Perfect Life

February 18, 2006.

Suncheon International Airport.

When Liu Chengzhang dragged two large suitcases out of the exit passage, the passengers on their flight were almost empty, and only a few passengers who had also waited for their luggage went out with him. Although no one noticed that he was a former director, he subconsciously took out his sunglasses and brought them on.

Over the past few years, although he felt that he probably didn't even know him as a reporter, his fear of reporters and media coverage made him nervous after getting off the plane.

This problem didn't exist before, since "Sword Immortal" made a big splash and "Flying Sky" also made a small splash, it started to happen - the questions raised by the reporters were really too bitter and mean, even if they didn't answer, they just heard, It will make people angry without name, and Liu Chengzhang has always been clumsy in words. It is difficult to shoot directly at reporters like Zhao Meicheng, so he just wants to avoid the reporters.

When they walked out of the exit, the person who was catching up with the next flight should be coming out. Many people outside held signs and put their toes on their toes to look inside, so Liu Chengzhang lowered his head and walked out quickly.

At this moment, a familiar voice suddenly shouted, "Lao Liu, this way!"

Liu Chengzhang subconsciously raised his head and glanced at the man. He couldn't help but be stunned for a moment, and then walked towards him with a sincere smile. The two of them met, and it was not until they left the pick-up crowd that Liu Chengzhang asked with a smile, "Why are you here?"

It was Fang Baijin who came to pick him up. His old buddy, old partner.

At this time, Fang Baijin smiled and said: "You said the time of the flight ticket, I checked it online, and I knew it was this flight, and my sister-in-law is not here, of course I want to come pick you up."

Liu Chengzhang grinned and said, "I didn't tell the agent for the time being."

Fang Baijin nodded and said, "Understood."

The two went out to the airport and quickly found Fang Baijin's car in the parking lot - he actually came in an SUV, which was really convenient for packing luggage.

When he got into the car, Liu Chengzhang looked at his car and asked, "When did you change the car?"

Fang Baijin smiled and said, "I borrowed it from the company."

Liu Chengzhang nodded when he heard the words, and stopped asking.

When the car drove on the airport expressway, he had already lit a cigarette, opened the car window a crack, and felt the cold and dry Chinese air outside. You said you're busy recently, but you don't have to come!"

Fang Baijin laughed when he heard the words, "You have to be busy when you are busy, but it's okay to meet friends when you are busy!"

Liu Chengzhang laughed.

After a while, he asked, "Have you finished filming Zhao He's Journey to the West film?"

Fang Baijin nodded, and replied without squinting while driving: "Filming is over! Qing was killed in time for the previous year. Now I am busy doing post-production! But I can't relax, whether it's the company or Zhao He. , The meaning is to directly shoot the second part. It is estimated that it will start in April, and I will still be the producer."

Liu Chengzhang was stunned for a moment when he heard the words, and then he turned to look at him, his eyes were bright, and he looked very happy, "Okay, you, it's great! It's great!"

After a pause, he said, "Li Qian can be regarded as trusting you enough!"

Fang Baijin smiled, he could feel it, the old friend was happy for him.

Then, he said: "The first part is called "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons", and the filming was about Tang Sanzang's collection of three apprentices. The name of the second part has not yet been decided, it may be called "Fu Yaoyao", or it may be called "Mrs. White Bone", that is The filming of the White Bone Spirit, looking at it now, the shooting cycle is probably from April to August. When this drama is finished, Li Qian means that I will take over Jin Han's "A Chinese Ghost Story" and shoot the second part. , said it was training for me."

When he heard that his good friend was going to be a director, Liu Chengzhang's face was even more pleasantly surprised - he has been partnered with Fang Baijin for many years, and he naturally knew the ability of his old friend. He just followed him as an art director for many years. It was a pity that "Sword Immortal" threw him, and then "Flying Sky" threw him again. He felt that his own words had no weight, and of course it was not good to push him out.

At this time, he couldn't help but sighed, "Li Qian has the knowledge of people! Good! Good thing! You are finally starting to be on your own!"

Fang Baijin laughed.

But at this time, Liu Chengzhang seemed to finally be unable to bear it any longer, and asked, "Are you guys at Minghu Culture, are you ready to make a sequel from the very beginning? "A Chinese Ghost Story" hasn't been released yet. Have you already started preparations for the second film? Zhao He's movie Journey to the West will even make the second film before the first film is released? So... don't you think it's a big risk?"

Fang Baijin laughed when he heard the words.

Before he joined Minghu Culture, he started as a producer and art director, and participated in the filming of "Dragon Inn" throughout the whole process. Later, he joined Minghu Culture and participated in the production of Jin Han's "A Chinese Ghost Story" in 2005. Then he joined Zhao He's crew and became the producer of "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons", so to this day, I have a deep understanding of the operating laws, systems and habits of the Minghu Culture and Film Department.

Before this, it was often said that Hollywood producers had to squeeze all the oil and water of any subject and any movie, and knock out the last copper plate. Therefore, Hollywood producers are the most Would love to make a sequel to a big hit movie. But in fact, Minghu Culture has already started the layout of "series movies" since Li Qian started making movies.

After verifying that this production idea is also feasible in China through the "Once Upon a Time" series, many of Minghu Culture's current projects have been planned directly according to the trilogy from the beginning of production.

Therefore, there will definitely be a third film in the "Once Upon a Time" series, and there will definitely be a sequel to "The Matrix". It is even said that the "Avatar" that Li Qiangang spent 500 million yuan on filming is also planned to have a sequel. , then take it for granted, whether it is "A Chinese Ghost Story" or the "Journey to the West" series, they have been thinking and planning for at least making a trilogy from the very beginning.

Of course, some of these things already involve commercial secrets. Although the relationship between them is excellent, Fang Baijin also believes in Liu Chengzhang's character, but he is not ready to go too far, so he simply explains: "Commercial operation Well! In fact, it's just a way to maximize profits. As long as the story is good and the movie is good, the audience likes to watch it. In my opinion, it's normal. As for the risks..."

Speaking of this, he laughed, and even couldn't help but turn his head to look at Liu Chengzhang, and said with a smile: "To tell you the truth, although any movie in Minghu Culture will conduct a certain market research before production, to avoid There may be risks, but... as long as Li Qian makes a decision and says that this drama can be done, basically we all think that this drama should be risk-free... Do you understand what this means?"

Liu Chengzhang was stunned for a while, and then he laughed.

He nodded slowly, but his face suddenly became more bitter.

Yes, he understands.

Over the years, Li Qian has made a popular one, and even his screenwriter and producer have all sold well.

Don't say that those people in Lake Culture who followed him to conquer the world from the beginning will obey him. If it is possible, I am afraid that even some people who have always been mortal enemies with Li Qian, can't wait to let Li Qian before the film starts. Help read the script, or help supervise something.

All his past achievements underpin the authority of his opinion.

Before his first failure, this authority was one of the most reliable things in the entire Chinese film industry at present. Famous actors may not be reliable, and great directors may not be reliable, but Li Qian said that this drama It will be popular, but it will be generally regarded as very reliable.

At this time, seeing that Liu Chengzhang didn't speak for a while, Fang Baijin subconsciously turned his head to take a look, but happened to see the bitter smile on Liu Chengzhang's face.

So he quickly changed the subject and asked, "I'm finally back, are you going back?"

Liu Chengzhang shook his head and withdrew from his emotional thoughts just now, saying, "I won't go back! After staying for this period of time, I have gained a lot, so I can digest it well."

Fang Baijin nodded and stopped talking.

At the beginning, the box office of "Flying Sky" was not ideal. Liu Chengzhang was very distressed. He knew this very well, so after being closed for a period of time, he made the unexpected decision: simply pack his bags and get a passport. Go straight to America. Then, without telling anyone, he found a job in Los Angeles, where he worked as a theater manager and a camera assistant. It took seven or eight months to go. After chatting with QQ on the phone before, Fang Baijin knew that he had stayed in several Hollywood production crews.

Of course, although he is a well-known director in China, in Hollywood, it is estimated that no one knew him when he was working as a screenwriter and camera assistant.

He said he was going to Hollywood to see it.

After "Sword Immortal" suffered a fiasco at the box office, he went to Europe for several months, traveling and thinking. After returning to film "Flying Sky", I could feel that he had thought a lot, although that game was not considered a lot. Shang Tai was successful, but as a collaborator, Fang Baijin could feel some kind of transformation in him.

He especially looks forward to Liu Chengzhang's better transformation after returning from "part-time work" in Hollywood this time.

Seeing that the car had entered the downtown area of ​​Shuntian Prefecture, Fang Baijin said, "I'll take you home first, pack your luggage, and rest. Let's have a drink and chat in the evening. I really want to know if I'm going to stay in the United States. What have you learned for so long. In addition, you can also talk about your next plans."

Hearing this, Liu Chengzhang smiled and slumped on the seat. After a while, he couldn't help but took out another cigarette and wanted to smoke it. He looked at Fang Baijin again and asked, "Have you brought a cigarette?"

Fang Baijin took out his cigarette and lighter from his pocket, so Liu Chengzhang took it, and then threw the pack of cigarettes he brought back from the United States into the glove box. He took out a domestic cigarette and lit it. He took a good sip and said with a smile, "It's still our domestic flue-cured tobacco, it tastes right!"

Fang Baijin laughed when he heard this.

Smoking a cigarette and stunned for a long time, Liu Chengzhang suddenly said, "I'm back from this trip and I'm going to seek refuge with Li Qian!"

Fang Baijin was stunned for a moment, then turned his head to look at Liu Chengzhang in surprise.

"Really? Why did you suddenly figure it out?"

They are very familiar with each other and have cooperated for quite some time, although later because Li Qian was not optimistic about "Sword Immortal" and told the truth, it made Liu Chengzhang unhappy, so the relationship between the two of them is difficult to restore so far. It was close and talkative at the beginning, but it was that scene that made everyone get to know each other better - Li Qian thought that Liu Chengzhang was a "ghost talent", and Liu Chengzhang said that Li Qian was a "critical friend".

Of course, Liu Chengzhang was stubborn, and Li Qian also wanted to save face. The two of them praised each other in front of others behind their backs, but when they met each other, there were only two words of greetings left by nodding friends.

As early as during the filming of "Sword Immortal", Li Qian was invited by Liu Chengzhang to make a cameo appearance. The three of them were drinking and chatting at night. Li Qian said that he hoped Liu Chengzhang would go to Minghu Culture to help take charge of the film and television department. Later, "Flying Sky" was in preparation, Li Qian said. Qian also expressed the hope that the film could be handed over to Minghu Culture for production and investment, and he would be the producer and producer - Liu Chengzhang declined.

The first time, "Sword Immortal" had not yet been released, Liu Chengzhang was filming the film with the largest investment in the Chinese film industry at that time, and he himself was the box office record holder of domestic films, and the Minghu Culture at that time was still in film and television. He is quite weak and has only just started. Although Liu Chengzhang admires Li Qian himself, he does not care about the invitation of Minghu Culture.

The second time, Minghu Culture was on the rise, Li Qian had already achieved a great reputation, and his prediction of "Sword Immortal" was proved to be extremely correct by the facts - this almost became a scar in Liu Chengzhang's heart.

In fact, Li Qian asked Minghu Culture to invest and produce. He went to Liu Chengzhang as a producer and producer, which was also unacceptable to Liu Chengzhang, who was arrogant and tried to prove himself at that time. Wanted to limit his power as a director.

This shows that Li Qian actually does not trust his directing ability and production ability! That's why I wanted to personally check the "Flying Sky" that was in preparation for him at the time.

However, when "Flying" was released, the two completely cut off contact.

Li Qian didn't call to comfort or explain it. UU Reading www.uukanshu.com just called Fang Baijin and told him to spend more time with Lao Liu, while Liu Chengzhang stayed behind closed doors.

Then, Liu Chengzhang left and went to the United States to "work", while Li Qian began to ascend to the altar.

…

Liu Chengzhang nodded slowly, pursed his lips, and after a long time, he said, "I figured it out!"

He opened the window, watched the smoke being swept away quickly, and flicked the soot before slowly saying: "I found that I am a director who needs a little restraint. Because I am too easy to run wild."

This is almost the same as what Li Qian told Fang Baijin in private at the beginning!

Fang Baijin was a little sluggish.

At this time, Liu Chengzhang said, "I know that Li Qian is very busy. When I look back, you can make an appointment for me to see when he has time. I want to go to Minghu Culture and find him!"

Fang Baijin said immediately, "No problem!"