I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

Chapter 60: Rant of Certain Directors
"Director Cheng, would you like to say a few words?"

The host handed the microphone to Cheng Sheng, who was standing in the center position.

Cheng Sheng took the microphone, thanked the host, then took two steps forward and said with a smile, "I'm actually quite surprised by the film's box office success. When the film was being made, my biggest wish was to recoup the costs and not let the investors lose money..."

"Director Cheng is too modest. He didn't mean to lose money. He's making a killing right now."

One of the guests sitting below replied.

“In the past, historical films were considered an obscure subject, and few directors would touch them because every film they made would lose money, which made this type of film even rarer.”

"I was lucky to succeed this time, but it's not my personal success. It's the audience who made me who I am. So, I am very grateful to the audience who like my movies. Without them, I wouldn't be standing here."

"Since we're on the topic of the audience, let me say a few more words. I hope some people won't be offended. Who is the best judge of a film's quality? Of course, it's the audience!"

"The audience pays money to buy tickets to watch the movie, so they have the right to judge the movie. Don't they know whether the movie is good or bad?"

"The quality of directors varies greatly. I saw a news report online that a movie flopped at the box office and received terrible reviews. Instead of reflecting on his own performance, the director made some shocking remarks online. He blamed the audience for the movie's failure, saying: 'This movie has a certain threshold. It's not easy to get into. Some viewers can't calm down, so they won't understand the film.'"

"Good grief, you're just making the audience take the blame because you're incompetent!"

"Can't he think about why the audience can't calm down and watch the movie?"

"Everyone spends money to go to the movies, so why should I be the only one with so much money?"

Upon hearing Cheng Sheng's words, all the guests subconsciously frowned, wondering who Cheng Sheng was referring to.

And why say these words?

Actually, all the guests misunderstood.

Cheng Sheng's words were not directed at current directors, but at future directors who would criticize the audience.

Why did he say that?

That's because Cheng Sheng from another memory, after watching "There's Nothing a Hot Pot Can't Solve" in the future, found it so cringeworthy that he gave it a severe dressing down while editing the video.

Unexpectedly, the film's director publicly demanded an apology from Cheng Sheng online, threatening to issue a court summons otherwise.

Therefore, he took this opportunity to exact revenge on some directors he disliked for his future self.

Cheng Sheng also lamented that those directors were a bit out of touch with reality, blaming the audience's poor taste for poor box office results. What's the difference between that and arguing with everyone and everything?
Cheng Sheng also recalled a movie called "The Last Supper" in 06. The movie received terrible reviews, and the director, Lu Chuan, immediately started cursing the audience and loudly defended the movie's injustice.

Wow, you're so talented, why don't you become a lawyer? That profession is perfect for him; he can defend anyone he wants.

Lu Chuan claims to be a graduate of a film academy, and his ability to appreciate films is incredibly impressive!
Their movies are bound to be top-notch!

If the audience doesn't think it's good, then they just don't have a discerning eye!

As a result, he was bombarded with criticism by netizens and was completely torn apart.

Lu Chuan also has another name online: Taijun.

This slogan originated from the film "Jinling! Jinling!", which sparked huge controversy because it was told from the perspective of the young soldiers.

This innovative approach attempts to reveal how war distorts and alienates humanity by examining the psychological changes of the aggressor.

Isn't this just beautifying everyday life?
As a history enthusiast, Cheng Sheng naturally harbors a deep love for China and despises people like the Japanese.

Therefore, Cheng Sheng had absolutely no good feelings towards this Japanese officer.

It's just that this Japanese officer hasn't provoked him yet, otherwise he would be the first to call him out.

"Old Xu, has another director offended Xiao Cheng recently?"

Watching Cheng Sheng rant and rave about certain directors on stage, Han Sanye curiously asked Xu Xiaozhong next to him.

Xu Xiaozhong looked bewildered. Ever since CCTV and the government praised Cheng Sheng, there had been no negative comments about him online.

But judging from Cheng Sheng's expression, he seems to have a lot of opinions about certain people!

“Now, no one should dare to criticize Xiao Cheng online,” Xu Xiaozhong said, shaking his head. Master Han stared at Cheng Sheng on the stage, sensing a hidden meaning in his words.

If no one has offended him, then who is he talking about?

Who is insulting the audience?
What's the difference between this and picking up a bowl to eat and then cursing your mother after putting it down?
If I had known it was that bastard director, I would have definitely blacklisted him.

No, I'll have someone check when I get back to see if there are any such comments online.

"Director Cheng has a terrible temper!"

At another table, Xun Ge'er was eating sunflower seeds and said with a smile.

"He is a very unique director."

Zhang Kaili, who was sitting at the same table with her, praised her.

As a veteran artist, she also doesn't really like directors who scold the audience.

She also watched the movie "The Origins of the Tang Dynasty" and thought it was really well made.

Moreover, after reading it, she felt that she had come to like that period of history, and even bought a history book on the Sui and Tang dynasties to read.

“Xun-ge’er, if Director Cheng were to make a sequel to ‘The Great Tang Dynasty,’ there’s a role that would be perfect for you.” Sitting next to Xun-ge’er was her friend Chen Kun, who said with a smile.

"Oh! What role?"

Xun asked with some curiosity.

“Princess Chang Le, Li Lizhi,” Chen Kun said.

"I can even play a princess!" Xun Ge'er exclaimed in surprise.

“Historically, Princess Chang Le was quite clever and mischievous, which perfectly matches your temperament,” Chen Kun said.

Xun Ge'er rolled his eyes and looked Chen Kun up and down, saying, "There's a role in 'The Great Tang Dynasty' that would suit you."

"Who?" Chen Kun was taken aback.

Because of the movie "The Origins of the Tang Dynasty," he had also read history books about the Tang Dynasty, but he didn't find any characters that fit him.

"Gao Lishi, who served Li Longji."

After Xun Ge'er finished speaking, she let out a charming laugh.

"what!"

Chen Kun rolled his eyes at the other person.

Gao Lishi, despite treating Xun Ge'er as a good buddy, she secretly compared herself to a eunuch.

Forget it.

The friendship is gone.

"Sister Hua, do you think Director Cheng might be talking about Director Feng?"

Fan Shuangbing, who was sitting next to Sister Hua, asked in a low voice.

From the time Cheng Sheng started making movies, Feng Xiaogang publicly criticized Cheng Sheng, and it was common knowledge that the two had a bad relationship.

Feng Dapao didn't even attend the premiere or the celebration banquet.

In the past, when Feng Xiaogang's films didn't perform well at the box office, he would blame the audience for not understanding his movies.

In Fan Shuangbing's view, what's the difference between this and directly naming Feng Dapao?

"Bingbing, it's okay to talk about this privately, but you mustn't publicly declare your team a secret," Sister Hua warned Fan Shuangbing.

(End of this chapter)