Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

According to convention,

Zhuang Huai'an stayed at home for three days before going to the company.

It took 20 days to finally finish "Parasite," but unfortunately, the submission period for Cannes has already ended.

I was planning to put it aside for now, and if all else fails, I'll just aim for the Oscars.

But Lao Xiahou took the initiative to call him and ask if the post-production of "Parasite" was finished.

"It's finished, but Mr. Xiahou, how did you know I made a movie called 'Parasite'?"

"An, you underestimate my information channels."

Old Xiahou laughed heartily on the phone, "Putting aside your failure at the Oscars, the day after the awards ceremony, I had dinner with someone in Los Angeles, and from what we talked about, he really praised your script."

I almost forgot, this old man and Zhang Yimou are good friends.

"So, what brings you to make this call?"

"An, although you're a talented director, you've only been in the industry for a short time. You seem unaware that there's a surprise film at the Cannes Film Festival?"

what?

Zhuang Huai'an really didn't know this, so he quickly said, "Please explain in detail about this surprise video."

In fact, all three major European film studios have an unwritten rule: surprise films.

This program is specifically designed for films that have slow post-production completion, late submission for review, and are unable to be included in the first round of film list announcements.

Such supplementary recordings can even be announced at the opening ceremony, and will still be officially included in the main competition to compete for the Palme d'Or, with the same premiere standards.

But not every director gets this treatment; only top directors do.

After hearing Old Xiahou's explanation, Zhuang Huai was pleased. Parasite didn't necessarily have to participate in Cannes, but the display of this status was just very comforting.

Moreover, this year's veteran judge Jiang Wen is also one of the judges!

Isn't this inappropriate?

"I understand. If you are willing to wait a few days, I will send someone to Cannes."

"Of course, people are forgiving of excellent works," Old Xiahou said with a smile. "An, Cannes in May is beautiful. Looking forward to your arrival. Goodbye."

"goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Zhuang Huai'an summoned his hidden talents.

"What's up, Huai'an?"

"Hey, you clever and brave mouse, wanna go on a trip?"

Seeing the puzzled looks on Wolong and Fengchu's faces, Zhuang Huai'an explained the whole story to them, adding, "I don't trust anyone else to handle this; it's up to my own brother to make the trip."

"What else is there to say!"

Sun Hao patted his chest and said, "Everyone in the company knows I'm your best brother. I'll take this task."

Wang Zhiyong glanced at him with a cold smile and nodded.

So communicating with guys is simple: just treat yourself as an NPC and them as adventurers, and give them quests.

"Okay, since you don't have anything else to do, just relax in Europe and don't rush back. I'll reimburse your expenses."

Sun Hao was even more excited, "Great! I was just thinking of going to Real Madrid to watch the game live."

The Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix have worked hard and made great contributions to me, so I should let them go out and have some fresh air.

After the two left, Zhuang Huai'an turned on his computer and browsed the latest news.

Sadly, on April 1st of this month, Mr. Leslie Cheung chose to bid farewell to this world.

In fact, Mr. Zhang was the most suitable actor for the role in the movie "Detachment", but Zhuang Huai'an didn't dare to invite him at all.

All I can say is that I should respect everyone's fate and choices.

After the screening, Beijing TV finally secured the first broadcast rights for "The Disguiser" for 40 yuan per episode and confidently scheduled it for the 6 pm slot at the end of June.

For a TV series like this, which has no big-name actors and no famous director, to be able to sell for this price is already a testament to the influence of screenwriter Zhuang Huai'an.

The revenue model for TV dramas differs from that of movies. The key is longevity; as long as a drama becomes popular, there's no worry about selling it later.

Zhuang Huai'an believes in the quality of the heavily modified version of "The Disguiser".

The company's next plans for TV dramas are "Chinese Paladin" and "A Deadly Secret".

After thinking for a moment, he took out his phone and sent a text message to Liu Yifei.

"What are you doing?"

The other person replied almost instantly, "Just finished class? I'm about to go to the cafeteria with my classmates."

Eating in the cafeteria? Isn't that like a fairy descending to earth?

Zhuang Huai'an checked the time: 11:34.

"Don't eat in the cafeteria, come to the company to eat. I have something to do."

"Huh? But I already made plans with my classmates, can't I eat first and then come?"

"Alright."

Zhuang Huai'an closed his phone, realizing it had been a long time since he'd been back to the Beijing Film Academy, and this was a good opportunity to go back and take a look.

First, we arrived at the company cafeteria on the second floor. The three vocational college students were queuing up for food. This is the rule of 91 Company. Once you enter the company, you are all colleagues. Everyone is equal. There is no difference between celebrities and ordinary people. Even if Zhuang Huai'an comes to eat, he has to queue up.

Although it's a cafeteria, the food is very good. As long as you don't waste food, there's no limit to the amount you can eat, which is one of the company's benefits.

"Brother Dao, can I borrow your motorcycle for a bit? I need to go back to school."

"Okay," Lin Jiachuan handed over a key and said with a smile, "You'd better treat my little wife well."

Huh? There's an NTR (Netorare) plot too?

Zhuang Huai'an ignored him, took the keys, greeted the other two, and went downstairs.

This is a Piaggio Roman Holiday scooter, which became popular worldwide because of Audrey Hepburn. Lin Jiachuan even specially bought the light blue version, the same model as Hepburn's.

Company 91 is only separated from Beijing Film Academy by the Beijing Film Studio. Driving there would take a long detour, but you can ride a motorcycle directly through the Beijing Film Studio.

Despite the short distance, Zhuang Huai'an still spent twenty minutes there. This was mainly because there were too many elderly people in the Beijing Film Studio dormitory area. Many of them recognized him, and he couldn't help but stop to say a few words. In the end, it took him longer than driving.

Sigh, I should have learned from Guan Yu instead of Liu Bei.

After parking the car at the cafeteria entrance, before I could even take out my phone, Liu Yifei and Zhou Yang walked out of the cafeteria.

"You took so long to get here on your motorcycle? I've already finished eating." The little girl smiled brightly, and Zhou Yang greeted her from behind.

"It's okay, I can eat at the company later."

Zhuang Huai'an nodded in response to Zhou Yang and said with a smile, "Perfect timing, I'm here to give you a ride. Company 91, 5 yuan for the fare."

"Put it in the tab, put it in the tab." The little girl jumped onto the back seat, giving him a disdainful push, "Move forward a bit, I'm about to fall off."

"You're too fat." Zhuang Huai'an moved forward.

"You're the fat one!" the little girl said angrily, twisting and turning his waist.

Hiss~ Zhuang Huai'an gasped. So you're going to use your innate supernatural power without warning?

"Yangyang, I'm off!" Liu Yifei waved to Zhou Yang, who had a beaming smile on her face, then patted Zhuang Huai'an on the shoulder and exclaimed excitedly, "Go go go, let's go!"

"Okay, hold on tight!"

Zhuang Huai'an also wanted to experience the thrill of speed and passion, but unfortunately, this little scooter was not up to par. With only an 80cc engine, it was already difficult enough to carry two people. When he twisted the throttle, the engine was still buzzing. He could only keep the speed at around 20 miles per hour.

"Brother Dao has terrible taste."

Although the little girl was complaining, her eyes were full of smiles, and she secretly tugged at the corner of Zhuang Huai'an's clothes with both hands.