Huayu 1999: Starting with nothing but getting something for nothing

Afterwards, Huang Haibo and Cheng Er, who were both quieter, said some polite words before moving on to the Q&A session.

Generally, interviews at a film premiere are divided into pre-screening and post-screening sessions.

Before the screening, questions are asked about the reasons for the project's initiation, the creators' story, production costs, and market expectations.

The post-screening discussion revolves around the film itself, including plot details, creative expression, audience feedback, and so on.

Since "My Sassy Girl" will be officially released tomorrow, the pre-screening interview time is only 15 minutes.

Of those 15 minutes, at least 10 were spent on Yang Che. Fan Bingbing asked how many minutes he had spent on Yang Che, and director Cheng Er spent even less time on him. As for Huang Haibo, he was almost completely ignored.

Yang Che patiently answered, since he had already answered most of the questions.

"I am very grateful to Ulan Tana and Factory Director Li Shuihe..."

"..."

Reporter: "Hello Yang Che, this is from Film Weekly. Does the production team have any overseas promotional plans?"

"There will be a roadshow. We'll go to South Korea first, then Japan, and then back to Taiwan, like this in Hong Kong."

Reporter: "Universal Variety, what experience do you have to share with your peers regarding the types of content you sell overseas copyrights for? Some experts say you've conducted detailed analyses of Japanese and Korean society to cater to their markets. Is that true?"

Yang Che spoke nonsense with a straight face: "This expert probably didn't even read the movie review announcement, let alone the trailer. He just took my words out of context. He just spouts nonsense."

As for selling overseas rights, I'm not formally trained in the field, and I wouldn't dare say I'm an expert now. It's just my personal opinion: tell good Chinese stories, preferably positive ones, because positive stories align with universal values, and most foreign audiences will accept them.

What is national is also international—this is not just a slogan, but a practical policy.

Don't self-censor, don't try to reform. Like Akira Kurosawa, he never tried to please any foreigner; he simply told Japanese stories. Similarly, would you watch a Chinese director make a film about Japanese stories?

Just like many foreigners who, after eating authentic Chinese food, can no longer enjoy the modified versions found in Chinatown.

Yang Che spoke calmly, but most of the people in the audience listened attentively.

People in the industry think, "What is national is also international," and journalists think, "positive energy." The more they think about it, the better they feel that this term is.

While many reporters were still reflecting on the matter, one asked, "Gou Ren from the Beijing News, are you saying that directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, who represent the fifth generation of Chinese filmmakers, are trying to please foreigners?"

Yang Che smiled and said, "This dog of a reporter, I think I understand what you mean, but I'm not falling for your tricks."

A burst of laughter erupted from the audience.

Yang Che thought, well, never mind, he didn't think so anymore.

Yang Che then answered some questions about collaborating with actors.

"Haibo gave me a huge surprise. On set, I often thought, 'Wow, his expression is so good, much better than I imagined when I was writing the script.' It's really great."

"Bingbing? She didn't surprise me at all, just played as expected."

Upon hearing this comment, the reporters in the audience immediately looked at Fan Bingbing next to her. She was clearly taken aback, then forced a smile and said, "Then I'll keep working hard."

This was clearly not a pre-arranged routine. The reporters were delighted; the producer and screenwriter were dissatisfied with Fan Bingbing's performance—what a great story!

Yang Che remained calm as always, even though he noticed the displeased looks in Fan Tao and Zhang Mei's eyes below the stage.

"This concludes the pre-screening press conference. Thank you everyone. Please proceed to the 1000-seat auditorium. Thank you. We can discuss any questions after the screening. Thank you, thank you."

As Yu Dong concluded his remarks, people rushed to the 1,000-seat hall.

As Yang Che came down from the side of the stage, he heard the chubby boy behind him grunt twice.

Yang Che smiled and turned around, saying, "Comrade Xiao Fan, don't be in a hurry. Let the bullets fly for a while."

Fan Bingbing looked completely bewildered, and Yu Dong, who came over, helped explain: "Boss Yang is using a strategy of praising first and then criticizing. When the reporters see how well you acted, and then think about what Boss Yang said, they'll think, tsk tsk, as expected of you, boss, you even use your brain in this matter."

Fan Bingbing looked at her boyfriend with sparkling eyes, while her boyfriend had an exaggerated expression on his face: "President Yu is really amazing, he even made it here."

A murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd.

Yang Che looked at Yu Dong, Yu Wenhao, and Liu Chang, then nodded to each other before dispersing to do their own things.

Yang Che naturally greeted them, first going to meet Fan Zeping and the others who were walking towards him.

"Brother, you're awesome. That was a really good thing to say."

Yang Che shook his head: "Brother Fan, brothers, we've been busy today. Please forgive us if we haven't been able to take care of everyone."

"What does this mean?"

"Exactly, you go about your business, and sometimes we chat."

"....."

Hearing his friends' voices, Fan Zeping laughed and said, "Let's go in first. You don't need to greet us. Just do your thing."

Yang Che nodded, then greeted Han Sanping, Zhang Guoli, and some department leaders from China Film Group, such as Li Lipeng from the import and export distribution department, who were the last to rise from their seats.

Zhang Guoli joked, "Aren't you nervous for your first time?"

Yang Che chuckled and pointed to the group of media: "You've already bled so much, how can you still be nervous?"

Upon hearing this, the group of older men twitched at the corners of their mouths as if they had suffered a stroke.

Only Deng Jie rolled his eyes: "You're a recognized talent, after all. Watch your image."

Wang Zhongjun extended his hand, his eyes crinkling with a smile: "General Manager Yang is so humorous!"

Yang Che seemed not to notice, and bowed to everyone with his hands clasped together: "Thank you all for taking the time to come and give us your guidance. After the event, please stay a while so that my colleagues and I can do something to express our gratitude."

Han Sanping felt unwell all over: "Get back to your work."

With a few words and a laugh, Yang Che then greeted the faculty and students of the Beijing Film Academy, making a point of shaking hands with Chef Huang and thanking him.

After all, it's easier to deal with the King of Hell than with his underlings, especially petty underlings.

After greeting Hou Keming, he looked at the students and said loudly, "Thank you for taking the time out of your rehearsals and studies to come and support us. Since you're already here, please feel free to speak up during the audience interaction after the movie."

Kong Wei shouted, "Brother Che, are you making us scapegoats?!"

Yang Che looked puzzled: "Yeah, didn't I make myself clear?"

Hahahaha

The teachers and students burst into laughter.

Yang Che waved his hand: "There's a reward, there's a reward. Everyone, don't leave after school. We'll use public funds to eat and drink and improve our lives."

"Long live Che-ge!"

"Long live the director!"

The person who called for the director was someone who had worked on "Not One Less".

Standing next to Fan Bingbing, Zhu Ling looked at Yang Che and felt a pang of sadness. She felt that someone as talented as him shouldn't be doing this kind of welcoming and seeing off work. But if he didn't do it, who else in the crew would?