This director is so innocent.

Chapter 132 Earthquake Within the Circle

11 month 17 day.

Beijing, Xicheng District.

An old-fashioned conference room, filled with smoke.

Inside sat six or seven middle-aged or elderly men, each exuding an air of authority.

Han Sanping was also here. As the person in charge of China Film Group, he was a figure who personally went to the front line, so naturally he had to come here for the meeting.

However, here, he is no longer the boss; he sits at the bottom.

The main topic of the meeting was the controversy surrounding "Liang Tang's Works".

The online uproar is too intense—

"Old Han, how much has 'The Legend of Liang Tang' grossed?" the top leader asked.

"9745 million," Han Sanping said, sitting up straight.

"Can we break 100 million today?"

"able."

"Then we'll remove it from all shelves tomorrow."

The top official turned to another person and said, "Old Tong, how does your film department review movies? How can you let such a vulgar and tasteless film be released?"

"Boss, this time it was my film department that failed in its work and was negligent. I apologize." A man immediately admitted his mistake.

Don't try to argue in front of your superiors. Just honestly admit your mistakes. The more you try to argue, the more they will think you are incompetent.

"This unhealthy trend needs to be rectified, lest we become a laughing stock in the eyes of outsiders."

The next day, in the morning.

The novel "The Story of Liang Tang," which had just surpassed 100 million views, was suddenly taken down from all platforms, causing a major upheaval in the industry.

Several major film and television companies, including Huayi Brothers, Polybona, Guangxian, and Dama Benteng, have been making every effort to gather information.

Jiang Zhiqiang, the head of Edko Films, the main producer of "The Legend of Liang Tang," was preparing to announce a celebration party when he heard this news and felt like the sky had fallen.

He urgently contacted another production company, Shanghai Film Group, to inquire about the details, and was told that it was an opinion from higher authorities.

He wanted to ask if there was any way to put it back on the shelves, but the call was disconnected.

What Jiang Zhiqiang didn't know was that Shanghai Film Group had been implicated because of its investment in "The Legend of Liang Tang" and its secret efforts to get it approved by censors.

In addition, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued a "Notice on Reiterating the Prohibition of Producing and Broadcasting Pornographic Films" to the radio and television bureaus of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government, as well as to all film production companies.

The issuance of this notice triggered a huge chain reaction.

For example, Apple Daily, that big unlucky guy.

Previously, the film was sent back for revisions due to some questionable actions. Now, it's fine as it is, it doesn't need any revisions and is banned from release.

Fang Li, the head of Laure Films, the producer of "Apple," felt the same way as Jiang Zhiqiang: the sky had fallen.

Many films were sent back for revisions, and even films in production had their scripts revised overnight.

These days, almost every movie has one or two erotic scenes to attract viewers.

When Su Jin heard the news, he was stunned for a long time. If he remembered correctly, the notice would not be issued until the end of next month.

"The Story of Liang Tang" was also shown for 25 days before being taken off the screens, and it has only been 18 days now.

"Apple" was not banned from screening; it was shown for a full month.

However, releasing the film is worse than banning it.

Because, a few days after that notice was issued, there would be another announcement regarding the handling of Apple Daily.

The film's "Film Public Screening License" was revoked; its theatrical distribution and screening were suspended; and its online distribution was halted.

The production company was disqualified from producing films for two years, and Fang Li was prohibited from engaging in related film business for two years.

The producers, directors, and actors involved in the filming were given serious criticism and education, and were required to conduct thorough self-examinations.

So, was it he, the butterfly, who stirred up all of this?

"Boss? Boss? Are you still there?"

Su Jin snapped out of her reverie and said, "Old Huang, I'll talk to you about the script revisions for 'Painted Skin' later. Bye."

After hanging up the phone, he called Zuo Shandiao to find out if the notification was related to him.

"Third Master."

"Su Jin, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing major, it's just that the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television issued a notice, and there's a passionate scene in our film 'Painted Skin,' do we need to cut it?"

"Is the shot long?"

"It's not long, about four or five seconds."

"It's too long. Let's reduce it to two or three seconds. We need to be more careful with this timeframe."

"OK." Su Jin nodded, then asked, "Third Master, why would the General Administration suddenly issue such a notice?"

"The controversy surrounding 'Liang Tang's Works' has become too big, and many people have expressed their opinions."

Hearing this, Su Jin felt relieved. Since it was the public who had objections, it had nothing to do with him.

Before he could fully relax, he heard Han Sanping say, "Actually, this has something to do with you too."

"How does this have anything to do with me?"

"Remember when you criticized Li An? If it weren't for you, a big star, leading the incident to escalate and have a greater impact, resulting in many people reporting it, the higher-ups wouldn't have made a decision so quickly."

"Won't my boss remember me?"

"I remember, it's a good thing. The leader praised you in the meeting, saying you're very good, have a strong sense of right and wrong, and always keep in mind the hardships the country faces."

"hehe----"

"Just focus on filming during this time and don't offer any opinions."

"Yes, Third Master."

"That's all, I'm hanging up."

Goodbye, Third Master.

After hanging up the phone, Su Jin called Huang Jiaqiang and told him about the deletion of the erotic scenes in "Painted Skin".

Next, they called over the scriptwriters from "The Invisible Guest" to revise the erotic scenes.

The role of a lover is naturally suited to having a love scene added, especially since it's played by Fan Bingbing. It would be a real shame not to include one.

There's no other way now, so we had to delete most of the shots, leaving only a shot of Fan Xiaopang standing under the showerhead taking a shower.

Just as the screenwriter left, Fan Xiaopang walked over, looking somewhat depressed.

It's normal. Fan Bingbing had high hopes for "Apple," otherwise he wouldn't have taken on such a daring role.

"Su Jin, 'Apple' has been banned from theaters," Fan Xiaopang said dejectedly.

"That's normal. Who told Fang Li to be so reckless and disobey orders? He dared to submit the uncut version to the Berlin Film Festival. The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television will definitely make an example of him with 'Apple'."

"But----"

"No buts. It's good that 'Apple' is banned. Just focus on making movies and come to Cannes with me next year."

"I'm not the female lead, so going to Cannes has nothing to do with me."

"You may not be the leading lady, but you can still crash the red carpet! Look at your old rival Li Bingbing, she's never been to Cannes. You can release a press release saying you're an international superstar."

"Get lost, I'm not that shameless."

It's not thick now, but it will be thick later.

Fan Xiaopang became a top superstar in China because of his appearances on the Cannes red carpet.

Without Cannes, its status drops by at least one level.

After her, domestic female celebrities completely lost their shame, and they all went to Cannes to crash the red carpet and refused to leave.

But none of them can become the second Fan Xiaopang.

After all, getting on the red carpet depends on looks; if you don't have good looks, no matter how many times you try, it won't work.

"What are you chatting about? You seem to be having a great time," Gong Li said as she walked over, holding a teacup in her hand.

"Sister Li." 2.

"The 'sex movie' was banned, wasn't it? You came to me to complain," Su Jin replied.

Upon hearing this, Gong Li turned to Fan Bingbing and said, "Bingbing, your initial desire to become a good actor is commendable, but there's no need to compromise yourself. That movie—"

"Sister Li, do you also think that movie is bad?" Fan Xiaopang asked, frowning.

"It's not that they're bad, it's just that those kinds of movies are too explicit, I don't like them."

"Exactly, it's a movie that exposes reality, so why add a scene with explicit content? What's the point? It's just a sex scene for the sake of a sex scene," Su Jin chimed in.

Have you read the uncut version of "Liang Tang's Works"? If you compare the two, you'll find that Li Yu's level is far too low, not even half as good as Li An's.

"Didn't you dislike 'Liang Tang's Work'?" Fan Xiaopang asked.

"I may not like it, but 'The Best of Liang Tang' is really amazing. Most directors couldn't make it like this, and it would most likely have turned into a Category III film."

"I agree with Su Jin on this point. Putting aside its political significance, 'The Story of Liang Tang' is indeed a good film, without a doubt. As for your 'Apple'—" Gong Li interjected.

Fan Xiaopang lowered his head and pondered. Could it really be that she was wrong?

Su Jin and Gong Li exchanged a glance, and the former said, "Bingbing, it's not wrong for you to want to change your image and prove yourself, but you're too impatient. You rush into any decent art film you see."

You're still young; there's no need to dive into artistic themes right now. Popularity is the most important thing; everything else is secondary.

After saying that, he and Gong Li got up and left, leaving Fan Xiaopang alone to think.

In this day and age, actresses are desperately trying to prove their acting skills.

Li Lianhua accepted many art films in hopes of winning an award; otherwise, she wouldn't have lost control of her emotions and said "I am a white lotus" after failing to win the Hundred Flowers Award last year.

Fan Xiaopang is the same. Although she won the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress in 04 for "Cellphone", everyone knows that this was the result of Huayi's public relations efforts.

The Best Supporting Actress award was changed to Outstanding Actress, but it was changed back the following year.

1

A week later, just when everyone thought the storm was gradually calming down, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television dropped another bombshell—the "Notice on Reaffirming Film Censorship Standards".

One of the rules is to strictly prohibit "the inclusion of obscene, pornographic, and vulgar content" in order to create a more harmonious and "green" film environment.

However, who can grasp the implications of such a suggestion? The only recourse is to keep a respectful distance and withdraw from any cooperation with her.

Li An and Liang Chaowei voiced their support, while Feng Kuzi, who was still in high spirits at the time, was even more arrogant and openly questioned them.

It's a pity it's useless.

Seeing that things had come to this point, Jiang Zhiqiang had no choice but to arrange for Tang Wei to go through the talent introduction channel, obtain a Hong Kong Island identity card, and then arrange for her to go to London to study drama.

Two years later, the storm had died down.

Tang Wei starred alongside the "God of Songs" in "Crossing Hennessy," and later starred in the Korean film "Late Autumn."

Finally, "Finding Mr. Right" brought them back into the top ranks.

Rumors circulate that Tang Wei has turned down many good film offers in the past two years.

For example, in Zhang Yimou's *The Flowers of War*, the role that Ni played seemed to originally belong to Tang Wei; and there's also Gu Changwei's *Shangri-La*, and Tian Zhuangzhuang's *The Wolf*.

The reason for the refusal was that Tang Wei was not allowed to accept roles in films directed by mainland Chinese directors.

Tang Wei wasn't the only one affected by the notice; many films also suffered as a result.

Andy Lau's "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon" has been re-examined, and it satirizes history.

Hong Jinbao and Zhan Langjing's "The Master" stated that they would not consider the mainland market because the subject matter of organized crime is too sensitive.

Louis Koo's film "A Good Dad" is facing obstacles.

When Su Jin saw the notice, she was stunned for a long time.

This notice, which was supposed to be issued next March, has now been sent out a full three months early. It's infuriating.

What's even more infuriating is that "Painted Skin" also suffered because of its sensitive subject matter. It took him and Zuo Shandiao an entire afternoon to finalize the deal.

"Brother Jin, what are you thinking about? Why do you look so worried?" Liu Shishi said with a smile.

"It's nothing." Su Jin shook her head, changing the subject, "Why aren't you putting on makeup? What are you doing here?"

The filming of "The Invisible Guest" went smoothly, and the hotel interior scenes have all been completed after more than 20 days of shooting.

At this pace, it won't even take three months; we estimate filming will wrap up in early January.

We're currently in the suburbs of Beijing, and the scene we're about to film is the one where the car accident happens at the beginning of the movie.

The son was changed to a daughter!

The character played by Xia Jie is Gong Li's daughter. Because she wasn't wearing a seatbelt, she was hit by a car and fell into a coma, eventually drowning.

"I just came over to check on you because you looked so worried!"

"Hurry up and put on your makeup, it's about to start."

"oh."

Half an hour later, Yang Qing came over to report that filming could begin.

The car accident scene is about the male lead flirting with his lover in a car when a car comes from the opposite direction. Just then, a sika deer crosses the road, and the male lead is momentarily distracted and cannot avoid it, resulting in a collision between the two cars.

Since it's a car crash scene, the actors definitely won't do it themselves. First, it's dangerous, and second, they don't have the skills.

The performers on stage are stunt actors; they specialize in these kinds of dangerous stunts and are very experienced.

The first scene filmed was the male lead's car rotating 360 degrees inside.

The format is quite simple: four sliding rails are installed under the four wheels, actors simulate a car accident inside the vehicle, and then staff push the vehicle around to rotate it.

Adding sound effects of tire friction in post-production will solve the problem.

It looks simple, and it is indeed very simple; it can be done in three hours.

Then the main action begins. If this take isn't filmed well, it's all over, and we'll need to change cars.

Su Jin encouraged the two stunt performers, then returned to the monitor, picked up the walkie-talkie, and said, "All departments, prepare."

""

"action".

""

As soon as he finished speaking, two cars approached from opposite directions. The staff seized the opportunity and released the domesticated sika deer.

"Bang."

The vehicles collided, the male protagonist's BMW spun 360 degrees, and the female protagonist's daughter Li Ya's car plunged into the nearby sewer.

"Click, okay, one take."

When the staff heard that the performance was over, they ran over to check on the stunt performers, and Su Jin also jogged over.

The two stunt performers were indeed very professional; they were completely unharmed.

Then, the props team and art team entered the venue.

They skillfully broke the driver's side window and cleaned up the shards of glass from the seat.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Shishi sat in the driver's seat, closed her eyes, and pretended to be a corpse.

The makeup artist noticed that the bloodstains on Liu Shishi's face had dried a bit, so she stepped forward and dripped a few drops of blood onto her face.

Afterwards, the prop master placed a dozen or so pieces of broken glass on her legs.

Then came the filming. The photographer held a handheld camera and filmed Fan Xiaopang checking the situation from outside the broken car window.

Later, they filmed another scene where Fan Xiaopang pulled Liu Shishi down.

End.

There were only two shots in total, and it only took an hour to film.

After Liu Shishi came out, she saw Su Jin sitting behind the monitor. Her eyes lit up and a plan came to her mind.

She hurried over to Su Jin, her hand on her forehead, her steps faltering. She looked very weak and said feebly, "Brother Jin, I was in a car accident. My head is covered in blood, and I feel so dizzy. I think I'm going to die."

As soon as she finished speaking, her body began to sway, as if she was about to fall to the ground at any moment.

Su Jin quickly stood up, hugged her tightly, and cried out anxiously, "Shishi, Shishi, don't scare me, I'll call 120 right now."

"Brother Jin, I—I think I saw my great-grandmother, I feel like she's beckoning to me. Before—before I die, can you grant me one wish?" Liu Shishi said weakly, her voice filled with sadness and despair.

Su Jin laughed unkindly when she heard the word "great-grandmother".

Seeing Su Jin's reaction, Liu Shishi couldn't keep up the act anymore. She stood up and complained pitifully, "Brother Jin, how could you laugh like that! I'm going to die!"

"Who told you to say you looked too cute?" Su Jin said with a smile.

"Then you can't laugh," Liu Shishi pouted and said domineeringly, "Let's do it all over again."

"Come on, my foot! I'll just play with you for a bit. We still have filming to do later! Go take off your makeup." After saying that, Su Jin ignored her and sat down in a chair, picking up the storyboard and studying it seriously.

"Hmph—" Liu Shishi snorted softly, but still obediently walked to the makeup removal area to remove her makeup.

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