The Rise of Chinese Entertainment in 2008

Chapter 169 Jiangdong Rat?

The film and television market is booming right now, and graduates in related fields have no trouble finding jobs.

Even if you're studying acting, as long as you're willing to humble yourself, you can still get roles with some screen time and lines, even if you don't have a background or can't play important ones.

Being a director is the hardest job; even if you're willing to be someone's assistant director, nobody wants you.

After all, a film or television series requires an investment of at least several million yuan, and the director is so important, who would let a newcomer direct it?

Even the assistant director needs to have many years of experience and be able to handle all aspects of the production.

If you don't have a strong background or connections, after graduation you either have to pool your own money to make a movie that won't be released in theaters.

People like Ning Hao and Lu Yang make several films of this kind and win awards at smaller film festivals.

Only after establishing a certain foundation can one secure investment to produce theatrical films.

Ning Hao's first theatrical film was produced in Andy Lau's "New Director Project".

But the premise is that he had previously made several short films and won some awards.

Otherwise, he might not even be qualified to register.

Besides this path, another option is to work odd jobs on film sets.

After all, he studied directing, so his abilities are definitely better than those of ordinary odd-job workers.

By climbing the ranks step by step, once you become an assistant director, you'll have the opportunity to shoot some less important scenes.

If the director above is a good person, or is recognized by the investors, they might ask you to direct any small projects in the future.

Once you have a work to show for it, regardless of the response, you're considered to have "work experience" and will gradually be able to get some acting roles.

For someone like Fan Chunxi, who doesn't have formal training, it's even harder to succeed; he might end up as an assistant director his whole life.

"You've been an assistant director for so long, and although you've never thought about giving up, the time has made you lose confidence."

Gu Ning said, "Even if you were given the opportunity to direct solo now, you would still worry too much during filming because of this lack of confidence. You would want everything and strive for perfection."

And this is precisely a director's fatal flaw!

Now that I believe you, you've lost your confidence. How can I believe you?

"Director Gu, isn't striving for perfection right?" Fan Chunxi asked, puzzled.

"Striving for excellence is not wrong, but the film has a limited runtime, so we should focus on the film's positioning and the story itself."

Take comedy films for example. Regardless of whether they have logic or value, the main goal is to make the audience laugh.

As long as you maintain the theme, there's no problem with perfecting the logic and providing value to the audience.

However, the main theme itself should not be sacrificed to accommodate other objectives.

Gu Ning said, "Do you understand?"

"I think I understand now," Fan Chunxi said thoughtfully.

"That's not important for now; you can think about it slowly."

Gu Ning said, "Tell me, are you confident that you can direct the later scenes?"

"have!"

Fan Chunxi chuckled: "Anyway, Director Gu, you're the male lead, so you're basically always on set. You'll definitely review the footage I shoot later, so what do I have to worry about!"

"Finally, I get it!"

Gu Ning laughed and scolded, "If you still don't get it, you can be an assistant director for life."

He never intended to completely ignore the situation afterward; Fan Chunxi simply hadn't realized it yet.

"That—that—"

Fan Chunxi seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

"Speak your mind."

"Director Gu, if you have too many takes and I scold you, you won't be angry, will you?" Fan Chunxi asked.

Gu Ning remained silent for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "I think you're just looking for an opportunity to get revenge, aren't you?"

"How could that be!"

Fan Chunxi quickly said, "You told me before that a director who never yells during filming isn't a good director."

"I'm an actor now, so if I don't do a good job, I'll be criticized."

Gu Ning said calmly, "Don't worry, I definitely won't be angry."

'

Fan Chunxi: If you hadn't said that last sentence, I might have believed it to some extent.

"Alright, we've been delayed for so long, it's time to start filming," Gu Ning said.

After being relieved of the burden of being a director, Gu Ning immediately felt much more relaxed.

To be honest, the acting experience was also very good.

Playing roles with different professions and identities is indeed a very special experience.

Moreover, he could barely be considered to have some capital, so he could create roles specifically for himself.

Whether it's an emperor with three thousand concubines or a domineering CEO, he can play any role he wants.

Adding bed scenes and kissing scenes at will is really enjoyable.

However, Gu Ning was just thinking about it. Playing some roles as a hobby was fine, but becoming a full-time actor would be quite tiring.

The next day, news of Gu Ning's interview was published.

Because of Gu Ning's threats, the reporters were relatively objective in their reporting and did not dare to distort his words.

Huayi also secretly conducted public relations efforts, and a large number of media outlets followed up on the matter.

When Feng Xiaogang saw the newspaper report that Gu Ning praised him for winning the award as well-deserved, he even went online to find the relevant interview video.

As a director, he was certain that Gu Ning's expression and tone were completely sincere when she said those words.

What?

You said Gu Ning became an actor, is it possible that it's because he's a good actor?

Impossible, absolutely impossible!

Feng Xiaogang firmly believes that Gu Ning's actions were genuine.

The bad impressions I had of Gu Ning had also dissipated.

He even posted a response article online.

"Although Director Gu Ning is a rising star, he is an exceptionally talented director. Thank you so much for liking my film; that was precisely my initial motivation for making it—"

He wrote over a thousand words, praising Gu Ning while also elevating himself.

Finally, he also said that he would invite Gu Ning to the premiere of his new movie.

Feng Xiaogang checked it once and, seeing that there were no problems, released it directly.

He is, after all, one of the most well-known directors in China, and he still has some online following.

Given the current trend of related topics online, his short article quickly attracted considerable attention after its publication.

With the reporter's encouragement, it quickly sparked heated discussions online.

Upon hearing the news, Wang Zhongjun immediately went online to check. After reading it, he cursed, "That bastard, he really is opportunistic! He actually took a few compliments seriously?"

How will Huayi retaliate in the future?

Although Huayi's future retaliation is unlikely to be open and aboveboard, netizens will make their own guesses.

Some reporters also dig into the past grievances and feuds between the two sides.

However, as long as Hua Yi doesn't admit it, it doesn't matter what others say.

But with Feng Xiaogang's move, what will netizens think of Huayi when Huayi retaliates against Gu Ning and the media digs up their current grudges and feuds?

People will feel that Huayi had one face before, and now it has another.

They might even feel that Huayi bullied them after going public.

This is similar to how Sun Wu was called a "rat from Jiangdong" during the Three Kingdoms period.

There were too many instances in ancient times like the Eastern Wu that broke their alliances, so why are the others not criticized?

On the contrary, Eastern Wu broke the alliance and launched a surprise attack on Shu, which was criticized.