sun Also Rises," "New World" is simply not worth mentioning.

Jackie Chan's "Rob-B-Hood" had an investment cost of HK$1 million.

The production cost of "The Sun Also Rises" was 6000 million RMB.

Looking at "New World," although 3000 million is not a small amount in the current film market, the production companies, Ruishijie and Yinghuang, are well-known "rich people" in the industry, spending money like water.

Therefore, many people believe that this project is likely just the first attempt at cooperation between the two parties.

As for the other reason, it's probably just to give Lu Yang practice and help Rui Vision cultivate new directors.

Just like Zhao Peng and Shen Ao back then, they were nurtured by Lü Rui through low-budget film projects.

But to everyone's surprise, this project, which had not attracted the attention of investors in the industry, actually caused a huge stir after its official debut!

Mainland actors in leading roles? Veteran Hong Kong stars in supporting roles?
This is an extremely rare sight in the current film market!

After all, Hong Kong's entertainment circle has always been arrogant and looked down on mainland actors.

Even though the Hong Kong film industry has been crippled since the "Infernal Affairs" film series, this situation remains unchanged.

Nowadays, most Hong Kong films, or co-productions between mainland China and Hong Kong, feature Hong Kong and Taiwanese artists as the main characters.

As for playing supporting roles to mainland actors, that's currently a "taboo" in the Hong Kong entertainment circle!

The cast of "New World" is also unprecedented for a co-production between the two regions.

Most importantly, although Ning Li and Wang Yanhui, the main guests, are both talented, they are not well-known and are only slightly famous in certain circles, not to the general public.

Yet, this lineup became one of the top three.

This is unbelievable for both the mainland and Hong Kong film and television industries!

The term "fan wei" (番位) first appeared in the Japanese film and television industry, referring to the order in which actors appear in promotional materials and in film and television dramas.

The first actor listed is the actor who appears first in the cast list, followed by the second and third actors, and then the supporting actors.

If a TV series or film performs well, the lead actor will enjoy the main credit; however, if the series performs poorly, the lead actor will also bear the main responsibility.

When this term was introduced to China from the Japanese film and television industry, it was first used by the Hong Kong and Taiwan film and television industries before spreading to mainland China.

The actors are fiercely competing for top billing!

Just like Zhang Ziyi, who played "Empress Wan" in "The Banquet", and Zhou Xun, who played "Qing Nu", more than a year has passed since the movie started filming and is about to be released, but they are still arguing over who should be the lead actress.

Now, the sudden turn of events in "New World" is truly unexpected.

On Huayi's side, Wang Zhonglei, watching the news, exclaimed with great emotion, "Ruishijie is truly capable!"

If it were him, he wouldn't have the confidence to push this project through.

Huayi Brothers has collaborated with the Hong Kong film industry on many projects, including the upcoming film "A Battle of Wits".

But the protagonist of this movie is Liu Dehua.

As for Huayi Brothers' own artists, they can only appear in supporting roles, and even Fan Bingbing is only a third-billed actor.

That's why he was so surprised by the collaboration between Ruishijie and Yinghuang!
What are people in the Hong Kong entertainment circle really thinking?

When did Yang Shoucheng become so easy to talk to?
"Let's see how it goes. If this project succeeds, we can learn from it next time." Wang Zhongjun didn't seem to care too much about it.

During this period, he has been in contact with companies such as Alibaba's Ma Yun, Taihe Real Estate's Wang Wei, Yonyou's Wang Wenjing, TOM Group, and China Renaissance.

Through Ma Yun's introduction, he gradually got to know Lu Weiding, Yu Feng, Jiang Nanchun, and others.

These individuals have already committed to investing in Huayi Brothers, helping the company embark on its IPO journey, and profiting from the process.

Which businessman isn't ambitious?

After analysis, this group of investors concluded that as long as Huayi can go public, there will be great benefits and the profits will be substantial!

Therefore, Wang Zhongjun simply handed over the film and television business entirely to Wang Zhonglei, while he himself turned his attention to other areas.

He felt that relying solely on "film and television" was not a solid enough foundation for an IPO and that the risks were too great.

What if the company has just finished several rounds of financing and is preparing for an IPO, and then suddenly another situation like Wang Jinghua's defection occurs? Wouldn't all their efforts be in vain?

Therefore, after much discussion and analysis, he made a bold decision.

Starting today, Huayi will gradually embark on a journey of "moving away from film and television as the sole focus" and move towards a more diversified direction, taking steps to create a new future!

...

Other companies in the industry were naturally unaware of Huayi Brothers' ambitious plans; at that moment, everyone was still discussing the casting and follow-up of "New World".

"The appearance of this cast should be considered as completely tearing away the fig leaf of Hong Kong entertainment industry, right?"

"Not only that, it has also significantly reduced their 'status within the industry'."

"I feel that the success rate of this project between Ruishijie and Yinghuang is definitely not low."

"China Film Group can give Yinghuang some preferential policies in the future. Yang Shoucheng's affinity for the mainland is very commendable and worth promoting."

"The screenwriter is Director Lui. After he won the Best Director award at the Hong Kong Film Awards, he seemed to be isolated by the Hong Kong film industry. So, could the establishment of this project be related to past grievances?"

If the mainland audience reacted with curiosity, shock, suspicion, and astonishment, then the Hong Kong entertainment circle's first impression of the casting for "New World" was: anger! Complaint! Utter dissatisfaction!
During an internal meeting within the Hong Kong entertainment circle, a senior figure slammed his fist on the table and angrily rebuked, his tone full of indignation: "What on earth is wrong with this Yang Shoucheng? How could he agree to do such a project!"

Xiang Huaqiang sat to the side, his tone complicated: "It's obvious that it's driven by profit."

As soon as he finished speaking, the conference room fell silent for a moment.

Not long ago, "The Sun Also Rises" sold its copyright for a high price at Cannes. With its awards and connections with Jiang Wen and China Film Group, Yinghuang became the talk of the town in Hong Kong.

Expanding into the mainland market, collaborating with top mainland directors, and making huge profits from projects—which company wouldn't be envious of such a good deal?
Xiang Huaqiang himself was also very tempted, and had even made a decision.

Next, he must also hurry up and expand into the mainland market.

As the old saying goes, "He who is ahead in one step will be ahead in every step." Hong Kong cinema is visibly declining, and clinging to old ways is simply courting disaster.

Yinghuang and Anle are both making great strides into the mainland market and have achieved remarkable results.

If these observers continue to hesitate, they will likely end up like Jiahe, being acquired by Orange Sky.

"But we can't let mainland actors outshine us!" another veteran actor retorted indignantly. "If word gets out, where will we, the Hong Kong entertainment circle, put our faces?"

Everyone turned to look at him, though no one said a word, each with their own calculations.

Can you eat your face?
Looking at Golden Harvest's current predicament and then at the resources Yinghuang has acquired, everyone can judge for themselves which is more important.

In recent years, the Hong Kong film market has continued to shrink, with fewer and fewer good scripts and resources available. Many artists have started to move to the mainland, but very few have been able to establish themselves there.

Yinghuang's seemingly "concession" has actually secured its entry into the collaboration with Ruishijie.

Everyone knows how many good projects Lü Rui has in his hands. Getting in touch with him is much more useful than protecting his so-called "face".

But no one dares to say these things out loud.

After all, just two years ago everyone was determined to join forces to counter the mainland, and said they would rely on mainland projects and resources to support their own people and cultivate the next generation.

If I were to say now, "I can't take it anymore, I want to give in," wouldn't I be contradicting myself?

Everyone had their own thoughts, but the old stubborn ones didn't care about any of that. All they could think about was how they had lost face and they had to make up for it.

Seeing that no one responded, someone turned to Wu Yu and said, "Other companies don't have any new projects right now. Didn't you collaborate with China Film Group on 'Red Cliff'? You can't follow Yang Shoucheng's example!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yu immediately sat up straight and said decisively, "Don't worry, everyone! I've already decided on the core cast for 'Red Cliff,' all of them are Hong Kong and Taiwan artists, and at most, a few mainland actors will be assigned to supporting roles."

I will never allow mainland actors to overshadow Hong Kong actors; I will definitely uphold our bottom line!

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the old men at the table immediately softened considerably, and they nodded repeatedly: "That's more like it!"

"But what about 'New World'? We can't just let them mess things up like this, can we?" someone else asked, their tone filled with resentment.

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone chimed in: "Exactly! If mainland actors are the main stars and Hong Kong stars are the supporting ones, will Hong Kong's entertainment industry still have a place in the future?"

Mei Ya's Li Ruxing frowned and added, "I received news that Yang Shoucheng specifically asked many people to 'take care' of 'New World' and not cause any trouble for the project."

"Take care of him? Nonsense! Yang Shoucheng is simply a traitor to the Hong Kong entertainment circle!" An old man with white hair slammed his fist on the table, his voice trembling with anger. "Has he forgotten what he said back then?"

Didn't he attend the meeting where everyone was banding together to resist the mainland film and television industry? Now, for the sake of profit, he's even throwing away the dignity of his ancestors?

Lin Jianyue of Media Asia frowned and deliberately stirred up trouble: "I remember he hardly expressed any opinions at the time. I guess he had already decided to move closer to the mainland and stay away from Hong Kong."

Now they've even opened a company in mainland China for operations, and they're even getting Hong Kong actors to play supporting roles for mainland actors—that's a very clear signal.

The group was all talking at once, venting their frustrations.

Wang Chia-wei, however, sat calmly in the corner, pondering how to shoot his new film.

Although this trip to Cannes tarnished my reputation a bit, it also earned me a lot of goodwill.

As a result, a French company is preparing to invite him to make an English-language film, saying that it can help him open up the international market.

If all goes well, he might even be able to replace Wu Yu before he directed "The Wind Guardians" and become an internationally renowned director.

Just as he was lost in thought, Huang Baiming sneered: "Alright, stop being angry. What's done is done, there's no point in saying anything now."

However, it won't be so easy for them to film in Hong Kong, after all, this is our territory.

I know quite a few people in venue management and the labor union. I'll give them a heads-up and make sure they 'follow the rules,' delaying the approval of the venue and the coordination of equipment. That'll teach them a lesson they won't forget.

"That's right! We're not mute, why should we let them have it so easily?"

"I also know a few media friends. I'll write more articles like 'Mainland actors overshadow Hong Kong stars, co-productions become dominated by the mainland' to stir up public opinion!"

"And the extras in the film crew, I've asked the union to send over more 'rule-abiding' people to cause them some trouble at crucial moments!"

In an instant, the people in the conference room echoed each other, offering suggestions one after another, and the originally dull atmosphere became intense.

Everyone was determined to cause trouble for "New World" and make sure this project, which they felt was "insulting to Hong Kong entertainment," was successfully launched.

Even though they know that Hong Kong films are declining, they are unwilling to easily give up their pitiful sense of superiority.

……

With so many people talking, the news that the Hong Kong entertainment circle was trying to sabotage "New World" spread in less than half a day.

Lu Rui received the news immediately.

However, before he could figure out a solution, Yang Shoucheng called first: "Director Lü, don't worry, with Yinghuang here, they won't cause any trouble in Hong Kong. I've already made arrangements for the venue and equipment, and they will definitely not delay the progress."

Holding his phone, Lü Rui said in a relaxed tone, "Then I'll have to trouble Chairman Yang to take care of things. We'll need your help with the crew's affairs in Hong Kong."

"Don't worry, Director Lü, there won't be any problems!"

After hanging up the phone, Lü Rui threw it on the table, curled his lip in disdain, and said, "If you can't compete, you resort to dirty tricks. How tasteless."

After saying that, he looked up at Lu Yang, who was standing to the side, and instructed him: "When you go to Hong Kong, follow Yinghuang's arrangements in everything, and always prioritize your own safety..."

Don't be afraid, they can't cause any trouble. They're just a bunch of rats in the gutter, they'll never amount to anything.

Lu Yang nodded, but still couldn't help but complain: "Every country has its laws, and every industry has its rules. Those local forces in Hong Kong are really too impolite."

"We went to Hong Kong to film, hoping to generate buzz and promote collaborations for them. How did that turn out to be 'harming' them? This group's logic is truly bizarre."

"Hahaha." Lu Rui waved his hand. "A bunch of guys blinded by greed. It's not worth getting angry with them. Just ignore them."

After giving a few brief instructions, Lu Yang turned and left to finalize the details of starting filming for "New World".

Lü Rui was left alone in the office.

He sat back down at his computer, opened the script document for "Pacific Rim," and stared into deep thought as he looked at the completed script outline.

He didn't want to make this film into a fast-food commercial movie.

A $2 million investment shouldn't just result in a short-lived visual spectacle.

As he pondered, a bold idea gradually became clear in his mind.

Could we expand the story's background to create a complete narrative chain... or perhaps, create a vast science fiction cinematic universe?

After pondering for a long time, Lü Rui finally typed a string of words on the keyboard:
By linking together a science fiction cinematic universe through a phenomenon of anomalous solar activity, a complete narrative chain is constructed, from crisis warnings to the survival of civilization...

(End of this chapter)