I'm really good at this.

Taking photos and conducting interviews were all done in one go.

Zhang Hong, in particular, tried to slip in under the pretext of going to the restroom, but he was caught and filmed for the longest time, and most of the interviews were directed at him.

There's nothing we can do about it.

How do media outlets survive?

flow!

What is it that most arouses people's curiosity?

Curiosity!

Or rather, something unknown that seems impressive but is actually quite mysterious.

Zhang Hong is one of those people.

The TV series he starred in were a great success, and the two TV series he filmed himself were also very popular.

However, he has never given any media interviews, nor has he ever participated in any variety shows.

This was unimaginable in the past.

After all, Zhang Hong is not the kind of director who is simply straightforward.

Even those who are simply directors, in his previous life there were quite a few famous directors.

In fact, he is more like Xu Zheng, who has been both an actor and a director, and is quite famous in both fields.

The only difference is that he's much more handsome.

Oh, and he's not bald.

Fortunately, this was an officially sponsored Feitian Award, so the reporters didn't go too far. Zhang Hong just casually mentioned a few trivial things before Liu Yishou pulled him into the building.

After entering the studio and finding his seat, Zhang Hong looked around and realized that there weren't many people there yet.

However, even the newcomers sat down in their respective positions and did not wander around.

Zhang Hong whispered, "Uncle Liu, are all award ceremonies this serious?"

This is quite different from what he read in novels in his previous life.

According to the novel, before such a ceremony begins, everyone walks around and chats, and when walking on the red carpet, they wish they could crawl as slowly as snails.

Once you arrive at the scene, some villains will jump out and scorn you, and who knows, some big shots might even stand up and say they're rooting for the protagonist.

But why didn't these things happen when it came to Zhang Hong himself?

Liu Yishou, a veteran in the industry, began to explain to him: "Because this is the Feitian Award, if it were the Golden Eagle Award, it wouldn't be as serious."

Since the Feitian Awards are sponsored by the government, they are naturally more serious.

The Golden Eagle Awards don't have so many requirements; in fact, the selection process is entirely based on audience voting.

"What a pity," Liu Yishou sighed. "If it were next year, your film 'Clouds Fall into the Mortal World' could also be nominated."

This was inside information he had obtained.

Because times have changed, online dramas are no longer synonymous with shoddy productions and niche appeal; in fact, many celebrities are willing to star in them.

Therefore, based on demand, starting from the next edition, the Feitian Awards will include web series in its selection scope, rather than just television dramas broadcast on satellite TV.

Zhang Hong just missed one edition, which meant that his novel "Clouds Fall into the Mortal World" could only be submitted to the Golden Eagle Awards instead of the Feitian Awards.

However, this didn't matter to Zhang Hong, since the Feitian Award didn't offer any prize money anyway.

He yawned: "Uncle Liu, aren't you being a little too confident? Be careful, I might snatch both the 'Outstanding TV Series' and 'Outstanding Director' awards from you. After all, in terms of ratings, 'Mobile Suit Gundam' is much better than 'Bloody Youth'."

Yes, Mobile Suit is nearing its finale.

From the moment the satellite crashed into Earth, the show's ratings soared, reaching one peak after another.

Yesterday, during the penultimate episode, Wang Chen and Luo Yun were about to have their final battle, which was also the final battle between the Community of Shared Future for Mankind and the World Freedom Alliance.

By the end of this episode, the peak viewership rating had reached 13.1%, and the average viewership rating had reached 9.47%.

Whether it can break 10 will be decided tonight.

However, Zhang Hong didn't care at all.

He doesn't even care about awards like the Feitian Award or the Golden Eagle Award.

He cares more about the Mozi Award.

It's not for any other reason than that the Mozi Award has a prize of four million yuan.

At this moment, the large group of actors also arrived.

The woman sitting next to Zhang Hong is the female lead of "Bloody Youth".

What was it called again?

Zhang Hong thought about it carefully, but still couldn't remember.

Next door is Wang Chen, the original second male lead in the drama, who later becomes the second villain.

He is also the main male protagonist of "Mobile Suit".

"Brother Hong!"

Upon arriving at the location, he completely ignored the expression on the female lead Liu Meng's face, and sat down next to Zhang Hong, his face full of excitement: "Brother Hong! Can we break 10% in ratings today?"

This left Liu Meng and the other staff and actors of the "Bloody Youth" production team speechless.

When did these two become so close?

Didn't Zhang Hong always ignore Wang Chen back in the film crew? He even got her name wrong.

Wang Chen also looked gloomy and gritted his teeth every day.

Later, when they heard that Wang Chen was going to play the male lead in Zhang Hong's film crew, they thought it was because Director Liu had taken the lead.

But looking at it now... was he really honing his acting skills back then?

Liu Yishou was particularly pleased.

Zhang Hong patted him on the shoulder: "Calm down, Wang Cai, we'll definitely break the record today. But tonight is more important than the ratings. I watched the drama again afterward, and to be honest, you did a good job playing the villain. And 'Mobile Suit Gundam' might even get you an acting award or something, so keep it up."

"Okay, Brother Hong!" Wang Chen no longer cared about how Zhang Hong addressed him; he would even accept being called Wang Fugui!

He scratched his head, embarrassed, and said, "But Brother Hong, I definitely have no chance of winning the Best Actor award. No one else can win that award except you."

Zhang Hong scratched his head: "Could it really be me?"

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He turned around and asked, "Uncle Liu, is it possible?"

Liu Yishou poured cold water on his enthusiasm: "The chances are slim."

He pondered for a moment and said, "A few years ago, the Feitian Awards and Golden Eagle Awards underwent a restructuring, eliminating the awards for Best Supporting Actor and Actress. Now, the only awards that involve actors are the Feitian Awards for Outstanding Actor and Actress, and the Golden Eagle Awards for Most Popular Actor and Actress."

If it were before, I'm sure you would have won Best Supporting Actor, but now there's only one award. Although you were excellent, you only acted in four episodes of "Bloody Youth".

It would be difficult for him to compete with the male lead of other TV dramas.

Liu Yishou sighed, "If it were the Golden Eagle Award, the chances would be better. The Flying Apsaras Award is voted on internally by professionals, so many factors will definitely be considered, and it might be a bit difficult."

He patted Zhang Hong on the shoulder: "Xiao Hong, don't be discouraged. The Feitian Award is only because you're too young. But the Golden Eagle Award is definitely yours!"

Zhang Hong asked doubtfully, "Does this mean that 'Mobile Suit Gundam' also has no chance of winning an award?"

He wasn't resentful, just curious.

Are TV dramas with a per-episode cost of tens of millions less than those ordinary dramas?

It's worth noting that the total cost of many TV series is less than that of a single episode of "Mobile Suit Gundam".

Moreover, the publicity and distribution for "Mobile Suit Gundam" were not included, and the actors' salaries were practically non-existent.

Liu Yishou patiently explained, "That's not necessarily true. The excellent screenwriter, composer, audio-visual artist, editor, art director, and cinematographer might all be from 'Mobile Suit Gundam,' but the most important ones are probably out of the question. It's mainly because your film has too high an investment and the special effects are too strong."

Zhang Hong nodded to indicate that he understood.

Indeed, in his previous life, even the Oscars often didn't award prizes to the box office champions, especially special effects blockbusters, which is understandable.

Professionals, on the other hand, look at things like artistry.

He can understand.

Half an hour later, almost everyone had arrived, and the awards ceremony was about to begin.

Zhang Hong also adjusted his mindset and prepared to be a quiet observer.

Actually, he really didn't care; there was no point in winning a prize without any monetary reward.

He actually thinks the Golden Eagle Award is better than the Flying Apsaras Award.

After all, it's an audience vote, and the Golden Eagle Awards in this parallel world have basically eliminated vote-rigging.

That's settled then.

As the saying goes, "If you don't like what the people like, who do you think you are?"

Moreover, if he can win the Golden Eagle Award, it means that Zhang Hong's films are indeed loved by the public, and then he won't have to worry about his films failing to make money in the future.

The awards ceremony officially began.

Unlike award ceremonies that are more grassroots, the Feitian Awards are officially organized, so there aren't many jokes or other performances.

It was just a simple song and dance performance, and then the awards ceremony began.

The first award presented was the Outstanding Photography Award.

The shortlist includes Mobile Suit Gundam, Bloodstained Youth, Homecoming, Thirty Years in a Foreign Land, and The Sword of the Early Days.

The first two are easy to talk about, but "Going Home" is an extremely miserable TV series, the kind that Zhang Hong would never have watched in his previous life.

Simply put, it tells the story of a child who was abducted and sold to a theater as a child, who suffered all kinds of hardships and spent thirty years searching for his parents through a dual narrative.

The reason for the dual narrative is that his film will also tell the story from his parents' perspective about how they found him over the past thirty years.

Zhang Hong also watched this TV series, but he couldn't stand it after watching only the first three episodes.

He only finished watching the finale after hearing that it had a happy ending.

Then someone at home cried like a dog.

Thirty Years Abroad tells the story of a person who went abroad at the age of twenty and worked hard to make a living.

The main characters in the drama experienced hardship and success, and there were times when they didn't want to go home and times when they missed their hometown.

This drama perfectly depicts the entire process of a person from studying abroad at the age of twenty to returning to their roots at the age of fifty.

Even though Zhang Hong was indifferent to this type of TV series, he still had to admit it was awesome.

Perhaps the only flaw is that the actor chosen for the lead role in his youth was a young, handsome actor.

This aspect negatively impacted the film's reputation.

"The Legend of the Condor Heroes" is a historical drama that tells the story of Emperor Xuan of Han, Liu Xun, who was imprisoned as an infant.

Although the title is "The Sword of the Early Days," it is actually a serious drama, which Zhang Hong enjoys watching.

To be honest, among the four emperors of the Western Han Dynasty who had temple names, Zhang Hong preferred Emperor Wen and Emperor Xuan to Emperor Wu and Emperor Gaozu.

In his previous life, there were very few TV dramas about Emperor Xuan of Han. In this life, he finally saw a high-quality drama.

He glanced back at Li Shanqi, who was sitting in the row behind him.

He sat upright, his hands on his knees, his eyes fixed straight ahead, just like a primary school student listening to a lecture.

Zhang Hong laughed: "What's up, Yamazaki? Praying?"

Li Shanqi was so nervous he could hardly breathe: "Brother Hong, do I... do I have a chance to win the award?"

"You're overthinking it," Zhang Hong said frankly. "What makes 'Mobile Suit Gundam' so great is its special effects and its depth. The plot is so-so, neither good nor bad. As for the cinematography... over 80% of the film was shot in a green screen studio. What more could you want?"

Seeing the disappointment on Li Shanqi's face, he comforted him, "Instead of thinking about this, why not consider the performance of 'Clouds Falling into the Mortal World' at the Golden Eagle Awards?"

Li Shanqi was almost in tears: "Brother Hong... when you were filming 'Clouds Fall into the Mortal World,' I hadn't even joined the crew yet..."

Zhang Hong slapped his forehead and quickly apologized, "Sorry, sorry, there's been so much hype from the online trolls that I completely forgot that the show used Uncle Sun's crew."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!

He continued to comfort her, "It's okay. You have to think of it this way: for a cinematographer who makes erotic films to be nominated for the Feitian Award, that's already a huge step forward, okay?"

Li Shanqi was both amused and exasperated.

Indeed, thinking this way is much better; at least you won't get sprayed in the face.

But having come this far, no one is willing to accept it...

During the casual conversation, the CCTV female host on stage, dressed in a dark blue dress, looked at the card in her hand and announced the final winner.

The winner of the 41st China TV Drama Flying Apsaras Awards for Outstanding Cinematography is...

She paused for a moment, then announced with a beaming smile, "Mobile Suit! Lee Yamazaki! Congratulations!"

The audience erupted in applause.

Zhang Hong paused for a moment, then started clapping as well.

Then, looking at Li Yamazaki, he said, "What are you thinking about, Yamazaki! Go and collect your award!"

Li Shanqi's mind went blank.

It was a complete blank, like the kind of dazed state you get when you're drunk.

Although he had considered it, he never expected that he would actually win an award for his first TV series!

Hearing Zhang Hong's words vaguely and seeing his encouraging gaze when he looked down, Li Shanqi took a deep breath, stood up, and strode onto the stage.

After receiving the silver Flying Dancer trophy and red certificate from the award presenter, his nervousness was palpable as he faced countless gazes from below the stage.

He took three deep breaths before he began his acceptance speech.

"I... First of all, I want to thank Director Zhang. Without him, I wouldn't be where I am today. Here I want to clarify one point: 'Cloud Falls into the Mortal World' was not filmed by us. We joined the crew after that film was completed. Our first film was 'Mobile Suit Gundam'."

He kissed the trophy and choked up, saying, "I never expected to win an award for my first film... I really want to thank Director Zhang."

Wu Dingguo, president of the China Film and Television Association, and other bigwigs in charge of CCTV, who were sitting in the first row of the audience, all showed smiles.

This is exactly what they wanted.

The rise of the younger generation in Chinese film and television!

This is one of the reasons why the award was given to Lee Yamazaki.

Take a look!

Back from overseas! Her first film, co-starring with Zhang Hong, won the Feitian Award!

Moreover, according to their understanding, the average age of Zhang Hong's crew members is less than thirty!

What's this called?

That's what you call a promising young talent!

And this young man knows how to be grateful, that's great! Very good!

Suddenly, the big shots started playing their hand drums even harder.

A few seconds later, the applause subsided.

Li Shanqi continued, "Actually, I'm not afraid of being laughed at, but I used to..."

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly with his left hand, which was holding the trophy, and gave an awkward smile.

Wu Dingguo and other bigwigs suddenly had a bad feeling.

"I used to make movies in Japan, but... cough, I meant erotic movies. If it weren't for Director Zhang giving me a hand, I don't know what I'd be like now."

Once the secret hidden deep in his heart, known only to Zhang Hong, was revealed, Li Shanqi felt a sense of relief.

This feeling is like taking off your pants and urinating in public, and then being watched by everyone.

After extreme shame, there is also a sense of exhilarating relief and relaxation, like "what's the use of trying?"

Li Shanqi, he has been completely transformed.

Wu Dingguo and the other bigwigs' faces turned completely black.

Do you even know what kind of place this is?!

It's the Feitian Awards ceremony!

This is on CCTV, bro!

Even if what you're saying is true, don't actually say it out loud!

A powerful figure standing next to Wu Dingguo said with a grim face, "Banned! It must be banned! Is this the kind of thing to say in this kind of setting? It must be banned!"

Wu Dingguo sighed, barely suppressing his anger, and advised, "The child was too excited. It's his first time and he has no experience, so it's forgivable. There's no need to be so harsh."

The bigwig declared righteously, "No way! This matter demands an explanation! When you come down later, remember to ask him what kind of work he has. I want to see what kind of work can cultivate a photographer who can win the Feitian Award!"

Wu Dingguo: "..."

Zhang Hongren was dumbfounded: "Is this some kind of setup?! Uncle Liu, I'm not going to be blacklisted, am I? No way! I'm a law-abiding citizen! Besides, I'm really not that close to him, we've only had one meal together and filmed one TV series together, really!"

Liu Yishou grinned, unsure of what to say.

On stage, Li Shanqi's self-destruction continued.

"Actually, I felt a lot of psychological pressure making those kinds of movies. My classmates, friends, and relatives back home would often ask me what I was doing there, and I was too embarrassed to say. Plus, I had to endure the bullying myself. And there were all sorts of unexpected things happening."

As he spoke, Li Shanqi's eyes reddened: "I...I really don't want to! Is making those kinds of movies really that shameful? Yes! I know it's shameful! But I really don't want to! In Japan, young people in the workplace already have no chance to get ahead! And I'm a foreigner! I want to improve too! I want to make normal movies and TV dramas! But they don't want me!"

To make a living and to hone my skills, I was forced to choose this industry; it's not something I like!

His voice was already trembling with tears: "After that, some bad things happened, and I resigned and went back to China. If Director Zhang hadn't come to find me, I would have given up on my dream and become an ordinary hairdresser!"

He looked at Zhang Hong in the back row of the audience: "When Director Zhang approached me, I was reluctant. I felt that the domestic film and television industry was no different from Japan, and I wouldn't have a chance to make a name for myself here. But..."

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He looked up, his eyes glistening with tears: "But Director Zhang said something to me! He said that people's dreams never end!"

He said that in China, talent is valued more than seniority!

He asked me if I still remembered what my dream was.

"Of course I remember."

Taking a deep breath, Li Shanqi closed his eyes, no longer looking at the blinding flashlight.

He recalled the question Zhang Hong had asked him back then.

Then, speaking into the microphone, he shouted, "I want to become the world's best photographer! I want a shooting technique to be named after me! I want everyone to study my textbooks when they learn photography! I want to be remembered in film and television! I want my name to resound throughout heaven! I want all the veterans in the film and television industry to remember my name! Li Shanqi!"

After shouting all that out in one breath, and fighting off the dizziness, Li Shanqi bowed deeply: "Thank you everyone."

Everyone present was stunned.

Whether it was the shock of Li Shanqi's self-disclosure and ignorant audacity, or the recollection of his own original dream, he was deeply moved.

In short, the scene was completely silent.

Until a few seconds later...

"Okay! ↘↗"

Wu Dingguo stood up and took the lead in applauding enthusiastically.

His face flushed red: "That's it! That's exactly what I want! Positive and uplifting! Striving towards our dreams! So what if I was a cinematographer making those kinds of films in the past? Heroes come from all walks of life! He's right! A person's dream never ends!"

The bigwig who had just said he wanted to ban Lee Yamazaki also stood up and applauded.

His gaze was steady as he quietly watched Li Shanqi stagger off the stage.

He was moved.

Everyone stood up and began to applaud.

Amidst the clapping and applause, Wu Dingguo laughed and said, "How about it? This is the effect we wanted! This is the meaning of holding an awards ceremony! Do you still have any objections to my choice?"

"That's right," someone chimed in. "'A person's dreams never end,' to be honest, even my old bones are getting fired up! It wouldn't be wrong to give them those awards afterward. Look at this crew! They're making erotic films! They're acting as morticians and makeup artists! They're Taoist priests drawing erotic comics! They're even panda keepers!"

So what? They still produced outstanding works! This proves the openness and progress of China's film and television industry! As long as you have ability, as long as you have talent, as long as you have dreams, you can achieve success! Regardless of age!

He suggested, "I propose that this part of the footage not be cut. This would also represent the official attitude and tolerance of our domestic film and television industry."

Wu Dingguo smiled with satisfaction: "Yes, they are indeed the future of China's film and television industry."

As he spoke, he picked up a copy of the award list next to him, crossed out the winners of the three awards—"Outstanding Art Direction," "Outstanding Editing," and "Outstanding Audiovisual Award"—with a pen, and then handed the copy to a staff member.

"Go, give this list to the back office, and have the winners of these three awards choose someone else."

They are still young, so it would be better for them to take a couple of years to mature.

They should definitely receive these awards next time!

Next time! Next time for sure!

PS: 6000 words in two parts.

The hospital stuff is almost over, and I'll start updating like crazy in a few days! Go for it!

(?′?‵?)I L???????

I like it, I'm really good at it, I'm really good at it.