Entertainment: The Era of the Cantonese Circle

A large number of people suddenly appeared outside the film set of "The Legend of Bruce Lee," attracting the attention of paparazzi who were lying in wait.

It wasn't closing time yet, and suddenly so many people appeared. Of course, the paparazzi wouldn't miss the opportunity. They went up immediately and found out that they had been fired for going on strike. This was going to be quite a story.

The very next day, news headlines about "The Legend of Bruce Lee" emerged.

Entertainment tabloid: "Mainland film crews are taking advantage of the chaos to bully Hong Kong crew members. Is there any justice left? Is there any fairness left?"

Dog Report: "We do not welcome the unscrupulous, domineering, and black-hearted producer Chen Yunfan, nor do we welcome mainland film crews. It is because of them that Hong Kong behind-the-scenes staff have no jobs in the local area, and Hong Kong films have no future."

A reputable newspaper stated: "If it's true, it certainly deserves criticism, but we can't just listen to one side of the story. Some of the behind-the-scenes scoundrels are just as bad as they seem."

Hong Kong is a small place and lacks many things, but it has no shortage of idle people. Some people with nothing to do organize work to demand justice for the workers.

The question of how Hong Kong films could survive had already caused widespread anxiety in the film industry, and now this latest development has drawn even more attention.

Surprisingly, the organization that was supposed to be righteous arrived, but they left in a sorry state.

Because the remaining Hong Kong crew members testified: "The production team did not act recklessly. Producer Chan had already given them a chance and even hired other Hong Kong crew members. It was just that those who left didn't see it clearly."

They also stated, "Director Wong said that the way out for Hong Kong films lies in Guangdong Province. This not only represents Hong Kong films, but also represents us behind-the-scenes personnel. Guangdong Province is so close, why don't we, with our own hands and feet, go there to find work?"

"People who can't find a job can only blame themselves for being lazy."

Finally, they added, "This is what Producer Chen told us; he was actually very kind to us on set."

The Hong Kong film and television industry is only so big; the news spread in less than half a day.

The idea of ​​developing in Guangdong Province has once again caused a stir, with some arrogant, superior, and condescending behind-the-scenes personnel grumbling and cursing.

"They used to beg us, now we have to beg them? A tiger fallen into the plains is bullied by dogs."

"Would you be asked to do charity there? What kind of work could you find in such a backward place?"

"We used to be the masters, but now the masters have become the slaves, and we still have to ask others to give us a way out. Some people are really despicable."

These people may be cursing, but the other people behind the scenes have seriously considered the matter. How foolish of them to not even think of such a simple solution.

Some people who originally came from the mainland are also considering whether they can go back to visit.

.....

The external turmoil did not affect the filming of "The Legend of Bruce Lee"; on the contrary, the internal atmosphere improved considerably after the incident.

The mainland and Hong Kong staff, who were initially exchanging nods, started talking at the same table.

When asking behind-the-scenes personnel in the north about interesting stories about the differences between the north and south, those from Guangdong province tend to talk more, especially about the situation in Guangdong.

They received a two-word reply: "Three No's: No well-known company, no well-known director or star, and no good supporting facilities."

The people behind the scenes in Hong Kong were dumbfounded, as if struck by lightning. Hadn't we become the pioneers in the past?

After teasing them, the Guangdong behind-the-scenes personnel stated that that was last year, and this year is different. This year, development has been rapid, with Yangcheng Film City, Producer Chen's company, and... well, there aren't many others.

Hong Kong behind-the-scenes staff: Did we speak too soon in front of reporters?

With the atmosphere improving, the filming of "The Legend of Bruce Lee" sped up considerably, and it wrapped up in early November.

"It's a bit old-fashioned, but it's the perfect time to say this, Producer Chen. If you have any scripts in the future, you can come to me, Lao Li. Putting aside everything else, I'm best at making righteous stories."

"No problem, no problem."

At the wrap party, Li Wenqi was the first to toast Chen Yunfan.

He felt that working with Chen Yunfan was better than working with his own producers; it saved him a lot of trouble and he didn't have to worry about many things.

After he finished his toast, it wasn't any of the actors who came next, but a large group of behind-the-scenes staff. However, after they finished their toasts, besides saying they had work to do with them, someone asked something that surprised everyone.

"Producer Chen, can I work for you and go back to Guangdong with you?"

The other behind-the-scenes personnel realized what was happening and all stared at Chen Yunfan, ready to be the first to follow suit as soon as he said yes.

"Our company does not hire behind-the-scenes staff."

"If you really come to Guangdong Province to look for work, I don't recommend you look for contractors or employment agencies. You're not familiar with this area, and you're likely to have a lot of money taken from the middleman."

Chen Yunfan's words left them looking at each other in bewilderment.

It's normal not to hire them. Many film and television companies don't hire behind-the-scenes staff. After all, it's impossible to film 365 days a year. There will be several months of downtime. If you keep behind-the-scenes staff, they will have nothing to do for several months.

If they don't seek help from contractors or intermediaries, how will they find work in Guangdong Province?

Are they supposed to go around looking for film and television companies and ask, "Hey, do you have any projects in development?" Or are they supposed to do what some behind-the-scenes workers in the north do, knocking on the doors of the hotels where the film crews are staying?

Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Chen Yunfan smiled and pointed out a path for them.

"Yangcheng Film City recently established a film crew service company to introduce jobs to behind-the-scenes personnel."

"The labor contract is signed annually. Work assignments are handled by the company, and commission rates are transparent and publicly disclosed."

"Yangcheng Film City is an official investment, and this company can be considered the official company behind the scenes. If you want to find a job in Guangdong Province, you can contact this company first, and you will be guaranteed."

The situation was in an uproar. People working behind the scenes in Hong Kong—no, even those working behind the scenes in mainland China—were in an uproar.

An official film crew service company? With official backing, wouldn't it be incredibly convenient for them to find work in Guangzhou?

"Where is Producer Chen's company located? I'll go check it out in a few days."

"A few more days? I'll go see him tomorrow."

Chen Yunfan pressed his hand down: "No rush. For more details, just follow the premiere of 'Monkey King: Hero Is Back'."

In 2006, there were actors' guilds looking for extras and filming companies helping with approvals, finding locations, and coordinating, but there were no large-scale behind-the-scenes companies.

Even the largest Hengdian World Studios didn't have it; it wouldn't be built for more than a decade.

Those working behind the scenes often rely on acquaintances, contractors, intermediary companies, or small service companies to find jobs, but many of these are not legitimate, do not sign contracts, and have inconsistent commission rates without any standardized pricing or transparency.

The emergence of film crew service companies in Yangcheng Film City has provided behind-the-scenes personnel with a formal and transparent path.

This is also about seizing the market. Once the behind-the-scenes companies here are established, it will be clear where the film crew will go to shoot on location and how to set up the crew.

Other film studios wanted to learn from this, but the biggest slice of the cake was already taken.

"The company behind the official Guangzhou Film Studio? I've been reading the Guangzhou Film Studio newspaper these past few days because of the behind-the-scenes personnel issues, but I haven't seen this company mentioned?"

"Everyone's been talking about it lately, but I doubt anyone's paying attention yet."

"How did Producer Chen know?"

"Are you stupid? Who brought the first movie to Guangzhou Film City? Producer Chen. Our 'The Legend of Bruce Lee' is the second one. This shows that he definitely has connections in Guangzhou Film City."

Seeing Chen Yunfan surrounded by people, several actresses on one side had their eyes shining. He was an extremely high-quality man, and they would be happy to be able to get close to him.

Feeling the murderous glares from the women, Jiang Shuying, who was eating, felt a little annoyed.

All eyes are practically glued to her brother Fan; if you keep looking, you'll be blinded.

At this moment, a female makeup artist from Hong Kong approached her and asked, "Xiao Jiang, where are you and Producer Chen going to film next?"

"I'm going back to school! As for Producer Chen..." Jiang Shuying was about to say something when she realized what she was saying and asked, "Why are you asking me that?"

"Haha, Xiao Jiang, everyone knows about your relationship with Producer Chen, so don't pretend you don't. What's Producer Chen up to next?"

Jiang Shuying was wary. "Why are you asking about him?"

"Of course I'm looking for a job." The female makeup artist leaned closer and whispered, "You don't think I'm trying to hook up with him, do you? Don't worry, I've already tried, and he didn't even give me a chance."

"My sister has done makeup for many people in Hong Kong. There's a truth to it, would you like to hear it? My request isn't unreasonable. See if there's any work available. Any work that doesn't involve Producer Chan is fine."

Jiang Shuying was curious to know what the truth was. "I don't know what he's busy with. I'm going to film a movie soon. I can recommend it to you, but I can't guarantee it will work out."

"As expected of a good sister, this is a truth: men like Producer Chen are very attractive to women. You may not be able to resist them, so you need to learn to be more magnanimous."

Jiang Shuying's eyes widened.