I'm not mentally ill, I'm a master of a thousand faces!

Chapter 493, So-called Hard Science Fiction

Science fiction has always been a relatively blank area in China, at least for modern audiences. However, for children in the 1980s, science fiction still holds special place in their memories.

For example, the once-popular science fiction TV series, Thunderbolt Baby, was once a gem of Chinese science fiction.

Not only Thunderbolt Baby, but also works such as Poison Child and Fantasy Computer, are all symbols of the early days of science fiction.

But it seems that this symbol has remained just a symbol.

This disappointed Liu Shanhe. Clearly, everyone had once created a monument to imagination, and back then, everyone had such soaring imagination.

But now, all that soaring imagination has withered away.

Liu Shanhe had actually thought about this a lot, for a long time, and came to a conclusion—back then, domestic films had not yet been tainted by the dirty stains of the capital market.

I really miss those days when my imagination ran wild.

That period was the happiest time for Liu Shanhe, because he was in charge of most of those science fiction drama projects—he was the chief producer of "Thunderbolt Baby".

He was the pioneer of Chinese science fiction.

A person who brings joy to everyone with their soaring imagination.

Those were the happiest times for Liu Shanhe. When he was on the front lines, all he needed to think about was how to bring joy to the audience and the unparalleled charm of his work. But now, having stepped down to management, he can no longer find that "happiness."

Even in this position, he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the development of the domestic film and television industry.

But they lost their happiness.

The work "Wesley" brought him joy, so he personally produced and supervised the production, putting everything aside to focus on the production. It was quite similar to his state of mind when he produced "Thunderbolt Baby".

The feeling of happiness it brings.

That kind of pleasure.

"This work is my way of proving to the world that no matter how the economic system develops, what is most suitable for us will always be state-owned enterprises, and planning that is unified from top to bottom."

At this moment, Liu Shanhe said calmly, "Can you understand, Lu Zhengguang?"

Grandpa Lu also came to the August First Film Studio at this time, for some work-related matters.

Upon hearing Liu Shanhe's words, Lu Zhengguang, unlike before when he would simply refute him, unusually nodded.

"Indeed, I can't refute you."

Although their paths diverged, Liu Shanhe truly experienced that glorious era. Even now, Lu Zhengguang has to admit that it was indeed a wonderful time.

An era of true diversity and boundless imagination.

but.

Lu Zhengguang still felt that...

Times change. What suited you in the past may not suit the present.

The times have changed.

Humans cannot remain unchanged.

Of course, there's no point in saying more; these days, it's better to let the results speak for themselves.

Language cannot replace true principles.

The promotional process for "Wesley" has begun.

With everyone watching, it's anyone's guess what kind of brilliance this long-dormant IP will bring today.

Domestic science fiction.

Will the recovery begin now?

Some were pessimistic, some were optimistic, but overall, the reaction was explosive.

At this moment.

The television and film industries are both in turmoil.

The response to domestic science fiction projects has been more enthusiastic than expected. Firstly, it's surprising to see something new in domestic productions.

For domestically produced works that stick to the old ways.

New things are more like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

Suddenly, a ripple arose.

Science fiction has a considerable audience, but most people prefer Western works. After all, in this day and age, only Western works truly represent science fiction.

There is no science fiction in the East.

If I had to force myself to say it, only the recent Japanese anime "Gantz" could be considered soft science fiction.

If you want to enjoy hard science fiction, you can only consume Western works.

"Wesley, that's an old-fashioned thing. Although the courage to make a sci-fi film is commendable, it ultimately can't escape the path of IP remakes."

Shanghai, Tianhai, beneath the Oriental Pearl Tower, the headquarters of the Science Fiction Literature Association.

Ni Haishao stood at his desk, watching the overwhelming, noisy spectacle of Wesley unfold before him, devoid of joy or sorrow.

They gave their own evaluation.

Ultimately, it was still quite derogatory.

"That's your uncle's work, and you're just belittling it like that." A middle-aged man next to him chuckled, "President, if your uncle heard you say that, wouldn't he have a problem with you?"

"It's just you and me here. He's not here. He's probably holed up in some tavern drinking heavily."

Ni Haishao shook his head.

"Pan Donghai, you're a sci-fi enthusiast, so you should know which TV shows are being imported this time slot, right...?"

Pan Donghai is simply an enthusiast and member of the Science Fiction Literature Association; he does not participate in the creative process.

His true profession is that of a leading figure in the aerospace field. He participated in important research during the Shenzhou 5 mission, and now, almost ten years later, he is involved in even more important work.

With his Tsinghua University background, he could have easily chosen a higher-paying job and major, such as computer science. If he had studied computer science, he would probably be financially independent and retired by now.

But he still chose aerospace.

Like most science fiction enthusiasts here, he is obsessed with the vast and boundless universe.

This is also why science fiction readers are so hard to please; most of them are highly educated intellectuals with very high standards for the works they read.

Even some of today's popular science fiction works, such as the X-Files which are similar to Wesley, or soft science fiction like superpower awakening, are looked down upon by them.

Works like Star Trek and Star Trek.

This kind of hard science fiction is what they love.

"Sigh, work is getting busy again, and the days of binge-watching dramas are coming to an end. With so little time, I don't even know what to watch." Pan Donghai complained slightly.

"You researchers are like this... If I had to recommend something, I'd say Westworld. I've looked into it, and it's a pretty good show."

"What about domestically produced ones?"

"Does it have to be made in China?"

"It must be made in China."

"So conflicted about domestic products"

"Now that domestic sci-fi projects are being restarted, it's only natural to support them," Pan Donghai said matter-of-factly. "If we don't support a nascent industry, who will?"

Ni Haishao didn't say anything.

Thinking about it carefully, Pan Donghai's sentiments make perfect sense; otherwise, he should have gone to NASA in the United States instead of China's space agency.

Not everyone can be as sincere and aloof as him.

At least he, as the president of the Science Fiction Association, couldn't do that. Wesley's promotional activities invited him, but he only gave a perfunctory response.

They won't do it wholeheartedly.

He was once sincere.

In the early 90s, the August First Film Studio also produced some popular hard science fiction works, which were even his inspiration.

I thought it was just the beginning, but it turned out to be the swan song, and it also led to the current situation of circles within circles.

disappointing.

It's ironic.

And now, when it seems that science fiction projects are being restarted, it's starting with intellectual property (IP) again.

Moreover, it's soft science fiction.

"If we have to talk about domestic works, there is one that claims to be hard science fiction, but it seems to be a work that was just trying to get subsidies."

"Are you referring to The Three-Body Problem?"

"You know that, don't you?"

"This young actor who's been in the spotlight lately, winning both the Golden Eagle and Magnolia Awards within a year," Pan Donghai remarked with a click of his tongue. "Don't mistake me for a bookworm who only knows how to work."

You're much freer than I thought.

The research work doesn't seem very saturated.

"He is indeed very talented. I have seen his works, and as an actor, he is very gifted," Ni Haishao said. "I have seen many of his works, and as an actor, there are no more than twenty people in the entire country who can surpass him."

Ni Haishao had a very high opinion of Li Yun's achievements as an actor, and even admired him greatly.

"As a director and screenwriter, his works like 'Let the Bullets Fly' and 'Bodyguards and Assassins' made me feel that he is a talented guy with a very sincere heart."

"But his education and experience are not enough to support him in writing a truly hard science fiction script."

Literature serves as a vehicle for conveying moral principles.

Li Yun's works give off this feeling, a very strong sense of "red".

Both his values ​​and his works are admirable.

Even though Ni Haishao claims that The Three-Body Problem is a soft science fiction work, he can still show a sliver of interest.

But he insists that he is a hard science fiction writer.

That's exactly how he sees himself.

It's like someone who hasn't seen much of the world has a naive understanding and fantasy about it.

Who are the screenwriters and authors of hard science fiction works?

Stanford University.

Princeton University.

These university students, with their exceptional insight and solid foundational knowledge, are able to write science fiction scripts.

Li Yun's life story is undoubtedly inspiring, but an inspiring life story does not represent objective facts.

Li Yun's educational background is common knowledge.

Li Yun's early experience of being abandoned left her without essential education.

Science fiction belongs to the realm of highly educated people.

It's not something he can get his hands on.

But Pan Donghai simply smiled.

"There's no need to be so arrogant. Be patient with domestic products. Only by taking good care of them can they grow."

"You're too young. With that kind of mentality, all you'll get in the end is disappointment."

"Let's wait and see."

Pan Donghai has always been so optimistic, and he remains so even now.

Ni Haishao shook his head.

Still too young.

I haven't experienced that.

"Hard science fiction, is that really his label? Can you be sure?"

"It can be confirmed."

"That's it, regardless of whether it's a work that's fraudulently obtaining subsidies, it's absolutely finished."

Wang Chen felt that although Li Yun was very talented, he was sometimes a bit of a idiot.

Whether one's fate is as fragile as paper is unknown, but the feeling of having lofty ambitions is palpable.

In the realm of science fiction, hard science fiction is the most difficult, has the smallest audience, and its viewers are the most demanding, consisting mainly of highly educated individuals with bizarre and unusual needs.

This made him feel a little more at ease, if Li Yun really wanted to use the popularity of the Golden Eagle Award and the Magnolia Award to promote the drama.

Instead, he felt a sense of peace.

Because according to various analyses, this show was doomed to fail.

However, so far, there hasn't been any promotional activity from him. What is he waiting for?

"He's waiting for the Hundred Flowers Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards," Liu Lili said casually, her eyes filled with complex thoughts as she pondered the matter.

She felt like she understood Li Yun a little, but after understanding Li Yun, she felt that it would have been better if she hadn't understood him at all.

Because, according to common sense...

Li Yun's idea was too crazy.

This is very abnormal.

At least in this day and age, these awards cannot be manipulated behind closed doors.

No one will get the answer before the last minute.

His confidence was a bit abnormal, but in terms of results, he was the most dazzling Golden Eagle Award and Magnolia Award for Best Actor.

Absolute confidence in one's own absolute strength.

The resulting consequences.

"He must be absolutely insane to think like that."

"But after ruling out the impossible, this is the correct answer."

Li Yun is just waiting for the Hong Kong Film Awards and the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Li Yun still has one card to play.

That card is Siege of October.

Xie Qingya was very busy at this time because Li Yun was doing something very popular in the television industry, which also affected the film industry. Xie Qingya had to admit that Li Yun's achievements made him the youngest person in history to win both awards.

I made the right bet back then.

We hit the jackpot! Li Yun, that precious gem.

He's no longer a promising prospect; his potential has already begun to materialize.

It brought benefits to Xie Qingya, and now, because of Li Yun's relationship, the internal investment group is once again attracting attention.

This is real, tangible benefit.

"I didn't expect his potential to be realized so quickly. I also don't know what kind of results the TV series 'The Three-Body Problem' will achieve."

Xie Qingya is no longer concerned about the awards for "Bodyguards and Assassins" in October; she is focusing more on her upcoming novel, "The Three-Body Problem."

Of course, Xie Qingya's lack of concern doesn't mean others don't care; many industry professionals are still paying attention to this grand film festival.

The Hong Kong Film Awards and the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Two of the highest awards for Chinese-language films.

Bodyguards and Assassins received both of these nominations.

If nothing unexpected happens.

They should be able to win some awards.

And when these two awards were announced, sure enough...

Then came the Siege of October.

The Hong Kong Film Awards nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director, but the award ultimately went to Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, Yan Xiaoguo and Li Yun.

This time at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Li Yun won two more.

At this moment, in the brightly lit venue of the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Li Yun said it casually.

"Two more awards now."

"This year has been a great year for winning awards."

(End of this chapter)